Joe had never spent much of his time on the railroad, so the long ride had much of novelty in it. The scenery was grand, as they wound in and out among the hills and mountains, or crossed brooks and rivers and well-kept farms. Numerous stops were made, and long before Philadelphia was gained the train became crowded.
“Nice day for riding,” said a man who sat down beside our hero. He looked to be what he was, a prosperous farmer.
“It is,” answered Joe.
“Goin' to Philadelphy, I reckon,” went on the farmer.
“Yes, sir.”
“That's where I'm going, too. Got a little business to attend to.”
“I am going there to try my luck,” said Joe, he felt he could talk to the old man with confidence.
“Goin' to look fer a job, eh?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Wot kin ye do, if I might ask?”