"But can't you send five as well as three?" asked Mr. Gracewood, who did not object to the expense.
"The boat is hardly large enough to carry them besides the two oarsmen. I lost my boat going up the river, and I had to take such a one as I could find," replied the captain.
"But I would rather walk," I added. "I will meet you in the town."
"Very well, Phil Farringford. Go to the landing when you arrive, and wait for us."
I promised to do so, and joined the young man on the shore. We started immediately for our destination, and passing through the grove of young trees, we reached the open prairie, over which there was a wagon track.
"I don't happen to know your name," said my companion.
"Philip Farringford; but my friends call me Phil."
"Farringford; I know a man of that name in St. Louis," replied he. "He used to be a large steamboat owner, but he has gone to ruin now."
"Gone to ruin?"
"Yes, drank hard, and lost all his property. He is a poor, miserable fellow now."