Tim knew he had already been away from his post of duty too long, and, leaving Tip in the negro’s kindly care, he went into the cabin.
Chapter VI.
TIM MAKES AN ACQUAINTANCE.
When Tim left old Mose’s kitchen it was nearly time for the steamer to start on her regular trip, and the passengers were coming on board quite fast.
The bustle and excitement which always attend the sailing of steamers, even though the trip be a short one, were all so new and strange to Tim that he forgot his own troubles in watching the scene around him. He saw Mr. Rankin near the kitchen, and was told by him that he could remain on deck until the captain should ring his bell, when he would let him know of it.
Therefore Tim had plenty of time in which to take in all the details of the interesting scene. The deck-hands were scurrying to and fro, wheeling in freight or baggage on funny little trucks with very small wheels and very long handles; passengers were running around excitedly, as if they thought they ought to attend to matters which did not concern them; newsboys were crying the latest editions of the papers; old women were trying to sell fruit that did not look very fresh, and everything appeared to be in the greatest confusion.
While Tim was leaning on the after-rail of the main-deck his attention was attracted by a very small boy, who was trying to get himself and a large valise on board at the same time. The valise was several sizes too large for the boy, and some one of the four corners would persist in hitting against his legs each time he stepped, and then swinging around, would almost throw him off his feet.
[THE SMALL PASSENGER WITH THE LARGE VALISE]
Twice the boy started to go on board, and each time the valise grew unruly, frightening him from continuing the attempt lest he should be thrown into the water. Then he stood still and gazed longingly at the plank upon which he did not dare to venture.