steward, they said. Indeed, he was
very kind to me, and so were all the people. Half a dozen of them
promised to take care of me when I reached New York, and help me find my
uncle. They wanted to know who you were, and why the gentleman wanted to
catch you."

"What did you tell them?" I asked, rather fearful that she had told more
than I cared to have the public know about my affairs.

"I told them the truth; that I had been ill-used by a person, and that
you were taking me to my uncle in New York."

"Did you tell them who Tom Thornton was?"

"I only said he had been sent after me. The steward thought he must have
supposed I was on the building when he jumped ashore. I didn't tell them
anything about your troubles. I didn't know that you would wish me to do
so."

"I am glad you did not. But, Kate, you needn't stay in here any longer.
We have got rid of Tom Thornton, and you may go out and look at the
scenery, if you wish. Have you been to dinner?"

"Yes, the steward gave me some dinner. He was very good to me, and I
want to thank him ever so much for his kindness."

When we left the state-room, we were surrounded by the curious
passengers, and I was obliged to tell them the adventures I had gone
through with. I left Kate with a lady and gentleman who manifested an
interest in her, and went down to my dinner, and when I paid for it I
paid for Kate's also. When I went on deck, I found that I was a lion,
and the passengers insisted upon hearing me roar. They asked questions
with Yankee pertinacity, and I finally told a select party of them that
I had taken Kate out of her step-mother's house by the way of the attic
window, but I was careful not to call any names, for if Mrs. Loraine
behaved herself, I did not care to expose her to the public.

"You are a smart young man," said an elderly gentleman, heartily. "Does
your father live in this State?"

"I have no father, sir," I replied; and I had dodged a dozen similar
questions before.

"No father. I suppose you live with your mother," he added, with the
evident intention of drawing me out.

"No, sir. My mother is in England, where I hope soon to join her."

"Ah, in England!" he added, with increasing interest. "In what part does
she reside?"

"I do not yet know."

Perhaps he thought it was very odd I should not know.

"I am going to England by the steamer next Wednesday," continued the
gentleman. "If I can serve you there, it would give me great pleasure t