It will be some time before I can write you, but I
will send you a line from Panama, if possible. You needn't send me
any more of my money, for I have with me all I shall need at
present.
"Give my love to aunt and Cousin Jenny. I should like to see you all
again before I start, but I cannot spare the time. I am in good
health and spirits, and I think my prospects are good. Your
affectionate nephew, BEN."
This letter excited considerable surprise in Hampton.
"I'm afraid Ben's gettin' extravagant," said Uncle Job. "I've always
heerd that the Astor House is a fashionable hotel where they charge
big prices. Ben ought to have gone to a cheap place, and saved his
money."
"He says he's got money enough with him, father," said Mrs. Stanton.
"How much did he take away with him?"
"Seventy-five dollars."
"And he had to pay his passage to California out of that?"
"Of course."
"He won't have much left when he gets to California, then." "No, he
won't."
"Don't you think you'd better send him some?" "No, wife. Ben says
no, and I'm goin' accordin' to his directions. I suppose he knows
best what he wants."
Sam Sturgis did not often condescend to notice Job Stanton, but his
curiosity got the better of his pride, and, meeting the old man a
short time afterward, he asked: "Have you heard anythiug from Ben?"
"Yes, he writ me a letter from New York.
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