This announcement was a great shock to Tommy.
"Did mother go with him?" he inquired.
"Yes," replied Boston Charley. "They went together at a moment's notice."
CHAPTER XIX.
BOUND HOME.
"My friend and I have lost our situations through a joke," he exclaimed, "and we want to leave this country. Will you take us along with you?"
"Now you're talking, sonny," answered Boston Charley. "This ship is going to San Francisco, and if you want the straight tip, as these Londoners say, we don't have any use for boys aboard."
Tommy's countenance fell at this declaration.
"Couldn't you make room for us, sir?" he asked.
"In consideration of your being a fellow citizen, I'll chance it," answered the officer. "The cap and I are pretty good friends, and I guess I can fix it for you to-morrow. Meanwhile you can go aboard and bunk in the fo'castle to-night."