As he did so, he ran plump into a man who was hurrying up the steps.
“I beg your pardon!” he exclaimed. “I did not mean”—
And then he stopped short. And small wonder. The man he had encountered was Colonel Mendix!
In all his life Oliver was never more astonished. He knew not what to say or do.
Colonel Mendix, having seen him but once, and that many years previous, did not recognize the boy. He stepped back, then passed Oliver, and entered the steamship office.
“Has the Rosabel sailed yet?” Oliver heard him ask.
“Yes, sir; half an hour ago.”
“Ha, too bad! And the next steamer?”
“Sails Wednesday.”