He continued doing so, until he struck the deck with a bump which caused his hat to fly off, the cane to drop from his hand, and his eyeglasses to fall from his nose.

He gradually picked himself up, and, amid the laughter of every one near, made his way to the _salon_ below, and busied himself reading a copy of an English paper.
This incident would not be worth the telling but for that which followed.
The dudish young man who caused so much entertainment on board the steamer that afternoon was destined to cross the path of Tom Gordon in a way of which neither dreamed.
Tom gave no more thought to him until, when waiting to walk ashore at the landing, he saw, to his surprise, the young man was about to do the same.
It looked as if he intended to make a call at Bellemore.

Greater astonishment came when Tom saw the handsome carriage of Mr.Warmore at the landing.

The driver was perched on the high seat in front, while Mrs.
Warmore and her daughter Jennie occupied the rear seat, facing the vacant one.
"Can it be possible?
Well, that beats me!" [Illustration: Tom held on like grim death.] The carriage was waiting for this young man, who simpered forward with uplifted hat and greeted them effusively.

Mrs.Warmore noticed Tom, and bowed to him, inviting him to enter the carriage and ride with them,--an invitation which, as he expressed to himself, he would not have accepted for seventeen thousand million dollars.