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Page 1

CHAPTER 10: Wireless, Mobile Computing, and

Mobile Commerce
Chapter Overview
10.1 Wireless Technologies
10.2 Wireless Computer Networks and Internet Access
10.3 Mobile Computing and Mobile Commerce
10.4 Pervasive Computing
10.5 Wireless Security

Learning Objectives
1. Identify advantages and disadvantages of each of the four main types of wireless
transmission media.
2. Explain how businesses can use short-range, medium-range, and long-range
wireless networks, respectively.
3. Provide a specific example of how each of the five major m-commerce
applications can benefit a business.
4. Describe technologies that underlie pervasive computing, providing examples of
how businesses can utilize each one.
5. Explain how the four major threats to wireless networks can damage a business.

Teaching Tips and Strategies

This should be a fun chapter for both students and instructors. Most students should be
familiar with wireless technology and mobile computing through the use of smartphones
and tablet computers. When teaching these materials, try to keep the focus on business
applications and perspectives, and how it affects customers. Highlight the difference
between wireless and mobile. Wireless means exactly what it says: without wires. In
contrast, mobile refers to something that changes its location over time. Wireless
networks can be either mobile (e.g. Internet over cell phones) or fixed (e.g. Wi-Fi).

I suggest starting the class by having students brainstorm to identify information and
services that already are available and other apps they would like to have available
through mobile computing. Focus especially on location-based commerce to really pique
Page 2

their interest. Then, have students consider the implications for the businesses that would
have to provide the information and services. In other words, how will businesses have
to transform themselves to satisfy consumer demands for mobile computing applications?
This topic segues logically into a discussion of the benefits and drawbacks of mobile
computing.

Next, discuss privacy issues associated with mobile computing, especially RFID and
Auto-ID. Most students feel that the government and employers have no right to monitor
their movements and location. This leads to a great discussion. I sometimes break the
class into different groups and assign them different perspectives. One point of view is
the employer’s. I ask the students, if you were an employer of mobile workers (such as
service technicians), would you want to pay for an employee to run personal errands
while on the job? The other perspective is the employee’s. Isn’t it all right to use
company time and equipment to stop at the dry cleaners while on the job? When having
this discussion, try to remain impartial, at least at first. Your adopting an impartial
position helps students complete their thoughts on the benefits and drawbacks of mobile
computing and related privacy concerns.

OPENING CASE 1- Mobile Commerce via Telemedicine at the Miami

Children’s Hospital
Questions

1. Describe the advantages and the disadvantages of the iPad mobile app for
patients. Do the same thing for medical carts and medical kiosks.
• iPad mobile app allows patients to conveniently receive a remote consultative
service from a doctor without commuting to the office and spending time in
the waiting room. However, the cost of this service, although relatively
competitive to those requiring physical office visits, may not be covered by
insurance. This service is also limited to those with proper equipment, i.e.,
compatible iPads. In addition, it should be used for non-emergency symptoms
because the physician is only limited to a visual examination.
• Medical carts allow patients and doctors access to specialists at MCH without
having to travel to Miami. However, the cost of medical cart rentals will
likely be passed along to the patients. The hospital personnel and doctors will
need additional training in order to use the equipment properly.
• Medical kiosks allow patients access to medical services at many convenient
locations. Nurse practitioners are also available on site to help facilitate the
doctor-patient communications. However, the service is limited to non-urgent
care only.

2. Describe the advantages and the disadvantages of the iPad mobile app for Miami
Children’s Hospital. Do the same thing for medical carts and medical kiosks.
Page 3

• iPad mobile app: This service creates an opportunity for additional revenue
streams for MCH. However, it also creates additional workload for physician
and technical staff.
• Medical carts: This service creates an opportunity for additional revenue
streams for MCH. However, the $100 per hour consultation fee seems high
and not all hospitals can afford it. In addition, MCH has to maintain and
service the carts which could add to the cost of hospital operations.
• Medical kiosks: This service creates an opportunity for additional revenue
streams for MCH. However, these kiosks require nurse practitioners whom
may not strictly operate under the same rigid MCH procedures.

Review Questions

Section 10.1 – Before you go on…

1. Describe the most common types of wireless devices.
Smartphones: Internet-enabled cell phones that can support mobile applications.
GPS: global position system, a satellite-based tracking system that enables people
to determine the location of a GPS device or the location of a specific address.
Pagers: one way wireless devices

2. Describe the various types of transmission media.

Microwave, satellite, and infrared are line-of-sight methods, whereas radio signals
travel through the air and can pass through walls.

Section 10.2 - Before you go on…

1. What is Bluetooth? What is a WLAN?
• Bluetooth: An industry standard used to create small wireless radio-based
personal networks for up to 8 devices within 10 meters using low-power,
radio-based communication.
• Wireless local area networks (WLAN): Local area networks without the
cables used to transmit and receive data via radio waves.

2. Describe Wi-Fi, cellular service, and WiMAX.

• Wireless Fidelity: known as Wi-Fi, is a medium-range WLAN. The IEEE
standards for Wi-Fi consist of 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11n. Major
benefits are low cost and the ability to provide simple Internet access through
wireless access points.
• Cellular services: Communicate with radio antenna placed within adjacent
areas called cells. This technology uses digital signals and can transmit voice
and data up to 384 Kbps when the device is used while walking, 128 Kbps
while in a car, and up to 2Mbps when the device is in a fixed location.
• WiMax: Stands for Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access.
WiMax has a range of up to 31 miles compared to 300 feet for Wi-Fi and 30
feet for Bluetooth. It has a transfer rate of up to 75 Mbps.
Page 4

Section 10.3 - Before you go on

1. What are the major drivers of mobile computing?
• Widespread availability of mobile devices
• No need for a PC
• The “cell phone culture”
• Declining prices
• Improved bandwidth

2. Describe mobile portals and voice portals.

• Mobile portals: A customer interaction channel that aggregates content and
services for mobile users. Services include news, sports, e-mail,
entertainment, travel information, restaurant and event information, games,
TV and movie listings, community services, and stock trading.
• Voice portals: A Web site with an audio interface. Voice portals are not Web
sites in the normal sense because they can also be accessed through a standard
or a cell phone. A certain phone number connects you to a Web site, where
you can request information verbally. The system finds the information,
translates it into a computer-generated voice reply, and tells you what you
want to know. An example is 511, the travel information line developed by
Tellme.com.

3. Describe wireless financial services

The services provide a convenient way for customers to transact business
regardless of the time or their location. These services include banking, wireless
payments and micropayments, wireless wallets, bill-payment services, brokerage
services, and money transfers.

4. List some of the major intrabusiness wireless applications.

• Mobile delivery and dispatch services are used to assign jobs, along with
detailed information about the job, to mobile employees.
• There are applications that help owners of rental vehicles, commercial
transport, and heavy equipment fleets. These apps can be used to determine
the location of the vehicles and control messages that are sent to and from the
vehicles.
• Insurance companies use wireless digital cameras to take pictures at accident
scenes and transmit them to processing centers.
• Mystery customers who file reports after evaluating locations of a national
restaurant franchise use hand-held devices to file reports.

