“I have the honor.”
“I want to go to Chicago on this boat.”
“Who are you, where do you live, and what is your name?” demanded the steward with another sidelong glance at Guy’s luggage.
The boy noticed the look, and took his cue from it.
“My name is John Thomas,” said he, “and I used to live in Syracuse, but I am going West now to find my uncle.”
“Where does your father live, and what business does he follow?”
“I haven’t got any father or mother either. I am alone in the world.”
The man’s face softened instantly. The next words he uttered were spoken in a much kinder tone.
“The fare will be eight dollars,” said he.
“I had thought of taking steerage passage,” returned Guy. “Money is not as plenty with me as it is with some folks.”