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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Young Miner, by Horatio Alger, Jr.
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Young Miner
+       or Tom Nelson in California
+
+Author: Horatio Alger, Jr.
+
+Release Date: September 18, 2007 [EBook #22669]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE YOUNG MINER ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by David Edwards, Marcia Brooks and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This
+file was produced from scans of public domain material
+produced by Microsoft for their Live Search Books site.)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: THE PACIFIC SERIES.]
+
+THE
+
+YOUNG MINER;
+
+OR,
+
+TOM NELSON IN CALIFORNIA.
+
+BY
+
+HORATIO ALGER, JR.,
+
+AUTHOR OF "RAGGED DICK," "TATTERED TOM," "LUCK AND PLUCK," "BRAVE AND
+BOLD" SERIES, ETC., ETC.
+
+PHILADELPHIA:
+
+HENRY T. COATES & CO.
+
+
+
+
+FAMOUS ALGER BOOKS.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+=RAGGED DICK SERIES=. By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 6 vols. 12mo. Cloth.
+
+RAGGED DICK.
+FAME AND FORTUNE.
+MARK THE MATCH BOY.
+ROUGH AND READY.
+BEN THE LUGGAGE BOY.
+RUFUS AND ROSE.
+
+=TATTERED TOM SERIES=. By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 4 vols. 12mo. Cloth. FIRST
+SERIES.
+
+TATTERED TOM.
+PAUL THE PEDDLER.
+PHIL THE FIDDLER.
+SLOW AND SURE.
+
+=TATTERED TOM SERIES=. 4 vols. 12mo. Cloth. SECOND SERIES.
+
+JULIUS.
+THE YOUNG OUTLAW.
+SAM'S CHANCE.
+THE TELEGRAPH BOY.
+
+=CAMPAIGN SERIES=. By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 3 vols.
+
+FRANK'S CAMPAIGN.
+PAUL PRESCOTT'S CHARGE.
+CHARLIE CODMAN'S CRUISE.
+
+=LUCK AND PLUCK SERIES=. By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 4 vols. 12mos. Cloth.
+FIRST SERIES.
+
+LUCK AND PLUCK.
+SINK OR SWIM.
+STRONG AND STEADY.
+STRIVE AND SUCCEED.
+
+=LUCK AND PLUCK SERIES=. 4 vols. 12mo. Cloth. SECOND SERIES.
+
+TRY AND TRUST.
+BOUND TO RISE.
+RISEN FROM THE RANKS.
+HERBERT CARTER'S LEGACY.
+
+=BRAVE AND BOLD SERIES=. By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 4 vols. 12mo. Cloth.
+
+BRAVE AND BOLD.
+JACK'S WARD.
+SHIFTING FOR HIMSELF.
+WAIT AND HOPE.
+
+=PACIFIC SERIES=. By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 4 vols. 12mo.
+
+THE YOUNG ADVENTURER.
+THE YOUNG MINER.
+THE YOUNG EXPLORERS.
+BEN'S NUGGET.
+
+=ATLANTIC SERIES=. By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 4 vols.
+
+THE YOUNG CIRCUS RIDER.
+DO AND DARE.
+HECTOR'S INHERITANCE.
+HELPING HIMSELF.
+
+=WAY TO SUCCESS SERIES=. By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 4 vols. 12mo. Cloth.
+
+BOB BURTON.
+THE STORE BOY.
+LUKE WALTON.
+STRUGGLING UPWARD.
+
+=NEW WORLD SERIES=. By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 3 vols. 12mo. Cloth.
+
+DIGGING FOR GOLD.
+FACING THE WORLD.
+IN A NEW WORLD.
+
+=_Other Volumes in Preparation._=
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+COPYRIGHT BY A. K. LORING, 1879.
+
+To
+GENEVIEVE AND ANITA ALGER,
+This Volume
+IS AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED.
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE.
+
+
+When "The Young Adventurer" was published, a year since, as the initial
+volume of The Pacific Series, it was announced that the second volume
+would be "The Young Pioneer." This has been changed to "The Young
+Miner," in order to avoid confusion with a book bearing a title somewhat
+similar to the one first proposed.
+
+Those who were interested in Tom Nelson's trip across the Plains will
+find in the present story a record of his adventures in the Land of
+Gold. Though his prosperity was chiefly due to his own energy and
+industry, it is also true that he was exceptionally lucky. Yet his good
+fortune has been far exceeded by that of numerous adventurous spirits in
+Colorado, within the last twelve months. Some measure of prosperity
+generally awaits the patient and energetic worker, and seldom comes to
+those who idly wait for something to turn up.
+
+NEW YORK, Oct. 1, 1879.
+
+
+
+
+THE YOUNG MINER;
+
+OR,
+
+TOM NELSON IN CALIFORNIA.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+THE GOLD-SEEKERS.
+
+
+A dozen men, provided with rockers, were busily engaged in gathering and
+washing dirt, mingled with gold-dust, on the banks of a small stream in
+California. It was in the early days, and this party was but one of
+hundreds who were scattered over the new Eldorado, seeking for the
+shining metal which throughout the civilized world exercises a sway
+potent and irresistible.
+
+I have said there were a dozen men, but this is a mistake. One of the
+party was a well-grown boy of sixteen, with a good-humored and even
+handsome face. He was something more than good-humored, however. There
+was an expression on his face which spoke of strength and resolution
+and patient endurance. The readers of "The Young Adventurer" will at
+once recognize in our young hero Tom Nelson, the oldest son of a poor
+New England farmer, who, finding no prospects at home, had joined the
+tide of emigrants pouring from all parts of the country to the land of
+which so many marvelous stories were told. Tom had come to work; and
+though he doubtless shared to some extent the extravagant anticipations
+of the great body of Eastern visitors who hoped to make a fortune in a
+year, he did not expect to succeed without hard toil.
+
+His companions belonged to the same party with whom he had crossed the
+plains, under the leadership of Phineas Fletcher, a broad-shouldered
+Illinois farmer, who had his family with him. Next to Tom was Donald
+Ferguson, a grave Scotchman, and Tom's special friend; a man of
+excellent principles, thoroughly reliable, and held in high respect by
+all though not possessed of popular manners. On the other side was
+Lawrence Peabody, a young Boston clerk, who had spent several years
+behind a dry-goods counter. He was soft and effeminate, with no talent
+for "roughing it," and wholly unfitted for the hard work which he had
+undertaken. He was deeply disappointed in his first work at
+gold-hunting, having come out with the vague idea that he should pick up
+a big nugget within a short time that would make his fortune and enable
+him to go home a rich man. The practical side of gold-seeking--this
+washing particles of dust from the dirt of the river-bed--was in the
+highest degree unsatisfactory and discouraging. He was not a bad fellow;
+and his companions, though they laughed at him, were well disposed
+towards him.
+
+Among the rest, mention may be made of John Miles, Henry Scott, and
+Chapman, owner of a refractory donkey named after King Solomon.
+
+Not far away from the river were the tents occupied by the miners. There
+was but one house, roughly built of logs. This was occupied by Captain
+Fletcher and his family. He had not had the trouble of building it, but
+had found it ready for occupation, having been constructed by a
+previous party who had wandered farther down the river in search of
+richer washings. In fact, it was this building which had decided our
+party to remain.
+
+"There isn't much difference in places," said Fletcher. "We may as well
+stay here."
+
+"Then why was it deserted?" suggested John Miles, dubiously. "That's
+rather against it, isn't it, captain?"
+
+"Not necessarily, Miles. You've been on berrying parties, haven't you,
+when at home?"
+
+"Many a time."
+
+"You've noticed that many of the pickers leave good places, just from
+love of novelty, and wander about the field, often faring worse than if
+they remained where they were?"
+
+"That's so, captain."
+
+"Then let us give this place a try. We'll make more working steady in a
+medium place than wandering here, there, and everywhere."
+
+So the whole party agreed to "give the place a try."
+
+There had been no brilliant success as yet, but fair luck. In six days
+Tom had washed out twenty-five dollars' worth of gold-dust, in spite of
+awkwardness and inexperience. Others had done better, but poor Lawrence
+Peabody had barely five dollars' worth to show. It must be said,
+however, that he had not averaged more than two or three hours of real
+labor in every twenty-four. He spent the rest of the time in wandering
+about aimlessly, or sitting down and watching the labors of his
+companions, while he enlivened them by pathetic lamentations over his
+unfortunate position, so far away from Boston and the refining
+influences of civilization.
+
+A little transcript of a conversation between Tom and himself will throw
+light upon the characters of both.
+
+"This is beastly work," sighed Peabody, resting from his by no means
+arduous labors, and looking over to Tom. "I tell you, it isn't fit for a
+gentleman."
+
+"It is rather hard to keep one's hands clean, Mr. Peabody," said Tom;
+"but you mustn't think of the present. Think of the time when you will
+go home, your pockets full of gold."
+
+"I don't see any prospect of it, Tom," sighed Peabody. "Here I've been
+hard at work for a week, and I haven't got over five dollars' worth of
+dust."
+
+"I have five times as much," said Tom.
+
+"Some people are lucky," said Peabody.
+
+"You haven't worked like Tom," said the Scotchman, plainly. "You haven't
+averaged over two hours a day, while Tom has worked eight or ten."
+
+"I have worked till my back was like to break," said the young man from
+Boston. "I am not accustomed to manual labor, Mr. Ferguson. My friend
+Tom has worked on a farm, while I have been engaged in mercantile
+pursuits. Oh, why did I leave Boston!"
+
+"I am sure I can't guess," said Ferguson, dryly.
+
+"I never expected anything like _this_."
+
+"What did you expect, if I may be so bold as to inquire?"
+
+"I thought I should find the gold in big nuggets worth thousands of
+dollars apiece. I was always reading in the papers about finding them. I
+think it's a great shame to deceive people by such stories. I don't
+believe there are any nuggets."
+
+"Oh, yes, there are; but they are few and far between," said Fletcher.
+"A neighbor of mine found one worth three thousand dollars. Altogether
+he brought home five thousand dollars, and invested it in a farm and
+saw-mill. He is doing a good business. When he came to California he had
+nothing."
+
+"That is what I should like, Captain Fletcher," said Tom. "If I could
+only manage to carry home five thousand dollars, I could make my father
+comfortable for life."
+
+"I shouldn't be satisfied with five thousand dollars," said Peabody,
+whose ideas were lofty.
+
+"How much would satisfy you?"
+
+"About fifty thousand," said the young Bostonian, his face lighting up
+at the thought of so large a sum.
+
+"And what would you do with it, if I may make so bold?" asked Ferguson.
+
+"I would buy a nice house at the South End, furnish it handsomely, and
+live in style."
+
+"I suppose you would marry?" suggested Tom, smiling.
+
+"I probably should," answered Peabody, gravely.
+
+"Perhaps you have the lady already selected."
+
+"I have."
+
+"Who is she?" asked John Mills. "Come, now, Peabody, don't be bashful."
+
+"It is the daughter of a Boston merchant."
+
+"Does the lady love you?"
+
+"We understand each other," answered Peabody, loftily. "She would marry
+me, poor as I am, but for her purse-proud, mercenary sire. It will be a
+happy day when, with my pockets full of gold, I enter his presence and
+claim his daughter's hand."
+
+"I wish you success, Mr. Peabody," said Tom. "I hope you have no
+rivals."
+
+"Yes, there is one."
+
+"Are you not afraid of him?"
+
+"Oh, no; he is a fellow of no style," said Peabody, drawing up his
+slender form, and looking as stylish as a very dirty shirt, muddy boots,
+and a soiled suit would allow.
+
+"I think I shall wait awhile before getting married," said Tom. "I am
+afraid I wouldn't stand any chance with an heiress, Mr. Peabody. Do you
+think I can ever be stylish?"
+
+The Bostonian understood Tom to be in earnest, and told him he thought
+in time, under proper training, he might become fairly stylish.
+
+The conversation was interrupted by the ringing of a bell from the
+log-house. Mrs. Fletcher, by an arrangement with the party, prepared
+their meals, and thus they fared better than most of the early pioneers.
+Their labor gave them a good appetite, and they were more solicitous
+about quantity than quality. Slow as he was at his work, there was no
+one who exhibited greater alacrity at meal-times, than Lawrence Peabody.
+At such times he was even cheerful.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+MISSOURI JACK.
+
+
+At the end of a month the settlement had considerably increased. A large
+party from Missouri went to work farther up stream, and a few stray
+emigrants also added themselves to the miners at River Bend, for this
+was the name selected by Captain Fletcher for the location. The new
+arrivals were a rougher and more disorderly class than Fletcher and his
+companions. Already there was a saloon, devoted to the double purpose of
+gambling and drinking; and the proprietor, Missouri Jack (no one knew
+his last name), was doing a thriving business. Indeed his income
+considerably exceeded that of any one in the settlement.
+
+Neither Tom nor any of his party contributed much to Missouri Jack's
+profits. In consequence, they had to bear the ill-will and sometimes
+open abuse of Jack and his friends.
+
+"Come in and take a drink, stranger," called out Jack, the day after the
+opening of the saloon, to Captain Fletcher.
+
+"No, thank you."
+
+"It shan't cost you a cent."
+
+"It would cost me my health," returned Fletcher.
+
+"Do you mean to say I sell bad whiskey?" demanded Jack, angrily,
+emphasizing the inquiry by an oath.
+
+"I don't know anything about it."
+
+"Then what _do_ you mean?"
+
+"I mean that all whiskey is bad for the health," replied Fletcher.
+
+"Oh, you're a temperance sneak!" exclaimed Missouri Jack,
+contemptuously.
+
+"I am a temperance man; you may leave out the other word," calmly
+answered Fletcher.
+
+"You're not a man!" exploded Jack. "A man that's afraid of whiskey is
+a--a--isn't half a man. He isn't fit to be a woman."
+
+"Have it as you like," said Fletcher, unruffled. "I shall not drink to
+please any man. I had a younger brother--a bright, promising young man
+poor Ben was--who drank himself to death. He'd have been alive now but
+for whiskey."
+
+"Oh, dry up your pious talk! You make me sick!" exclaimed Missouri Jack
+in deep disgust.
+
+Next he accosted John Miles, who curtly declined and received in return
+a volley of abuse. Now Miles was a powerful man, and not possessed of
+Fletcher's self-control. He paused, and surveyed Jack with a menacing
+look.
+
+"Look here, stranger," he said, sharply, "just have a care how you use
+that tongue of yours. This is a free country, and if I choose to decline
+your whiskey, there's no law against it that I know of."
+
+"You're a white-livered sneak!"
+
+Missouri Jack did not proceed with his remarks, for John Miles, seizing
+him by the shoulder, tripped him up, and strode away, leaving him
+prostrate, and pouring out a volley of curses. Being a bully, and
+cowardly as most bullies are, he did not pursue his broad-shouldered
+enemy, but vowed vengeance whenever a good opportunity came.
+
+In fact, the only one of the original miners who accepted Jack's
+invitation was Lawrence Peabody.
+
+"Step in, stranger, and have a drink!" said Jack, a little dubiously,
+having met with such poor luck heretofore.
+
+The young Bostonian paused. He was not a drinker at home, but in his
+discontent and disappointment he was tempted.
+
+"My dear sir, you are very polite," he said.
+
+"I hope you ain't one of them temperance sneaks," said Jack, his brow
+clouding in anticipation of a refusal.
+
+"I assure you I am not," Peabody hastened to say. "I have participated
+in convivial scenes more than once in Boston."
+
+"I don't understand college talk," said Jack; "but if you want a glass
+of prime whiskey, just say the word."
+
+"I don't care if I do," said Peabody, following his new friend into the
+saloon.
+
+The draught of prime whiskey scorched his throat as he swallowed it
+down, but it was followed by a sense of exhilaration, and Peabody's
+tongue was loosened.
+
+"You're a gentleman!" said Missouri Jack. "You ain't like them fellows
+you're with. They're sneaks."
+
+"Really, you compliment me, Mr.--, what may I call your name?"
+
+"Missouri Jack--that's the peg I hang on to."
+
+"My dear Mr. Jack, I am glad to know you. You are really quite an
+accession to our settlement."
+
+"Well, if I ain't, my saloon is. How you've managed to live so long
+without liquor beats me. Why, it ain't civilized."
+
+"It _was_ pretty dull," admitted Peabody.
+
+"No life, no amusement; for all the world like a parcel of Methodists.
+What luck have you met with, stranger?"
+
+"Beastly luck!" answered Peabody. "I tell you, Mr. Jack, California's a
+fraud. Many a time I've regretted leaving Boston, where I lived in
+style, and moved in the first circles, for such a place as this.
+Positively, Mr. Jack, I feel like a tramp, and I'm afraid I look like
+one. If my fashionable friends could see me now, they wouldn't know me."
+
+"I ain't got no fashionable friends, and I don't want any," growled
+Missouri Jack, spitting on the floor. "What I want is, to meet
+gentlemen that ain't afraid to drink like gentlemen. I say, stranger,
+you'd better leave them Methodist fellers, and join our gang."
+
+"Thank you, Mr. Jack, you're very kind, and I'll think of it," said
+Peabody, diplomatically. Though a little exhilarated, he was not quite
+blind to the character of the man with whom he was fraternizing, and had
+too much real refinement to enjoy his coarseness.
+
+"Have another drink!"
+
+"Thank you."
+
+Peabody drank again, this time with a friend of Jack's, a man of his own
+stripe, who straggled into the saloon.
+
+"Do you play euchre?" asked Jack, producing a dirty pack of cards.
+
+"I know little of it," said Peabody; "but I'll try a game."
+
+"Then you and me and Bill here will have a game."
+
+"All right," said Peabody, glad to while away the time.
+
+"What'll you put up on your game, stranger?" asked Bill.
+
+"You don't mean to play for money, do you?" asked Peabody, a little
+startled.
+
+"Sartain I do. What's the good of playin' for nothing?"
+
+So the young Bostonian, out of his modest pile was tempted to stake an
+ounce of gold-dust. Though his head was hardly in a condition to follow
+the game intelligently, he won, or at least Bill and Jack told him he
+had, and for the first time Lawrence felt the rapture of the successful
+gambler, as he gathered in his winnings.
+
+"He plays a steep game, Bill," said Jack.
+
+"Tip-top--A No. 1."
+
+"I believe I do play a pretty good game," said the flattered Peabody.
+"My friends in Boston used to say so."
+
+"You're hard to beat, and no mistake," said Bill. "Try another game."
+
+"I'm ready, gentlemen," said Peabody, with alacrity.
+
+"It's a great deal easier earning money this way," he reflected,
+regarding complacently the two ounces of dust which represented his
+winnings, "than washing dirt out of the river." And the poor dupe
+congratulated himself that a new way of securing the favors of fortune
+had been opened to him.
+
+The reader will easily guess that Lawrence Peabody did not win the next
+game, nor will he be surprised to hear that when he left the saloon his
+pockets were empty.
+
+"Better luck next time, stranger," said Jack, carelessly. "Take a drink
+before you go?"
+
+Peabody accepted the invitation, and soon after staggered into the tent
+occupied by Tom and his friend Ferguson.
+
+"What's the matter, Mr. Peabody?" asked Tom. "Are you sick?"
+
+"Yes," answered Peabody, sinking to the floor. "Something's the matter
+with my head. I don't feel well."
+
+"Have you been to the saloon, Mr. Peabody?" asked Ferguson.
+
+"Yes," answered the Bostonian.
+
+"And while there you drank some of their vile whiskey, didn't you?"
+
+"I'm a free man, Mr. Ferguson. If I choose to drink, what--what business
+is it--yours?"
+
+"None, except as a friend I advise you not to go there again."
+
+Further inquiries elicited the facts about the gambling, and Ferguson
+and Tom seriously remonstrated with Peabody, who, however, insisted that
+Mr. Jack, as he called him, was a hospitable gentleman.
+
+The dust which Peabody had lost should have been paid to Capt. Fletcher,
+as his share of the expenses that same evening. Of course this was now
+impossible. Fletcher warned him that any subsequent failure from the
+same cause would be followed by an exclusion from his table.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+HOW TOM GOT ON.
+
+
+About this time Tom took account of stock. He had come out to California
+with the noble and praiseworthy purpose of earning money to help his
+father pay off the mortgage on his little farm. He was the more anxious
+to succeed, because two hundred dollars of the amount had been raised to
+defray his expenses across the continent. The mortgage, amounting now to
+twenty-two hundred dollars, was held by Squire Hudson, a wealthy
+resident of the same town, who hoped eventually to find an excuse for
+fore-closing the mortgage, and ejecting Mr. Nelson's family. He was
+actuated not alone by mercenary motives, but also to gratify an ancient
+grudge. In early life Mrs. Nelson, Tom's mother, had rejected the suit
+of the wealthy squire, and this insult, as he chose to characterize it,
+he had never forgotten or forgiven.
+
+Had Tom been aware of the Squire's feelings, towards his family, he
+never would have been willing to have the mortgage increased for his
+sake, much as he wished to go to California. But neither Tom nor his
+father dreamed of Squire Hudson's secret animosity, and regarded his
+willingness to advance the extra two hundred dollars as an evidence of
+friendship.
+
+But I have said that Tom took account of stock--in other words,
+ascertained how much he was worth. First, then, of the money borrowed
+for his trip--the original two hundred dollars--he had twenty-five
+dollars left over. Besides this sum, after paying all expenses, he had
+accumulated, by hard work and strict economy, fifty dollars' worth of
+gold-dust.
+
+"I wish father had this money," said Tom to his tent-mate, Ferguson. "I
+am afraid he stands in need of it."
+
+"There may be a way to send it to him, Tom."
+
+"I wish there were."
+
+"There's one of our party going to San Francisco next week. He can buy
+a draft there, and send it to your father."
+
+"Who is going?" asked Tom, eagerly.
+
+"John Miles. You can trust him with the money, Tom."
+
+"Of course I can. I'd trust John Miles with any sum."
+
+"Who's that taking liberties with my name?" asked a manly voice, and
+John Miles himself stepped into the tent, bending his head as he
+entered.
+
+"I hear you are going to San Francisco, John?"
+
+"Yes, I start next week."
+
+"Will you come back again?"
+
+"I intend to. I am going to prospect a little, and buy some things for
+myself and Captain Fletcher."
+
+"Will you do me a favor?"
+
+"Of course I will, if it isn't too large a one," answered Miles.
+
+Tom explained what he wished, and John Miles cordially assented.
+
+"You're a good boy, Tom," he said, "to think of your father so soon."
+
+"I feel anxious about him," said Tom. "He raised money to send me out
+here, and I don't want him to suffer for it."
+
+"That's the right way to feel, Tom. I wish I had a father and mother to
+look out for," said Miles, soberly, "but you're in better luck than I.
+Both died when I was a mere lad. How much do you want to send?"
+
+"Seventy-five dollars."
+
+"Have you saved up so much already?" asked Miles, in surprise.
+
+"Part of it I had left over when I got here."
+
+"Will you have any left?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Isn't it well to reserve a little, then?"
+
+"Oh, I shall have some more soon," answered Tom, sanguine, as most boys
+are.
+
+"Suppose you are sick?"
+
+"If he is sick he shall suffer for nothing," said the Scotchman. "While
+I have money, Tom shall not feel the want of it."
+
+"Thank you, Mr. Ferguson," said Tom, gratefully.
+
+"That old fellow has a heart, after all," thought Miles, who had been
+disposed to look upon Ferguson ever since their first acquaintance, as
+rather miserly.
+
+The Scotchman was certainly frugal, and counted his pennies carefully,
+but he was not mean, and had conceived a strong affection for his young
+companion, whom he regarded much as a son or a nephew.
+
+"Suppose you take the money now, John," said Tom.
+
+"Shall I scribble a receipt, Tom? I am afraid my writing materials have
+given out."
+
+"I don't want any receipt," said Tom; "I'll trust you without one."
+
+"Nevertheless, lad," said the cautious Scotchman, "it may be well--"
+
+"Yes, Tom, Mr. Ferguson is right. Of course I know that you trust me;
+but if anything should happen to me,--any accident, I mean,--the paper
+may be useful to you."
+
+"Just as you like, Mr. Miles, but I don't ask it, remember that."
+
+"Yes, I will remember it, and I don't mean to meet with any accident if
+I can help it. Mr. Ferguson, can you oblige me with a pipeful of
+tobacco? I'll join you in smoking."
+
+Smoking was the Scotchman's solitary extravagance, not a costly one,
+however, as he never smoked cigars, but indulged only in a democratic
+clay pipe.
+
+John Miles threw himself on the ground between Tom and his Scotch
+friend, and watched complacently the wreaths of smoke as they curled
+upwards.
+
+"Tom, you ought to smoke," he said. "You don't know how much enjoyment
+you lose."
+
+"Don't tempt the lad," said Ferguson. "It's a bad habit."
+
+"You smoke yourself."
+
+"That is true, but it isn't well for a growing boy. It can do him no
+good."
+
+"I smoked before I was as old as Tom."
+
+"So did I, but I wish I had not."
+
+"Well, perhaps you're right, but it's a comfort when a man's tired or
+out of spirits."
+
+"I am not troubled in that way," said Tom. "I mean with being out of
+spirits."
+
+"Youth is a hopeful age," said the Scotchman. "When we are young we are
+always hoping for something good to befall us."
+
+"And when one is older, how is it, Mr. Ferguson?"
+
+"We fear ill more than we hope for good," he replied.
+
+"Then I want to remain young as long as I can."
+
+"A good wish, Tom. Some men are always young in spirit; but those that
+have seen the evil there is in the world find it harder to be hopeful."
+
+"You speak as if you had had experience of the evil, Mr. Ferguson."
+
+"So I have," answered the Scotchman slowly. Then, after a pause, "I will
+tell you about it: it's no secret."
+
+"Not if it is going to pain you."
+
+"Oh, the pain is past. It's only a matter of money, and those wounds
+heal."
+
+"Only a matter of money!" said John Miles to himself. "I must have
+misjudged Ferguson. I thought money was all in all with him. I did not
+think he would speak so lightly of it."
+
+"When I was a young man," Ferguson began, "my father died, leaving me a
+thousand pounds, and a small annuity to my mother. With this money I
+felt rich, but I knew it would not support me, nor was I minded to be
+idle. So I began to look about me, to consider what business I had best
+go into, when a young man, about my own age, a clerk in a mercantile
+house, came to me and proposed a partnership. He was to put in five
+hundred pounds, and contribute his knowledge of business, which was
+greater than mine. He was a young man of good parts, and had a brisk,
+pleasant way with him, that made him a favorite in business circles. I
+thought it was a good chance, and, after taking a little time for
+thought, agreed to his proposal. So the firm of McIntire and Ferguson
+was formed. We went into business, and for a time all seemed to go
+well. As my partner chose to keep the books, I was not so clear as I
+wished to be about matters, but we seemed to be prospering. One morning,
+however, on coming to business, I found that my partner had disappeared,
+after possessing himself of all the money he could collect on the credit
+of the firm. Of course we were bankrupts, or rather I was, for he left
+me to bear the brunt of failure."
+
+"Have you ever seen him since, Mr. Ferguson?"
+
+"From that day to this--twenty years--I have never set eyes on Sandy
+McIntire."
+
+"It was a mean trick to serve you, Ferguson," said Miles.
+
+"Yes," said the Scotchman, soberly. "I minded the loss of money, but the
+loss of confidence was a sore thought too, after all the trust I had put
+in that man."
+
+Presently Miles rose to go.
+
+"I'll take care of your money, Tom," he said, "and do my best to get it
+safely to your father."
+
+"Thank you, John."
+
+As Miles left the tent, he did not observe a crouching figure on the
+other side of it. It was the figure of Bill Crane, a crony of Missouri
+Jack, in fact, the man who helped him to fleece poor Peabody of his
+scanty hoard.
+
+Bill looked after Miles enviously.
+
+"I wonder how much money he's got?" thought Bill. "I'd like some of it,
+for I'm bust. I must tell Jack. I don't dare to tackle him alone."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+A FOILED ROBBER.
+
+
+In the grand rush to the newly discovered gold-fields all classes were
+represented. There were men of education, representatives of all the
+learned professions, men versed in business, and along with them
+adventurers and men of doubtful antecedents, graduates of prisons and
+penitentiaries. Bill Crane, introduced in the last chapter, belonged to
+the latter undesirable class. He had served a term at Sing-Sing as a
+housebreaker, and later another term in a Western penitentiary. He had
+come to California with a prejudice against honest labor, and a
+determination to make a living by the use of the peculiar talents on
+which he had hitherto relied. He had spent a week at River Bend, chiefly
+at the saloon of Missouri Jack, whom he found a congenial spirit, and
+had picked up a little money from flats like the young Bostonian; but,
+on the whole, he had found it an unprofitable field for the exercise of
+his special talents.
+
+"I must make a raise somehow," he bethought himself, "and then I'll make
+tracks for some other settlement."
+
+Precisely how to raise the fund of which he stood in need was difficult
+to decide. Moneyed men were not plenty at River Bend. Captain Fletcher
+and his party had been at work but a short time, and were not likely to
+have collected much.
+
+As we know, Bill Crane overheard a part of the closing conversation
+between Tom and John Miles. From this he learned that Miles, besides his
+own money, would be in charge of seventy-five dollars belonging to our
+young hero. It was not much, but it was something.
+
+"If the whole doesn't come to over two hundred dollars, I can make it
+do," thought Crane. "It will get me out of this beastly hole, and carry
+me to San Francisco."
+
+John Miles slept by himself under a small tent at the northern end of
+the small encampment. He looked like a man who ate well and slept well,
+and this would be favorable to Bill Crane, who proposed to effect the
+robbery in the night. He had half a mind to secure the aid of Missouri
+Jack, but then Jack would expect to go shares in the "plunder," and
+there was likely to be little enough for one. So Bill decided to make
+the attempt alone.
+
+In a small camp like that at River Bend, the movements and plans of each
+individual were generally known. So it was generally understood that
+John Miles intended to start on Thursday for the city.
+
+The previous evening he spent with Tom and Ferguson, with whom he was
+more intimate than any others of the party. He would not have been drawn
+to the Scotchman, but for his being Tom's room-mate. Through him he came
+to appreciate and respect the Scot's sterling virtues, and to overlook
+his dry, phlegmatic manner.
+
+"I hope you'll have good luck, Mr. Miles," said Tom.
+
+"Thank you, my boy."
+
+"I would join with my young friend Tom," said Ferguson, "if I were quite
+clear in my mind whether good luck is the right term to use."
+
+"Don't you think some men are luckier than others, Mr. Ferguson?" asked
+Tom.
+
+"Some men are more successful, doubtless; but what we call good luck,
+generally comes from greater industry, good judgment, and, above all,
+the prompt use of opportunities."
+
+"There is something in that," said Miles; "but when two men work side by
+side with equal industry, and one finds a nugget worth thousands of
+dollars, while the other plods along at a few dollars a day, isn't there
+some luck there?"
+
+"It may be so," said the Scotchman, cautiously, "but such cases are
+exceptional."
+
+"So one boy is born to an inheritance of wealth and another to an
+inheritance of hard work. Isn't there any luck there?"
+
+"The luck may be on the side of the poor boy," was the reply. "He is
+further removed from temptation."
+
+John Miles laughed.
+
+"Well, at any rate, it seems you believe in luck after all. I am sure
+you both wish me to be prosperous, whether you call it luck or by some
+other name. Tom, if I meet with any good opening that I think will suit
+you, I shall write you. You don't want to stay here, particularly?"
+
+"No; the place is not so pleasant since these new people have come here.
+Missouri Jack isn't a neighbor that I like."
+
+"He is exerting a bad influence," said Ferguson. "I am afraid Peabody
+visits him too often for his own good."
+
+"He ought to have stayed in Boston," said Miles. "He is not the man for
+such a life as ours. He is too delicate to work, or thinks he is, and I
+see no other reliable road to success."
+
+"I saw Peabody reeling out of the saloon this afternoon," said Tom. "I
+asked him if he considered it was 'high-toned' to drink in a saloon, as
+that is the word he is always using, but he said it didn't make much
+difference out here, where he wasn't known."
+
+"Peabody isn't overstocked with brains, though he does come from
+Boston," said Miles.
+
+Ten o'clock came, and Miles rose to go.
+
+"I must have a good night's rest," he said, "for to-morrow night must
+see me many miles on my road. Tom, I will attend to that commission of
+yours just as soon as I have the opportunity."
+
+"Thank you, Mr. Miles."
+
+John Miles walked slowly toward his tent. Arrived there, he threw
+himself down on his rude couch, and in less than fifteen minutes, he was
+sound asleep. He had done his usual day's work, and made some
+preparations for his journey besides, and these made slumber sweet and
+refreshing.
+
+Before settling himself for the night, however, Miles carefully
+deposited a bag of gold-dust under his head, wrapped up in an extra pair
+of pantaloons. Had he known that Bill Crane had formed a plan to rob him
+that very night, he would have taken extra precautions, but he was not
+inclined to be suspicious, or to anticipate danger.
+
+Perhaps an hour later, Tom, who found himself unusually restless, got up
+from his hard couch, leaving Ferguson fast asleep, and went out into
+the air, thinking that a walk would do him good and dispose him to
+sleep. The night was dark, but not wholly so. There was no moon, but a
+few stars were shining; and as his eyes became accustomed to the faint
+light, he could easily distinguish objects at the distance of a few
+rods.
+
+Tom's thoughts reverted to his humble home, more than three thousand
+miles away. Probably the fact that he had committed to John Miles a sum
+of money to send to his father, had turned his thoughts in that
+direction.
+
+"Father will be glad to get the seventy-five dollars," thought Tom, "and
+I am sure he will need it. I wish it could get there more quickly, but
+it is a long way off."
+
+Tom was not homesick, and was far from wishing himself back, with his
+object in coming yet unaccomplished, but it did occur to him, that he
+would like to see his father and mother, and brothers and sisters, if
+only for a few minutes.
+
+When he came out he had no particular direction in mind in which he
+wished to walk, but chance directed his steps toward the tent of his
+friend, John Miles.
+
+When he came near it, his attention was arrested by the sight of a
+crouching figure which appeared to be entering the tent. His first
+thought was, that Miles, like himself, had got up from his couch and was
+just returning. He was on the point of calling out "John," when a sudden
+doubt and suspicion silenced him.--"Might not it be a robber?"
+
+Tom was determined to find out. He crept nearer, so that he could have a
+clearer view of the figure.
+
+"It's Bill Crane!" he said to himself, with sudden recognition. "What's
+he up to?"
+
+Tom could guess. He didn't know the man's antecedents, but he had read
+his character aright. He was instantly on the alert. Crane evidently was
+on a thief's errand, and was likely to steal not only Miles's money but
+Tom's. Our hero was alive to the emergency, and resolved to foil him. He
+had his revolver with him; for in the unsettled state of society, with
+no one to enforce the laws, and indeed no laws to enforce, it was the
+custom for all men to go armed.
+
+Tom was not long left in doubt as to Crane's intentions. He saw him
+cautiously pulling at something in the tent, and felt sure that it was
+the bag of treasure. He decided that the time had come to act.
+
+"Put that back," he exclaimed in boyish, but clear, commanding tone.
+
+Bill Crane turned suddenly, panic-stricken.
+
+He saw Tom standing a few feet from him, with a revolver in his hand.
+
+All was not lost. He might, he thought, intimidate the boy.
+
+"Mind your business, you young cub," he growled.
+
+"What are you about?" demanded Tom.
+
+"I am going to sleep with Miles. He invited me. Does that satisfy you?"
+
+"No, it doesn't, for I know that it's a lie. You are here to rob him."
+
+"You'd better not insult me, boy, or I'll have your life."
+
+"Get up this instant and leave the tent, or I'll fire," said Tom,
+resolutely.
+
+"A young cub like you can't frighten me. That shooting-iron of yours
+isn't loaded," said Bill Crane, rather uneasily.
+
+"It'll be rather a bad thing for you to take the risk," said Tom, with a
+coolness that surprised himself, for the situation was a strange one for
+a boy brought up in a quiet New England farming town.
+
+"What do you want of me?" growled the desperado, uncomfortably, for he
+was satisfied that the weapon was loaded, and Tom looked as if he would
+shoot.
+
+"I want you to leave that tent at once," said Tom.
+
+"Suppose I don't."
+
+"Then I shall fire at you."
+
+"And be hung for attempted murder."
+
+"I think I could explain it," said our hero. "You know very well what
+will happen to you if you are caught."
+
+Bill Crane did know. Hanging was the penalty for theft in the early
+days of California, and he had no desire to swing from the branch of a
+tree.
+
+"You're a young fool!" he said roughly, as he rose from his stooping
+posture. "I wanted to ask Miles to do a little commission for me in
+Frisco. I had no thought of robbing him."
+
+"You can see him in the morning about it," said Tom, resolutely.
+
+"I'll be even with you for this," said the foiled thief, as he sullenly
+obeyed the boy, half-ashamed to do so.
+
+Tom went back to his tent, aroused Ferguson, and the two took turns in
+guarding the tent of Miles during the night. Tom did not wish to awaken
+him, for he needed rest on the eve of a long and fatiguing journey.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+MILES SETS OUT ON HIS JOURNEY.
+
+
+"When Miles woke up in the morning he found Tom beside him.
+
+"Hallo, Tom!" he said, in some surprise. "This is an early call."
+
+"I have been here half the night," said Tom, quietly.
+
+"How is that?"
+
+"I was afraid you would be robbed."
+
+"Did you have any particular reason for fearing it?" asked Miles,
+quickly.
+
+Thereupon Tom described his chance visit of the evening before, and what
+he saw. As might have been expected, John Miles was indignant.
+
+"The miserable sneak! I'd like to wring his neck," he exclaimed. "Did
+you say he had his hand upon the bag of gold-dust, Tom?"
+
+"Yes; I distinctly saw him attempting to draw it out from under your
+head."
+
+"If the boys knew of this, Crane's fate would be sealed. A thief in a
+mining camp has a short shrift."
+
+"You mean he would be hung?" asked Tom, in surprise.
+
+"Yes, he would grace a limb of yonder tree, and I am not sure but it
+would be the best way to dispose of him."
+
+Tom shuddered.
+
+"It would be a terrible fate," he said. "I should like to see him
+punished, but I don't want him hanged."
+
+"Then you will have to keep your mouth shut. Once let the boys get hold
+of what happened, and nothing will save him."
+
+"Then I shall keep it to myself."
+
+"I will see Crane, and let him understand that I am aware of the attempt
+he made," said Miles.
+
+After breakfast he came upon Crane within a few rods of Missouri Jack's
+saloon.
+
+"Look here, Bill Crane," said Miles, "I've got something to say to you."
+
+"What is it?" returned Crane, sullenly, looking ill at ease.
+
+"I understand you favored me with a visit, last night."
+
+"Who told you so?"
+
+"Tom Nelson."
+
+"The young cub had better mind his own business," growled Crane, in a
+menacing tone.
+
+"He did me a service in preventing your intended theft."
+
+"If he says I meant to rob you, he lies!"
+
+"Nevertheless, if he should make public what he saw, the boys would be
+likely to believe him rather than you," said Miles, significantly.
+
+"Is he going to tell?" asked Crane, nervously.
+
+"He has told me, but is not likely to speak of it to others, being
+unwilling that you should suffer the punishment you deserve."
+
+"He is very kind," sneered Bill Crane, but he felt very much relieved.
+
+"You probably owe your life to his kindness," said Miles, quietly. "He
+tells me you wish me to do something for you in Frisco."
+
+"I've changed my mind," said Crane, abruptly; "I may go there myself,
+soon."
+
+Miles smiled.
+
+"I thought it might be something urgent," he said, "since it led you to
+come to my tent at midnight."
+
+"I thought you would be starting away early this morning."
+
+"Well thought of, Bill Crane; but it is only fair to tell you that I
+don't believe a word you say. I have one thing to say to you before I
+go, and you had better bear it in mind. If you harm a hair of Tom
+Nelson's head, and I believe you quite capable of it, I will never rest
+till I have found you out and punished you for it."
+
+"I am not afraid of you, John Miles," retorted Crane, but he looked
+uncomfortable.
+
+"You will have cause to be, if you injure Tom."
+
+Miles walked off, leaving behind him a bitter enemy.
+
+"I _hate_ him--him and the boy too!" muttered Bill Crane. "If I dared, I
+would put my mark on him before he leaves the camp."
+
+But Crane did not dare. He knew that he was in a very critical position.
+His safety depended on the silence of two persons--one of whom would
+soon be gone. He was not aware that Ferguson also knew of his attempted
+crime, or the danger would have seemed greater. However much he thirsted
+for vengeance, it would not do to gratify it now. He must bide his time.
+
+Bill Crane was cunning as well as malignant. He decided to quiet Tom's
+suspicions if he could, and ensure his continued silence, by an
+affectation of friendliness. He waited till he saw our hero washing dust
+beyond earshot of any listeners, and strolled up to him.
+
+"How are you getting on, Tom?" he asked, with an appearance of
+friendliness.
+
+Tom looked up quickly. Considering all that had happened, he was
+somewhat struck by Crane's effrontery.
+
+"Fairly well," he answered coldly.
+
+"Shan't I relieve you a few minutes?" proposed Crane.
+
+"No, thank you."
+
+"It's pretty hard work, and don't pay as well as it might. I think
+California's a humbug, for my part."
+
+"Have you tried washing for gold?" asked Tom. "I haven't seen you at
+work."
+
+"Not here. I've tried it elsewhere, but it's slow."
+
+"Then, why do you stay here?" asked Tom, naturally.
+
+Crane shrugged his shoulders.
+
+"Because I haven't money to get away," he said. "I'm waiting for
+something to turn up. If I could only get to Frisco, I would go into
+some business. I would like to have gone with Miles."
+
+"Was that what you were going to propose to him, last night?" asked Tom,
+dryly.
+
+"Yes, I wanted to speak to him on that subject. I had a great mind to
+ask him to lend me a little money, and take me along with him. I would
+have arranged to pay him soon after we reached Frisco."
+
+Tom knew that the fellow was lying, and remained silent.
+
+"You made a little mistake about my intentions," continued Bill Crane,
+smoothly, "but perhaps it was natural under the circumstances."
+
+Tom thought it was, but still preserved silence, much to Crane's
+discomfiture.
+
+Bill Crane eyed him sharply, and saw his incredulity, but for that he
+cared little, if only he could secure his silence.
+
+"I think you will see that it isn't fair to me to speak of this matter,"
+he continued.
+
+"I had made up my mind not to speak of it," said Tom. "I don't want to
+get you into trouble."
+
+"Good-morning, Mr. Crane," said Lawrence Peabody, who had just come up.
+
+"Good-morning, Peabody. I was watching our friend Tom. How are you
+getting on?"
+
+"I haven't done anything yet to-day. It's dirty work. I don't think
+it's fit for a gentleman; Tom, there, is used to work, and he don't
+mind."
+
+"Shall we go round to Jack's?"
+
+"All right!"
+
+And the two walked away together.
+
+"I am sorry Peabody doesn't keep better company," Tom said to himself.
+"Bill Crane won't do him any good."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+ROBBED IN HIS SLEEP.
+
+
+Tom was right in concluding that Bill Crane's influence over Peabody was
+anything but good. The young Bostonian, however, was not long subjected
+to it. During the night following John Miles's departure, the little
+settlement at River Bend was called upon to deplore the loss of an
+eminent member.
+
+In brief, somewhere between midnight and dawn Mr. William Crane took his
+departure, without the ceremony of leave-taking. Had he gone alone no
+one perhaps would have felt any violent sorrow, but he took with him a
+horse belonging to Adam Dietrich, an industrious young German, who had
+only recently arrived. No one had seen the two go together, but it was
+only natural to suppose that Crane had spirited away the horse.
+
+Dietrich borrowed a horse, and, accompanied by a friend, set out in
+search of the thief, but returned at night unsuccessful. Had it been wet
+weather, it might have been possible to track the fugitive; but it was
+very dry, and the trail was soon lost. It was almost impossible to tell
+what direction Crane would choose, and continued pursuit would not pay,
+so Adam sadly returned to his work.
+
+Little doubt was entertained among the miners that Crane was responsible
+for the loss of the horse. Had he been caught, there would have been
+small chance for him, so generally was he pronounced guilty. A few of
+his companions, especially Missouri Jack, defended him.
+
+"Bill Crane wouldn't steal a horse any more than I would," said Jack;
+and there were those who agreed with him without acquitting Bill. "Bill
+ain't no saint, but he ain't a thief."
+
+Whether Jack believed what he said, admits of a doubt. Crane needed a
+different advocate to clear him from suspicion.
+
+It may as well be stated that Crane did steal the horse. He had a
+decided objection to walking as long as he could ride, and, having no
+animal of his own, annexed the property of his neighbor.
+
+He had two motives which influenced him to leave the settlement. First,
+he was in Tom's power, and he was by no means certain that our hero
+would keep silence touching his night-attempt at robbery. In the second
+place, he still coveted the bag of gold-dust which John Miles carried
+away with him. He had been prevented from taking it; but, as Miles was
+travelling alone, he foresaw a better chance of success if he should
+follow on his track.
+
+How or under what circumstances he should make the new attempt he left
+to be decided later. The first thing, obviously, was to overtake him.
+
+Crane experienced the same difficulty in tracking Miles that had led to
+the failure of his own pursuers. It was only on the fifth day, that, as
+he halted his steed on the hillside, and cast long glances about him, he
+caught sight, a mile away, of the object of his pursuit. He could not
+mistake the sturdy, broad-shouldered figure, and large, massive head.
+
+"That's Miles, sure enough!" he exclaimed, joyfully. "I thought I had
+missed him, but I'm in luck. That bag must be mine."
+
+The most direct course was to ride up in the fashion of a highwayman,
+and demand the bag. But Crane did not mean to proceed in this fashion.
+Physically, though not a weak man, he was not a match for Miles, and he
+knew it. Cunning must supply the place of strength. He knew that Miles
+was a sound sleeper, and could think of no better plan than repeating
+the visit he had made in camp. It was already late in the afternoon when
+he caught sight of the sturdy miner. It was his policy now to keep him
+in sight, but not to approach near enough for recognition. Once seen,
+Miles would be on his guard, and the game would be spoiled. Crane
+halted, therefore, and drew back within the shadow of the trees,
+henceforth advancing cautiously.
+
+John Miles did not once turn back. Had he done so, it is quite possible
+that he might have caught a glimpse of his pursuer. He had travelled
+since morning, and his faithful horse was beginning to show signs of
+fatigue.
+
+"You are tired, my poor Dick," he said kindly, stroking the horse. "You
+deserve supper and rest, and you shall have it."
+
+Dick appeared to understand what his rider said, for he gave a short
+neigh of satisfaction.
+
+John Miles looked around him. Just ahead was a large tree, under whose
+broad branches it would be pleasant to recline. Not far away was a
+slender mountain-stream trickling over the rocks. Nothing could have
+been better.
+
+Miles slid from his horse and made preparations to encamp for the night,
+first leading his faithful steed to the stream, where he quenched his
+thirst. Then he brought out his slender stock of provisions and partook
+of supper.
+
+"It's pleasant to rest after a long day's ride," soliloquized Miles. "I
+must have made forty miles to-day. I could easily have gone farther, had
+it been on the prairies at home, but these mountain-roads are hard upon
+man and beast."
+
+After supper Miles threw himself upon the ground, and his mind became
+busy with his plans and prospects.
+
+"I shall reach Frisco in three days, according to my calculations," he
+reflected; "and then, first of all, I must attend to Tom's commission.
+That's a good boy, Tom. I wish he were here with me to-night. Why didn't
+I urge him to come with me? He is not doing very well where he is, and
+there are plenty of chances for a smart boy in the city. If I find any
+opening for him, I will send for him. I don't know what gives me such an
+interest in that boy, but I'd sooner do him a good turn than any man I
+know. I hope that thief Crane won't play any trick upon him. If he does,
+I swear I'll get even with him."
+
+John Miles little suspected that he himself stood in more peril from the
+man he denounced than our hero. Had he known that Bill Crane was lurking
+in the vicinity, he would scarcely have courted slumber so fearlessly.
+
+Physical fatigue and the stillness of outward nature speedily brought
+on a feeling of drowsiness that was not long in bringing sleep. Twilight
+had hardly given place to night when our traveller had become "to dumb
+forgetfulness a prey."
+
+This was what Bill Crane had been waiting for. He rightly calculated
+that Miles would soon be asleep. He inferred this from his own feelings.
+He, too, had travelled many miles, and felt drowsy; but, with the object
+he had in view near accomplishment, he was able to resist the promptings
+of nature.
+
+Crane rode till he was but a few rods from Miles, then dismounted and
+tethered his horse. With stealthy step he approached the sleeper. With
+satisfaction he regarded the upturned face of the man whom, if waking,
+he would have feared, and noted his deep, regular breathing.
+
+"You wouldn't sleep so sound, John Miles," he said to himself, "if you
+knew I was standing over you. How easily I could put a bullet into you!
+But then I wouldn't have the satisfaction of anticipating your
+disappointment when you wake up and find your treasure gone! No, you
+may live. I have no use for your life, that is, if you don't wake up. In
+that case, I may have to kill you."
+
+The bag of gold-dust lay under the head of Miles. He knew of no better
+place for it, calculating that any attempt at removal would arouse him.
+So it might under ordinary circumstances, but unusual fatigue made him
+sleep like a log. Bill Crane kneeled down, and by delicate manipulation
+succeeded in drawing the bag from beneath the sleeper's head. Lest the
+removal of the pillow might awaken Miles, he replaced it by a coat,
+which he folded up so as to produce about the same elevation above the
+ground.
+
+The transfer was made, without in the least interfering with the
+slumbers of the tired traveller.
+
+Bill Crane rose to his feet, triumphant. Not only was he possessed of a
+sum of which he stood sorely in need, but he had the satisfaction of
+outwitting his adversary. Moreover, he had obtained Tom's money in
+addition, and thus revenged himself upon the boy who had once thwarted
+him.
+
+"Good-by, John Miles!" he said, lifting his hat mockingly. "Sorry to
+inconvenience you, but can't help it. A long sleep, and pleasant
+dreams!"
+
+Thus speaking, he turned away, unconscious that he had been observed by
+a third party.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+THE HEATHEN CHINEE.
+
+
+This third party belonged to that peculiar race immortalized by Bret
+Harte. He was a heathen Chinee! His face was smooth and bland, and wore
+an expression of childlike innocence which was well calculated to
+deceive. Ah Sin possessed the usual craft of his countrymen, and
+understood very well how to advance his worldly fortunes. He belonged to
+the advance guard of immigrants from the Central Flowery Kingdom, and
+with a companion, Ah Jim, was engaged in mining in the immediate
+neighborhood. His gains had not been great thus far, but then his
+expenses had amounted to little or nothing. He and his friend had
+brought two bags of rice from San Francisco, and they were well
+satisfied with this solitary article of diet.
+
+Ah Sin, from a distance, had seen John Miles encamp for the night, and,
+impelled by curiosity or a more questionable motive, had approached to
+take a view of the stranger. Before reaching him he caught sight of Bill
+Crane, and his almond eyes straightway watched the movements of that
+gentleman, while he himself kept sufficiently in the background to
+escape observation.
+
+When he saw Crane stealthily remove the bag from under the sleeper's
+head, he became very much interested, and a bland smile overspread his
+face, while his cue vibrated gently with approval.
+
+"'Melican man very smart," he murmured to himself. "He steal his
+friend's money while he sleep."
+
+My readers are probably aware that our Mongolian visitors find a
+difficulty in pronouncing the letter _r_, and invariably replace it by
+_l_.
+
+"Suppose other 'Melican man wake up, he make a low," continued Ah Sin,
+softly.
+
+But the other 'Melican man did not wake up, and Bill Crane got away with
+his booty, as we already know. Cautiously the Chinaman followed him,
+and ascertained where he intended to pass the night. It was at a
+moderate distance from the cabin which the two Chinamen had selected for
+their mining camp.
+
+Bill Crane jumped from his horse, stretched his limbs, and gaped.
+
+"I'm powerful sleepy," he soliloquized. "I can't go any farther
+to-night. I don't like to rest so near Miles, but I can be on the road
+before he wakes up. I guess it will be safe enough."
+
+Crane, having made up his mind to rest, rolled himself up in his
+blanket, and stretched himself out, first tying his horse to a sapling.
+The place was retired, and he felt moderately confident that, even if he
+overslept himself, he would not be discovered.
+
+"I'd like to see Miles when he discovers his loss," he said to himself,
+smiling at the thought. "He'll be ready to tear his hair, and won't have
+the least idea how the gold-dust was spirited away. You excel me in
+brute strength, John Miles, but one thing I am pretty sure of, you
+haven't got my brains," and he complacently tapped his forehead.
+
+"There must be at least two hundred dollars' worth in that bag," he
+reflected. "It isn't a great haul, but it will do. It will last me some
+time, and perhaps start me in something in Frisco. Bill Crane, you've
+done a good stroke of business to-day. You are entitled to a good
+night's rest, and you shall have it."