Section 10.4 – Before you go on…

1. Define pervasive computing, RFID, and wireless sensor networks.
• Pervasive computing is invisible “everywhere computing” that is embedded in
the objects around us, including the floor, lights, cars, the washing machine,
cell phones, and our clothes.
Page 5

• RFID is the technology that enables manufacturers to attach tags with

antennae and computer chips to goods and then track their movement using
radio signals. This technology was developed to replace barcodes.
• Wireless sensor networks are networks of interconnected, battery-powered,
wireless sensors called motes that are placed into the physical environment.
The motes collect data from many points over an extended space. Each mote
contains processing, storage, and radio-frequency sensors and antennae. This
technology enables users to gather more accurate information.

2. Provide two specific business uses of RFID technology.

• Retail companies use RFID to track inventory and shipments.
• Tolls roads use RFID to collect fees without the need for toll booth personnel.

3. What is the Internet of Things?

The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the scenario in which objects, animals, and
people are provided with unique identifiers and the ability to automatically
transfer data over a network without requiring human-to-human or human-to-
computer interaction.

Section 10.5 – Before you go on…

1. Describe the four major threats to the security of wireless networks.
• Rogue access points are unauthorized access points to a wireless network.
• War driving is the act of locating WLANs while driving (or walking) around a
city or elsewhere.
• Eavesdropping refers to efforts by unauthorized users to access data that are
traveling over wireless networks.
• Radio-frequency (RF) jamming refers to a person or a device intentionally or
unintentionally interfering with wireless network transmissions.

2. Which of these threats is the most dangerous for a business? Which is the most
dangerous for an individual? Support your answers.
The most dangerous threats for a business are war driving and RF jamming. For
individuals, rogue access points are the most serious threat, particularly at public
hotspots. Eavesdropping is threatening for both business and individual networks.

Apply the Concept

Apply the Concept 10.1
Types of wireless communication media and if/how they were used in the video:
• Microwave transmission system: Although they can support high-volume,
long-long-distance communication, this technology requires direct line-of-
sight for effective communication and is susceptible to environmental
interference, making it inappropriate for the mesh network in the video
because emergency situations may occur indoor (i.e., lack line-of-sight) or
have high interference (e.g., fire).
Page 6

• Satellite transmission system: This technology can support high-volume, long-

distance communication in a large area. However, satellite signal requires
line-of-sight and is subject to significant propagation delays, making the
videos not very useful in critical, emergency situations.
• Radio transmission system: This relatively inexpensive, easy to install
technology can support high-speed transmission where signals can pass
through walls. Therefore, it is the primary communication technology utilized
in the mesh network as described in the video.
• Infrared transmission system: This technology only supports low to medium
bandwidth in a short distance, making it technically inadequate to transmit
video feeds across multiple platforms.

Apply the Concept 10.2

Potential business applications of the Serial IO technology

Network type Business application

Short-range • Bluetooth: This technology may be used for Service
Maintenance. An employee uses a barcode scanner to scan
safety equipment, transmitting the information to the iPad
connected via Bluetooth technology.
• Near-field communication (NFC): This technology may be
used for Attendance Management. Each employee carries
a badge that will scan every time they enter or leave their
work area.
Medium-range Wi-fi: A company may utilize RFID for inventory management.
The inventory information received from an RFID reader is then
transferred via a wi-fi network to a corporate SQL Server
database.
Long-range Cellular: A company may use a cellular network (3G, 4G, etc.)
to transmit Security Checkpoint data from remote locations to
the company database.

Apply the Concept 10.3

Examples of how each of the five major m-commerce applications can benefit the
New York Mets, Major League Baseball, and their customers.
• Location-Based Applications and Services: The organizations may utilize
iBeacon technology to (1) provide special promotions to customers located
nearby a concession stand, or (2) display interesting facts about a point of
interest at the stadium, e.g., a location where the ball from a major homerun
landed in the stadium.
• Financial Services: Customers may pay for products or services at the stadium
using NFC technology.
• Intrabusiness Applications: Wireless applications and RFID may be used to
manage inventory at concession stands and fan gift shops where re-order
transactions may be sent wirelessly to related vendors.
Page 7

• Accessing Information: Customer portals are an integral part of many

professional sports teams where information about the team, players,
schedule, statistics, as well as other amenities and services located within the
stadium are available at the customer’s fingertip.
• Telemetry Applications: Security is one of the primary concerns at major
sporting events. Security sensors placed at strategic locations such as doors to
the locker rooms can send alerts to the security control room where
suspicious, unauthorized entry or movements were detected.

Apply the Concept 10.4

Pervasive computing, including such technology as RFID and WSN, appears in
business applications as a response to the demand for operational efficiency and
effectiveness. This group of technology allows accurate, automatic data gathering
at a much higher speed than manual processing. These data then can be shared
across multiple platforms, locations, and applications. In additional to the usage
of these technologies in agricultural settings, e.g., weather sensors at vineyard,
and supply chains, e.g., inventory tracking, shown in the videos, they may be
utilized in other areas such as healthcare (e.g., medical equipment tracking),
security (e.g., monitoring secured areas), and environmental controls (e.g.,
monitoring stockroom moisture and temperature).

Apply the Concept 10.5

Wireless network threats and potential business damage.

Wireless network threats Potential business damage

1. Rogue access point An employee may unintentionally connect to a
rogue access point while traveling, allowing a
hacker access to corporate secrets and
confidential information.
2. War driving Once a hacker discovers an unsecured wireless
network through war driving, he or she can
connect to the network and gain access to the
corporate system.
3. Eavesdropping A hacker can intercept valuable information by
eavesdropping on a company’s wireless network,
especially from an unencrypted one.
4. Radio-frequency jamming A company’s wireless network may become
unusable as a result of radio-frequency jamming,
causing business delays and disruptions.

“IT’s About Business” Questions

10.1–Skybox Imaging Provides Commercial Images from Earth’s Orbit
1. Describe other applications of Skybox Imaging (not mentioned in the case).
Other applications that could benefit from Skybox Imaging include
Page 8

• Agriculture
• Weather forecasts
• Planetary science including volcanology and seismology
• Traffic patterns
• Pollution
• Water management and flood control
• Toxic waste control
• Urban sprawl monitoring
• Etc.

2. Why might the U.S. government object to Skybox Imaging’s business? Provide
specific examples in your answer.
Satellite images poses national security concerns to the U.S. government. For
example, satellite images could reveal the stockpile of military personnel,
equipment, weapons, and movements at each strategic location, revealing military
secrets to the public.

3. Might other nations object to Skybox Imaging’s business? If so, which ones, and
why?
Following the same example as the previous question, other countries with strong
military grounds such as China, Russia, North Korea, Iraq, and Afghanistan might
object to Skybox images for business for the same security concerns as the U.S.
government.

10.2– A Wi-Fi Network Provides Communications at the 2014 Winter Olympic Games
1. Describe why wireless communications were critical to the success of the 2014
Winter Olympic Games. Provide specific examples to support your answer.
Wireless communications were critical to the success of the 2014 Winter Olympic
Games because the public has higher expectations regarding the availability and
functionality of wireless networks. More mobile devices are currently in use,
causing higher demand on the network than the previous Olympic Games.
Another reason was the remote, separate locations of the venue. All involving
parties at the games needing to be able to effectively and efficiently communicate
and coordinate the events.

2. What other potential problems did Avaya have to consider that were not
mentioned in this case? Provide specific examples to support your answer.
One of the main considerations was information security. For example, Avaya
must have in place appropriate security controls for processing tickets, financial
transactions, travel-related documents, and other sensitive information.

10.3– A Tiny Cellular Network for a Remote Tribe in Indonesia

1. Describe several advantages of the network for the villagers.
The network provides several benefits for the villagers including better
communication with other villages, more timely communication with the local
Page 9

government, and, ultimately, better access to medical assistance, emergency aids,

and, possibly, educational materials.

