“I generally repay compliments in kind, Rupert. As you are so anxious about my prospects, I may say that a Pearl Street merchant has offered me a place.”
“Then you expect to live in New York—as long as you keep your situation?”
“No; I shall travel at first.”
“Indeed! Where?”
“I shall probably go West.”
This was all that Rupert was able to elicit from Tom.
He faithfully reported it to his father. John Simpson was relieved to hear that Tom was to leave Wilton. Had he known that our hero was going to California his feeling would have been very different. As it was, he concluded that Tom had undertaken the business of traveling-agent for some firm.
“He won’t make his fortune at it,” said he, shrugging his shoulders. “It’s a poor business.”
“I am glad of that,” said Rupert. “I hope he’ll come back in rags.”