The longest way
is by a sailing-vessel round Cape Horn."
"What would you do when you got to California?" asked Tom.
"Go to work. I suppose I would go to the mines and dig gold."
"I wish it wasn't so far off. I'd like to go myself. Do you think a
feller could work his passage?"
"By blacking boots?"
"Yes."
"I don't believe he could. Sailors don't care much about having
their boots blacked."
"How much does it cost to go?"
"I don't know."
"Why don't you go to the office and find out?"
"So I will," said Ben, brightening up at the thought. "Do you know
where it is?"
"Yes."
"Will you show me?"
"I would if I'd make enough to buy me some dinner. I only had a
five-cent breakfast, and I feel kinder holler."
"I feel hungry myself," said Ben. "If you'll go with me I'll buy you
some dinner to pay you for your trouble."
"'Nough said!" remarked Tom briefly, as he shouldered his box. "I'm
your man. Come along! Where shall we go first?"
"To an eating-house. We might have to wait at the office."
Tom conducted Ben to a cheap restaurant, not far away, where the two
for a moderate sum obtained a plentiful meal. Had either been
fastidious, some exception might have been taken to the style in
which the dishes were served, but neither was critical.
Pages:
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50