“Perhaps not; but I have laid by some money and I would like to see something of the country. Will you carry on the restaurant for me for three months, if I give you your board and half of the profits?”
“Will I? I should think myself very lucky to get the chance.”
“Then you shall have the chance.”
“How do you know that I can be trusted?” asked Watson.
“I haven’t known you long,” said Joe, “but I feel confidence in your honesty.”
“I don’t think you’ll repent your confidence. When do you want to go?”
“I’ll stay here a few days, till you get used to the business, then I will start.”
“I was lucky to fall in with you,” said Watson. “I didn’t want to go back to the mines and tell the boys what a fool I have been. I begin to think there’s a chance for me yet.”
CHAPTER XXIV
MR. BICKFORD, OF PUMPKIN HOLLOW
It may be thought that Joe was rash in deciding to leave his business in the hands of a man whose acquaintance he had made but twelve hours previous. But in the early history of California friendships ripened fast. There was more confidence between man and man, and I am assured that even now, though the State is more settled and as far advanced in civilization and refinement as any of her sister States on the Atlantic coast, the people are bound together by more friendly ties, and exhibit less of cold caution than at the East. At all events, Joe never dreamed of distrusting his new acquaintance. A common peril, successfully overcome, had doubtless something to do in strengthening the bond between them.