The man who had shown such a suspicious interest in Mr. Brooke managed to jostle him a little in going on board the steamer.
“Excuse me,” he said. “Are you going down the river?”
“Yes,” answered Brooke coldly, for he did not like the man’s appearance.
“How far shall you go? To St. Louis?”
“I presume so.”
“I shall probably get off at St. Louis myself. Ever been there before?”
“No, sir.”
“It’s a nice city. I may be able to show you around.”
“Thank you, but I should not like to give you the trouble.”