growing bright and happy as he realized his temporary safety.

The boys examined the tickets Joe had, looked curiously at the snug
little cabin, wondered what the man would say or do when he could not
find Ned, and, finally, the first novelty of the situation having
passed away, they talked of their homes.

It was the most unwise thing they could have done, so far as peace of
mind was concerned, for at the thoughts of their mothers waiting and
watching for them, both broke down. Ned lay down in the berth without a
thought of hiding his grief; but Joe, who considered it his duty, in
his position of protector to the younger boy, to appear unconcerned,
was obliged to stand by the window in order to cry without being seen
or
heard, and he wiped his eyes with the curtain until his cheeks were
stained blue and green
from the dye of the fabric, in a sorrowfully ridiculous fashion.

However it happened, neither of the boys quite understood, but, despite
their deep sorrow, they both fell asleep, shortly after Joe lay down by
the side of Ned to comfort him, and did not awaken until morning. The
sun was streaming in through the slats of the blinds, the throbbing of
the engine was stilled, and everything betokened the end of the voyage.

Neither of the boys had undressed, for they had anticipated a long,
dreary evening during which they would be very hungry, and Joe had
fully intended to walk around the boat for the purpose r of learning
what Ned's enemy was doing. They had not laid any plans, arid in this
Joe felt that they had been culpable, since, now that they were at
liberty to go on shore, neither had an idea of what course to pursue.