“Yes, but Mr. Winter doesn’t take it.”
“He will hear of it. I should like to be present when he reads the account and sees your picture.”
“So should I. He won’t know anything of the presents I received.”
Though the Fall River train did not start till six the boys reached the Old Colony station at half-past five, and then Adelbert left his cousin, as he wished to take a train to his country home. When the train was ready Ben, with his bundle in his hand, joined the moving crowd of passengers and entered the cars.
The low rate of fare increased the crowd considerably, and it was evident that the steamer would be well filled. Ben had some difficulty in finding a seat, and there were quite a number standing in each of the cars that composed the train.
In an hour and a half the brakeman put his head in and announced “Fall River!”
All the passengers got out, Ben among them, and made their way to the mammoth steamer waiting to convey them to New York.
Every stateroom was taken, and every berth, so that Ben found he should have to sit up. He was not alone, however, for there was a considerable number in the same predicament. He did not know what to do with his bundle till one of the passengers directed him to the baggage-room on the lower deck. He carried his package thither and received a check in return, which he put into his pocket. Then he went up-stairs again.
Presently he felt hungry, and learning that supper could be had below, he went down-stairs. He had to wait a considerable time before there was a vacant seat at the tables and he was allowed to enter. The prices he found higher than at the restaurant where he had taken breakfast, but then it must be stated that the quality of the food provided was much better.
Ben made as economical a supper as he could, ordering a cup of coffee and some boiled eggs. When he had finished he still felt hungry, but he reflected that his finances were limited, and refrained from ordering more, but partook heartily of the bread which was liberally supplied.