Part 14 (1/2)
Mr. Graham looked at him sharply. He could not tell whether our hero was aware of his dishonest intentions or not, but as Tom must still have money, which he wanted to secure, he thought it best to ignore his coldness.
”No,” said he; ”it's of no consequence as long as we have come together again. By the way, have you secured a stateroom?”
”Yes.”
”If the other berth is not taken, I should like very much to go in with you,” said Graham insinuatingly.
”I have a roommate,” said Tom coolly.
”You have? Who is it?” demanded Graham, disappointed.
”That gentleman,” answered Tom, pointing out Mr. Nicholas Waterbury.
”Humph! do you know him?”
”I met him at the Pittsburg House.”
”My young friend,” said Graham, with the air of a friendly mentor, ”I want to give you a piece of advice.”
”Very well.”
”Don't be too ready to trust strangers. This Mr. Waterbury may be a very good man, but, on the other hand, he may be a confidence man. Do you understand me?”
”I think so.”
”Now, I suppose you have money?”
”A little.”
”Take care that he doesn't get possession of it. There are men who go about expressly to fleece inexperienced strangers.”
”I suppose you know all about that,” Tom could not help saying.
”What do you mean?” demanded Graham suspiciously.
”You are an old traveler, and must know all about the sharpers.”
”Oh, to be sure,” said Graham, immediately dismissing his suspicions.
”You couldn't leave your companion, could you, and come into my stateroom?”
”I don't think I could.”
”Oh, very well. It's of no consequence. Keep a good lookout for your roommate.”
Graham turned away, and resumed his walk. Soon Tom saw him in company with the dark young man, to whom reference has already been made.
”Well,” said the latter, ”how did you make out with the boy?”
”He's offish. I don't know as he suspects me. I wanted to get him into my stateroom, but he has already taken up with another man--that stout party over there.”