+
+First, however, he concealed the bag. He did not think it safe to place
+it under his head as Miles had done. He scooped a hole in the earth near
+by, deposited the bag, replaced the dirt, and spread a few leaves over
+the top.
+
+"No one will think of searching there," thought Crane. "Even if Miles
+himself surprises me here, he won't suspect anything."
+
+Bill Crane felt that he was unusually sharp and crafty, and felt great
+contempt for the stupidity of the man whom he had overreached. The time
+was not far off when he had occasion to doubt whether he had not
+overrated his own artfulness.
+
+A pair of almond eyes, lighted up with mild wonder, followed closely
+all the movements of William Crane. When the bag was concealed, and
+Crane lay down to sleep, the Chinaman nodded blandly, and remarked
+softly, "All light! Me go find Ah Jim."
+
+Ah Sin had to walk but half a mile to find the partner of his toils. Ah
+Sin and Ah Jim, though not related to each other, were as like as two
+peas. The same smooth face, the same air of childlike confidence, the
+same almond eyes, a pigtail of the same length, a blouse and loose pants
+of the same coarse cloth, were characteristic of both.
+
+When the two met, they straightway plunged into a conversation in which
+Ah Sin had most to say.
+
+Ah Jim listened attentively, and was evidently well pleased with what
+his companion said. I am afraid my young friends are not well up in the
+Chinese tongue, and would not understand the conversation, however
+faithfully reported. They must infer what it was from what followed.
+
+The two Chinamen bent their steps towards the resting-place of Bill
+Crane. Ah Sin carried a bag of about the same size as the one Crane had
+stolen, which he carefully filled with sandy earth. With stealthy steps
+these two innocent heathen drew near the spot, and looked searchingly at
+the recumbent form of the eminent representative of American
+civilization.
+
+Ah Sin turned to Ah Jim with a pleased smile.
+
+"All light!" he said. "'Melican man asleep."
+
+A similar smile lighted up the face of Ah Jim. "'Melican man sleep
+sound," he said; "no wake up."
+
+Quite unaware of the honor done him by the special Chinese embassy which
+had taken this early opportunity to call upon him, Bill Crane slept on.
+There was a smile upon his upturned face as if he were dreaming of
+something pleasant. He should have been a prey to remorse, if his
+conscience had done its duty, but Bill's conscience had grown callous,
+and gave him very little trouble. It was only when he was found out that
+he became sensible of a kind of mental discomfort which came as near to
+remorse as he was capable of feeling.
+
+Reassured by the deep, regular breathing of the sleeper, Ah Sin and his
+friend proceeded to their work. The former drew a slender stiletto-like
+knife from a fan which protruded above the collar of his blouse, and,
+stooping down, began skilfully to remove the dirt which covered the bag
+of gold-dust. From time to time he stole a glance at the sleeper to mark
+the first indications of returning consciousness. It was well for Crane
+that his sleep continued. A Chinaman does not set a high value upon
+human life, and the long stiletto would have been plunged into the
+'Melican man before he was well aware of what was going on. Bill Crane's
+good genius saved him from this sudden exit by continuing the profound
+slumber in which he was repairing the ravages of fatigue.
+
+The Chinamen therefore met with no interruption in their work. They drew
+out from its place of concealment the buried bag, and emptying the
+contents of their own poured into it the combined treasures of Miles and
+poor Tom. Then they filled the first bag with the worthless dust which
+they had brought with them, and carefully reburied it in the ground.
+
+They did their work so carefully and well that no one was likely to
+suspect that the bag had been tampered with.
+
+Having done their work, Ah Sin and his friend smiled upon each other in
+bland satisfaction, which was further expressed by a low guttural
+chuckle.
+
+"All light," said Ah Sin, with a nod.
+
+"All light," chimed in Ah Jim, nodding in return.
+
+A consciousness of lofty virtue could not have produced a happier
+expression upon any face than appeared on the mild countenance of the
+Chinamen.
+
+"'Melican man much supplised when he wake up," remarked Ah Jim.
+
+"Chinamen make much money," returned his friend.
+
+The two enterprising visitors returned to their quarters, and concealed
+their booty in a safe place. Then they too lay down and slept the sleep
+of confiding innocence.
+
+Bret Harte has not told us whether the heathen Chinee has a conscience;
+but if he has, neither Ah Sin nor Ah Jim experienced any inconvenience
+from its possession. Neither they nor Bill perhaps can fairly be taken
+as fair representatives of the different religious systems under which
+they were trained. Bill Crane could hardly claim any superiority over
+the heathen Chinee in point of honesty.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+BILL CRANE'S DISAGREEABLE DISCOVERY.
+
+
+It was five o'clock in the morning when Bill Crane opened his eyes. He
+felt refreshed by his night's sleep, yet under ordinary circumstances
+would have deferred getting up for at least an hour. But the
+consciousness that he had a treasure to guard, and the knowledge that he
+was at any moment liable to be called to account by the real owner,
+whose camp was scarcely more than a mile distant, aroused him to
+exertion.
+
+"I must get away while John Miles is still asleep," he bethought
+himself. "Let me get to Frisco first, and I can at once dispose of it,
+and he will never find me out."
+
+Crane did not wait to prepare breakfast. That he could take on the road
+an hour or two later, when he felt safe from interruption. He rose and
+shook himself. This was his scanty toilet. Next he must take the bag
+from its place of concealment, and then he could commence his journey.
+
+While uncovering the bag, Crane did not discover that it had been
+tampered with, partly because it was still there. It was natural to
+suppose that, if discovered by a third party, it would be carried away.
+He did not even open the bag, not thinking it necessary.
+
+"John Miles hasn't waked up yet," he said to himself with a smile. "When
+he does, there'll be some swearing, I'll be bound. You're a good boy,
+John Miles, but you ain't so smart as you think you are. I think I have
+got the start of you this time."
+
+Bill Crane rode off smiling.
+
+His course led him by the camp of the Chinamen. Early as it was they
+were astir. Ah Sin saw the rider, and at once recognized him as the man
+he had robbed. How could Crane know that those pleasant-faced barbarians
+had served him such a trick?
+
+"Hallo, Chinamen!" he said aloud. "Have they got out here already? I'll
+speak to them. Hallo, John!" he said, halting his horse, for even then
+every Chinaman was John.
+
+"How do, John?" replied Ah Sin, smiling blandly.
+
+"My name isn't John, but no matter. What are you two doing?"
+
+"Looking for gold," was the reply.
+
+"Do you find any?"
+
+"Velly little. Bad place."
+
+"Have you been in San Francisco?"
+
+"Yes, John."
+
+"Why didn't you stay there?"
+
+"Too many Chinamen--too little washee,--washee."
+
+"What have you got in the way of provisions? Mine are stale. I'd like to
+buy some of you."
+
+"We have got a little lice, John."
+
+"Got a little what? Oh, I know: you mean rice. Why don't you pronounce
+your English better?"
+
+"Because Chinamen not 'Melican men."
+
+"Then I suppose I may as well be moving on, as I can't get anything out
+of you. Oh, have you got any tea, John?"
+
+"Yes, John."
+
+"Got any made?"
+
+Ah Sin produced a cup, for he and his friend had just prepared their
+breakfast, and being warm, Bill Crane gulped it down with a relish.
+
+"After all, a man needs some warm drink in the morning," he said to
+himself. "How much to pay, John?"
+
+"Nothing, John. 'Melican man welcome."
+
+"John, you're a gentleman, or rather both of you are gentlemen, even if
+you are heathens. I'll remember you in my prayers."
+
+The eminent Christian, Bill Crane, rode off from the Chinese camp,
+calmly confident of his moral superiority to the two benighted heathen
+whom he left behind him. Whether he remembered his promise to intercede
+for them in prayer is a little doubtful, or would have been, if he had
+had occasion to pray himself. It is to be feared that prayer and William
+Crane had long been strangers.
+
+As Crane rode away, the two Chinamen exchanged glances. A gentle smile
+lighted up their yellow faces, and they were doubtless thinking of
+something pleasant. They exchanged a few guttural remarks which I should
+like to be able to translate, for they doubtless referred to Bill Crane,
+whom they had kindly supplied with a cup of tea gratis. Yet, perhaps,
+considering all things, it was the dearest cup of tea Crane had ever
+drank, since it was the only return he got for a bag of gold-dust worth
+over two hundred dollars. But there is an old saying, "Where ignorance
+is bliss, 'tis folly to be wise." Crane was just as happy as if the bag
+really contained gold-dust. But this happy ignorance was not to last
+long.
+
+After riding five or six miles our traveller thought he might venture to
+dismount for rest and refreshment. He selected as his breakfast-table
+the green sward beside a sparkling mountain streamlet. He dismounted,
+permitting his horse to graze while he took out the stale provisions
+which must constitute his morning meal. They were not very palatable,
+and Crane sighed for the breakfasts of old, the memory of which at this
+moment was very tantalizing. But he comforted himself with the thought
+that he had the means of making up for his enforced self-denial when he
+reached San Francisco.
+
+This naturally led him to open the bag, and feast his eyes over his
+easily obtained wealth. He untied the string, and with a smile of
+pleased anticipation peered at the contents.
+
+His face changed suddenly.
+
+Was he dreaming? In place of the shining dust, his eyes rested on--sand.
+
+He hastily thrust in his finger, and stirred the grains. But nothing
+else was to be discovered. The bag contained nothing but worthless sand.
+
+Crane stared at the deceptive bag in the most lugubrious astonishment.
+Surely the bag contained gold-dust when he concealed it. There could be
+no doubt on that point, for he had opened it and seen the contents for
+himself. But in that case, how could such a change have been effected in
+one night? It had not been touched; so, at any rate, he believed. He had
+found it in the morning in the exact spot where he had placed it
+overnight, and yet--
+
+Bill Crane took another look at the contents of the bag, hoping that he
+had been deceived by some ocular delusion, but the second examination
+brought him no comfort. He sank back, feeling in a state of mental and
+bodily collapse.
+
+Never was poor thief so utterly bewildered as Bill Crane. He could
+almost believe that some magical transformation had been practiced at
+his expense. Was it possible, he thought, that John Miles, discovering
+his loss, had visited him, and played this trick upon him? He could not
+believe this. It was not in accordance with John's direct,
+straightforward nature. Instead of acting in this secret manner, he
+would have sternly charged Crane with the robbery, and punished him on
+the spot. Leaving him out of the account, then, the mystery deepened. It
+never occurred to Crane to suspect the Chinamen who had so hospitably
+furnished him with a cup of tea. Even if they had come into his mind, he
+would have been puzzled to account for their knowledge of his having the
+bag in his possession.
+
+Bill Crane was decidedly unhappy. His glowing anticipations of
+prosperity, based upon the capital contained in the bag, were rudely
+broken in upon, and the airy fabric of his hopes dashed to the ground.
+He felt that fortune had been unkind--that he was a deeply injured man.
+Had his claim to the stolen property been the best possible, he could
+not have felt the injustice of fate more keenly.
+
+"It's always the way!" he exclaimed in deep dejection. "I always was
+unlucky. Just as I thought I was on my feet again, this cursed gold-dust
+turns to sand. Here am I out in the wilderness without an ounce to my
+name. I don't know what to do. I'd give a good deal, if I had it, to
+find out what became of the gold-dust."
+
+As he spoke, Crane, in a fit of ill-temper, kicked the unlucky bag to a
+distance, and slowly and disconsolately mounting his horse, plodded on
+his way. All his cheerfulness was gone. It was some comfort, but still
+scant, to think that John Miles was as unlucky as himself. Both had
+become penniless tramps, and were alike the sport of Fortune. There was
+a difference in respect to their desert, however. John Miles may
+rightly claim the reader's sympathy, while Bill Crane must be considered
+to have met with a disaster which he richly deserved.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+CLEANED OUT.
+
+
+John Miles slept long, and awoke feeling refreshed and cheerful. He had
+a healthy organization, and never failed to eat and sleep well. Like
+Crane, he had no toilet to make, but sprang to his feet already dressed.
+
+His first thought was naturally of his treasure. His heart gave a quick
+bound when he failed to discover it in the place where he remembered to
+have put it. In dismay he instituted a search, which, of course, proved
+unavailing.
+
+"Who could have taken it?" thought Miles, large drops of perspiration
+gathering upon his forehead.
+
+All about him was loneliness. He could see no signs of life. Yet the bag
+could not have gone away of itself. There was certainly human agency in
+the matter.
+
+Miles confessed to himself with sadness that he had been imprudent to
+leave the bag where it would naturally excite the cupidity of any
+passing adventurer. That it must have been taken by such a one seemed
+evident. In that case, the chance of recovering it seemed slender
+enough. Nevertheless, John Miles decided to make an effort, hopeless as
+it was, to discover the whereabouts of his lost property.
+
+"If it had been mine, I wouldn't have cared so much," he said to
+himself, with a sigh; "but poor Tom's money is gone too. I will make it
+up to him if I live, but I am afraid his father will be inconvenienced
+by the delay."
+
+Miles made preparations for his departure, and strode away, looking
+searchingly to the right and left in search of something that might
+throw light upon his loss. Presently he espied the two Chinamen. Could
+they have taken it? He would at any rate speak to them.
+
+"Good-morning, John," he said, when he came within hearing distance.
+
+Ah Sin bobbed his head, and repeated "Good-morning, John."
+
+"Do you live here?"
+
+"Yes, we washee-washee for gold."
+
+"Does anyone else live near by?"
+
+The two inclined their heads, and answered in the negative.
+
+"Have you seen anyone pass last night or this morning?"
+
+"Yes," answered Ah Sin. "'Melican man stay all nightee--over there.
+Chinaman give him a cup of tea this morning."
+
+"How long ago?" asked Miles, eagerly.
+
+"Two hours," answered Ah Jim.
+
+"In what direction did he go?"
+
+The two Chinamen readily told him.
+
+Miles decided to tell them of the loss of his bag of gold-dust. Possibly
+they could throw some light upon his loss.
+
+"Some one stole a small bag of dust from me last night," he said. "I
+suspect it was the man you describe. Did he appear to have any such
+article with him?"
+
+"Yes," answered Ah Sin, who, with natural cunning, saw that this
+information would divert suspicion from them. "It was so large,"
+indicating the size with his hands.
+
+Of course his description was accurate, for he had very good reason to
+know the size of the bag.
+
+"He must have been the thief," said Miles, eagerly. "In what direction
+did you say he went?"
+
+Ah Sin pointed to the west.
+
+"I will follow him. It is on my way. If I catch the villain, it will be
+the worse for him."
+
+"He velly bad man," said Ah Sin, sympathizingly.
+
+"That's where you are right, my heathen friend. Well, good-morning,
+John. I am much obliged to you for your information."
+
+"Velly welcome, John."
+
+As John Miles rode away, Ah Sin turned to his friend Ah Jim, and
+remarked,--
+
+"S'pose he catch him, he kill him."
+
+"All lightee!" returned Ah Jim. "He velly bad man, he thief."
+
+The two Chinamen exchanged glances. If they had been white men, there
+would have been a smile or a wink, but these children of Confucius
+looked so serenely virtuous, so innocent of guile, that the most
+experienced detective would have seen nothing in their faces indicating
+any guilty knowledge of the lost treasure. But, guileless as they
+seemed, they had proved more than a match for Bill Crane and his victim.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+John Miles rode away with a faint hope that he might overtake the man,
+whoever he might be, who had stolen his precious bag. In due time he
+reached the spot where Crane had examined the bag, and on discovering
+its worthless contents, had thrown it away. The thief had not taken the
+trouble to empty it.
+
+When Miles saw it he hurried to it, hoping he might find some of the
+treasure inside. Of course he was disappointed, and at the same time
+bewildered.
+
+"This is certainly my bag," he said to himself. "Here are my initials,
+J. M. Then there are other marks well known to me. I could swear to it
+anywhere. But how does it happen that it is full of sand, and why has
+the thief thrown it away? That beats me!"
+
+Miles decided that for some reason unknown the thief had transferred its
+contents to some other bag--perhaps his own--and then had discarded the
+original one, in wanton humor filling it instead with sand.
+
+"He may have been afraid it would be found on him," thought Miles. "The
+marks on the bag would have been evidence enough to condemn him. By
+throwing away my bag he thinks himself safe."
+
+His solution of the puzzle was ingenious, but as we know he erred in two
+respects. Bill Crane had not filled the bag with sand and thrown it away
+from prudential considerations, nor had he profited by the theft he had
+committed. He had been as badly outwitted as his victim, and the profit
+had gone to the bland and obliging Chinamen, who had thus far escaped
+suspicion.
+
+John Miles slackened his rein, and thought seriously and sadly of the
+position to which he was reduced. What was he to do? He was, in the
+expressive language of the country, "cleaned out," and brought to a pass
+where he must begin life over again, with the disadvantage of being
+seventy-five dollars in debt, for he was resolved that Tom's loss should
+be paid back to the uttermost penny.
+
+Presently philosophy came to his aid.
+
+"It might have been worse," he reflected. "Two hundred dollars is too
+large a sum to lose, but it wont take long to make up if I have any sort
+of luck. I wish I were in San Francisco. It may trouble me to get there
+without means."
+
+When misfortune comes it is always best to look it manfully in the face,
+and not to shrink from or over estimate it. John Miles had a strong,
+healthy nature, with a good deal of confidence in his own resources, and
+in an hour or two he was again looking hopefully forward to the future.
+Not that he cherished a hope of recovering his lost money. There seemed
+to be no way of identifying it, even if he should track the thief. One
+ounce of gold-dust looks like another, and there is no way of
+distinguishing individual property in that form.
+
+John Miles pushed on slowly. About noon he found himself threading a
+narrow cañon, shaded by gigantic redwood tress, with steep, almost
+perpendicular sides, with here and there a narrow streamlet descending
+in a cascade, and lighting up the darkened scene with its silvery
+reflections.
+
+"This is a pretty spot, but it would be lonely to live here," thought
+Miles. "Yet," shading his eyes, "there seems to be a cabin of some sort.
+Is it possible that anybody lives in this cañon?"
+
+Ten minutes' ride brought him to a rude cabin, with a gigantic tree
+spreading at a great height protecting branches over it. That it was
+inhabited was clear, for in front of it stood a strongly built, robust
+woman, who seemed to be nearing forty.
+
+She bent a searching look upon the intruder, who bent his head
+courteously.
+
+"Good-morning, ma'am," said Miles.
+
+"Good-morning, stranger," was the reply. "Where might you be going?"
+
+"I am on my way to the city. Am I on the right track?"
+
+"I reckon so."
+
+"Do you live here--alone?" asked John Miles, in some curiosity.
+
+"It looks like it, doesn't it?" returned the woman. "I've been alone
+since my man pegged out."
+
+"Is that long?"
+
+"A matter of three weeks."
+
+"I sympathize with you," said Miles. "You must be very lonely."
+
+"Yes," said the widow. "Jim was good company, and I feel kind of
+lonesome without him, you better believe."
+
+"There isn't much sentiment there," thought Miles. "She doesn't appear
+to be heart-broken. Do you mean to stay here alone?" he inquired. "Are
+you not afraid?"
+
+"What's there to be afraid of?"
+
+"Some tramp or adventurer might attack and injure, or at least rob you."
+
+"Look here, stranger! do you see that?" and the woman produced a
+revolver. "Do you see that shooting-iron?"
+
+"It looks as if it might be a good one," said Miles, who began to think
+the woman better able to take care of herself than he had at first
+supposed.
+
+"You bet it is! I know how to use it, too. If one of them tramps gets in
+front of it, and sasses me, he'd better say his prayers mighty quick,
+for he'll need 'em. He needn't reckon much on my being a woman. I can
+shoot jest as true as my man could when he was alive."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+A CALIFORNIA WIDOW.
+
+
+John Miles eyed the woman curiously. There did not seem much that was
+feminine left in her. Life in the wilderness had made her as bold and
+self-reliant as a man. She was not compelled to plead for woman's
+rights. She resolutely took a man's rights, and was prepared to
+maintain them against all comers.
+
+"I rather think you can take care of yourself, ma'am," he said.
+
+"You can bet your bottom dollar on that, stranger," said the woman,
+cheerfully. "Brown--that's my husband--knew what I was. We was ekal
+partners--Brown and me--and he knew too much to tread on me."
+
+"I'm glad I wasn't Brown," thought John Miles. "When I marry, it'll be a
+woman, and not a man in petticoats."
+
+"If you're hungry, stranger," said the woman, "just jump off that horse
+of yours, and come in. I can give you a square meal, and I reckon you
+haven't had one lately."
+
+"You are right, Mrs. Brown," said Miles, dismounting with alacrity. "My
+provisions are dry and stale, and I shall enjoy a square meal amazingly.
+But I ought to tell you that last night I was robbed of a bag of
+gold-dust, and I have nothing to pay you."
+
+"Who asks for pay?" returned the woman. "I don't keep a hotel, but I'm
+tired of eating alone. I want to see how it seems to have a man setting
+opposite me agin. So come in, and I won't keep you waiting long."
+
+"Thank you, Mrs. Brown. If you don't mind, I'll light my pipe, and sit
+out here till I've had a smoke."
+
+"You can smoke inside if you want to. I always let Brown. It makes me
+feel better, now that he's pegged out, that I didn't deny him any of his
+little comforts."
+
+"Clearly Mrs. Brown was a considerate wife," thought Miles; "but she
+doesn't look like a woman to fall in love with."
+
+Tying his horse, he threw himself down on the grass, and enjoyed the
+luxury of a smoke while Mrs. Brown was heard bustling about inside,
+preparing the square meal which she had promised to her unexpected
+guest.
+
+Presently she reappeared.
+
+"The victuals is ready, if you are, stranger," she said.
+
+"I am ready, Mrs. Brown," said Miles, rising at once, and entering the
+cabin.
+
+The cabin was rough, and ill-adapted to a fastidious tenant, but it
+looked comfortable. What attracted Miles most, however, was a table set
+in the middle of the floor, covered with a substantial and appetizing
+meal. Mrs. Brown was a fair cook--perhaps her only feminine
+accomplishment. She placed Miles at the head of the table, and seated
+herself opposite him. She watched his attacks upon the fare she had
+provided with evident satisfaction.
+
+"I hope you like it," she said.
+
+"Mrs. Brown, I haven't tasted anything so good for a long time."
+
+She nodded, with a pleased look.
+
+"Brown allus liked my cookin," she said. "He had a good appetite most
+generally, and it was a pleasure to see him eat. It's kinder lonesome
+cookin' for yourself. Then, too, it takes away my appetite sittin' down
+alone to eat."
+
+"You must be very lonely, Mrs. Brown."
+
+"Yes, its lonesome like bein' a widder. I'm kinder used to seein' a man
+about the house."
+
+"So I suppose."
+
+"Be you a married man?" asked the lady, pointedly.
+
+"No, ma'am."
+
+"How old be you?"
+
+"Twenty-eight," answered Miles, rather amused.
+
+"Then you're old enough to get married?"
+
+"Oh yes, I am old enough."
+
+"Be you in love with any girl?"
+
+"The old woman's getting curious," thought Miles. "However, I don't mind
+gratifying her curiosity."
+
+"No, I'm not in love," he replied.
+
+Mrs. Brown eyed him thoughtfully. She seemed to be revolving some plan
+in her mind.
+
+"Take a good look at me, stranger," she said, bracing herself up, as if
+on exhibition.
+
+"Certainly," said John Miles, considerably astonished.
+
+"I want to ask you a few questions."
+
+"Go ahead, Mrs. Brown."
+
+"Am I hump-backed?"
+
+"Certainly not. Who said you were?"
+
+"Just attend to my questions, if you please, stranger. Am I
+squint-eyed?"
+
+"Mrs. Brown must be crazy," thought Miles. However, he answered in the
+negative.
+
+"Am I as homely as a hedge-fence?" pursued the widow.
+
+"Has anybody been calling you so? If so, tell me who it is."
+
+"Never you mind, stranger. Am I old and wrinkled?"
+
+"Certainly she's out of her mind," thought Miles. "I must humor her."
+
+"I think you are a very good-looking woman," he said, soothingly.
+
+"No, I'm not," said the strong-minded lady, "but at the same time I
+ain't a scarecrow."
+
+"Certainly not."
+
+"Don't talk too much, stranger. I expect you're surprised at my
+questions, but I'll come to the p'int at once. I'm tired of livin' here
+alone. I didn't think I'd miss Brown so much. He wasn't any great shakes
+of a man, but he was better than nothing. He was company for me, Brown
+was, in the long evenin's, and I miss him. I've made up my mind to take
+on somebody in his place, and I reckon I'd like to engage you, stranger.
+Will you marry me?"
+
+Mrs. Brown did not blush when she asked this extraordinary question. She
+was entirely self-possessed, and could not have been cooler, if she had
+been transacting an ordinary piece of business.
+
+John Miles had never before received a proposal of marriage. He felt as
+awkward and confused as a young girl, and began to hesitate and
+stammer.
+
+"Really, Mrs. Brown," he began, "you have taken me by surprise."
+
+"I expect I have," said the widow, "but I'll give you time to think it
+over. Brown left me I pretty comfortable, though I did more to get the
+property together than he. You wouldn't think it, perhaps, but I've got
+five thousand dollars in gold hid away somewheres near, and there's a
+claim not far away, that belongs to me, and will pay for workin'."
+
+"I am glad you are so well off, Mrs. Brown," said Miles.
+
+"If you marry me," continued the widow, "you can work that claim. You're
+a strong, able-bodied man, and a year from now, if you want to, we'll go
+to the city, and settle down. I'm older than you; but a matter of a few
+years don't make much difference. You were robbed, you told me?"
+
+"Yes, of all that I had."
+
+"How much was it?"
+
+"About two hundred dollars."
+
+"That ain't much."
+
+"It's a good deal when it's all you have," answered Miles.
+
+"If you marry me you won't miss it," said Mrs. Brown. "I won't give you
+my money right off, for you might run off with it, but at the end of the
+first year you shall have half of it. There's a parson a few miles up
+the cañon, at Dirt Hole, that will marry us any time we ride over. What
+do you say, stranger?"
+
+It was an embarrassing moment for John Miles. He had no desire to
+succeed the deceased Brown, notwithstanding the little property he had
+left behind him. Mrs. Brown did not in the least resemble the wife of
+whom he had sometimes dreamed. But how could he decline without exciting
+the resentment of that singular female? He bore in mind that Mrs. Brown
+carried a revolver, and she might take a notion to shoot him down. He
+must temporize.
+
+"Your proposal is a very kind and flattering one, Mrs. Brown, but I
+don't care to marry just at present. I want to go to the city and try
+my fortune. I've only lately arrived in California, and I am not ready
+to settle down yet."
+
+To his relief Mrs. Brown accepted his objection in good part.
+
+"No offence, stranger," she said. "I didn't know how you might feel
+about it. I've made you a fair offer."
+
+"Indeed you have. The time may come when I shall return, and--"
+
+"I won't promise to wait for you, stranger. Somebody else may happen
+along that'll take the situation."
+
+"It would be too much to expect you to wait for me, I admit."
+
+"All right, stranger. You've answered fair, and now we'll let the matter
+drop."
+
+When Miles left the cabin he carried with him an addition to his stock
+of provisions, for which he was indebted to Mrs. Brown's liberality. It
+was evident that she bore no malice, notwithstanding her suit had been
+rejected.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+BILL CRANE'S GOOD LUCK.
+
+
+About an hour after John Miles rode away from the widow's door Mr.
+William Crane came in sight of the cabin. He had strayed from the direct
+course, and that had delayed him. Otherwise he would not have fallen
+behind Miles.
+
+Bill Crane was in rather a melancholy mood. He had not got over his
+disappointment of the morning. He was fagged out and hungry, and felt
+that luck was against him. When he saw the cabin, and the widow Brown
+sitting in the door-way, it instantly occurred to him that here was a
+chance to get a dinner. He had nothing to pay, to be sure, but he need
+say nothing about it till after the dinner was eaten.
+
+As he rode up, he removed his hat, and said, "Good-day, ma'am."
+
+Mrs. Brown scrutinized the new-comer with critical eyes. She decided
+that he was not as good-looking as John Miles. Indeed Bill Crane never
+could have been accounted handsome; but on this point the widow was not
+exacting. She was looking for somebody to fill the place of her lamented
+Brown, and relieve her loneliness, and it was Crane's eligibility in
+this respect that she was considering. Beauty was but skin deep, as Mrs.
+Brown was practical enough to admit, and she was not overstocked with
+that attractive quality herself. Though Crane did not know it, the
+resolute, middle-aged female, from whom he hoped to obtain a gratuitous
+dinner, was making up her mind to offer him the position of husband.
+
+"Good-day, stranger," she answered composedly. "Are you travelin' fur?"
+
+"I'm thinkin' of goin' to Frisco," he said, "but it's a long journey and
+I'm fagged out. If you have no objection, I'll stop at your place and
+see if I can rest a few minutes."
+
+"You can stop if you want to," she said. "I don't see much company, and
+I like to see a new face now and then."
+
+"So do I," said Crane, thinking a little flattery might help him;
+"especially when it's the face of a good-looking woman."
+
+"I ain't good-lookin' enough to hurt me," returned Mrs. Brown, with a
+frankness which rather disconcerted and puzzled Crane, "but I don't mind
+you callin' me so. If you are anyways hungry, I haven't cleared away the
+dinner, and--"
+
+"You are very kind," broke in Crane, eagerly; "I don't mind saying I am
+a little bit hungry."
+
+"All right, stranger. If you'll wait long enough for me to make some hot
+tea, and warm the victuals, you shall have a chance to judge of my
+cookin'."
+
+Bill Crane was quite elated. He decided that the widow would not ask him
+for payment, thus saving him from embarrassing excuses. In due time he
+was called in and seated in the chair not long since occupied by John
+Miles.
+
+"You're the second man that's dined with me to-day," said the widow.
+
+"And who was the first lucky man?" inquired Crane, suspecting at once
+that it might have been Miles.
+
+"I don't know his name, but he was a good-looking young man, who said he
+had had a bag of gold-dust stolen from him."
+
+"That's Miles," thought Crane; and he at once decided not to betray any
+knowledge of him.
+
+"He was in bad luck," said Bill. "Did he know who stole it?"
+
+"He didn't tell me. I don't think he knew."
+
+"That's well," thought Crane.
+
+"Did he say where he was going?"
+
+"To the city."
+
+"Do you live here all the year round, Mrs.----?"
+
+"My name's Brown, stranger."
+
+"All I can say is, that Brown is a lucky man. Another cup of tea if you
+please, Mrs. Brown."
+
+"You might not like to exchange places with him, for all his luck,
+stranger," remarked the widow.
+
+"Indeed I would," said Bill, with a languishing look.
+
+"He's six feet under ground!" explained Mrs. Brown, dryly.
+
+"Dead?" ejaculated Crane.
+
+"Yes; he's been dead these three weeks."
+
+"And you are a widow?"
+
+"That's so, stranger."
+
+"But you don't mean to stay a widow?" interrogated Crane.
+
+"Well, it is kinder lonesome. It seems natural like to have a man
+round."
+
+"I wonder if she's got any money," thought Crane. "I'll find out if I
+can."
+
+"Yes, Mrs. Brown, I feel for you," he said. "A woman can't struggle with
+the world as a man can."
+
+"I don't know about that, stranger. I can take care of myself, if that's
+what you mean."
+
+"But a woman needs a man to protect and work for her," insinuated
+Crane.
+
+"I don't need any one to protect me," said the widow; "and, as for
+support, I've got a matter of five thousand dollars laid by, and a good
+claim that'll pay for the workin'. I don't think I shall need to go to
+the poor-house yet awhile."
+
+Bill Crane's eyes sparkled. The widow Brown seemed wonderfully
+attractive in his eyes. He was willing to barter his young affections
+for five thousand dollars and a claim, even if the widow had been thrice
+as homely as she was. If he had known that Mrs. Brown was bent on
+marriage his way would have been clearer. His mind was made up. He would
+woo and win his fair hostess if he could.
+
+"When did Brown die?" he inquired.
+
+"Three weeks ago, stranger."
+
+"You must miss him."
+
+"Yes, he was a quiet man, Brown was. He never gave me any trouble, and
+it was natural to see him round."
+
+"You must not mourn for him too much, Mrs. Brown."
+
+"I shan't make a fool of myself," said the widow. "He's gone, and he
+won't come back. There's no use cryin'."
+
+"She's rather a queer specimen," thought Crane. "She hasn't broken her
+heart, it seems."
+
+"You ought to marry again," he said.
+
+"I mean to," said Mrs. Brown.
+
+"Well, that's frank," thought Crane. "There ain't any nonsense about
+her."
+
+"Your second husband will be a lucky man, Mrs. Brown."
+
+"Well, he'll have a good livin', and, if he treats me right, he'll get
+treated right too."
+
+"This is a cold world, Mrs. Brown. I've been drifting about till I'm
+tired. I'd like to settle down with a good wife."
+
+"If you want to take Brown's place, say so," remarked the widow, in a
+business-like tone.
+
+Bill Crane was staggered by the promptness with which his hint was
+taken, but did not hesitate to follow it up.
+
+"That's what I mean," he said.
+
+"What's your name, stranger?"
+
+"William Crane."
+
+"You haven't got another wife anywhere, have you?"
+
+"Of course not."
+
+"I've got to take your word for it, I s'pose. I guess I'll take the
+risk. I'll marry you if you say so."
+
+"How soon?" asked Crane, eagerly.
+
+"Well, there's a parson a few miles from here. We can ride right over
+and be back by sundown, if that will suit you."
+
+"A capital idea, Mrs. Brown. You won't be Brown long," he added,
+sportively. "How will you like to be called Mrs. Crane?"
+
+"One name will do as well as another," said the widow, philosophically.
+
+Crane wanted to make inquiries about the five thousand dollars and the
+claim; but he reflected that it might be inferred that his views were
+mercenary. It would be more politic to wait till after marriage. He did
+not understand the character of the woman he was going to marry. She
+understood very well that Crane was marrying her for her money; but she
+felt lonesome, and it suited her to have a husband, and she was willing
+to overlook such a trifle.
+
+The widow had a horse of her own. Directly after dinner it was
+harnessed, and the two rode over to Dirt Hole, a small mining
+settlement, where the Rev. Pelatiah Pond, a Methodist minister, united
+them in the bonds of matrimony.
+
+When Mr. and Mrs. Crane reached home, Bill ventured to inquire, "Have
+you got the money in the house, Mrs. Crane,--the five thousand dollars,
+I mean?"
+
+"It's put away in a safe place."
+
+"You'd better let me take care of it for you, my dear."
+
+"Not at present, Mr. Crane. A year from now I will let you have half of
+it, if you behave yourself."
+
+"As your husband, madam, I insist."
+
+"Stop right there, stranger--Mr. Crane, I mean," said the bride,
+decidedly. "Do you see that? and she whipped out a revolver.
+
+"Good gracious, Mrs. Crane! Do you want to murder me?"
+
+"No, I didn't marry you for that; but I want you to understand that the
+money is in my hands, and I don't allow any man to insist. I may let you
+have some of it when I get ready. Do you understand?"
+
+"I believe I do," murmured Crane. "I'm regularly taken in and done for,"
+he reflected sadly.
+
+But directly after their return Mrs. Crane prepared a nice supper, and
+Crane, as he ate it, and smoked a pipe later, began to be reconciled to
+his new situation.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+TOM RECEIVES NEWS FROM HOME.
+
+
+Meanwhile Tom, happily unconscious that the money entrusted to John
+Miles had been lost, continued to work diligently at his claim. His
+success varied from day to day; but, on the whole, he was gaining. He
+spent nothing except for absolute necessities, and in spite of all
+temptations he gave a wide berth to Missouri Jack's saloon. In this way
+he gained the ill-will of the saloon-keeper, who felt a certain portion
+of every miner's gains ought to find its way into his till.
+
+One evening Tom met the saloon-keeper when out walking. The latter had
+not at that time given up securing Tom's patronage.
+
+"Good-evening, young feller," said Jack.
+
+Tom answered the greeting politely.
+
+"Why don't you come round to the saloon evenings? We always have a jolly
+crowd there. After a hard day's work it'll do you good to take a social
+glass."
+
+"I would rather not drink, thank you," said Tom.
+
+"You ain't afraid of a little drink, I hope, are you?"
+
+"Yes, I would rather let it alone."
+
+"Oh, you're too good to live," said Jack, in deep disgust.
+
+"I hope not," answered Tom, smiling; "for I hope to live a good many
+years."
+
+That was the last attempt Missouri Jack made to secure Tom as a patron.
+Our hero spoke in so decided a tone that he understood the uselessness
+of the attempt.
+
+Two months passed, and Tom heard nothing from John Miles. He was not
+surprised or disquieted, for he knew that mails to the interior were
+very irregular, and, besides, Miles might not be fond of letter-writing.
+He took it for granted that the seventy-five dollars had been forwarded
+home, and were now in his father's hands. He had saved as much more, and
+would like to have sent that too, for its possession gave him anxiety;
+but there seemed to be no opportunity.
+
+About this time he received two letters. The first was from John Miles,
+written from San Francisco. After acquainting Tom with his loss of the
+bag of gold-dust, he proceeded:--
+
+"I should not have cared so much, Tom, had the loss been mine only; but
+it was hard to think that I had lost your money too, and was unable to
+pay it back. I know, from what you said, that your father needed the
+money, and that the delay would put him to a good deal of inconvenience.
+You shall have it all back, Tom, every cent; but you will have to wait
+awhile. On reaching Frisco I got work, and soon saved up enough to pay
+the debt, when, as bad luck would have it, I fell sick, and before I got
+well all my money had been used up. Now I am well again, and at work,
+and if I have good luck will be able soon to send on the money to your
+father. I know you will understand the circumstances, and will excuse
+the delay.
+
+"The very day I discovered my loss I had a chance to marry a fortune.
+You will stare at that, and wonder how it happened. At a lonely cabin I
+made the acquaintance of a widow, who was looking out for a second
+husband. She was left with a comfortable property, which, with her hand,
+she was willing to bestow upon your friend; but she didn't tempt me
+much. I believe her fortune amounted to five thousand dollars and a
+claim. It would be a good chance for you, if you were old enough, Tom.
+
+"I don't know when this letter will reach you, for the country mails--at
+least to such out-of-the-way places as River Bend--go quite irregularly.
+However, I hope you will get it after a while, and won't be too much
+troubled about the money; if I live it shall be repaid."
+
+Tom showed this letter to Ferguson.
+
+"It's a pity, my lad, that the money was stolen," said the Scotchman;
+"but you'll get it again. John Miles is an honest man."
+
+"I am sure of that, Mr. Ferguson. I don't know that I ought to make him
+pay it back, though. It isn't his fault that it was lost."
+
+"That's true, my lad, and you might offer to share the loss with him,
+but I doubt if he would accept your offer. He will feel better to pay it
+all back."
+
+"At any rate I will write him, and make him the offer."
+
+"That's fair, Tom; but you'll see what he'll say."
+
+It may be stated here that Miles utterly declined to accept any
+abatement of the debt.
+
+"I ought to have taken better care of the money," he said. "It's my
+fault, and I shall pay it in full."
+
+The next letter was from home. Tom opened and read it eagerly. It was
+mainly from his father, but there was a note from each member of the
+family.
+
+His father wrote:--
+
+     MY DEAR TOM,--We are glad to hear that you have reached
+     California after a wearisome journey, and are now at work. We
+     have travelled so little that we can hardly realize that you are
+     more than three thousand miles away from us, with so many
+     mountains, plains, and valleys between. Of course you cannot tell
+     us much in your letters of your various experiences. I wish we
+     could have you with us this evening, and hear some of them from
+     your own lips.
+
+     I am anxious to hear that you are succeeding in the object of
+     your journey, and that you will not find the stories of the rich
+     gold fields greatly exaggerated. I do not myself believe all I
+     hear, yet I think there must be gold enough to pay those who
+     search for it diligently. You must remember, my dear boy, that
+     hard work is better than luck, and more to be relied upon. Don't
+     expect to make your fortune all at once by finding a big nugget,
+     but work steadily, and you will meet with more or less success.
+
+     If you succeed moderately, I shall be glad you went away, for
+     here prospects are not very good. Our little farm seems to be
+     less productive every year. The soil is not very good, as you
+     know, and I cannot afford fertilizers. This year the crops were
+     not as good as usual, and we have felt the decrease sensibly. If
+     there were not a mortgage on the farm, I could get along very
+     well, but the interest now amounts to one hundred and thirty-two
+     dollars annually, and it is hard to get that amount together.
+     Next month sixty-six dollars come due, and I don't know how I am
+     to find the money. Squire Hudson could afford to wait; but I am
+     afraid he won't. The older and richer he gets, the more grasping
+     he becomes, I sometimes think. However, I don't want to borrow
+     trouble. If it is absolutely necessary I can sell off one of the
+     cows to raise the money, and before the year comes round I think
+     you will be able to help me.
+
+     Walter, though only twelve years old,--his thirteenth birthday
+     comes next month,--helps me about the farm, and is very useful in
+     doing chores. He likes farm-work, and will be ready to succeed me
+     in time. As for Sarah, she is a good, sensible girl, and helps
+     her mother in a good many ways. Though I am a poor man, and
+     always expect to remain so, I feel that I am blessed in having
+     good, industrious children, who promise to grow up and do me
+     credit. I should not be willing to exchange one of my boys for
+     Squire Hudson's son Sinclair. He is, to my mind, a very
+     disagreeable boy, who makes himself ridiculous by the airs he
+     puts on. I have seen him once or twice lately when he appeared to
+     have been drinking; but I hope I am mistaken in this. He is an
+     only son, and it would be a pity that he should go astray.
+
+Tom looked thoughtful after reading this letter.
+
+"Is it bad news, Tom, lad?" asked Ferguson.
+
+"Times are hard at home, Mr. Ferguson," answered Tom. "Father is very
+much in need of money. It would have been a great help to him if he had
+received that seventy-five dollars."
+
+"You have as much as that on hand now, Tom. If it isn't enough, I will
+lend you some."
+
+"Thank you, Mr. Ferguson. You are a good friend, and I wouldn't mind
+accepting your offer, if I needed it. But father won't need any more
+than I can send him. Only I don't know how to get it to him."
+
+"If you were in San Francisco, you would have no difficulty in sending
+the money."
+
+"No."
+
+"I've been thinking, Tom," said Ferguson, after a while, "that it might
+be a good plan for us to take a little vacation, and visit the city. We
+have been working steadily here over three months, and the change would
+do us good. Besides, we might on the way come across some better place.
+This isn't as good now as when we began to work it."
+
+"That is true," said Tom.
+
+"Suppose, then, we stay a week longer, sell out our claim if we can,
+and start in the direction of the city."
+
+"You and I?"
+
+"Yes; we shall be better off without company."
+
+"We had better not let Peabody know we are going, or he will want to
+accompany us."
+
+"I could almost be willing to take him, poor creature, to get him away
+from that Missouri Jack; but, as you say, he would not be a help to us."
+
+So it was decided that, in a few days, as soon as they were ready, Tom
+and Ferguson should leave River Bend.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+A SPECULATIVE INVESTMENT.
+
+
+It leaked out after a while that Tom and Ferguson were intending to
+leave River Bend, and considerable regret was expressed by the other
+members of the party. Tom was a general favorite. His youth and his
+obliging disposition made him liked by all except Missouri Jack and his
+set. It cannot be said that his Scotch friend was popular, but he was,
+at all events, highly respected as a man of high principle and rigid
+honesty. This was not the way the miners expressed it. They called him a
+"square" man, and that word expressed high moral praise. They all felt
+that Tom was going off in good company.
+
+Before they went, the two had a chance for a speculation. Two weeks
+before, a man came to River Bend, across the country, with a horse and
+wagon, the latter an old express wagon, which he had brought round the
+Horn from some one of the Eastern States. What had induced him to take
+so much trouble to convey such bulky articles was not quite clear. Now
+that he was a miner he had no use for them, and at River Bend they were
+not saleable. This man, Abner Kent, came to Ferguson's tent, where he
+and Tom were resting after the labors of the day. He was a tall man,
+with a shambling gait and an angular face.
+
+"Good-evening," he said. "If you ain't busy I'll sit down a few
+minutes."
+
+"We are glad to see you Mr. Kent," said Ferguson. "Tom and I were
+discussing our plans, but we've plenty of time for that. Come in. Here's
+a place for you."
+
+"I hear that you are going to leave us, you two?"
+
+"Yes, Tom has some business in San Francisco, and I want to see a little
+more of the country."
+
+"How are you going?"
+
+"We'll take the cars if we can find any," answered Tom. "If we can't
+we'll foot it."
+
+"That's what I came to see you about. You know I've got a horse and
+wagon."
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Why don't you buy it? You'll go easier and quicker."
+
+"We can't afford it," said Ferguson. "Poor men must walk."
+
+"You don't see the point. When you get through with the team, you can
+easily sell them for more than you gave. It will be a good speculation."
+
+"That will depend on how much we give," said the Scotchman, shrewdly.
+
+"To be sure, Mr. Ferguson. Now about that, I'll be easy. They ain't any
+good to me here. I'll take--let me see--four hundred dollars cash.
+You'll maybe double your money inside of a month."
+
+The team did seem cheap at this price, as prices of all articles in a
+new country are very much enhanced.
+
+"Tom and I will talk it over and let you know to-morrow morning," said
+Ferguson.
+
+"That's all right. It's a good chance for you."
+
+When Kent was gone Tom asked, "What do you think of his offer, Mr.
+Ferguson?"
+
+"I think it will be a good investment, Tom, and that we shall be less
+likely to be robbed than if we carried gold-dust with us. You know how
+John Miles got robbed."
+
+"I have only a hundred dollars," said Tom, doubtfully.
+
+"I have enough to add to it, but I think we can get the team cheaper. I
+don't want to beat the man down, but a bargain is a bargain, and we must
+look out for our own interest."
+
+"You know more about such things than I do, Mr. Ferguson; I will agree
+to anything you say."
+
+"Very well, my lad, I shall be sure to consult your interest as well as
+my own. It will be very comfortable for us to have a team of our own."
+
+"It will seem strange to me," said Tom, laughing. "What will they think
+at home when they hear that I have set up a carriage?"
+
+"They might think it imprudent to invest all you had in that way; but
+we'll make money out of it yet, or I am sorely mistaken."
+
+The next morning, while Tom and Ferguson were at work, Kent came up to
+them.
+
+"What have you decided about the team?" he asked.
+
+"We are not willing to pay four hundred dollars," said Ferguson.
+
+"That's a fair price."
+
+"It may be, but it will take all the money Tom and I can raise. You know
+it wouldn't be quite prudent for us to part with all our funds."
+
+"I will take a note for part of the money," said Kent.
+
+"That's very considerate of you, but scarcely prudent."
+
+"Then don't you want it at all?" asked Kent, disappointed.
+
+"Yes; we are prepared with an offer. We'll give you three hundred
+dollars."
+
+Kent shook his head.
+
+"That's too little," he said.
+
+Ferguson remained silent. He wished to give Kent time to reflect upon
+his offer.
+
+"Have you sold these claims of yours?" asked Kent, after a pause.
+
+"No."
+
+"Then add them to your offer, and I accept it."
+
+This proposal struck Ferguson favorably. They could not carry away their
+claims, and very possibly no other purchaser might offer, as, except as
+regards location, other places along the river-bank could be had without
+cost.
+
+"What do you say, Tom?" asked Ferguson.
+
+"I agree if you do, Mr. Ferguson."
+
+"Then it's a bargain, Mr. Kent. I hope it'll prove satisfactory to both
+of us."
+
+"I don't think you'll regret it. It's a good speculation."
+
+When the two friends had settled for their purchase, Tom paying one
+hundred and Ferguson two hundred dollars, our hero found himself left
+with twenty dollars, or its equivalent in gold-dust, while his companion
+had about one hundred and fifty left over.
+
+"We shall go off in style," said Tom; "riding in our own carriage. But
+there's one thing I have been thinking of. I want to send a hundred
+dollars home as soon as I get the chance. Suppose we can't sell the
+team?"
+
+"Have no fears about that, Tom. I'll lend you the money if that is the
+case; but, mark my word, we shan't have it left on our hands, of that
+you may be sure."
+
+The night before they were to start Lawrence Peabody dropped in. He was
+looking down in the mouth.
+
+"How does the world use you, Mr. Peabody?" inquired Tom.
+
+"Fortune is against me," said Peabody. "I'm tired of River Bend."
+
+Tom glanced at his companion. He could guess what was coming.
+
+"Won't you take me with you, Tom?" entreated the young Bostonian.
+
+"You must ask Mr. Ferguson. He is the head of our party."
+
+Peabody looked appealingly towards Ferguson, but the Scotchman shook his
+head.
+
+"You mustn't be offended, Mr. Peabody," he said, "when I tell you that
+you are responsible for your own bad luck. You have had just as good a
+chance as Tom or I."
+
+"Your claim was better."
+
+"There was no difference that I can see, except that we worked, and you
+didn't. You don't expect gold to come to you?"
+
+"You and Tom are more used to hard work than I," murmured Peabody.
+
+"If you did not feel able to work, you should not have come to
+California. A man must work harder here than at home, and then he stands
+a chance of succeeding better."
+
+"Then you won't take me?" asked Peabody, sadly.
+
+"Are you in debt to Captain Fletcher for board?"
+
+Peabody reluctantly admitted that he was, but had no idea how much he
+owed.
+
+"Fletcher tells me that he shall not trust you any longer."
+
+Lawrence Peabody looked frightened.
+
+"What shall I do?" he faltered. "I shall starve."
+
+"You can't blame the captain; he knows that you spend the little money
+you do earn at the saloon. But he will give you a chance. There is no
+one to wash clothes in the camp, and we have all observed that you keep
+yours looking well. If you will set up a laundry, you can make more
+money than in any other way."
+
+"But then I should be a common washer-woman," objected Peabody. "What
+would my friends in Boston say?"
+
+"They won't hear of it. Besides, a man can do here what he would not do
+at home."
+
+It may be stated here that Peabody, finding work absolutely needful,
+went into partnership with a Chinaman, who arrived at the camp a day or
+two later, and succeeded in making a fair living, which hitherto he had
+been unable to do. After he was employed, his visits to the saloon
+became less frequent. At times he was disturbed by the fear that his
+friends at home might learn the character of his employment; apart from
+this he found his new business, with the income it yielded, not
+distasteful.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+A NEW ACQUAINTANCE.
+
+
+Having made all necessary preparations, Ferguson and Tom set out on
+their way. They took a course differing somewhat from that chosen by
+John Miles, one object being to survey the country, and find, if
+possible, a suitable place for continuing their search for gold. After
+their three months' steady work both of our travellers were prepared to
+enjoy the journey. Their road was difficult at times, from its
+steepness, and more than once they found it necessary, out of
+consideration for the horse, to get out and walk. But this only added to
+the romantic charm of the trip.
+
+"It's like a constant picnic," said Tom. "I should like to travel this
+way for a year, if I did not feel the need of working."
+
+"We might tire of it after a while," suggested Ferguson,--"in the rainy
+season, for example."
+
+"That would not be so pleasant, to be sure," Tom admitted. "Do you have
+such fine scenery in Scotland, Mr. Ferguson?"
+
+"Our mountains are not so high, my lad, nor our trees so gigantic; but
+it's the associations that make them interesting. Every hill has a
+legend connected with it, and our great novelist, Walter Scott, has
+invested them with a charm that draws pilgrims from all parts of the
+world to see them. Now this is a new country--beautiful, I grant, but
+without a history. Look around you, and you will see nothing to remind
+you of man. It is nature on a grand scale, I admit, but the soul is
+wanting."
+
+"I like mountains," said Tom, thoughtfully. "There is something grand
+about them."
+
+"There are some famous mountains in your native State, New Hampshire,
+are there not, Tom?"
+
+"Yes; but I have only seen them from a distance. They are not above
+thirty miles away from where I was born; but poor people don't travel in
+search of scenery, Mr. Ferguson."
+
+"No, my lad, and there's another thing I have noticed. We don't care
+much for the curiosities that are near us. The people about here, if
+there are any settled inhabitants, care nothing about the mountains, I
+doubt."
+
+"That is true. In our village at home there is an old man nearly eighty
+years old who has never visited the mountains, though he has lived near
+them all his life."
+
+"I can well believe it, my lad. But what is that?"
+
+The sound which elicited this exclamation was a loud "Hollo!" evidently
+proceeding from some one in their rear.
+
+Both Tom and the Scotchman turned, and their eyes rested on a horseman
+evidently spurring forward to overtake them. Tom, who was driving,
+reined in the horse, and brought him to a stop. The horseman was soon
+even with them.
+
+He was evidently a Yankee. All Yankees do not carry about with them an
+unmistakable certificate of their origin, but Ebenezer Onthank was a
+typical New Englander. His face was long and thin, his expression shrewd
+and good-natured, his limbs were long and ungainly. In later life, with
+the addition of forty or fifty pounds of flesh, he would be much
+improved in appearance.
+
+"Good-morning, gentlemen," said he. "It seems kinder good to see a human
+face again. It ain't very populous round here, is it?"
