But he was no longer in condition even to drink for both of us. He had already taken more than he could carry, and he had just sense enough left to roll into his berth, all in a heap. I straightened him out a little, and in a few moments I heard him snoring in his drunken slumbers. The time for action had come, and I was determined to search him and his effects till I found the precious letters. I first examined his pockets, but without finding the papers. The key of his trunk, however, I did find. It was exceedingly disagreeable business to me; and if only my own rights, instead of the life, liberty, and happiness of my mother, had been at stake, I should have taken a less direct and more uncertain method of enforcing them. The trunk, which he had placed under his berth, I pulled out into the floor. With trembling hand and eager heart I opened it. The package of letters had been thrust down between the clothing and one end, evidently in great haste, for I had probably disturbed him when I came to the door. After assuring myself I had all that belonged to me, I closed the trunk,--for I had no desire to explore it any further,--and restored it to its place under the berth. The drunken agent of Tom Thornton still snored unconscious of my proceedings. I took the precaution to place the Bunyard letter in my money-belt; the others, being of minor importance, I put in my valise again. I looked at the miserable being who lay groaning and uneasy in the stupor of intoxication. The state-room was not fit for the occupancy of a decent person. The fumes of the whiskey were sickening to me, and I could no longer stay there. Taking my valise in my hand, I left it, resolved not to be the room-mate of such a filthy swine. I deposited my valise in a corner in the passageway, and went into the saloon. Mr. Solomons was there, and expressed his surprise at seeing me. I freely told him what had transpired in the state-room. "And you recovered your papers--did you?" said he. "I did; I was satisfied the fellow had been sent by Tom Thornton, to prevent me from finding my mother." "No doubt of it, my lad. You must keep away from him now." "That I shall certainly do, for I would rather sleep in a hog-pen than in such a place as that state-room." "You shall not sleep there," replied my friend, decidedly; "come with me." I followed him below, and he conducted me to his own room, and told me to occupy his berth. "But what will you do?" I asked. "I will take your berth, and the fellow shall not turn the room into a pigsty."