“Evidently the man is a confirmed rogue. How did you happen to be on deck so late?”
“It was close in the saloon and I came up to get a breath of fresh air.”
“Luckily for me. Have you a stateroom?”
“No, sir.”
“Then, if you like, occupy mine. There is an upper berth at your service.”
“Thank you sir. I will accept your invitation.”
“I won’t talk any more with you now, but in the morning I will ask you to breakfast with me, and you can tell me more about yourself. I suppose as my caller is now secured it won’t hurt to keep my window open.”
The rest of the night was uneventful. Both Ben and his new friend slept soundly, and only waked up when the steamer was passing under Brooklyn Bridge.
“Are you awake, my young friend?” asked Mr. Griswold, after he had performed his ablutions.
“Yes,” answered Ben, rubbing his eyes.