2. Describe several advantages of the network for the Indonesian government.

For the Indonesian government, this network provides economic access to the
population that was underserved. It is one of the initial steps for improving its
citizens quality of life.

10.4– Apple’s iBeacons

1. What other uses for iBeacon can you think of?
iBeacon may be used in several situations, for example:
• At tradeshows and promotional events – track participant movements and
attendance.
• At schools and universities – Track student movements, attendance at special
events, etc.
• At libraries – track patron locations, facility usages, and providing additional
information related to each exhibit.
• Etc.

2. Other than privacy concerns, what are other possible disadvantages of the
iBeacon app? Provide specific examples to support your answer.
The iBeacon app requires some customization on the customer’s perspective. For
example, customers must enable Bluetooth on their devices, allowing location
services on the app, and opt-in to receive notifications from the beacons.

10.5– Marks & Spencer Embraces RFID

1. Describe how RFID technology can generate increased customer satisfaction.
According to the case, the company’s ability to keep the right sizes of garments in
stores has improved customer satisfaction. In addition, the seamless inventory
management allows store teams to focus on customer service rather than on
stocking inventories and adjustments.

2. What are potential disadvantages to implementing RFID technology in a retailer

such as Marks & Spencer?
RFID technology requires substantial corporate investment in many parts of the
operations in order to fully realize the benefit. In addition, this is not a one-time
investment, M&S would need to continue expanding the technology to other parts
of its operations as well as maintaining the current equipment and infrastructure.

3. Why did Marks & Spencer initially deploy RFID technology on a limited basis? In
your opinion, was this the correct strategy? Why or why not? Be specific.
Because the RFID technology for inventory management consists of many
moving components, involves many stakeholders, and requires large initial
investment. This type of deployment is appropriate as it allows M&S to assess
the adoption process along the way and address any concerns in a much smaller
scale before expanding the technology to other areas.
Page 10

Discussion Questions
1. Given that you can lose a cell phone as easily as a wallet, which do you feel is a
more secure way of carrying your personal data? Support your answer.
Students can select either option, but they must explain why they feel the way
they do.

2. If mobile computing is the next wave of technology, would you ever feel
comfortable with handing a waiter or waitress your cell phone to make a payment
at a restaurant the way you currently hand over your credit or debit card? Why or
why not?
Students’ answers will vary. Some businesses have already started accepting
payments and discount coupons through codes stored on mobile phones.
Whichever option students choose, they have to provide support for their answer.

3. What happens if you lose your NFC-enabled smartphone or it is stolen? How do

you protect your personal information?
Once your smartphone is lost or stolen, there is a high probability that you will
never get it back. A lot of private information is normally stored on smartphones.
Therefore, it is always a good idea to have security apps that will shut down your
phone if you lose it – rendering it unusable to the person who finds it. Another
immediate action would be to protect your personal data by accessing your
account using a computer and change the passwords on everything that you have
accessed using the phone. Contact the mobile phone carrier to report the incident
and file a police report.

4. In your opinion, is the mobile (or digital) wallet a good idea? Why or why not?
Students will have different opinions for this question.

5. Discuss how m-commerce can expand the reach of e-business.

In the traditional computing environment, users must have physical access to a
computer in order to utilize its applications. The need to be linked by wires to
computing resources limited the usefulness of this technology to people who must
be mobile while on the job. M-commerce is a natural extension of e-business, but
it is conducted in a wireless environment. M-commerce serves the needs of an
increasingly mobile work force and consumer population.

6. Discuss how mobile computing can solve some of the problems of the digital
divide.
Wireless devices are becoming cheaper, and individuals can take those devices to
locations where they can connect to the Internet, often for free. Consequently,
users who do not have access to a computer at home can use these devices to
connect to the Internet and gain the benefits that otherwise would not be available
to them.
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7. List three to four major advantages of wireless commerce to consumers, and

explain what benefits they provide to consumers.
• Access to expertise. For example, medical service providers in remote
locations could communicate in real time with specialists in other places to
provide specialized consultations. Consumers would benefit due to better
access to specialized expertise without the inconvenience or expense of
traveling to a different location for the consultation.
• Access to information. For example, mobile portals provide consumers with
access to a personalized set of content and services regardless of location.
This enables the consumer to always have specific information regardless of
location.
• Customized advertising. For example, location-based advertising can deliver
information and coupons to inform consumers about shops, malls, and
restaurants close to their current location.
• Access to services. For example, wireless banking enables consumers to carry
out various financial transactions from any location, thus eliminating the need
to go to a bank or an ATM machine.

8. Discuss the ways in which Wi-Fi is being used to support mobile computing and
m-commerce. Describe the ways in which Wi-Fi is affecting the use of cellular
phones for m-commerce.
Wi-Fi is the technical standard underlying most of today’s wireless local area
networks (WLANs). A mobile computing device can connect to the Internet
easily from public access points called hotspots. Mobile computing and m-
commerce applications can be delivered easily and at adequate communication
speeds in this environment. Wi-Fi is reducing the need for wide-area wireless
networks based on cellular technology.

9. You can use location-based tools to help you find your car or the closest gas
station. However, some people see location-based tools as an invasion of privacy.
Discuss the pros and cons of location-based tools.
The benefits of location-based tools include the ability to request and receive
information that is tailored to your exact location. The concerns about this
capability arise from the fact that other people can obtain information about your
exact location and movements and use that information in harmful ways.

10. Discuss the benefits of telemetry in healthcare for the elderly.

The alerting devices that people can wear around their neck are valuable for
seniors who need emergency assistance after a fall or when they are experiencing
some other medical problem.

11. Discuss how wireless devices can help people with disabilities.
Sensors that help people with disabilities communicate with their computer and
other household devices significantly enhance these individuals’ ability to
interface with their environment and perform basic activities.
Page 12

12. Some experts say that Wi-Fi is winning the battle with 3G cellular service.
Others disagree. Discuss both sides of the argument, and support each one.
Answers will vary. Students will discuss their selected option in terms of speed,
distance, and cost.

13. Which of the applications of pervasive computing do you think are likely to gain
the greatest market acceptance over the next few years? Why?
Although the students’ answers will vary, it is likely that applications that add
convenience without violating privacy will be the ones to gain market acceptance.
For example, an application that provides information about a product for
diagnostic and repair purposes would be useful because the consumer could
arrange for the product to be repaired before it fails.

Problem-Solving Activities
Each student will have different ideas of what to include in the following activities.

1. Investigate commercial applications of voice portals. Visit several vendors, for

example, Microsoft and Nuance (links to both Web sites are available via
http://www.wiley.com/go/rainer/MIS3e/problemsolving). What capabilities and
applications do these vendors offer?
Students will research voice portals and report their findings.

2. Using a search engine, try to determine whether there are any commercial Wi-Fi
hotspots in your area. (Hint: Access
http://www.wiley.com/go/rainer/MIS3e/problemsolving.)
After students have located Wi-Fi hot spots in their area, ask them if they have
connected to the Internet at those locations.

3. Examine how new data-capture devices such as RFID tags help organizations
accurately identify and segment their customers for activities such as targeted
marketing. Browse the Web, and develop five potential new applications for
RFID technology that are not listed in this chapter. What issues would arise if a
country’s laws mandated that such devices be embedded in everyone’s body as a
national identification system?
Students should enjoy researching this topic and describing these wearable
devices.

