ld not
forward you any more money."

"I will be very prudent, father," said Tom. "I know the value of money
too well to risk losing it."

Well, the days of preparation were over at length, and Tom stood on the
threshold, bidding good-by to his parents and his brothers and sisters.
He had not realized till now what it was to leave home on a long journey
of indefinite duration. He wanted to be heroic, but in spite of himself
his eyes moistened, and he came near breaking down.

"I don't know how to part with you, my dear child," said his mother.

"Think that it is all for the best, mother," said Tom, choking. "Think
of the time when I will come back with plenty of money."

"God bless you, Tom!" said his father. "Don't forget your good habits
and principles when you are far away from us."

"I won't, father."

So Tom's long journey commenced.

Tom's plan was to go to St. Louis first. His father made some inquiries
about the route, and recommended going to Pittsburg by cars, then to
take the boat on the Ohio River for Cincinnati. This seemed to Tom to
afford a pleasant variety, and he gladly accepted the suggestion.

As they were approaching Pittsburg, Tom occupied a whole seat on the
left-hand side of the car. A brisk, plausible young man, of twenty-five,
passing through the aisle, observed the vacant seat, and, pausing,
inquired, "Is this seat engaged?"

"No, sir," answered Tom.

"Then, if you have no objection, I will occupy it."

"Certainly, sir."

The young man was nicely dressed. In his bosom sparkled a diamond pin,
and he wore three or four rings on his fingers.

"He must be rich," thought Tom, who was of an observant turn.

"A pleasant day to travel," remarked the young man affably.

"Yes, it is," said Tom.

"Do you go farther than Pittsburg?"

"Yes, I am going to California," answered Tom proudly.

"Is it possible? Are you alone?"

"Yes, sir."

"You are young to travel so far."

"I am sixteen; that is, I shall be in two or three weeks."

"Still, you are young to take such a journey alone. Are you going to
join friends there?"

"No; I am going to seek my fortune."

Once more the young man looked surprised, and scanned Tom curiously.

"I presume you are from the city," he observed, with a smile which Tom
would not have understood if he had noticed it. The truth is, that Tom
bore evident marks of being a country boy. I don't like to say that he
looked "green," but he certainly lacked th