"I am not sure whether it was best, but I knew we should have to be
awake all night if we didn't. He could have loosened the knots after
awhile. He won't trouble you any more."

"I wish I felt as sure about Hogan," said Joe.

"Hogan is a coward. I advise you to keep ft revolver constantly on
hand. He won't dare to break in by himself."

* * * * *

The next morning, after breakfast, Watson prepared to go out in
search of work.

"I must begin at the bottom of the ladder once more," he said to Joe.
"It's my own fault, and I won't complain. But what a fool I have
been! I might have gone home by the next steamer if I hadn't gambled
away all my hard earnings."

"What sort of work shall you try to get?"

"Anything--I have no right to be particular. Anything that will pay
my expenses and give me a chance to lay by something for my family at
home."

"Mr. Watson," said Joe suddenly, "I've been thinking of something
that may suit you. Since I came to San Francisco I have never gone
outside. I would like to go to the mines."

"You wouldn't make as much as you do here."

"Perhaps not; but I have laid by some money and I would like to see
something of the country. Will you carry on the restaurant for me
for three months, if I give you your board and half of the profits?"

"Will I? I should think myself very lucky to get the chance."

"Then you shall have the chance."

"How do you know that I can be trusted?" asked Watson.

"I haven't known you long," said Joe, "but I feel confidence in your
honesty."

"I don't think you'll repent your confidence. When do you want to
go?"

"I'll stay here a few days, till you get used to the business, then I
will start."

"I was lucky to fall in with you," said Watson. "I didn't want to go
back to the mines and tell the boys what a fool I have been. I begin
to think there's a chance for me yet."

CHAPTER XXIV

MR. BICKFORD, OF PUMPKIN HOLLOW

It may be thought that Joe was rash in deciding to leave his business
in the hands of a man whose acquaintance he had made but twelve hours
previous. But in the early history of California friendships ripened
fast. There was more confidence between man and man, and I am
assured that even now, though the State is more settled and as far
advanced in civilization and refinement as any of her sister States
on the Atlantic coast, the people are bound together by more friendly
ties, and e