“I am not sure about that. Would you expect all your expenses to be paid, or have you money enough to pay a part of them?”
The stranger seemed interested to hear Tom’s answer.
“Oh, I have some money of my own,” answered Tom, quickly. “I have enough to carry me through, but I want to save some of it.”
“So, so,” returned the young man, seeming gratified. “I am glad to hear that.”
“Why?” asked Tom.
“Because a friend of mine and myself propose to start for California in two or three days, and we would like to engage a boy to go with us, and do any little services that we might require. Now, I don’t want to make any promises, but I will speak to my friend, and see if he is willing to join me in engaging you.”
“Thank you,” said Tom, joyfully, for he had not expected so soon to make an engagement.
“Oh, there will be no occasion to thank me; it will be a mutual arrangement,” said the other, waving his hand. “What is your name?”
“Tom Thatcher.”
“I suppose you can bring recommendations of honesty, and so on?”