"So am I," said Randy, and retired, thinking of what Jones had said and also of what the Clares had told him regarding Peter Polk.
Two weeks passed and Randy felt quite at home on board of the steamboat. He had learned his duties fully and was giving satisfaction to Captain Hadley and Pat Malloy.
His only enemy seemed to be Polk the purser, who was as disagreeable as possible. Our hero did his best to steer clear of the fellow, and in a measure succeeded.
One evening, while the boat was tied up at the dock in New York Randy chanced to look ashore when he saw Rose Clare motioning to him. He at once joined the girl.
"I came down to tell you that Bill Hosker was around yesterday," said the girl to our hero.
"Is he around now?" questioned Randy, quickly.
"No, he went away yesterday evening. He was only around about two hours."
"I thought you'd like to know about it. I came down last night, but a man here told me you were at Albany."
"Yes, we come to New York every other night, not counting Sundays."
"I think Bill Hosker will come again soon. I suppose he thinks you have given up trying to find him."
"Well, I haven't given it up, Rose. How are things going with yourself and your mother?"
"She and I made only five dollars and a quarter last week."
"Six dollars a month for just the one room."
"That is certainly hard. I wish I could help you, but I can't--at least, not now."
"We wouldn't want help, if only we could get more sewing."
"I'll ask Captain Hadley about it. He has a wife and a family of girls."
Randy was as good as his word. He met the captain the next day, when the officer appeared to have little to do.
"Captain, may I speak to you a moment?" he asked, respectfully, and at the same time tipping his cap.
"I know a poor lady in New York who does sewing for a living. She is anxious to get more work and I am anxious to help her, if I possibly can. Do you know of anybody who would like some sewing done--your wife or anybody else?"
"Hm! I don't know," answered the steamboat captain. "I'll remember what you say and see. Is that all?"
"Not far from our landing place in New York." He gave the street and number. "It isn't a nice neighborhood, but it is the best the woman can afford," he added.
