"Never mind, Massa Bob, we'll catch 'em," answered Clip, energetically.
"Yes, if there is any boat starts down the river to-day."
This, however, was something which he was not sure of. Moreover, he felt that the sooner he got away from Joe Springer and his estimable wife, the better. But where could he take refuge? Not at the hotel, for Springer would find him out and reclaim the little girl. While he was considering, in his perplexity, what course to pursue, he fell in with two boys, who appeared to be about fifteen years of age. They regarded Bob and his party with curiosity.
Bob eyed the boys closely, and decided that they could be depended upon. They seemed to be just the friends he was in search of. He introduced himself, and learned that their names were John Sheehan and Edward Bovee.
"Can you tell me, boys, when the next steamer will start for St. Louis?"
"Yes," answered John; "there is one at seven o'clock to-morrow morning."
"Do you know of any private house where we can stay till that time? I am willing to pay a fair price."
"You can come to our house," said Edward Bovee. "I am sure my mother will take you in. But you won't get as good meals as at the hotel."
"I don't mind that. I shall be glad to stay at your house. Could we go there to breakfast?"
"Yes; follow me, and I will lead the way."
Edward Bovee led the way to a neat cottage, where his mother, a pleasant-looking lady, welcomed them, and readily undertook to keep them till the boat started for St. Louis. Bob, feeling the necessity of concealment, took Mrs. Bovee into his confidence, and readily secured the co-operation of the good lady, who took a motherly interest in little Maud.
Now that the children have found a safe retreat, we will return to Joe Springer and his interesting wife.
About half an hour after their young prisoners had escaped, Mrs. Springer raised her head from the table, and looked about her in a bewildered way. The bright sunshine entering at the window revealed to her that she had spent the night in a drunken stupor, even if Joe's prostrate form had not been a visible reminder. She went to her husband, and shook him roughly.
He opened his eyes, and looked around him with stupefaction.
"I am, and you ought to be," she answered, sharply.