"Alger Jr, Horatio - The Young Explorer" - читать интересную книгу автора (Alger Horatio Jr)

less fortunate. For four days she was sick and confined to her stateroom. After
that she was able to appear among the other passengers. Ben was very attentive,
and confirmed the favorable opinion she had already formed of him.
At last the voyage came to a close. It was a bright, cheery morning when the
steamer came within sight of San Francisco. It was not a populous and brilliant
city as at present, for Ben's expedition dates back to the year 1856, only a few
years after the discovery of gold. Still, there was a good-sized town on the
site of the future city. The numerous passengers regarded it with rejoicing
hearts, and exchanged hopeful congratulations. Probably with the exception of
Miss Sinclair, all had gone out to make or increase their fortunes. Her fortune
was already made. She had gone to enjoy personal liberty, and to find her
plighted husband.
"Well, Ben, we have nearly reached our destination," said Miss Sinclair, as she
looked earnestly in the direction of the embryo city. "You are glad, are you
not?"
"Yes, Cousin Ida," said Ben slowly.
"But you look thoughtful. Is there anything on your mind?"
"I feel sorry that I am to part from you, Cousin Ida."
"Thank you, Ben, but we are not to part permanently. You don't mean to forsake
me utterly?"
"Not if you need me," said our hero.
"I shall still require your services. You remember that I came out here in
search of a—friend?" said Miss Sinclair, hesitating.
"Yes, I know, Cousin Ida."
"I am desirous that he should know that I am in San Francisco, but,
unfortunately, though I know he is in California, I have no idea where, or in
what part of it he is to be found. Once in communication with him, I need have
no further apprehension of interference or persecution on the part of my
guardian."
"To be sure," said Ben straightforwardly. "I suppose you would marry him?"
"That may come some time," said Miss Sinclair, smiling, "but he must be found
first."
"You will travel about, I suppose?" said Ben.
"No; I shall engage some one to travel for me. It would not be suitable for a
young lady to go from one mining-camp to another."
"Have you thought of any one you can send?" asked our hero.
"Yes," said Miss Sinclair. "He is rather young, but I shall try the experiment."

"Do you mean me?" asked Ben quickly.
"Yes; are you willing to be my agent in the matter?"
"I should like it of all things," said Ben, with sparkling eyes.
"Then you may consider yourself engaged. The details we will discuss presently."

"And where will you stay, Cousin Ida?"
"In San Francisco. I have become acquainted with a lady on board who proposes to
open a boarding-house in the city, or, rather, to take charge of one already
kept by her sister. In my circumstances, it will be better for me to board with
her than at a hotel. There I shall have a secure and comfortable home, while you
are exploring the mining-districts in my interest."
"That is an excellent plan," said Ben.