We rode down to the steamer office in a stage, and Mr. Solomons inquired rather nervously about the other berth in his room.
"It was taken not more than half an hour ago," replied the clerk.
"That's unfortunate," added my friend, apparently as much disappointed as I was. "What else have you?"
"Nothing just now. A gentleman has taken Nos. 41 and 42," he added, pointing to the plan of the cabins, on the counter before him; "but there is some doubt whether he will go. He engaged the room yesterday, and I promised to keep it for him till all the other berths were taken. He was here a while ago, and said he would give his final answer in an hour. It is time he was here."
"In that case we will wait a while," continued Mr. Solomons. "I engaged my passage a month ago, and the ship was half full then."
"Couldn't I find some place on board?" I asked, anxiously.
"I don't know; the officers sometimes give up their rooms for a consideration. I gave the third officer five pounds for his room the last time I came over from Liverpool."
"I have concluded to take that room," said a young man, rather dashily dressed, as he rushed hastily up to the counter.
My heart sank within me, for the announcement seemed to mean that I had lost my passage. But I was determined to go on board of the steamer, and make an arrangement with any officer who was open to a treaty for the use of his state-room.
"You take both berths?" added the clerk.