board and lodging.

"Now," thought Joe, after dinner was over, "the first thing for me to
find out is when the California steamer starts and what is the lowest
price I can go for."

In the barroom Joe found a file of two of the New York daily papers,
and began to search for the advertisement of the California steamers.

At last he found it.

The steamer was to start in three days. Apply for passage and any
information at the company's offices.

"I'll go right down there, and find out whether I've got money enough
to take me," Joe decided.




CHAPTER VI

JOE BUYS A TICKET

The office of the steamer was on the wharf from which it was to
start. Already a considerable amount of freight was lying on the
wharf ready to be loaded. Joe made his way to the office.

"Well, boy, what's your business?" inquired a stout man with a red
face, who seemed to be in charge.