of something better by and
by."

"Tell me your story. Where were you living?" Charles Folsom listened
attentively.

"Major Norton didn't appear disposed to pamper you, or bring you up
in luxury, that's a fact. It would have been hard lines if, on
account of losing your aunt's legacy, you had been compelled to go
back to Oakville."

"I wouldn't have gone," said Joe resolutely.

"What would you have done?"

"Stayed in New York, and got a living somehow, even if I had to black
boots in the street."

"I guess you'll do. You've got the right spirit. It takes boys and
men like you for pioneers."

Joe was gratified at his companion's approval.

"Now," said Folsom, "I may as well tell you my story. I am the son
of a New York merchant who is moderately rich. I entered the
counting-room at seventeen, and have remained there ever since, with
the exception of four months spent in Europe."

"If you are rich already, why do you go out to California?" asked Joe.

"I am not going to the mines; I am going to prospect a little for the
firm. Some day San Francisco will be a large city. I am going to
see how soon it will pay for our house to establish a branch there."

"I see," said Joe.

"I shall probably go out to the mines and take a general survey of
the country; but, as you see, I do not go out to obtain employment."

"It must be jolly not to have to work," said Joe, "but to have plenty
of money to pay your expenses."

"Well, I suppose it is convenient. I believe you haven't a large
cash surplus?"

"I have a dollar."

"You've got some pluck to travel so far away from home with such a
slender capital, by Jove!"

"I don't know that it's pluck. It's necessity."

"Something of both, perhaps. Don't you feel afraid of what may
happen?"

"No," said Joe. "California is a new country, and there must be
plenty of work. Now, I am willing to work and I don't believe I
shall starve."

"That's the way to feel, Joe. At the worst, you have me to fall back
upon. I won't see you suffer."

"It is very lucky for me. I hope I shan't give you any trouble."

"If you do, I'll tell you of it," said Folsom, laughing. "The fact
is, I feel rather as if I were your guardian. An odd feeling that,
as hitherto I have been looked after by others. Now it is my turn to
assume authority."

"You will find me obedient," said Joe, smiling. "Seriously, I am so
inexperienced in the way of the world that I shall consider it