"Thank you," said Mr. Waterbury. "I would rather you did not, as the news might reach my home."
"Where do you live, sir?"
"In Marietta. I shall be glad to have you leave the boat there, and stay a day or two with me."
"Thank you, sir, but I am in a hurry to reach California, on my father's account. I want to send back as soon as possible the money he raised to pay my expenses out."
"That is very commendable; I can enter into your feelings. I should like to show my obligation to you in some way."
"It is not worth thinking about, sir," said Tom modestly.
"Permit me to disagree with you. Why, my young friend, how much money do you think I had with me?"
"I don't know, sir."
"Upward of six hundred dollars."
As Mr. Waterbury uttered these words, a young man, very dark, with narrow black whiskers, passed them. He darted a quick glance at the speaker, and walked rapidly on. Tom noticed him, but not with attention.