+
+"We haven't seen any large towns," said Tom, smiling.
+
+"Where are you steerin'?" inquired the Yankee. "I'm expectin' to fetch
+up at San Francisco some time, if I don't get lost in the woods."
+
+"That is our destination, my friend," returned Ferguson.
+
+"Would you mind my joining your party?" asked Onthank. "It's lonesome
+travelin' by one's self without a soul to speak to."
+
+"We shall be glad of your company," said the Scotchman, sincerely, for,
+though naturally cautious, he could not suspect the new-comer of
+anything which would make him an undesirable companion.
+
+"Perhaps you'd like to know who I am," said the new acquaintance. "My
+name is Ebenezer Onthank, from Green Mountain Mills, in Vermont. My
+father is deacon of the Baptist Church at home."
+
+"I suppose you will take his place when you get older," said Tom,
+gravely.
+
+"No, I guess not. I wonder what Susan Jones would say to my bein' a
+deacon!" and Ebenezer burst into a loud laugh.
+
+"Is Miss Jones a particular friend of yours?" asked Tom, slyly.
+
+"I should say she was. Why, I expect to marry her when I get home."
+
+"I congratulate you."
+
+"Don't be too fast. We ain't hitched yet. Say, boy, where do you come
+from?"
+
+"From Vernon, in New Hampshire."
+
+"You don't say! Why, that ain't more'n fifty miles from Green Mountain
+Mills; cu'rus we should meet so fur away from hum, ain't it? When did
+you start?"
+
+"Seven or eight months ago."
+
+"I've been in California six months. Does that gentleman come from your
+town?"
+
+"My friend," answered the Scotchman, not without a touch of pride, "I am
+not an American; I am from the Highlands of Scotland."
+
+"You be? Sho! Well, of course you can't help that."
+
+"Help it, sir? I am proud of hailing from the land of Scott and Burns."
+
+"Well, I guess it's a pretty nice sort of country," said Mr. Onthank,
+patronizingly. "I guess you'll like America best, though."
+
+"I am by no means sure of that, my friend," said Ferguson, a little
+nettled. "America's all very well, but--"
+
+"Why, you could put Scotland into its waist-coat pocket, and there'd be
+plenty of room left," said Ebenezer, energetically.
+
+"I admit that, as regards size, Scotland cannot compare with this
+country."
+
+"Say, have you got mountains as high as them, or trees as high as that?"
+pointing to a gigantic redwood.
+
+"No; but size is not everything."
+
+"That's so. Vermont is a little State, but she's smart, I tell you. But
+you haven't told me your names yet."
+
+"I am called Donald Ferguson, Mr. Onthank. My young friend here answers
+to the name of Thomas Nelson."
+
+"Commonly called Tom," added our hero, smiling.
+
+"Why, I've got a brother Tom," said Mr. Onthank. "Cu'rus, isn't it?"
+
+Considering that Tom is by no means an uncommon name, it could hardly be
+called very remarkable, but Tom politely assented.
+
+"Is he older than I am?" he inquired.
+
+"Yes, my brother Tom is twenty-one years old. I expect he voted at the
+last town-meeting. I'm four years older than Tom."
+
+"Have you been fortunate so far in California, Mr. Onthank?"
+
+"Can't say I have. I guess I've wandered round too much. Been a sort of
+rollin' stone; and my granny used to say that a rollin' stone gathers no
+moss. I've got about enough money to get me to San Francisco, and I own
+this animal; but I haven't made a fortune yet. What luck have you two
+had?"
+
+"Pretty fair, but it will take a good while to make our fortunes. We own
+this team, and that's about all we do own."
+
+"A sort of an express wagon, isn't it?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Ain't goin' into the express business, be you?"
+
+"Probably not. We bought it on speculation."
+
+"That reminds me of old Sam Bailey in our town. He was always tradin'
+horses. Sometimes he made money, and then again he didn't. How much did
+you give?"
+
+Tom told him.
+
+"That was a pretty stiff price, wasn't it?"
+
+"It would be considered so at home, but we hope to get a good deal more,
+when we come to sell it."
+
+Their new friend kept on with them, amusing them with his homely
+sayings, and original views of things. His conversation beguiled the
+tedium of the journey, so that all were surprised when the shadows
+deepened, and supper-time came. Selecting a favorable place they
+encamped for the night.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+A GRIZZLY BEAR.
+
+
+Ebenezer Onthank was an early riser. He had been brought up on a farm,
+where, during a part of the year it was the custom for the "menfolks" to
+rise between four and five o'clock in the morning to begin the labors of
+the day. His old habit clung to him, and at five o'clock, when Tom and
+Ferguson were yet asleep, Mr. Onthank sprang from his leafy couch
+refreshed and vigorous.
+
+Seeing his companions yet sleeping, he concluded to take a walk.
+
+"It'll give me an appetite for breakfast," thought he, "and a chance to
+see something of the country."
+
+As to the appetite, Ebenezer was generally well provided. Indeed,
+latterly his appetite had exceeded his means of gratifying it, and more
+than once he had longed to be back at his old home in the Vermont
+farm-house, where the table was always generously, if not elegantly,
+furnished. If Ebenezer had a special weakness it was for doughnuts,
+which he called nut-cakes.
+
+"If I only had a few of marm's nut-cakes," he had said the night before
+to his new-found friends, "I'd be a happy man."
+
+"What are nut-cakes?" asked the Scotchman, puzzled.
+
+"Don't you know what nut-cakes are?" inquired Ebenezer, astonished at
+Ferguson's ignorance.
+
+"I never heard of them before," said Ferguson.
+
+"Well, I declare! I thought everybody knew what nut-cakes are,"
+ejaculated the Yankee. "Don't you ever make 'em in Scotland?"
+
+"Not that I ever heard."
+
+"Then you don't know what is good. You know what they are, Tom?"
+
+"Oh, yes," said Tom, smiling. "We often have them at home. Perhaps Mr.
+Ferguson would understand better if he heard them called doughnuts or
+crullers."
+
+Thus defined Mr. Ferguson acknowledged that he had heard of them, and he
+thought he had once tasted one. Scotland, however, fell considerably in
+the estimation of Mr. Onthank, when he learned that his favorite article
+of food was almost unknown in that distant country.
+
+"You Scotchmen don't know what is good," he said. "If you ever come to
+Green Mountain Mills, I'll get marm to fry a batch of nut-cakes, and
+you'll say they're goloptious."
+
+This last word was not familiar to Ferguson, but the smack of the lips
+with which it was accompanied made it sufficiently intelligible. He
+assured Ebenezer politely that he hoped some day to accept his kind
+invitation.
+
+When Ebenezer left the camp he had no definite plan of exploration.
+Everything was alike new to him, and it mattered little in what
+direction his steps led him. It was a charming morning. The sun had
+risen, and hill and valley were glorified by its slanting rays. The air
+was bracing, and Ebenezer, though neither a poet nor a sentimentalist,
+felt his spirits rise, as with vigorous steps he strode on, letting his
+eyes wander at will over the landscape.
+
+"Looks kinder han'some," he said to himself. "I wish Susan Jones was
+with me now. Gals like to walk round and look at scenery, and pick
+flowers, and so on. As for me, a good field of corn suits me better than
+all the flowers in the world. They're only good to smell of; out here
+though I'd like a good 'claim' best. It seems cu'rus to think how much
+money you can get sometimes from a hole in the ground. Beats cornfields
+for profit, by a great sight, if you only get hold of the right place. I
+just wish I could find a big nugget, as big as my head. I guess it would
+make me the richest man in Green Mountain Mills. I'd be a bigger man
+than the old deacon. They'd be glad to make me selectman, and perhaps
+send me to Montpelier after a while to make laws. Well, there's no
+knowin' what may turn up. Why shouldn't I light on a nugget as well as
+the next man?"
+
+In this pleasant channel the thoughts of our Yankee adventurer were
+running as he strode over the uneven ground, with all the vigor gained
+by his hardy training. But his walk was destined to be interrupted in a
+decidedly unpleasant manner. All at once he became conscious of a huge
+object, scarcely thirty yards distant, whose attention he had already
+attracted. Mr. Onthank had been long enough in California to recognize
+in the huge, unwieldy figure--a grizzly bear!
+
+Ebenezer Onthank was no coward, but it must be admitted that when he saw
+the eyes of the grizzly fixed upon him he turned pale, and his limbs
+trembled. He had heard from fellow-miners stories of the great strength
+and ferocity of this most formidable beast. The grizzly bear shows no
+fear of man. He is always ready to make an attack, even when not
+stimulated by hunger. Even the lion is crafty and cunning, and likes to
+attack his enemy unawares; but the grizzly boldly advances to the attack
+without seeking to surprise his adversary. If out of humor it makes no
+account of odds, but will as readily attack a party as a single foe.
+Col. Albert S. Evans, the author of an interesting volume, containing
+sketches of life in California, says, "I am satisfied that an average
+grizzly could at any time whip the strongest African lion in a fair
+stand-up fight, while a full-grown bull is no more to him than a rat is
+to the largest house-cats."
+
+Twenty-five years ago the grizzly was to be found in various parts of
+California. As the State has become settled his haunts have become
+contracted, but even now, as the writer just quoted assures us, he is
+still found in great numbers in the Coast Range Mountains from San Diego
+to Del Norte. In describing Samson, a famous specimen once on exhibition
+in San Francisco, we are told that "his strength was that of an
+elephant, and his claws, eight inches in length, curved like a rainbow
+and sharp as a knife, would enable him to tear open anything made of
+flesh and blood as you or I would open a banana."
+
+Such was the new acquaintance who confronted Mr. Onthank, and barred
+his progress.
+
+"Jerusalem!" ejaculated the surprised and dismayed Yankee, and he
+instinctively felt for his rifle. But, alas! he had left it in the camp.
+It was thoughtless and imprudent to venture out unarmed; but the scene
+was so quiet and peaceful that no thought of danger had entered the mind
+of our unlucky friend.
+
+The bear sat upon his haunches, and stared at the intruder. Ebenezer,
+brought to a stand-still, returned his gaze. They were less than a
+hundred feet apart, and the situation was decidedly critical.
+
+"I guess he wants to chaw me up for his breakfast," thought Ebenezer,
+despairingly, "and I don't see what I can do to prevent it."
+
+The bear, however, seemed in no hurry to commence the attack. He
+surveyed our Yankee with dignified gravity, conscious that he had him at
+advantage. When Ebenezer felt for his rifle he uttered a low growl,
+being possibly aware of his purpose. Possibly he laughed in his sleeve
+(some of my young critics may suggest that bears have no sleeves) at his
+failure.
+
+Ebenezer looked about him despairingly. No man will surrender at
+discretion to a grizzly, for he can hope for no mercy. But what could be
+done? Once subjected to the terrible hug, and the life would be crushed
+out of him in less than a minute.
+
+"If Ferguson and Tom were only here!" thought poor Ebenezer.
+
+But the camp was at least two miles away, and his two companions,
+unconscious of his terrible peril, were calmly sleeping, and not likely
+to awaken till he was a crushed and bleeding corpse.
+
+In great crises the mind travels rapidly. I shall not attempt to record
+the thoughts that chased one another through the mind of the luckless
+adventurer. But they were by no means pleasant.
+
+"I shall never see Green Mountain Mills again," he thought, with an
+inward groan. "I shall never marry Susan Jones, or eat any of marm's
+nut-cakes. If I only had my rifle here, I'd make one effort for my life.
+I'd spoil the beauty of that ugly devil anyhow."
+
+Still, as if charmed, he stood staring open-eyed at the grizzly.
+
+Bruin, deciding that this had lasted long enough, began in a slow and
+dignified manner to approach the intruder upon his solitude.
+
+This broke the charm. With a wild shout Ebenezer Onthank took to his
+heels and flew over the ground at a rate of speed which Weston, the
+champion runner, would scarcely be able to equal.
+
+The grizzly accepted the challenge, and increased his own speed,
+developing an activity hardly to be expected of his huge and unwieldy
+form.
+
+It was man against beast, with the odds decidedly in the favor of the
+latter.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+UP A TREE.
+
+
+The race between the Yankee and the bear was an exciting one, to the
+former at least. He was fleet of foot, and in a hundred yards' dash
+would have won without great difficulty; but in wind and endurance the
+grizzly excelled him. So, as the race continued, Mr. Onthank, looking
+back from time to time, was painfully conscious that his enemy was
+gaining upon him. The perspiration came out upon his face in large
+drops, and he panted painfully. He felt that the chances were against
+him, and he could almost feel in advance the fatal hug which would
+slowly press the life out of him. As he felt his strength failing he
+looked around him despairingly. Just before him was a moderate-sized
+tree. Though he knew that bears can climb, he gathered his remaining
+strength, seized a low hanging branch, and swung himself up just in
+time to avoid his persistent foe, who was close upon his heels. He did
+not tarry where he was, but climbed higher up, until from a height of
+twenty feet he could look down upon the bear.
+
+Bruin looked up placidly, but did not begin to climb at once. Probably
+he was fatigued with his race. Moreover he knew that his intended victim
+could not get away. The latter was emphatically and literally "treed."
+The bear sat upon his haunches and complacently regarded the Yankee.
+
+Ebenezer Onthank made himself as comfortable as he could under the
+circumstances. He was by no means easy in mind, however. He was "holding
+the fort," it is true; but the enemy was in force outside, and evidently
+intended to remain. Worse still, he would probably after a while climb
+the tree, and this would bring matters to a crisis.
+
+"You pesky critter! Why don't you go along about your business?"
+exclaimed the unhappy adventurer, shaking his fist at the foe.
+
+Bruin deigned no reply, but continued to survey him with steady,
+unwinking eyes.
+
+"If I only had a gun, I'd pepper you," continued Ebenezer. "I should
+like to put a bullet into that impudent eye of yours."
+
+Though the bear had never received an English education, his instinct
+probably enabled him to understand the feelings of his intended victim,
+but he remained as placid as ever.
+
+So an hour passed. At the end of that time the situation remained
+unchanged. The unfortunate Yankee was getting hungry, as well as tired
+of his somewhat constrained position. Bears probably have more patience
+than the human family, for Bruin had scarcely moved, except occasionally
+to wag his great head. He felt that in the game that was being played it
+was his adversary's turn to make the next move.
+
+"I wish Tom and the Scotchman would find me out," thought Onthank. "What
+on earth makes them sleep so late?" he continued, irritably. "They must
+be naturally lazy."
+
+He may be excused for feeling irritated, though there was no particular
+reason to expect his two friends to curtail their hours of slumber
+because he had done so. But he was not in a position where it is easy to
+be reasonable, and in his situation every minute seemed to him as long
+as five.
+
+Meanwhile, in the camp, a mile away, Tom and Ferguson had awakened.
+
+"How did you sleep, Tom?" asked the Scotchman.
+
+"Tip-top. Did you rest well?"
+
+"I have a gift of sleep," replied Ferguson. "But where is our Yankee
+friend?"
+
+"I suppose he has taken an early walk," said Tom. "He will be back
+before long, I guess. We'd better not wait breakfast for him. I'm hungry
+for one."
+
+The two friends proceeded to break their fast, washing down the rather
+stale provisions with water from a spring near by.
+
+"I wish it were coffee," said Tom. "I'm tired of cold water."
+
+"Doubtless the coffee would be more gratifying to the palate, Tom; but
+it's likely the water is better for the health."
+
+"I suppose you would refuse a cup of hot coffee, Mr. Ferguson, if it
+were offered you," said Tom, smiling.
+
+"I don't say that, Tom. I would risk its effect upon my health for once.
+But, as we haven't got it, we may as well make the best of what we
+have."
+
+Soon after their simple meal, which did not consume much time, Tom
+suggested to his companion that they set out in search of Mr. Onthank.
+He did not suspect that their missing companion was in trouble, but he
+thought that it would be pleasant to take a walk.
+
+"You can go, if you like, Tom," said Ferguson, with characteristic
+caution. "I will remain behind to look after the camp."
+
+"All right, Mr. Ferguson. I'll soon be back."
+
+"Don't go too far away, my lad; and mind your bearings, so that you can
+find your way back."
+
+"Never fear, Mr. Ferguson. It wouldn't be very easy to be lost here.
+I'll keep my eyes open, and bring Mr. Onthank back with me if I see him
+anywhere."
+
+Ferguson sat down, and indulged himself in reading, probably for the
+hundredth time, Walter Scott's Marmion, of which he had a small pocket
+edition; while Tom went on his way.
+
+A fortunate chance directed our hero by an almost straight course to the
+very tree where Ebenezer Onthank was still perched with the grizzly
+standing guard beneath. From time to time he looked about him anxiously,
+in the hope of seeing the approach of one of his travelling companions.
+
+It was with a feeling of joy, not wholly unmingled with anxiety, that he
+descried Tom descending a hillock not many rods away. As yet it was
+evident that our hero had not caught sight of the bear and his prisoner.
+It was very necessary to put him on his guard.
+
+"Tom!" shouted Mr. Onthank, at the top of his voice.
+
+Tom heard the call in spite of the distance, and looked about him, but
+did not immediately catch sight of the speaker. It did not occur to him
+to look upwards.
+
+"Tom!" shouted the Yankee again. "Here I am. Look up in the tree."
+
+That time Tom's glance detected his companion, and, not yet having
+discovered the bear, he was led to wonder why Mr. Onthank had climbed
+the tree. As he was advancing incautiously, Onthank shouted again,
+"There's a cursed grizzly under the tree. Don't come too near."
+
+Tom saw the bear, and he paused suddenly. He was startled in truth, for
+he had been long enough in California to be aware that it was a
+dangerous beast.
+
+"Isn't Ferguson with you?" asked Onthank, anxiously, for he knew that a
+boy of sixteen, even if armed, was no match for the king of the
+California sierras.
+
+"No, he's behind in the camp," shouted Tom, in reply.
+
+By this time the bear became aware that there was a second intruder
+within his precincts. He turned his head deliberately and surveyed our
+hero. It is not within the range of the author to read the thoughts of a
+grizzly, but, from the indifference with which he turned away and
+resumed his watch, it may be inferred that he considered Tom too small
+game to merit his attention. This was rather satisfactory to our young
+hero, who was not ambitious to come in close quarters with so formidable
+an antagonist.
+
+Startled as he was, Tom maintained his ground. He wanted to help
+Onthank; but he did not know how to do it.
+
+"What can I do to help you, Mr. Onthank?" shouted Tom.
+
+"Blamed if I know," answered the Yankee, helplessly. "I wish Ferguson
+were here. It won't do for you to attack the beast single-handed."
+
+"Shall I go back for Ferguson?" asked Tom.
+
+"I don't know; how far away is the camp?"
+
+"It must be as much as a mile."
+
+"While you are away the brute may take it into his head to climb the
+tree, and then I am gone up."
+
+"Haven't you any weapon?"
+
+"No."
+
+"I'll fire at the bear if you say so."
+
+"It would be of no use. If you missed, or only grazed him, he would make
+for you."
+
+"I wish you had my rifle," said Tom.
+
+"So do I. I'd let him have it straight in the eye. Have you had
+breakfast?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"I'm as hungry as a bear--as this bear who probably wants me for his
+breakfast. O Tom, if I was only back at Green Mountain Mills once more,
+I'd be content to live and die there, and all the gold in California
+wouldn't bring me out here again."
+
+Tom stood silent and perplexed. While he was considering whether he
+could do anything to help his friend, the bear slowly rose, approached
+the tree, and, grasping it between his paws, prepared to climb. He was
+evidently tired of waiting.
+
+"He's coming, Tom!" shouted Onthank. "O Lord, what shall I do?"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+AN EXCITING PURSUIT.
+
+
+Mr Onthank's reflections when the grizzly was slowly but steadily
+climbing the tree were by no means pleasant.
+
+"If he once grips me, I am gone," he said, despairingly.
+
+"Shall I shoot?" asked Tom, looking on in excitement.
+
+"You might hit me," said Ebenezer, who knew nothing of Tom's skill as a
+marksman.
+
+"No, I won't."
+
+"I think I'll swing off," said the Yankee, "and join you."
+
+Whether this was or was not a wise thing to do Tom did not feel
+qualified to decide. It was evident that Onthank must do something
+speedily, or he would be in the power of the bear. He waited nervously
+till Bruin was uncomfortably near, and then, seizing the branch with
+his hands, swung to the ground. The height was considerable, and the
+fall jarred him; but, quickly recovering himself, he ran towards Tom.
+
+"Now we must run for our lives, Tom," he said, suiting the action to the
+word.
+
+Tom fully understood the necessity, and followed suit, first hazarding a
+glance at the discomfited bear.
+
+When the grizzly witnessed the escape of his victim he showed no
+excitement, nor did he accelerate his motions. He began deliberately to
+back down the tree. This required some little time, which Tom and his
+friend made the most of.
+
+"Give me your rifle," said Onthank.
+
+"I'd rather keep it," said Tom.
+
+"I can make better use of it," said the Yankee.
+
+"I don't know about that," said Tom. "At any rate I will keep it."
+
+He felt that it was hardly reasonable to expect him, in the presence of
+such a danger, to give up his only instrument of defence.
+
+"You are only a boy," said his companion, discontented.
+
+"I can shoot," answered Tom, briefly.
+
+Onthank was not in general an unreasonable man, but danger makes men
+selfish.
+
+"Give it to me," he said, in a tone of authority, and he tried to wrest
+it from Tom's hands.
+
+"You shall not have it," exclaimed Tom, indignantly. "Take away your
+hand, or I'll shoot you!"
+
+Of course Tom was excited, and would not have carried out his threat,
+but he was fully resolved to stand up for his rights.
+
+Whether Ebenezer would have yielded the point, being stronger than Tom,
+is uncertain; but our hero shouted "Look out for the bear!" and the
+Yankee, in alarm, released his hold, and the two entered upon a race, in
+which the Yankee's superior length of limb enabled him to keep the first
+place.
+
+Bruin was now on terra firma, and was on his way, wagging his great
+head, developing an alarming rate of speed. Tom was somewhat hampered
+by the weapon which he carried, and he was getting out of breath.
+Onthank was three or four rods ahead of him. The situation had changed,
+and it was now Tom that was in the greater peril.
+
+"Don't give out, Tom!" called out Ebenezer, encouragingly.
+
+"I won't," gasped Tom, "if I can help it."
+
+"Is he gaining on us?"
+
+"Yes," returned our hero.
+
+"Then I'll try another tree," said Onthank, and he caught a branch, and
+clambered up into a tree quite similar to the other in which he had been
+besieged.
+
+Tom would gladly have followed his example, but the branch was too high
+for him to reach readily, and the grizzly was too near to give him
+adequate time. Poor boy! He began to despair, and was at an utter loss
+what to do. To face round and fire at the foe seemed about all that was
+left him, but he wanted to reserve his fire to the last. He caught sight
+of another tree, of a larger trunk than the one which Onthank had
+ascended, and ran towards it, pursued by the grizzly. Then commenced a
+dodging game, which seemed to afford but a brief respite from
+destruction.
+
+"This can't last long," thought poor Tom. "I suppose I must die."
+
+In that brief time of peril many thoughts passed through his mind. To
+die at his age would be sad enough; but the thought that his expedition
+would be a failure, only involving his father deeper in difficulty and
+debt chiefly troubled him. The mortgage would be foreclosed, and his
+father and whole family deprived of their humble home. Onthank watched
+the boy's peril, unable to give him assistance. To do him justice he
+almost forgot his own danger in the more apparent and immediate peril of
+his young companion.
+
+"Be careful!" he shouted, quite needlessly. "Don't let him grip you.
+Give it to him right in the eye."
+
+Tom was so absorbed, and his mind so painfully occupied by his efforts
+to keep out of his enemy's clutches, that he was not conscious of the
+warning.
+
+Active and alert as he was, the result was hardly a matter of doubt. He
+would tire sooner than the bear, and if he ran again he was sure to be
+overtaken. This, however, was what he did. Of course the grizzly
+instantly pursued him. Poor Tom breathed a prayer for help, though there
+seemed no chance of his prayer being answered; but sometimes God sends
+assistance when there seems no chance of escape.
+
+The galloping of a horse was heard. There was a whirling sound, and
+Bruin, already within two yards of Tom, was jerked back, and brought to
+a stand-still by a lasso which wound about his neck. A shout caused Tom
+suddenly to turn his head, and to his joy he saw a mounted Mexican
+_vaquero_, who had brought him timely relief.
+
+Bruin growled angrily on finding himself balked of his prey. He was not
+disposed to yield to his new antagonist. Rising and sitting on his
+haunches he began coolly to draw in the lasso, against the combined
+strength of man and horse. The muscular force of a big grizzly is
+simply enormous. Usually he is attacked from two sides, two lassos being
+thrown around him. For a single antagonist he is sometimes more than a
+match, as seemed likely in the present case. The _rieta_ being attached
+to the pommel of the saddle, of course the bear, in pulling as he did,
+hand over hand, steadily brought the _vaquero_ and his steed nearer. The
+horse, terrified, trembled in every limb, and tried to rear; but his
+strength was as nothing when opposed to the steady power of his massive
+antagonist.
+
+Relieved from the immediate attentions of the grizzly, Tom did not
+continue to run, but stood still, and, forgetting his own peril,
+remained an excited spectator of the struggle between the bear and the
+_vaquero_.
+
+The Mexican in an excited manner shouted to him to shoot. This brought
+Tom to a sense of his duty. A third person had been brought into danger
+by an effort to give him assistance, and he was too manly to leave him
+to his fate. He raised his rifle, and, taking quick aim, fired. Our
+young hero was of course inexperienced, and it was only by a piece of
+good fortune that his bullet inflicted a serious wound, striking the
+bear in the throat. The blood began to flow and the grizzly, growling
+fiercely, slackened his hold on the lasso. The _vaquero_ followed up
+Tom's shot by another, equally effective, and the powerful animal
+dropped to the ground, dangerous still if approached, but unfitted for
+pursuit.
+
+The _vaquero_ reined his horse back, and his dark face became illumined
+with a smile of satisfaction.
+
+"He will do no more harm," he said in good English, but with a foreign
+accent. "The danger is over."
+
+"Is the critter used up?" shouted Onthank, cautiously, from his elevated
+perch. "Is he defunct?"
+
+"He soon will be," answered Tom. "I guess it will be safe to come down."
+
+Ebenezer Onthank needed no second invitation. He "shinned" down the tree
+in a manner not unlike the grizzly, and approached the spot where the
+huge foe was lying, the life-blood flowing from his throat.
+
+"I'd like to kick you, you big brute!" said Mr. Onthank.
+
+The bear slowly turned upon him his glazing eyes, and they expressed so
+much ferocity that almost involuntarily the Yankee drew back. The bear
+partly raised himself, and tried to drag himself towards his
+adversaries; but the effort was vain.
+
+"He is one of the largest I have seen," said the _vaquero_. "See how
+strong he is!"
+
+"It was lucky for me that you came up," said Tom. "He was almost upon
+me."
+
+"I had about given you up, Tom," said Onthank, "and I thought my turn
+was coming next."
+
+"We are much indebted to you, sir," said Tom, gratefully, to the
+Mexican. "You have saved my life."
+
+The _vaquero_ courteously expressed his satisfaction, and, remounting
+his horse, resumed his journey.
+
+"I never want to see another grizzly," said Onthank. "This one is enough
+for me, darn his ugly pictur'!"
+
+"I quite agree with you, Mr. Onthank," said Tom.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+TOM'S OLD HOME.
+
+
+Leaving Tom for a time, we will cross the continent, and, a little
+earlier in point of time, look in upon Mark Nelson and his family at
+their humble home in New Hampshire.
+
+For years Mr. Nelson had been struggling to provide a comfortable living
+for his wife and children. The struggle was not an easy one. His small
+farm was sterile, and yielded grudgingly its annual crops. Then the
+mortgage held by Squire Hudson imposed a burden of interest very hard to
+meet. Each half year sixty-six dollars must be raised somehow to satisfy
+the squire's demand. Though a rich man, with ready money in plenty, he
+never failed to call for his money on the very day it was due. Once or
+twice he had granted a delay of a day or two; but his manner was so
+unpleasant that the farmer, except from dire necessity, was hardly
+likely to ask a renewal of the favor.
+
+The six months immediately following Tom's departure from home were not
+favorable to his father. There was a drought of considerable duration,
+which made the crops smaller than usual, and thus materially decreased
+the farmer's income. When the semi-annual interest became due, with the
+most energetic effort Mark Nelson had got together but thirty-six
+dollars towards it, leaving a deficit of thirty dollars.
+
+"I feel anxious about to-morrow, Mary," he said, as the little family
+sat together the night before in the plain sitting-room. "I have never
+been so much behindhand before with the interest."
+
+"How much do you lack, Mark?" asked Mrs. Nelson.
+
+"Thirty dollars."
+
+"That is a good deal of money," said his wife, gravely.
+
+"Yes; I don't know where to raise it. If Squire Hudson were only a
+little considerate. But he isn't, and, even if he were, I am afraid
+there is no prospect of my raising the money at present."
+
+"You may get some money from Tom soon," suggested Sarah.
+
+"I can't rely upon that. Tom will doubtless send when he is able, for he
+understands my circumstances, and is a thoughtful boy; but it is going
+to take time for him to earn a surplus--enough to send on."
+
+"He may find a big nugget," said Walter, the second boy, who eagerly
+read the letters from California which from time to time appeared in the
+weekly paper.
+
+"He _may_, but the chances are against it."
+
+"I was reading in last week's paper about a man finding a nugget worth
+over two thousand dollars."
+
+"Such nuggets are as rare as large prizes in a lottery, I suspect," said
+Mark Nelson, who had a large share of plain common-sense.
+
+Walter looked rather disappointed, having made up his mind that Tom
+would certainly find a big lump of gold, and come home rich.
+
+"Don't you think Tom will find some gold?" he asked.
+
+"Yes, I have no doubt he will gather some gold-dust. I have no doubt,
+too, that he will earn more than he or I can do at home; but I haven't
+much faith in these extraordinary pieces of good luck."
+
+"Still, Tom _may_ find a nugget," persisted Walter.
+
+"Yes, he _may_, and I shall be very glad if he does; but we must not
+build too many air-castles on that chance."
+
+"I wish I could see the dear boy again," sighed his mother, looking up
+from the stocking she was laboriously darning.
+
+"So do I," said Walter. "He would have a lot to tell us."
+
+"California seems so far away," resumed Mrs. Nelson, "and he has no one
+there to look after him, and mend his clothes--"
+
+"And darn his stockings," said Walter, smiling.
+
+"If he walked all the way across the continent," said Sarah, "I don't
+believe he would have larger holes in his stockings than you have,
+Walter."
+
+"Oh, well, I exercise a good deal," said Walter. "Ask father if I
+don't."
+
+"Walter will be more successful as a farmer than as a scholar," said Mr.
+Nelson. "He helps me a good deal."
+
+"Tom was a good scholar," said Sarah, "and he was always ready to work
+too. Walter will never astonish or electrify the world by his learning."
+
+"I don't want to," said her brother. "It isn't in my line."
+
+"That's true enough."
+
+"Don't tease Walter," said Mrs. Nelson. "He helps your father a good
+deal, and he is not a dunce."
+
+"Thank you, mother, for taking my part. Sarah is going to be a
+strong-minded woman. I should not wonder if she came out as a lecturer
+on 'Woman's Rights' some time. I think I see her, with a pair of
+iron-bowed spectacles on her nose, and her back hair tied up in a big
+knot, flinging her arms about, and--"
+
+"That'll do, Walter," said Sarah. "It is an unusually powerful effort
+for you. I have no desire to lecture on 'Woman's Rights,' though I think
+they ought to have them all the same."
+
+"I guess you'll get yours. You'll make your husband stand round, if you
+ever get one."
+
+Sarah laughed good-naturedly, and retorted, "I shall pity your wife, if
+she has to darn your stockings."
+
+The next day about dinner-time Squire Hudson walked up to the front
+door, and knocked. His approach was witnessed, not without trepidation,
+for he was not an easy creditor.
+
+The squire looked about him searchingly as he entered. He suspected that
+the interest was not ready, and the farmer's grave face confirmed his
+suspicions. That he was glad of this of course Mark Nelson did not
+dream, for he was not aware of his creditor's deep-laid plans.
+
+"A fine day!" said the squire, with suavity. "I hope you are well, Mrs.
+Nelson."
+
+"Pretty well, thank you, sir."
+
+"Have you heard from Tom lately?"
+
+"Yes; he had just reached California."
+
+"Then of course he could not say anything of his prospects?"
+
+"It was too soon."
+
+"You must miss him a good deal--all of you."
+
+"I am thinking of him all the time," said Mrs. Nelson.
+
+"To be sure, that is natural in a mother. But if the boy does well, that
+will repay you hereafter."
+
+"If I only felt sure he would do well."
+
+"Oh, he is young and industrious. He will be sure to make his way. He'll
+like it too. Why, my Sinclair envies him the chance of leaving home. He
+wanted to go with him."
+
+"Sinclair would not like to go in the same way as Tom, with the prospect
+of having to work hard after he got there," said Mark Nelson.
+
+"To be sure not, neighbor Nelson. My boy has never been brought up to
+work. My circumstances--ahem!--have not made it necessary."
+
+"Sinclair is fortunate in having a rich father," said the farmer.
+
+"So I tell him," said the squire, complacently. "His fortune is already
+made."
+
+"What are you going to do with him, squire?"
+
+"Oh, I shall make a professional man of him,--a lawyer, most likely,"
+said the rich man, complacently. "I can give him a suitable income till
+he gets into a paying practice."
+
+"That will be a good many years," thought Sarah, "unless Sinclair works
+harder than he has lately at school;" but the shrewd young lady kept
+this thought to herself.
+
+One by one wife and children left the room, for it was well understood
+that the squire came on business, and would be likely to desire a
+private interview with the farmer. They went into the kitchen, closing
+the door behind them, and awaited anxiously the result of the
+interview.
+
+"I do hope Squire Hudson will be considerate," said Mrs. Nelson,
+anxiously.
+
+"I am afraid he won't be, mother," said Sarah. "He is a hard man."
+
+"Sinclair puts on no end of airs," said Walter. "By the way he struts
+round you would think he owned the whole town. You had better set your
+cap for him, Sarah, for he will be rich some day."
+
+"I would rather be an old maid than marry him," said Sarah, decidedly.
+
+"Very likely your wish will be gratified," said her brother.
+
+Mrs. Nelson did not smile at this sally, for her mind was too full of
+anxiety.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+A MODERN SHYLOCK.
+
+
+"I believe your interest falls due to-day, Mr. Nelson," said the squire,
+when he found himself alone with his debtor.
+
+"Yes," answered the farmer, slowly. It was not very likely to slip his
+mind.
+
+"I suppose you have the money ready," continued the squire, who supposed
+no such thing.
+
+"I have a part of it ready," said Mark Nelson, with an effort.
+
+"A part," repeated his creditor, with a frown.
+
+"Yes; I can give you thirty-six dollars to-day."
+
+"_Only_ thirty-six dollars! The amount due is sixty-six."
+
+"I know it, Squire Hudson; but this has been a bad year for the farmers,
+as you probably know. Owing to the drought, my crops fell off at least
+one quarter."
+
+"I can't help that," said the squire, coldly.
+
+"If you will be a little patient," said Mr. Nelson, uneasily.
+
+"Neighbor Nelson," said his creditor, interrupting him, "I wish to ask
+you one question. When I lent you money on mortgage was there a
+stipulation that if there was a drought I was to wait for my just
+interest?"
+
+"No, Squire Hudson."
+
+"To be sure not; I would not of course lend you money on any such terms.
+It was understood that my interest was to be paid semi-annually,--was it
+not so?"
+
+"Yes, but--"
+
+"Wait a moment. You must certainly agree that I am entitled to prompt
+payment. A bargain is a bargain."
+
+"I don't dispute it, Squire Hudson, and I have tried to be ready for
+you; but in spite of all my efforts I am thirty dollars short."
+
+"Do you expect me to be content with this explanation?"
+
+"I think you are rather hard on me, squire. It isn't as if I had the
+money and objected to pay. I am a poor man, but no one ever lost a
+dollar by me; and I don't mean that any one shall, while I have my life
+and strength."
+
+"That's all very well, but it won't make up the thirty dollars in which
+you are delinquent."
+
+"What would you have me do? I cannot _make_ money."
+
+"I wouldn't give much for an investment when the interest is delayed. It
+is no longer worth its face. If any of my railroad bonds defer their
+usual interest they at once drop in value."
+
+"I know very little of railroad bonds, never having any money to invest
+in them; but I think my farm will be full security for all the money I
+owe you."
+
+"Suppose I should foreclose--you would consider it an unkind thing and a
+great hardship, wouldn't you?"
+
+"It would take away my means of supporting my family. I don't think you
+would go to extremes, for the sake of thirty dollars."
+
+"It isn't the amount of money, neighbor Nelson, that is to be
+considered. It is the principle that is involved."
+
+This is a very common pretext with men who have made up their minds to
+do a mean thing. Generally speaking it is false, and the money is the
+first consideration.
+
+"Will you give me two months to pay the balance of interest?" asked Mark
+Nelson.
+
+"What better prospect have you of being able to pay me then?"
+
+"As soon as Tom has any money to send, he will remit to me. I think it
+probable that I shall hear from him in the course of two months."
+
+"If that is your reliance," said the squire, shrugging his shoulders, "I
+am afraid you are leaning upon a broken reed. I know boys pretty well,
+and I fancy Tom will find a use for all the money he earns."
+
+"You don't know him, Squire Hudson. He is a very conscientious boy, and
+understands very well the sacrifice I made in raising money to send him
+to California. He is not very likely to forget that."
+
+"It seems to me that the sacrifice was mine," said the squire, with a
+half sneer. "If I remember rightly, I advanced the money which he took
+away with him."
+
+Mark Nelson flushed, and he answered warmly, "You did advance the money,
+Squire Hudson, but I gave you security for it."
+
+"And the very first interest that has come due you are not prepared to
+meet. You can't blame me for feeling a little doubt as to the wisdom of
+my advance."
+
+"Are you very much in need of the thirty dollars?" asked Mr. Nelson,
+nettled at the squire's tone.
+
+"What do you mean, sir?"
+
+"Is it subjecting you to any great inconvenience to wait a couple of
+months for it? That is what I mean."
+
+"My circumstances are not such," returned the squire, haughtily, "as to
+make me feel even the loss of thirty dollars."
+
+"I wish I could say the same, but I cannot. Since, then, it will
+occasion you no inconvenience, I ask you as a favor that you will let
+the balance rest for two months."
+
+Squire Hudson saw that he was cornered; but none the less was he
+disposed to yield the point. He even felt provoked with the farmer for
+having forced from him an acknowledgment that he did not need the money
+he so persistently demanded.
+
+"I told you before," he said, "that it was not the amount of money, but
+the principle, that I care for. You cannot have forgotten this."
+
+"I don't see how any principle is involved, Squire Hudson."
+
+"You look at the matter solely from a debtor's point of view. If you
+held the mortgage, instead of myself, you would change your view very
+quickly."
+
+"I don't think I should," said the farmer, slowly. "I would be
+considerate to a poor neighbor, even if it did inconvenience me a
+little."
+
+"The poor neighbor should not have borrowed money on which he was unable
+to pay interest," said Squire Hudson, severely.
+
+"How could I anticipate the drought that has diminished my crops?" said
+Mark Nelson, with spirit.
+
+"That is neither here nor there. You knew that the interest must be
+paid, drought or no drought, crop or no crop."
+
+"I cannot argue with you further, since you refuse to consider
+circumstances over which I have had no control. You refuse to grant me
+any delay?"
+
+"I do."
+
+"Since I have not the money to pay you, will you tell me what you
+require?"
+
+"How many cows do you keep?"
+
+"Three."
+
+"You can give me one of these, and I will consider it an equivalent for
+the thirty dollars."
+
+"Do you require this?" asked the farmer, uneasily.
+
+"Yes; unless you have some other satisfactory arrangement to propose."
+
+"I am afraid I have nothing else which you would regard as satisfactory.
+The loss of a cow will diminish my income. Instead of three, I ought to
+have four or five. I shouldn't like to be reduced to two."
+
+"Very likely not; but an honest man is willing to make a sacrifice in
+order to meet his just liabilities. Besides, you expect to have the
+money, you say, in a couple of months. When it has come, you may have
+your cow back, on paying two months' interest on the deferred payment.
+That is only fair."
+
+"Say no more, Squire Hudson," said the farmer. "I must, of course,
+consent to this arrangement since you insist upon it. How soon do you
+wish for the cow?"
+
+"You had better let your son Walter drive it over this afternoon."
+
+"He is losing no time," thought Mark Nelson, bitterly. "He does not even
+appear to be willing that I should have the benefit of this night's
+milking."
+
+"You may send me Whiteface," continued Squire Hudson, who knew that this
+was the most valuable of the three cows.
+
+"That is my best cow," protested the farmer "That makes little
+difference, as you expect to redeem it in two months."
+
+Mark Nelson was silent. He felt indignant with Squire Hudson for his
+cruel exaction; but he felt that he was in his power, and that he must
+submit to his exactions.
+
+"You will attend to this matter?" asked the squire, as he rose and
+prepared to go.
+
+"Yes," answered the farmer, coldly.
+
+When his creditor was gone he went into the kitchen and acquainted the
+family with what had passed. Great were the grief and indignation of the
+children, and Walter expressed a desire that Squire Hudson might lose
+all his property as a fitting reward for his meanness.
+
+"Heaven help me if I can't meet the next interest!" said Mark Nelson,
+later in the day, to his wife.
+
+"Don't be too much troubled about the future, Mark," said his wife, who
+was of a more hopeful temperament than her husband; "I am sure that you
+will get some help from Tom before six months are over."
+
+"I hope so," answered her husband; but for the rest of the day he was
+very grave.
+
+Walter drove over Whiteface, at his father's request; but he came near
+crying, stout boy as he was, at the loss of the faithful animal which
+his father had reared from a calf.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+AT SACRAMENTO.
+
+
+After his escape from the grizzly Tom had no further adventures of an
+exciting character. One afternoon he and his companions arrived at
+Sacramento. It was but a small settlement, but was more town-like than
+any place they had yet seen in California. They drove to a two-story
+frame building, which was the chief hotel in the town. Taking the
+precaution to inquire the price of board and lodging, they were dismayed
+by the extravagance of the charges. Tom saw that his reserve fund of
+twenty dollars would scarcely last him forty-eight hours.
+
+"I can't stay here, Mr. Ferguson," he said. "I will take my chances and
+camp out, if necessary."
+
+"I agree with you, lad; I'm not inclined to waste my substance on
+luxurious living."
+
+"There won't be much luxurious living, I guess," said Ebenezer Onthank,
+who, with Yankee curiosity, had already visited the kitchen and obtained
+some idea of the fare to be expected. "I kin get better board at Green
+Mountain Mills for three dollars a week, and folks are darned glad to
+accommodate you for that price. These chaps seem to think and act as if
+we were made of money."
+
+"I wish some of your Green Mountain Mills boarding-houses were here,"
+said Tom. "I could save plenty of money then."
+
+"Well, gentlemen, do you want to stay here?" inquired the landlord.
+
+"We'd like to, squire, but not bein' millionaires I guess we'll have to
+put it off till times are better."
+
+"Just as you say," said the landlord, indifferently. "There's others
+waiting for the only room I have empty." Then, noticing for the first
+time the express wagon which Tom had left outside, he asked, in a tone
+of interest, "Who owns that team?"
+
+"It belongs to this boy and myself," answered Ferguson.
+
+"Where did it come from?"
+
+"The States."
+
+"You don't want to sell, do you?"
+
+Tom was about to reply in the affirmative, but the Scot, more shrewd,
+answered indifferently, "We may sell it when we get to San Francisco."
+
+"I need just such a team as that," said the landlord, eagerly. "I'll
+give you a good price for it. You can go down the river to Frisco."
+
+"I suppose we might," said Ferguson, slowly, "if it was worth our
+while."
+
+"What'll you take, cash down?" inquired the landlord, earnestly.
+
+"Nay, my friend, I prefer to hear your views as to the price."
+
+"I will give you eight hundred dollars for the wagon."
+
+This was certainly an excellent profit, for but three hundred had been
+paid for horse and wagon. Tom's heart beat fast with excitement, for he
+remembered that one-third of the money would come to him. If it had
+depended upon him he would have clinched the bargain at once, but he
+wisely left the matter in the hands of his companion and partner.
+
+"That seems a fair offer," said Ferguson; "but I think we may as well
+wait till we reach San Francisco. Besides, we want to sell the horse,
+too."
+
+"I will give you a thousand dollars for the two," said the landlord.
+
+A man with his pantaloons tucked in his boots, a coarse woolen shirt,
+and a wide-brimmed sombrero, which overshadowed a face bearing a beard
+of a week's growth, was leaning against the door-post.
+
+"Landlord," said he, "I see your price, and I'll go two hundred better."
+
+Tom stared at the speaker in surprise. He looked like a man who would
+have found it hard to raise twelve dollars, yet he had made an offer of
+twelve hundred. Our hero did not learn till afterwards that the man had
+"struck it rich" at the mines, sold out his claim for ten thousand
+dollars, and for the time being was the lucky possessor of a large bank
+account.
+
+"Now, Tom Scott," expostulated the landlord, "this ain't fair. I want
+the wagon more'n you do, and you're a-raisin' the price on me."
+
+"How do you know that?" drawled Scott. "I've got a pile, and I mean to
+take it easy while it lasts. I'm going back to the mines like a
+gentleman, with my own team, you bet, if I've got money enough to buy
+one."
+
+The landlord was satisfied that, if he wanted the team, he must outbid
+his competitor, and advanced his offer to thirteen hundred dollars. But
+Tom Scott was not terrified. His money had come easily, and he would not
+let two or three hundred dollars stand in the way of his wishes.
+
+"I'll go fifteen," he drawled.
+
+The landlord shrugged his shoulders, and said, in a disappointed tone,
+"You'll have to take it, Scott. You've gone ahead of my pile."
+
+"Well, stranger, is it a bargain?" asked Scott.
+
+The Scotchman, though inwardly elated as well as astonished at the
+extraordinary offer he had received, answered quietly, "If my partner
+agrees."
+
+"I guess we'd better sell," said Tom, trying not to betray his inward
+satisfaction.
+
+"All right," said Scott, appearing to be well pleased. "You can have
+your money when you want it. If you are going to Frisco, I'll give you
+an order on my banker there."
+
+"Tom Scott's a square man, and his order will fetch the money," said the
+landlord, observing Ferguson's prudent hesitation.
+
+"That is satisfactory," replied Ferguson.
+
+In five minutes more the business was concluded, and Ferguson and Tom,
+longing to congratulate each other on their good fortune, walked off
+together.
+
+"We're in luck, Mr. Ferguson," said Tom. "I don't know whether I stand
+on my head or my heels. I never expected such a price."
+
+"Twelve hundred dollars is a great profit," said Ferguson. "I almost
+doubt whether we are justified in asking such an extortionate price of
+the poor man."
+
+"He is pleased with his bargain, and I don't think we need to trouble
+ourselves about that," answered Tom. "Besides, you know we can't compare
+prices with those at home."
+
+"No doubt there is reason in what you say, my lad; but it's not easy at
+first to make allowance for the difference."
+
+"That's so, Mr. Ferguson. When shall we go to San Francisco?"
+
+"We will go to-morrow, if we can. I suppose you will wish to send some
+money to your father."
+
+"Yes, I am in a hurry to send to him, for I am sure he needs it already.
+I can hardly realize that I am worth five hundred dollars."
+
+"Five hundred?"
+
+"Yes, I had a third share in the team."
+
+"That isn't my way of looking at it, Tom."
+
+"Is it possible Mr. Ferguson would cheat me out of my fair share?"
+thought Tom, but he only harbored the suspicion for an instant. He had
+seen too much of his friend to believe such a thing, and he quietly
+waited for an explanation.
+
+"I'll tell you how I propose that we divide it, Tom. First we'll take
+out the money each of us put in, one hundred for you and two hundred for
+me, and then we'll divide the profit equally."
+
+"But," protested Tom, "you are entitled to two-thirds."
+
+"Then I won't take it," said Ferguson, decidedly. "I only want half of
+the profit. That will give me eight hundred dollars, and that ought to
+satisfy me."
+
+"And I shall have seven hundred," said Tom, his eyes sparkling.
+
+"Precisely."
+
+"How kind you are, Mr. Ferguson!" exclaimed Tom, eagerly seizing the
+Scotchman's hand.
+
+"No, my lad; I am only just. I am glad to help a boy who is working for
+his father and family."
+
+"I shouldn't deserve to succeed if I didn't," said Tom, earnestly.
+
+"Always bear that in mind, my lad, and God will smile on your efforts,
+and raise you up friends."
+
+In spite of the high price, Tom and his partner felt justified now in
+stopping over night at the hotel where they had met with such a piece of
+good luck, and the next day started down the river for San Francisco.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+
+TOM BUYS A BUSINESS.
+
+
+It was an interesting moment for our two friends when they landed in San
+Francisco. The future Western metropolis was only a town of scattered
+wooden and adobe houses, with irregular streets and a general lack of
+uniformity in its buildings; but everybody seemed on the alert. The
+number of drones was wonderfully small; even the constitutionally lazy
+could not resist the golden incentives to labor. Money was looked upon
+with very different eyes there and at the East. No one took the trouble
+to dispute prices; and a man who landed with an article rare or
+desirable could often obtain twenty times its value. Within ten minutes
+of his arrival Tom witnessed a case of this kind.
+
+Just as he was entering Montgomery street he noticed a man--evidently a
+new-comer--with a fine bunch of pineapples in his hand. He had just
+arrived in the steamer Columbus, then anchored out in the stream.
+
+"I shouldn't mind having one of those pineapples," said Tom to Ferguson.
+
+"Doubtless they are high-priced, being a rarity," said the Scotchman.
+
+Just then a passer-by, attracted like Tom, and feeling a similar
+longing, stepped up to the new-comer.
+
+"Are those pineapples for sale?" he asked.
+
+"Yes, if you'll pay enough," was the half-jocular reply.
+
+"Name your price."
+
+"Ten dollars."
+
+"Here is your money;" and he put a gold piece into the hand of the
+astounded passenger, which represented ten times the sum he had paid for
+the fruit at San Blas.
+
+"That's a pretty steep price," said Tom, "for six pineapples."
+
+"It is very wasteful to spend such a sight of money to pamper the
+appetite," said the canny Scot. "Truly, a fool and his money are soon
+parted."
+
+He was destined to be still more surprised. The purchaser within five
+minutes transferred half his purchase to another for fifteen dollars.
+
+"Gold seems to be plenty here," said Tom.
+
+"I hope all provisions are not as high," said Ferguson, "or we shall
+soon have a chance to spend all we have."
+
+"Where shall we go first?" asked Tom.
+
+"We had better go to a public house, and secure a lodging," said
+Ferguson.
+
+"I wish I knew some one here to direct me."
+
+Scarcely had Tom uttered these words than he cried out in surprise,
+"Why, there's John Miles!"
+
+They were passing a little, unpainted, wooden building, of one and a
+half stories, used as a grocery. A German name was on the sign; but
+behind the rough counter stood the familiar form of John Miles.
+
+Tom dashed into the store, followed by his more dignified companion.
+
+"How are you, John?" he exclaimed.
+
+"Why, if it isn't Tom," returned Miles, his face showing the joy he
+felt. "And here's Mr. Ferguson, too."
+
+Then there ensued a hearty shaking of hands, followed by the question,
+"When did you get here?"
+
+"About twenty minutes ago."
+
+"And you came straight to me. That's good."
+
+"So it is; but it's an accident. We had no idea where you were. So you
+are a grocer, John. Is the place yours?"
+
+"If it is, then I've changed my name," said Miles, pointing to the sign
+bearing the name:--
+
+     JOHN SCHINKELWITZ.
+
+"The first name's right, at any rate," said Tom, laughing. "I suppose
+you are the clerk, then."
+
+"Yes."
+
+"How long have you been here?"
+
+"Four weeks."
+
+"Is it a good business?"
+
+"Very good. My Dutch friend pays me five dollars a day, and I sleep
+here."
+
+"Among the groceries?"
+
+"Yes; it saves me the expense of a bed outside, and that is a good deal.
+I haven't saved quite enough to pay you yet, Tom, but I can soon."
+
+"No hurry, John. I have been lucky since I saw you."
+
+"I am glad to hear it, Tom. Did the claim prove more productive?"
+
+"No; but I have been speculating. Guess how much money I have with me."
+
+"A hundred and fifty dollars."
+
+"More."
+
+"Two hundred."
+
+"More yet."
+
+"Not three hundred, Tom?"
+
+"I won't make you guess any more. I have seven hundred dollars. No
+wonder you look surprised. I'll tell you how I made it;" and Tom
+repeated the story of his purchase and its profitable sale.
+
+"I am not so much surprised now," said Miles, "for in this country a man
+will have what he takes a fancy to, no matter what it costs. I am glad
+the good luck came to you and Mr. Ferguson. I shouldn't mind having that
+amount of money myself."
