"At the last landing. I made a bargain with that dark-complexioned young man"—with a grin at Clip—"who for the sum of five dollars agreed to convey me to St. Louis. It wasn't a very high price, if I had decent accommodations."
"Why didn't you tell me this, Clip?" demanded Bob.
"I—de gemman didn't want me to," stammered Clip.
"Quite right," corroborated the stranger. "I told Clip he needn't mention our little arrangement, as he thought you might object to it. I don't blame him for telling you at last, for you forced him to do so. I suppose you are the captain."
"I am all the captain there is," answered Bob.
"I am delighted to make your acquaintance, really. I assure you I am glad to get out of that dusty hole, and presume you will now allow me the freedom of the deck."
The stranger was so cool and self-possessed—cheeky, perhaps it might be called—that Bob eyed him in wonder.
"Why did you select my boat in preference to a regular passenger steamer?" he asked.
"A little whim of mine!" answered the other, airily. "The truth is, I am a newspaper reporter, and I thought such a trip as I am making would furnish the materials for a taking article. I mean to call it 'In the Steerage; or, a Boat Ride on the Missouri.' Good idea, isn't it?"
"Why, yes, it might be," said Bob, dryly; "but I think the owner of the boat ought to have been consulted."