Hector was seasick for the first twenty-four hours, but at the end ofthat time he had become accustomed to the rise and fall of the billows,and was prepared to enjoy himself as well as he could in the confinedquarters of an ocean steamer.
Of course, he made acquaintances. Among them was a clergyman, of middleage, who was attracted by our hero's frank countenance. They meton deck, and took together the "constitutional" which travelers onshipboard find essential for their health.
"You seem to be alone?" said the clergyman.
"Yes, sir."
"Pardon me, but it is uncommon to meet one so young as yourself whois making so long a journey. I suppose, however, you have friends orrelatives in California."
"No, sir; I know no one, to my knowledge, in the Golden State."
"Then, perhaps, you go out in search of employment?"
"No, sir; I go out on business."
"You are a young business man," said the clergyman, smiling.
"Perhaps I should rather say, on a mission. I am sent out, by a New Yorkmerchant, in search of his nephew, who is somewhere in San Francisco."
Hector explained himself further. The minister, Mr. Richards, listenedwith attention.
"Certainly," he said, "a great responsibility rests upon you. Mr. Newmanmust have great confidence in you."
"I hope he will not find it misplaced," answered Hector, modestly.
"It is certainly a compliment to you that a shrewd business man shouldconsider you worthy of such confidence. The presumption is that he hasgood reason for his confidence. I think, my young friend, that you willenjoy your visit to our State."
"Then you reside there, sir?"
"Oh, yes. I went out twenty years since; in fact, just after I graduatedfrom the theological school. I spent a year at the mines; but, at theend of that time, finding an opening in my profession, I accepted thecharge of a church in Sacramento."
"In Sacramento?" exclaimed Hector, eagerly.
"Yes. Have you any associations with that city?"
"It is my birthplace, sir."
"Then you are not a stranger to California?"
"Yes, sir; I came away so early that I have no recollection of theplace."
"What is your name?" asked the clergyman.
"Hector Roscoe."
"Roscoe? The name sounds familiar to me," said the minister,thoughtfully.
"How long since you went to Sacramento, Mr. Richards?"
"I went there in 1855."
"And I was born there in 1856. My father and mother lived there for sometime afterwards."
"It is probable that I met them, for Sacramento was a small place then.Shall you go there?"
"Yes, sir. I have a special reason for going--a reason most important tome."
As Mr. Richards naturally looked inquisitive, Hector confided in himfurther.
"You see, sir," he concluded, "that it is most important to me toascertain whether I am really the son of the man whom I have alwaysregarded as my father. If so, I am heir to a large fortune. If not, myuncle is the heir, and I certainly should not wish to disturb him in theenjoyment of what the law awards him."
"That is quite proper," said Mr. Richards. "In your investigation, itis quite possible that I may be able to help you materially, through mylong residence and extensive acquaintance in Sacramento. When you comethere, lose no time in calling upon me. Whatever help I can render youshall cheerfully be given."
"Thank you, sir."
"Shall you be much disappointed if you find that you are only theadopted, instead of the real, son of Mr. Roscoe?"
"Yes, sir; but it won't be chiefly on account of the property. I shallfeel alone in the world, without relations or family connections, withno one to sympathize with me in my successes, or feel for me in mydisappointments."
"I understand you, and I can enter into your feelings."
Arrived in San Francisco, Hector took lodgings at a comfortable hotel onKearney Street. He didn't go to the Palace Hotel, or Baldwin's, thoughMr. Newman had supplied him with ample funds, and instructed him tospend whatever he thought might be necessary.
"I mean to show myself worthy of his confidence," said Hector tohimself.
He arrived in the evening, and was glad to remain quietly at the hotelthe first evening, and sleep off the effects of his voyage. Afterthe contracted stateroom, in which he had passed over twenty days,he enjoyed the comfort and luxury of a bed on shore and a good-sizedbedroom. But, in the morning, he took a long walk, which was full ofinterest. Less than five minutes' walk from his hotel was the notedChinese quarter. Curiously enough, it is located in the central partof the business portion of San Francisco. Set a stranger down in thisportion of the city, and the traveler finds it easy to imagine himselfin some Chinese city. All around him, thronging the sidewalks, he willsee almond-eyed men, wearing long queues, and clad in the comfortable,but certainly not elegant, flowing garments which we meet onlyoccasionally in our Eastern cities, on the person of some laundryman.Then the houses, too, with the curious names on the signs, speak of afar-off land. On every side, also, is heard the uncouth jargon of theChinese tongue.
There is a part of San Francisco that is known as the Barbary Coast. Itis that part which strangers will do well to avoid, for it is the hauntof the worst portion of the population. Here floats many a hopelesswreck, in the shape of a young man, who has yielded to the seductions ofdrink and the gaming table--who has lost all hope and ambition, and isfast nearing destruction.
If Hector allowed himself to explore this quarter, it was not becausehe found anything to attract him, for his tastes were healthy, but hethought, from the description of Gregory Newman, that he would stand abetter chance of meeting him here than in a more respectable quarter.
Hector halted in front of a building, which he judged to be a gamblinghouse. He did not care to enter, but he watched, with curiosity, thosewho entered and those who came out.
As he was standing there, a man of forty touched him on the shoulder.
Hector turned, and was by no means attracted by the man's countenance.He was evidently a confirmed inebriate, though not at that time underthe influence of liquor. There was an expression of cunning, whichrepelled Hector, and he drew back.
"I say, boy," said the stranger, "do you want to go in?"
"No, sir."
"If you do, I know the ropes, and I'll introduce you and take care ofyou."
"Thank you," said Hector, "but I don't care to go in."
"Are you afraid?" asked the man, with a slight sneer.
"Yes. Haven't I a reason?"
"Come, sonny, don't be foolish. Have you any money?"
"A little."
"Give it to me and I'll play for you. I'll double it in ten minutes, andI'll only ask you five dollars for my services."
"Suppose you lose?"
"I won't lose," said the man, confidently. "Come," he said, in awheedling tone, "let me make some money for you."
"Thank you, but I would rather not. I don't want to make money in anysuch way."
"You're a fool!" said the man, roughly, and with an air of disgust heleft the spot, much to Hector's relief.
Still Hector lingered, expecting he hardly knew what, but it chancedthat fortune favored him. He was just about to turn away, when a youth,two or three years older than himself in appearance, came out of thegambling house. He was pale, and looked as if he had kept late hours. Hehad the appearance, also, of one who indulges in drink.
When Hector's glance fell upon the face of the youth, he started ingreat excitement.
"Surely," he thought, "that must be Gregory Newman!"
CHAPTER XXXV. THE PRODIGAL.
Hector's Inheritance, Or, the Boys of Smith Institute Page 34
