"I'm sorry you are going, Ben," said his Cousin Jennie. "I shall
miss you awfully."
As Jennie was the prettiest girl in the village, though she did not
inherit any good looks from her plain-looking father, Ben was
gratified.
"You'd forget me soon," he said.
"No, I won't."
"Especially when Sam Sturgis comes round to see you."
"I don't want to see him. He's a stuck-up boy, and thinks himself
too good to associate with common people."
"He wanted to have me black his boots," said Ben.
"He isn't fit to black yours," said Jennie energetically.
"Oh, yes, he is," said Ben, laughing. "That's where you and I
disagree."
"I guess we both mean about the same thing," said Jennie, who saw
the point.
Ben's resolve to go to California was modified by an advertisement
in a New York daily paper which he saw at the village tavern.
It ran thus:
"Wanted, six boys, from fifteen to eighteen years of age, to fill
positions of trust. Ten dollars per week will be paid; but a deposit
of fifty dollars is required as a guarantee of honesty. This sum
will be repaid at the close of term of service. Address Fitch &
Perguson, No.--Nassau Street."
This advertisement looked quite attractive to Ben.
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