"Is that your bird?" inquired Sam, by way of prolonging the conversation. "Yes; he sings sweetly, sometimes, but I guess he's frightened now. I'm glad he's with me, it isn't quite so lonely. I never traveled alone before. Are you used to traveling alone, Mr. Barker?" "I never traveled much," answered Sam, trying to look dignified, on first being addressed as Mr. Barker; "but I don't mind being alone." "That's because you're a boy. Boys can take care of themselves better than girls. Do you know what time we get to Boston?" "No, I don't; but I'll inquire," said Sam. "Shall I find you here?" "Oh, yes, I'll be here." Sam went down below, and noticed that some were already procuring tickets at the captain's office. It struck him that he might as well obtain his. Accordingly he joined the line, and when his turn came inquired for a ticket. "Fall River or Boston?" asked the man in charge. "Boston." "Five dollars." "That's pretty steep," thought Sam. "I shall have only twenty dollars left." A ticket was handed him, with 159 on it. "What's that for?" asked Sam. "It's the number of your berth." "When will we get to Boston?" "Between six and seven in the morning." As Sam turned away he was accosted by a newsboy: "Papers, sir?" An idea struck Sam. He would get a picture paper for his new acquaintance. It was probably the first mark of attention he had ever paid to a girl, but the idea pleased him, and he bought a _Harper's Weekly_, and carried it upstairs. He found Miss Julia Stockton sitting where he had left her. She smiled pleasantly when she saw Sam. "I bought you a picture paper," he said, feeling a little awkward. "I thought you might like to read it." "Oh, thank you. You are very kind. Did you find out when we would reach Boston?" "Yes, Miss Julia. We shall get there between six and seven in the morning." "That's pretty early. I hope papa will be at the depot waiting." "At the depot? Does the boat go into a depot?" asked Sam. Julia laughed. "Oh, no," she said. "Did you think we went all the way by boat?" "Yes, I thought so." "We go the last fifty miles by cars--that is, from Fall River." "All the better," said Sam. "That will give us a little variety." Meanwhile, the passengers were pouring in, and the cabin was getting full. "I guess I'll go out on deck," said Sam; "I want to see the boat start." "I should like to, ever so much." "Come with me, then. I'll take care of you," said Sam, manfully. "Let me carry your cage. It's too heavy for you." So the two went out on deck together. CHAPTER XIX. MUTUAL CONFIDENCES.