"I?"
"Yes. I will take care of you. You shall not want for anything. In return, you can be my companion, my assistant, and my friend. Is it a bargain?"
"Yes," said Oliver impulsively.
"So be it, then. If you ever get tired of your engagement I will release you from it; but I don't think you will."
"Do you know, or have you any idea, where this man is—this Rupert Jones?"
"I have heard that such a man is living on Staten Island. I saw his name in the New York Directory. That is why I wished to come here to-day."
"We are at the first landing," said Oliver. "Shall we land?"
"Yes."
The two passed over the gang-plank upon the pier, and the boat went on its way to the second landing.