should know it.

"So the railroads are going to hurt the steamboats?" she
presently said.

"No, I didn't say that. I was thinking of the flatboats that
have already been hurt by the steamers," he replied. Now to the
western mind the river-men typified all that was reckless and
wild. It was their carousals that gave an evil repute to such
towns as Natchez. But this particular river-man looked harmless.
"Carrington is my name, Miss Malroy," he added.

No more was said just then, for Betty became reserved and he did
not attempt to resume the conversation. A day later they rumbled
into Washington, and as Betty descended from the coach,
Carrington stepped to her side.

"I suppose you'll stop here, Miss Malroy?" he said, indicating
the tavern before which the stage had come to a stand.
"Yes," said Betty briefly.

"If I can be of any service to you--" he began, with just a touch
of awkwardness in his manner.

"No, I thank you, Mr. Carrington," said Betty quickly.

"Good night . . . good-by," he turned away, and Betty saw his
tall form disappear in the twilight.