"I will see you in a little while," he said, and turned to his clerk. Then Bart Sandwood was sent off on an errand and the steamboat owner turned to look over some letters that had come in. "Now I am at liberty," he said, pleasantly, shaking hands. "Are you ready for work?" "Yes, sir," answered Randy, promptly. "Good! Have you ever been on a large river steamer?" "No, Mr. Shalley, but I am willing to do all I possibly can to make myself truly useful." "Well, if I am any judge of character, you'll get along. All you've got to do is to keep your eyes open and obey orders. We have one old deckhand, Pat Malloy. He will teach you what to do." "When can I go to work?" "The boat will be along down the river soon. I'll take you on board, as I want to see the captain. As soon as you are settled I'll have you fitted out with a uniform." "How much will that cost me?" "In your case it won't cost anything." "You are very kind." "Remember, I take a personal interest in you, Randy, and I want to see you get along. Do your duty and rest assured I shall not forget you." "I don't think I'll disappoint you, Mr. Shalley." Randy waited around the office until it was almost time for the steamboat to make a landing. Then he went down to the dock with his newly-found friend. Here were a number of passengers, and also a quantity of baggage and freight. Presently the _Helen Shalley_ hove into sight, with flags flying bravely in the breeze. As Randy had been told, she was not a particularly large steamboat, but she was well proportioned and graceful, and well liked by those who patronized her. We will get better acquainted with the craft as our story proceeds. As soon as a landing was made, Mr. Shalley went on board, taking Randy with him. Captain Hadley was at hand. "So this is the new deckhand, eh?" said the captain, in bluff tones. "Pretty strong, are you?" "I think so," answered Randy, respectfully. "Well, you'll have to be, to stand this work. Know anything about handling trunks and such stuff?" "Not a great deal, but I think I can learn." "We are shorthanded, so you can jump right in," went on the captain of the steamboat. "Yes, sir. Who will tell me what to do?" "Pat Malloy. He is the head man of the gang. Here, Malloy," he called out. "Aye, aye, sur," answered a brawny and jolly-looking Irishman, coming forward and touching his cap. "Here's your new hand." Pat Malloy looked at Randy in some astonishment. Our hero was neatly dressed and did not look as if he was used to hard labor. "Sure an' it's only a boy," murmured the head deckhand. "He says he can work. Give him a chance," put in Andrew Shalley. There was plenty to do, and Randy threw off his coat, took off his collar and tie, and pitched in. The labor was by no means easy, and he had not the trick of throwing up a trunk to the best advantage, yet he did very well, and Pat Malloy nodded approvingly.