"I never met him
before. I only know that he has lost all his money at the
gambling-table. Yet he may help me, and I must confide in somebody.
He is a rough customer, but he seems honest and sincere."
"Here in San Francisco," he answered. "I cannot tell you more until
I have her permission."
"That's all right. Ef I can help you, I will, Ben. You said your
name was Ben?"
"Yes."
"Mine is Bradley-Jake Bradley. I was raised in Kentucky, and I've
got an old mother living there now, I hope. I haven't heard anything
from her for nigh a year. It makes me homesick when I think of it.
Got a mother, Ben?"
"Neither father nor mother," answered Ben sadly.
"That's bad," said the miner, with rough sympathy. "You're a young
chap to be left alone in the world."
"Yes; I do feel very lonely sometimes, Mr. Bradley."
"Don't call me Mr. Bradley. I ain't used to it. Call me Jake."
"All right, I'll remember it. Where can I meet you again, Jake?"
"Here will do as well as anywhere."
"Will you be here to-morrow morning at nine o'clock?"
"Yes," answered Bradley. "I'll ask the porter to call me early," he
added, with rough humor.
Ben remembered that his new acquaintance had no money to pay for a
night's lodging, and would be forced to sleep out.
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