"I have no accommodations for passengers."
"Oh, I can bunk anywhere--can lie on deck, on one of the bins. I'm used to roughin' it."
"You'd better take passage by the next steamer. This is a freight boat."
"There ain't anybody but you aboard, is there?"
The stranger seemed surprised and incredulous.
The visitor seemed thoughtful. He supposed the two companions were full-grown men, and this would not tally with his plans. This illusion, however, was soon dissipated, for Sam and Clip at this point crossed the gang-plank and came aboard.
"Are them your two companions?" asked the stranger, appearing relieved.
Sam and Clip eyed him curiously, expecting Bob to explain who he was, but our hero was only anxious to get rid of him.
"Then you can't accommodate me?" asked the man.
"No, sir; but if you'll give me your name and address, I can perhaps sell your crop for you, and leave you to deliver it."
"Never mind, young feller! I reckon I'll go to the city myself next week."
He re-crossed the plank, and when he reached the shore took up his post again beside the tree, and resumed his scrutiny of the boat.
"I don't know. He asked me to give him passage to St. Louis."
"You might make money by carrying passengers," suggested Sam.
"I wouldn't carry a man like him at any price," said Bob. "I haven't any faith in his honesty or respectability, though he tells me that he owns a ranch two miles back of the town. He came on the boat to spy out what he could steal, in my opinion."
"How many days do you think we shall need for the trip, Bob?" asked Sam.
"It may take us a week; but it depends on the current, and whether we meet with any obstructions. Are you in a hurry to get back to your uncle?"
"No," said Sam, his face wearing a troubled look. "The fact is, Bob, I don't mean to go back at all."
"You mean dat, Massa Sam?" asked Clip, his eyes expanding in his excitement.
"Yes, I mean it. If I go back I shall have to return to my uncle, and you know what kind of a reception I shall get. He will treat me worse than ever."
"I am sure, Sam, my mother will be willing to let you live with us."
"I should like nothing better, but my uncle would come and take me away."
"I think he would. He has always told me that my poor father left me to his charge."