I got it this mornin'?"
"Has he got a chance to black boots?" asked Sam, with a sneer.
"He's stayin' at the Astor House," said Job, enjoying Sam's
surprise.
"Staying at the Astor House!" exclaimed the young aristocrat in
astonishment. "Why, that is a tip-top hotel."
"I always heerd it was," returned Job. "How can he afford to stay
there?" "He didn't say."
"Oh, I understand," said Sam, with an air of relief. "He's got a
place to black boots, or clean knives. That must be the way of it."
"I don't think it is, for he has engaged passage to Californy."
"Is that so? When does he sail?"
"On Saturday. We're goin' to send him his clothes. Do you want to
send him any word or message?"
"No; why should I?"
"I thought you was one of his friends."
"Yes, I will send him a message," said Sam. "Just tell him that when
he has spent all his money, I'll give him the place I offered him
before he left Hampton."
"You're very kind," said Job, concealing his amusement; "but I don't
think Ben will need to take up with your offer."
"I think he will," said Sam.
"I wonder whether Ben is really staying at the Astor House, and
paying his expenses there," he said to himself.
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