"Stockton—I am Julia Stockton."
"My name is Sam Barker," said Sam, thinking such confidence ought to be requited.
"I've got a cousin Sam," Julia remarked, "but I never knew any one of the name of Barker before."
"Is that your bird?" inquired Sam, by way of prolonging the conversation.
"Yes; he sings sweetly, sometimes, but I guess he's frightened now. I'm glad he's with me, it isn't quite so lonely. I never traveled alone before. Are you used to traveling alone, Mr. Barker?"
"I never traveled much," answered Sam, trying to look dignified, on first being addressed as Mr. Barker; "but I don't mind being alone."
"That's because you're a boy. Boys can take care of themselves better than girls. Do you know what time we get to Boston?"
"No, I don't; but I'll inquire," said Sam. "Shall I find you here?"
"Oh, yes, I'll be here."
Sam went down below, and noticed that some were already procuring tickets at the captain's office. It struck him that he might as well obtain his. Accordingly he joined the line, and when his turn came inquired for a ticket.