+
+"What would you do with it?"
+
+"I would buy out my employer, and then I could make money fast."
+
+"Does he want to sell?"
+
+"Yes, he wants to go to the mines."
+
+"Would he sell for such a small sum?"
+
+"Yes; there isn't much of a stock, but we are constantly replenishing. I
+tell you what, Tom, _you_ buy him out, and I'll manage the business."
+
+"Are you in earnest, John?"
+
+"Certainly I am."
+
+"But I want to send some money home," objected Tom.
+
+"How much?"
+
+"A hundred dollars at least."
+
+"I'll lend you the hundred, my lad," said Ferguson, "and fifty more, and
+you can take your own money and buy the business. I don't favor acting
+hastily, in general, but I have faith in our friend here, and I am led
+to believe that the enterprise will be a profitable one."
+
+"You'll be my partner, Tom, and I'll give you a third of the profits
+without your doing a thing. If you work with me, you shall have as much
+more as will be satisfactory."
+
+"I would rather go back to the mines, John, and leave you to manage this
+business by yourself. A quarter of the profits will satisfy me."
+
+"No, it shall be a third. As you furnish the capital, that is only
+fair."
+
+"We may be counting our chickens too soon. Perhaps your Dutch friend,
+whose name I can't pronounce, won't sell."
+
+"Here he is to speak for himself."
+
+A short German, with a ponderous frame, and a broad, good-humored face,
+here entered the grocery, panting with the exertion of walking, and
+looked inquiringly at Tom and the Scotchman.
+
+"Herr Schinkelwitz, this is my friend, Tom Nelson," said Miles.
+
+"Glad to see you, mine vriend," said the German, addressing Ferguson.
+
+"No, that is Mr. Ferguson," said Miles, smiling. "I should have
+introduced him first."
+
+"Wie gehts, Herr Ferguson?" said the grocer. "You have one strange
+name."
+
+"Your name seems strange to me," said the Scotchman.
+
+"Oh, no; Schinkelwitz is a very common name. Most peoples admire my
+name."
+
+Tom was considerably amused, but Herr Schinkelwitz did not observe the
+smile which he could not repress.
+
+"I have told my friends you would like to sell out the business," said
+Miles.
+
+"Oh, ja, it is a good business, but my health is not good. I think it
+will be much better at the mines. You will do well to buy it yourself."
+
+"I would if I had money enough."
+
+"Ja, I must have the money, for I shall need it."
+
+"My friend here has money, and may buy of you," said Miles, indicating
+Tom.
+
+"What, the boy?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Where did he get so much money?"
+
+"At the mines."
+
+"Oh, ja, that is a good place to get gold. Well, my young vriend, I will
+sell cheap."
+
+It will not be necessary to enter into a detailed account of the
+negotiation. It is enough to say that for the sum of seven hundred
+dollars Herr Schinkelwitz made over the business to Herr Tom, as he
+called him, and our hero found himself penniless, but the owner of a
+grocery. In half an hour it was all completed.
+
+"Now, Tom, you are my boss," said Miles. "Shall I put your name
+outside?"
+
+"No, John, put your own. I am only a silent partner, you know."
+
+"I congratulate you, Tom," said Ferguson. "Here are two hundred dollars,
+for which you can give me your note."
+
+"Two hundred?"
+
+"Yes; you will need some yourself, besides what you send to your
+father."
+
+"Suppose I can't pay you back?"
+
+"Then I will levy on the grocery, my lad," said Ferguson.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+
+A GAMBLING-HOUSE.
+
+
+Having completed this important business arrangement, the two friends
+went out to explore the town. The limits were narrow compared with those
+of the flourishing city of the present day. Where the Palace and Grand
+hotels now stand was a sand-hill, and the bay encroached upon the
+business part of the city far more than now.
+
+Scarcely a stone's throw from the grocery, on Montgomery street, between
+California and Sacramento, was the office of Adams' Express, which
+advertised to forward gold-dust and packages by every steamer.
+
+"I will go in here, Mr. Ferguson," said Tom. "I shall not feel
+comfortable till I have started this money homeward. I am sure it will
+be wanted."
+
+"Right, my lad. We will attend to it, by all means."
+
+They entered the building,--a very humble one it would now be
+considered,--but they found other customers before them, and had to wait
+for their turn.
+
+"What can I do for you?" asked the clerk, in a quick, business-like
+tone.
+
+"I want to send home a hundred dollars," said Tom.
+
+"Give me the address."
+
+This was done, the money paid over, and a receipt returned in two
+minutes.
+
+"How long before my father will receive the money?" asked Tom.
+
+"The steamer starts in three days. About a month will be needed."
+
+Then Tom moved aside, and the next man took his place.
+
+"I am glad that is attended to," said Tom, relieved. "Now, Mr. Ferguson,
+I will go wherever you wish."
+
+"We had better secure a lodging," said the Scotchman. "When we are sure
+of a bed we can walk about at our leisure."
+
+Lodgings were to be had, but they were generally very dear. The first
+room looked at was five dollars per day, without board,--a price our
+friends were unwilling to pay. Finally they found a decent, though small
+room, with rather a narrow bed, which could be had for three fifths of
+that sum, and they engaged it.
+
+"We will have to go back to the mines soon," said Tom. "San Francisco is
+too expensive for us to live in."
+
+"You can afford it better than I, Tom," said his friend.
+
+"Why?"
+
+"Because you have a business that brings you in an income."
+
+"Oh, I forgot that," said our hero, smiling. "Things happen so fast here
+that I haven't got used to my new position. Do you think I invested my
+money wisely, Mr. Ferguson?"
+
+"Yes, my lad, since your agent is a trustworthy, honest man."
+
+"I am sure I can trust John Miles."
+
+"If I were not confident of it, also, I would not have encouraged you to
+take so important a step."
+
+"I think I won't write to father about it," said Tom, after a pause. "He
+might think I had acted foolishly, and become anxious. If I succeed,
+then I shall be glad to surprise him. I think I shall make money; but I
+don't want to count on it too much. I shall be ready to go back with you
+to the mines whenever you say the word."
+
+As they sauntered about, gazing curiously at the motley sights around
+them, they heard strains of music. It appeared to proceed from a large
+wooden building, with a jutting roof, under which, on benches, lounged a
+number of persons, some of them Mexicans, in their native costumes,
+smoking cigarettes. A large American flag was displayed over the door,
+and a crowd was constantly passing in and out.
+
+"Let us go in," said Tom.
+
+His companion making no objection, they entered. The first sight of the
+interior made clear the character of the place. There were numerous
+tables, spread with games,--faro, monte, and roulette,--each surrounded
+by an absorbed and interested group. "Easy come, easy go," was the rule
+with the early California pioneers, and the gaming-table enlisted in its
+service many men who would not have dreamed at home that they could ever
+be brought to tolerate such an instrument of evil.
+
+Tom was a country boy, and unsophisticated, but he could not help
+understanding the nature of the business which brought so many to the
+place.
+
+"I suppose they are gambling," he said.
+
+"Yes, poor, deluded creatures!" said the Scotchman, who had been brought
+up to an abhorrence of games of chance. "They are wasting their time and
+their substance, and foolishly laying up for themselves future misery."
+
+Had this remark been heard it would have excited indignation, and
+perhaps subjected the speaker to insult; but the players were too
+intent upon their varying chances to pay any attention to the remarks of
+by-standers.
+
+"I hope, Tom, you will never yield to the seductive lures of the
+gaming-table," continued Ferguson.
+
+"I don't think there is much danger," said Tom. "I have always been
+taught that gambling is wicked."
+
+"May you long feel so, my lad!"
+
+Tom did, however, watch the players with interest. He saw money lost and
+won, without understanding exactly how it was decided. From the game his
+attention was drawn to the gamesters. He was led to notice,
+particularly, a young man of prepossessing countenance, who was
+evidently profoundly excited. From time to time he drew out a roll of
+gold pieces, which he placed on a card, and invariably lost. He must
+have had a considerable sum; but, small or large, he was in ill-luck,
+and constantly lost. As he neared the end of his resources the feverish
+blush upon his handsome features was succeeded by a deep pallor, and
+there was no mistaking the expression of deep anguish and despair which
+announced that he had reached the end.
+
+Tom became painfully interested in the young man, and silently drew the
+attention of his companion to him. When the end came, and the victim,
+thoroughly "cleaned out," turned to go out, Tom said, in a low voice,
+"Let us follow him."
+
+Ferguson acquiesced. He, too, had become interested, and the young man's
+expression as he passed our two friends was so despairing that Ferguson
+felt some alarm as to the effect of his disappointment upon his mind.
+
+Once in the street, Ferguson and Tom followed the unfortunate young man
+into an obscure street, keeping up with difficulty, for his pace was
+rapid and excited. It proved to be a fortunate thing, for when he
+supposed himself free from observation the young man drew a pistol, and,
+with an incoherent exclamation, placed it in contact with his temple.
+
+Tom sprang forward, and so did the Scotchman; but the boy was the
+quicker and more agile, and dashed the pistol aside just in time to
+prevent a suicide.
+
+"Why did you do that?" asked the baffled would-be-suicide, gloomily,
+turning his gaze upon Tom.
+
+"I was afraid you were going to kill yourself."
+
+"So I was."
+
+"What could induce you to take such a rash step?" asked Ferguson.
+
+"I have been a reckless fool. I have lost all my money at the accursed
+gambling-table, and my life is not worth retaining."
+
+"It appears to me," said the Scotchman, quietly, "that you set too high
+a value upon money. You have certainly been very foolish to risk it at
+the gaming-table, and the loss will no doubt inconvenience you; but was
+your money all you had to live for?"
+
+The young man regarded Ferguson with some surprise; but his excitement
+was evidently abated. The quiet tone of the speaker had a favorable
+effect upon him.
+
+"I didn't think of it in that light," he admitted.
+
+"Have you no relatives to whom your life is of value?"
+
+"Yes," answered the young man. "I have a mother and sister."
+
+"Would not your death affect them more than the loss of money?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"It seems to me that to take your life would be to treat them cruelly."
+
+The young man was evidently agitated by contending thoughts.
+
+"I suppose you are right," he said, slowly; "but let me tell you all,
+and you can judge me better: I arrived in California six months since.
+My home is in Ohio, not far from Cincinnati. I was fortunate enough to
+commence mining at a point on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada
+Mountains where I was almost alone. I 'struck it rich,' and two days
+since arrived in San Francisco with over two thousand dollars in
+gold-dust."
+
+"You were certainly in luck," said Ferguson, surprised.
+
+"I turned it into money, and, in strolling about the city, was lured
+into that accursed den. I looked on and was fascinated. I thought I
+would try my luck. I began with a small stake, and kept on till I had
+lost every dollar. In one hour the fruits of six months' labor are gone.
+Do you wonder that I am reduced to despair?"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII.
+
+A NEW SCHEME.
+
+
+"I see no cause for despair," replied Ferguson, in the same calm tone.
+
+"I have not a penny left out of the two thousand dollars I had only an
+hour since."
+
+"I understand all that."
+
+"I am a ruined man," said the young man, despondently.
+
+"I don't admit that. How old are you?"
+
+"Twenty-one."
+
+"You are well and strong, are you not?"
+
+"Oh, yes, I have nothing to complain of on that score."
+
+"Then it appears to me that your loss is not serious. Your capital still
+remains."
+
+"My capital?" repeated the young man.
+
+"Yes; your strong arms, your education, your capacity to labor."
+
+"But I shall have to begin over again."
+
+"Beginning over again at your age, when, possibly, fifty years of life
+lie before you, is not such a serious matter. Were I in your
+situation,--and I am twice as old as you,--I should not thing of
+despairing. Don't you think it would be rather foolish for two thousand
+dollars, which you have been only six months in accumulating, to throw
+away fifty years, and all that you can make in that time, thereby
+bringing a life-long grief to your mother and sister?"
+
+The calm, logical tone of the Scotchman had its effect.
+
+"I see that I was about to add to one piece of folly another far
+greater," said the young man. "I don't know who you are, sir, but I
+heartily thank you and your son for saving my life."
+
+"This is not my son, but my young friend, Thomas Nelson," said Ferguson.
+"I am not so fortunate as to have a son."
+
+"Well, God bless you both, and good-night!"
+
+"Excuse my persistency, but may I ask where you are going?"
+
+"I am not going to repeat my folly of just now, if that is what you
+mean."
+
+"I did not suspect you of that; but are you sure of a bed anywhere?"
+
+"No; I have no money to pay for one. I shall walk the streets, or
+possibly lie down in some quiet place. I was accustomed to roughing it
+at the mines, and can do it again if necessary."
+
+"Tom and I have a room in which you are welcome to find a shelter. I am
+sorry that our bed is too narrow to hold another."
+
+"Thank you. That will be better than to sleep in the streets. But are
+you not afraid to make me this offer?"
+
+"Why should I be?"
+
+"I might rob you during the night."
+
+"You might, but you don't look like one who would so reward confidence."
+
+"You are right. If you had fifty thousand dollars I would not touch a
+dollar of it. I will accept your offer. How can I repay you for your
+kindness?"
+
+"There may be a way. We will talk of that this evening."
+
+Nine o'clock found the three collected in the small room which had been
+hired by Ferguson for himself and Tom.
+
+"My friend," said Ferguson, "you told us that you found a favorable
+place for mining up in the Sierras."
+
+"Yes, I 'struck it rich.'"
+
+"I take it for granted that you did not exhaust the wealth of the
+place?"
+
+"Far from it. I only dipped into it. There is abundance left."
+
+"Is this place known to many?"
+
+"To only one, so far as I know. He and I worked independently, but were
+company for each other."
+
+"But what induced you to leave so rich a claim?"
+
+"I was tired of working, and wanted to come to the city for a change.
+You know what a change I have experienced here."
+
+"Why don't you go back and start anew in the place where you met with
+your former good fortune?" asked Ferguson.
+
+"Because I am penniless. I must find something to do here for a while.
+When I have got together a little fund, sufficient for the purpose, I
+will go back."
+
+"Would you go back now, if you had the chance?"
+
+"Would I? Certainly I would, for I could make money faster there than
+here."
+
+"Would you have any objection to let Tom and myself accompany you?"
+
+"Not the least. I should be glad of your company. There is gold enough
+for us all."
+
+"Then we will start to-morrow, that is, if you and Tom are willing."
+
+"I am ready," said Tom, promptly.
+
+"But I have nothing. I don't like to be an expense to you," objected the
+young man.
+
+"We will pay your expenses. We shall be more than recompensed by the
+richness of the mines. We might find something to do here, but both Tom
+and myself prefer the freedom of the mining camp, and, if the spot is
+as rich as you have led us to suspect, we shall make more money there."
+
+"Agreed!" said the young man, promptly. "Name the hour of starting, and
+rely upon me to be ready."
+
+Ferguson was evidently well pleased with this response. He felt that his
+new acquaintance would be so far away from the city, and would sooner
+retrieve his fortunes at the mines. He hoped, too, to find opportunity
+to strengthen his principles, and guard him against the temptations of
+the city when he should again visit it. Again, he had reason to think
+that the arrangement would benefit Tom and himself in a pecuniary way,
+and the Scotchman was by no means indifferent to that consideration;
+though, as we have seen, he did not unduly exalt the power or value of
+money.
+
+Tom, too, was pleased with the prospect. He was grateful and attached to
+Ferguson, whom he felt to be a true friend, but he was glad to have
+another companion nearer his own age. The young man was of a
+prepossessing exterior, and when he had shaken off his present
+disquietude looked as if he might be a cheerful and agreeable companion.
+
+"Since we are to live together, for a time at least, and become
+fellow-workers," said Ferguson, "we ought to know each other better. I
+will introduce myself first."
+
+Hereupon Ferguson gave a brief account of himself, which need not be
+repeated, and then called upon Tom, who followed his example.
+
+"Now it is my turn," said their new acquaintance. "You don't even know
+my name yet, though you have done me such an important service. I have
+already told you that I am from Ohio. My name is Richard Russell, though
+my friends generally call me Dick. My father, whom I had the misfortune
+to lose several years since, was at one time a member of Congress. He
+left a small property, the income of which is barely sufficient to
+provide my mother and sister with the comforts of life. I had a fair
+education, including enough Latin and Greek to fit me for entering
+college. My mother desired me to enter; but I knew that she could not
+keep me there without practicing pinching economy, and I secured a place
+with a small salary in a business house in Cincinnati. A year since,
+when the papers were full of the gold discoveries on this coast, I was
+seized, like so many others, with the golden fever, and arranged to
+start overland. It would have proved a wise step had I not been so rash
+a fool as to squander my earnings; for two thousand dollars in six
+months compare very favorably with twelve dollars a week, which I was
+earning at home. I might have gone home by the next steamer, and had
+money enough to carry me through a course of legal study, had I desired.
+I am out of patience with myself when I think of how I have thrown away
+my good fortune."
+
+"Don't think too much of the past, which cannot be recalled. Resolve not
+to repeat your folly, and all may yet be well."
+
+"I have fully resolved upon that," said Russell, earnestly.
+
+"Do you think you shall study law, if you are again fortunate, Mr.
+Russell?" asked Tom.
+
+"If you please don't call me Mr. Russell, unless you want me to call you
+Mr. Nelson. Call me Dick."
+
+"I will," said Tom, smiling, "for I am not ready to be called Mr. Nelson
+yet."
+
+"Now, to answer your question: if I can get two thousand dollars
+together again, I shall probably study law. Of course I don't mean to be
+a miner all my life any more than you. Now, Tom, what are your plans?"
+
+"I think I should like to be a lawyer, too, but I must earn more than
+two thousand dollars first."
+
+"Two thousand ought to be sufficient to educate you if you are
+economical."
+
+"It would be, but I want to pay off a mortgage on my father's farm
+before I begin to lay up money for myself."
+
+"You are a good fellow, Tom, and I wish you success."
+
+"Thank you, Dick. I will succeed if hard work can bring success."
+
+"Good-night to you both," said Ferguson. "I want to sleep well to
+prepare myself for starting to-morrow."
+
+In half an hour all three were sleeping soundly.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV.
+
+PREPARING FOR A NEW START.
+
+
+When Tom opened his eyes he did not at first remember where he was, but
+a glance at Dick Russell, his new acquaintance, stretched out on the
+floor and still sleeping, quickly recalled the important events of the
+day previous. Mr. Ferguson was already dressed.
+
+"Well, Tom, are you rested?" he asked.
+
+"Yes, Mr. Ferguson; I slept like a top. What time is it?"
+
+"It is seven o'clock. Our new friend is still asleep."
+
+"I suppose he was on his feet all day yesterday."
+
+"I don't know whether I ought to hurry you away from San Francisco so
+soon, Tom," said his Scotch friend. "We only arrived yesterday, and you
+have not had time to see the place, and enjoy yourself after your hard
+work at the mines."
+
+"I don't care for that, Mr. Ferguson. I am anxious to be at work again.
+I didn't come out here to enjoy myself, but to make money for my
+father."
+
+"You have succeeded pretty well thus far, Tom."
+
+"Yes; but I have made more by the sale of the team than by work at the
+mines."
+
+"True; but that is a legitimate transaction. If our friend here has
+reported correctly, we shall find mining more profitable in the place he
+mentions than at River Bend."
+
+"I have no objection to that, though I was satisfied with River Bend.
+Wouldn't it be splendid, Mr. Ferguson, if we could do as well in the
+next six months as he did?"
+
+"Making two thousand dollars each?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"We may accomplish it; but it is best not to calculate upon it."
+
+"If I could only free the farm from that troublesome mortgage I should
+be proud and happy. It has worn upon father, as I could see, and he has
+been compelled to toil early and late to pay the interest, besides
+supporting us all."
+
+"How much is the mortgage, Tom?"
+
+"Twenty-two hundred dollars."
+
+"You have made a good beginning towards it already, Tom. You have seven
+hundred dollars invested in business."
+
+"But out of that I owe you a hundred and fifty, Mr. Ferguson."
+
+"Don't trouble yourself about that, Tom. Unless I should stand in great
+need of it, I will wait till you have paid off the mortgage before
+asking to have it repaid."
+
+"You are very kind, Mr. Ferguson," said Tom, gratefully. "A part of my
+seven hundred dollars rightfully belongs to you, for you owned
+two-thirds of the horse and wagon."
+
+"I couldn't have bought them without your help, Tom. So you see that you
+enabled me to make money. I am quite satisfied with an equal
+partnership."
+
+"And I am very well satisfied with my partner," said Tom, smiling.
+"Shall we wake up Russell?"
+
+"Yes, for we have much to do to-day."
+
+"John Miles will be surprised at my leaving the city so quick."
+
+"By the way, Tom, as he is to remain here, while you are out of the
+reach of post-offices, it may be well to ask your father to direct
+future letters to his care, and he can forward them as he has
+opportunity."
+
+"That is a good idea. I will write to-day so as to catch the next
+steamer, and I will also speak to John."
+
+Tom had to shake Dick Russell energetically before that young man opened
+his eyes.
+
+"What's the matter?" he ejaculated, drowsily.
+
+"Don't you want some breakfast?" asked Tom.
+
+"Oh, it's you, Tom! Yes, you have touched the right chord. I have a
+first-class appetite--and no money," he added, his face clouding.
+
+"Mr. Ferguson is treasurer," said Tom, lightly, wishing to divert
+Russell from the thoughts of his heavy loss, and the folly to which he
+owed it; "but we know very little of the city. Can you guide us to a
+good restaurant?"
+
+"To a good one, but not a cheap one. Everything is high here."
+
+"Then it is fortunate we are going to leave so soon."
+
+In a small restaurant, on Montgomery street, our three friends partook
+of a hearty breakfast. It might not have attracted an epicure, but
+neither of the three was fastidious; and, though the charge was five
+dollars, Ferguson, economical as he was, paid the bill cheerfully. It
+was the first "civilized" breakfast he had eaten for months, and it
+might be months before he would be able to partake of another as good.
+
+"I wish we could breakfast like this at the mines," said Tom.
+
+"So say I," chimed in Dick Russell; "but you know that the gold-hunter
+must sacrifice home comforts."
+
+"I shan't complain of that, if I can do as well as you did," said Tom.
+
+"I see no reason why you can't. There is plenty of gold there, and all
+that is needed is work and perseverance."
+
+"I am willing to contribute them," said Tom. "I mean to do my best to
+succeed."
+
+"None of us can do more, my lad," said Ferguson. "Let us hope that God
+will prosper our undertakings."
+
+"I say, I am glad I have met with you two," said Dick Russell. "You'll
+keep me on the right track; and, in spite of my past folly, I hope in
+time to win success."
+
+"I am glad to hear you speak so sensibly, my young friend," said the
+Scotchman, kindly. "It's a great deal better to put your back to the
+wheel once more, than to take the life God gave you."
+
+"Don't speak of that again, Mr. Ferguson," said Russell, shuddering. "I
+don't like to think of it."
+
+"He'll do," thought Ferguson, with satisfaction. "His mind is now in a
+healthy condition, and I have great hopes of him."
+
+The rest of the day was devoted to the purchase of supplies. Ferguson
+also bought a mule, in behalf of the party, which was of service in
+carrying a part of their burdens. It was not until afternoon that Tom
+found an opportunity to call on John Miles, and acquaint him with his
+almost immediate departure.
+
+"I am sorry you are going away so soon, Tom," said Miles. "I thought you
+would stay at least a week."
+
+"So I would if I were not so anxious to be at work once more. You know
+how my father is situated, John, for I have told you more than once."
+
+"Yes, Tom; but I see no reason why you should feel uneasy. With the help
+you are to send him, there will be no trouble about his paying his
+interest regularly."
+
+"I know that, John; but I shall feel uneasy until the mortgage is paid
+off, and he is out of Squire Hudson's power."
+
+"For how long a time has the farm your father owns been encumbered with
+this mortgage?"
+
+"For ten years, at least."
+
+"Is the mortgage for any specified term of years?"
+
+"I don't think so."
+
+"It merely runs from year to year then?"
+
+"I suppose so."
+
+"In that case this Squire Hudson could foreclose at any time, could he
+not?"
+
+"Yes," answered Tom, soberly.
+
+"Don't make yourself uneasy about it, however," said Miles, observing
+that Tom seemed apprehensive. "As your father's farm is not particularly
+valuable, there can be no danger of foreclosure. By the way, wouldn't
+you like to have me remit your father something next month out of the
+profits of the business?--I can charge it to your account."
+
+"I am glad you mentioned it, John. You may send him fifty or
+seventy-five dollars, if my share should amount to so much."
+
+"I will."
+
+"And I am going to have my home letters directed to your care. You can
+forward them to me whenever you have an opportunity."
+
+"I won't fail, Tom. If there is anything you need sent out to you, you
+have only to write me, and I will attend to your commissions."
+
+"It is very convenient to have an agent in the city," said John,
+smiling. "I shall feel much more comfortable out at the mines."
+
+"I wish you good luck, Tom; but remember, even if you don't succeed in
+your search for gold, I shall be making money for you here."
+
+"You make me feel quite like a capitalist, John."
+
+"I hope you may be one some day. Good-by!"
+
+They shook hands and parted. Before night-fall Tom had started on his
+new journey in quest of gold.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV.
+
+WHITEFACE.
+
+
+Mark Nelson missed sorely the cow which he had been compelled to yield
+to the squire on account of default of interest. Whiteface was his best
+cow, and a great favorite with all the children. She gave nearly as much
+milk as the other two, and had been one of the main dependences of the
+family. It was worth considerably more than the thirty dollars for which
+the squire took it; but he insisted upon that and no other, and
+Whiteface had to go.
+
+Six months had passed, and there seemed to be very little chance of
+redeeming the lost cow. Squire Hudson had agreed to give her back on
+payment of the balance due, with accrued interest; but neither he nor
+Mark Nelson expected that such an offer would be made.
+
+"I was passing Squire Hudson's to-day, and saw poor Whiteface," said
+Walter, one evening. "I think she knew me, for when I called her she
+lowed back."
+
+"I wish we had her back," said Sarah. "It was heartless in the squire to
+take her. He had a dozen cows of his own."
+
+"He hasn't any heart," said Walter, "or, if he has, it must be pretty
+small."
+
+"We must not forget that he was entitled to some security for the
+balance of interest I owe him," said the farmer.
+
+"The cow was worth a good deal more than thirty dollars," said Sarah.
+
+"Yes, she was; but I am not sure whether I could have got any more money
+for her at a forced sale. Then you know the squire is pledged to give
+her back whenever I can pay him the thirty dollars, with interest."
+
+"I wish you could pay it now, father," said Walter.
+
+"So do I, my boy; but I cannot, unless your brother sends me some
+money."
+
+"It is three weeks since we have heard from Tom," said Mrs. Nelson,
+anxiously. "I am afraid he is sick."
+
+"Don't worry yourself with imaginary fears, Mary," said her husband.
+"Tom may be sick, of course; but he is strong and healthy, and we won't
+fear such a thing without some ground. Probably a letter is on the way
+from him now."
+
+"I hope he is making money," said Walter. "I wish I were with him."
+
+"I would never consent to have you go too," said Mrs. Nelson, hastily.
+
+"I don't think Walter seriously thinks of asking leave," said Mr.
+Nelson, smiling. "As he is only thirteen years old, I should be inclined
+to object myself. I must have him at home to help me with the farm."
+
+"I should be perfectly contented to stay at home if we had Whiteface
+back," said Walter. "I've a great mind to steal her out of the squire's
+yard. I bet she'd be glad to come."
+
+"Don't speak in that way, Walter," said his father. "I dislike to have
+you speak of stealing, even in fun."
+
+At this moment there was a knock at the front door. Farmer Nelson's
+house was an old-fashioned one, and not provided with a bell.
+
+"Go to the door, Sarah," said her father.
+
+Sarah obeyed.
+
+"Good-evening, Nahum," she said to the village expressman.
+
+"I've got a small package for your folks," said Nahum. "It's marked all
+over. Guess it came from Californy."
+
+"It must be from Tom," exclaimed Sarah, in delight.
+
+"That's what I thought," said the expressman, who knew everybody in the
+village, and could probably give a fairly correct list of their sisters,
+cousins, and aunts, with a fair guess at their worldly circumstances.
+
+"Is there anything to pay, Nahum?"
+
+"Only fifty cents,--the expressage from Boston. Never mind about it now,
+for I'm in a hurry. Your father can hand it to me next time he sees me."
+
+"O father, here's a package from Tom," said Sarah, hurrying into the
+room where they were all sitting.
+
+"Open it quick," said Walter. "See if there's any money in it."
+
+The cord was cut, and a small box was disclosed containing a hundred
+dollars in gold pieces and a line from Tom, stating that he was doing
+well, and that he hoped soon to send some more money.
+
+"A hundred dollars! What a lot of money!" exclaimed Walter, gazing on
+the little pile of coins as if fascinated.
+
+"I am so glad the dear boy is doing well," said Mrs. Nelson.
+
+"Now we can have Whiteface back, can't we, father?" asked Walter,
+joyfully.
+
+"Yes, Walter," said Mark Nelson, almost as excited as his son. "I will
+go over the first thing in the morning."
+
+"Can't we go over this evening?" asked Walter, impatiently.
+
+"No, it is dark, and Whiteface is stalled for the night."
+
+"You'll have seventy dollars left over, father, won't you?"
+
+"Yes; and that will provide for my next interest. I feel grateful and
+happy at Tom's success and his thoughtfulness."
+
+Could Tom have seen the effect of his remittance it would have made his
+heart glad, and he would have felt abundantly repaid for his labor and
+self-denial.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI.
+
+SQUIRE HUDSON'S DISAPPOINTMENT.
+
+
+If Whiteface was missed at her old home, she was scarcely less
+appreciated by her new possessor. On the very morning succeeding the day
+when Tom's remittance was received the squire remarked to his head
+workman, "Whiteface is an excellent cow, Abner."
+
+"Yes, squire, I calculate she's the best you've got."
+
+"I don't know but she is, Abner," said the squire, complacently. "I
+consider her worth at least fifty dollars."
+
+"So she is, every cent of it."
+
+"And she cost me only thirty," thought Squire Hudson, with a smile of
+content.
+
+He was a rich man, and abundantly able to pay his poor neighbor the full
+value of the cow; but somehow it never occurred to him to do it. He was
+not above taking an unfair advantage of a man who was unluckily in his
+power. Of course the squire knew that Farmer Nelson had a right to
+redeem the cow at the price agreed upon with interest; but he felt
+pretty safe on this point. The farmer was not very likely to have thirty
+dollars to spare, and as for a remittance from Tom the squire was pretty
+sure none would be received.
+
+"It'll be all the boy can do to take care of himself out there," he
+reflected, "let alone sending money home. He may send ten dollars or so
+some time; but it's very doubtful, very doubtful!"
+
+Squire Hudson turned to go back to the house when he saw the man of whom
+he had been thinking coming up the road. He stopped short, thinking the
+farmer might wish to speak to him.
+
+"Good-morning, Mr. Nelson," he said, pleasantly, for he was in
+good-humor.
+
+"Good-morning, squire."
+
+"Your Whiteface has got to feel quite at home in my barn-yard."
+
+"She is a good cow, Squire Hudson."
+
+"Yes, tolerable, tolerable."
+
+"She is worth more than the thirty dollars for which you took her."
+
+"Well, I don't know about that. Cows are pretty cheap nowadays."
+
+"I see how it is," thought the squire. "Nelson wants me to allow him
+more for the cow; but a bargain is a bargain, and I shan't do it."
+
+"I always valued her at a considerably higher price."
+
+"No doubt, no doubt. You raised her yourself, didn't you?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"That makes a difference, of course. You attach a sentimental value to
+her; but that doesn't affect her real value. I really can't allow you
+any more for her."
+
+"I don't want you to, Squire Hudson."
+
+The squire looked astonished.
+
+"What is the man driving at?" he thought.
+
+"She may not be worth any more to you, and so you won't mind my taking
+her back."
+
+"Taking her back!" ejaculated the squire.
+
+"Certainly; it was agreed that I could redeem her at any time, by paying
+you the thirty dollars and interest."
+
+"Not after two months," said the squire, hastily.
+
+"It is not two months. It was only six weeks yesterday. The fact is,
+squire, I've come for Whiteface, and I've got the money for you."
+
+"Have you heard from Tom?" asked the squire, with a blank look of
+disappointment.
+
+"Yes; I heard from him yesterday."
+
+"And he sent you some money?"
+
+"Yes; he reports that he is doing well."
+
+"Did he send you thirty dollars?"
+
+"Rather more than that," said Mark Nelson, not caring to gratify the
+curiosity of his creditor.
+
+"I think you had better keep your money, and leave Whiteface with me,"
+said Squire Hudson, after a pause.
+
+"I would rather not, squire. The fact is, Whiteface is a sort of pet at
+home, and we all want her back."
+
+Squire Hudson was disconcerted. He had not expected that Mr. Nelson
+would be able to redeem the cow, and he was reluctant to give her up.
+But there was no excuse for retaining her. His agreement stood in the
+way.
+
+"Neighbor Nelson," he said, after a pause, "I don't mind giving you five
+dollars over and above what you owe me for Whiteface. Come, that's a
+good offer."
+
+Mark Nelson shook his head.
+
+"She's worth more than that," he said. "But that's neither here nor
+there. I raised the animal, and it was sorely against my will that I
+parted with her six weeks ago. Now that I have the money to pay you I
+want her back."
+
+"I think you are standing in your own light, Mr. Nelson," said the
+squire. "I have taken a fancy to the cow, and am willing to pay more for
+her than she is worth. I will say ten dollars."
+
+Mark Nelson shook his head.
+
+"I'd rather have Whiteface than the money," he said.
+
+"If she comes into my possession again," said Squire Hudson, "I shall
+not be willing to grant you the privilege of redeeming her. It won't be
+many months before another payment becomes due."
+
+"I hope to be ready to meet it, squire," said the farmer, not appearing
+at all anxious.
+
+"He seems very independent," thought the squire, watching, moodily, the
+cow driven away by her former owner. "He may sing another tune on
+interest day. I wonder how much the boy sent home."
+
+Had he known that Mr. Nelson had in his pocket enough money to pay the
+whole of the next accruing interest, he would have felt more doubtful
+about recovering the cow which he now coveted more than ever.
+
+"Well, Abner, I've lost her," said the squire, hurrying to his
+assistant; "but she'll be back here some day, mark my words!"
+
+"I thought you bought her, squire," said Abner, in surprise.
+
+"Well, not exactly. I took her for a debt; but Nelson had the right of
+redeeming her, and he has done it. His boy sent him the money."
+
+"That Tom Nelson is a smart boy," said Abner, who, though in the
+squire's employ, was friendly to our hero.
+
+"Well, so-so," remarked the squire, indifferently. "I helped him to go
+to California; but I am not sure whether it was a wise step. I let my
+feelings get the better of my judgment."
+
+"Then it is the first time," was Abner's unspoken comment.
+
+"It may turn out for the best," he said aloud.
+
+"I doubt if I shall ever see my money again," said the squire; but he
+did not seem to take it to heart, judging from his manner and tone.
+
+"Didn't you have security for the loan?" asked Abner.
+
+"Well, ye-es," answered the squire, slowly; "but not very good. The farm
+was already mortgaged for its full value."
+
+"The squire is getting benevolent," thought Abner, "or he wants me to
+think so; but I'm inclined to think he has some object under it all.
+What is it?"
+
+A few weeks later Farmer Nelson's heart was gladdened by the receipt of
+another remittance this time sent by John Miles, out of the profit of
+the business in which Tom was his partner. The amount this time was
+seventy-five dollars. It made him feel quite rich.
+
+"Mary," he said, "we all need some new clothes, and I propose to use
+this money for that purpose. Now I want you to consider how we can spend
+it to the best advantage. To begin with, you must buy a new dress. You
+have long needed one."
+
+Mrs. Nelson demurred a little, but was forced to admit that the dress
+was needed. So the purchases were made at once. It is wonderful how far
+seventy-five dollars will go in an economical family of plain tastes. It
+was soon apparent to the neighbors that the Nelsons were exhibiting
+signs of prosperity.
+
+"It must be Tom," they decided.
+
+Efforts were made to ascertain just how much our hero had sent home; but
+on this point the Nelsons would not speak definitely. They reported in
+general terms that Tom was doing well.
+
+Of course Squire Hudson was not ignorant of the apparent improvement in
+the fortunes of his debtor. Strange to say, he seemed rather annoyed. He
+was pleased, however, by the outlay for dress.
+
+"They're getting extravagant, Abner," he said, cheerfully. "I thought
+Mark Nelson was a man of more sense. Because his son has sent home a
+little money, he must rig out the whole family in new clothes. 'A fool
+and his money are soon parted.'"
+
+"Mark Nelson is no fool," said Abner, stoutly.
+
+"He is in this instance," said the squire, sharply. "However, I don't
+object to it, if he likes to violate the rules of prudence. It strikes
+me, however, that it would be well for him to pay up the money I
+advanced for Tom's expenses, before buying new clothes wholesale."
+
+Abner repeated this to Mr. Nelson.
+
+The farmer answered quietly, "The squire is not wholly wrong. It is good
+doctrine to pay your debts before you spend money for what you don't
+need. In this case, however, we did need the clothes we bought. Now that
+we are provided, I hope, before very long, if Tom is prospered, to pay
+back the two hundred dollars the squire advanced for him."
+
+"I hope you will, I'm sure," said Abner. "That's a smart boy of yours,
+and I always said so."
+
+"He is a good boy, and I am sure he will do what is right."
+
+"He's a blamed sight better than the squire's boy. Sinclair is a
+stuck-up jackanapes, and it would do me good to kick him."
+
+"It might not do him any good."
+
+"I am not sure about that; I think he needs it."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII.
+
+THE NEW DIGGINGS.
+
+
+Meanwhile Tom and his party, pursuing their journey by easy stages, for
+they sensibly determined not to overtask their strength, reached at last
+the spot of which Russell had spoken. Ferguson and Tom soon found that
+he had not exaggerated. The new diggings were certainly far richer than
+those at River Bend. It was, in fact, the bed of a dead river upon which
+Russell had stumbled without knowing it. My readers are probably aware
+that in the beds of rivers or creeks the early miners found their first
+harvest of gold, and, that, where practicable, these were mined by
+turning the stream in the dry season, when the water was low. As it may
+not be so well understood what is meant by a dead river, I quote a
+passage from an article in the "Overland Monthly," as found in the pages
+of the "Pacific Coast Mining Review," for the year 1878-79:--
+
+"A dead river is one which formerly existed, but exists no longer. In
+volcanic regions it sometimes happens that the liquid lava, seeking the
+lowest ground, fills up the beds of the rivers which die and are
+replaced by water-courses running in other channels and in different
+directions. These dead streams are so few, and of so little importance
+elsewhere, that, as yet, I believe, no class name has been given to
+them; but in California they are among the chief source of its mineral
+wealth, and among the most remarkable features of its geological
+formation. They take us back to a remote era, before the time of Rome,
+of Greece, or of Egypt; far back beyond the origin of history or
+tradition, before our coast had taken its present shapes; before Shasta,
+and Lassen, and Castle Peaks had poured out their lava floods; before
+the Sacramento river had its birth; and while, if not before, the
+mastodon, the elephant, the rhinoceros, the horse, the mammoth bull, the
+tapir, and the bison lived in the land. They are indeed among the most
+remarkable discoveries of the age, and among the greatest wonders of
+geology. They deserve some common name, and we have to choose between
+'extinct' and 'dead.' We speak of 'extinct volcanoes,' and of 'dead
+languages,' and, as the latter is Saxon and short, we prefer it. They
+have been called 'old channels;' but this name does not convey the
+proper idea, since a channel is not necessarily a river, and an old
+channel is not necessarily a dead one. A dead river is a channel
+formerly occupied by a running stream, but now filled up with earthy or
+rocky matter, and is not to be confounded with a channel that is open
+and remains dry during the greater part of the year because of a lack of
+water, or that has been abandoned by the stream for a deeper channel
+elsewhere. A dry river-bed is not a dead river.
+
+"The dead rivers of California, so far as are known, are on the western
+slope of the Sierra Nevada, from five hundred to seven thousand feet
+above the level of the sea. They are all gold-yielding, and therefore
+they have been sought and examined. They have yielded probably _three
+hundred millions_ in all; they now produce perhaps eight million dollars
+annually. They are not less interesting to the miner than to the
+geologist, not less important to the statesman than to the antiquarian."
+
+At the risk of being considered tedious by some of my boy-readers, I
+will transcribe the writer's explanation of the existence of these dead
+rivers. For the reason we must go back to a remote geological epoch:
+"The main cause must have been the subsequent rise of the Sierra Nevada.
+Suppose that a range of mountains, seven thousand feet high, were
+upheaved thirty miles east of the Mississippi; that the bed of that
+stream were on the mountain side, three thousand feet above the sea, and
+that thirty miles west the country maintained its present level; the
+result would be that the present Mississippi would soon be a dead river;
+it would be cut across by streams running down the mountain side, and
+flowing into a new Mississippi, thirty miles or more west of the present
+one. We know that the Sierra Nevada has been upheaved; that a large
+stream ran on what is now the mountain side, and that it has been
+succeeded by a new river farther west, and we must infer that the death
+of the old and the birth of the new river were caused by the upheaval."
+
+Reference is here made to the Big Blue Lead, the largest dead river
+known in California, which has been traced for a distance of sixty-five
+miles, from Little Grizzly, in Sierra County, to Forest Hill, in Placer
+County. The original river, however, is thought to have run for many
+hundreds of miles. Eventually traces of its existence may be found
+elsewhere.
+
+It is not to be supposed that Tom and his friends knew anything about
+dead rivers, or troubled themselves as to how the rich deposits had been
+made, or how long they had been waiting discovery. They were chiefly
+engaged with more practical considerations. They found a rich harvest in
+the ravines, and they went to work energetically.
+
+The work was monotonous, and a detailed account of their progress would
+be tiresome. What we chiefly care about is results, and these may be
+gathered from a conversation which took place some five months later.
+
+Under a tent, at night-fall, reclined the three friends. They looked
+contented, and on good terms with the world; but, though prosperous,
+they certainly did not look it. In fact, they were all three
+exceedingly, almost disreputably, shabby. They looked more like tramps
+than respectable gold-miners.
+
+"Tom, you are looking very ragged," said Dick Russell, surveying our
+hero critically.
+
+"I know it, Dick. I feel as though I had just come out of a rag-bag. I
+can't say that you look much better, nor Ferguson either."
+
+"This rough work is hard on clothing," said Russell. "I wish there were
+a ready-made clothing store near by."
+
+"So do I. I would pay a high price for a good suit."
+
+"If our friends at home could see us, what would they think, eh, Tom?"
+
+"That we were candidates for the poor-house."
+
+"That's so. I've been into several poor-houses in the course of my life,
+but I never saw any of the inmates quite so poorly clad as we are."
+
+"You are right," said Ferguson; "but there are generally compensations.
+I was taking account of stock, and I estimate that I have from sixteen
+to eighteen hundred dollars' worth of gold-dust."
+
+"I have nearly as much," said Tom.
+
+"My pile won't vary far from Tom's," said Russell.
+
+"That is a pretty good showing for five months, my friend," said the
+Scotchman.
+
+"It will make up for the old clothes," said Tom.
+
+"I have been thinking," said Ferguson, "that we need a vacation. What do
+you say to starting next week for San Francisco?"
+
+"I agree," said Russell, promptly.
+
+"And I," said Tom. "I should like to see John Miles."
+
+"Very well. We will continue our work about a week longer, and then
+start."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII.
+
+A RICH DEPOSIT.
+
+
+About the middle of the next forenoon Tom suddenly stopped work.
+
+"What's the matter, Tom? Are you tired?"
+
+"No, but I feel like exploring a little. Who goes with me?"
+
+"Not I," answered Ferguson. "Let well enough alone."
+
+"I'll go with you," said Russell. "I should like a holiday. Besides, we
+may discover something."
+
+"'A rolling stone gathers no moss,'" said Ferguson.
+
+"True, but there's another proverb: 'All work and no play makes Jack a
+dull boy.' Tom and I will try a little play."
+
+The two friends sauntered away in an idle mood; yet, combining business
+with pleasure, they watched carefully the surface indications, ready to
+avail themselves of any that were favorable.
+
+"It's a strange life we are leading, Tom," said Russell. "It is free,
+and independent, and healthful; but I shouldn't like to live so all my
+life."
+
+"Nor I," answered Tom. "No amount of gold would repay me."
+
+"Because gold is only valuable for what it will bring. Here it brings
+nothing."
+
+"Except the hope of future ease and comfort," suggested Tom.
+
+"Of course; that is what we are working for. We have made a good
+beginning."
+
+"Yes, Dick. I have almost accomplished what I have had in view ever
+since I left home."
+
+"I know. You mean paying off your father's mortgage."
+
+"That's it. It amounts to twenty-two hundred dollars, and I have but a
+few hundred dollars more to earn. I would stay here a month or two
+longer, if my clothes would hold together; but I can't risk it."
+
+"You need rest, at any rate, Tom, leaving clothes out of the question."
+
+As he spoke, Tom, without special thought, drove his pick into the
+ground. It was a lucky inspiration. Some shining particles attracted the
+attention of Russell.
+
+"Tom," he exclaimed, in excitement, "do you see that, and that? I
+believe you've struck a bonanza."
+
+Upon that both set to work in earnest. A further investigation showed
+that Russell was right. Tom, by good luck, had chanced upon a deposit of
+far greater richness than any they had yet encountered.
+
+"If it holds out, our fortunes are made, Tom," said Russell. "Go and
+call Ferguson, and I will remain on guard till you come back."
+
+Tom stood not on the order of his going, but went at once.
+
+"What's the matter, Tom?" asked the Scotchman, as, panting and
+breathless, Tom stood before him. "Has anything happened to Russell?"
+
+"No; it's good news--splendid news, Mr. Ferguson. We've found a place
+ten times as rich as this. Come at once, and see."
+
+Ferguson made preparations to accompany Tom with what seemed to our hero
+to be provoking deliberation. In truth the Scotchman, with his national
+caution, was rather skeptical as to Tom's news, and did not suffer
+himself to become enthusiastic or excited. Tom had hard work to
+accommodate his impatient steps to the measured pace of his more sedate
+companion. When at length they reached the spot they found Russell no
+less impatient.
+
+"I thought you would never come," he said.
+
+"Tom wanted to fly," said Ferguson; "but I am too old for that. Now,
+what is it you have found?"
+
+When he was shown what had been discovered he admitted that it was very
+promising.
+
+"If it holds out, we shall be lucky," he said.
+
+"It _will_ hold out," said Russell, enthusiastically.
+
+"It isn't well to be too confident," said Ferguson, cautiously.
+
+"You are very cold-blooded, Mr. Ferguson," said Russell, impatiently.
+"Won't anything excite you?"
+
+"What good would it do to become excited?" returned the Scotchman. "I am
+as ready to test the matter as you are, and I shall rejoice if your
+sanguine expectations are realized. Do not expect too much, however, and
+you will guard against possible disappointment."
+
+But there was no disappointment awaiting them. They worked steadily for
+two weeks, with marvelous results. In this time they unearthed six
+thousand dollars' worth of gold, which by arrangement they divided
+equally between them; and still the gold deposit was far from being
+exhausted.
+
+At the end of the fortnight they were visited by a party of capitalists
+from San Francisco, who were out on an exploring expedition. They
+recognized the richness of the new discoveries, and after some
+negotiation offered the three friends ten thousand dollars for their
+claims. One consideration decided them to accept. It was absolutely
+necessary for them to go to the city for clothing and other articles, of
+which they stood in imperative need. They closed the bargain and started
+on their return.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX.
+
+BAD NEWS FROM HOME.
+
+
+Arriving in the city late in the afternoon, Tom went at once to see John
+Miles. When the latter caught sight of Tom, in his ragged attire, he
+came to the natural conclusion that our hero had met with hard luck.
+
+"Why, Tom, where did you spring from?" he exclaimed, grasping the hand
+of his young partner.
+
+"I am just in from the mines."
+
+"I suppose you are in want of money," said Miles, his voice betraying
+sympathy.
+
+Tom laughed.
+
+"How do you like my appearance, John?" he asked.
+
+"Never mind that, Tom. I see you have had a rough time; but I have been
+earning money for you."
+
+"Did you send money regularly to father?"
+
+"Yes; I have sent him three hundred dollars in all."
+
+"That's good," said Tom, in a tone of satisfaction. "That has made him
+easy. I suppose that took up about all I was entitled to?"
+
+"No; I have as much more to your credit. I am ready to pay it to you at
+once."
+
+"I see, John, you think I have not been doing well."
+
+"You don't look very prosperous, Tom, I must acknowledge."
+
+"Well, John, appearances are deceitful. I have been wonderfully lucky."
+
+"I am delighted to hear it, Tom," said Miles, cordially. "How much is it
+now?"
+
+"What do you say to a thousand dollars?"
+
+"Excellent."
+
+"Two thousand?"
+
+"You don't mean it!"
+
+"I won't keep you in suspense, John. I don't know exactly how much I've
+got, but it's over six thousand dollars!"
+
+John Miles stared at our hero in undisguised astonishment.
+
+"Are you sure you're quite right _here_?" he said, touching his
+forehead. "You haven't been sun-struck, have you?"
+
+"No, John, it's all as I tell you. Let me explain how my luck came."
+
+In a few sentences Tom made it clear to his partner that his luck was
+real.
+
+"As to the three hundred dollars due me from you, John," concluded Tom,
+"I make you a present of it."
+
+"But, Tom--" protested Miles.
+
+"Let it be so, and for the future you shall pay me my share. Have you
+any letters for me?"
+
+"I have three."
+
+"Give them to me, quick. I am hungry for news from home."
+
+Tom sat down on a keg, and fairly devoured the letters, two of which
+were from his father. One of these gave him much to think of. I will
+transcribe the passages which gave Tom most concern:--
+
+"Yesterday I paid Squire Hudson his regular semi-annual interest,
+amounting to sixty-six dollars. Thanks to your liberal remittances, I
+had no difficulty in making the payment. Indeed, I had two hundred
+dollars left over. Imagine my dismay when the squire told me he had made
+up his mind to call in the mortgage, having another use for the money.
+
+"'But I can't pay it up,' said I.
+
+"'You ought to be able to obtain the money somewhere,' he returned.
+
+"'You are the only capitalist with whom I am acquainted,' said I.
+'Since I have paid you the interest promptly, what more can you desire?'
+
+"He insisted that he needed the money. I offered to pay him the two
+hundred dollars which he had advanced for your journey. He seemed
+surprised, but repeated that he must have the whole. The upshot of it
+was that he gave me a formal notice of three months, as stipulated in
+the mortgage. At the end of that time, unless I am ready to pay the
+twenty-two hundred dollars, he will foreclose, and the old farm must be
+sold. Of course it will be sold much below its real value. Probably the
+squire will get it for the amount of the mortgage, and we shall be
+thrown upon the world, without a home. It seems hard, Tom, and very
+selfish; but might makes right, and Squire Hudson has the power on his
+side."
+
+In a postscript Mark Nelson added, "I understand that Squire Hudson has
+a connection, his wife's brother, for whom he wants the farm. That
+explains his resolute refusal to give me time to redeem it. Of course it
+is too early to decide upon any plans. I must hire some tenement to move
+into when I have to leave here. It will be hard upon us all to give up
+the old farm. Walter, who has a taste for farming, and whom I look to be
+my successor, feels very sad. Don't let this news depress you too much,
+Tom. We shall not suffer. Thanks to you, I have some money ahead, and we
+shall not lack for comfort."
+
+Tom looked up when he had finished reading the letter.
+
+"John," he said, quickly, "when does the next steamer start for New
+York?"
+
+"Day after to-morrow."
+
+"Where can I engage passage?"
+
+"Are you going home?"
+
+"Yes, John, it is absolutely necessary. Squire Hudson is about to
+foreclose the mortgage on my father's farm. I must be there to stop it."
+
+"Have you money enough?"
+
+"Three times over. He shall be defeated in his wicked purpose, or my
+name isn't Tom Nelson."
+
+Tom spoke in a quick, indignant tone, and his voice had a manly ring.
+
+"Wait, John, let me read you the letter."
+
+"The man's a mean rascal!" said Miles. "A rich man who will take
+advantage of a poor man's necessity to deprive him of his home deserves
+to be horsewhipped."
+
+"I shan't attempt that," said Tom, smiling; "but I will disappoint him.
+He little thinks I have it in my power to defeat his plans."
+
+That very evening Tom engaged passage to New York, and two days later he
+sailed out of the Golden Gate.
+
+"I don't know how long I shall be gone, John," he said. "You need send
+me no remittances, for I have money enough with me. You will hear from
+me as soon as I have reached home, and transacted my business with
+Squire Hudson."
+
+"You will come out here again, Tom, won't you?"
+
+"Yes, and before long. I have been so busily occupied making money that
+I have seen almost nothing of San Francisco."
