"He did."
The clerk was a man of middle age. At home he had a son of Tom's age, and this led him to feel a friendly interest in our hero.
"I suppose you have never traveled much," he said.
"No, sir. This is my first journey."
"Are you going far?"
"To California."
"That is a long journey for a boy of your age," said the clerk, looking surprised.
"Yes, sir; but I can't get anything to do at home, and I am going to California to seek my fortune."
"I hope you will be successful," said the clerk, with hearty sympathy. "Will you let me give you a piece of advice?"
"I shall be very glad of it, sir," responded Tom. "I find I am quite inexperienced."