Returning to the landing-stage of the ferry-boat, he waited impatiently
for some signs of life on the water-front.

During fully half an hour he was forced to remain in idleness, while he
mentally reproached himself for not having taken the longest road, and
thereby arrived in Boston without being forced to depend upon a boat to
conclude the journey.

More than once was he tempted to take possession of one of the small craft
hauled up on the shore without the formality of asking the owner's
permission, but the thought that he had already put himself in a position
to be charged with theft deterred him from such a lawless proceeding.

Then, just as the day was beginning to break, a boat filled with sailors
rowed up to the landing. All the occupants save one disembarked without
paying any attention to the idle boy who was watching them intently, and
the little craft was being pushed off, when Walter cried,-

If you are going back to Boston I will gladly work the oars to pay for my
passage."

"Can you row?"

"As well as you."

"Then come aboard, and let me see how quickly you can pull to the other
shore."

The young messenger did not require a second invitation. He gave the boat