At about fifteen minutes to five o'clock Dean and his employer went down to the foot of Murray Street, and went on board the steamer Pilgrim of the famous Fall River line. Mr. Kirby succeeded in obtaining a stateroom, with two berths, and allowed Dean to occupy the upper one. Our young hero surveyed with admiration the palatial accommodations of the great steamer; the grand saloon, the showy chandeliers, the handsome furniture and costly mirrors. "You can amuse yourself as you please," said Kirby. "I shall be occupied till about ten o'clock, when I shall be ready to go to bed." He showed Dean the way to the supper room, and told him he could take supper whenever he pleased. Dean availed himself of this permission, and after supper stopped at the book table in the main saloon, which was under the charge of a boy rather older than himself, arrayed in a blue uniform. This boy he found very social and agreeable. He learned that he was called Dan, but did not inquire his last name. "Don't you get tired of traveling on the boat?" asked Dean. "No." "But it's the same thing every night." "I have my business to attend to. That prevents it becoming monotonous." "Are you ever sea-sick?" "No," answered Dan with a smile. "It would take a good deal to upset me now, I'm so used to it." "Do you expect to follow the business when you're a man?" "No, I think I shall look for a place in a wholesale store in Boston next fall. It won't pay as well at first, but it will lead to a good salary in time. I suppose you are going to Boston?" "Yes, but not to stay." "How long do you stay there?" "I don't know yet. That depends upon my employer." "The man you are traveling with?" "Yes." "I noticed him. He is a tall, sallow man, isn't he?" "Yes." "Have you been working for him long?" "No, I've only just started." "What do you do?" "I am his private secretary—that's what he calls me, but I don't know yet what my duties will be." "He don't look like a man likely to employ a private secretary," said Dan shrewdly. "I don't know what sort of men do have secretaries," Dean said in a perplexed tone. "Oh, governors, members of Congress, and sometimes authors. I don't suppose he's either of those three." "I think not," answered Dean smiling. "Well, he has a right to have one, at any rate. Do you like him?" "I can't say I do, though I have nothing to complain of. He seems to be liberal." "How much does he pay you, if you don't mind telling me?" "Twenty-five dollars a month." "And your expenses besides?" Dean nodded. "My, that's fine pay. I'd be a private secretary myself for that." "If he wants two, I'll recommend you." "You can tell all you know about me," said Dan laughing. "That wouldn't be much, but I can judge of you by your looks." "Thank you. I couldn't recommend your employer very highly on that ground."