4. Investigate commercial uses of GPS. Start with www.neigps.com. Can some of

the consumer-oriented products be used in industry? Prepare a report on your
findings.
Students will investigate and list products that can cross over between the end
consumer and industry markets.
Page 13

5. Access www.bluetooth.com. Examine the types of products being enhanced with

Bluetooth technology. Present two of these products to the class, and explain how
they are enhanced by Bluetooth technology.
Various categories of products are listed in the Web site. Students will investigate
and prepare a report on two of these products. Students should also examine any
drawbacks to integrating Bluetooth into the product.

6. Explore www.nokia.com. Prepare a summary of the types of mobile services and

applications Nokia currently supports and plans to support in the future.
Students will investigate and prepare a report.

7. Enter www.ibm.com. Search for “wireless e-business.” Research the resulting

stories to determine the types of wireless capabilities and applications IBM’s
software and hardware support. Describe some of the ways these applications
have helped specific businesses and industries.
Students are to look into the published case studies in the ibm.com Web site under
Solutions and find some examples of cases that they can share with the class.

8. Research the status of 3G and 4G cellular service by visiting the links available
via http://www.wiley.com/go/rainer/MIS3e/problemsolving.Prepare a report on
the status of 3G and 4G based on your findings.
Students will investigate and prepare a report.

9. Enter Pitney-Bowes Business Insight (www.pbinsight.com). Click on “MapInfo

Professional,” then click on the “Resources” tab, then on the “Demos” tab.
Look for the location-based services demos. Try all the demos. Summarize your
findings.
Students will view the location-based services demos and summarize their
findings.

10. Enter www.packetvideo.com. Examine the demos and products, and list their
capabilities.
PV provides software to deliver mobile media services. PV's software gives users
greater access and control over their media experience. The Web site describes
CORE as “an established framework” that “provides a universal structure for
mobile multimedia applications.” MediaFusion is “a white-label client-server
software application that enables you to rapidly develop and launch on-device
portals for rich media services.”

11. Enter www.onstar.com. What types of fleet services does OnStar provide? Are
these any different from the services OnStar provides to individual car owners?
(Play the movie.)
Students will play the movie and relate their experience
Page 14

12. Access various search engines to find articles about the “Internet of Things.”
What is the “Internet of Things”? What types of technologies are necessary to
support it? Why is it important?
Internet of Things refers to the concept of embedding communications technology
in common devices like refrigerators and ovens in order to extend the reach of
Internet to many remote areas that do not have an existing Internet access
infrastructure The technologies required for creating this type of network include,
but are not limited to, RFID, sensor networks, nanotechnology, distributed
computing networks, and telecommunication technology.

CLOSING CASE 1– Republic Wireless and FreedomPop Might Disrupt

the Wireless Industry
Questions
1. Describe how Republic Wireless and FreedomPop can be disruptive to the major
U.S. cellular service providers.
Unlike traditional wireless carriers who invested in the permanent, more
expensive towers providing cellular data network to subscribers (may be
supplemented by shorter-range wi-fi cells), Republic Wireless and FreedomPop
provide network connections mainly through shorter-range, less expensive, wi-fi
networks and supplement out-of-range services by renting cellular networks from
traditional carriers. The approach pursued by Republic Wireless and FreedomPop
resulted in a much lower operating cost and, as a result, making them more
competitive in the market.

2. What actions should the major cellular service providers take to combat Republic
and FreedomPop’s business models?
Major cellular service providers should consider a similar service plan as
Republic Wireless and FreedomPop. They should also consider no-contract
options with more competitive price structures.

CLOSING CASE 2– Has Facebook Solved the Mobile Ad Problem?

Questions
1. Explain why mobile ads are so effective on Facebook. Provide specific examples
to support your answer.
Facebook utilizes many strategies in mobile advertising. For example, it
integrates mobile ads on the news feed, making it more obvious to the users.
Another innovative approach is to allow makers of mobile apps to encourage
users to install their games or programs. This technique is a win-win for both
parties as it helps Facebook generate more income and app makers pay less
advertising costs for the Facebook ads than other mobile ad networks.
Page 15

2. You are accessing Facebook on your smartphone or tablet. Would ads placed
directly into your news feed bother you? Why or why not?
Students will have different opinions for this question.

3. You are accessing Facebook from your desktop computer. Would ads placed
directly into your news feed bother you? Why or why not?
Students will have different opinions for this question.

4. If there is a difference in your answers to questions 2 and 3 above, explain why.

Students will have different opinions for this question.

Spreadsheet Activity

Database Activity
Other documents randomly have
different content
hanging over him, a trying ordeal to be gone through with, and he
knew that he would be in the greatest suspense until it was all over.
If he succeeded, he would be well out of the last scrape he ever
meant to get into; if he failed—but that was something he did not
like to think about; and besides, he would not allow himself to
believe that there was any chance for failure. His situation was too
desperate for that. He must succeed. He did not call the second
clerk at noon, and the latter did not get up until three o'clock.
Murray saw him when he came down, and went into the barber
shop; and as soon as he could do so, without being seen by his
assistant, he ran to the lower deck and went back into the
engineer's room. He had been there perhaps a quarter of an hour,
when Walker, pale and agitated, suddenly made his appearance and
seized him by the arm.
"Good, gracious!" exclaimed Murray, while the engineers looked on
in amazement. "What's the matter?"
"Say nothing to nobody, but come with me," answered Walker, in a
low tone. "You were right when you said that he would make
another attempt. He's done it; and more than that, he has been
successful. Didn't I tell you that he might blunder on to that
combination? Well, he did."
This startling announcement seemed to take away the chief clerk's
power of speech. Without saying a word, he allowed Walker to lead
him to the boiler-deck and around the guard to the outer door of the
office. The room certainly looked as though somebody had been
there. The clothing in Murray's bunk was tumbled up, the high stool
was overturned, the safe was wide open, the key was gone, one of
the panes in the glass door was missing, and the fragments were
scattered about over the floor. Murray seemed to be utterly
confounded. After standing motionless for a moment, he rushed up
to the safe, jerked open a little drawer, and then staggered back to
his bunk and fell upon it.
"This is the condition in which I found the room when I entered it a
moment ago," said Walker, taking possession of the high stool. "I
haven't touched a thing. Before I went to bed this morning, I took
particular pains to see that everything was secure. The key of the
safe was under your pillow then, for I saw it there."
"How do you suppose he got in?" Murray managed to ask, in a
trembling voice. There was no sham about his agitation, but it was
not occasioned by the robbery of the safe. The ordeal he so much
dreaded, was close at hand; and in spite of the confidence he had
thus far felt in the success of his schemes, he feared failure and
exposure.
"There is but one way he could have got in," answered the second
clerk. "He slipped his fingers in through the blinds and raised the
hasp, smashed that pane of glass, and put in his hand and opened
the door. Then he found the key under your pillow, stumbled upon
the combination, as I was afraid he would, and made off with that
big envelope which you put in the drawer with three thousand
dollars in it. Say, Murray, your plan didn't work worth a cent, did it?
We can just consider ourselves discharged."
"Go out and ask the old man to come in here," said the chief clerk.
"This thing has got to be looked into. We'll have to tell him about
catching Ackerman here, and explain why we didn't report the
matter at once. You must do the talking, for my wits have all left
me."
The second clerk was gone scarcely more than a minute, for he
found the captain on the boiler-deck. When the latter was conducted
into the office he uttered an ejaculation indicative of the profoundest
amazement, and seated himself on the bunk by Murray's side. The
condition of the room, and the expression on the faces of the two
clerks, told him what had happened there.
"When was this done?" he asked, as soon as he found his tongue.
"Sometime between nine and three o'clock," replied Walker, who
then went on to tell how the thief had forced an entrance into the
office.
"Why, it must be somebody who is acquainted with your way of
doing business," said the captain, in deep perplexity. "Now, where
shall we look for him? I have seen no one loitering about here
except George Ackerman."
"And everything seems to point toward him as the guilty party,"
exclaimed Murray. "I wish you would have his room searched at
once."
"Bless my soul!" cried the captain. "You surely don't suspect him?
Well, well!" he added, more in sorrow than anger, when he received
an affirmative nod from each of the clerks. "That beats me. I would
almost as soon suspect my own son of being a thief."
"I know it is hard to believe," answered Walker, "but, captain, listen
to this, and tell us what you think of it."
The second clerk then began and described the incidents that had
happened in the office two days before; repeated the conversation
which he and Murray had held regarding George's unsuccessful
attempt to open the safe; and explained the plans they had laid to
catch him, if he were bold enough to make another effort to steal
the money. The captain listened in genuine amazement, and after
asking a few leading questions, arose to his feet saying:
"This affair must be probed to the bottom and that, too, before we
make another landing. Let us go and see if we can find Ackerman.
Things look rather black against him, I must confess, but I never will
believe that he is the one who broke into this office, until he tells me
so."
The captain led the way to the hurricane-deck and into Texas. The
boy pilot, having finished his nap, had dressed himself, and was on
the point of leaving his room as his visitors entered it. He was about
to great them pleasantly, but the words died away on his lips when
he saw the way they looked at him.
 CHAPTER XVII.
THE KEY OF THE SAFE.

