"He wanted to have me black his boots," said Ben.

"He isn't fit to black yours," said Jennie energetically.

"Oh, yes, he is," said Ben, laughing. "That's where you and I
disagree."

"I guess we both mean about the same thing," said Jennie, who saw
the point.

Ben's resolve to go to California was modified by an advertisement
in a New York daily paper which he saw at the village tavern.

It ran thus:

"Wanted, six boys, from fifteen to eighteen years of age, to fill
positions of trust. Ten dollars per week will be paid; but a deposit
of fifty dollars is required as a guarantee of honesty. This sum
will be repaid at the close of term of service. Address Fitch &
Perguson, No.--Nassau Street."

This advertisement looked quite attractive to Ben. He copied it, and
showed it to Uncle Job.

"Isn't that a good chance, Uncle Job?" he said. "Just think! Ten
dollars a week!"

"You'd have to pay your board out of it," said his uncle.

"I know that, but my board wouldn't cost more than four dollars a