Joe was about to bid his acquaintance good night but the latter detained him.
“Come in, my boy,” he said. “You have done me a great service. I must know more of you.”
CHAPTER XVI
JOE’S NEW FRIEND
“Come up to my room,” said the stranger.
He obtained a candle at the office, gas not being used in San Francisco at that time, and led the way to a small chamber on the second floor.
“Now, sit down, my boy, and tell me your name.”
“Joseph Mason.”
“How long have you been here?”
“Less than a week.”
“I only arrived yesterday. But for your help, my residence might have been a brief one.”