"George," said the captain, closing the door behind him, "I am sorry
to tell you that Murray's safe has been robbed, that the key and
three thousand dollars in money are missing, and that you are
supposed to know more about it than anybody else."
The effect of these words can be more readily imagined than
described. George could scarcely believe that he had heard aright.
His eyes opened to their widest extent, his under jaw dropped down,
and the expression of his face changed like lightning. Bewilderment,
grief, incredulity, almost every emotion of which the human mind is
capable, was reflected in his countenance, but he did not look guilty.
He tried to speak, but he could not utter a sound.
"We have come here to search your room," said the captain.
These words aroused George. The only feeling that possessed him
now was one of intense indignation; but still he spoke calmly.
"Who dares accuse me of such an act?" he demanded. "Show him to
me. Let me stand face to face with him and ask him his reasons for
suspecting me. Is it you, Walker?"
"It is both of us," answered the second clerk.
"Do you suspect me because you saw me trying to open the safe
day before yesterday?" asked George, still speaking very calmly.
"Why, Ackerman, any sane boy would be willing to acknowledge that
that was a very suspicious circumstance," replied Walker.
"Didn't you assure me that the thing had been explained to your
entire satisfaction? I tell you in Murray's presence, as I told you once
before, that he handed me the key, gave me the combination and
sat there on his high stool and watched me while I was at work on
the safe. Murray is that so or not?"
The chief clerk's face was a sight to behold. He was white to the lips
and trembling so violently in every limb that he was obliged to place
his hand against the bulkhead for support. He opened his mouth as
if he were about to speak, but no words came forth.
"Why don't you deny it to him as you did to me?" demanded Walker,
while both he and the captain looked at the chief clerk in
astonishment.
"I am too angry to say anything," replied Murray.
George was thunderstruck. "Am I to understand that you deny it?"
he cried, as soon as he could speak.
"I do, most emphatically," answered Murray, whose courage began
to return to him as soon as he heard the sound of his own voice.
"There's not a word of truth in it."
"Didn't you give me the key and tell me to see if I could open the
safe?" repeated George, who wondered if he were awake or
dreaming.
"I never did. People who handle money are not in the habit"—
He never finished the sentence. All of a sudden George's right arm
shot out with the force of a thunderbolt, Murray's head came in
violent contact with the door, splitting one of the panels, and Murray
himself sank helplessly to the floor. The young pilot, who now began
to have a very dim idea that he was the victim of a deeply laid plot,
was thoroughly aroused, and he would have handled the schemer
roughly indeed if the captain and Walker had not caught him in their
arms and held him fast.
"What a desperate wretch he is," thought the second clerk, who did
not know which to wonder at the more—the cool assurance of the
guilty boy, or the power of the arm that had so quickly and easily
made a "spread eagle" of his superior. "He looks as innocent as a
lamb."
"There's a bug under that chip, and it's a big one, too," thought the
captain, by which he meant to inform himself that there was
something back of all this that needed looking into. "No guilty boy
ever looked and acted like Ackerman. I shall not allow any more
violence," said he sternly. "I promise you that the thing shall be
thoroughly investigated and the blame placed right where it belongs;
but if you don't behave yourself I'll put the handcuffs on you."
"All right, sir," said George, in reply. "The sooner you get to the
bottom of it the better you will suit me. You said something about
searching my room. There are my keys. Go through my trunk
thoroughly, and if you can find anything in it or in my room to
condemn me, I will acknowledge myself guilty."
The captain took the keys, inserted one of them into the lock of
George's trunk and hesitated. He knew then, as well as he knew it
afterward, that he was on the wrong track. The second clerk being
of a different opinion, began an attack upon George's bunk. Picking
up the pillow, he caught the case by the corners and gave it a shake,
when something that gave out a metallic sound fell to the floor.
Walker caught it up and held it aloft with an exclamation of triumph.
It was the key of the safe. The young pilot fairly gasped for breath
when he saw it. He gave Murray one look and seated himself on Mr.
Black's trunk.
"George, George!" exclaimed the old captain, sorrowfully. "How do
you account for that?"
"I can't account for it, sir," replied the boy; "I never put that key
there."
 Murray Accuses George of Robbing The Safe
The captain placed his hands behind his back, and looking down into
the clear, honest eyes that were gazing straight into his own, told
himself that the boy was no more a thief than he was. "Do you know
where the money is?" he asked.
"I do not, sir; I have never seen it. The one who put that key there
can tell you where he put the money. You have made a good
beginning, and you had better go on with your search."
"Pull off the pillow-case, Walker," said Murray, who had backed up
into one corner of the room, and stood holding his handkerchief over
his wounded eye. "I don't see why that money didn't fall out," he
added, mentally.
The second clerk acted upon the suggestion, but found nothing.
Murray, who closely watched all his movements, grew a shade whiter
than ever, and his heart sank within him. This was the second hitch
in his programme. The first was the captain's unshaken faith in
George's innocence. That was something that Murray had not look
for, and perhaps it was one reason why he did not play his part
better.
"It was a well-laid scheme, and I cannot yet see where I made a
mistake in it," soliloquized the chief clerk, whose suspense and alarm
were so great that he scarcely knew how he was acting. He was
almost ready to thank George for giving him that blow, because it
furnished him with an excuse for keeping his face covered. "I can't
imagine where that money has gone. I put three hundred dollars in
that pillow-case at the same time I put the key there, and how it has
disappeared so suddenly beats me. If anybody saw me put it there
—"
Murray could not bear to dwell upon this thought. It suggested too
many dreadful things to him.
As he was in duty bound to do, the captain made a searching
investigation, but the money he was looking for could not be found.
He questioned George very closely, but could learn nothing from
him, for the simple reason that he did not know anything about it.
"This is a sad affair," said the captain, at length, "and the law will
have to look into it. George, I have known you but a short time, but
somehow I have great confidence in you."
The accents of kindness touched the boy's heart, and his eyes filled
with tears. "Thank you, sir," said he, heartily. "I assure you that I
shall never abuse that confidence."
"Consequently, if you will promise that you will not leave the boat
until we reach St. Louis, I shall put no restraint upon you," added
the captain.
"I promise; I am as anxious to have this matter looked into as you
are; more so, for I have more at stake."
"Very well. Now, gentlemen, we will go below," said the captain,
addressing himself to the clerks. "I shall consult with some of the
officers, and be governed by their advice."
George's visitors went out, and the boy set to work to repack his
trunk and make up the bunks. When this was done, he walked
leisurely up the steps that led into the pilot-house, and found the
captain and the chief engineer in consultation with Mr. Black and his
partner.
"George!" exclaimed Mr. Black, seizing the boy's hand in both his
own and shaking it heartily; "these fellows mean to ruin you, don't
they?"
"I am afraid they have done it already," replied George, with a sickly
smile.
"Not by a long shot," said the other pilot, who stood at the wheel. "I
know that the evidence is against you, but your friends have not all
turned their backs on you. Has Murray any reason to be down on
you?"
"Well, I'll tell you something, and then you can answer that question
for yourself," answered George, who then went on to describe how
Murray had acted when he saw him pick up Mr. Black's lost pocket-
book. His auditors opened their eyes and looked significantly at one
another when George explained how it came that he had been so
intimate with the chief clerk ever since the Telegraph left St. Louis.
"It's a put-up job," said the chief engineer, decidedly. "I heard that
Murray lost a good deal of Clayton's money at cards when he came
up on the Quitman a few months ago, and that Clayton discharged
him for it. That shows that he is not honest. You asked my advice,
captain; I should say, let the matter rest until we reach the city, and
then set the law at work. I'll promise that George will not run away,"
added the engineer, poking the young pilot in the ribs with his finger.
"If you want to watch anybody, watch Bill Murray."
This was the captain's idea too, and after some discussion it was
decided that the engineer's advice should be followed.
Bad news flies like wild-fire, and it was not long before it was known
all over the boat that George Ackerman had broken into the office
and robbed the safe of three thousand dollars, and that the captain
had virtually placed him under arrest The chief clerk, who was
obliged to explain how he got that black eye, industriously circulated
this story. He saw the necessity of creating a popular opinion in his
favor, for he was literally alone. All the officers who heard his version
of the affair looked incredulous, and even Walker acted as though he
had his suspicions. Murray, of course, had known all along that when
the denouement came a rigid investigation would be held, but he
