“I guess the major’s tailor’s bill won’t ruin him, then. Are they the best you’ve got?”
“No; I’ve got a better suit for Sunday.”
“Well, that’s something. You deserve to do better, Joe.”
“I wish I could,” said Joe wistfully. “Is there any chance for a boy in California, Mr. Larkin?”
“Call me Seth. It’s what I’m used to. I don’t often use the handle to my name. Well, there’s a chance for a boy, if he’s smart; but he’s got to work.”
“I should be willing to do that.”
“Then, if you ever get the chance, it won’t do you any harm to try your luck.”
“How much did you say it costs to get there?”
“Well, maybe you could get there for a hundred dollars, if you wasn’t particular how you went.”
A hundred dollars! It might as well have been ten thousand, as far as Joe was concerned. He received no money wages, nor was he likely to as long as he remained in the major’s employ. There was a shoe shop in the village, where money wages were paid, but there was no vacancy; and, even if there were, Joe was quite unacquainted with the business, and it would be a good while before he could do any more than pay his expenses.