Those who wished to ride, had mostly engaged seats in the various hacks and coaches, whose drivers accosted every passenger, as he got out of the cars, with their invitations to "ride up." Alfred and Oscar now started to look after the stage-coach in which they rode to the depot.

They found it loaded with passengers and baggage, and the driver was talking with two small lads, of from twelve to thirteen years of age.
"Here, Alf," said the driver, "you are just the fellow I want, but I thought you had gone.

These boys want to go to the hotel, but I have n't room to take them.

They say they had just as lief walk, and if you 'll let them go with you, I 'll take their trunk along." This was readily agreed to.

The driver made room for the trunk on the top of the coach, and the young strangers started for the hotel, in company with Alfred and Oscar.