relied upon the overwhelming evidence he could produce to crush
George and turn all his friends against him. But the young pilot
positively refused to be crushed. Feeling strong in his innocence he
was determined to make a fight of it, while his friends—and it looked
now as though every man on board the boat was his friend—rallied
to his support.
"There's something about this business that doesn't look just right to
me," said Walker, as he and Murray went back to the office and
began to put things in order there; "but I can't for the life of me tell
what it is. I can tell you this much, however, if there had been a
stranger with us when we went up to Ackerman's room, he would
have declared that you looked and acted more like a guilty man than
George did."
"Walker," exclaimed the chief clerk, sharply. "Do you mean to insult
me?"
"No; I don't. I mean to tell you that I didn't believe Ackerman knows
any more about this robbery than—than I do." He was about to say
"than you do."
"Who did it, then. Why, man alive, just look at the evidence."
"I know. But when that evidence comes to be sifted by some sharp
lawyer"—Walker stopped there, and left his companion to finish the
sentence for himself. "Mark my words," he added, a moment later.
"We're going to see lively times before this thing is settled."
"I begin to think so, too," thought Murray. "I am afraid I have
jumped out of the frying-pan into the fire. I wonder if I hadn't better
take what is left of that three thousand, and step off the boat when
we reach Memphis without saying a word to anybody? That's an idea
worth thinking about."
While this storm was raging about the young pilot's devoted head,
another was brewing which proved to be as dangerous to human life
as this one was to George's reputation. A thick, black cloud, which
had been hanging in the horizon all the forenoon, now began rising
rapidly, and in ten minutes more it had covered the whole heavens.
The rain fell in torrents and the wind blew a gale. The Telegraph was
within whistling distance of Helena when the storm struck her. For a
while it seemed as if the wind would sweep her decks clear of
everything; or, failing that, drive her back down the river; but she
struggled successfully against it, and finally came abreast of the
town. It was a matter of no little difficulty to come alongside the
wharf-boat without smashing something, but under the skilful
management of Mr. Black and his partner, the landing was made,
and after the engineers had been instructed to "keep her working
ahead pretty strong," so that the wind would not blow both steamer
and wharf-boat away from the bank, the occupants of the pilot-
house sat down on the bench to talk over the events of the day.
While they were thus engaged, the watchman suddenly made his
appearance, bringing with him a pale, scared face, and said
something to the captain, who stood in his usual place near the bell.
The latter at once hurried below, while the watchman came into the
pilot-house to report that one of the cabin boys had been "pinched"
between a fender and a stanchion and very severely injured. The
way it happened was this: When the Telegraph came abreast of the
wharf-boat, the wind caught her and swung her toward it with great
violence. One of the mates, seeing the danger, called out, "Stand by,
everybody, to fend off! Drop those fenders overboard! Everybody, I
said," he added, shaking his fist at a negro, who was passing along
the deck from the engine-room with a pail of hot water in his hand.
Now, although the negro knew all about the duties of a boy who was
employed in the cabin, he knew nothing about a deck hand's
business. Setting down his pail, he rushed to the side in readiness to
assist in pushing the Telegraph away from the wharf-boat; but it so
happened that he placed himself close to a stanchion, at the top of
which was fastened a fender—a heavy piece of timber long enough
to reach from the boiler-deck to the water. No sooner had he taken
up his position, than two of the deck-hands seized the fender
attached to that stanchion and dropped it overboard. It swung down
to its place, and striking the darkey with fearful force, pinned him
fast. He was released as soon as the Telegraph swung away from
the wharf-boat, carried off in a fainting condition, and laid upon one
of the bunks in the deck hands' room, while the watchman was
dispatched to acquaint the captain with the accident, and to inquire
if there was a surgeon among the passengers. This was the
substance of the story to which George and his companions listened.
None of them had much to say about it, for accidents of all kinds
were of too frequent occurrence to attract any especial notice from
men of their calling. They could not foresee the results that were to
grow out of this one.
The storm abated about the time the Telegraph was ready to
continue on her way up the river, and George took Mr. Kelsey's place
at the wheel. As soon as the boat was fairly under way the captain
turned toward the pilot-house, when the doctor, who had been
summoned to attend to the injured man, came up the stairs. "I was
looking for you, captain," said he. "That man of yours is badly hurt
and ought to go to the hospital."
"All right," said the captain. "I'll put him ashore at Memphis. I never
heard of so careless an act but once before. I knew a deck hand to
put his head between a stanchion and a fender, and his neck was
broken short off. It is a wonder to me that this man escaped with his
life."
"We physicians while acting in our professional capacity, sometimes
come into possession of very important secrets. This man, believing
that he is going to die, has made a confession, and I—shall I tell it
to you here?"
"Yes, speak freely," said the captain, who wondered if the steward
had missed any of the silver belonging to the boat. "There is no one
to overhear you."
"I understand that there has been a robbery committed on board
this boat," continued the doctor, whereupon the captain began to
open his eyes; "but I don't know whether or not this man's
confession will throw any light upon it. He said that he was at work
scrubbing out one of the rooms in Texas, wherever that is—"
"There it is," said the captain, pointing to the little cabin under the
pilot-house. "The officers sleep there."
"O!" exclaimed the doctor. "Well, while he was at work in that state-
room he saw the chief clerk of the boat go into Ackerman's room,
take a pillow off his bunk, and put some money and a key into it.
Here is the money, and I—my goodness, what's the matter?"
When the doctor said "here's the money," he drew out of his pocket
a package wrapped up in something that looked like a piece of
brown paper. As soon as the captain's eyes rested upon it, he
snatched it from the hands of the astonished physician and opened
it. The brown paper proved to be a large envelope, and its contents
were greenbacks. The envelope bore Murray's name and address,
and in the upper left hand corner were the figures $300.
"Pardon my rudeness, doctor," said the captain, "but you don't know
how impatient I was to see what was in that roll. This is a matter of
importance, the first thing you know, and you have completely
unravelled something that was to me a deep mystery. Go on,
please."
"Well," said the doctor, "when Murray went out, the negro stepped
into the pilot's room and stole the money. That's all there is of it. I
don't pretend to know why the clerk put the money into the pillow
instead of placing it in the pilot's hands, and neither do I know what
the key was placed there for."
"I know all about it," explained the captain. "If you will excuse me
now I will see you later."
The captain ran down to the boiler-deck and walked around to the
outer door of the office, which he entered without ceremony. Both
the clerks were there—Walker perched upon a high stool and Murray
lying in his bunk with his handkerchief over his wounded eye. They
both stared at the captain in great surprise. They had never seen
such an expression on his face before.
"Murray," said the captain, without any preliminary remarks, "you
might just as well own up. The whole thing is out on you!"
Murray raised himself in his bunk and tried to look astonished, while
Walker leaned his elbows on the desk and nodded his head, as if to
say that he had been expecting something of this kind.
"The man who saw you put the money and the safe-key into
Ackerman's pillow, in your endeavor to fasten this robbery upon him,
has made a confession," continued the captain. "I don't wonder that
you tremble; I should if I were in your place. You can save yourself
trouble by handing out the rest of that three thousand. You've got it,
and I know it. If you will do that, I think I can safely promise that
Ackerman will let the thing drop right here, and be content to leave
you to the punishment of your own guilty conscience."
The chief clerk could not say a word in reply. The rapidity with which
the young pilot's vindication had followed upon the heels of his
accusation bewildered him. The mysterious disappearance of the
money which he had so confidently expected that Walker would find
in George's pillow had caused him the most intense alarm, for it told
him that somebody had discovered his secret; that somebody had
confessed, and it was all over with him.
"There's the money you put into George's pillow when you put the
safe-key there," said the captain, handing the envelope and the bills
over to Walker, "and I tell you that you will have a time of it if you
don't refund the balance. Now, do as you please."
Murray sank back upon his bunk, covered his face with his
handkerchief, and without saying a word put his hand into his pocket
and drew out a roll of greenbacks. Walker took it and counted it
while the captain looked on. There were twenty-seven hundred
dollars in it, and that amount, added to the three hundred dollars
which the injured darkey had surrendered to the doctor, made up
the three thousand dollars that George had been accused of
stealing.
