which way to dodge the multitudinous perils of the thoroughfare;
but Tim used his elbows to such good purpose that they were
out of the levee, on the steamboat, and settling themselves
in two comfortable chairs in a coign of vantage on deck,
that commanded the best obtainable view of the pageant,
before Nelson had gathered his wits together enough to plan
a path out of the crush.

"I sized up this place from the shore," Tim sighed complacently,
drawing a long breath of relief; "only jest two chairs,
so we won't be crowded."

Obediently, Nelson took his chair. His head sank on his thin chest.
Richards or himself, which should he sacrifice? So the weary old
question droned through his brain. He felt a tap on his shoulder.
The man who roused him was an acquaintance, and he stood smiling
in the attitude of a man about to ask a favor, while the expectant
half-smile of the lady on his arm hinted at the nature of the favor.
Would Mr. Forrest be so kind?--there seemed to be no more seats.
Before Mr. Forrest could be kind Tim had yielded his own chair
and was off, wriggling among the crowd in search of another place.

"Smart boy, that youngster of yours," said the man;
"he'll make his way in the world, he can push. Well, Miss Alma,
let me make you acquainted with Mr. Forrest. I know you
will be well entertained by him. So, if you'll excuse me,
I'll get back and help my wife wrestle with the kids.
They have been trying to see which will fall overboard first
ever since we came on deck!"