Joes Luck | Page 6

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
anywhere, and he was carried there in the twinkling of an eye.
Joe walked home slowly, dreaming of the gold-fields on the other side
of the continent, and wishing he were there.
CHAPTER IV
JOE'S LEGACY
The next day was Saturday. There was no school, but this did not
lighten Joe's labors, as he was kept at work on the farm all day.
He was in the barn when Deacon Goodwin, a neighbor, drove up.
Oscar was standing in front of the house, whittling out a cane from a
stick he had cut in the woods.
"Is Joe Mason at home?" the deacon inquired.
Oscar looked up in surprise. Why should the deacon want Joe Mason?
"I suppose he is," drawled Oscar.
"Don't you know?"
"Probably he is in the barn," said Oscar indifferently.
"Will you call him? I want to see him on business."
Oscar was still more surprised. He was curious about the business, but
his pride revolted at the idea of being sent to summon Joe.
"You'll find him in the barn," said he.
"I don't want to leave my horse," said the deacon. "I will take it as a
favor if you will call him."

Oscar hesitated. Finally he decided to go and then return to hear what
business Joe and the deacon had together. He rather hoped that Joe had
been trespassing on the deacon's grounds, and was to be reprimanded.
He opened the barn door and called out:
"Deacon Goodwin wants you out at the gate."
Joe was as much surprised as Oscar.
He followed Oscar to the front of the house and bade the deacon good
morning.
"Oscar tells me you want to see me," he said.
"Yes, Joe. Do you remember your Aunt Susan?"
"My mother's aunt?"
"Yes; she's dead and buried."
"She was pretty old," said Joe.
"The old lady had a small pension," continued the deacon, "that just
about kept her, but she managed to save a little out of it. When the
funeral expenses were paid it was found that there were fifty-six dollars
and seventy-five cents over."
"What's going to be done with it? he inquired.
"She's left it to you," was the unexpected reply, "You was the nearest
relation she had, and it was her wish that whatever was left should go
to you."
"I'm very much obliged to her. I didn't expect anything. I had almost
forgotten I had a great-aunt."
"The money has been sent to me, Joe," continued the deacon. "I'm
ready to pay it over to you when you want it, but I hope you won't

spend it foolish."
"I don't think I shall, Deacon Goodwin."
"It wouldn't take long to spend it, Joe," said the deacon. "Do you want
me to keep it for you?"
"I don't know," said Joe; "I haven't had time to think. I'll come round
to-night and see you."
"Very well, Joseph. G'lang, Dobbin!" and the deacon started his old
horse, who had completed his quarter century, along the road.
Oscar had listened, not without interest, to the conversation. Though he
was the son of a rich man, he had not at command so large a sum as his
father's hired boy had fallen heir to. On the whole, he respected Joe
rather more than when he was altogether penniless.
"You're in luck, Joe," said he graciously.
"Yes," said Joe. "It's very unexpected."
"You might buy yourself a new suit of clothes."
"I don't intend to do that."
"Why not? You were wishing for one yesterday."
"Because it is your father's place to keep me in clothes. That's the
bargain I made with him."
"Perhaps you are right," said