Page:Harry Castlemon - The Steel Horse.djvu/231

 alive. Now, how soon can I get ashore to relieve the anxiety of my friends?"

That was a matter that was settled with half a dozen words. He was given to understand that he would be carried over to the nearest pier as soon as he had eaten his breakfast; and his mind being set at rest, he ate a hearty one. When he thanked the men for their kindness they laughed and said "that was all right," and showed some curiosity to know why Roy was so careful to take their names and address.

"I like to keep track of my acquaintances," said the boy; I may want to call upon you at some future time, and if I do, I shall know where to find you."

Breakfast being over, Roy, who had put on his own clothes when he left his bunk, climbed into the boat and was palled ashore. There was a hack-stand near the pier on which he was landed, and although Roy did not know it at the time, Tony and Bob could have put him ashore there the night before if the instructions they received from Colonel Shelly's superintendent had not led them to follow a different