“I am going to the mines.”
“Better think twice of that, Tom. Here you have a certainty and a comfortable living. There you will encounter hardship and privation, while the prospect of profitable returns for your labor is very uncertain.”
“I know all that, sir, but I have a special object.”
“What is it?”
“I will tell you, sir, in confidence. I came to California in search of a clerk who ran away from New York with a large sum of money and securities.”
“You—a boy of your age?” exclaimed Mr. Burton in astonishment.
“Yes, sir.”
“Who would employ so young a detective?”
“I came at my own expense and on my own account. You will understand better when I tell you that this clerk caused the failure of a merchant who owed me ten thousand dollars. If the securities can be recovered he will be able to pay me dollar for dollar.”
“This is a strange story, Tom.”