The Argosy, Vol. XI No. 19 — page 13: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

THE ARGOSY ‘“Thank you, sir,” said Grant gratefully. ‘‘I never met such kindness before.” ‘*Do you wish togive up your situation, and go to themines at once ?” ‘No, sir- I enjoy feeling that I am so well paid for my labor. You see I never earned much before, Mr. Tarbox only gave me my board.” ‘“And how much are you paid for your services here ?” ‘* Three dollars a day and my board,” answered Grant proudly. ‘‘ That is indeed high pay for a boy of yourage. If you will let me advise you, don’t let it make you extravagant. Don’t form the habit of gambling. I notice there are several gambling saloons here.” ‘*No, sir, I won't. I know nothing about cards.” ‘* You could soon learn.” “Thank you for your advice, Mr. Crosmont.” ‘*T give it because I feel an interest in you, Grant. I can’t explain why, for I have met a good many young persons in my travels, and never was drawn to any one as I am drawn to you.” ‘*T am glad to have so good a friend, Mr. Crosmont,” said Grant earnestly. ‘““And I am glad to have found some one in whom I can feelan in terest. I begin to feel that there is some object in living.” “Are you going to remain in Sac- ramento, Mr. Crosmont ?” ‘“No, I start this afternoon for San Francisco.” Grant’s countenane fell. Just as he had ascertained how true and reliable a friend Mr. Crosmont was, hewas destined to part with him. ‘* Then I shall not see you again,” he said soberly. ‘*T hope you will, Grant,” returned Mr. Crosmont, with a friendly smile. ‘““TIndeed, I mean that youshall. I don’t propose to lose sightof you. How long do you think you shall remain in your present employment ?” ‘*One month, and possibly two. I would like to get a good sum of money together before I start. Ishall need to buy a few things.” “What things?” “Some underclothing, a new pair of shoesd, and new suit. The clothes I have on were pretty well worn out by the trip across the plains.” ‘*Dont.trouble yourself about that. I will take your directions on the size, and send you what you need from San Francisco.”’ ‘TIT can’t thank you enough, Mr. Crosmont. It will save me a good deal of money.” *- You will need all the money you can earn. Now I will give you my address in San Francisco, and if you have any occasion to ask help or advice write unhesitatingly. I shall travel a part of the time, but I shall always answer your letters as soon as [ receive them.” ‘« Thank you, sir.” “You have no father. Look upon me as a father or guardian, whichever you please. This will be my address.” He took a card from his pocket, and wrote upon it under his name, “ Care of C. D. Vossler, Jeweler, Market St., San Francisco.” ‘*Mr. Vossler is an old friend of mine,” he said, ‘‘ and he will take care of any letters that come directed in this way. I don’t know where I shall put up, = that it will be best always to address me when you write in his care.’ “ Thank you, sir. I will remember.” “Yes ; don't lose the card.”’ Mr. Crosmont left the restaurant, and Grant did not again see him before his departure. He felt cheered to think he had fgnd such a friend. Twothousand miles from home it was worth a good deal to iin ul ue Nc a 301 think that if he were sick or got into trouble he had a friend who would stand by him, and to whom he could apply for help or advice. The next day, in an hour which was given him during the time when business was slack, Grant went round to see Mr. Cooper. He found the blacksmith busy in his shop. He had bought the little cabin opposite, and his family had already move in. ‘*It didn’t take me long to get established, Grant,” he said with a well satisfied smile. ‘“ No, sir. I was quite taken by surprise to hear it.” ‘*T did a good thing in coming to California, I am convinced of that. Why, Grant, how much do you think I took in for work yesterday ?” ‘* Ten dollars,” suggested Grant. reff ji! y is) opin hel f iy Hh hs iy Vay b, a “ Hh ‘i / ; i ii AAG , Ny ir BUA ‘*AT THIS RATE I SHALL BE ABLE TO BUY BACK MY OLD PLACE 1N A YEAR.” ‘* Better than that—seventeen ! Why, at this rate, I shall be able to buy back my old place in a year out of my savings.” ‘‘T am glad to hear of your good luck, Mr. Cooper.” ‘* You have got employment, too, Grant ?” ‘* Yes, sir.” ‘* How much are you paid ?”’ ‘*My board and three dollars a day.” ‘“Why, that’s fine, and you only sixteen years old, too. well pleased 1f Tom does as well at the mines.” ‘* Tf he does well, I expect to join him in a month or two.” ‘*T don’t know as it’s wise. Perhaps you had better stay where you are.” : ‘*T might not make as much money, but I should not be satisfied to come to California and not go to the mines,” “ That’s just exactly what lam going to do. better off in Sacramento. difference.” ‘*T must leave you now, Mr. Cooper, and get back to business.” | ‘“* Are you a good deal confined ?” “Yes, that’s the worst of it. I have to be at the restaurant in the evening till ten o’clock, but I can get off for an hour every afternoon. " ‘““ Well, come out sina see us often. I would invite you to come and take supper some night, but I suppose you couldn't accept.”’ © I shall be Me and mother are However, you are young, and that makes a conniclooolks (CO)