Miles Cobbington had come to the south as an invalid, and having no means, he had picked up a precarious living by hunting, fishing, and doing such odd jobs of work as he could find. When I came across him he was hungry, and without a place to lay his head. With good living on board the Sylvania, and with his mind relieved of all anxiety about his daily food and shelter, he had picked up wonderfully during the month of our trip up the river. "Well, Miles, how do you get on?" I asked as I ascended the gangway. "First-rate, Captain Garningham. I haven't been so happy for years as I am now," he replied with a cheerful smile. "I begin to think I may live for some years yet." "I hope you will live for many years yet," I replied. "Mr. Peeks has been on board this afternoon, has he not?" "Yes, sir; and I am very sorry to have him leave for such a reason," said Cobbington, with a look of genuine sympathy. "I believe he attended to putting all our provisions and stores on board." "Yes, captain; we stowed away everything last night, and we are ready to leave as soon as you give the word." "We can't go without a steward," I added, glancing at Cobbington to see if I could find any suggestion in his face. But he looked entirely blank. "The steamers here are hauling off, now, and I should say you would have no difficulty in finding one," he replied. "Do you think you can readily find another good waiter?" I asked. "I could find a hundred of them in half an hour," he replied. "Then I wish you to find one as soon as the crew come on board. I want one to take your place in the fore-cabin." "To take my place!" exclaimed Cobbington, looking aghast at me. "Then you are going to discharge me. What have I done?" "You have done lots of things, and done them well. You will take Mr. Peeks's place as steward, at the same wages he received," I replied, unwilling to hurt his feeling a moment longer. "Thank you, Captain Garningham," added Cobbington, his thin face suddenly wreathed in smiles. "I suppose you understand what you are doing, captain." "I think I do; but I will add that it was my father who suggested your name for the position." "I am very grateful to him for doing so, and to you for giving me the place. I think I can do the work to your satisfaction, for I have had considerable experience in this sort of business." I gave him such directions as he needed, and then called a shore boat. As the Islander was likely to be our consort during the whole, or a part, of the cruise up the Mississippi, I thought I would pay her a visit, and become better acquainted with her officers. My uniform procured me a ready recognition on her deck. Captain Blastblow was a man of forty, with a bald head and red whiskers. He treated me very politely, though I thought I could see something like contempt in his manner, possibly at the idea of a young fellow like me presuming to hold a position equal to his own.