Here Mr. Stoddard came up.
“Well, my friend,” he said, “we are near the end of our voyage.”
“Yes, sir, and I am glad of it.”
“I think we all are. Landsmen rarely enjoy the sea. What are your plans, if I may ask?”
“I shall go to a hotel first, and then take a look round the city and see what are my prospects for getting something to do.”
“A wise resolution, no doubt. I shall also go to a hotel, summon a physician, and ask his advice as to whether I had better remain in San Francisco or go into the interior. We may meet again.”
“Yes, sir, I hope so.”
“Perhaps we may stay at the same hotel.”
Tom shook his head.
“I don’t think it likely, sir,” he said. “I have very little money, and I must find a cheap place, such as you wouldn’t be likely to go to.”