sked.

"No, thank you. I can carry it myself."

They went up-stairs, until Joe wondered when they were going to stop.
Finally the boy paused at the top floor, for the very good reason
that he could get no higher, and opened the door of 161.

"There you are," said the boy. "Is there anything else you want?"

"No, thank you."

"I'm sorry there ain't a bureau to keep your clothes," said the
freckle-faced boy, glancing at Joe's small bundle with a smile.

"It is inconvenient," answered Joe, taking the joke.

"You wouldn't like some hot water for shaving, would you?" asked the
boy, with a grin.

"You can have some put on to heat and I'll order it when my beard is
grown," said Joe good-naturedly.

"All right. I'll tell 'em to be sure and have it ready in two or
three years."

"That will be soon enough. You'd better order some for yourself at
the same time."

"Oh, I get in hot water every day."

The freckle-faced boy disappeared, and Joe sat down on the bed, to
reflect a little on his position and plans.

So here he was in New York, and on the way to California, too--that
is, he hoped so. How much can happen in a little while. Three days
before he had not dreamed of any change in his position.

"I hope I shan't have to go back again to Oakville. I won't go
unless I am obliged to," he determined.

He washed his hands and face, and went down-stairs. He found that
dinner was just ready. It was not a luxurious meal, but, compared
with the major's rather frugal table, there was great variety and
luxury. Joe did justice to it.

"Folks live better in the city than they do in the country," he
thought; "but, then, they have to pay for it. A dollar a day! Why,
that would make three hundred and sixty-five dollars a year!"

This to Joe seemed a very extravagant sum to spend on one person's
board and lodging.

"Now," thought Joe, after dinner was over, "the first thing for me to
find out is when the California steamer starts and what is the lowest
price I can go for."

In the barroom Joe found a file of two of the New York daily papers,
and began to search for the advertisement of the California steamers.

At last he found it.

The steamer was to start in three days. Apply for passage and any
information at the company's offices.

"I'll go right down there, and find out whether I've got money enough
to take me," Joe decided.

CHAPTER VI

JOE BUYS A TICKET

The office of the steamer was