As the story proceeds, we shall learn whether Joe had these necessary qualifications.
When supper was over he went into the public room of the Commercial Hotel, and took up a paper to read.

There was a paragraph about California, and some recent discoveries there, which he read with avidity.
Though Joe was not aware of it, he was closely observed by a dark-complexioned man, dressed in rather a flashy manner.

When our hero laid down the paper this man commenced a conversation.
"I take it you are a stranger in the city, my young friend ?" he observed, in an affable manner.
"Yes, sir," answered Joe, rather glad to have some one to speak to.
"I only arrived this morning." "Indeed! May I ask from what part of the country you come ?" "From Oakville, New Jersey." "Indeed! I know the place.

It is quite a charming town." "I don't know about that," said Joe.

"It's pretty quiet and dull--nothing going on." "So you have come to the city to try your luck ?" "I want to go to California." "Oh, I see--to the gold-diggings." "Have you ever been there, sir ?" "No; but I have had many friends go there.