"I wish I could," said Joe wistfully. "Is there any chance for a boy
in California, Mr. Larkin?"

"Call me Seth. It's what I'm used to. I don't often use the handle
to my name. Well, there's a chance for a boy, if he's smart; but
he's got to work."

"I should be willing to do that."

"Then, if you ever get the chance, it won't do you any harm to try
your luck."

"How much did you say it costs to get there?"

"Well, maybe you could get there for a hundred dollars, if you wasn't
particular how you went."

A hundred dollars! It might as well have been ten thousand, as far
as Joe was concerned. He received no money wages, nor was he likely
to as long as he remained in the major's employ. There was a shoe
shop in the village, where money wages were paid, but there was no
vacancy; and, even if there were, Joe was quite unacquainted with the
business, and it would be a good while before he could do any more
than pay his expenses.

Joe sighed as he thought how far away was the prospect of his being
able to go to California. He could not help wishing that he were the
possessor of the magic carpet mentioned in the Arabian tale, upon
which the person seated had only to wish himself to be transported