+
+Tom did not journey alone. Ferguson, having thriven beyond his
+expectations, decided to sail to New York, and thence to Scotland, on a
+visit to his relatives, though he thought it probable he should come
+back within a year. Dick Russell also was now in a position to study law
+at home, and gave up the business of gold-mining forever.
+
+"I owe all my present prosperity to you two," he said. "But for you I
+should have blown my brains out five months since."
+
+"We owe our prosperity to you also," said Tom. "You guided us to the
+mines from which we gathered a golden harvest."
+
+"We have worked together, and been mutual helpers," said Ferguson. "God
+has favored us all, and to Him be the thanks!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXX.
+
+THE NIGHT BEFORE THE AUCTION.
+
+
+It was a sad household, that of Mark Nelson, on the day preceding the
+departure from the farm. There was to be an auction the next day, at
+which the farm-stock and farm-implements were to be sold. It was well
+understood that Squire Hudson was to be the buyer of the farm, and as he
+was not likely to have any competitor there was little hope that it
+would fetch more than the amount of the mortgage.
+
+During the afternoon Mr. Nelson called on Squire Hudson to make the best
+terms he could at private sale.
+
+"The farm is worth at least a thousand dollars more than the mortgage,
+Squire Hudson," said the farmer.
+
+"It is worth what it will fetch, Mr. Nelson," said the squire.
+
+"Do you mean that an article always commands its full value at auction,
+Squire Hudson?"
+
+"Ahem! it brings its market value, Mr. Nelson."
+
+"Which may be far below its intrinsic value. Suppose a diamond worth ten
+thousand dollars were put up at auction in our village, do you consider
+that it would bring a fair price?"
+
+"Ahem! you are wandering from the subject. We are talking of farms, not
+diamonds."
+
+"As to the farm, then, you are likely to be the only bidder, unless you
+allow the mortgage to remain."
+
+"If I were inclined to do that I would not disturb you as long as you
+paid the interest promptly."
+
+"Then you decline to buy the farm at private sale?"
+
+"I do."
+
+"I don't think you will be any better off in the end, Squire Hudson, for
+oppressing a poor man, and robbing him of his little all," said Mark
+Nelson, bitterly.
+
+"You don't look at the matter from a business point of view," said the
+squire, coldly. "I am acting as any business man would under the
+circumstances."
+
+"I cannot believe you, sir. All business men are not so hard-hearted."
+
+"I really don't think there is any use in prolonging this interview,"
+said Squire Hudson, stiffly. "I have resolved upon my course, in which I
+am perfectly justified, however you may choose to regard it."
+
+This removed the farmer's last hope, and he had only to look about for
+another home for his family. There was small choice of houses in the
+little farming town. In fact there was but one house,--a shabby,
+dilapidated building, a mile from the church and store. This, Mr.
+Nelson, having no choice, engaged for a period of three months.
+
+"It makes me homesick to think of going to live in that barn," said
+Sarah, as they were sitting together after supper.
+
+"It may not be so bad as you think for, Sarah," said her mother; but
+she secretly sympathized with her daughter.
+
+"I wish Squire Hudson had to live there himself," said Walter, in an
+angry outburst.
+
+Usually Walter was checked by his father when uttering such speeches;
+but to-night Mark Nelson took no notice of his son's angry remark. He
+felt that it would only be a righteous retribution upon the squire for
+his cold selfishness.
+
+While they were sitting in the plain room endeared to them by the
+association of years, a sound of wheels was heard, and the village stage
+stopped before the door.
+
+"Who can it be?" said Sarah, wonderingly.
+
+The whole family hurried to the window. What youthful, yet manly figure,
+was that actively descending from his perch beside the driver?
+
+"It's Tom!" exclaimed Mrs. Nelson. "Heaven be praised! It is my dear
+boy."
+
+Tom was almost suffocated by the embraces which he received on entering
+the house.
+
+"How you have grown, Tom!" said Sarah. "And how well you look!"
+
+"Thank you for the compliment," said Tom, laughing. "But I don't feel
+well."
+
+"What is the matter?" asked his mother, with maternal solicitude.
+
+"I am as hungry as a bear. Have you got anything to eat in the house?"
+
+This hint was enough. Fresh tea was made, and the wanderer was soon
+sitting before a bountiful supply of food, cooked in his mother's best
+style.
+
+"It seems good to be at home," said Tom, looking around him, his face
+beaming with happiness.
+
+"Did you get my letter, Tom, announcing the squire's intention to
+foreclose the mortgage?" asked his father, gravely.
+
+"Yes, father; is it really true?"
+
+"Yes; he will listen to no persuasions."
+
+"When does the sale take place?"
+
+"To-morrow."
+
+"I shall be present. Have you thought of any other house, father?"
+
+"The old Belcher house is the only one I can hire."
+
+"That is a poor place."
+
+"It must do for lack of a better."
+
+"I didn't think the squire would act so meanly. At any rate, father, I
+will see that you don't any of you suffer for lack of money."
+
+"Have you been doing well, Tom?" asked Walter.
+
+"Ask me to-morrow, Walter. To-night I want to hear all the news, and
+everything that has happened since I went away."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXI.
+
+BIDDING FOR THE FARM.
+
+
+"I apprehend," said the squire to his brother-in-law the next morning,
+"that we shall get the farm at our own price."
+
+"I hope we shall, squire," said the poor relative, deferentially. "I
+suppose this man Nelson is sorry to part with it."
+
+"Of course; he charges me with meanness, oppressing the poor, and so on;
+but of course I don't mind that. It's a matter of business; as I told
+him."
+
+"To be sure."
+
+"I am not to be moved by sentimental considerations. Business is
+business; but he won't see it in that light."
+
+"You consider the farm worth considerable more than the amount of the
+mortgage, of course?"
+
+"It is worth four thousand dollars, in my opinion," said the squire,
+complacently.
+
+"If you get it for twenty-two hundred, it will be an excellent bargain."
+
+"Father," exclaimed Sinclair, entering the breakfast-room, rather
+hurriedly, "Tom Nelson has got home."
+
+"Where did you hear this, my son?" asked Squire Hudson, in surprise.
+
+"At the store. He got home by coach last evening."
+
+"Got discontented, I suppose," said the squire, in a tone of triumph. "I
+thought that was how it would turn out. He can't expect me to advance
+money to take him out there again."
+
+"I wish you would let me go," said Sinclair.
+
+"Some day I may take a trip out there with you, my son. Have you seen
+Thomas?"
+
+"No, he keeps mighty close. He hasn't even been round at the store."
+
+"He is ashamed to show himself, I suppose. He will have to work on the
+farm--on a farm again."
+
+"I suppose that will be a hard pill for him to swallow," said Sinclair.
+
+"No doubt. He is poor and proud, like his father before him. I am glad
+of one thing,--that I am sure of getting back the two hundred dollars I
+advanced for his journey. I wonder where he raised money to get back."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Though there were not likely to be any competitors for the farm, a
+considerable number gathered at the sale. There was a general feeling of
+sympathy for the Nelsons, but no one was able to express that sympathy
+in a tangible form, Squire Hudson cared little for the opinion of his
+neighbors. Some of them were in debt to him, and he looked down upon
+them with the arrogance of wealth.
+
+Tom received many friendly greetings. He was plainly dressed, quiet in
+his manner, and seemed to take matters very coolly.
+
+At length the farm was put up, the auctioneer naturally turning towards
+the squire, who responded pompously, "I bid twenty-two hundred dollars,
+the amount of the mortgage I hold upon the property."
+
+"Is there any other bid?" asked the auctioneer.
+
+"I bid twenty-five hundred dollars," said a clear, boyish voice.
+
+All were startled, and all eyes were turned upon Tom Nelson, who came
+slightly forward.
+
+"Twenty-five hundred!" repeated the auctioneer, hesitating whether he
+should receive the bid.
+
+"I protest against this outrage," exclaimed Squire Hudson, angrily. "The
+bid is ridiculous."
+
+"Why is my bid ridiculous, Squire Hudson?" asked Tom, calmly.
+
+"Because you haven't got the money. It is a transparent attempt to run
+up the price of the farm."
+
+"You know nothing of my circumstances, Squire Hudson," said Tom,
+independently. "I stand ready to pay the sum I bid, and, should you
+outbid me, I am ready to prove to any committee you may appoint, that I
+possess the money, or all my bids shall go for nothing, and you can have
+the farm at your first offer."
+
+"That is fair!" cried all.
+
+"This is all nonsense," said the squire. "Those of you who choose may
+believe this boy; I don't."
+
+"Going at twenty-five hundred!" said the auctioneer.
+
+"Twenty-five hundred and fifty!" said the squire, adding, "I make the
+bid on the terms proposed by the boy."
+
+"Twenty-eight hundred!" said Tom.
+
+"And fifty!" bid the squire.
+
+"Three thousand!" instantly came from Tom.
+
+No one was more surprised than Tom's own family at this unexpected
+scene. He had not dropped a hint as to his intentions, choosing to take
+all by surprise. Mark Nelson was perplexed. Though he had great
+confidence in Tom, he feared that he could not make good his bold bids.
+
+At length the farm was knocked down to our hero at three thousand five
+hundred dollars.
+
+"Now," said the squire, angrily, "I demand that this farce come to an
+end. I believe the bidding of this boy to be a premeditated swindle. If
+so, I will do my best to have him punished."
+
+"And I," said Tom, boldly, "have an equal right to demand that Squire
+Hudson submit proof that he is responsible for the amount of his
+offers."
+
+"Curse your impudence!" exclaimed the squire, foaming with rage.
+
+"But I waive that right," continued Tom, "and will ask Squire Hudson to
+name two gentlemen present to examine the proofs which I have to offer
+of my ability to back my bids."
+
+"I name Mr. Jones and Mr. Howe," said the squire, quickly, "and request
+them to act at once."
+
+"That is my desire," said Tom.
+
+In five minutes the committee reported that Tom had shown them
+bank-books, of two Boston banks, certifying that he held two thousand
+dollars on deposit in one, and four thousand in the other.
+
+"Is that satisfactory?" asked Tom, coolly.
+
+"No," shouted the squire; "I believe that the books are bogus."
+
+But the rest of those present entertained no doubts, and our hero was at
+once surrounded by admiring friends, who shook his hand till it fairly
+ached.
+
+"Squire Hudson, your mortgage shall be paid whenever you desire," said
+Tom.
+
+"Three cheers for Tom Nelson!" proposed some one, and the cheers were
+given with a will. During the confusion the squire and his
+brother-in-law slipped out of the house, thoroughly discomfited.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXII.
+
+MANHOOD.
+
+
+If Squire Hudson was surprised at Tom's suddenly revealed wealth, Mr.
+Nelson was no less so. When Tom first commenced bidding his father
+feared that he was only trying to annoy the squire, or, perhaps, seeking
+to force him to pay a higher price for the farm. But when investigation
+revealed the fact of Tom's riches, and he saw the mountain of debt
+lifted from his little property, he was overjoyed and grateful.
+
+"I can't understand it, Tom," he said; "how could you possibly get
+possession of so much money?"
+
+"I have worked hard, father; but that won't explain it. I have been very
+lucky, and my good luck has enabled me to save the farm."
+
+"I think you will be easier with me than the squire, Tom," said his
+father, smiling. "I will make out a mortgage to you, since your money
+has been used to redeem the farm."
+
+"I shall have no claim on the farm," said Tom, "or if I have I give it
+to you. I have money enough for myself, and hope to earn a good deal
+more besides."
+
+"If that is the case, Tom, I will gladly accept your gift. It will be a
+great relief to think that I have no interest to pay. Now I shall be
+able to get along easily. I have over two hundred dollars on hand."
+
+"I want to make your life easier, hereafter, father. I think you need a
+larger income than the farm will yield you, and I will therefore send
+you a hundred dollars every quarter."
+
+"You are very generous, Tom; but I fear you will soon get rid of all
+your money at this rate."
+
+"I will explain my circumstances, father, and then you will think
+differently. I have a business in San Francisco which will yield me at
+least a thousand dollars a year, without my personal attention, and
+after paying the squire what is due him I shall have about four
+thousand dollars left. This I mean to invest securely in Boston."
+
+"I can hardly realize that you are so rich, Tom."
+
+"I can scarcely realize it myself, father. When I think of the change
+that fifteen months have made in my circumstances I consider myself the
+luckiest boy in the world, and have great cause for gratitude."
+
+It will be understood that, though Tom had bid thirty-five hundred
+dollars for the farm, all he was required to pay was the amount of the
+mortgage, the bid having been made in his father's interest. In a few
+days the business was completed, and Mr. Nelson found himself the owner
+of an unencumbered property.
+
+Tom remained a week longer in the village, and then started once more
+for California. His mother urged him to remain at home, now that he had
+so much money; but Tom reminded her that he was partner in a business in
+San Francisco, and that he needed to look after his interests there.
+John Miles might be sick, or die, and in that case he might meet with
+serious losses.
+
+Returning to San Francisco Tom became an active instead of a silent
+partner. The business was considerably enlarged, and became much more
+profitable. At the end of two years Tom sold out to his partner for
+several thousand dollars, and, entering an office, studied law, devoting
+a portion of his time to general study. At a comparatively early age he
+was admitted to the bar of his adopted city, and by degrees got into
+lucrative practice. He had become so much attached to California that he
+decided to make it his permanent home.
+
+Up among the New Hampshire hills his father still tills his little farm,
+but he no longer depends upon it for his entire living. Tom regularly
+sends the allowance he promised, and in addition his brothers are often
+the recipients of handsome gifts. Harry, developing a taste for study,
+was sent to Exeter Academy, from which in due course he was transferred
+to Harvard. He, too, was destined for the law, and when he had taken
+his legal degree joined Tom in California, and is now his partner.
+
+Other changes there are in the little village. Squire Hudson is dead,
+and Sinclair, making haste to sell the homestead, removed to New York,
+engaged in speculation, and lost everything. One day, shabbily dressed,
+he entered Tom's office in San Francisco, and asked for the loan of
+fifty dollars to enable him to reach the mines. Tom gave it, for old
+acquaintance' sake. It was not the last request for money made by
+Sinclair. Nothing has been heard of him for some years, and it is
+probable that a life which was of no service to any one is finished. He
+had the best start in life, but misused his advantages. Tom has worthily
+employed the talents committed to his charge, and is happy, honored, and
+prosperous.
+
+THE YOUNG EXPLORER;
+
+_or_,
+
+AMONG THE SIERRAS,
+
+will be the next volume.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Young Miner, by Horatio Alger, Jr.
+
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+<pre>
+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Young Miner, by Horatio Alger, Jr.
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Young Miner
+       or Tom Nelson in California
+
+Author: Horatio Alger, Jr.
+
+Release Date: September 18, 2007 [EBook #22669]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE YOUNG MINER ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by David Edwards, Marcia Brooks and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This
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+
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/p007.jpg" alt="p007" title="The Pacific Series"/></div>
+
+<h1>THE<br />
+
+YOUNG MINER;</h1>
+
+<h4>OR,</h4>
+
+<h3>TOM NELSON IN CALIFORNIA.</h3>
+
+<h4>BY</h4>
+
+<h2>HORATIO ALGER, <span class="smcap">Jr.</span>,</h2>
+
+<center>AUTHOR OF &ldquo;RAGGED DICK,&rdquo; &ldquo;TATTERED TOM,&rdquo; &ldquo;LUCK AND PLUCK,&rdquo;<br />
+&ldquo;BRAVE AND BOLD&rdquo; SERIES, ETC., ETC.</center>
+
+<center>PHILADELPHIA:</center>
+
+<center>HENRY T. COATES &amp; CO.</center>
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+
+<a name="toc" id="toc"></a>
+<h2>CONTENTS</h2>
+
+<div class='center'>
+<table border="0" cellpadding="6" cellspacing="0" summary="">
+
+<tr><td></td><td><a href="#FAMOUS_ALGER_BOOKS"><b>FAMOUS ALGER BOOKS.</b></a></td><td><a href="#PREFACE"><b>PREFACE.</b></a></td><td></td></tr>
+<tr>
+<td><a href="#CHAPTER_I"><b>CHAPTER I.</b></a></td>
+<td><a href="#CHAPTER_II"><b>CHAPTER II.</b></a></td>
+<td><a href="#CHAPTER_III"><b>CHAPTER III.</b></a></td>
+<td><a href="#CHAPTER_IV"><b>CHAPTER IV.</b></a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><a href="#CHAPTER_V"><b>CHAPTER V.</b></a></td>
+<td><a href="#CHAPTER_VI"><b>CHAPTER VI.</b></a></td>
+<td><a href="#CHAPTER_VII"><b>CHAPTER VII.</b></a></td>
+<td><a href="#CHAPTER_VIII"><b>CHAPTER VIII.</b></a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><a href="#CHAPTER_IX"><b>CHAPTER IX.</b></a></td>
+<td><a href="#CHAPTER_X"><b>CHAPTER X.</b></a></td>
+<td><a href="#CHAPTER_XI"><b>CHAPTER XI.</b></a></td>
+<td><a href="#CHAPTER_XII"><b>CHAPTER XII.</b></a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><a href="#CHAPTER_XIII"><b>CHAPTER XIII.</b></a></td>
+<td><a href="#CHAPTER_XIV"><b>CHAPTER XIV.</b></a></td>
+<td><a href="#CHAPTER_XV"><b>CHAPTER XV.</b></a></td>
+<td><a href="#CHAPTER_XVI"><b>CHAPTER XVI.</b></a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><a href="#CHAPTER_XVII"><b>CHAPTER XVII.</b></a></td>
+<td><a href="#CHAPTER_XVIII"><b>CHAPTER XVIII.</b></a></td>
+<td><a href="#CHAPTER_XIX"><b>CHAPTER XIX.</b></a></td>
+<td><a href="#CHAPTER_XX"><b>CHAPTER XX.</b></a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><a href="#CHAPTER_XXI"><b>CHAPTER XXI.</b></a></td>
+<td><a href="#CHAPTER_XXII"><b>CHAPTER XXII.</b></a></td>
+<td><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIII"><b>CHAPTER XXIII.</b></a></td>
+<td><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIV"><b>CHAPTER XXIV.</b></a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><a href="#CHAPTER_XXV"><b>CHAPTER XXV.</b></a></td>
+<td><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVI"><b>CHAPTER XXVI.</b></a></td>
+<td><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVII"><b>CHAPTER XXVII.</b></a></td>
+<td><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVIII"><b>CHAPTER XXVIII.</b></a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIX"><b>CHAPTER XXIX.</b></a></td>
+<td><a href="#CHAPTER_XXX"><b>CHAPTER XXX.</b></a></td>
+<td><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXI"><b>CHAPTER XXXI.</b></a></td>
+<td><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXII"><b>CHAPTER XXXII.</b></a></td>
+</tr>
+</table></div>
+<!-- End Autogenerated TOC. -->
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="FAMOUS_ALGER_BOOKS" id="FAMOUS_ALGER_BOOKS"></a>FAMOUS ALGER BOOKS.</h2>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+
+<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="Alger Books">
+<tbody>
+<tr><td><b>RAGGED DICK SERIES</b>.</td>
+<td>By <span class="smcap">Horatio Alger, Jr</span>. 6 vols. 12mo. Cloth.</td></tr>
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">Ragged Dick</span>.</td>
+<td><span class="smcap">Rough and Ready</span>.</td></tr>
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">Fame and Fortune</span>.</td>
+<td><span class="smcap">Ben the Luggage Boy</span>.</td></tr>
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">Mark the Match Boy</span>.</td>
+<td><span class="smcap">Rufus and Rose</span>.</td></tr>
+<tr><td></td><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td><td></td></tr>
+
+
+<tr><td><b>TATTERED TOM SERIES</b>.</td>
+<td align='left'>By <span class="smcap">Horatio Alger, Jr</span>. 4 vols. 12mo. Cloth. <span class="smcap">First Series</span>.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">Tattered Tom</span>.</td>
+<td><span class="smcap">Phil the Fiddler</span>.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">Paul the Peddler</span>.</td>
+<td><span class="smcap">Slow and Sure</span>.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr><td></td><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td><b>TATTERED TOM SERIES</b>.</td>
+<td>4 vols. 12mo. Cloth. <span class="smcap">Second Series</span>.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">Julius</span>.</td>
+<td><span class="smcap">Sam's Chance</span>.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">The Young Outlaw</span>.</td>
+<td><span class="smcap">The Telegraph Boy</span>.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr><td></td><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td><b>CAMPAIGN SERIES</b>.</td>
+<td>By <span class="smcap">Horatio Alger, Jr</span>. 3 vols.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">Frank's Campaign</span>.</td>
+<td><span class="smcap">Charlie Codman's Cruise</span>.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">Paul Prescott's Charge</span>.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr><td></td><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td><b>LUCK AND PLUCK SERIES</b>.</td>
+<td>By <span class="smcap">Horatio Alger, Jr</span>. 4 vols. 12mos.
+Cloth. <span class="smcap">First Series</span>.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">Luck and Pluck</span>.</td>
+<td><span class="smcap">Strong and Steady</span>.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">Sink or Swim</span>.</td>
+<td><span class="smcap">Strive and Succeed</span>.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr><td></td><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td><b>LUCK AND PLUCK SERIES</b>.</td>
+<td>4 vols. 12mo. Cloth. <span class="smcap">Second Series</span>.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">Try and Trust</span>.</td>
+<td><span class="smcap">Risen from the Ranks</span>.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">Bound to Rise</span>.</td>
+<td><span class="smcap">Herbert Carter's Legacy</span>.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr><td></td><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td><b>BRAVE AND BOLD SERIES</b>.</td>
+<td>By <span class="smcap">Horatio Alger, Jr</span>. 4 vols. 12mo. Cloth.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">Brave and Bold</span>.</td>
+<td><span class="smcap">Shifting for Himself</span>.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">Jack's Ward</span>.</td>
+<td><span class="smcap">Wait and Hope</span>.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr><td></td><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td><b>PACIFIC SERIES</b>.</td>
+<td>By <span class="smcap">Horatio Alger, Jr</span>. 4 vols. 12mo.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">The Young Adventurer</span>.</td>
+<td><span class="smcap">The Young Explorers</span>.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">The Young Miner</span>.</td>
+<td><span class="smcap">Ben's Nugget</span>.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr><td></td><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td><b>ATLANTIC SERIES</b>.</td>
+<td>By <span class="smcap">Horatio Alger, Jr</span>. 4 vols.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">The Young Circus Rider</span>.</td>
+<td><span class="smcap">Hector's Inheritance</span>.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">Do and Dare</span>.</td>
+<td><span class="smcap">Helping Himself</span>.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr><td></td><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td><b>WAY TO SUCCESS SERIES</b>.</td>
+<td>By <span class="smcap">Horatio Alger, Jr</span>. 4 vols. 12mo. Cloth.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">Bob Burton</span>.</td>
+<td><span class="smcap">Luke Walton</span>.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">The Store Boy</span>.</td>
+<td><span class="smcap">Struggling Upward</span>.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr><td></td><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td><td></td></tr>
+</tbody></table>
+
+<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="Alger Books">
+<tbody>
+<tr><td><b>NEW WORLD SERIES</b>.</td><td>By <span class="smcap">Horatio Alger, Jr</span>. 3 vols. 12mo. Cloth.</td> </tr>
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">Digging for Gold</span>.</td><td><span class="smcap">Facing the World</span>.</td><td><span class="smcap">In a New World</span>.</td></tr>
+</tbody></table>
+
+<center><b><i>Other Volumes in Preparation</i></b>.</center>
+
+<hr style='width: 25%;' />
+<center><span class="smcap">Copyright by A. K. Loring</span>, 1879.</center>
+<hr style='width: 25%;' />
+
+<center><ins class="mynote" title="Handwritten Note--Ian McGuire from Mother with Love'">
+To</ins><br />
+<br />
+<big><span class="smcap">Genevieve and Anita Alger</span>,</big><br />
+<br />
+This Volume<br />
+<br />
+IS AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED.<br /></center>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="PREFACE" id="PREFACE"></a>PREFACE.</h2>
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'>[Pg 5]</span>When "The Young Adventurer" was published,
+a year since, as the initial volume of
+The Pacific Series, it was announced that the
+second volume would be "The Young Pioneer."
+This has been changed to "The Young
+Miner," in order to avoid confusion with a
+book bearing a title somewhat similar to the
+one first proposed.</p>
+
+<p>Those who were interested in Tom Nelson's
+trip across the Plains will find in the
+present story a record of his adventures in
+the Land of Gold. Though his prosperity
+was chiefly due to his own energy and industry,
+it is also true that he was exceptionally
+lucky. Yet his good fortune has
+been far exceeded by that of numerous
+adventurous spirits in Colorado, within the
+last twelve months. Some measure of prosperity
+generally awaits the patient and energetic
+worker, and seldom comes to those who
+idly wait for something to turn up.</p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 10%;"><b><span class="smcap">New York</span>, Oct. 1, 1879.</b></span></p>
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h1>THE YOUNG MINER;</h1>
+
+<h5>OR,</h5>
+
+<h3>TOM NELSON IN CALIFORNIA.</h3>
+<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">Top</a></span>
+
+
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_I" id="CHAPTER_I"></a>CHAPTER I.</h2><p><span class='pagenum'>[Pg 9]</span></p>
+<h3>THE GOLD-SEEKERS.</h3>
+
+<p>A dozen men, provided with rockers, were busily
+engaged in gathering and washing dirt, mingled
+with gold-dust, on the banks of a small stream
+in California. It was in the early days, and this
+party was but one of hundreds who were scattered
+over the new Eldorado, seeking for the shining
+metal which throughout the civilized world exercises
+a sway potent and irresistible.</p>
+
+<p>I have said there were a dozen men, but this
+is a mistake. One of the party was a well-grown
+boy of sixteen, with a good-humored and even
+handsome face. He was something more than
+good-humored, however. There was an expression<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 10]</span>
+on his face which spoke of strength and resolution
+and patient endurance. The readers of "The
+Young Adventurer" will at once recognize in our
+young hero Tom Nelson, the oldest son of a poor
+New England farmer, who, finding no prospects
+at home, had joined the tide of emigrants pouring
+from all parts of the country to the land of
+which so many marvelous stories were told.
+Tom had come to work; and though he doubtless
+shared to some extent the extravagant anticipations
+of the great body of Eastern visitors
+who hoped to make a fortune in a year, he did
+not expect to succeed without hard toil.</p>
+
+<p>His companions belonged to the same party
+with whom he had crossed the plains, under the
+leadership of Phineas Fletcher, a broad-shouldered
+Illinois farmer, who had his family with him.
+Next to Tom was Donald Ferguson, a grave
+Scotchman, and Tom's special friend; a man of
+excellent principles, thoroughly reliable, and held
+in high respect by all though not possessed of
+popular manners. On the other side was Lawrence
+Peabody, a young Boston clerk, who had<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 11]</span>
+spent several years behind a dry-goods counter.
+He was soft and effeminate, with no talent for
+"roughing it," and wholly unfitted for the hard
+work which he had undertaken. He was deeply
+disappointed in his first work at gold-hunting,
+having come out with the vague idea that he
+should pick up a big nugget within a short time
+that would make his fortune and enable him to
+go home a rich man. The practical side of gold-seeking&mdash;this
+washing particles of dust from the
+dirt of the river-bed&mdash;was in the highest degree
+unsatisfactory and discouraging. He was not a
+bad fellow; and his companions, though they
+laughed at him, were well disposed towards
+him.</p>
+
+<p>Among the rest, mention may be made of John
+Miles, Henry Scott, and Chapman, owner of a
+refractory donkey named after King Solomon.</p>
+
+<p>Not far away from the river were the tents
+occupied by the miners. There was but one
+house, roughly built of logs. This was occupied
+by Captain Fletcher and his family. He had not<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 12]</span>
+had the trouble of building it, but had found it
+ready for occupation, having been constructed by
+a previous party who had wandered farther down
+the river in search of richer washings. In fact,
+it was this building which had decided our party
+to remain.</p>
+
+<p>"There isn't much difference in places," said
+Fletcher. "We may as well stay here."</p>
+
+<p>"Then why was it deserted?" suggested John
+Miles, dubiously. "That's rather against it, isn't
+it, captain?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not necessarily, Miles. You've been on berrying
+parties, haven't you, when at home?"</p>
+
+<p>"Many a time."</p>
+
+<p>"You've noticed that many of the pickers leave
+good places, just from love of novelty, and
+wander about the field, often faring worse than
+if they remained where they were?"</p>
+
+<p>"That's so, captain."</p>
+
+<p>"Then let us give this place a try. We'll
+make more working steady in a medium place
+than wandering here, there, and everywhere."</p>
+
+<p>So the whole party agreed to "give the place
+a try."<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 13]</span></p>
+
+<p>There had been no brilliant success as yet,
+but fair luck. In six days Tom had washed out
+twenty-five dollars' worth of gold-dust, in spite
+of awkwardness and inexperience. Others had
+done better, but poor Lawrence Peabody had
+barely five dollars' worth to show. It must be
+said, however, that he had not averaged more
+than two or three hours of real labor in every
+twenty-four. He spent the rest of the time in
+wandering about aimlessly, or sitting down and
+watching the labors of his companions, while he
+enlivened them by pathetic lamentations over his
+unfortunate position, so far away from Boston
+and the refining influences of civilization.</p>
+
+<p>A little transcript of a conversation between
+Tom and himself will throw light upon the characters
+of both.</p>
+
+<p>"This is beastly work," sighed Peabody, resting
+from his by no means arduous labors, and looking
+over to Tom. "I tell you, it isn't fit for a
+gentleman."</p>
+
+<p>"It is rather hard to keep one's hands clean,
+Mr. Peabody," said Tom; "but you mustn't think<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 14]</span>
+of the present. Think of the time when you will
+go home, your pockets full of gold."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't see any prospect of it, Tom," sighed
+Peabody. "Here I've been hard at work for a
+week, and I haven't got over five dollars' worth
+of dust."</p>
+
+<p>"I have five times as much," said Tom.</p>
+
+<p>"Some people are lucky," said Peabody.</p>
+
+<p>"You haven't worked like Tom," said the
+Scotchman, plainly. "You haven't averaged over
+two hours a day, while Tom has worked eight
+or ten."</p>
+
+<p>"I have worked till my back was like to break,"
+said the young man from Boston. "I am not
+accustomed to manual labor, Mr. Ferguson. My
+friend Tom has worked on a farm, while I have
+been engaged in mercantile pursuits. Oh, why
+did I leave Boston!"</p>
+
+<p>"I am sure I can't guess," said Ferguson,
+dryly.</p>
+
+<p>"I never expected anything like <i>this</i>."</p>
+
+<p>"What did you expect, if I may be so bold
+as to inquire?"<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 15]</span></p>
+
+<p>"I thought I should find the gold in big nuggets
+worth thousands of dollars apiece. I was
+always reading in the papers about finding them.
+I think it's a great shame to deceive people by
+such stories. I don't believe there are any nuggets."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, yes, there are; but they are few and far
+between," said Fletcher. "A neighbor of mine
+found one worth three thousand dollars. Altogether
+he brought home five thousand dollars, and invested
+it in a farm and saw-mill. He is doing a good
+business. When he came to California he had
+nothing."</p>
+
+<p>"That is what I should like, Captain Fletcher,"
+said Tom. "If I could only manage to carry home
+five thousand dollars, I could make my father comfortable
+for life."</p>
+
+<p>"I shouldn't be satisfied with five thousand
+dollars," said Peabody, whose ideas were lofty.</p>
+
+<p>"How much would satisfy you?"</p>
+
+<p>"About fifty thousand," said the young Bostonian,
+his face lighting up at the thought<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 16]</span> of
+so large a sum.</p>
+
+<p>"And what would you do with it, if I may
+make so bold?" asked Ferguson.</p>
+
+<p>"I would buy a nice house at the South End,
+furnish it handsomely, and live in style."</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose you would marry?" suggested Tom,
+smiling.</p>
+
+<p>"I probably should," answered Peabody, gravely.</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps you have the lady already selected."</p>
+
+<p>"I have."</p>
+
+<p>"Who is she?" asked John Mills. "Come,
+now, Peabody, don't be bashful."</p>
+
+<p>"It is the daughter of a Boston merchant."</p>
+
+<p>"Does the lady love you?"</p>
+
+<p>"We understand each other," answered Peabody,
+loftily. "She would marry me, poor as I am, but
+for her purse-proud, mercenary sire. It will be a
+happy day when, with my pockets full of gold, I
+enter his presence and claim his daughter's hand."</p>
+
+<p>"I wish you success, Mr. Peabody," said Tom.
+"I hope you have no rivals."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, there is one."</p>
+
+<p>"Are you not afraid of him?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no; he is a fellow of no style," said<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 17]</span>
+Peabody, drawing up his slender form, and looking
+as stylish as a very dirty shirt, muddy boots, and
+a soiled suit would allow.</p>
+
+<p>"I think I shall wait awhile before getting
+married," said Tom. "I am afraid I wouldn't
+stand any chance with an heiress, Mr. Peabody.
+Do you think I can ever be stylish?"</p>
+
+<p>The Bostonian understood Tom to be in earnest,
+and told him he thought in time, under proper
+training, he might become fairly stylish.</p>
+
+<p>The conversation was interrupted by the ringing
+of a bell from the log-house. Mrs. Fletcher, by
+an arrangement with the party, prepared their
+meals, and thus they fared better than most of
+the early pioneers. Their labor gave them a good
+appetite, and they were more solicitous about
+quantity than quality. Slow as he was at his
+work, there was no one who exhibited greater
+alacrity at meal-times, than Lawrence Peabody.
+At such times he was even cheerful.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II"></a>CHAPTER II.</h2>
+<p><span class='pagenum'>[Pg 18]</span></p>
+
+<h3>MISSOURI JACK.</h3>
+<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">Top</a></span>
+
+<p>At the end of a month the settlement had considerably
+increased. A large party from Missouri
+went to work farther up stream, and a few stray
+emigrants also added themselves to the miners at
+River Bend, for this was the name selected by Captain
+Fletcher for the location. The new arrivals
+were a rougher and more disorderly class than
+Fletcher and his companions. Already there was a
+saloon, devoted to the double purpose of gambling
+and drinking; and the proprietor, Missouri Jack (no
+one knew his last name), was doing a thriving business.
+Indeed his income considerably exceeded
+that of any one in the settlement.</p>
+
+<p>Neither Tom nor any of his party contributed
+much to Missouri Jack's profits. In consequence,
+they had to bear the ill-will and sometimes open
+abuse of Jack and his friends.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 19]</span></p>
+
+<p>"Come in and take a drink, stranger," called
+out Jack, the day after the opening of the saloon,
+to Captain Fletcher.</p>
+
+<p>"No, thank you."</p>
+
+<p>"It shan't cost you a cent."</p>
+
+<p>"It would cost me my health," returned Fletcher.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you mean to say I sell bad whiskey?"
+demanded Jack, angrily, emphasizing the inquiry by
+an oath.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know anything about it."</p>
+
+<p>"Then what <i>do</i> you mean?"</p>
+
+<p>"I mean that all whiskey is bad for the health,"
+replied Fletcher.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, you're a temperance sneak!" exclaimed
+Missouri Jack, contemptuously.</p>
+
+<p>"I am a temperance man; you may leave out the
+other word," calmly answered Fletcher.</p>
+
+<p>"You're not a man!" exploded Jack. "A man
+that's afraid of whiskey is a&mdash;a&mdash;isn't half a man.
+He isn't fit to be a woman."</p>
+
+<p>"Have it as you like," said Fletcher, unruffled.
+"I shall not drink to please any man. I had a
+younger brother&mdash;a bright, promising young man<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 20]</span>
+poor Ben was&mdash;who drank himself to death. He'd
+have been alive now but for whiskey."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, dry up your pious talk! You make me
+sick!" exclaimed Missouri Jack in deep disgust.</p>
+
+<p>Next he accosted John Miles, who curtly declined
+and received in return a volley of abuse. Now
+Miles was a powerful man, and not possessed of
+Fletcher's self-control. He paused, and surveyed
+Jack with a menacing look.</p>
+
+<p>"Look here, stranger," he said, sharply, "just
+have a care how you use that tongue of yours. This
+is a free country, and if I choose to decline your
+whiskey, there's no law against it that I know of."</p>
+
+<p>"You're a white-livered sneak!"</p>
+
+<p>Missouri Jack did not proceed with his remarks,
+for John Miles, seizing him by the shoulder, tripped
+him up, and strode away, leaving him prostrate,
+and pouring out a volley of curses. Being a bully,
+and cowardly as most bullies are, he did not pursue
+his broad-shouldered enemy, but vowed vengeance
+whenever a good opportunity came.</p>
+
+<p>In fact, the only one of the original miners who
+accepted Jack's invitation was Lawrence Peabody.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 21]</span></p>
+
+<p>"Step in, stranger, and have a drink!" said Jack,
+a little dubiously, having met with such poor luck
+heretofore.</p>
+
+<p>The young Bostonian paused. He was not a
+drinker at home, but in his discontent and disappointment
+he was tempted.</p>
+
+<p>"My dear sir, you are very polite," he said.</p>
+
+<p>"I hope you ain't one of them temperance
+sneaks," said Jack, his brow clouding in anticipation
+of a refusal.</p>
+
+<p>"I assure you I am not," Peabody hastened to
+say. "I have participated in convivial scenes more
+than once in Boston."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't understand college talk," said Jack;
+"but if you want a glass of prime whiskey, just
+say the word."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't care if I do," said Peabody, following
+his new friend into the saloon.</p>
+
+<p>The draught of prime whiskey scorched his throat
+as he swallowed it down, but it was followed by a
+sense of exhilaration, and Peabody's tongue was
+loosened.</p>
+
+<p>"You're a gentleman!" said Missouri Jack.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 22]</span>
+"You ain't like them fellows you're with. They're
+sneaks."</p>
+
+<p>"Really, you compliment me, Mr.&mdash;, what may
+I call your name?"</p>
+
+<p>"Missouri Jack&mdash;that's the peg I hang on to."</p>
+
+<p>"My dear Mr. Jack, I am glad to know you.
+You are really quite an accession to our settlement."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, if I ain't, my saloon is. How you've
+managed to live so long without liquor beats me.
+Why, it ain't civilized."</p>
+
+<p>"It <i>was</i> pretty dull," admitted Peabody.</p>
+
+<p>"No life, no amusement; for all the world like a
+parcel of Methodists. What luck have you met
+with, stranger?"</p>
+
+<p>"Beastly luck!" answered Peabody. "I tell you,
+Mr. Jack, California's a fraud. Many a time I've
+regretted leaving Boston, where I lived in style, and
+moved in the first circles, for such a place as this.
+Positively, Mr. Jack, I feel like a tramp, and I'm
+afraid I look like one. If my fashionable friends
+could see me now, they wouldn't know me."</p>
+
+<p>"I ain't got no fashionable friends, and I don't
+want any," growled Missouri Jack, spitting on the<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 23]</span>
+floor. "What I want is, to meet gentlemen that
+ain't afraid to drink like gentlemen. I say, stranger,
+you'd better leave them Methodist fellers, and join
+our gang."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you, Mr. Jack, you're very kind, and I'll
+think of it," said Peabody, diplomatically. Though
+a little exhilarated, he was not quite blind to the
+character of the man with whom he was fraternizing,
+and had too much real refinement to enjoy
+his coarseness.</p>
+
+<p>"Have another drink!"</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you."</p>
+
+<p>Peabody drank again, this time with a friend
+of Jack's, a man of his own stripe, who straggled
+into the saloon.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you play euchre?" asked Jack, producing
+a dirty pack of cards.</p>
+
+<p>"I know little of it," said Peabody; "but I'll
+try a game."</p>
+
+<p>"Then you and me and Bill here will have a
+game."</p>
+
+<p>"All right," said Peabody, glad to while away
+the time.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 24]</span></p>
+
+<p>"What'll you put up on your game, stranger?"
+asked Bill.</p>
+
+<p>"You don't mean to play for money, do you?"
+asked Peabody, a little startled.</p>
+
+<p>"Sartain I do. What's the good of playin' for
+nothing?"</p>
+
+<p>So the young Bostonian, out of his modest pile
+was tempted to stake an ounce of gold-dust.
+Though his head was hardly in a condition to
+follow the game intelligently, he won, or at least
+Bill and Jack told him he had, and for the first
+time Lawrence felt the rapture of the successful
+gambler, as he gathered in his winnings.</p>
+
+<p>"He plays a steep game, Bill," said Jack.</p>
+
+<p>"Tip-top&mdash;A No. 1."</p>
+
+<p>"I believe I do play a pretty good game,"
+said the flattered Peabody. "My friends in Boston
+used to say so."</p>
+
+<p>"You're hard to beat, and no mistake," said
+Bill. "Try another game."</p>
+
+<p>"I'm ready, gentlemen," said Peabody, with
+alacrity.</p>
+
+<p>"It's a great deal easier earning money this<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 25]</span>
+way," he reflected, regarding complacently the two
+ounces of dust which represented his winnings,
+"than washing dirt out of the river." And the
+poor dupe congratulated himself that a new way
+of securing the favors of fortune had been opened
+to him.</p>
+
+<p>The reader will easily guess that Lawrence Peabody
+did not win the next game, nor will he
+be surprised to hear that when he left the saloon
+his pockets were empty.</p>
+
+<p>"Better luck next time, stranger," said Jack,
+carelessly. "Take a drink before you go?"</p>
+
+<p>Peabody accepted the invitation, and soon after
+staggered into the tent occupied by Tom and his
+friend Ferguson.</p>
+
+<p>"What's the matter, Mr. Peabody?" asked
+Tom. "Are you sick?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," answered Peabody, sinking to the floor.
+"Something's the matter with my head. I don't
+feel well."</p>
+
+<p>"Have you been to the saloon, Mr. Peabody?"
+asked Ferguson.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," answered the Bostonian.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 26]</span></p>
+
+<p>"And while there you drank some of their vile
+whiskey, didn't you?"</p>
+
+<p>"I'm a free man, Mr. Ferguson. If I choosee
+to drink, what&mdash;what business is it&mdash;yours?"</p>
+
+<p>"None, except as a friend I advise you not to
+go there again."</p>
+
+<p>Further inquiries elicited the facts about the
+gambling, and Ferguson and Tom seriously remonstrated
+with Peabody, who, however, insisted
+that Mr. Jack, as he called him, was a hospitable
+gentleman.</p>
+
+<p>The dust which Peabody had lost should have
+been paid to Capt. Fletcher, as his share of the
+expenses that same evening. Of course this was
+now impossible. Fletcher warned him that any
+subsequent failure from the same cause would be
+followed by an exclusion from his table.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III"></a>CHAPTER III.</h2>
+<p><span class='pagenum'>[Pg 27]</span></p>
+<h3>HOW TOM GOT ON.</h3>
+<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">Top</a></span>
+
+<p>About this time Tom took account of stock.
+He had come out to California with the noble
+and praiseworthy purpose of earning money to help
+his father pay off the mortgage on his little
+farm. He was the more anxious to succeed,
+because two hundred dollars of the amount had
+been raised to defray his expenses across the
+continent. The mortgage, amounting now to
+twenty-two hundred dollars, was held by Squire
+Hudson, a wealthy resident of the same town,
+who hoped eventually to find an excuse for fore-closing
+the mortgage, and ejecting Mr. Nelson's
+family. He was actuated not alone by mercenary
+motives, but also to gratify an ancient grudge.
+In early life Mrs. Nelson, Tom's mother, had
+rejected the suit of the wealthy squire, and this
+insult, as he chose to characterize it, he had
+never forgotten or forgiven.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 28]</span></p>
+
+<p>Had Tom been aware of the Squire's feelings,
+towards his family, he never would have been
+willing to have the mortgage increased for his
+sake, much as he wished to go to California.
+But neither Tom nor his father dreamed of Squire
+Hudson's secret animosity, and regarded his willingness
+to advance the extra two hundred dollars
+as an evidence of friendship.</p>
+
+<p>But I have said that Tom took account of
+stock&mdash;in other words, ascertained how much he
+was worth. First, then, of the money borrowed
+for his trip&mdash;the original two hundred dollars&mdash;he
+had twenty-five dollars left over. Besides this
+sum, after paying all expenses, he had accumulated,
+by hard work and strict economy, fifty dollars' worth
+of gold-dust.</p>
+
+<p>"I wish father had this money," said Tom to
+his tent-mate, Ferguson. "I am afraid he stands
+in need of it."</p>
+
+<p>"There may be a way to send it to him,
+Tom."</p>
+
+<p>"I wish there were."</p>
+
+<p>"There's one of our party going to San Francisco<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 29]</span>
+next week. He can buy a draft there, and
+send it to your father."</p>
+
+<p>"Who is going?" asked Tom, eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>"John Miles. You can trust him with the
+money, Tom."</p>
+
+<p>"Of course I can. I'd trust John Miles with
+any sum."</p>
+
+<p>"Who's that taking liberties with my name?"
+asked a manly voice, and John Miles himself
+stepped into the tent, bending his head as he
+entered.</p>
+
+<p>"I hear you are going to San Francisco,
+John?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I start next week."</p>
+
+<p>"Will you come back again?"</p>
+
+<p>"I intend to. I am going to prospect a
+little, and buy some things for myself and Captain
+Fletcher."</p>
+
+<p>"Will you do me a favor?"</p>
+
+<p>"Of course I will, if it isn't too large a one,"
+answered Miles.</p>
+
+<p>Tom explained what he wished, and John
+Miles cordially assented.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 30]</span></p>
+
+<p>"You're a good boy, Tom," he said, "to think
+of your father so soon."</p>
+
+<p>"I feel anxious about him," said Tom. "He
+raised money to send me out here, and I don't
+want him to suffer for it."</p>
+
+<p>"That's the right way to feel, Tom. I wish
+I had a father and mother to look out for," said
+Miles, soberly, "but you're in better luck than
+I. Both died when I was a mere lad. How
+much do you want to send?"</p>
+
+<p>"Seventy-five dollars."</p>
+
+<p>"Have you saved up so much already?"
+asked Miles, in surprise.</p>
+
+<p>"Part of it I had left over when I got here."</p>
+
+<p>"Will you have any left?"</p>
+
+<p>"No."</p>
+
+<p>"Isn't it well to reserve a little, then?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I shall have some more soon," answered
+Tom, sanguine, as most boys are.</p>
+
+<p>"Suppose you are sick?"</p>
+
+<p>"If he is sick he shall suffer for nothing,"
+said the Scotchman. "While I have money, Tom
+shall not feel the want of it."<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 31]</span></p>
+
+<p>"Thank you, Mr. Ferguson," said Tom, gratefully.</p>
+
+<p>"That old fellow has a heart, after all," thought
+Miles, who had been disposed to look upon Ferguson
+ever since their first acquaintance, as rather
+miserly.</p>
+
+<p>The Scotchman was certainly frugal, and counted
+his pennies carefully, but he was not mean, and
+had conceived a strong affection for his young
+companion, whom he regarded much as a son or
+a nephew.</p>
+
+<p>"Suppose you take the money now, John,"
+said Tom.</p>
+
+<p>"Shall I scribble a receipt, Tom? I am afraid
+my writing materials have given out."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't want any receipt," said Tom; "I'll
+trust you without one."</p>
+
+<p>"Nevertheless, lad," said the cautious Scotchman,
+"it may be well&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, Tom, Mr. Ferguson is right. Of course
+I know that you trust me; but if anything
+should happen to me,&mdash;any accident, I mean,&mdash;the
+paper may be useful to you."<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 32]</span></p>
+
+<p>"Just as you like, Mr. Miles, but I don't ask
+it, remember that."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I will remember it, and I don't mean
+to meet with any accident if I can help it. Mr.
+Ferguson, can you oblige me with a pipeful of
+tobacco? I'll join you in smoking."</p>
+
+<p>Smoking was the Scotchman's solitary extravagance,
+not a costly one, however, as he never
+smoked cigars, but indulged only in a democratic
+clay pipe.</p>
+
+<p>John Miles threw himself on the ground between
+Tom and his Scotch friend, and watched
+complacently the wreaths of smoke as they curled
+upwards.</p>
+
+<p>"Tom, you ought to smoke," he said. "You
+don't know how much enjoyment you lose."</p>
+
+<p>"Don't tempt the lad," said Ferguson. "It's a
+bad habit."</p>
+
+<p>"You smoke yourself."</p>
+
+<p>"That is true, but it isn't well for a growing
+boy. It can do him no good."</p>
+
+<p>"I smoked before I was as old as Tom."</p>
+
+<p>"So did I, but I wish I had not."<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 33]</span></p>
+
+<p>"Well, perhaps you're right, but it's a comfort
+when a man's tired or out of spirits."</p>
+
+<p>"I am not troubled in that way," said Tom.
+"I mean with being out of spirits."</p>
+
+<p>"Youth is a hopeful age," said the Scotchman.
+"When we are young we are always hoping for
+something good to befall us."</p>
+
+<p>"And when one is older, how is it, Mr.
+Ferguson?"</p>
+
+<p>"We fear ill more than we hope for good," he
+replied.</p>
+
+<p>"Then I want to remain young as long as I
+can."</p>
+
+<p>"A good wish, Tom. Some men are always
+young in spirit; but those that have seen the
+evil there is in the world find it harder to be
+hopeful."</p>
+
+<p>"You speak as if you had had experience of
+the evil, Mr. Ferguson."</p>
+
+<p>"So I have," answered the Scotchman slowly.
+Then, after a pause, "I will tell you about it:
+it's no secret."</p>
+
+<p>"Not if it is going to pain you."<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 34]</span></p>
+
+<p>"Oh, the pain is past. It's only a matter of
+money, and those wounds heal."</p>
+
+<p>"Only a matter of money!" said John Miles
+to himself. "I must have misjudged Ferguson.
+I thought money was all in all with him. I did
+not think he would speak so lightly of it."</p>
+
+<p>"When I was a young man," Ferguson began,
+"my father died, leaving me a thousand pounds,
+and a small annuity to my mother. With this
+money I felt rich, but I knew it would not support
+me, nor was I minded to be idle. So I began
+to look about me, to consider what business I had
+best go into, when a young man, about my
+own age, a clerk in a mercantile house, came to
+me and proposed a partnership. He was to put
+in five hundred pounds, and contribute his knowledge
+of business, which was greater than mine.
+He was a young man of good parts, and had a
+brisk, pleasant way with him, that made him a
+favorite in business circles. I thought it was a
+good chance, and, after taking a little time for
+thought, agreed to his proposal. So the firm of
+McIntire and Ferguson was<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 35]</span> formed. We went
+into business, and for a time all seemed to go
+well. As my partner chose to keep the books, I
+was not so clear as I wished to be about matters,
+but we seemed to be prospering. One morning,
+however, on coming to business, I found that
+my partner had disappeared, after possessing himself
+of all the money he could collect on the
+credit of the firm. Of course we were bankrupts,
+or rather I was, for he left me to bear the
+brunt of failure."</p>
+
+<p>"Have you ever seen him since, Mr. Ferguson?"</p>
+
+<p>"From that day to this&mdash;twenty years&mdash;I have
+never set eyes on Sandy McIntire."</p>
+
+<p>"It was a mean trick to serve you, Ferguson,"
+said Miles.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," said the Scotchman, soberly. "I minded
+the loss of money, but the loss of confidence
+was a sore thought too, after all the trust I had
+put in that man."</p>
+
+<p>Presently Miles rose to go.</p>
+
+<p>"I'll take care of your money, Tom," he said,
+"and do my best to get it safely to your father."<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 36]</span></p>
+
+<p>"Thank you, John."</p>
+
+<p>As Miles left the tent, he did not observe a
+crouching figure on the other side of it. It was
+the figure of Bill Crane, a crony of Missouri
+Jack, in fact, the man who helped him to fleece
+poor Peabody of his scanty hoard.</p>
+
+<p>Bill looked after Miles enviously.</p>
+
+<p>"I wonder how much money he's got?" thought
+Bill. "I'd like some of it, for I'm bust. I
+must tell Jack. I don't dare to tackle him alone."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV"></a>CHAPTER IV.</h2>
+<p><span class='pagenum'>[Pg 37]</span></p>
+<h3>A FOILED ROBBER.</h3>
+<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">Top</a></span>
+
+<p>In the grand rush to the newly discovered
+gold-fields all classes were represented. There
+were men of education, representatives of all the
+learned professions, men versed in business, and
+along with them adventurers and men of doubtful
+antecedents, graduates of prisons and penitentiaries.
+Bill Crane, introduced in the last chapter, belonged
+to the latter undesirable class. He had served
+a term at Sing-Sing as a housebreaker, and
+later another term in a Western penitentiary.
