Ho! for South America!

Bravely did the good steamer Standish keep on her long, and, at
times, stormy voyage to the far distant shore of Western South America.
She escaped the severest storms of the Northern Atlantic, Grossed the
equatorial line in fine shape, and stemmed the farious wrath of Cape Horn
in safety. But every one on board felt freer and in better spirits, when
at last they entered the Pacific regions where storms are of rare
occurrence.

The steamer's destination was Valparaiso, Chili, and the commander talked
of getting into port shortly.

Among those looking most hopefully forward to the termination of the
voyage was our hero, who had been sent by his employers on the responsible
errand of seeing that one of their engines was properly delivered and put
into good running order. He fondly believed it was the great opportunity
of his life.

He was never more surprised than he was upon finding at the last moment
that Fret Offut had been delegated to accompany him as helper.

At first he could not believe it; but there the awkward youth was, and
that he was sent for that purpose was plainly indicated by the order from
John Fowler & Co.

To his still greater surprise, the other seemed to have forgotten or
overlooked their differences, and he greeted Jack with all the warmth of
an old friend.