the messenger said, in a tone of superior wisdom:

" You see, if he was a messenger, like we are, it would be all right;
but I'm most sure our manager wouldn't have anything to do with him.
But you stay here, an' I'll tell him what you've said, an' .then I'll
come back to let you know . what he's going to do about it."

The boy leaped out of the hiding-place, running swiftly towards the
office, as if he would
scorn to walk while he had his uniform on, and Ned and Joe were left
alone, two very forsaken-feeling little' fellows, even though there was
a faint prospect. that they might escape from their present difficulty.

Joe was obliged to repeat, again and again, to his weary little charge,
that he would remain with him, and they were talking of what they would
do in case they were obliged to walk home, when suddenly they heard
Master West calling to them.

"Well, what is it?" asked Joe, coolly, feeling that he had good cause
for complaint against
this boy, who would have allowed them to get into trouble by going away
in a stolen boat.

"Come up-town, an' let's get some more things, for we hain't got half
enough to last us
to New York."

"I guess not," said Joe. "I hain't goin' to spend any more money for
such things, and, too,
we won't go with you in the boat if we never get home."