“Pardon me, but it is uncommon to meet one so young as yourself who is making so long a journey. I suppose, however, you have friends or relatives in California.”
“No, sir; I know no one, to my knowledge, in the Golden State.”
“Then, perhaps, you go out in search of employment?”
“No, sir; I go out on business.”
“You are a young business man,” said the clergyman, smiling.
“Perhaps I should rather say, on a mission. I am sent out, by a New York merchant, in search of his nephew, who is somewhere in San Francisco.”
Hector explained himself further. The minister, Mr. Richards, listened with attention.
“Certainly,” he said, “a great responsibility rests upon you. Mr. Newman must have great confidence in you.”
“I hope he will not find it misplaced,” answered Hector, modestly.
“It is certainly a compliment to you that a shrewd business man should consider you worthy of such confidence. The presumption is that he has good reason for his confidence. I think, my young friend, that you will enjoy your visit to our State.”