“Nor can any one else who has any heart,” said Oliver decidedly; “it is nothing short of barbarism.”
“I wonder when our steamer leaves?” observed Gus, as they walked out upon the street.
“To-morrow morning at ten o’clock. At least, that is what the conductor said,” replied Oliver.
“Suppose we go to the office and make sure,” said Mr. Whyland. “We do not wish to take any chances. They often make changes here.”
So off for the office of the steamship company they started. It was not a great distance, and it took them but a few minutes.
As they neared the spot, they met a number of their fellow-passengers returning with fallen looks.
“Something is wrong,” said Oliver. “I just heard that man in brown say it was a shame to be kept waiting so long. Something has happened.”
They were not long in finding out what that something was. In entering the harbor, the steamship had got one of her wheels caught in some wreckage and badly damaged. She must be laid up for repairs, and passengers would have to wait for the next steamer.
“And how long will that be?” asked Oliver ruefully.
“Ten days,” was the reply.