The backward thrust of
the spars would force the boat ahead, while their lifting motion would
raise it a little. This being repeated again and again would eventually
"walk" the boat across and into deeper water on the other side. It was a
slow and laborious operation and sometimes took a day or two, but it was
preferable to lying tied to the bank and waiting for a rise, often a
matter of a week or more.

All this was an old story to Tom, who now was on his fifth trip up the
river, for he was an observant young man and one who easily became
acquainted with persons he wished to know. These included the officers
and pilots, who took to the upstanding young plainsman at first sight
and gave painstaking answers to his many but sensible questions. In
consequence his knowledge of the river was wide and deep, although not
founded on practical experience.

Long before the packet turned into the Missouri he had his affairs
attended to and was leaning against the rail enjoying the shifting
panorama. But the scenery did not take all of his attention, for he was
keeping a watch for a certain Mexican trader and for the young lady of
the glove; and after the boat had rounded into the Big Muddy, he caught
sight of the more interesting of the two as she walked forward on the
port side in the company of her escort. Waiting a few moments to see if
they would discover him, he soon gave it up and went in search of the
purser, who seemed to know about everyone of note in St. Louis.

"Hello, Tom," called that officer, having recovered his breath after the
rush. "Yo're goin' back purty quick, ain't you?"

"Reckon not. One night an' one day in th' city was enough. But this
cussed packet is near as lonesome. I don't know a passenger on board."

"I can fix that," laughed the purser. "I know about three-quarters of
'em, an' can guess at th' rest. I counted seven professional gamblers
comin' up th' plank. They'll be in each other's way. You feelin' like
some excitement?"

"Not with any of them," answered Tom, grinning. "I can count seven times
seven of them fellers in Independence; an' I hear some of 'em are
plannin' to join up with th' next outgoing train."

"Well," mused the purser. His face cleared. "There's that sneakin'
minister. Havin' looked in everythin' but our mouths, he'll mebby have
time to convert a sinner. How 'bout him?"

"Don't hardly think he can do much with me," muttered Tom. He considered
a moment and tried to hide his