trades, and could after a fashion even tune a piano if pushed.

Our two boys enjoyed an hour or two in his company very much, and
learned considerable about matters connected with the lower river
that might possibly prove valuable to them later on.

In return, of course, they told Bob Archiable all about their
project, and he wished them a pleasant voyage to the Crescent
City, with much luck when Uncle Ambrose came to port.

The itinerant machinist told them they had undoubtedly done a wise
thing in quitting their harbor up the river after the advent of
those three roughs. He believed he knew who the trio might be, and
if he was right they were the ugliest set of desperadoes in that
vicinity, who would not hesitate to attempt any sort of dark deed,
provided the reward seemed sufficient to compensate for the risk
involved.

It was a real pleasure to run across such a pleasant and manly
fellow as Archiable, and the meeting, brought about in so queer a
manner, would always remain in the memory of the two boys as one
of the bright spots of their cruise down the river.

The night passed quietly.

One of the boys came out on deck now and again, as they happened
to be awake; for the incident of the early evening seemed to have
made them somewhat nervous; but nothing happened, and morning came
along in due season, with a lowering sky and a feeling of snow in
the air.