CHAPTER THREE.
ROVER DISTINGUISHES HIMSELF.
The ticket-collector appeared puzzled for the moment, especially on noticing a poor, ragged fellow like Dick travelling in a first-class compartment "in company with gentlefolks," as he thought to himself; but, at the instant this reflection passed through his mind, he recognised the Captain as an old and regular passenger on the line, besides being one from whom he had received many a `tip,' so he at once touched his cap, responding with a grin of sympathy to the Captain's cheery laugh, as if he thoroughly entered into the joke.
"Oh, haven't he, sir ?" said he, the ungrammatical phrase dropping more naturally from his rustic tongue; "then he'll have to get 'un sharp, or pay the fare, sir." "Never mind about that, my man, I'll pay for his ticket, for he's travelling with me," replied the old sailor as he fumbled in his pockets, shoving his hand first in one and then in the other; producing, at last, a number of gold and silver coins, mixed up with coppers, a bunch of keys, a clasp-knife, and his snuff-box, which somehow or other he had put back in the wrong place.

"How much is it ?" "Where from, sir ?" inquired the man, reaching out his hand for Bob and Nellie's tickets.

"Far up the line, sir ?" "No, only from Guildford," replied the Captain.

"That's only half-way from London; but there's half-a-sovereign, and you may keep the change for yourself." "Thank you, sir," said the collector, touching his cap again and taking the coin.

He still lingered, however, as if wanting something more but hesitated to ask for it.
"Well ?" ejaculated the Captain impatiently.