are you?"

"Fifteen---nearly sixteen."

"That's about what I thought. Where are you livin' now, Joe?"

"I'm working for Major Norton."

Seth burst into a laugh.

"I warrant you haven't made your fortune yet, Joe," he said.

"I haven't made the first start yet toward it."

"And you won't while you work for the major. How much does he pay
you?"

"Board and clothes."

"And them are the clothes?" said Seth, surveying Joe's appearance
critically.

"Yes."

"I guess the major's tailor's bill won't ruin him, then. Are they
the best you've got?"

"No; I've got a better suit for Sunday."

"Well, that's something. You deserve to do better, Joe."