It was a comical sight, and Tim laughed at it until he saw the boy was really in distress, when he started to aid him.
“Let me help you carry your valise,” he said to the small passenger, as he darted across the narrow plank and took hold of one side of the offending baggage. “Two can lug it better’n one.”
The boy looked up as if surprised that a stranger should offer to help him, and then gave up fully one-half the burden to this welcome lad. This time the journey was made successfully; and as the valise was deposited on the steamer’s deck the little passenger gave vent to a deep sigh of relief.
“So much done,” he said, in a satisfied way, as he took off his hat and wiped his forehead with a handkerchief that did not look much larger than a postage-stamp. “Where are you goin’?” he then asked, turning to Tim.
“Why, I ain’t goin’ nowhere,” replied the captain’s boy, not fully understanding the other’s question.
“Oh!”—and the boy’s face grew troubled—“I thought maybe you was goin’ in the boat.”
“So I am,” answered Tim, now understanding the question. “I work here.”
“Now, that’s nice;” and the little fellow sat down on his valise contentedly.
“You may think so; but if you knew Captain Pratt you’d talk different.”
“Why?”