Dean nodded.
"My, that's fine pay. I'd be a private secretary myself for that."
"If he wants two, I'll recommend you."
"You can tell all you know about me," said Dan laughing.
"That wouldn't be much, but I can judge of you by your looks."
"Thank you. I couldn't recommend your employer very highly on that ground."
Here two or three customers came up and inquired of the young news-agent about some of the latest novels. Dean, seeing that his friend was occupied, went to the after part of the boat, and seating himself on a camp stool watched with interest the progress of the vessel and the shores so far as they were visible. It was now dusk, and shadows played over the surface of the water.
Meanwhile where was Mr. Kirby?
After a hearty supper in the dining saloon he smoked a cigar on the lower deck, and then began to wander about the steamer, choosing especially the walk that ran between the outside staterooms and the side railing.