“How do you do, Joe?” said Major Norton cordially. “I am glad to see you.”

Joe’s face lighted up.

“Thank you, sir,” he said.

“Shake hands, Joe.”

Major Norton was mean in money matters, but he had something of the gentleman about him.

Oscar held aloof.

“How do you do, Oscar?”

“I’m well,” said Oscar. “Have you been to California?”

“Yes.”

“You don’t seem to have made your fortune,” said Oscar superciliously, eying Joe’s shabby clothing.