+He had come to California with a prejudice
+against honest labor, and a determination to
+make a living by the use of the peculiar talents
+on which he had hitherto relied. He had spent
+a week at River Bend, chiefly at the saloon of
+Missouri Jack, whom he found a congenial spirit,
+and had picked up a little money from flats like<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 38]</span>
+the young Bostonian; but, on the whole, he had
+found it an unprofitable field for the exercise of
+his special talents.</p>
+
+<p>"I must make a raise somehow," he bethought
+himself, "and then I'll make tracks for some
+other settlement."</p>
+
+<p>Precisely how to raise the fund of which he
+stood in need was difficult to decide. Moneyed
+men were not plenty at River Bend. Captain
+Fletcher and his party had been at work but a
+short time, and were not likely to have collected
+much.</p>
+
+<p>As we know, Bill Crane overheard a part of
+the closing conversation between Tom and John
+Miles. From this he learned that Miles, besides
+his own money, would be in charge of seventy-five
+dollars belonging to our young hero. It
+was not much, but it was something.</p>
+
+<p>"If the whole doesn't come to over two hundred
+dollars, I can make it do," thought Crane.
+"It will get me out of this beastly hole, and
+carry me to San Francisco."</p>
+
+<p>John Miles slept by himself under a small<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 39]</span>
+tent at the northern end of the small encampment.
+He looked like a man who ate well and
+slept well, and this would be favorable to Bill
+Crane, who proposed to effect the robbery in the
+night. He had half a mind to secure the aid
+of Missouri Jack, but then Jack would expect
+to go shares in the "plunder," and there was
+likely to be little enough for one. So Bill
+decided to make the attempt alone.</p>
+
+<p>In a small camp like that at River Bend, the
+movements and plans of each individual were
+generally known. So it was generally understood
+that John Miles intended to start on Thursday
+for the city.</p>
+
+<p>The previous evening he spent with Tom and
+Ferguson, with whom he was more intimate than
+any others of the party. He would not have
+been drawn to the Scotchman, but for his being
+Tom's room-mate. Through him he came to
+appreciate and respect the Scot's sterling virtues,
+and to overlook his dry, phlegmatic manner.</p>
+
+<p>"I hope you'll have good luck, Mr. Miles," said
+Tom.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 40]</span></p>
+
+<p>"Thank you, my boy."</p>
+
+<p>"I would join with my young friend Tom," said
+Ferguson, "if I were quite clear in my mind
+whether good luck is the right term to use."</p>
+
+<p>"Don't you think some men are luckier than
+others, Mr. Ferguson?" asked Tom.</p>
+
+<p>"Some men are more successful, doubtless; but
+what we call good luck, generally comes from greater
+industry, good judgment, and, above all, the prompt
+use of opportunities."</p>
+
+<p>"There is something in that," said Miles; "but
+when two men work side by side with equal industry,
+and one finds a nugget worth thousands of dollars,
+while the other plods along at a few dollars a
+day, isn't there some luck there?"</p>
+
+<p>"It may be so," said the Scotchman, cautiously,
+"but such cases are exceptional."</p>
+
+<p>"So one boy is born to an inheritance of wealth
+and another to an inheritance of hard work. Isn't
+there any luck there?"</p>
+
+<p>"The luck may be on the side of the poor boy,"
+was the reply. "He is further removed from temptation."<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 41]</span></p>
+
+<p>John Miles laughed.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, at any rate, it seems you believe in luck
+after all. I am sure you both wish me to be prosperous,
+whether you call it luck or by some other
+name. Tom, if I meet with any good opening that
+I think will suit you, I shall write you. You don't
+want to stay here, particularly?"</p>
+
+<p>"No; the place is not so pleasant since these
+new people have come here. Missouri Jack isn't a
+neighbor that I like."</p>
+
+<p>"He is exerting a bad influence," said Ferguson.
+"I am afraid Peabody visits him too often for his
+own good."</p>
+
+<p>"He ought to have stayed in Boston," said Miles.
+"He is not the man for such a life as ours. He is
+too delicate to work, or thinks he is, and I see no
+other reliable road to success."</p>
+
+<p>"I saw Peabody reeling out of the saloon this
+afternoon," said Tom. "I asked him if he considered
+it was 'high-toned' to drink in a saloon,
+as that is the word he is always using, but he said
+it didn't make much difference out here, where he
+wasn't known."<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 42]</span></p>
+
+<p>"Peabody isn't overstocked with brains, though
+he does come from Boston," said Miles.</p>
+
+<p>Ten o'clock came, and Miles rose to go.</p>
+
+<p>"I must have a good night's rest," he said, "for
+to-morrow night must see me many miles on my
+road. Tom, I will attend to that commission of
+yours just as soon as I have the opportunity."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you, Mr. Miles."</p>
+
+<p>John Miles walked slowly toward his tent. Arrived
+there, he threw himself down on his rude
+couch, and in less than fifteen minutes, he was sound
+asleep. He had done his usual day's work, and
+made some preparations for his journey besides, and
+these made slumber sweet and refreshing.</p>
+
+<p>Before settling himself for the night, however,
+Miles carefully deposited a bag of gold-dust under
+his head, wrapped up in an extra pair of pantaloons.
+Had he known that Bill Crane had formed a plan to
+rob him that very night, he would have taken extra
+precautions, but he was not inclined to be suspicious,
+or to anticipate danger.</p>
+
+<p>Perhaps an hour later, Tom, who found himself
+unusually restless, got up from his hard couch, leaving<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 43]</span>
+Ferguson fast asleep, and went out into the air,
+thinking that a walk would do him good and dispose
+him to sleep. The night was dark, but not
+wholly so. There was no moon, but a few stars
+were shining; and as his eyes became accustomed to
+the faint light, he could easily distinguish objects
+at the distance of a few rods.</p>
+
+<p>Tom's thoughts reverted to his humble home,
+more than three thousand miles away. Probably the
+fact that he had committed to John Miles a sum of
+money to send to his father, had turned his thoughts
+in that direction.</p>
+
+<p>"Father will be glad to get the seventy-five dollars,"
+thought Tom, "and I am sure he will need
+it. I wish it could get there more quickly, but it
+is a long way off."</p>
+
+<p>Tom was not homesick, and was far from wishing
+himself back, with his object in coming yet unaccomplished,
+but it did occur to him, that he would
+like to see his father and mother, and brothers and
+sisters, if only for a few minutes.</p>
+
+<p>When he came out he had no particular direction
+in mind in which he wished to walk, but chance<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 44]</span>
+directed his steps toward the tent of his friend,
+John Miles.</p>
+
+<p>When he came near it, his attention was arrested
+by the sight of a crouching figure which appeared
+to be entering the tent. His first thought was,
+that Miles, like himself, had got up from his
+couch and was just returning. He was on the
+point of calling out "John," when a sudden doubt
+and suspicion silenced him.&mdash;"Might not it be a
+robber?"</p>
+
+<p>Tom was determined to find out. He crept
+nearer, so that he could have a clearer view of
+the figure.</p>
+
+<p>"It's Bill Crane!" he said to himself, with
+sudden recognition. "What's he up to?"</p>
+
+<p>Tom could guess. He didn't know the man's
+antecedents, but he had read his character aright.
+He was instantly on the alert. Crane evidently
+was on a thief's errand, and was likely to steal
+not only Miles's money but Tom's. Our hero was
+alive to the emergency, and resolved to foil him.
+He had his revolver with him; for in the unsettled
+state of society, with no one to enforce the<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 45]</span>
+laws, and indeed no laws to enforce, it was the
+custom for all men to go armed.</p>
+
+<p>Tom was not long left in doubt as to Crane's
+intentions. He saw him cautiously pulling at
+something in the tent, and felt sure that it was
+the bag of treasure. He decided that the time
+had come to act.</p>
+
+<p>"Put that back," he exclaimed in boyish, but
+clear, commanding tone.</p>
+
+<p>Bill Crane turned suddenly, panic-stricken.</p>
+
+<p>He saw Tom standing a few feet from him,
+with a revolver in his hand.</p>
+
+<p>All was not lost. He might, he thought, intimidate
+the boy.</p>
+
+<p>"Mind your business, you young cub," he
+growled.</p>
+
+<p>"What are you about?" demanded Tom.</p>
+
+<p>"I am going to sleep with Miles. He invited
+me. Does that satisfy you?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, it doesn't, for I know that it's a lie.
+You are here to rob him."</p>
+
+<p>"You'd better not insult me, boy, or I'll have
+your life."<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 46]</span></p>
+
+<p>"Get up this instant and leave the tent, or
+I'll fire," said Tom, resolutely.</p>
+
+<p>"A young cub like you can't frighten me. That
+shooting-iron of yours isn't loaded," said Bill
+Crane, rather uneasily.</p>
+
+<p>"It'll be rather a bad thing for you to take
+the risk," said Tom, with a coolness that surprised
+himself, for the situation was a strange
+one for a boy brought up in a quiet New England
+farming town.</p>
+
+<p>"What do you want of me?" growled the desperado,
+uncomfortably, for he was satisfied that
+the weapon was loaded, and Tom looked as if
+he would shoot.</p>
+
+<p>"I want you to leave that tent at once," said
+Tom.</p>
+
+<p>"Suppose I don't."</p>
+
+<p>"Then I shall fire at you."</p>
+
+<p>"And be hung for attempted murder."</p>
+
+<p>"I think I could explain it," said our hero.
+"You know very well what will happen to you if
+you are caught."</p>
+
+<p>Bill Crane did know. Hanging was the penalty<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 47]</span>
+for theft in the early days of California, and he
+had no desire to swing from the branch of a tree.</p>
+
+<p>"You're a young fool!" he said roughly, as
+he rose from his stooping posture. "I wanted to
+ask Miles to do a little commission for me in
+Frisco. I had no thought of robbing him."</p>
+
+<p>"You can see him in the morning about it,"
+said Tom, resolutely.</p>
+
+<p>"I'll be even with you for this," said the foiled
+thief, as he sullenly obeyed the boy, half-ashamed
+to do so.</p>
+
+<p>Tom went back to his tent, aroused Ferguson,
+and the two took turns in guarding the tent of
+Miles during the night. Tom did not wish to
+awaken him, for he needed rest on the eve of a
+long and fatiguing journey.</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V"></a>CHAPTER V.</h2>
+<p><span class='pagenum'>[Pg 48]</span></p>
+
+<h3>MILES SETS OUT ON HIS JOURNEY.</h3>
+<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">Top</a></span>
+
+<p>"When Miles woke up in the morning he found
+Tom beside him.</p>
+
+<p>"Hallo, Tom!" he said, in some surprise. "This
+is an early call."</p>
+
+<p>"I have been here half the night," said Tom,
+quietly.</p>
+
+<p>"How is that?"</p>
+
+<p>"I was afraid you would be robbed."</p>
+
+<p>"Did you have any particular reason for fearing
+it?" asked Miles, quickly.</p>
+
+<p>Thereupon Tom described his chance visit of the
+evening before, and what he saw. As might have
+been expected, John Miles was indignant.</p>
+
+<p>"The miserable sneak! I'd like to wring his
+neck," he exclaimed. "Did you say he had his
+hand upon the bag of gold-dust, Tom?"<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 49]</span>EY.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; I distinctly saw him attempting to draw
+it out from under your head."</p>
+
+<p>"If the boys knew of this, Crane's fate would
+be sealed. A thief in a mining camp has a short
+shrift."</p>
+
+<p>"You mean he would be hung?" asked Tom,
+in surprise.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, he would grace a limb of yonder tree,
+and I am not sure but it would be the best way
+to dispose of him."</p>
+
+<p>Tom shuddered.</p>
+
+<p>"It would be a terrible fate," he said. "I
+should like to see him punished, but I don't want
+him hanged."</p>
+
+<p>"Then you will have to keep your mouth shut.
+Once let the boys get hold of what happened,
+and nothing will save him."</p>
+
+<p>"Then I shall keep it to myself."</p>
+
+<p>"I will see Crane, and let him understand
+that I am aware of the attempt he made," said
+Miles.</p>
+
+<p>After breakfast he came upon Crane within a
+few rods of Missouri Jack's saloon.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 50]</span></p>
+
+<p>"Look here, Bill Crane," said Miles, "I've got
+something to say to you."</p>
+
+<p>"What is it?" returned Crane, sullenly, looking
+ill at ease.</p>
+
+<p>"I understand you favored me with a visit,
+last night."</p>
+
+<p>"Who told you so?"</p>
+
+<p>"Tom Nelson."</p>
+
+<p>"The young cub had better mind his own
+business," growled Crane, in a menacing tone.</p>
+
+<p>"He did me a service in preventing your intended
+theft."</p>
+
+<p>"If he says I meant to rob you, he lies!"</p>
+
+<p>"Nevertheless, if he should make public what
+he saw, the boys would be likely to believe him
+rather than you," said Miles, significantly.</p>
+
+<p>"Is he going to tell?" asked Crane, nervously.</p>
+
+<p>"He has told me, but is not likely to speak
+of it to others, being unwilling that you should
+suffer the punishment you deserve."</p>
+
+<p>"He is very kind," sneered Bill Crane, but he
+felt very much relieved.</p>
+
+<p>"You probably owe your life to his kindness,"<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 51]</span>
+said Miles, quietly. "He tells me you wish me
+to do something for you in Frisco."</p>
+
+<p>"I've changed my mind," said Crane, abruptly;
+"I may go there myself, soon."</p>
+
+<p>Miles smiled.</p>
+
+<p>"I thought it might be something urgent," he
+said, "since it led you to come to my tent at
+midnight."</p>
+
+<p>"I thought you would be starting away early
+this morning."</p>
+
+<p>"Well thought of, Bill Crane; but it is only
+fair to tell you that I don't believe a word you
+say. I have one thing to say to you before I
+go, and you had better bear it in mind. If you
+harm a hair of Tom Nelson's head, and I believe
+you quite capable of it, I will never rest till I
+have found you out and punished you for it."</p>
+
+<p>"I am not afraid of you, John Miles," retorted
+Crane, but he looked uncomfortable.</p>
+
+<p>"You will have cause to be, if you injure
+Tom."</p>
+
+<p>Miles walked off, leaving behind him a bitter
+enemy.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 52]</span></p>
+
+<p>"I <i>hate</i> him&mdash;him and the boy too!" muttered
+Bill Crane. "If I dared, I would put my mark
+on him before he leaves the camp."</p>
+
+<p>But Crane did not dare. He knew that he was
+in a very critical position. His safety depended
+on the silence of two persons&mdash;one of whom
+would soon be gone. He was not aware that
+Ferguson also knew of his attempted crime, or
+the danger would have seemed greater. However
+much he thirsted for vengeance, it would not do
+to gratify it now. He must bide his time.</p>
+
+<p>Bill Crane was cunning as well as malignant.
+He decided to quiet Tom's suspicions if he could,
+and ensure his continued silence, by an affectation
+of friendliness. He waited till he saw our hero
+washing dust beyond earshot of any listeners,
+and strolled up to him.</p>
+
+<p>"How are you getting on, Tom?" he asked,
+with an appearance of friendliness.</p>
+
+<p>Tom looked up quickly. Considering all that
+had happened, he was somewhat struck by Crane's
+effrontery.</p>
+
+<p>"Fairly well," he answered coldly.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 53]</span></p>
+
+<p>"Shan't I relieve you a few minutes?" proposed
+Crane.</p>
+
+<p>"No, thank you."</p>
+
+<p>"It's pretty hard work, and don't pay as well
+as it might. I think California's a humbug, for
+my part."</p>
+
+<p>"Have you tried washing for gold?" asked
+Tom. "I haven't seen you at work."</p>
+
+<p>"Not here. I've tried it elsewhere, but it's
+slow."</p>
+
+<p>"Then, why do you stay here?" asked Tom,
+naturally.</p>
+
+<p>Crane shrugged his shoulders.</p>
+
+<p>"Because I haven't money to get away," he
+said. "I'm waiting for something to turn up.
+If I could only get to Frisco, I would go into
+some business. I would like to have gone with
+Miles."</p>
+
+<p>"Was that what you were going to propose to
+him, last night?" asked Tom, dryly.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I wanted to speak to him on that subject.
+I had a great mind to ask him to lend
+me a little money, and take me along with him.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 54]</span>
+I would have arranged to pay him soon after we
+reached Frisco."</p>
+
+<p>Tom knew that the fellow was lying, and remained
+silent.</p>
+
+<p>"You made a little mistake about my intentions,"
+continued Bill Crane, smoothly, "but
+perhaps it was natural under the circumstances."</p>
+
+<p>Tom thought it was, but still preserved silence,
+much to Crane's discomfiture.</p>
+
+<p>Bill Crane eyed him sharply, and saw his incredulity,
+but for that he cared little, if only he
+could secure his silence.</p>
+
+<p>"I think you will see that it isn't fair to me
+to speak of this matter," he continued.</p>
+
+<p>"I had made up my mind not to speak of
+it," said Tom. "I don't want to get you into
+trouble."</p>
+
+<p>"Good-morning, Mr. Crane," said Lawrence
+Peabody, who had just come up.</p>
+
+<p>"Good-morning, Peabody. I was watching our
+friend Tom. How are you getting on?"</p>
+
+<p>"I haven't done anything yet to-day. It's
+dirty work. I don't think it's fit for a gentleman;<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 55]</span>
+Tom, there, is used to work, and he don't
+mind."</p>
+
+<p>"Shall we go round to Jack's?"</p>
+
+<p>"All right!"</p>
+
+<p>And the two walked away together.</p>
+
+<p>"I am sorry Peabody doesn't keep better company,"
+Tom said to himself. "Bill Crane won't
+do him any good."</p>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI"></a>CHAPTER VI.</h2>
+<p><span class='pagenum'>[Pg 56]</span></p>
+
+<h3>ROBBED IN HIS SLEEP.</h3>
+<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">Top</a></span>
+
+<p>Tom was right in concluding that Bill Crane's
+influence over Peabody was anything but good.
+The young Bostonian, however, was not long
+subjected to it. During the night following John
+Miles's departure, the little settlement at River
+Bend was called upon to deplore the loss of an
+eminent member.</p>
+
+<p>In brief, somewhere between midnight and dawn
+Mr. William Crane took his departure, without
+the ceremony of leave-taking. Had he gone alone
+no one perhaps would have felt any violent sorrow,
+but he took with him a horse belonging to
+Adam Dietrich, an industrious young German,
+who had only recently arrived. No one had seen
+the two go together, but it was only natural to
+suppose that Crane had spirited away the horse.</p>
+
+<p>Dietrich borrowed a horse, and, accompanied<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 57]</span>
+by a friend, set out in search of the thief, but
+returned at night unsuccessful. Had it been wet
+weather, it might have been possible to track
+the fugitive; but it was very dry, and the trail
+was soon lost. It was almost impossible to tell
+what direction Crane would choose, and continued
+pursuit would not pay, so Adam sadly returned
+to his work.</p>
+
+<p>Little doubt was entertained among the miners
+that Crane was responsible for the loss of the
+horse. Had he been caught, there would have
+been small chance for him, so generally was he
+pronounced guilty. A few of his companions,
+especially Missouri Jack, defended him.</p>
+
+<p>"Bill Crane wouldn't steal a horse any more
+than I would," said Jack; and there were those
+who agreed with him without acquitting Bill.
+"Bill ain't no saint, but he ain't a thief."</p>
+
+<p>Whether Jack believed what he said, admits
+of a doubt. Crane needed a different advocate to
+clear him from suspicion.</p>
+
+<p>It may as well be stated that Crane did steal
+the horse. He had a decided objection to walking<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 58]</span>
+as long as he could ride, and, having no
+animal of his own, annexed the property of his
+neighbor.</p>
+
+<p>He had two motives which influenced him to
+leave the settlement. First, he was in Tom's
+power, and he was by no means certain that our
+hero would keep silence touching his night-attempt
+at robbery. In the second place, he still coveted
+the bag of gold-dust which John Miles carried
+away with him. He had been prevented from
+taking it; but, as Miles was travelling alone, he
+foresaw a better chance of success if he should
+follow on his track.</p>
+
+<p>How or under what circumstances he should
+make the new attempt he left to be decided
+later. The first thing, obviously, was to overtake
+him.</p>
+
+<p>Crane experienced the same difficulty in tracking
+Miles that had led to the failure of his own pursuers.
+It was only on the fifth day, that, as he
+halted his steed on the hillside, and cast long
+glances about him, he caught sight, a mile away,
+of the object of his pursuit. He could not mistake<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 59]</span>
+the sturdy, broad-shouldered figure, and large,
+massive head.</p>
+
+<p>"That's Miles, sure enough!" he exclaimed,
+joyfully. "I thought I had missed him, but I'm
+in luck. That bag must be mine."</p>
+
+<p>The most direct course was to ride up in the
+fashion of a highwayman, and demand the bag.
+But Crane did not mean to proceed in this fashion.
+Physically, though not a weak man, he was not
+a match for Miles, and he knew it. Cunning
+must supply the place of strength. He knew that
+Miles was a sound sleeper, and could think of
+no better plan than repeating the visit he had
+made in camp. It was already late in the afternoon
+when he caught sight of the sturdy miner.
+It was his policy now to keep him in sight, but
+not to approach near enough for recognition.
+Once seen, Miles would be on his guard, and the
+game would be spoiled. Crane halted, therefore,
+and drew back within the shadow of the trees,
+henceforth advancing cautiously.</p>
+
+<p>John Miles did not once turn back. Had he
+done so, it is quite possible that he might have<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 60]</span>
+caught a glimpse of his pursuer. He had travelled
+since morning, and his faithful horse was beginning
+to show signs of fatigue.</p>
+
+<p>"You are tired, my poor Dick," he said kindly,
+stroking the horse. "You deserve supper and
+rest, and you shall have it."</p>
+
+<p>Dick appeared to understand what his rider
+said, for he gave a short neigh of satisfaction.</p>
+
+<p>John Miles looked around him. Just ahead
+was a large tree, under whose broad branches
+it would be pleasant to recline. Not far away
+was a slender mountain-stream trickling over the
+rocks. Nothing could have been better.</p>
+
+<p>Miles slid from his horse and made preparations
+to encamp for the night, first leading his
+faithful steed to the stream, where he quenched
+his thirst. Then he brought out his slender
+stock of provisions and partook of supper.</p>
+
+<p>"It's pleasant to rest after a long day's ride,"
+soliloquized Miles. "I must have made forty
+miles to-day. I could easily have gone farther, had
+it been on the prairies at home, but these mountain-roads
+are hard upon man and beast."<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 61]</span></p>
+
+<p>After supper Miles threw himself upon the
+ground, and his mind became busy with his
+plans and prospects.</p>
+
+<p>"I shall reach Frisco in three days, according
+to my calculations," he reflected; "and then, first
+of all, I must attend to Tom's commission.
+That's a good boy, Tom. I wish he were here
+with me to-night. Why didn't I urge him to come
+with me? He is not doing very well where he
+is, and there are plenty of chances for a smart
+boy in the city. If I find any opening for him,
+I will send for him. I don't know what gives
+me such an interest in that boy, but I'd sooner
+do him a good turn than any man I know. I
+hope that thief Crane won't play any trick upon
+him. If he does, I swear I'll get even with
+him."</p>
+
+<p>John Miles little suspected that he himself
+stood in more peril from the man he denounced
+than our hero. Had he known that Bill Crane
+was lurking in the vicinity, he would scarcely
+have courted slumber so fearlessly.</p>
+
+<p>Physical fatigue and the stillness of outward<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 62]</span>
+nature speedily brought on a feeling of drowsiness
+that was not long in bringing sleep. Twilight
+had hardly given place to night when our traveller
+had become "to dumb forgetfulness a prey."</p>
+
+<p>This was what Bill Crane had been waiting
+for. He rightly calculated that Miles would soon
+be asleep. He inferred this from his own feelings.
+He, too, had travelled many miles, and felt
+drowsy; but, with the object he had in view
+near accomplishment, he was able to resist the
+promptings of nature.</p>
+
+<p>Crane rode till he was but a few rods from
+Miles, then dismounted and tethered his horse.
+With stealthy step he approached the sleeper.
+With satisfaction he regarded the upturned face
+of the man whom, if waking, he would have
+feared, and noted his deep, regular breathing.</p>
+
+<p>"You wouldn't sleep so sound, John Miles,"
+he said to himself, "if you knew I was standing
+over you. How easily I could put a bullet into
+you! But then I wouldn't have the satisfaction
+of anticipating your disappointment when you
+wake up and find your treasure gone! No, you<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 63]</span>
+may live. I have no use for your life, that is,
+if you don't wake up. In that case, I may
+have to kill you."</p>
+
+<p>The bag of gold-dust lay under the head of
+Miles. He knew of no better place for it, calculating
+that any attempt at removal would arouse
+him. So it might under ordinary circumstances,
+but unusual fatigue made him sleep like a log.
+Bill Crane kneeled down, and by delicate manipulation
+succeeded in drawing the bag from beneath
+the sleeper's head. Lest the removal of
+the pillow might awaken Miles, he replaced it by
+a coat, which he folded up so as to produce
+about the same elevation above the ground.</p>
+
+<p>The transfer was made, without in the least
+interfering with the slumbers of the tired traveller.</p>
+
+<p>Bill Crane rose to his feet, triumphant. Not
+only was he possessed of a sum of which he
+stood sorely in need, but he had the satisfaction
+of outwitting his adversary. Moreover, he had
+obtained Tom's money in addition, and thus
+revenged himself upon the boy who had once
+thwarted him.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 64]</span></p>
+
+<p>"Good-by, John Miles!" he said, lifting his
+hat mockingly. "Sorry to inconvenience you, but
+can't help it. A long sleep, and pleasant
+dreams!"</p>
+
+<p>Thus speaking, he turned away, unconscious
+that he had been observed by a third party.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII"></a>CHAPTER VII.</h2>
+<p><span class='pagenum'>[Pg 65]</span></p>
+
+<h3>THE HEATHEN CHINEE.</h3>
+<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">Top</a></span>
+
+<p>This third party belonged to that peculiar race
+immortalized by Bret Harte. He was a heathen
+Chinee! His face was smooth and bland, and
+wore an expression of childlike innocence which
+was well calculated to deceive. Ah Sin possessed
+the usual craft of his countrymen, and understood
+very well how to advance his worldly fortunes.
+He belonged to the advance guard of
+immigrants from the Central Flowery Kingdom,
+and with a companion, Ah Jim, was engaged in
+mining in the immediate neighborhood. His gains
+had not been great thus far, but then his expenses
+had amounted to little or nothing. He
+and his friend had brought two bags of rice from
+San Francisco, and they were well satisfied with
+this solitary article of diet.</p>
+
+<p>Ah Sin, from a distance, had seen John Miles<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 66]</span>
+encamp for the night, and, impelled by curiosity
+or a more questionable motive, had approached to
+take a view of the stranger. Before reaching him
+he caught sight of Bill Crane, and his almond
+eyes straightway watched the movements of that
+gentleman, while he himself kept sufficiently in
+the background to escape observation.</p>
+
+<p>When he saw Crane stealthily remove the bag
+from under the sleeper's head, he became very
+much interested, and a bland smile overspread
+his face, while his cue vibrated gently with approval.</p>
+
+<p>"'Melican man very smart," he murmured to
+himself. "He steal his friend's money while he
+sleep."</p>
+
+<p>My readers are probably aware that our Mongolian
+visitors find a difficulty in pronouncing the
+letter <i>r</i>, and invariably replace it by <i>l</i>.</p>
+
+<p>"Suppose other 'Melican man wake up, he
+make a low," continued Ah Sin, softly.</p>
+
+<p>But the other 'Melican man did not wake up,
+and Bill Crane got away with his booty, as we
+already know. Cautiously the Chinaman followed<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 67]</span>
+him, and ascertained where he intended to pass
+the night. It was at a moderate distance from
+the cabin which the two Chinamen had selected
+for their mining camp.</p>
+
+<p>Bill Crane jumped from his horse, stretched
+his limbs, and gaped.</p>
+
+<p>"I'm powerful sleepy," he soliloquized. "I
+can't go any farther to-night. I don't like to
+rest so near Miles, but I can be on the road
+before he wakes up. I guess it will be safe
+enough."</p>
+
+<p>Crane, having made up his mind to rest, rolled
+himself up in his blanket, and stretched himself
+out, first tying his horse to a sapling. The
+place was retired, and he felt moderately confident
+that, even if he overslept himself, he would
+not be discovered.</p>
+
+<p>"I'd like to see Miles when he discovers his
+loss," he said to himself, smiling at the thought.
+"He'll be ready to tear his hair, and won't have
+the least idea how the gold-dust was spirited
+away. You excel me in brute strength, John
+Miles, but one thing I am pretty sure of, you<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 68]</span>
+haven't got my brains," and he complacently tapped
+his forehead.</p>
+
+<p>"There must be at least two hundred dollars'
+worth in that bag," he reflected. "It isn't a
+great haul, but it will do. It will last me some
+time, and perhaps start me in something in Frisco.
+Bill Crane, you've done a good stroke of business
+to-day. You are entitled to a good night's rest,
+and you shall have it."</p>
+
+<p>First, however, he concealed the bag. He did
+not think it safe to place it under his head as
+Miles had done. He scooped a hole in the earth
+near by, deposited the bag, replaced the dirt,
+and spread a few leaves over the top.</p>
+
+<p>"No one will think of searching there," thought
+Crane. "Even if Miles himself surprises me here,
+he won't suspect anything."</p>
+
+<p>Bill Crane felt that he was unusually sharp and
+crafty, and felt great contempt for the stupidity
+of the man whom he had overreached. The time
+was not far off when he had occasion to doubt
+whether he had not overrated his own artfulness.</p>
+
+<p>A pair of almond eyes, lighted up with mild<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 69]</span>
+wonder, followed closely all the movements of
+William Crane. When the bag was concealed,
+and Crane lay down to sleep, the Chinaman nodded
+blandly, and remarked softly, "All light! Me
+go find Ah Jim."</p>
+
+<p>Ah Sin had to walk but half a mile to find
+the partner of his toils. Ah Sin and Ah Jim,
+though not related to each other, were as like as
+two peas. The same smooth face, the same air
+of childlike confidence, the same almond eyes, a
+pigtail of the same length, a blouse and loose
+pants of the same coarse cloth, were characteristic
+of both.</p>
+
+<p>When the two met, they straightway plunged into
+a conversation in which Ah Sin had most to say.</p>
+
+<p>Ah Jim listened attentively, and was evidently
+well pleased with what his companion said. I
+am afraid my young friends are not well up in
+the Chinese tongue, and would not understand the
+conversation, however faithfully reported. They
+must infer what it was from what followed.</p>
+
+<p>The two Chinamen bent their steps towards the
+resting-place of Bill Crane. Ah Sin carried a bag<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 70]</span>
+of about the same size as the one Crane had
+stolen, which he carefully filled with sandy earth.
+With stealthy steps these two innocent heathen
+drew near the spot, and looked searchingly at the
+recumbent form of the eminent representative of
+American civilization.</p>
+
+<p>Ah Sin turned to Ah Jim with a pleased smile.</p>
+
+<p>"All light!" he said. "'Melican man asleep."</p>
+
+<p>A similar smile lighted up the face of Ah Jim.
+"'Melican man sleep sound," he said; "no wake
+up."</p>
+
+<p>Quite unaware of the honor done him by the
+special Chinese embassy which had taken this
+early opportunity to call upon him, Bill Crane
+slept on. There was a smile upon his upturned
+face as if he were dreaming of something pleasant.
+He should have been a prey to remorse, if his
+conscience had done its duty, but Bill's conscience
+had grown callous, and gave him very little trouble.
+It was only when he was found out that he became
+sensible of a kind of mental discomfort which came
+as near to remorse as he was capable of feeling.</p>
+
+<p>Reassured by the deep, regular breathing of the<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 71]</span>
+sleeper, Ah Sin and his friend proceeded to their
+work. The former drew a slender stiletto-like
+knife from a fan which protruded above the collar
+of his blouse, and, stooping down, began skilfully
+to remove the dirt which covered the bag of gold-dust.
+From time to time he stole a glance at
+the sleeper to mark the first indications of returning
+consciousness. It was well for Crane that his
+sleep continued. A Chinaman does not set a
+high value upon human life, and the long stiletto
+would have been plunged into the 'Melican man
+before he was well aware of what was going on.
+Bill Crane's good genius saved him from this sudden
+exit by continuing the profound slumber in
+which he was repairing the ravages of fatigue.</p>
+
+<p>The Chinamen therefore met with no interruption
+in their work. They drew out from its place
+of concealment the buried bag, and emptying the
+contents of their own poured into it the combined
+treasures of Miles and poor Tom. Then they
+filled the first bag with the worthless dust which
+they had brought with them, and carefully reburied
+it in the ground.</p>
+<p><span class='pagenum'>[Pg 72]</span></p>
+<p>They did their work so carefully and well that
+no one was likely to suspect that the bag had
+been tampered with.</p>
+
+<p>Having done their work, Ah Sin and his friend
+smiled upon each other in bland satisfaction,
+which was further expressed by a low guttural
+chuckle.</p>
+
+<p>"All light," said Ah Sin, with a nod.</p>
+
+<p>"All light," chimed in Ah Jim, nodding in
+return.</p>
+
+<p>A consciousness of lofty virtue could not have
+produced a happier expression upon any face than
+appeared on the mild countenance of the Chinamen.</p>
+
+<p>"'Melican man much supplised when he wake
+up," remarked Ah Jim.</p>
+
+<p>"Chinamen make much money," returned his
+friend.</p>
+
+<p>The two enterprising visitors returned to their
+quarters, and concealed their booty in a safe
+place. Then they too lay down and slept the sleep
+of confiding innocence.</p>
+
+<p>Bret Harte has not told us whether the heathen
+Chinee has a conscience; but if he has, neither<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 73]</span>
+Ah Sin nor Ah Jim experienced any inconvenience
+from its possession. Neither they nor Bill
+perhaps can fairly be taken as fair representatives
+of the different religious systems under which
+they were trained. Bill Crane could hardly claim
+any superiority over the heathen Chinee in point
+of honesty.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII"></a>CHAPTER VIII.</h2>
+<p><span class='pagenum'>[Pg 74]</span></p>
+<h3>BILL CRANE'S DISAGREEABLE DISCOVERY.</h3>
+<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">Top</a></span>
+
+<p>It was five o'clock in the morning when Bill
+Crane opened his eyes. He felt refreshed by his
+night's sleep, yet under ordinary circumstances
+would have deferred getting up for at least an hour.
+But the consciousness that he had a treasure to
+guard, and the knowledge that he was at any
+moment liable to be called to account by the real
+owner, whose camp was scarcely more than a mile
+distant, aroused him to exertion.</p>
+
+<p>"I must get away while John Miles is still asleep,"
+he bethought himself. "Let me get to Frisco first,
+and I can at once dispose of it, and he will never
+find me out."</p>
+
+<p>Crane did not wait to prepare breakfast. That
+he could take on the road an hour or two later,
+when he felt safe from interruption.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 75]</span> He rose and
+shook himself. This was his scanty toilet. Next
+he must take the bag from its place of concealment,
+and then he could commence his journey.</p>
+
+<p>While uncovering the bag, Crane did not discover
+that it had been tampered with, partly because it
+was still there. It was natural to suppose that, if
+discovered by a third party, it would be carried
+away. He did not even open the bag, not thinking
+it necessary.</p>
+
+<p>"John Miles hasn't waked up yet," he said to
+himself with a smile. "When he does, there'll be
+some swearing, I'll be bound. You're a good boy,
+John Miles, but you ain't so smart as you think you
+are. I think I have got the start of you this
+time."</p>
+
+<p>Bill Crane rode off smiling.</p>
+
+<p>His course led him by the camp of the Chinamen.
+Early as it was they were astir. Ah Sin saw the
+rider, and at once recognized him as the man he
+had robbed. How could Crane know that those
+pleasant-faced barbarians had served him such a
+trick?</p>
+
+<p>"Hallo, Chinamen!" he said aloud. "Have
+they got out here already? I'll speak to them.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 76]</span>
+Hallo, John!" he said, halting his horse, for even
+then every Chinaman was John.</p>
+
+<p>"How do, John?" replied Ah Sin, smiling
+blandly.</p>
+
+<p>"My name isn't John, but no matter. What
+are you two doing?"</p>
+
+<p>"Looking for gold," was the reply.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you find any?"</p>
+
+<p>"Velly little. Bad place."</p>
+
+<p>"Have you been in San Francisco?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, John."</p>
+
+<p>"Why didn't you stay there?"</p>
+
+<p>"Too many Chinamen&mdash;too little washee,&mdash;washee."</p>
+
+<p>"What have you got in the way of provisions?
+Mine are stale. I'd like to buy some of you."</p>
+
+<p>"We have got a little lice, John."</p>
+
+<p>"Got a little what? Oh, I know: you mean rice.
+Why don't you pronounce your English better?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because Chinamen not 'Melican men."</p>
+
+<p>"Then I suppose I may as well be moving on,
+as I can't get anything out of you. Oh, have you
+got any tea, John?"<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 77]</span></p>
+
+<p>"Yes, John."</p>
+
+<p>"Got any made?"</p>
+
+<p>Ah Sin produced a cup, for he and his friend
+had just prepared their breakfast, and being warm,
+Bill Crane gulped it down with a relish.</p>
+
+<p>"After all, a man needs some warm drink in
+the morning," he said to himself. "How much to
+pay, John?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing, John. 'Melican man welcome."</p>
+
+<p>"John, you're a gentleman, or rather both of
+you are gentlemen, even if you are heathens. I'll
+remember you in my prayers."</p>
+
+<p>The eminent Christian, Bill Crane, rode off from
+the Chinese camp, calmly confident of his moral
+superiority to the two benighted heathen whom he
+left behind him. Whether he remembered his promise
+to intercede for them in prayer is a little doubtful,
+or would have been, if he had had occasion to
+pray himself. It is to be feared that prayer and
+William Crane had long been strangers.</p>
+
+<p>As Crane rode away, the two Chinamen exchanged
+glances. A gentle smile lighted up their yellow
+faces, and they were doubtless thinking of something<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 78]</span>
+pleasant. They exchanged a few guttural
+remarks which I should like to be able to translate,
+for they doubtless referred to Bill Crane, whom they
+had kindly supplied with a cup of tea gratis. Yet,
+perhaps, considering all things, it was the dearest
+cup of tea Crane had ever drank, since it was the
+only return he got for a bag of gold-dust worth
+over two hundred dollars. But there is an old
+saying, "Where ignorance is bliss, 'tis folly to be
+wise." Crane was just as happy as if the bag really
+contained gold-dust. But this happy ignorance was
+not to last long.</p>
+
+<p>After riding five or six miles our traveller
+thought he might venture to dismount for rest
+and refreshment. He selected as his breakfast-table
+the green sward beside a sparkling mountain
+streamlet. He dismounted, permitting his horse
+to graze while he took out the stale provisions
+which must constitute his morning meal. They
+were not very palatable, and Crane sighed for
+the breakfasts of old, the memory of which at
+this moment was very tantalizing. But he comforted
+himself with the thought that he had the<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 79]</span>
+means of making up for his enforced self-denial
+when he reached San Francisco.</p>
+
+<p>This naturally led him to open the bag, and
+feast his eyes over his easily obtained wealth.
+He untied the string, and with a smile of pleased
+anticipation peered at the contents.</p>
+
+<p>His face changed suddenly.</p>
+
+<p>Was he dreaming? In place of the shining
+dust, his eyes rested on&mdash;sand.</p>
+
+<p>He hastily thrust in his finger, and stirred the
+grains. But nothing else was to be discovered.
+The bag contained nothing but worthless sand.</p>
+
+<p>Crane stared at the deceptive bag in the most
+lugubrious astonishment. Surely the bag contained
+gold-dust when he concealed it. There could be
+no doubt on that point, for he had opened it and
+seen the contents for himself. But in that case,
+how could such a change have been effected in
+one night? It had not been touched; so, at any
+rate, he believed. He had found it in the morning
+in the exact spot where he had placed it overnight,
+and yet&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>Bill Crane took another look at the contents<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 80]</span>
+of the bag, hoping that he had been deceived by
+some ocular delusion, but the second examination
+brought him no comfort. He sank back,
+feeling in a state of mental and bodily collapse.</p>
+
+<p>Never was poor thief so utterly bewildered as
+Bill Crane. He could almost believe that some
+magical transformation had been practiced at his
+expense. Was it possible, he thought, that John
+Miles, discovering his loss, had visited him, and
+played this trick upon him? He could not believe
+this. It was not in accordance with John's direct,
+straightforward nature. Instead of acting in this
+secret manner, he would have sternly charged
+Crane with the robbery, and punished him on the
+spot. Leaving him out of the account, then, the
+mystery deepened. It never occurred to Crane to
+suspect the Chinamen who had so hospitably furnished
+him with a cup of tea. Even if they had
+come into his mind, he would have been puzzled
+to account for their knowledge of his having the
+bag in his possession.</p>
+
+<p>Bill Crane was decidedly unhappy. His glowing
+anticipations of prosperity, based upon the capital<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 81]</span>
+contained in the bag, were rudely broken in upon,
+and the airy fabric of his hopes dashed to the
+ground. He felt that fortune had been unkind&mdash;that
+he was a deeply injured man. Had his
+claim to the stolen property been the best possible,
+he could not have felt the injustice of fate
+more keenly.</p>
+
+<p>"It's always the way!" he exclaimed in deep
+dejection. "I always was unlucky. Just as I
+thought I was on my feet again, this cursed gold-dust
+turns to sand. Here am I out in the
+wilderness without an ounce to my name. I don't
+know what to do. I'd give a good deal, if I
+had it, to find out what became of the gold-dust."</p>
+
+<p>As he spoke, Crane, in a fit of ill-temper,
+kicked the unlucky bag to a distance, and slowly
+and disconsolately mounting his horse, plodded on
+his way. All his cheerfulness was gone. It was
+some comfort, but still scant, to think that John
+Miles was as unlucky as himself. Both had become
+penniless tramps, and were alike the sport
+of Fortune. There was a difference in respect to<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 82]</span>
+their desert, however. John Miles may rightly
+claim the reader's sympathy, while Bill Crane
+must be considered to have met with a disaster
+which he richly deserved.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IX" id="CHAPTER_IX"></a>CHAPTER IX.</h2>
+<p><span class='pagenum'>[Pg 83]</span></p>
+<h3>CLEANED OUT.</h3>
+<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">Top</a></span>
+
+<p>John Miles slept long, and awoke feeling refreshed
+and cheerful. He had a healthy organization,
+and never failed to eat and sleep well.
+Like Crane, he had no toilet to make, but
+sprang to his feet already dressed.</p>
+
+<p>His first thought was naturally of his treasure.
+His heart gave a quick bound when he failed to
+discover it in the place where he remembered to
+have put it. In dismay he instituted a search,
+which, of course, proved unavailing.</p>
+
+<p>"Who could have taken it?" thought Miles,
+large drops of perspiration gathering upon his
+forehead.</p>
+
+<p>All about him was loneliness. He could see
+no signs of life. Yet the bag could not have
+gone away of itself. There was certainly human
+agency in the matter.</p>
+
+<p>Miles confessed to himself with sadness that<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 84]</span>
+he had been imprudent to leave the bag where
+it would naturally excite the cupidity of any
+passing adventurer. That it must have been
+taken by such a one seemed evident. In that
+case, the chance of recovering it seemed slender
+enough. Nevertheless, John Miles decided to
+make an effort, hopeless as it was, to discover
+the whereabouts of his lost property.</p>
+
+<p>"If it had been mine, I wouldn't have cared
+so much," he said to himself, with a sigh; "but
+poor Tom's money is gone too. I will make it
+up to him if I live, but I am afraid his father
+will be inconvenienced by the delay."</p>
+
+<p>Miles made preparations for his departure, and
+strode away, looking searchingly to the right and
+left in search of something that might throw
+light upon his loss. Presently he espied the two
+Chinamen. Could they have taken it? He would
+at any rate speak to them.</p>
+
+<p>"Good-morning, John," he said, when he came
+within hearing distance.</p>
+
+<p>Ah Sin<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 85]</span> bobbed his head, and repeated "Good-morning,
+John."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you live here?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, we washee-washee for gold."</p>
+
+<p>"Does anyone else live near by?"</p>
+
+<p>The two inclined their heads, and answered in
+the negative.</p>
+
+<p>"Have you seen anyone pass last night or
+this morning?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," answered Ah Sin. "'Melican man stay
+all nightee&mdash;over there. Chinaman give him a
+cup of tea this morning."</p>
+
+<p>"How long ago?" asked Miles, eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>"Two hours," answered Ah Jim.</p>
+
+<p>"In what direction did he go?"</p>
+
+<p>The two Chinamen readily told him.</p>
+
+<p>Miles decided to tell them of the loss of his bag
+of gold-dust. Possibly they could throw some light
+upon his loss.</p>
+
+<p>"Some one stole a small bag of dust from me
+last night," he said. "I suspect it was the man
+you describe. Did he appear to have any such
+article with him?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," answered Ah Sin, who, with natural
+cunning, saw that this information would divert<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 86]</span>
+suspicion from them. "It was so large," indicating
+the size with his hands.</p>
+
+<p>Of course his description was accurate, for he
+had very good reason to know the size of the
+bag.</p>
+
+<p>"He must have been the thief," said Miles,
+eagerly. "In what direction did you say he
+went?"</p>
+
+<p>Ah Sin pointed to the west.</p>
+
+<p>"I will follow him. It is on my way. If I
+catch the villain, it will be the worse for him."</p>
+
+<p>"He velly bad man," said Ah Sin, sympathizingly.</p>
+
+<p>"That's where you are right, my heathen
+friend. Well, good-morning, John. I am much
+obliged to you for your information."</p>
+
+<p>"Velly welcome, John."</p>
+
+<p>As John Miles rode away, Ah Sin turned to
+his friend Ah Jim, and remarked,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"S'pose he catch him, he kill him."</p>
+
+<p>"All lightee!" returned Ah Jim. "He velly
+bad man, he thief."</p>
+
+<p>The two Chinamen exchanged glances. If they<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 87]</span>
+had been white men, there would have been a
+smile or a wink, but these children of Confucius
+looked so serenely virtuous, so innocent of guile,
+that the most experienced detective would have
+seen nothing in their faces indicating any guilty
+knowledge of the lost treasure. But, guileless
+as they seemed, they had proved more than a
+match for Bill Crane and his victim.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 25%;' />
+
+<p>John Miles rode away with a faint hope that
+he might overtake the man, whoever he might
+be, who had stolen his precious bag. In due
+time he reached the spot where Crane had examined
+the bag, and on discovering its worthless
+contents, had thrown it away. The thief
+had not taken the trouble to empty it.</p>
+
+<p>When Miles saw it he hurried to it, hoping
+he might find some of the treasure inside. Of
+course he was disappointed, and at the same time
+bewildered.</p>
+
+<p>"This is certainly my bag," he said to himself.
+"Here are my initials, J. M. Then there
+are other marks well known to me. I could swear<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 88]</span>
+to it anywhere. But how does it happen that it is
+full of sand, and why has the thief thrown it
+away? That beats me!"</p>
+
+<p>Miles decided that for some reason unknown
+the thief had transferred its contents to some
+other bag&mdash;perhaps his own&mdash;and then had discarded
+the original one, in wanton humor filling
+it instead with sand.</p>
+
+<p>"He may have been afraid it would be found
+on him," thought Miles. "The marks on the bag
+would have been evidence enough to condemn
+him. By throwing away my bag he thinks himself
+safe."</p>
+
+<p>His solution of the puzzle was ingenious, but
+as we know he erred in two respects. Bill Crane
+had not filled the bag with sand and thrown it
+away from prudential considerations, nor had he
+profited by the theft he had committed. He had
+been as badly outwitted as his victim, and the
+profit had gone to the bland and obliging Chinamen,
+who had thus far escaped suspicion.</p>
+
+<p>John Miles slackened his rein, and thought
+seriously and sadly of the position to which he<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 89]</span>
+was reduced. What was he to do? He was, in
+the expressive language of the country, "cleaned
+out," and brought to a pass where he must begin
+life over again, with the disadvantage of being
+seventy-five dollars in debt, for he was resolved
+that Tom's loss should be paid back to the
+uttermost penny.</p>
+
+<p>Presently philosophy came to his aid.</p>
+
+<p>"It might have been worse," he reflected.
+"Two hundred dollars is too large a sum to
+lose, but it wont take long to make up if I
+have any sort of luck. I wish I were in San
+Francisco. It may trouble me to get there without
+means."</p>
+
+<p>When misfortune comes it is always best to
+look it manfully in the face, and not to shrink
+from or over estimate it. John Miles had a strong,
+healthy nature, with a good deal of confidence in
+his own resources, and in an hour or two he was
+again looking hopefully forward to the future.
+Not that he cherished a hope of recovering his
+lost money. There seemed to be no way of
+identifying it, even if he should track the thief.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 90]</span>
+One ounce of gold-dust looks like another, and
+there is no way of distinguishing individual
+property in that form.</p>
+
+<p>John Miles pushed on slowly. About noon he
+found himself threading a narrow ca&ntilde;on, shaded
+by gigantic redwood tress, with steep, almost
+perpendicular sides, with here and there a narrow
+streamlet descending in a cascade, and
+lighting up the darkened scene with its silvery
+reflections.</p>
+
+<p>"This is a pretty spot, but it would be lonely
+to live here," thought Miles. "Yet," shading his
+eyes, "there seems to be a cabin of some
+sort. Is it possible that anybody lives in this
+ca&ntilde;on?"</p>
+
+<p>Ten minutes' ride brought him to a rude cabin,
+with a gigantic tree spreading at a great height
+protecting branches over it. That it was inhabited
+was clear, for in front of it stood a strongly
+built, robust woman, who seemed to be nearing
+forty.</p>
+
+<p>She bent a searching look upon the intruder,
+who bent his head courteously.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 91]</span></p>
+
+<p>"Good-morning, ma'am," said Miles.</p>
+
+<p>"Good-morning, stranger," was the reply.
+"Where might you be going?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am on my way to the city. Am I on the
+right track?"</p>
+
+<p>"I reckon so."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you live here&mdash;alone?" asked John Miles,
+in some curiosity.</p>
+
+<p>"It looks like it, doesn't it?" returned the
+woman. "I've been alone since my man pegged
+out."</p>
+
+<p>"Is that long?"</p>
+
+<p>"A matter of three weeks."</p>
+
+<p>"I sympathize with you," said Miles. "You
+must be very lonely."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," said the widow. "Jim was good company,
+and I feel kind of lonesome without him,
+you better believe."</p>
+
+<p>"There isn't much sentiment there," thought
+Miles. "She doesn't appear to be heart-broken.
+Do you mean to stay here alone?" he inquired.
+"Are you not afraid?"<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 92]</span></p>
+
+<p>"What's there to be afraid of?"</p>
+
+<p>"Some tramp or adventurer might attack and
+injure, or at least rob you."</p>
+
+<p>"Look here, stranger! do you see that?" and the
+woman produced a revolver. "Do you see that
+shooting-iron?"</p>
+
+<p>"It looks as if it might be a good one," said
+Miles, who began to think the woman better able
+to take care of herself than he had at first supposed.</p>
+
+<p>"You bet it is! I know how to use it, too. If
+one of them tramps gets in front of it, and sasses
+me, he'd better say his prayers mighty quick, for
+he'll need 'em. He needn't reckon much on my
+being a woman. I can shoot jest as true as my
+man could when he was alive."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_X" id="CHAPTER_X"></a>CHAPTER X.</h2>
+<p><span class='pagenum'>[Pg 93]</span></p>
+<h3>A CALIFORNIA WIDOW.</h3>
+<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">Top</a></span>
+
+<p>John Miles eyed the woman curiously. There
+did not seem much that was feminine left in her.
+Life in the wilderness had made her as bold and
+self-reliant as a man. She was not compelled to
+plead for woman's rights. She resolutely took a
+man's rights, and was prepared to maintain them
+against all comers.</p>
+
+<p>"I rather think you can take care of yourself,
+ma'am," he said.</p>
+
+<p>"You can bet your bottom dollar on that,
+stranger," said the woman, cheerfully. "Brown&mdash;that's
+my husband&mdash;knew what I was. We was
+ekal partners&mdash;Brown and me&mdash;and he knew too
+much to tread on me."</p>
+
+<p>"I'm glad I wasn't Brown," thought John Miles.
+"When I marry, it'll be a woman, and not a man
+in petticoats."<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 94]</span></p>
+
+<p>"If you're hungry, stranger," said the woman,
+"just jump off that horse of yours, and come in. I
+can give you a square meal, and I reckon you
+haven't had one lately."</p>
+
+<p>"You are right, Mrs. Brown," said Miles, dismounting
+with alacrity. "My provisions are dry
+and stale, and I shall enjoy a square meal amazingly.
+But I ought to tell you that last night I
+was robbed of a bag of gold-dust, and I have
+nothing to pay you."</p>
+
+<p>"Who asks for pay?" returned the woman. "I
+don't keep a hotel, but I'm tired of eating alone.
