"Right you are--but I'm not a traveling salesman any longer," answered Tom Shocker, and gave a short laugh. "Why?" asked Nat. "Lost my job." "I suppose your boss found out that you were spending your time playing cards and pool," said Nat. "How did you make out after I left you?" "Lost all I had. That's the reason I am stealing a ride on this freight," answered the man. "But what are you doing here?" he continued in curiosity. In his own fashion Nat related how he had been attacked by two of his former school enemies, dragged to the car and thrown in. He added that he had been next to unconscious, and so was unable to fight off Dave and Phil. Then he asked how Tom Shocker happened to be on board. "I got on at Jack's Junction," said the man. "I haven't got but fifty cents left and I thought I'd beat my way to Buffalo, where I think I can get some more cash. But I didn't think they'd lock the door of the car." During the ride to Halock, Tom Shocker managed to learn a good deal about Nat and his trouble with Dave and the others, and he also learned that the youth had considerable spending-money with him. The car was opened at Halock and run off on a siding, and the pair got off. "Let us take a trolley to Buffalo," said Shocker. "There we can get a room at a hotel--that is, if you'll put up the price." "All right; I might as well go to Buffalo, now I am so close," answered Nat. "But I'll send word home first," he added, and this was done. After resting at a hotel in Buffalo, Tom Shocker proposed a trip to Niagara Falls, Nat, of course, to pay the way. "I'll pay you back some day," said Shocker, offhandedly. "When I strike another situation I'll have plenty of cash. And, in the meantime, if you want me to do anything for you, say the word. I am open for any proposition that you may offer." On the way to the Falls, Tom Shocker told much about himself, and Nat learned that the fellow was one of those shiftless mortals who change from one situation to another. He had been a salesman on the road for five different concerns, had run a restaurant, a poolroom, and a moving-picture show, and had even been connected with a prize-fighting affair. He did not care what he did so long a it paid, and many of his transactions had been of the shady sort. Nat did not enjoy the visit to the Falls as much as he had anticipated. He found Tom Shocker rather coarse, and the man wanted to drink whenever the opportunity afforded. From the rapids below the Falls the pair walked to Goat Island, and there Nat was on the point of giving Shocker the slip when he chanced to see Dave and the others of the party. "What's the matter?" demanded Shocker, who stood close by, as he saw the money-lender's son dart out of sight behind the rocks. "Do you see that boy?" demanded Nat, pointing with his hand. "Yes." "That is Dave Porter, the fellow who put me on the freight car. And over yonder is Phil Lawrence, the other chap." "You don't say! What brings them here?"