“That was a mean trick,” said Dick Scudder indignantly. “Do you know the man that cheated you?”
“Yes; he is on board the steamer.”
“How much money have you got left?”
“A dollar.”
“Only a dollar? And you are not afraid to land in California with this sum?”
“No, sir. I shall go to work at once.”
“Charlie,” said Dick, turning to his friend, “I will do as you say. Are you willing to take this boy into your stateroom in my place?”
“Yes,” said Charles Folsom promptly. “He looks like a good boy. I accept him as my roommate.”
“All right,” said the other. “My boy, what is your name?”
“Joe Mason.”