+I want to see how it seems to have a man setting
+opposite me agin. So come in, and I won't keep
+you waiting long."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you, Mrs. Brown. If you don't mind,
+I'll light my pipe, and sit out here till I've had a
+smoke."</p>
+
+<p>"You can smoke inside if you want to. I always
+let Brown. It makes me feel better, now that he's
+pegged out, that I didn't deny him any of his
+little comforts."</p>
+
+<p>"Clearly Mrs. Brown was a cons<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 95]</span>iderate wife,"
+thought Miles; "but she doesn't look like a woman
+to fall in love with."</p>
+
+<p>Tying his horse, he threw himself down on the
+grass, and enjoyed the luxury of a smoke while
+Mrs. Brown was heard bustling about inside, preparing
+the square meal which she had promised to
+her unexpected guest.</p>
+
+<p>Presently she reappeared.</p>
+
+<p>"The victuals is ready, if you are, stranger," she
+said.</p>
+
+<p>"I am ready, Mrs. Brown," said Miles, rising
+at once, and entering the cabin.</p>
+
+<p>The cabin was rough, and ill-adapted to a fastidious
+tenant, but it looked comfortable. What attracted
+Miles most, however, was a table set in the
+middle of the floor, covered with a substantial
+and appetizing meal. Mrs. Brown was a fair cook&mdash;perhaps
+her only feminine accomplishment. She
+placed Miles at the head of the table, and seated
+herself opposite him. She watched his attacks upon
+the fare she had provided with evident satisfaction.</p>
+
+<p>"I hope you like it," she said.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 96]</span></p>
+
+<p>"Mrs. Brown, I haven't tasted anything so good
+for a long time."</p>
+
+<p>She nodded, with a pleased look.</p>
+
+<p>"Brown allus liked my cookin," she said. "He
+had a good appetite most generally, and it was
+a pleasure to see him eat. It's kinder lonesome
+cookin' for yourself. Then, too, it takes away my
+appetite sittin' down alone to eat."</p>
+
+<p>"You must be very lonely, Mrs. Brown."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, its lonesome like bein' a widder. I'm
+kinder used to seein' a man about the house."</p>
+
+<p>"So I suppose."</p>
+
+<p>"Be you a married man?" asked the lady,
+pointedly.</p>
+
+<p>"No, ma'am."</p>
+
+<p>"How old be you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Twenty-eight," answered Miles, rather amused.</p>
+
+<p>"Then you're old enough to get married?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh yes, I am old enough."</p>
+
+<p>"Be you in love with any girl?"</p>
+
+<p>"The old woman's getting curious," thought
+Miles. "However, I don't mind gratifying her
+curiosity."<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 97]</span></p>
+
+<p>"No, I'm not in love," he replied.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Brown eyed him thoughtfully. She seemed
+to be revolving some plan in her mind.</p>
+
+<p>"Take a good look at me, stranger," she said,
+bracing herself up, as if on exhibition.</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly," said John Miles, considerably astonished.</p>
+
+<p>"I want to ask you a few questions."</p>
+
+<p>"Go ahead, Mrs. Brown."</p>
+
+<p>"Am I hump-backed?"</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly not. Who said you were?"</p>
+
+<p>"Just attend to my questions, if you please,
+stranger. Am I squint-eyed?"</p>
+
+<p>"Mrs. Brown must be crazy," thought Miles.
+However, he answered in the negative.</p>
+
+<p>"Am I as homely as a hedge-fence?" pursued
+the widow.</p>
+
+<p>"Has anybody been calling you so? If so, tell
+me who it is."</p>
+
+<p>"Never you mind, stranger. Am I old and
+wrinkled?"</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly she's out of her mind," thought
+Miles. "I must humor her."<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 98]</span></p>
+
+<p>"I think you are a very good-looking woman,"
+he said, soothingly.</p>
+
+<p>"No, I'm not," said the strong-minded lady,
+"but at the same time I ain't a scarecrow."</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly not."</p>
+
+<p>"Don't talk too much, stranger. I expect you're
+surprised at my questions, but I'll come to the
+p'int at once. I'm tired of livin' here alone. I
+didn't think I'd miss Brown so much. He wasn't
+any great shakes of a man, but he was better
+than nothing. He was company for me, Brown
+was, in the long evenin's, and I miss him. I've
+made up my mind to take on somebody in his
+place, and I reckon I'd like to engage you,
+stranger. Will you marry me?"</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Brown did not blush when she asked this
+extraordinary question. She was entirely self-possessed,
+and could not have been cooler, if she
+had been transacting an ordinary piece of business.</p>
+
+<p>John Miles had never before received a proposal
+of marriage. He felt as awkward and confused
+as a young girl, and began to hesitate and
+stammer.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 99]</span></p>
+
+<p>"Really, Mrs. Brown," he began, "you have
+taken me by surprise."</p>
+
+<p>"I expect I have," said the widow, "but I'll
+give you time to think it over. Brown left me I
+pretty comfortable, though I did more to get the
+property together than he. You wouldn't think
+it, perhaps, but I've got five thousand dollars in
+gold hid away somewheres near, and there's a
+claim not far away, that belongs to me, and
+will pay for workin'."</p>
+
+<p>"I am glad you are so well off, Mrs. Brown,"
+said Miles.</p>
+
+<p>"If you marry me," continued the widow,
+"you can work that claim. You're a strong, able-bodied
+man, and a year from now, if you want
+to, we'll go to the city, and settle down. I'm
+older than you; but a matter of a few years
+don't make much difference. You were robbed,
+you told me?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, of all that I had."</p>
+
+<p>"How much was it?"</p>
+
+<p>"About two hundred dollars."</p>
+
+<p>"That ain't much."</p>
+<p><span class='pagenum'>[Pg 100]</span></p>
+
+<p>"It's a good deal when it's all you have," answered
+Miles.</p>
+
+<p>"If you marry me you won't miss it," said
+Mrs. Brown. "I won't give you my money
+right off, for you might run off with it, but at
+the end of the first year you shall have half of
+it. There's a parson a few miles up the ca&ntilde;on,
+at Dirt Hole, that will marry us any time we
+ride over. What do you say, stranger?"</p>
+
+<p>It was an embarrassing moment for John
+Miles. He had no desire to succeed the deceased
+Brown, notwithstanding the little property he had
+left behind him. Mrs. Brown did not in the
+least resemble the wife of whom he had sometimes
+dreamed. But how could he decline without
+exciting the resentment of that singular
+female? He bore in mind that Mrs. Brown
+carried a revolver, and she might take a notion
+to shoot him down. He must temporize.</p>
+
+<p>"Your proposal is a very kind and flattering
+one, Mrs. Brown, but I don't care to marry
+just at present. I want to go to the city and
+try my fortune. I've only lately arrived in California,<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 101]</span>
+and I am not ready to settle down
+yet."</p>
+
+<p>To his relief Mrs. Brown accepted his objection
+in good part.</p>
+
+<p>"No offence, stranger," she said. "I didn't
+know how you might feel about it. I've made
+you a fair offer."</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed you have. The time may come when
+I shall return, and&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I won't promise to wait for you, stranger.
+Somebody else may happen along that'll take the
+situation."</p>
+
+<p>"It would be too much to expect you to wait
+for me, I admit."</p>
+
+<p>"All right, stranger. You've answered fair,
+and now we'll let the matter drop."</p>
+
+<p>When Miles left the cabin he carried with
+him an addition to his stock of provisions, for
+which he was indebted to Mrs. Brown's liberality.
+It was evident that she bore no malice, notwithstanding
+her suit had been rejected.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XI" id="CHAPTER_XI"></a>CHAPTER XI.</h2>
+<p><span class='pagenum'>[Pg 102]</span></p>
+<h3>BILL CRANE'S GOOD LUCK.</h3>
+<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">Top</a></span>
+
+<p>About an hour after John Miles rode away
+from the widow's door Mr. William Crane came
+in sight of the cabin. He had strayed from the
+direct course, and that had delayed him. Otherwise
+he would not have fallen behind Miles.</p>
+
+<p>Bill Crane was in rather a melancholy mood.
+He had not got over his disappointment of the
+morning. He was fagged out and hungry, and
+felt that luck was against him. When he saw
+the cabin, and the widow Brown sitting in the
+door-way, it instantly occurred to him that here
+was a chance to get a dinner. He had nothing
+to pay, to be sure, but he need say nothing
+about it till after the dinner was eaten.</p>
+
+<p>As he rode up, he removed his hat, and said,
+"Good-day, ma'am."</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Brown scrutinized the new-comer with<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 103]</span>
+critical eyes. She decided that he was not as
+good-looking as John Miles. Indeed Bill Crane
+never could have been accounted handsome; but
+on this point the widow was not exacting. She
+was looking for somebody to fill the place of her
+lamented Brown, and relieve her loneliness, and
+it was Crane's eligibility in this respect that she
+was considering. Beauty was but skin deep, as
+Mrs. Brown was practical enough to admit, and
+she was not overstocked with that attractive
+quality herself. Though Crane did not know it,
+the resolute, middle-aged female, from whom he
+hoped to obtain a gratuitous dinner, was making
+up her mind to offer him the position of husband.</p>
+
+<p>"Good-day, stranger," she answered composedly.
+"Are you travelin' fur?"</p>
+
+<p>"I'm thinkin' of goin' to Frisco," he said, "but
+it's a long journey and I'm fagged out. If
+you have no objection, I'll stop at your
+place and see if I can rest a few minutes."</p>
+
+<p>"You can stop if you want to," she said.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 104]</span>
+"I don't see much company, and I like to see
+a new face now and then."</p>
+
+<p>"So do I," said Crane, thinking a little flattery
+might help him; "especially when it's the
+face of a good-looking woman."</p>
+
+<p>"I ain't good-lookin' enough to hurt me,"
+returned Mrs. Brown, with a frankness which
+rather disconcerted and puzzled Crane, "but I
+don't mind you callin' me so. If you are anyways
+hungry, I haven't cleared away the dinner,
+and&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"You are very kind," broke in Crane, eagerly;
+"I don't mind saying I am a little bit
+hungry."</p>
+
+<p>"All right, stranger. If you'll wait long enough
+for me to make some hot tea, and warm the
+victuals, you shall have a chance to judge of my
+cookin'."</p>
+
+<p>Bill Crane was quite elated. He decided that
+the widow would not ask him for payment, thus
+saving him from embarrassing excuses. In due
+time he was called in and seated in the chair
+not long since occupied by John Miles.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 105]</span></p>
+
+<p>"You're the second man that's dined with me
+to-day," said the widow.</p>
+
+<p>"And who was the first lucky man?" inquired
+Crane, suspecting at once that it might have been
+Miles.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know his name, but he was a good-looking
+young man, who said he had had a bag
+of gold-dust stolen from him."</p>
+
+<p>"That's Miles," thought Crane; and he at once
+decided not to betray any knowledge of him.</p>
+
+<p>"He was in bad luck," said Bill. "Did he
+know who stole it?"</p>
+
+<p>"He didn't tell me. I don't think he knew."</p>
+
+<p>"That's well," thought Crane.</p>
+
+<p>"Did he say where he was going?"</p>
+
+<p>"To the city."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you live here all the year round,
+Mrs.&mdash;&mdash;?"</p>
+
+<p>"My name's Brown, stranger."</p>
+
+<p>"All I can say is, that Brown is a lucky
+man. Another cup of tea if you please, Mrs.
+Brown."</p>
+
+<p>"You might not like to exchange places with<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 106]</span>
+him, for all his luck, stranger," remarked the
+widow.</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed I would," said Bill, with a languishing
+look.</p>
+
+<p>"He's six feet under ground!" explained Mrs.
+Brown, dryly.</p>
+
+<p>"Dead?" ejaculated Crane.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; he's been dead these three weeks."</p>
+
+<p>"And you are a widow?"</p>
+
+<p>"That's so, stranger."</p>
+
+<p>"But you don't mean to stay a widow?" interrogated
+Crane.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, it is kinder lonesome. It seems natural
+like to have a man round."</p>
+
+<p>"I wonder if she's got any money," thought
+Crane. "I'll find out if I can."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, Mrs. Brown, I feel for you," he said.
+"A woman can't struggle with the world as a
+man can."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know about that, stranger. I can take
+care of myself, if that's what you mean."</p>
+
+<p>"But a woman needs a man to protect and
+work for her," insinuated Crane.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 107]</span></p>
+
+<p>"I don't need any one to protect me," said the
+widow; "and, as for support, I've got a matter
+of five thousand dollars laid by, and a good
+claim that'll pay for the workin'. I don't think
+I shall need to go to the poor-house yet awhile."</p>
+
+<p>Bill Crane's eyes sparkled. The widow Brown
+seemed wonderfully attractive in his eyes. He was
+willing to barter his young affections for five
+thousand dollars and a claim, even if the widow
+had been thrice as homely as she was. If he
+had known that Mrs. Brown was bent on marriage
+his way would have been clearer. His
+mind was made up. He would woo and win his
+fair hostess if he could.</p>
+
+<p>"When did Brown die?" he inquired.</p>
+
+<p>"Three weeks ago, stranger."</p>
+
+<p>"You must miss him."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, he was a quiet man, Brown was. He
+never gave me any trouble, and it was natural
+to see him round."</p>
+
+<p>"You must not mourn for him too much, Mrs.
+Brown."</p>
+
+<p>"I shan't make a fool of myself," said the<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 108]</span>
+widow. "He's gone, and he won't come back.
+There's no use cryin'."</p>
+
+<p>"She's rather a queer specimen," thought Crane.
+"She hasn't broken her heart, it seems."</p>
+
+<p>"You ought to marry again," he said.</p>
+
+<p>"I mean to," said Mrs. Brown.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, that's frank," thought Crane. "There
+ain't any nonsense about her."</p>
+
+<p>"Your second husband will be a lucky man,
+Mrs. Brown."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, he'll have a good livin', and, if he treats
+me right, he'll get treated right too."</p>
+
+<p>"This is a cold world, Mrs. Brown. I've been
+drifting about till I'm tired. I'd like to settle down
+with a good wife."</p>
+
+<p>"If you want to take Brown's place, say so,"
+remarked the widow, in a business-like tone.</p>
+
+<p>Bill Crane was staggered by the promptness
+with which his hint was taken, but did not
+hesitate to follow it up.</p>
+
+<p>"That's what I mean," he said.</p>
+
+<p>"What's your name, stranger?"</p>
+
+<p>"William Crane."<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 109]</span></p>
+
+<p>"You haven't got another wife anywhere, have
+you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Of course not."</p>
+
+<p>"I've got to take your word for it, I s'pose.
+I guess I'll take the risk. I'll marry you if
+you say so."</p>
+
+<p>"How soon?" asked Crane, eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, there's a parson a few miles from here.
+We can ride right over and be back by sundown,
+if that will suit you."</p>
+
+<p>"A capital idea, Mrs. Brown. You won't be
+Brown long," he added, sportively. "How will
+you like to be called Mrs. Crane?"</p>
+
+<p>"One name will do as well as another," said
+the widow, philosophically.</p>
+
+<p>Crane wanted to make inquiries about the five
+thousand dollars and the claim; but he reflected
+that it might be inferred that his views were
+mercenary. It would be more politic to wait till
+after marriage. He did not understand the character
+of the woman he was going to marry. She
+understood very well that Crane was marrying
+her for her money; but she felt lonesome, and it<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 110]</span>
+suited her to have a husband, and she was willing
+to overlook such a trifle.</p>
+
+<p>The widow had a horse of her own. Directly
+after dinner it was harnessed, and the two rode
+over to Dirt Hole, a small mining settlement,
+where the Rev. Pelatiah Pond, a Methodist minister,
+united them in the bonds of matrimony.</p>
+
+<p>When Mr. and Mrs. Crane reached home, Bill
+ventured to inquire, "Have you got the money
+in the house, Mrs. Crane,&mdash;the five thousand
+dollars, I mean?"</p>
+
+<p>"It's put away in a safe place."</p>
+
+<p>"You'd better let me take care of it for you,
+my dear."</p>
+
+<p>"Not at present, Mr. Crane. A year from now
+I will let you have half of it, if you behave
+yourself."</p>
+
+<p>"As your husband, madam, I insist."</p>
+
+<p>"Stop right there, stranger&mdash;Mr. Crane, I
+mean," said the bride, decidedly. "Do you
+see that? and she whipped out a revolver.</p>
+
+<p>"Good gracious, Mrs. Crane! Do you want to
+murder me?"<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 111]</span></p>
+
+<p>"No, I didn't marry you for that; but I want
+you to understand that the money is in my hands,
+and I don't allow any man to insist. I may let
+you have some of it when I get ready. Do
+you understand?"</p>
+
+<p>"I believe I do," murmured Crane. "I'm
+regularly taken in and done for," he reflected
+sadly.</p>
+
+<p>But directly after their return Mrs. Crane prepared
+a nice supper, and Crane, as he ate it, and
+smoked a pipe later, began to be reconciled to his
+new situation.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XII" id="CHAPTER_XII"></a>CHAPTER XII.</h2>
+<p><span class='pagenum'>[Pg 112]</span></p>
+<h3>TOM RECEIVES NEWS FROM HOME.</h3>
+<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">Top</a></span>
+
+<p>Meanwhile Tom, happily unconscious that the
+money entrusted to John Miles had been lost,
+continued to work diligently at his claim. His
+success varied from day to day; but, on the whole,
+he was gaining. He spent nothing except for
+absolute necessities, and in spite of all temptations
+he gave a wide berth to Missouri Jack's
+saloon. In this way he gained the ill-will of the
+saloon-keeper, who felt a certain portion of every
+miner's gains ought to find its way into his till.</p>
+
+<p>One evening Tom met the saloon-keeper when
+out walking. The latter had not at that time
+given up securing Tom's patronage.</p>
+
+<p>"Good-evening, young feller," said Jack.</p>
+
+<p>Tom answered the greeting politely.</p>
+
+<p>"Why don't you come round to the saloon
+evenings? We always have a jolly crowd there.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 113]</span>
+After a hard day's work it'll do you good to take
+a social glass."</p>
+
+<p>"I would rather not drink, thank you," said
+Tom.</p>
+
+<p>"You ain't afraid of a little drink, I hope, are
+you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I would rather let it alone."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, you're too good to live," said Jack, in
+deep disgust.</p>
+
+<p>"I hope not," answered Tom, smiling; "for I
+hope to live a good many years."</p>
+
+<p>That was the last attempt Missouri Jack made to
+secure Tom as a patron. Our hero spoke in so
+decided a tone that he understood the uselessness
+of the attempt.</p>
+
+<p>Two months passed, and Tom heard nothing
+from John Miles. He was not surprised or disquieted,
+for he knew that mails to the interior
+were very irregular, and, besides, Miles might not
+be fond of letter-writing. He took it for granted
+that the seventy-five dollars had been forwarded
+home, and were now in his father's hands. He
+had saved as much more, and would like to have<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 114]</span>
+sent that too, for its possession gave him anxiety;
+but there seemed to be no opportunity.</p>
+
+<p>About this time he received two letters. The
+first was from John Miles, written from San Francisco.
+After acquainting Tom with his loss of
+the bag of gold-dust, he proceeded:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"I should not have cared so much, Tom, had
+the loss been mine only; but it was hard to
+think that I had lost your money too, and was
+unable to pay it back. I know, from what you
+said, that your father needed the money, and that
+the delay would put him to a good deal of inconvenience.
+You shall have it all back, Tom,
+every cent; but you will have to wait awhile.
+On reaching Frisco I got work, and soon saved
+up enough to pay the debt, when, as bad luck
+would have it, I fell sick, and before I got
+well all my money had been used up. Now I
+am well again, and at work, and if I have good
+luck will be able soon to send on the money to
+your father. I know you will understand the
+circumstances, and will excuse the delay.</p>
+
+<p>"The very day I discovered my loss I had a<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 115]</span>
+chance to marry a fortune. You will stare at
+that, and wonder how it happened. At a lonely
+cabin I made the acquaintance of a widow, who
+was looking out for a second husband. She was
+left with a comfortable property, which, with her
+hand, she was willing to bestow upon your friend;
+but she didn't tempt me much. I believe her
+fortune amounted to five thousand dollars and a
+claim. It would be a good chance for you, if
+you were old enough, Tom.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know when this letter will reach you,
+for the country mails&mdash;at least to such out-of-the-way
+places as River Bend&mdash;go quite irregularly.
+However, I hope you will get it after a
+while, and won't be too much troubled about the
+money; if I live it shall be repaid."</p>
+
+<p>Tom showed this letter to Ferguson.</p>
+
+<p>"It's a pity, my lad, that the money was
+stolen," said the Scotchman; "but you'll get it
+again. John Miles is an honest man."</p>
+
+<p>"I am sure of that, Mr. Ferguson. I don't
+know that I ought to make him pay it back,
+though. It isn't his fault that it was lost."<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 116]</span></p>
+
+<p>"That's true, my lad, and you might offer to
+share the loss with him, but I doubt if he
+would accept your offer. He will feel better to
+pay it all back."</p>
+
+<p>"At any rate I will write him, and make him
+the offer."</p>
+
+<p>"That's fair, Tom; but you'll see what he'll
+say."</p>
+
+<p>It may be stated here that Miles utterly declined
+to accept any abatement of the debt.</p>
+
+<p>"I ought to have taken better care of the
+money," he said. "It's my fault, and I shall
+pay it in full."</p>
+
+<p>The next letter was from home. Tom opened
+and read it eagerly. It was mainly from his
+father, but there was a note from each member
+of the family.</p>
+
+<p>His father wrote:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p><span class="smcap">My dear Tom</span>,&mdash;We are glad to hear that you have
+reached California after a wearisome journey, and are
+now at work. We have travelled so little that we can
+hardly realize that you are more than three thousand<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 117]</span>
+miles away from us, with so many mountains, plains, and
+valleys between. Of course you cannot tell us much in
+your letters of your various experiences. I wish we
+could have you with us this evening, and hear some of
+them from your own lips.</p>
+
+<p>I am anxious to hear that you are succeeding in the
+object of your journey, and that you will not find the
+stories of the rich gold fields greatly exaggerated. I do
+not myself believe all I hear, yet I think there must be
+gold enough to pay those who search for it diligently.
+You must remember, my dear boy, that hard work is
+better than luck, and more to be relied upon. Don't
+expect to make your fortune all at once by finding a
+big nugget, but work steadily, and you will meet with
+more or less success.</p>
+
+<p>If you succeed moderately, I shall be glad you went
+away, for here prospects are not very good. Our little
+farm seems to be less productive every year. The soil
+is not very good, as you know, and I cannot afford
+fertilizers. This year the crops were not as good as
+usual, and we have felt the decrease sensibly. If there
+were not a mortgage on the farm, I could get along very
+well, but the interest now amounts to one hundred and thirty-two
+dollars annually, and it is hard to get that amount
+together. Next month sixty-six dollars come due, and I
+don't know how I am to find the money. Squire Hudson
+could a<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 118]</span>fford to wait; but I am afraid he won't. The
+older and richer he gets, the more grasping he becomes,
+I sometimes think. However, I don't want to borrow
+trouble. If it is absolutely necessary I can sell off one
+of the cows to raise the money, and before the year
+comes round I think you will be able to help me.</p>
+
+<p>Walter, though only twelve years old,&mdash;his thirteenth
+birthday comes next month,&mdash;helps me about the farm,
+and is very useful in doing chores. He likes farm-work,
+and will be ready to succeed me in time. As for Sarah,
+she is a good, sensible girl, and helps her mother in a
+good many ways. Though I am a poor man, and always
+expect to remain so, I feel that I am blessed in having
+good, industrious children, who promise to grow up and
+do me credit. I should not be willing to exchange one
+of my boys for Squire Hudson's son Sinclair. He is, to
+my mind, a very disagreeable boy, who makes himself
+ridiculous by the airs he puts on. I have seen him
+once or twice lately when he appeared to have been
+drinking; but I hope I am mistaken in this. He is an
+only son, and it would be a pity that he should go astray.</p></div>
+
+<p>Tom looked thoughtful after reading this letter.</p>
+
+<p>"Is it bad news, Tom, lad?" asked Ferguson.</p>
+
+<p>"Times are hard at home, Mr. Ferguson,"<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 119]</span>
+answered Tom. "Father is very much in need
+of money. It would have been a great help to
+him if he had received that seventy-five dollars."</p>
+
+<p>"You have as much as that on hand now,
+Tom. If it isn't enough, I will lend you some."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you, Mr. Ferguson. You are a good
+friend, and I wouldn't mind accepting your offer, if
+I needed it. But father won't need any more than
+I can send him. Only I don't know how to get it
+to him."</p>
+
+<p>"If you were in San Francisco, you would have
+no difficulty in sending the money."</p>
+
+<p>"No."</p>
+
+<p>"I've been thinking, Tom," said Ferguson, after
+a while, "that it might be a good plan for us
+to take a little vacation, and visit the city. We
+have been working steadily here over three months,
+and the change would do us good. Besides, we
+might on the way come across some better
+place. This isn't as good now as when we began
+to work it."</p>
+
+<p>"That is true," said Tom.</p>
+
+<p>"Suppose, then, we stay a week longer, sell<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 120]</span>
+out our claim if we can, and start in the direction
+of the city."</p>
+
+<p>"You and I?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; we shall be better off without company."</p>
+
+<p>"We had better not let Peabody know we are
+going, or he will want to accompany us."</p>
+
+<p>"I could almost be willing to take him, poor
+creature, to get him away from that Missouri
+Jack; but, as you say, he would not be a help to
+us."</p>
+
+<p>So it was decided that, in a few days, as soon
+as they were ready, Tom and Ferguson should
+leave River Bend.</p>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'>[Pg 121]</span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIII" id="CHAPTER_XIII"></a>CHAPTER XIII.</h2>
+<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">Top</a></span>
+<h3>A SPECULATIVE INVESTMENT.</h3>
+
+
+<p>It leaked out after a while that Tom and Ferguson
+were intending to leave River Bend, and
+considerable regret was expressed by the other
+members of the party. Tom was a general favorite.
+His youth and his obliging disposition made
+him liked by all except Missouri Jack and his
+set. It cannot be said that his Scotch friend
+was popular, but he was, at all events, highly
+respected as a man of high principle and rigid
+honesty. This was not the way the miners expressed
+it. They called him a "square" man,
+and that word expressed high moral praise. They
+all felt that Tom was going off in good company.</p>
+
+<p>Before they went, the two had a chance for
+a speculation. Two weeks before, a man came to
+River Bend, across the country, with a horse and<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 122]</span>
+wagon, the latter an old express wagon, which
+he had brought round the Horn from some one
+of the Eastern States. What had induced him
+to take so much trouble to convey such bulky
+articles was not quite clear. Now that he was a
+miner he had no use for them, and at River
+Bend they were not saleable. This man, Abner
+Kent, came to Ferguson's tent, where he and Tom
+were resting after the labors of the day. He was
+a tall man, with a shambling gait and an angular
+face.</p>
+
+<p>"Good-evening," he said. "If you ain't busy
+I'll sit down a few minutes."</p>
+
+<p>"We are glad to see you Mr. Kent," said
+Ferguson. "Tom and I were discussing our
+plans, but we've plenty of time for that. Come
+in. Here's a place for you."</p>
+
+<p>"I hear that you are going to leave us, you
+two?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, Tom has some business in San Francisco,
+and I want to see a little more of the
+country."<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 123]</span></p>
+
+<p>"How are you going?"</p>
+
+<p>"We'll take the cars if we can find any,"
+answered Tom. "If we can't we'll foot it."</p>
+
+<p>"That's what I came to see you about. You
+know I've got a horse and wagon."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes."</p>
+
+<p>"Why don't you buy it? You'll go easier and
+quicker."</p>
+
+<p>"We can't afford it," said Ferguson. "Poor
+men must walk."</p>
+
+<p>"You don't see the point. When you get
+through with the team, you can easily sell them
+for more than you gave. It will be a good speculation."</p>
+
+<p>"That will depend on how much we give,"
+said the Scotchman, shrewdly.</p>
+
+<p>"To be sure, Mr. Ferguson. Now about
+that, I'll be easy. They ain't any good to me
+here. I'll take&mdash;let me see&mdash;four hundred dollars
+cash. You'll maybe double your money inside of
+a month."</p>
+
+<p>The team did seem cheap at this price, as
+prices of all articles in a new country are very
+much enhanced.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 124]</span></p>
+
+<p>"Tom and I will talk it over and let you
+know to-morrow morning," said Ferguson.</p>
+
+<p>"That's all right. It's a good chance for
+you."</p>
+
+<p>When Kent was gone Tom asked, "What do
+you think of his offer, Mr. Ferguson?"</p>
+
+<p>"I think it will be a good investment, Tom,
+and that we shall be less likely to be robbed
+than if we carried gold-dust with us. You know
+how John Miles got robbed."</p>
+
+<p>"I have only a hundred dollars," said Tom,
+doubtfully.</p>
+
+<p>"I have enough to add to it, but I think we
+can get the team cheaper. I don't want to beat
+the man down, but a bargain is a bargain, and
+we must look out for our own interest."</p>
+
+<p>"You know more about such things than I
+do, Mr. Ferguson; I will agree to anything you
+say."</p>
+
+<p>"Very well, my lad, I shall be sure to consult
+your interest as well as my own. It will
+be very comfortable for us to have a team of
+our own."<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 125]</span></p>
+
+<p>"It will seem strange to me," said Tom, laughing.
+"What will they think at home when they
+hear that I have set up a carriage?"</p>
+
+<p>"They might think it imprudent to invest all
+you had in that way; but we'll make money out
+of it yet, or I am sorely mistaken."</p>
+
+<p>The next morning, while Tom and Ferguson
+were at work, Kent came up to them.</p>
+
+<p>"What have you decided about the team?"
+he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"We are not willing to pay four hundred
+dollars," said Ferguson.</p>
+
+<p>"That's a fair price."</p>
+
+<p>"It may be, but it will take all the money
+Tom and I can raise. You know it wouldn't
+be quite prudent for us to part with all our
+funds."</p>
+
+<p>"I will take a note for part of the money,"
+said Kent.</p>
+
+<p>"That's very considerate of you, but scarcely
+prudent."</p>
+
+<p>"Then don't you want it at all?" asked Kent,
+disappointed.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 126]</span></p>
+
+<p>"Yes; we are prepared with an offer. We'll
+give you three hundred dollars."</p>
+
+<p>Kent shook his head.</p>
+
+<p>"That's too little," he said.</p>
+
+<p>Ferguson remained silent. He wished to give
+Kent time to reflect upon his offer.</p>
+
+<p>"Have you sold these claims of yours?" asked
+Kent, after a pause.</p>
+
+<p>"No."</p>
+
+<p>"Then add them to your offer, and I accept
+it."</p>
+
+<p>This proposal struck Ferguson favorably. They
+could not carry away their claims, and very
+possibly no other purchaser might offer, as, except
+as regards location, other places along the river-bank
+could be had without cost.</p>
+
+<p>"What do you say, Tom?" asked Ferguson.</p>
+
+<p>"I agree if you do, Mr. Ferguson."</p>
+
+<p>"Then it's a bargain, Mr. Kent. I hope it'll
+prove satisfactory to both of us."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't think you'll regret it. It's a good
+speculation."</p>
+
+<p>When the two friends had settled for their<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 127]</span>
+purchase, Tom paying one hundred and Ferguson
+two hundred dollars, our hero found himself left
+with twenty dollars, or its equivalent in gold-dust,
+while his companion had about one hundred
+and fifty left over.</p>
+
+<p>"We shall go off in style," said Tom; "riding
+in our own carriage. But there's one thing I
+have been thinking of. I want to send a hundred
+dollars home as soon as I get the chance. Suppose
+we can't sell the team?"</p>
+
+<p>"Have no fears about that, Tom. I'll lend
+you the money if that is the case; but, mark my
+word, we shan't have it left on our hands, of
+that you may be sure."</p>
+
+<p>The night before they were to start Lawrence
+Peabody dropped in. He was looking down in
+the mouth.</p>
+
+<p>"How does the world use you, Mr. Peabody?"
+inquired Tom.</p>
+
+<p>"Fortune is against me," said Peabody. "I'm
+tired of River Bend."</p>
+
+<p>Tom glanced at his companion. He could guess
+what was coming.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 128]</span></p>
+
+<p>"Won't you take me with you, Tom?" entreated
+the young Bostonian.</p>
+
+<p>"You must ask Mr. Ferguson. He is the head
+of our party."</p>
+
+<p>Peabody looked appealingly towards Ferguson,
+but the Scotchman shook his head.</p>
+
+<p>"You mustn't be offended, Mr. Peabody," he
+said, "when I tell you that you are responsible
+for your own bad luck. You have had just as
+good a chance as Tom or I."</p>
+
+<p>"Your claim was better."</p>
+
+<p>"There was no difference that I can see, except
+that we worked, and you didn't. You don't expect
+gold to come to you?"</p>
+
+<p>"You and Tom are more used to hard work
+than I," murmured Peabody.</p>
+
+<p>"If you did not feel able to work, you should
+not have come to California. A man must work
+harder here than at home, and then he stands a
+chance of succeeding better."</p>
+
+<p>"Then you won't take me?" asked Peabody,
+sadly.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 129]</span></p>
+
+<p>"Are you in debt to Captain Fletcher for
+board?"</p>
+
+<p>Peabody reluctantly admitted that he was, but
+had no idea how much he owed.</p>
+
+<p>"Fletcher tells me that he shall not trust you
+any longer."</p>
+
+<p>Lawrence Peabody looked frightened.</p>
+
+<p>"What shall I do?" he faltered. "I shall
+starve."</p>
+
+<p>"You can't blame the captain; he knows that
+you spend the little money you do earn at the
+saloon. But he will give you a chance. There
+is no one to wash clothes in the camp, and we
+have all observed that you keep yours looking
+well. If you will set up a laundry, you can
+make more money than in any other way."</p>
+
+<p>"But then I should be a common washer-woman,"
+objected Peabody. "What would my
+friends in Boston say?"</p>
+
+<p>"They won't hear of it. Besides, a man can
+do here what he would not do at home."</p>
+
+<p>It may be stated here that Peabody, finding
+work absolutely needful, went into partnership<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 130]</span>
+with a Chinaman, who arrived at the camp a day
+or two later, and succeeded in making a fair
+living, which hitherto he had been unable to do.
+After he was employed, his visits to the saloon
+became less frequent. At times he was disturbed
+by the fear that his friends at home might learn
+the character of his employment; apart from
+this he found his new business, with the income
+it yielded, not distasteful.</p>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'>[Pg 131]</span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIV" id="CHAPTER_XIV"></a>CHAPTER XIV.</h2>
+<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">Top</a></span>
+<h3>A NEW ACQUAINTANCE.</h3>
+
+<p>Having made all necessary preparations, Ferguson
+and Tom set out on their way. They took
+a course differing somewhat from that chosen by
+John Miles, one object being to survey the
+country, and find, if possible, a suitable place for
+continuing their search for gold. After their three
+months' steady work both of our travellers were
+prepared to enjoy the journey. Their road was
+difficult at times, from its steepness, and more
+than once they found it necessary, out of consideration
+for the horse, to get out and walk. But
+this only added to the romantic charm of the trip.</p>
+
+<p>"It's like a constant picnic," said Tom. "I
+should like to travel this way for a year, if I
+did not feel the need of working."</p>
+
+<p>"We might tire of it after a while," suggested
+Ferguson,&mdash;"in the rainy season, for example."<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 132]</span></p>
+
+<p>"That would not be so pleasant, to be sure,"
+Tom admitted. "Do you have such fine scenery
+in Scotland, Mr. Ferguson?"</p>
+
+<p>"Our mountains are not so high, my lad, nor
+our trees so gigantic; but it's the associations
+that make them interesting. Every hill has a
+legend connected with it, and our great novelist,
+Walter Scott, has invested them with a charm that
+draws pilgrims from all parts of the world to see
+them. Now this is a new country&mdash;beautiful, I
+grant, but without a history. Look around you,
+and you will see nothing to remind you of man.
+It is nature on a grand scale, I admit, but the
+soul is wanting."</p>
+
+<p>"I like mountains," said Tom, thoughtfully.
+"There is something grand about them."</p>
+
+<p>"There are some famous mountains in your
+native State, New Hampshire, are there not, Tom?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; but I have only seen them from a distance.
+They are not above thirty miles away
+from where I was born; but poor people don't
+travel in search of scenery, Mr. Ferguson."</p>
+
+<p>"No, my lad, and there's another thing I have<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 133]</span>
+noticed. We don't care much for the curiosities
+that are near us. The people about here, if there
+are any settled inhabitants, care nothing about the
+mountains, I doubt."</p>
+
+<p>"That is true. In our village at home there
+is an old man nearly eighty years old who has
+never visited the mountains, though he has lived
+near them all his life."</p>
+
+<p>"I can well believe it, my lad. But what is
+that?"</p>
+
+<p>The sound which elicited this exclamation was a
+loud "Hollo!" evidently proceeding from some one
+in their rear.</p>
+
+<p>Both Tom and the Scotchman turned, and their
+eyes rested on a horseman evidently spurring forward
+to overtake them. Tom, who was driving,
+reined in the horse, and brought him to a stop.
+The horseman was soon even with them.</p>
+
+<p>He was evidently a Yankee. All Yankees do
+not carry about with them an unmistakable certificate
+of their origin, but Ebenezer Onthank was
+a typical New Englander. His face was long and
+thin, his expression shrewd and good-natured, his
+limbs were long and ungainly. In later life, with<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 134]</span>
+the addition of forty or fifty pounds of flesh, he
+would be much improved in appearance.</p>
+
+<p>"Good-morning, gentlemen," said he. "It seems
+kinder good to see a human face again. It ain't
+very populous round here, is it?"</p>
+
+<p>"We haven't seen any large towns," said Tom,
+smiling.</p>
+
+<p>"Where are you steerin'?" inquired the Yankee.
+"I'm expectin' to fetch up at San Francisco some
+time, if I don't get lost in the woods."</p>
+
+<p>"That is our destination, my friend," returned
+Ferguson.</p>
+
+<p>"Would you mind my joining your party?"
+asked Onthank. "It's lonesome travelin' by one's
+self without a soul to speak to."</p>
+
+<p>"We shall be glad of your company," said
+the Scotchman, sincerely, for, though naturally
+cautious, he could not suspect the new-comer of
+anything which would make him an undesirable
+companion.</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps you'd like to know who I am," said
+the new acquaintance. "My name is Ebenezer<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 135]</span>
+Onthank, from Green Mountain Mills, in Vermont.
+My father is deacon of the Baptist Church at
+home."</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose you will take his place when you
+get older," said Tom, gravely.</p>
+
+<p>"No, I guess not. I wonder what Susan
+Jones would say to my bein' a deacon!" and
+Ebenezer burst into a loud laugh.</p>
+
+<p>"Is Miss Jones a particular friend of yours?"
+asked Tom, slyly.</p>
+
+<p>"I should say she was. Why, I expect to
+marry her when I get home."</p>
+
+<p>"I congratulate you."</p>
+
+<p>"Don't be too fast. We ain't hitched yet.
+Say, boy, where do you come from?"</p>
+
+<p>"From Vernon, in New Hampshire."</p>
+
+<p>"You don't say! Why, that ain't more'n fifty
+miles from Green Mountain Mills; cu'rus we should
+meet so fur away from hum, ain't it? When did
+you start?"</p>
+
+<p>"Seven or eight months ago."</p>
+
+<p>"I've been in California six months. Does
+that gentleman come from your town?"<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 136]</span></p>
+
+<p>"My friend," answered the Scotchman, not
+without a touch of pride, "I am not an American;
+I am from the Highlands of Scotland."</p>
+
+<p>"You be? Sho! Well, of course you can't
+help that."</p>
+
+<p>"Help it, sir? I am proud of hailing from
+the land of Scott and Burns."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I guess it's a pretty nice sort of
+country," said Mr. Onthank, patronizingly. "I
+guess you'll like America best, though."</p>
+
+<p>"I am by no means sure of that, my friend,"
+said Ferguson, a little nettled. "America's all
+very well, but&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Why, you could put Scotland into its waist-coat
+pocket, and there'd be plenty of room left,"
+said Ebenezer, energetically.</p>
+
+<p>"I admit that, as regards size, Scotland cannot
+compare with this country."</p>
+
+<p>"Say, have you got mountains as high as them,
+or trees as high as that?" pointing to a gigantic
+redwood.</p>
+
+<p><ins class="mynote" title="Interesting note handwritten in margin--'No? Ask my girl!'">"No;</ins>
+but size is not everything."</p>
+
+<p>"That's so. Vermont is a little State, but she's<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 137]</span>
+smart, I tell you. But you haven't told me your
+names yet."</p>
+
+<p>"I am called Donald Ferguson, Mr. Onthank.
+My young friend here answers to the name of
+Thomas Nelson."</p>
+
+<p>"Commonly called Tom," added our hero,
+smiling.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, I've got a brother Tom," said Mr.
+Onthank. "Cu'rus, isn't it?"</p>
+
+<p>Considering that Tom is by no means an uncommon
+name, it could hardly be called very remarkable,
+but Tom politely assented.</p>
+
+<p>"Is he older than I am?" he inquired.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, my brother Tom is twenty-one years
+old. I expect he voted at the last town-meeting.
+I'm four years older than Tom."</p>
+
+<p>"Have you been fortunate so far in California,
+Mr. Onthank?"</p>
+
+<p>"Can't say I have. I guess I've wandered round
+too much. Been a sort of rollin' stone; and my
+granny used to say that a rollin' stone gathers no
+moss. I've got about enough money to get me to
+San Francisco, and I own this animal; but I<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 138]</span>
+haven't made a fortune yet. What luck have you
+two had?"</p>
+
+<p>"Pretty fair, but it will take a good while to
+make our fortunes. We own this team, and that's
+about all we do own."</p>
+
+<p>"A sort of an express wagon, isn't it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes."</p>
+
+<p>"Ain't goin' into the express business, be
+you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Probably not. We bought it on speculation."</p>
+
+<p>"That reminds me of old Sam Bailey in our
+town. He was always tradin' horses. Sometimes
+he made money, and then again he didn't. How
+much did you give?"</p>
+
+<p>Tom told him.</p>
+
+<p>"That was a pretty stiff price, wasn't it?"</p>
+
+<p>"It would be considered so at home, but we
+hope to get a good deal more, when we come
+to sell it."</p>
+
+<p>Their new friend kept on with them, amusing
+them with his homely sayings, and original views
+of things. His conversation beguiled the tedium
+of the journey, so that all were surprised when<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 139]</span>
+the shadows deepened, and supper-time came.
+Selecting a favorable place they encamped for the
+night.</p>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'>[Pg 140]</span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XV" id="CHAPTER_XV"></a>CHAPTER XV.</h2>
+<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">Top</a></span>
+<h3>A GRIZZLY BEAR.</h3>
+
+<p>Ebenezer Onthank was an early riser. He had
+been brought up on a farm, where, during a part
+of the year it was the custom for the "menfolks"
+to rise between four and five o'clock in the
+morning to begin the labors of the day. His old
+habit clung to him, and at five o'clock, when
+Tom and Ferguson were yet asleep, Mr. Onthank
+sprang from his leafy couch refreshed and vigorous.</p>
+
+<p>Seeing his companions yet sleeping, he concluded
+to take a walk.</p>
+
+<p>"It'll give me an appetite for breakfast,"
+thought he, "and a chance to see something of
+the country."</p>
+
+<p>As to the appetite, Ebenezer was generally
+well provided. Indeed, latterly his appetite had
+exceeded his means of gratifying it, and more<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 141]</span>
+than once he had longed to be back at his old
+home in the Vermont farm-house, where the table
+was always generously, if not elegantly, furnished.
+If Ebenezer had a special weakness it was for
+doughnuts, which he called nut-cakes.</p>
+
+<p>"If I only had a few of marm's nut-cakes,"
+he had said the night before to his new-found
+friends, "I'd be a happy man."</p>
+
+<p>"What are nut-cakes?" asked the Scotchman,
+puzzled.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't you know what nut-cakes are?" inquired
+Ebenezer, astonished at Ferguson's ignorance.</p>
+
+<p>"I never heard of them before," said Ferguson.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I declare! I thought everybody knew
+what nut-cakes are," ejaculated the Yankee.
+"Don't you ever make 'em in Scotland?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not that I ever heard."</p>
+
+<p>"Then you don't know what is good. You
+know what they are, Tom?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, yes," said Tom, smiling. "We often
+have them at home. Perhaps Mr. Ferguson would
+understand better if he heard them called doughnuts
+or crullers."<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 142]</span></p>
+
+<p>Thus defined Mr. Ferguson acknowledged that
+he had heard of them, and he thought he had
+once tasted one. Scotland, however, fell considerably
+in the estimation of Mr. Onthank, when he
+learned that his favorite article of food was almost
+unknown in that distant country.</p>
+
+<p>"You Scotchmen don't know what is good,"
+he said. "If you ever come to Green Mountain
+Mills, I'll get marm to fry a batch of nut-cakes,
+and you'll say they're goloptious."</p>
+
+<p>This last word was not familiar to Ferguson,
+but the smack of the lips with which it was
+accompanied made it sufficiently intelligible. He
+assured Ebenezer politely that he hoped some day
+to accept his kind invitation.</p>
+
+<p>When Ebenezer left the camp he had no definite
+plan of exploration. Everything was alike
+new to him, and it mattered little in what direction
+his steps led him. It was a charming
+morning. The sun had risen, and hill and valley
+were glorified by its slanting rays. The air was
+bracing, and Ebenezer, though neither a poet nor
+a sentimentalist, felt his spirits rise, as with vigorous<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 143]</span>
+steps he strode on, letting his eyes wander
+at will over the landscape.</p>
+
+<p>"Looks kinder han'some," he said to himself.
+"I wish Susan Jones was with me now. Gals
+like to walk round and look at scenery, and
+pick flowers, and so on. As for me, a good
+field of corn suits me better than all the flowers
+in the world. They're only good to smell of;
+out here though I'd like a good 'claim' best.
+It seems cu'rus to think how much money you
+can get sometimes from a hole in the ground.
+Beats cornfields for profit, by a great sight, if
+you only get hold of the right place. I just
+wish I could find a big nugget, as big as my
+head. I guess it would make me the richest
+man in Green Mountain Mills. I'd be a bigger
+man than the old deacon. They'd be glad to
+make me selectman, and perhaps send me to
+Montpelier after a while to make laws. Well,
+there's no knowin' what may turn up. Why
+shouldn't I light on a nugget as well as the
+next man?"</p>
+
+<p>In this pleasant channel the thoughts of our<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 144]</span>
+Yankee adventurer were running as he strode over
+the uneven ground, with all the vigor gained by
+his hardy training. But his walk was destined
+to be interrupted in a decidedly unpleasant manner.
+All at once he became conscious of a huge
+object, scarcely thirty yards distant, whose attention
+he had already attracted. Mr. Onthank
+had been long enough in California to recognize
+in the huge, unwieldy figure&mdash;a grizzly bear!</p>
+
+<p>Ebenezer Onthank was no coward, but it must
+be admitted that when he saw the eyes of the
+grizzly fixed upon him he turned pale, and his
+limbs trembled. He had heard from fellow-miners
+stories of the great strength and ferocity of this
+most formidable beast. The grizzly bear shows
+no fear of man. He is always ready to make
+an attack, even when not stimulated by hunger.
+Even the lion is crafty and cunning, and likes
+to attack his enemy unawares; but the grizzly
+boldly advances to the attack without seeking to
+surprise his adversary. If out of humor it makes
+no account of odds, but will as readily attack a
+party as a single foe. Col. Albert S. Evans,<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 145]</span>
+the author of an interesting volume, containing
+sketches of life in California, says, "I am satisfied
+that an average grizzly could at any time
+whip the strongest African lion in a fair stand-up
+fight, while a full-grown bull is no more to
+him than a rat is to the largest house-cats."</p>
+
+<p>Twenty-five years ago the grizzly was to be
+found in various parts of California. As the
+State has become settled his haunts have become
+contracted, but even now, as the writer just
+quoted assures us, he is still found in great
+numbers in the Coast Range Mountains from San
+Diego to Del Norte. In describing Samson, a
+famous specimen once on exhibition in San
+Francisco, we are told that "his strength was
+that of an elephant, and his claws, eight inches
+in length, curved like a rainbow and sharp as a
+knife, would enable him to tear open anything
+made of flesh and blood as you or I would open
+a banana."</p>
+
+<p>Such was the new acquaintance who confronted
+Mr. Onthank, and barred his progress.</p>
+
+<p>"Jerusalem!" ejaculated the surprised and dismayed Yankee,<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 146]</span>
+and he instinctively felt for his
+rifle. But, alas! he had left it in the camp. It
+was thoughtless and imprudent to venture out
+unarmed; but the scene was so quiet and peaceful
+that no thought of danger had entered the
+mind of our unlucky friend.</p>
+
+<p>The bear sat upon his haunches, and stared
+at the intruder. Ebenezer, brought to a stand-still,
+returned his gaze. They were less than a
+hundred feet apart, and the situation was decidedly
+critical.</p>
+
+<p>"I guess he wants to chaw me up for his
+breakfast," thought Ebenezer, despairingly, "and
+I don't see what I can do to prevent it."</p>
+
+<p>The bear, however, seemed in no hurry to
+commence the attack. He surveyed our Yankee
+with dignified gravity, conscious that he had him
+at advantage. When Ebenezer felt for his rifle
+he uttered a low growl, being possibly aware of
+his purpose. Possibly he laughed in his sleeve
+(some of my young critics may suggest that
+bears have no sleeves) at his failure.</p>
+
+<p>Ebenezer looked about him despairingly. No<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 147]</span>
+man will surrender at discretion to a grizzly, for
+he can hope for no mercy. But what could be
+done? Once subjected to the terrible hug, and the
+life would be crushed out of him in less than a
+minute.</p>
+
+<p>"If Ferguson and Tom were only here!" thought
+poor Ebenezer.</p>
+
+<p>But the camp was at least two miles away,
+and his two companions, unconscious of his terrible
+peril, were calmly sleeping, and not likely
+to awaken till he was a crushed and bleeding
+corpse.</p>
+
+<p>In great crises the mind travels rapidly. I
+shall not attempt to record the thoughts that
+chased one another through the mind of the luckless
+adventurer. But they were by no means
+pleasant.</p>
+
+<p>"I shall never see Green Mountain Mills again,"
+he thought, with an inward groan. "I shall never
+marry Susan Jones, or eat any of marm's nut-cakes.
+If I only had my rifle here, I'd make
+one effort for my life. I'd spoil the beauty of
+that ugly devil anyhow."</p>
+<p><span class='pagenum'>[Pg 148]</span></p>
+<p>Still, as if charmed, he stood staring open-eyed
+at the grizzly.</p>
+
+<p>Bruin, deciding that this had lasted long enough,
+began in a slow and dignified manner to approach
+the intruder upon his solitude.</p>
+
+<p>This broke the charm. With a wild shout
+Ebenezer Onthank took to his heels and flew
+over the ground at a rate of speed which Weston,
+the champion runner, would scarcely be able to
+equal.</p>
+
+<p>The grizzly accepted the challenge, and increased
+his own speed, developing an activity hardly
+to be expected of his huge and unwieldy form.</p>
+
+<p>It was man against beast, with the odds
+decidedly in the favor of the latter.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'>[Pg 149]</span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVI" id="CHAPTER_XVI"></a>CHAPTER XVI.</h2>
+<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">Top</a></span>
+<h3>UP A TREE.</h3>
+
+
+<p>The race between the Yankee and the bear was
+an exciting one, to the former at least. He was
+fleet of foot, and in a hundred yards' dash would
+have won without great difficulty; but in wind and
+endurance the grizzly excelled him. So, as the
+race continued, Mr. Onthank, looking back from
+time to time, was painfully conscious that his
+enemy was gaining upon him. The perspiration
+came out upon his face in large drops, and he
+panted painfully. He felt that the chances were
+against him, and he could almost feel in advance
+the fatal hug which would slowly press the life
+out of him. As he felt his strength failing he
+looked around him despairingly. Just before him
+was a moderate-sized tree. Though he knew that
+bears can climb, he gathered his remaining strength,
+seized a low hanging branch, and swung himself<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 150]</span>
+up just in time to avoid his persistent foe, who
+was close upon his heels. He did not tarry
+where he was, but climbed higher up, until from
+a height of twenty feet he could look down upon
+the bear.</p>
+
+<p>Bruin looked up placidly, but did not begin to
+climb at once. Probably he was fatigued with
+his race. Moreover he knew that his intended
+victim could not get away. The latter was
+emphatically and literally "treed." The bear sat
+upon his haunches and complacently regarded the
+Yankee.</p>
+
+<p>Ebenezer Onthank made himself as comfortable
+as he could under the circumstances. He was by
+no means easy in mind, however. He was "holding
+the fort," it is true; but the enemy was in
+force outside, and evidently intended to remain.
