“No,” answered Dodger, smiling; “but I understand that the gentleman who engaged my passage said I was going to sea for my health.”
“If I were as robust as you, I shouldn’t give much thought to my health. Do you intend to remain in California?”
“I don’t know what I do intend,” replied Dodger. “I didn’t know I was going to California at all until I woke up in my stateroom.”
The young man looked surprised.
“Didn’t you know the destination of the vessel when you came on board?” he asked.
“I was brought aboard in my sleep.”
“This is curious. It looks to me as if you had a story to tell.
“Of course, I don’t want to be curious, but if there is anyway in which I can help you, by advice, or in any other way, I am quite ready to do so.”
Dodger paused, but only briefly. This young man looked friendly, and might help him to penetrate the mystery which at present baffled him.
At any rate, his experience qualified him to give friendly advice, and of this Dodger felt that he stood in need.