d on it. "What's your name?"

"Robert Coverdale."

So Robert walked out of the office with his passage engaged.

This was on the morning after his arrival, and as the steamboat train
did not start till afternoon, this afforded him a chance to spend
several hours in seeing the city.

First he went to the Common and walked across it, surveying with
interest the large and noble trees which add so much beauty to a park
which, in size, is insignificant compared with the great parks of New
York and Philadelphia, but appears older and more finished than either.

He rode in various directions in the cars and enjoyed the varied sights
that passed under his notice.

At half-past four he paid his bill at the hotel and took a car which
passed the depot from which the steamboat train for New York starts.

The train was an express, and in little more than an hour he boarded the
beautiful Sound steamer.

He was astonished at its magnificence as he went upstairs to the main
saloon. As he was looking about him in rather a bewildered way a colored
man employed on the boat inquired:

"What are you looking for, young man?"

"Where shall I get a key to my stateroom?"

He was told, and, opening the door, he found himself in a comfortable
little room with two berths.

"I can pass the night here very pleasantly," he thought. "There is some
difference between sleeping here and on a sailboat."

Once, in company with his uncle, he had been compelled to pass the night
on the ocean in a small sailboat used for fishing purposes.

Robert left his valise in the stateroom and went into the saloon.

A gong was heard, which he found was the announcement of supper. It was
now past seven o'clock and he felt hungry. He accordingly followed the
crowd downstairs and ate a hearty meal.

When he went upstairs again the band soon began to play and helped to
while away the time. Some of the passengers read papers, others read
books and magazines, while others from the outer decks watched the
progress of the large boat as it swiftly coursed over the waves. In this
last company was Robert.

Without being aware of it, our hero attracted the notice of one of his
fellow passengers, a man possibly of thirty-five, tall and thin and
dressed in black. Finally he accosted Robert.

"A fine evening!" he remarked.

"Yes, sir, very fine."

"You are going to New York, I suppose?"

"Yes, sir."

"Do you tarry there?"

"Not long. I am going to Ohio."