This conversation took place in the cars. They were on their way to St. Joseph—popularly called St. Joe—a place from which most parties started on their overland trips to California.
Tom paid his own fare, as had been arranged between them, and though the disbursement was considerable, consoled himself with the thought that, at the end of a week, he would be in receipt of twelve dollars from his employer.
Indeed, Mr. Burnett had very considerately offered to pay the first week’s salary in advance, but this Tom had declined.
“I would rather not receive the money until it is earned,” he said.
“By the way, Tom, that is a very pretty watch and chain of yours,” said Mr. Burnett.
“Yes, sir, so I think.”
“How much did you pay for it, if I may venture to ask?”
“I did not buy it, sir. It was made a present to me just before I left New York.”
“A very nice present, upon my word. I advise you to be very careful of it. It might excite the cupidity of some dishonest person who might be tempted to steal it.”