He so expressed himself, and the other thanked him warmly and pressed the dollar upon him.
“No,” said Robert, “I can’t take so much. You may pay for your share—fifty cents.”
“You are very kind,” murmured the other.
And, replacing the bill in his pocketbook, he took out a half dollar and tendered it to our hero.
Half an hour later both repaired to stateroom No. 56.
As they entered the room the stranger glanced at the two berths and said:
“It is only fair that you should occupy the best berth.”
“Which is the best berth?” asked Robert.
“The lower one is generally so considered,” said the other. “It is a little wider and it is less trouble to get into it. I will take the upper one.”
“No,” said Robert generously. “You are sick and ought to have the best. I am perfectly well, and I shan’t mind climbing into the upper one.”