me, I'd try to get away from that man, - there he comes now; don't 'let
him whip me.".

"I'll go off, so's he won't know we've been talkin', an' just as soon
as he leaves again I'll
come back," said he.

He had just time enough to dart behind a pile of baggage, before the
man came up, and he
needed but one glance to convince him that Ned had good cause for fear.
The man's face
was so brutal looking, that even he began to think perhaps it might not
be advisable to appeal to the captain of the steamer, lest the story
should not be believed, and he be called to an account for interfering.

The valises were still where he had left them, and, marching boldly
out, but feeling quite the reverse of what he tried to assume, he took
the baggage, not heeding the pleading look Ned gave him, and went to
the stateroom, where he remained some time, trying to make up his mind
what he could do to aid the boy who had appealed to him. He did not for
a moment entertain the idea of leaving him with that man. Suddenly,
what seemed to be a very brilliant idea came to him, and he walked
down-stairs on to the main deck again, leaving the door of the
stateroom unlocked.

The man was seated by Ned's side, smoking, and Joe went from one place
to another, keeping the couple in sight all the while, until he saw him
walk away with a companion who spoke to him, and looked quite as
detestable as he.