Then he took a look into the pilot house, and it seemed more funny that turning that big wheel should steer the boat.  But the wind blew rather fresh at the forward part of the boat, and as Bobby’s philosophy was not proof against it, he returned to the promenade deck, which was sheltered from the severity of the blast.  He had got reconciled to the whole thing, and ceased to bother his head about the big wheel, the sputtering steam, and the walking beam; so he seated himself, and began to wonder what all the people in Riverdale were about.

“All them as hasn’t paid their fare, please walk up to the cap’n’s office and s-e-t-t-l-e!” shouted a colored boy, presenting himself just then, and furiously ringing a large hand bell.

“I have just settled,” said Bobby, alluding to his comfortable seat.

But the allusion was so indefinite to the colored boy that he thought himself insulted.  He did not appear to be a very amiable boy, for his fist was doubled up, and with sundry big oaths, he threatened to annihilate the little merchant for his insolence.

“I didn’t say any thing that need offend you,” replied Bobby.  “I meant nothing.”

“You lie!  You did!”

He was on the point of administering a blow with his fist, when a third party appeared on the ground, and without waiting to hear the merits of the case, struck the negro a blow which had nearly floored him.

Some of the passengers now interfered, and the colored boy was prevented from executing vengeance on the assailant.

“Strike that fellow and you strike me!” said he who had struck the blow.

“Tom Spicer!” exclaimed Bobby, astonished and chagrined at the presence of the runaway.

CHAPTER XVI.

IN WHICH BOBBY FINDS “IT IS AN ILL WIND THAT BLOWS NO ONE ANY GOOD.”

A gentleman, who was sitting near Bobby when he made the remark which the colored boy had misunderstood, interfered to free him from blame, and probably all unpleasant feelings might have been saved, if Tom’s zeal had been properly directed.  As it was, the waiter retired with his bell, vowing vengeance upon his assailant.

“How came you here, Tom?” asked Bobby, when the excitement had subsided.

“You don’t get rid of me so easily,” replied Tom, laughing.

Bobby called to mind the old adage that “a had penny is sure to return;” and, if it had not been a very uncivil remark, he would have said it.

“I didn’t expect to see you again at present,” he observed, hardly knowing what to say or do.

“I suppose not; but as I didn’t mean you should expect me, I kept out of sight.  Only for that darkey you wouldn’t have found me out so soon.  I like you, Bob, in spite of all you have done to get rid of me, and I wasn’t a going to let the darkey thrash you.”

“You only made matters worse.”

“That is all the thanks I get for hitting him for you.”