"That's all right. Where's the key of the safe? Now," said the captain,
as Murray produced it, "vacate this office at once, and leave Walker
in charge. Don't come near it again."
The captain left the office and went up to the pilot-house. George
and the two pilots were there, and so was the chief engineer, who
was laying out some very elaborate plans for establishing George's
innocence, which were to be set on foot as soon as they reached St.
Louis. When the captain entered, he was saying,
"We'll put a detective after him, and find out everything he has done
since Clayton discharged him. Don't you think that would be the best
way, skipper?"
"There is no need of it," was the reply. "I know pretty nearly what he
has done since he has been on board this boat, and that's enough
for me. Don't look so down-hearted, George. I told you that the
blame should be placed right where it belonged, and I have kept my
word. Murray is the guilty man!"
Without paying any attention to the exclamations uttered by his
auditors, the captain gave a hurried account of all the incidents that
had happened since the Telegraph left Helena, and the story, while it
cleared George, confirmed the suspicions that every one of them
had entertained from the moment it became known that he was
suspected of robbing the safe. The young pilot was almost
overwhelmed by the congratulations he received, and it is hardly
necessary to add that he cherished the strongest feelings of
gratitude toward the men who had stood by him and believed in him
when everything seemed to point to him as the guilty one.
George never saw Murray after that. In fact, nobody seemed to think
of him, until the boat had left Cairo and was well on her way toward
St. Louis, and then some one asked, merely out of curiosity, where
he kept himself ever since the captain ordered him out of the office.
Even Walker couldn't tell. At Murray's request he had assigned him
to a stateroom, and he had not seen him since he went into it. An
examination showed, that the stateroom was empty, although the
lower bunk looked as though it had been occupied.
"He's all right; you may depend upon it, Ackerman," said Walker,
who had lost no time in making things straight with George. "I know,
as well as I want to know it, that he left the boat at Memphis. As we
got there in the night, it was no trouble at all for him to step off
without being seen by anybody."
The clerk was right. That was just the way that Mr. Murray had
taken, to avoid the troubles that would certainly have befallen him if
he had gone on to St. Louis. George never heard of him again, as
long as he stayed on the river.
Mr. Black was not out of a "job" more than two days after he
reached St. Louis. Another of Mr. Richardson's boats, the Benefit,
was about to start for New Orleans, and he was one of the pilots
who was engaged to take her down and bring her back. The other
was Mr. Scanlan, who afterward went down the river with Mr. Black
and George on the ill-fated Sam Kendall. Mr. Scanlan spent all his
time ashore, Mr. Black stayed at home with his family, and George
was left to take the boat up to the coal-fleet. He could not help
thinking of the company he had the last time he went up there, and
wondered where Tony was now, and whether he was not sorry he
had ever run away from home; for by this time it had become
known, that he had not been killed by Mr. Vandegriff's negroes, as
everybody at first believed. He had been heard from at Cairo. From
that city he had written to Mr. Vandegriff, that he was about to strike
out for himself; and he had sent that gentleman all his money, with
the exception of fifty dollars, which he had kept out for his own use.
Unfortunately the report had became raised abroad, that Tony had
stolen those fifty dollars; but that was something that George could
not believe. It was not like Tony.
The Benefit arrived at New Orleans late one afternoon, and when
George had eaten his supper, he strolled out to take a look about the
levee. When he came back to his boat he did not go aboard, but
seated himself on a bale of cotton to watch a gulf steamer that was
getting under way. While he looked at her, he thought of Tony
Richardson.
"I suppose that foolish fellow is on deep water by this time, and
supping sorrow with a big spoon," soliloquized George, as he put his
hands under his legs and kicked his heels against the bale of cotton.
"I don't know anything about a sailor's life, but from what I have
heard and read of it, I should say it was the very life for which Tony
is the most unfitted. There goes a sailor now. I wish Tony could have
seen him before he ran away."
The subject of these thoughts was a young fellow who just then
came sauntering along with his hands in his pockets. His face was
covered with coal-dust, his clothing was very dirty and ragged, and
his shoes were almost ready to drop from his feet. When he came
opposite to the place where George was sitting, he caught sight of
the strip of canvas which was stretched around the railing of the
Benefit's hurricane deck, bearing the words, "For St. Louis." He
looked at it for a moment, and then walked toward the gang-plank,
still keeping his gaze directed toward the strip of canvas, which
presently came within range of the steamer's name on the pilot-
house. When the sailor saw that, he faced about at once and started
up the levee again, this time walking pretty rapidly; but before he
had made many steps, he felt George Ackerman's grasp upon his
arm.
"Tony!" exclaimed the young pilot, in great amazement.
The sailor turned his face toward George, but it was so completely
covered with coal-dust that nobody could tell what the expression of
it was. He looked at the trim, neatly-dressed boy before him, then
his eyes fell down upon his own dilapidated garments, and he made
an effort to pull himself away. "You have made a mistake," said he.
"That doesn't happen to be my name."
"Tony, Tony, that won't do," returned George, tightening his grasp on
the sailor's arm. "I was a little uncertain at first, but I am not now. I
know your voice. Aha! I thought so," said George to himself, as the
boy covered his face with his hands and sobbed violently.
It was Tony, sure enough. George put his arm around him and led
him back to the cotton-bale from which he had just arisen. He lifted
Tony upon it bodily, and seated himself by his side.
"No use of shedding the briny over it," said George, who was
delighted to see his friend once more. "You're going home now, are
you not?"
"Yes, I am," replied Tony, between his sobs. "And if I ever get there,
I'll stay. That is, I'd like to stay, for I have had quite enough of salt
water, but I don't know whether the folks will want me there or not."
"I do," said George, cheerfully. "They'll be overjoyed to see you
again, and you'll get there just as soon as the Benefit can take you."
"Oh, I can't go on her," exclaimed Tony. "She is my father's boat,
and almost all the officers know me. I was going aboard of her to
see if I could ship as deck-hand when I noticed the name on her
pilot-house."
"You'd look nice, shipping as deck-hand, wouldn't you, now?" said
George. "You shan't do it while I have a bunk. What difference does
it make to you if the officers do know you? You'll have to meet
people who know all about it, and you might as well begin one time
as another. Now, where have you been and what have you been
doing since I last saw you?"
There was no need that Tony should indulge in flights of fancy or
use glowing language to convince George that he had had an
exceedingly hard time of it during his short career as a sailor. He had
hardly began his story before the young pilot interrupted him with—
"You have lifted a heavy load from my mind. I was informed that
you had stolen that money of Mr. Vandegriff.
"I didn't," said Tony, stoutly. "I earned it fairly. I'll go to Mr.
Vandegriff with you as soon as we reach St. Louis and ask him if I
didn't."
"There is no need of that," answered George "I believe you. Go on."
"The hardest part of my experience," said Tony, after he had
described his life on the Princeton and told how he had deserted
from her, "was on board the City of Baltimore; but fortunately the
voyage was not a long one, and I was able to live through it. I
suppose I was a rough-looking fellow, but that was no reason why
the mates should kick me and knock me about as they did. I never
showed myself until the ship was well out to sea, and then I wished
I hadn't showed myself at all. The jawing I got when they found that
I was a stowaway was fearful, but it was nothing to the abuse that
followed. I was put to heaving coal and kept at it until I was ready
to drop. The men who worked with me were changed every few
hours, but they wouldn't let me stop at all. I feel as if I could sleep
for a week."
By the time Tony had finished his story it was dark, and George took
him aboard the Benefit and up to his room in Texas. There were
plenty of towels, soap and water handy, and when George had laid
out a suit of his own clothing for Tony to put on, he left him to
himself. An hour later he went back to his room and found that the
runaway had taken possession of his bunk and was sleeping soundly.
He looked more like the Tony of old now that he had got rid of the
coal-dust and put on a suit of better clothes, but his face was thin
and pinched and his eyes were still badly discolored.
Great was the astonishment among the officers of the Benefit when
it became known that Tony Richardson had turned up safe, if not
sound, and that he was on his way home. Of course they were all
glad to see him, and praised him without stint for the courage he
had exhibited during the battle on the barge; but they never said a
word to him about running away from home. They did not talk or act
as though they knew anything about it. When the Benefit reached
St. Louis he went straight to the depot to take the first train for
Kirkwood, George furnishing the money to pay his fare, and
promising to run up to the office and let his father know of his
arrival.
 CHAPTER XVIII.
CONCLUSION.

