The River Belle lay at her pier. Tom and his companion went on board. Both secured tickets, and Tom provided himself with a stateroom, for he expected to remain on board till they reached Cincinnati. Freight of various kinds was being busily stowed away below. It was a busy and animated scene, and Tom looked on with interest.
"Have you ever been on a steamboat before?" asked Mr. Waterbury.
"No, sir. I have never traveled any to speak of before leaving home on this journey," replied Tom.
"It will be a pleasant variety for you, then, though the scenery is tame. However, some of the river towns are pretty."
"I am sure I shall like it, sir."
"I wish I were going all the way with you—I mean as far as Cincinnati," said Mr. Waterbury.
"I wish you were, sir."
"I have a great mind to do it," said the gentleman musingly. "I should have to go very soon on business, at any rate, and I can attend to it now just as well as later."
"I shall be very glad if you can make it convenient, sir. We might occupy the same stateroom."
"Are you not afraid that I shall follow the example of your Pittsburg roommate?" asked Mr. Waterbury.