"See here," he said, when he was ready to depart, "I am much obliged to you for what you have done. But I'd like you to do more, if you will. As soon as this Bill Hosker comes back to this neighborhood let me know. You'll always find me on board of the Helen Shalley."
"I'll let you know," answered Rose. "But don't let Bill Hosker know who told you, or he'll want to kill me."
When Randy got back to the steamboat he felt so weak he could scarcely walk on board. Jones came forward to meet him.
"Say, you ain't been drinking, have you?" he demanded, as he saw our hero stagger.
"No, I don't drink," answered Randy. "I've been knocked down and robbed."
And sitting down on a bench he told his story to the other deckhand, and let Jones feel of the lump on his head.
"I was going to warn you when you went ashore, but I thought you'd be wise enough to keep out of trouble. It's a shame."
"They told me it wouldn't do any good to tell the police."
"I am afraid not. Such things happen pretty often in that kind of a neighborhood."
Randy was glad enough to turn in. He bathed the lump with cold water and put on some witch-hazel, which made it feel better. Despite the adventure he slept soundly until it was time to turn out in the morning.