But they would be more than prompt; everyone came early to boats and trains to begin the sweet draught of the excitement of journeying.

So she would wait in the darkness and go aboard when the steamer was about to draw in its planks.

At the upper end of the wharf boat there was the broad gangway to the levee for passengers and freight; at the lower and dark and deserted end a narrow beam extended from boat to shore, to hold the boat steady.

Susan, balancing herself with her bundle, went up to the beam, sat down upon a low stanchion in the darkness where she could see the river.
Louder and louder grew the regular musical beat of engine and paddle.

The searchlight on the forward deck of the _General Lytle_, after peering uncertainly, suspiciously, at the entire levee, and at the river, and at the Kentucky shore, abruptly focused upon the wharf boat.