Once we tied up against the western bank for nearly an hour to remove a bit of driftwood from the wheel, and I heard voices speaking above on the upper deck as though passengers were grouped along the rail.

I obtained no glimpse of these, however, although one of the negroes informed me that there were several army officers on board.

The possibility that some of these might recognize me was not a pleasant thought.

I saw nothing of the captain, but heard him shouting orders to the men engaged tinkering at the paddle-wheel.

The overseer gave me a hat which added little to my personal appearance, and by the time we were called to knock off for the noon meal, I was thoroughly tired, and disgusted, feeling as much a roustabout as I certainly looked.
The meal was served on an unplaned plank, the ends resting on kegs in front of the boilers.