“Likely enough,” said Jack. “But I didn’t think you cared anything about the matter.”
“Well, I’m thinking of that baby’s shoe,” answered Ralph. “It seems so queer—the way you got it, and the way you have kept it.”
“I know that’s odd,” said Jack. “I suppose my keeping it is all nonsense.”
“No, it isn’t,” said Ralph. “I don’t think it is, I’m sure.”
“You believe a little in old shoes, then?”
“I believe in that shoe, Jack. I mean to go ashore with you, and have a good look for that man.”
“But we shouldn’t stand much chance of finding him,” replied Jack. “I’ve been here in Santiago a number of times, but this is the first time I have run across him here.”
Ralph looked anxious and excited; but he saw that Jack felt somewhat surprised at the interest he took in the matter, and so restrained himself.
“After all,” he thought, “it may have nothing to do with me. Just a baby on its
passage to the United States. But, then, it was going to Philadelphia, and it was a boy baby; and I must have been a baby at the same time. I wonder what Jack would say if he knew what I am thinking of?”