ose watch over
the sharpers, and was not a little annoyed to find that they were going
ashore, too. He called Mr. Bolton's attention to it, but all he got was
a smile in return; and now, when Tom got a good view of it, he told
himself that there was more self-confidence in that smile than he had
given him credit for. Indeed, Mr. Bolton, with his overcoat on and a
valise in his hand, and the free, swinging stride with which he stepped
off, looked more like a prosperous business man than he did like
anything else.

Mr. Bolton was evidently acquainted in Memphis, for he passed three or
four clothing-houses, and finally turned into an extra fine one, where
he said he wanted to see the longest and thickest overcoat they had. His
boy was going away into a country where blizzards were plenty, and he
desired to see him well protected before he went. The first garment that
was handed down was a fit, and Tom stood by with it on, and saw Mr.
Bolton buy another valise, an extra suit of sheep's-gray clothing, a
couple of blue flannel shirts, and a number of other little things which
Tom would not have thought of. When the articles had been paid for, Mr.
Bolton took off his pin, wrapped it in a little piece of paper, and
thrust it into one corner of the valise, then locked it and handed the
key to Tom. Then he turned and walked out.

"Mr. Bolton," said Tom, hurrying after him, "I never can repay----"

"Oh, yes, you can. Whenever you meet a fellow that is hard up, and you
can afford it, just hand him a dollar or two, and that will make it all
right. Now, be careful of yourself on the way up. You'll find some
lawless men there who won't hesitate to take the last cent you've got.
Remember me to Black Dan, and don't forget what I have told you. Put it
there. So long."

Tom wanted to say something else, but before he could form the words his
hand had been squeezed for a moment and he was alone. He watched the man
and then saw him disappear among the crowd.

"I wonder if anybody ever had such luck as this," said Tom, as he turned
his face slowly toward the levee. "I almost dread to think of it, for
fear that there is worse luck in store for me."

He was alone now, at all events.

CHAPTER VI.

TOM ADMIRES THE COWBOYS.

Tom Mason slowly made his way back to Wolf River, the place where the
_Jennie June_ was discharging her cargo, locked his baggage in his state
room, and seated himself on the guard to watch the deck-hands a