Through the long days and longer nights, as the raft drifted down the great river, these thoughts were ever with him: "What will she say when she finds it out?
How will she act?
Will she ever kiss me, or even speak to me again?
I have made her very name a disgrace.

What shall I do to wipe it out?
What shall I do ?" His companions noticed his strange mood, and jeered at him, but failed to change it.

Finally they became suspicious, and held secret consultations as to how they should rid themselves of him.

They finally determined to accomplish this in some way at St.Louis, and so matters stood when they made their stop at Alton.

Here they intended remaining until they had transacted a satisfactory amount of business.
Thus, on the foggy morning following Don Blossom's escape from the _Whatnot_, Messrs Gilder and Plater had gone into the town to familiarize themselves with its localities, while Grimshaw was left to look out for the raft.