CHAPTER XXII.
A GAMBLING-HOUSE.
Having completed this important business arrangement, the two friends went out to explore the town. The limits were narrow compared with those of the flourishing city of the present day. Where the Palace and Grand hotels now stand was a sand-hill, and the bay encroached upon the business part of the city far more than now.
Scarcely a stone's throw from the grocery, on Montgomery street, between California and Sacramento, was the office of Adams' Express, which advertised to forward gold-dust and packages by every steamer.
"I will go in here, Mr. Ferguson," said Tom. "I shall not feel comfortable till I have started this money homeward. I am sure it will be wanted."
"Right, my lad. We will attend to it, by all means."
They entered the building,—a very humble one it would now be considered,—but they found other customers before them, and had to wait for their turn.
"What can I do for you?" asked the clerk, in a quick, business-like tone.
"I want to send home a hundred dollars," said Tom.