“Well, Joe, here is my ticket. If you are ever able to pay a hundred dollars for this ticket, you may pay it to my friend, Charles Folsom. Now, I advise you both to be getting aboard, as it is nearly time for the steamer to sail. I won’t go on with you, Charlie, as I must go back to my father’s bedside.”
“Good-by, sir. God bless you!” said Joe gratefully. “Good-by, Joe, and good luck!”
As they went over the plank, the officer, recognizing Joe, said roughly:
“Stand back, boy! Didn’t I tell you you couldn’t go aboard without a ticket?”
“Here is my ticket,” said Joe.
“A first-class ticket!” exclaimed the officer, in amazement. “Where did you get it?”
“I bought it,” answered Joe.
“I shall go to California, after all!” thought our hero exultingly.
CHAPTER IX
THE FIRST DAY ON BOARD
“We will look up our stateroom first, Joe,” said his new friend. “It ought to be a good one.”