The next half year of George Ackerman's life passed without the
occurrence of any event that is worthy of notice. The longer he
followed the river the better he liked it. When he was not asleep or
at his meals he was always to be found in the pilot-house, no matter
whether it was his turn to stand watch or not. He learned rapidly,
and it was no unusual thing for him to steer for hours together
without a word of instruction or advice. His memory was very
retentive, and if Mr. Black, when questioned by a brother pilot,
forgot just how much water he found on a certain bar, or in a
particular bend during his last trip, he had but to call upon George
for the information, and he always got it.
When everything was going so smoothly with him, it was a great pity
that those of whom he had a right to expect better treatment, could
not let him alone. Pretty soon warning letters began to arrive from
Mr. Gilbert, with whom George had kept up a constant
correspondence ever since he had been on the river. The first one
conveyed to him the information that Uncle John had discharged
Jake and Bob, and all the other herdsmen who had found
employment on the ranche during his father's lifetime, and hired
others in their places.
"That's some of my affectionate cousin's spite work," said George to
himself. "But he can't injure me in that way. One herdsman is about
as good as another, and when I return to Texas, if I ever do, I can
get all those old-time fellows back again. It wouldn't seem like home
to me there without them."
In another letter, which George received about two months later, Mr.
Gilbert told him that three very fine herds had been lost through the
imprudence or criminality of the men in charge of them, who, in
spite of the warnings of the settlers, persisted in pasturing them too
close to the river for safety.
"That's a more important matter," thought George. "It looks too
much as though Uncle John was paying Fletcher hush-money. I must
see to that."
He thanked Mr. Gilbert for keeping so watchful an eye on his
interests, and took Uncle John to task for losing those herds in a
way that made him and Ned very angry. Two months more elapsed
and a third letter told George that his uncle was selling stock as fast
as he had the opportunity. He thanked Mr. Gilbert again and wrote to
his uncle.
"Have you forgotten the agreement made between us during our
second interview at the hotel in Brownsville? I shall be down there to
see about your selling stock, which you were positively forbidden to
do, and I shall call upon you for a strict account of your
stewardship."
George had intended to quit the river at once, and go home and
assume charge of his property with Mr. Gilbert for a guardian; but
unfortunately Mr. Black was taken ill about the time he had made up
his mind to start. He was not so ill that he was obliged to take to his
bed, but he was not able to stand his regular watch. Moreover, he
was in such a state financially that idleness meant ruin to him.
"I don't see how I can spare you just now," said he, when George
told him that his presence was needed at home. "I know I ought not
to run on the river, but when I look at my pocket-book, it tells me I
must. If you will only stay with me a little while longer, I shall be
ahead of the hounds; but if you leave me now, I don't know what I
shall do."
"Well, don't worry over it," said George, after Mr. Black had talked to
him in this way a few times. "I'll stay. I can better afford to lose a
little more through Uncle John, than Mr. Black can afford to lie idle
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