“That is true.  I should like very well to go, too.”

“Why won’t you, Mr. Morgan?”

“I cannot leave my business as readily as you can.  Do you feel confidence in this man whom you are leaving in charge?”

“Yes, sir.  He has been unlucky, but I am sure he is honest.”

“He will have considerable money belonging to you by the time you return—­that is, if you stay any length of time.”

“I want to speak to you about that, Mr. Morgan.  I have directed him to make a statement to you once a month, and put in your hands what money comes to me—­if it won’t trouble you too much.”

“Not at all, Joe.  I shall be glad to be of service to you.”

“If you meet with any good investment for the money while I am away, I should like to have you act for me as you would for yourself.”

“All right, Joe.”

Joe learned from Watson that the latter had been mining on the Yuba River, not far from the town of Marysville.  He decided to go there, although he might have found mines nearer the city.  The next question was, How should he get there, and should he go alone?

About this time a long, lank Yankee walked into the restaurant, one day, and, seating himself at a table, began to inspect the bill of fare which Joe used to write up every morning.  He looked disappointed.

“Don’t you find what you want?” inquired Joe.

“No,” said the visitor.  “I say, this is a queer country.  I’ve been hankerin’ arter a good dish of baked beans for a week, and ain’t found any.”

“We sometimes have them,” said Joe.  “Come here at one o’clock, and you shall be accommodated.”

The stranger brightened up.

“That’s the talk,” said he.  “I’ll come.”

“Have you just come out here?” asked Joe curiously.

“A week ago.”

“Are you a Southerner?” asked Joe demurely.

“No, I guess not!” said the Yankee, with emphasis.

“I was raised in Pumpkin Hollow, State of Maine.  I was twenty-one last first of April, but I ain’t no April fool, I tell you.  Dad and me carried on the farm till I, began to hear tell of Californy.  I’d got about three hundred dollars saved up and I took it to come out here.”

“I suppose you’ve come out to make your fortune?”

“Yes, sir-ee, that’s just what I come for.”

“How have you succeeded so far?”

“I’ve succeeded in spendin’ all my money, except fifty dollars.  I say, it costs a sight to eat and drink out here.  I can’t afford to take but one meal a day, and then I eat like all possessed.”

“I should think you would, Mr.-------”

“Joshua Bickford—­that’s my name when I’m to hum.”

“Well, Mr. Bickford, what are your plans?”

“I want to go out to the mines and dig gold.  I guess I can dig as well as anybody.  I’ve had experience in diggin’ ever since I was ten year old.”