+Worse still, he would probably after a while
+climb the tree, and this would bring matters to
+a crisis.</p>
+
+<p>"You pesky critter! Why don't you go along
+about your business?" exclaimed the unhappy
+adventurer, shaking his fist at the foe.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 151]</span></p>
+
+<p>Bruin deigned no reply, but continued to survey
+him with steady, unwinking eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"If I only had a gun, I'd pepper you," continued
+Ebenezer. "I should like to put a bullet
+into that impudent eye of yours."</p>
+
+<p>Though the bear had never received an English
+education, his instinct probably enabled him to
+understand the feelings of his intended victim,
+but he remained as placid as ever.</p>
+
+<p>So an hour passed. At the end of that time
+the situation remained unchanged. The unfortunate
+Yankee was getting hungry, as well as tired of
+his somewhat constrained position. Bears probably
+have more patience than the human family,
+for Bruin had scarcely moved, except occasionally
+to wag his great head. He felt that in the game
+that was being played it was his adversary's
+turn to make the next move.</p>
+
+<p>"I wish Tom and the Scotchman would find
+me out," thought Onthank. "What on earth
+makes them sleep so late?" he continued, irritably.
+"They must be naturally lazy."</p>
+
+<p>He may be excused for feeling irritated, though<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 152]</span>
+there was no particular reason to expect his two
+friends to curtail their hours of slumber because
+he had done so. But he was not in a position
+where it is easy to be reasonable, and in his
+situation every minute seemed to him as long as
+five.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile, in the camp, a mile away, Tom and
+Ferguson had awakened.</p>
+
+<p>"How did you sleep, Tom?" asked the
+Scotchman.</p>
+
+<p>"Tip-top. Did you rest well?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have a gift of sleep," replied Ferguson.
+"But where is our Yankee friend?"</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose he has taken an early walk," said
+Tom. "He will be back before long, I guess.
+We'd better not wait breakfast for him. I'm
+hungry for one."</p>
+
+<p>The two friends proceeded to break their fast,
+washing down the rather stale provisions with
+water from a spring near by.</p>
+
+<p>"I wish it were coffee," said Tom. "I'm tired
+of cold water."</p>
+
+<p>"Doubtless the coffee would be more gratifying<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 153]</span>
+to the palate, Tom; but it's likely the water is
+better for the health."</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose you would refuse a cup of hot
+coffee, Mr. Ferguson, if it were offered you," said
+Tom, smiling.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't say that, Tom. I would risk its
+effect upon my health for once. But, as we
+haven't got it, we may as well make the best
+of what we have."</p>
+
+<p>Soon after their simple meal, which did not
+consume much time, Tom suggested to his companion
+that they set out in search of Mr.
+Onthank. He did not suspect that their missing
+companion was in trouble, but he thought that
+it would be pleasant to take a walk.</p>
+
+<p>"You can go, if you like, Tom," said Ferguson,
+with characteristic caution. "I will remain
+behind to look after the camp."</p>
+
+<p>"All right, Mr. Ferguson. I'll soon be back."</p>
+
+<p>"Don't go too far away, my lad; and mind
+your bearings, so that you can find your way
+back."</p>
+
+<p>"Never fear, Mr. Ferguson. It wouldn't be<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 154]</span>
+very easy to be lost here. I'll keep my eyes open,
+and bring Mr. Onthank back with me if I see
+him anywhere."</p>
+
+<p>Ferguson sat down, and indulged himself in
+reading, probably for the hundredth time, Walter
+Scott's Marmion, of which he had a small pocket
+edition; while Tom went on his way.</p>
+
+<p>A fortunate chance directed our hero by an
+almost straight course to the very tree where
+Ebenezer Onthank was still perched with the
+grizzly standing guard beneath. From time to
+time he looked about him anxiously, in the hope
+of seeing the approach of one of his travelling
+companions.</p>
+
+<p>It was with a feeling of joy, not wholly unmingled
+with anxiety, that he descried Tom
+descending a hillock not many rods away. As
+yet it was evident that our hero had not caught
+sight of the bear and his prisoner. It was very
+necessary to put him on his guard.</p>
+
+<p>"Tom!" shouted Mr. Onthank, at the top of
+his voice.</p>
+
+<p>Tom heard the call in spite of the distance, and<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 155]</span>
+looked about him, but did not immediately catch
+sight of the speaker. It did not occur to him to
+look upwards.</p>
+
+<p>"Tom!" shouted the Yankee again. "Here I
+am. Look up in the tree."</p>
+
+<p>That time Tom's glance detected his companion,
+and, not yet having discovered the bear, he was
+led to wonder why Mr. Onthank had climbed
+the tree. As he was advancing incautiously,
+Onthank shouted again, "There's a cursed grizzly
+under the tree. Don't come too near."</p>
+
+<p>Tom saw the bear, and he paused suddenly.
+He was startled in truth, for he had been long
+enough in California to be aware that it was a
+dangerous beast.</p>
+
+<p>"Isn't Ferguson with you?" asked Onthank,
+anxiously, for he knew that a boy of sixteen,
+even if armed, was no match for the king of
+the California sierras.</p>
+
+<p>"No, he's behind in the camp," shouted Tom,
+in reply.</p>
+
+<p>By this time the bear became aware that there
+was a second intruder within his precincts. He<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 156]</span>
+turned his head deliberately and surveyed our hero.
+It is not within the range of the author to read
+the thoughts of a grizzly, but, from the indifference
+with which he turned away and resumed
+his watch, it may be inferred that he considered
+Tom too small game to merit his attention. This
+was rather satisfactory to our young hero, who
+was not ambitious to come in close quarters with
+so formidable an antagonist.</p>
+
+<p>Startled as he was, Tom maintained his ground.
+He wanted to help Onthank; but he did not know
+how to do it.</p>
+
+<p>"What can I do to help you, Mr. Onthank?"
+shouted Tom.</p>
+
+<p>"Blamed if I know," answered the Yankee,
+helplessly. "I wish Ferguson were here. It won't
+do for you to attack the beast single-handed."</p>
+
+<p>"Shall I go back for Ferguson?" asked Tom.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know; how far away is the camp?"</p>
+
+<p>"It must be as much as a mile."</p>
+
+<p>"While you are away the brute may take it
+into his head to climb th<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 157]</span>e tree, and then I am
+gone up."</p>
+
+<p>"Haven't you any weapon?"</p>
+
+<p>"No."</p>
+
+<p>"I'll fire at the bear if you say so."</p>
+
+<p>"It would be of no use. If you missed, or
+only grazed him, he would make for you."</p>
+
+<p>"I wish you had my rifle," said Tom.</p>
+
+<p>"So do I. I'd let him have it straight in the
+eye. Have you had breakfast?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes."</p>
+
+<p>"I'm as hungry as a bear&mdash;as this bear who
+probably wants me for his breakfast. O Tom,
+if I was only back at Green Mountain Mills once
+more, I'd be content to live and die there, and
+all the gold in California wouldn't bring me out
+here again."</p>
+
+<p>Tom stood silent and perplexed. While he was
+considering whether he could do anything to help
+his friend, the bear slowly rose, approached the
+tree, and, grasping it between his paws, prepared
+to climb. He was evidently tired of waiting.</p>
+
+<p>"He's coming, Tom!" shouted Onthank. "O
+Lord, what shall I do?"</p>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'>[Pg 158]</span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVII" id="CHAPTER_XVII"></a>CHAPTER XVII.</h2>
+<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">Top</a></span>
+<h3>AN EXCITING PURSUIT.</h3>
+
+<p>Mr Onthank's reflections when the grizzly was
+slowly but steadily climbing the tree were by no
+means pleasant.</p>
+
+<p>"If he once grips me, I am gone," he said,
+despairingly.</p>
+
+<p>"Shall I shoot?" asked Tom, looking on in
+excitement.</p>
+
+<p>"You might hit me," said Ebenezer, who knew
+nothing of Tom's skill as a marksman.</p>
+
+<p>"No, I won't."</p>
+
+<p>"I think I'll swing off," said the Yankee, "and
+join you."</p>
+
+<p>Whether this was or was not a wise thing to
+do Tom did not feel qualified to decide. It
+was evident that Onthank must do something
+speedily, or he would be in the power of the bear.
+He waited nervously till Bruin was uncomfortably<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 159]</span>
+near, and then, seizing the branch with his hands,
+swung to the ground. The height was considerable,
+and the fall jarred him; but, quickly recovering
+himself, he ran towards Tom.</p>
+
+<p>"Now we must run for our lives, Tom," he
+said, suiting the action to the word.</p>
+
+<p>Tom fully understood the necessity, and followed
+suit, first hazarding a glance at the discomfited
+bear.</p>
+
+<p>When the grizzly witnessed the escape of his
+victim he showed no excitement, nor did he
+accelerate his motions. He began deliberately to
+back down the tree. This required some little
+time, which Tom and his friend made the most
+of.</p>
+
+<p>"Give me your rifle," said Onthank.</p>
+
+<p>"I'd rather keep it," said Tom.</p>
+
+<p>"I can make better use of it," said the Yankee.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know about that," said Tom. "At
+any rate I will keep it."</p>
+
+<p>He felt that it was hardly reasonable to expect
+him, in the presence of such a danger, to give
+up his only instrument of defence.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 160]</span></p>
+
+<p>"You are only a boy," said his companion,
+discontented.</p>
+
+<p>"I can shoot," answered Tom, briefly.</p>
+
+<p>Onthank was not in general an unreasonable
+man, but danger makes men selfish.</p>
+
+<p>"Give it to me," he said, in a tone of authority,
+and he tried to wrest it from Tom's hands.</p>
+
+<p>"You shall not have it," exclaimed Tom, indignantly.
+"Take away your hand, or I'll shoot
+you!"</p>
+
+<p>Of course Tom was excited, and would not
+have carried out his threat, but he was fully
+resolved to stand up for his rights.</p>
+
+<p>Whether Ebenezer would have yielded the point,
+being stronger than Tom, is uncertain; but our
+hero shouted "Look out for the bear!" and the
+Yankee, in alarm, released his hold, and the two
+entered upon a race, in which the Yankee's superior
+length of limb enabled him to keep the first
+place.</p>
+
+<p>Bruin was now on terra firma, and was on his
+way, wagging his great head, developing an
+alarming rate of speed. Tom was somewhat hampered<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 161]</span> by the weapon which he carried, and he
+was getting out of breath. Onthank was three or
+four rods ahead of him. The situation had
+changed, and it was now Tom that was in the
+greater peril.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't give out, Tom!" called out Ebenezer,
+encouragingly.</p>
+
+<p>"I won't," gasped Tom, "if I can help it."</p>
+
+<p>"Is he gaining on us?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," returned our hero.</p>
+
+<p>"Then I'll try another tree," said Onthank, and
+he caught a branch, and clambered up into a
+tree quite similar to the other in which he had
+been besieged.</p>
+
+<p>Tom would gladly have followed his example,
+but the branch was too high for him to reach
+readily, and the grizzly was too near to give him
+adequate time. Poor boy! He began to despair,
+and was at an utter loss what to do. To face
+round and fire at the foe seemed about all that
+was left him, but he wanted to reserve his fire
+to the last. He caught sight of another tree, of
+a larger trunk than the one which Onthank had<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 162]</span>
+ascended, and ran towards it, pursued by the
+grizzly. Then commenced a dodging game, which
+seemed to afford but a brief respite from destruction.</p>
+
+<p>"This can't last long," thought poor Tom.
+"I suppose I must die."</p>
+
+<p>In that brief time of peril many thoughts
+passed through his mind. To die at his age
+would be sad enough; but the thought that his
+expedition would be a failure, only involving his
+father deeper in difficulty and debt chiefly troubled
+him. The mortgage would be foreclosed, and
+his father and whole family deprived of their
+humble home. Onthank watched the boy's peril,
+unable to give him assistance. To do him justice
+he almost forgot his own danger in the more
+apparent and immediate peril of his young companion.</p>
+
+<p>"Be careful!" he shouted, quite needlessly.
+"Don't let him grip you. Give it to him right
+in the eye."</p>
+
+<p>Tom was so absorbed, and his mind so painfully
+occupied by his efforts to keep out of his<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 163]</span>
+enemy's clutches, that he was not conscious of
+the warning.</p>
+
+<p>Active and alert as he was, the result was
+hardly a matter of doubt. He would tire sooner
+than the bear, and if he ran again he was sure to
+be overtaken. This, however, was what he did.
+Of course the grizzly instantly pursued him.
+Poor Tom breathed a prayer for help, though
+there seemed no chance of his prayer being
+answered; but sometimes God sends assistance
+when there seems no chance of escape.</p>
+
+<p>The galloping of a horse was heard. There was
+a whirling sound, and Bruin, already within two
+yards of Tom, was jerked back, and brought to
+a stand-still by a lasso which wound about his
+neck. A shout caused Tom suddenly to turn his
+head, and to his joy he saw a mounted Mexican
+<i>vaquero</i>, who had brought him timely relief.</p>
+
+<p>Bruin growled angrily on finding himself balked
+of his prey. He was not disposed to yield to
+his new antagonist. Rising and sitting on his
+haunches he began coolly to draw in the lasso,
+against the combined strength of man and horse.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 164]</span>
+The muscular force of a big grizzly is simply
+enormous. Usually he is attacked from two sides,
+two lassos being thrown around him. For a single
+antagonist he is sometimes more than a match,
+as seemed likely in the present case. The <i>rieta</i>
+being attached to the pommel of the saddle, of
+course the bear, in pulling as he did, hand over
+hand, steadily brought the <i>vaquero</i> and his steed
+nearer. The horse, terrified, trembled in every
+limb, and tried to rear; but his strength was
+as nothing when opposed to the steady power of
+his massive antagonist.</p>
+
+<p>Relieved from the immediate attentions of the
+grizzly, Tom did not continue to run, but stood
+still, and, forgetting his own peril, remained an
+excited spectator of the struggle between the bear
+and the <i>vaquero</i>.</p>
+
+<p>The Mexican in an excited manner shouted to
+him to shoot. This brought Tom to a sense of his
+duty. A third person had been brought into danger
+by an effort to give him assistance, and he was
+too manly to leave him to his fate. He raised
+his rifle, and, taking quick aim, fired. Our young<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 165]</span>
+hero was of course inexperienced, and it was only
+by a piece of good fortune that his bullet inflicted
+a serious wound, striking the bear in the throat.
+The blood began to flow and the grizzly, growling
+fiercely, slackened his hold on the lasso. The
+<i>vaquero</i> followed up Tom's shot by another, equally
+effective, and the powerful animal dropped to the
+ground, dangerous still if approached, but unfitted
+for pursuit.</p>
+
+<p>The <i>vaquero</i> reined his horse back, and his
+dark face became illumined with a smile of satisfaction.</p>
+
+<p>"He will do no more harm," he said in good
+English, but with a foreign accent. "The danger
+is over."</p>
+
+<p>"Is the critter used up?" shouted Onthank,
+cautiously, from his elevated perch. "Is he defunct?"</p>
+
+<p>"He soon will be," answered Tom. "I guess
+it will be safe to come down."</p>
+
+<p>Ebenezer Onthank needed no second invitation.
+He "shinned" down the tree in a manner not
+unlike the grizzly, and approached the spot where<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 166]</span>
+the huge foe was lying, the life-blood flowing from
+his throat.</p>
+
+<p>"I'd like to kick you, you big brute!" said Mr.
+Onthank.</p>
+
+<p>The bear slowly turned upon him his glazing
+eyes, and they expressed so much ferocity that
+almost involuntarily the Yankee drew back. The
+bear partly raised himself, and tried to drag himself
+towards his adversaries; but the effort was
+vain.</p>
+
+<p>"He is one of the largest I have seen," said
+the <i>vaquero</i>. "See how strong he is!"</p>
+
+<p>"It was lucky for me that you came up," said
+Tom. "He was almost upon me."</p>
+
+<p>"I had about given you up, Tom," said
+Onthank, "and I thought my turn was coming
+next."</p>
+
+<p>"We are much indebted to you, sir," said Tom,
+gratefully, to the Mexican. "You have saved my
+life."</p>
+
+<p>The <i>vaquero</i> courteously expressed his satisfaction,
+and, remounting his horse, resumed his
+journey.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 167]</span></p>
+
+<p>"I never want to see another grizzly," said
+Onthank. "This one is enough for me, darn
+his ugly pictur'!"</p>
+
+<p>"I quite agree with you, Mr. Onthank," said
+Tom.</p>
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'>[Pg 168]</span></p>
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVIII" id="CHAPTER_XVIII"></a>CHAPTER XVIII.</h2>
+<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">Top</a></span>
+<h3>TOM'S OLD HOME.</h3>
+
+<p>Leaving Tom for a time, we will cross the
+continent, and, a little earlier in point of time,
+look in upon Mark Nelson and his family at
+their humble home in New Hampshire.</p>
+
+<p>For years Mr. Nelson had been struggling to
+provide a comfortable living for his wife and
+children. The struggle was not an easy one.
+His small farm was sterile, and yielded grudgingly
+its annual crops. Then the mortgage held
+by Squire Hudson imposed a burden of interest
+very hard to meet. Each half year sixty-six
+dollars must be raised somehow to satisfy the
+squire's demand. Though a rich man, with ready
+money in plenty, he never failed to call for his
+money on the very day it was due. Once or
+twice he had granted a delay of a day or two;
+but his manner was so unpleasant that the<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 169]</span>
+farmer, except from dire necessity, was hardly
+likely to ask a renewal of the favor.</p>
+
+<p>The six months immediately following Tom's
+departure from home were not favorable to his
+father. There was a drought of considerable
+duration, which made the crops smaller than
+usual, and thus materially decreased the farmer's
+income. When the semi-annual interest became
+due, with the most energetic effort Mark Nelson
+had got together but thirty-six dollars towards
+it, leaving a deficit of thirty dollars.</p>
+
+<p>"I feel anxious about to-morrow, Mary," he
+said, as the little family sat together the night
+before in the plain sitting-room. "I have never
+been so much behindhand before with the interest."</p>
+
+<p>"How much do you lack, Mark?" asked Mrs.
+Nelson.</p>
+
+<p>"Thirty dollars."</p>
+
+<p>"That is a good deal of money," said his
+wife, gravely.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; I don't know where to raise it. If
+Squire Hudson were only a little considerate.
+But he isn't, and, even if he were, I am afraid<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 170]</span>
+there is no prospect of my raising the money at
+present."</p>
+
+<p>"You may get some money from Tom soon,"
+suggested Sarah.</p>
+
+<p>"I can't rely upon that. Tom will doubtless
+send when he is able, for he understands my
+circumstances, and is a thoughtful boy; but it is
+going to take time for him to earn a surplus&mdash;enough
+to send on."</p>
+
+<p>"He may find a big nugget," said Walter,
+the second boy, who eagerly read the letters from
+California which from time to time appeared in
+the weekly paper.</p>
+
+<p>"He <i>may</i>, but the chances are against it."</p>
+
+<p>"I was reading in last week's paper about a
+man finding a nugget worth over two thousand
+dollars."</p>
+
+<p>"Such nuggets are as rare as large prizes in
+a lottery, I suspect," said Mark Nelson, who had
+a large share of plain common-sense.</p>
+
+<p>Walter looked rather disappointed, having made
+up his mind that Tom would certainly find a big
+lump of gold, and come home rich.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 171]</span></p>
+
+<p>"Don't you think Tom will find some gold?"
+he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I have no doubt he will gather some
+gold-dust. I have no doubt, too, that he will
+earn more than he or I can do at home; but I
+haven't much faith in these extraordinary pieces
+of good luck."</p>
+
+<p>"Still, Tom <i>may</i> find a nugget," persisted
+Walter.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, he <i>may</i>, and I shall be very glad if he
+does; but we must not build too many air-castles
+on that chance."</p>
+
+<p>"I wish I could see the dear boy again,"
+sighed his mother, looking up from the stocking
+she was laboriously darning.</p>
+
+<p>"So do I," said Walter. "He would have a
+lot to tell us."</p>
+
+<p>"California seems so far away," resumed Mrs.
+Nelson, "and he has no one there to look after
+him, and mend his clothes&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"And darn his stockings," said Walter, smiling.</p>
+
+<p>"If he walked all the way across the continent,"<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 172]</span>
+said Sarah, "I don't believe he would
+have larger holes in his stockings than you have,
+Walter."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, well, I exercise a good deal," said Walter.
+"Ask father if I don't."</p>
+
+<p>"Walter will be more successful as a farmer
+than as a scholar," said Mr. Nelson. "He helps
+me a good deal."</p>
+
+<p>"Tom was a good scholar," said Sarah, "and
+he was always ready to work too. Walter will
+never astonish or electrify the world by his learning."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't want to," said her brother. "It
+isn't in my line."</p>
+
+<p>"That's true enough."</p>
+
+<p>"Don't tease Walter," said Mrs. Nelson. "He
+helps your father a good deal, and he is not a
+dunce."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you, mother, for taking my part.
+Sarah is going to be a strong-minded woman.
+I should not wonder if she came out as a lecturer
+on 'Woman's Rights' some time. I think
+I see her, with a pair of iron-bowed spectacles on<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 173]</span>
+her nose, and her back hair tied up in a big
+knot, flinging her arms about, and&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"That'll do, Walter," said Sarah. "It is an
+unusually powerful effort for you. I have no desire
+to lecture on 'Woman's Rights,' though I
+think they ought to have them all the same."</p>
+
+<p>"I guess you'll get yours. You'll make your
+husband stand round, if you ever get one."</p>
+
+<p>Sarah laughed good-naturedly, and retorted, "I
+shall pity your wife, if she has to darn your
+stockings."</p>
+
+<p>The next day about dinner-time Squire Hudson
+walked up to the front door, and knocked.
+His approach was witnessed, not without trepidation,
+for he was not an easy creditor.</p>
+
+<p>The squire looked about him searchingly as he
+entered. He suspected that the interest was not
+ready, and the farmer's grave face confirmed his
+suspicions. That he was glad of this of course
+Mark Nelson did not dream, for he was not aware
+of his creditor's deep-laid plans.</p>
+
+<p>"A fine day!" said the squire, with suavity.
+"I hope you are well, Mrs. Nelson."<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 174]</span></p>
+
+<p>"Pretty well, thank you, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Have you heard from Tom lately?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; he had just reached California."</p>
+
+<p>"Then of course he could not say anything of
+his prospects?"</p>
+
+<p>"It was too soon."</p>
+
+<p>"You must miss him a good deal&mdash;all of
+you."</p>
+
+<p>"I am thinking of him all the time," said
+Mrs. Nelson.</p>
+
+<p>"To be sure, that is natural in a mother.
+But if the boy does well, that will repay you
+hereafter."</p>
+
+<p>"If I only felt sure he would do well."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, he is young and industrious. He will be
+sure to make his way. He'll like it too. Why,
+my Sinclair envies him the chance of leaving
+home. He wanted to go with him."</p>
+
+<p>"Sinclair would not like to go in the same
+way as Tom, with the prospect of having to
+work hard after he got there," said Mark Nelson.</p>
+
+<p>"To be sure not, neighbor Nelson. My boy
+has never been brought up to work. My circumstances&mdash;ahem!&mdash;have<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 175]</span>
+not made it necessary."</p>
+
+<p>"Sinclair is fortunate in having a rich father,"
+said the farmer.</p>
+
+<p>"So I tell him," said the squire, complacently.
+"His fortune is already made."</p>
+
+<p>"What are you going to do with him,
+squire?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I shall make a professional man of
+him,&mdash;a lawyer, most likely," said the rich man,
+complacently. "I can give him a suitable income
+till he gets into a paying practice."</p>
+
+<p>"That will be a good many years," thought
+Sarah, "unless Sinclair works harder than he
+has lately at school;" but the shrewd young lady
+kept this thought to herself.</p>
+
+<p>One by one wife and children left the room,
+for it was well understood that the squire came
+on business, and would be likely to desire a
+private interview with the farmer. They went
+into the kitchen, closing the door behind them,
+and awaited anxiously the result of the interview.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 176]</span></p>
+
+<p>"I do hope Squire Hudson will be considerate,"
+said Mrs. Nelson, anxiously.</p>
+
+<p>"I am afraid he won't be, mother," said Sarah.
+"He is a hard man."</p>
+
+<p>"Sinclair puts on no end of airs," said Walter.
+"By the way he struts round you would think
+he owned the whole town. You had better set
+your cap for him, Sarah, for he will be rich
+some day."</p>
+
+<p>"I would rather be an old maid than marry
+him," said Sarah, decidedly.</p>
+
+<p>"Very likely your wish will be gratified," said
+her brother.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Nelson did not smile at this sally, for her
+mind was too full of anxiety.</p>
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'>[Pg 177]</span></p>
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIX" id="CHAPTER_XIX"></a>CHAPTER XIX.</h2>
+<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">Top</a></span>
+<h3>A MODERN SHYLOCK.</h3>
+
+
+<p>"I believe your interest falls due to-day, Mr.
+Nelson," said the squire, when he found himself
+alone with his debtor.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," answered the farmer, slowly. It was not
+very likely to slip his mind.</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose you have the money ready," continued
+the squire, who supposed no such thing.</p>
+
+<p>"I have a part of it ready," said Mark Nelson,
+with an effort.</p>
+
+<p>"A part," repeated his creditor, with a frown.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; I can give you thirty-six dollars
+to-day."</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Only</i> thirty-six dollars! The amount due is
+sixty-six."</p>
+
+<p>"I know it, Squire Hudson; but this has been
+a bad year for the farmers, as you probably
+know. Owing to the drought, my crops fell off
+at least one quarter."<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 178]</span></p>
+
+<p>"I can't help that," said the squire, coldly.</p>
+
+<p>"If you will be a little patient," said Mr.
+Nelson, uneasily.</p>
+
+<p>"Neighbor Nelson," said his creditor, interrupting
+him, "I wish to ask you one question.
+When I lent you money on mortgage was there
+a stipulation that if there was a drought I was
+to wait for my just interest?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, Squire Hudson."</p>
+
+<p>"To be sure not; I would not of course lend
+you money on any such terms. It was understood
+that my interest was to be paid semi-annually,&mdash;was
+it not so?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, but&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Wait a moment. You must certainly agree
+that I am entitled to prompt payment. A bargain
+is a bargain."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't dispute it, Squire Hudson, and I have
+tried to be ready for you; but in spite of all my
+efforts I am thirty dollars short."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you expect me to be content with this
+explanation?"</p>
+
+<p>"I think you are rather hard on me, squire.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 179]</span>
+It isn't as if I had the money and objected to
+pay. I am a poor man, but no one ever lost a
+dollar by me; and I don't mean that any one
+shall, while I have my life and strength."</p>
+
+<p>"That's all very well, but it won't make up
+the thirty dollars in which you are delinquent."</p>
+
+<p>"What would you have me do? I cannot <i>make</i>
+money."</p>
+
+<p>"I wouldn't give much for an investment when
+the interest is delayed. It is no longer worth
+its face. If any of my railroad bonds defer their
+usual interest they at once drop in value."</p>
+
+<p>"I know very little of railroad bonds, never
+having any money to invest in them; but I think
+my farm will be full security for all the money
+I owe you."</p>
+
+<p>"Suppose I should foreclose&mdash;you would consider
+it an unkind thing and a great hardship,
+wouldn't you?"</p>
+
+<p>"It would take away my means of supporting
+my family. I don't think you would go to
+extremes, for the sake of thirty dollars."</p>
+
+<p>"It isn't the amount of money, neighbor Nelson, that<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 180]</span>
+is to be considered. It is the principle
+that is involved."</p>
+
+<p>This is a very common pretext with men who
+have made up their minds to do a mean thing.
+Generally speaking it is false, and the money is
+the first consideration.</p>
+
+<p>"Will you give me two months to pay the
+balance of interest?" asked Mark Nelson.</p>
+
+<p>"What better prospect have you of being able
+to pay me then?"</p>
+
+<p>"As soon as Tom has any money to send, he
+will remit to me. I think it probable that I shall
+hear from him in the course of two months."</p>
+
+<p>"If that is your reliance," said the squire,
+shrugging his shoulders, "I am afraid you are
+leaning upon a broken reed. I know boys pretty
+well, and I fancy Tom will find a use for all
+the money he earns."</p>
+
+<p>"You don't know him, Squire Hudson. He is
+a very conscientious boy, and understands very
+well the sacrifice I made in raising money to
+send him to California. He is not very likely
+to forget that."<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 181]</span></p>
+
+<p>"It seems to me that the sacrifice was mine,"
+said the squire, with a half sneer. "If I remember
+rightly, I advanced the money which he took
+away with him."</p>
+
+<p>Mark Nelson flushed, and he answered warmly,
+"You did advance the money, Squire Hudson,
+but I gave you security for it."</p>
+
+<p>"And the very first interest that has come
+due you are not prepared to meet. You can't
+blame me for feeling a little doubt as to the
+wisdom of my advance."</p>
+
+<p>"Are you very much in need of the thirty
+dollars?" asked Mr. Nelson, nettled at the squire's
+tone.</p>
+
+<p>"What do you mean, sir?"</p>
+
+<p>"Is it subjecting you to any great inconvenience
+to wait a couple of months for it? That
+is what I mean."</p>
+
+<p>"My circumstances are not such," returned the
+squire, haughtily, "as to make me feel even the
+loss of thirty dollars."</p>
+
+<p>"I wish I could say the same, but I cannot.
+Since, then, it will occasion you no inconvenience,<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 182]</span>
+I ask you as a favor that you will let the balance
+rest for two months."</p>
+
+<p>Squire Hudson saw that he was cornered; but
+none the less was he disposed to yield the point.
+He even felt provoked with the farmer for having
+forced from him an acknowledgment that he did
+not need the money he so persistently demanded.</p>
+
+<p>"I told you before," he said, "that it was
+not the amount of money, but the principle, that
+I care for. You cannot have forgotten this."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't see how any principle is involved,
+Squire Hudson."</p>
+
+<p>"You look at the matter solely from a debtor's
+point of view. If you held the mortgage, instead
+of myself, you would change your view very
+quickly."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't think I should," said the farmer,
+slowly. "I would be considerate to a poor neighbor,
+even if it did inconvenience me a little."</p>
+
+<p>"The poor neighbor should not have borrowed
+money on which he was unable to pay interest,"
+said Squire Hudson, severely.</p>
+
+<p>"How could I anticipate the drought that has<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 183]</span>
+diminished my crops?" said Mark Nelson, with
+spirit.</p>
+
+<p>"That is neither here nor there. You knew
+that the interest must be paid, drought or no
+drought, crop or no crop."</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot argue with you further, since you refuse
+to consider circumstances over which I have
+had no control. You refuse to grant me any delay?"</p>
+
+<p>"I do."</p>
+
+<p>"Since I have not the money to pay you, will
+you tell me what you require?"</p>
+
+<p>"How many cows do you keep?"</p>
+
+<p>"Three."</p>
+
+<p>"You can give me one of these, and I will
+consider it an equivalent for the thirty dollars."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you require this?" asked the farmer,
+uneasily.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; unless you have some other satisfactory
+arrangement to propose."</p>
+
+<p>"I am afraid I have nothing else which you
+would regard as satisfactory. The loss of a cow
+will diminish my income. Instead of three, I<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 184]</span>
+ought to have four or five. I shouldn't like to
+be reduced to two."</p>
+
+<p>"Very likely not; but an honest man is willing
+to make a sacrifice in order to meet his just
+liabilities. Besides, you expect to have the money,
+you say, in a couple of months. When it has
+come, you may have your cow back, on paying
+two months' interest on the deferred payment.
+That is only fair."</p>
+
+<p>"Say no more, Squire Hudson," said the farmer.
+"I must, of course, consent to this arrangement
+since you insist upon it. How soon do you wish
+for the cow?"</p>
+
+<p>"You had better let your son Walter drive it
+over this afternoon."</p>
+
+<p>"He is losing no time," thought Mark Nelson,
+bitterly. "He does not even appear to be willing
+that I should have the benefit of this night's milking."</p>
+
+<p>"You may send me Whiteface," continued Squire
+Hudson, who knew that this was the most valuable
+of the three cows.</p>
+
+<p>"That is my best cow," protested the farmer<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 185]</span>
+"That makes little difference, as you expect
+to redeem it in two months."</p>
+
+<p>Mark Nelson was silent. He felt indignant with
+Squire Hudson for his cruel exaction; but he felt
+that he was in his power, and that he must submit
+to his exactions.</p>
+
+<p>"You will attend to this matter?" asked the
+squire, as he rose and prepared to go.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," answered the farmer, coldly.</p>
+
+<p>When his creditor was gone he went into the
+kitchen and acquainted the family with what had
+passed. Great were the grief and indignation of
+the children, and Walter expressed a desire that
+Squire Hudson might lose all his property as a
+fitting reward for his meanness.</p>
+
+<p>"Heaven help me if I can't meet the next
+interest!" said Mark Nelson, later in the day, to
+his wife.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't be too much troubled about the future,
+Mark," said his wife, who was of a more hopeful
+temperament than her husband; "I am sure that
+you will get some help from Tom before six
+months are over."<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 186]</span></p>
+
+<p>"I hope so," answered her husband; but for
+the rest of the day he was very grave.</p>
+
+<p>Walter drove over Whiteface, at his father's
+request; but he came near crying, stout boy as
+he was, at the loss of the faithful animal which
+his father had reared from a calf.</p>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XX" id="CHAPTER_XX"></a>CHAPTER XX.</h2>
+<p><span class='pagenum'>[Pg 187]</span></p>
+<h3>AT SACRAMENTO.</h3>
+<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">Top</a></span>
+
+<p>After his escape from the grizzly Tom had
+no further adventures of an exciting character.
+One afternoon he and his companions arrived at
+Sacramento. It was but a small settlement, but
+was more town-like than any place they had yet
+seen in California. They drove to a two-story
+frame building, which was the chief hotel in the
+town. Taking the precaution to inquire the price
+of board and lodging, they were dismayed by the
+extravagance of the charges. Tom saw that his
+reserve fund of twenty dollars would scarcely
+last him forty-eight hours.</p>
+
+<p>"I can't stay here, Mr. Ferguson," he said.
+"I will take my chances and camp out, if necessary."</p>
+
+<p>"I agree with you, lad; I'm not inclined to
+waste my substance on luxurious living."<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 188]</span></p>
+
+<p>"There won't be much luxurious living, I
+guess," said Ebenezer Onthank, who, with Yankee
+curiosity, had already visited the kitchen and obtained
+some idea of the fare to be expected. "I
+kin get better board at Green Mountain Mills for
+three dollars a week, and folks are darned glad
+to accommodate you for that price. These chaps
+seem to think and act as if we were made of
+money."</p>
+
+<p>"I wish some of your Green Mountain Mills
+boarding-houses were here," said Tom. "I could
+save plenty of money then."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, gentlemen, do you want to stay here?"
+inquired the landlord.</p>
+
+<p>"We'd like to, squire, but not bein' millionaires
+I guess we'll have to put it off till times
+are better."</p>
+
+<p>"Just as you say," said the landlord, indifferently.
+"There's others waiting for the only room
+I have empty." Then, noticing for the first time
+the express wagon which Tom had left outside,
+he asked, in a tone of interest, "Who owns that
+team?"<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 189]</span></p>
+
+<p>"It belongs to this boy and myself," answered
+Ferguson.</p>
+
+<p>"Where did it come from?"</p>
+
+<p>"The States."</p>
+
+<p>"You don't want to sell, do you?"</p>
+
+<p>Tom was about to reply in the affirmative,
+but the Scot, more shrewd, answered indifferently,
+"We may sell it when we get to San Francisco."</p>
+
+<p>"I need just such a team as that," said the
+landlord, eagerly. "I'll give you a good price
+for it. You can go down the river to Frisco."</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose we might," said Ferguson, slowly,
+"if it was worth our while."</p>
+
+<p>"What'll you take, cash down?" inquired the
+landlord, earnestly.</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, my friend, I prefer to hear your views
+as to the price."</p>
+
+<p>"I will give you eight hundred dollars for the
+wagon."</p>
+
+<p>This was certainly an excellent profit, for but
+three hundred had been paid for horse and wagon.
+Tom's heart beat fast with excitement, for he<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 190]</span>
+remembered that one-third of the money would
+come to him. If it had depended upon him he
+would have clinched the bargain at once, but he
+wisely left the matter in the hands of his companion
+and partner.</p>
+
+<p>"That seems a fair offer," said Ferguson; "but
+I think we may as well wait till we reach San
+Francisco. Besides, we want to sell the horse,
+too."</p>
+
+<p>"I will give you a thousand dollars for the
+two," said the landlord.</p>
+
+<p>A man with his pantaloons tucked in his boots,
+a coarse woolen shirt, and a wide-brimmed sombrero,
+which overshadowed a face bearing a beard
+of a week's growth, was leaning against the door-post.</p>
+
+<p>"Landlord," said he, "I see your price, and I'll
+go two hundred better."</p>
+
+<p>Tom stared at the speaker in surprise. He
+looked like a man who would have found it hard
+to raise twelve dollars, yet he had made an offer
+of twelve hundred. Our hero did not learn till afterwards
+that the man had "struck it rich" at the<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 191]</span>
+mines, sold out his claim for ten thousand dollars,
+and for the time being was the lucky possessor
+of a large bank account.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, Tom Scott," expostulated the landlord,
+"this ain't fair. I want the wagon more'n you
+do, and you're a-raisin' the price on me."</p>
+
+<p>"How do you know that?" drawled Scott.
+"I've got a pile, and I mean to take it easy
+while it lasts. I'm going back to the mines like
+a gentleman, with my own team, you bet, if
+I've got money enough to buy one."</p>
+
+<p>The landlord was satisfied that, if he wanted
+the team, he must outbid his competitor, and
+advanced his offer to thirteen hundred dollars.
+But Tom Scott was not terrified. His money had
+come easily, and he would not let two or three
+hundred dollars stand in the way of his wishes.</p>
+
+<p>"I'll go fifteen," he drawled.</p>
+
+<p>The landlord shrugged his shoulders, and said,
+in a disappointed tone, "You'll have to take
+it, Scott. You've gone ahead of my pile."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, stranger, is it a bargain?" asked Scott.</p>
+
+<p>The Scotchman, though inwardly elated as well<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 192]</span>
+as astonished at the extraordinary offer he had
+received, answered quietly, "If my partner agrees."</p>
+
+<p>"I guess we'd better sell," said Tom, trying
+not to betray his inward satisfaction.</p>
+
+<p>"All right," said Scott, appearing to be well
+pleased. "You can have your money when you
+want it. If you are going to Frisco, I'll give
+you an order on my banker there."</p>
+
+<p>"Tom Scott's a square man, and his order will
+fetch the money," said the landlord, observing
+Ferguson's prudent hesitation.</p>
+
+<p>"That is satisfactory," replied Ferguson.</p>
+
+<p>In five minutes more the business was concluded,
+and Ferguson and Tom, longing to congratulate
+each other on their good fortune, walked
+off together.</p>
+
+<p>"We're in luck, Mr. Ferguson," said Tom.
+"I don't know whether I stand on my head or
+my heels. I never expected such a price."</p>
+
+<p>"Twelve hundred dollars is a great profit," said
+Ferguson. "I almost doubt whether we are justified
+in asking such an extortionate price of the
+poor man."<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 193]</span></p>
+
+<p>"He is pleased with his bargain, and I don't
+think we need to trouble ourselves about that,"
+answered Tom. "Besides, you know we can't
+compare prices with those at home."</p>
+
+<p>"No doubt there is reason in what you say,
+my lad; but it's not easy at first to make allowance
+for the difference."</p>
+
+<p>"That's so, Mr. Ferguson. When shall we go
+to San Francisco?"</p>
+
+<p>"We will go to-morrow, if we can. I suppose
+you will wish to send some money to your
+father."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I am in a hurry to send to him, for I
+am sure he needs it already. I can hardly realize
+that I am worth five hundred dollars."</p>
+
+<p>"Five hundred?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I had a third share in the team."</p>
+
+<p>"That isn't my way of looking at it, Tom."</p>
+
+<p>"Is it possible Mr. Ferguson would cheat me
+out of my fair share?" thought Tom, but he only
+harbored the suspicion for an instant. He had
+seen too much of his friend to believe such a
+thing, and he quietly waited for an explanation.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 194]</span></p>
+
+<p>"I'll tell you how I propose that we divide it,
+Tom. First we'll take out the money each of us
+put in, one hundred for you and two hundred
+for me, and then we'll divide the profit equally."</p>
+
+<p>"But," protested Tom, "you are entitled to
+two-thirds."</p>
+
+<p>"Then I won't take it," said Ferguson, decidedly.
+"I only want half of the profit. That will
+give me eight hundred dollars, and that ought to
+satisfy me."</p>
+
+<p>"And I shall have seven hundred," said Tom,
+his eyes sparkling.</p>
+
+<p>"Precisely."</p>
+
+<p>"How kind you are, Mr. Ferguson!" exclaimed
+Tom, eagerly seizing the Scotchman's hand.</p>
+
+<p>"No, my lad; I am only just. I am glad to
+help a boy who is working for his father and
+family."</p>
+
+<p>"I shouldn't deserve to succeed if I didn't,"
+said Tom, earnestly.</p>
+
+<p>"Always bear that in mind, my lad, and God
+will smile on your efforts, and raise you up
+friends."<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 195]</span></p>
+
+<p>In spite of the high price, Tom and his partner
+felt justified now in stopping over night at the
+hotel where they had met with such a piece of
+good luck, and the next day started down the
+river for San Francisco.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXI" id="CHAPTER_XXI"></a>CHAPTER XXI.</h2>
+<p><span class='pagenum'>[Pg 196]</span></p>
+<h3>TOM BUYS A BUSINESS.</h3>
+<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">Top</a></span>
+
+<p>It was an interesting moment for our two
+friends when they landed in San Francisco. The
+future Western metropolis was only a town of
+scattered wooden and adobe houses, with irregular
+streets and a general lack of uniformity in
+its buildings; but everybody seemed on the
+alert. The number of drones was wonderfully
+small; even the constitutionally lazy could not
+resist the golden incentives to labor. Money
+was looked upon with very different eyes there
+and at the East. No one took the trouble to
+dispute prices; and a man who landed with an
+article rare or desirable could often obtain twenty
+times its value. Within ten minutes of his arrival
+Tom witnessed a case of this kind.</p>
+
+<p>Just as he was entering Montgomery street he
+noticed a man&mdash;evidently a new-comer&mdash;with a<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 197]</span>
+fine bunch of pineapples in his hand. He had
+just arrived in the steamer Columbus, then anchored
+out in the stream.</p>
+
+<p>"I shouldn't mind having one of those pineapples,"
+said Tom to Ferguson.</p>
+
+<p>"Doubtless they are high-priced, being a rarity,"
+said the Scotchman.</p>
+
+<p>Just then a passer-by, attracted like Tom, and
+feeling a similar longing, stepped up to the new-comer.</p>
+
+<p>"Are those pineapples for sale?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, if you'll pay enough," was the half-jocular
+reply.</p>
+
+<p>"Name your price."</p>
+
+<p>"Ten dollars."</p>
+
+<p>"Here is your money;" and he put a gold
+piece into the hand of the astounded passenger,
+which represented ten times the sum he had paid
+for the fruit at San Blas.</p>
+
+<p>"That's a pretty steep price," said Tom, "for
+six pineapples."</p>
+
+<p>"It is very wasteful to spend such a sight of
+money to pamper the appetite," said the canny<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 198]</span>
+Scot. "Truly, a fool and his money are soon
+parted."</p>
+
+<p>He was destined to be still more surprised.
+The purchaser within five minutes transferred half
+his purchase to another for fifteen dollars.</p>
+
+<p>"Gold seems to be plenty here," said Tom.</p>
+
+<p>"I hope all provisions are not as high," said
+Ferguson, "or we shall soon have a chance to
+spend all we have."</p>
+
+<p>"Where shall we go first?" asked Tom.</p>
+
+<p>"We had better go to a public house, and
+secure a lodging," said Ferguson.</p>
+
+<p>"I wish I knew some one here to direct me."</p>
+
+<p>Scarcely had Tom uttered these words than he
+cried out in surprise, "Why, there's John Miles!"</p>
+
+<p>They were passing a little, unpainted, wooden
+building, of one and a half stories, used as a
+grocery. A German name was on the sign; but
+behind the rough counter stood the familiar form
+of John Miles.</p>
+
+<p>Tom dashed into the store, followed by his more
+dignified companion.</p>
+
+<p>"How are you, John?" he exclaimed.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 199]</span></p>
+
+<p>"Why, if it isn't Tom," returned Miles, his
+face showing the joy he felt. "And here's Mr.
+Ferguson, too."</p>
+
+<p>Then there ensued a hearty shaking of hands,
+followed by the question, "When did you get
+here?"</p>
+
+<p>"About twenty minutes ago."</p>
+
+<p>"And you came straight to me. That's good."</p>
+
+<p>"So it is; but it's an accident. We had no
+idea where you were. So you are a grocer, John.
+Is the place yours?"</p>
+
+<p>"If it is, then I've changed my name," said
+Miles, pointing to the sign bearing the name:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="center"><b>JOHN SCHINKELWITZ.</b></div>
+
+<p>"The first name's right, at any rate," said Tom,
+laughing. "I suppose you are the clerk, then."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes."</p>
+
+<p>"How long have you been here?"</p>
+
+<p>"Four weeks."</p>
+
+<p>"Is it a good business?"</p>
+
+<p>"Very good. My Dutch friend pays me five
+dollars a day, and I sleep here."<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 200]</span></p>
+
+<p>"Among the groceries?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; it saves me the expense of a bed outside,
+and that is a good deal. I haven't saved
+quite enough to pay you yet, Tom, but I can
+soon."</p>
+
+<p>"No hurry, John. I have been lucky since I
+saw you."</p>
+
+<p>"I am glad to hear it, Tom. Did the claim
+prove more productive?"</p>
+
+<p>"No; but I have been speculating. Guess how
+much money I have with me."</p>
+
+<p>"A hundred and fifty dollars."</p>
+
+<p>"More."</p>
+
+<p>"Two hundred."</p>
+
+<p>"More yet."</p>
+
+<p>"Not three hundred, Tom?"</p>
+
+<p>"I won't make you guess any more. I have
+seven hundred dollars. No wonder you look
+surprised. I'll tell you how I made it;" and
+Tom repeated the story of his purchase and its
+profitable sale.</p>
+
+<p>"I am not so much surprised now," said Miles,
+"for in this country a man will have what he<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 201]</span>
+takes a fancy to, no matter what it costs. I am
+glad the good luck came to you and Mr. Ferguson.
+I shouldn't mind having that amount of
+money myself."</p>
+
+<p>"What would you do with it?"</p>
+
+<p>"I would buy out my employer, and then I
+could make money fast."</p>
+
+<p>"Does he want to sell?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, he wants to go to the mines."</p>
+
+<p>"Would he sell for such a small sum?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; there isn't much of a stock, but we are
+constantly replenishing. I tell you what, Tom,
+<i>you</i> buy him out, and I'll manage the business."</p>
+
+<p>"Are you in earnest, John?"</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly I am."</p>
+
+<p>"But I want to send some money home,"
+objected Tom.</p>
+
+<p>"How much?"</p>
+
+<p>"A hundred dollars at least."</p>
+
+<p>"I'll lend you the hundred, my lad," said Ferguson,
+"and fifty more, and you can take your
+own money and buy the business. I don't favor
+acting hastily, in general, but I have faith in<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 202]</span>
+our friend here, and I am led to believe that
+the enterprise will be a profitable one."</p>
+
+<p>"You'll be my partner, Tom, and I'll give you
+a third of the profits without your doing a thing.
+If you work with me, you shall have as much more
+as will be satisfactory."</p>
+
+<p>"I would rather go back to the mines, John,
+and leave you to manage this business by yourself.
+A quarter of the profits will satisfy me."</p>
+
+<p>"No, it shall be a third. As you furnish the
+capital, that is only fair."</p>
+
+<p>"We may be counting our chickens too soon.
+Perhaps your Dutch friend, whose name I can't
+pronounce, won't sell."</p>
+
+<p>"Here he is to speak for himself."</p>
+
+<p>A short German, with a ponderous frame, and
+a broad, good-humored face, here entered the
+grocery, panting with the exertion of walking, and
+looked inquiringly at Tom and the Scotchman.</p>
+
+<p>"Herr Schinkelwitz, this is my friend, Tom
+Nelson," said Miles.</p>
+
+<p>"Glad to see you, mine vriend," said the German,
+addressing Ferguson.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 203]</span></p>
+
+<p>"No, that is Mr. Ferguson," said Miles, smiling.
+"I should have introduced him first."</p>
+
+<p>"Wie gehts, Herr Ferguson?" said the grocer.
+"You have one strange name."</p>
+
+<p>"Your name seems strange to me," said the
+Scotchman.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no; Schinkelwitz is a very common name.
+Most peoples admire my name."</p>
+
+<p>Tom was considerably amused, but Herr Schinkelwitz
+did not observe the smile which he could
+not repress.</p>
+
+<p>"I have told my friends you would like to
+sell out the business," said Miles.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, ja, it is a good business, but my health
+is not good. I think it will be much better at
+the mines. You will do well to buy it yourself."</p>
+
+<p>"I would if I had money enough."</p>
+
+<p>"Ja, I must have the money, for I shall need it."</p>
+
+<p>"My friend here has money, and may buy of
+you," said Miles, indicating Tom.</p>
+
+<p>"What, the boy?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes."</p>
+
+<p>"Where did he get so much money?"<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 204]</span></p>
+
+<p>"At the mines."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, ja, that is a good place to get gold.
+Well, my young vriend, I will sell cheap."</p>
+
+<p>It will not be necessary to enter into a detailed
+account of the negotiation. It is enough to say
+that for the sum of seven hundred dollars Herr
+Schinkelwitz made over the business to Herr Tom,
+as he called him, and our hero found himself
+penniless, but the owner of a grocery. In half
+an hour it was all completed.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, Tom, you are my boss," said Miles.
+"Shall I put your name outside?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, John, put your own. I am only a silent
+partner, you know."</p>
+
+<p>"I congratulate you, Tom," said Ferguson.
+"Here are two hundred dollars, for which you
+can give me your note."</p>
+
+<p>"Two hundred?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; you will need some yourself, besides
+what you send to your father."</p>
+
+<p>"Suppose I can't pay you back?"</p>
+
+<p>"Then I will levy on the grocery, my lad,"
+said Ferguson.</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'>[Pg 205]</span></p><hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXII" id="CHAPTER_XXII"></a>CHAPTER XXII.</h2>
+<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">Top</a></span>
+<h3>A GAMBLING-HOUSE.</h3>
+
+
+<p>Having completed this important business arrangement,
+the two friends went out to explore the town.
+The limits were narrow compared with those of
+the flourishing city of the present day. Where
+the Palace and Grand hotels now stand was a
+sand-hill, and the bay encroached upon the business
+part of the city far more than now.</p>
+
+<p>Scarcely a stone's throw from the grocery, on
+Montgomery street, between California and Sacramento,
+was the office of Adams' Express, which
+advertised to forward gold-dust and packages by
+every steamer.</p>
+
+<p>"I will go in here, Mr. Ferguson," said Tom.
+"I shall not feel comfortable till I have started
+this money homeward. I am sure it will be
+wanted."<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 206]</span></p>
+
+<p>"Right, my lad. We will attend to it, by all
+means."</p>
+
+<p>They entered the building,&mdash;a very humble
+one it would now be considered,&mdash;but they found
+other customers before them, and had to wait for
+their turn.</p>
+
+<p>"What can I do for you?" asked the clerk,
+in a quick, business-like tone.</p>
+
+<p>"I want to send home a hundred dollars," said
+Tom.</p>
+
+<p>"Give me the address."</p>
+
+<p>This was done, the money paid over, and a
+receipt returned in two minutes.</p>
+
+<p>"How long before my father will receive the
+money?" asked Tom.</p>
+
+<p>"The steamer starts in three days. About a
+month will be needed."</p>
+
+<p>Then Tom moved aside, and the next man took
+his place.</p>
+
+<p>"I am glad that is attended to," said Tom,
+relieved. "Now, Mr. Ferguson, I will go wherever
+you wish."</p>
+
+<p>"We had better secure a lodging," said the<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 207]</span>
+Scotchman. "When we are sure of a bed we
+can walk about at our leisure."</p>
+
+<p>Lodgings were to be had, but they were generally
+very dear. The first room looked at was
+five dollars per day, without board,&mdash;a price our
+friends were unwilling to pay. Finally they found
+a decent, though small room, with rather a narrow
+bed, which could be had for three fifths of
+that sum, and they engaged it.</p>
+
+<p>"We will have to go back to the mines soon,"
+said Tom. "San Francisco is too expensive for
+us to live in."</p>
+
+<p>"You can afford it better than I, Tom," said
+his friend.</p>
+
+<p>"Why?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because you have a business that brings you
+in an income."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I forgot that," said our hero, smiling.
+"Things happen so fast here that I haven't got
+used to my new position. Do you think I invested
+my money wisely, Mr. Ferguson?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, my lad, since your agent is a trustworthy,
+honest man."<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 208]</span></p>
+
+<p>"I am sure I can trust John Miles."</p>
+
+<p>"If I were not confident of it, also, I would
+not have encouraged you to take so important
+a step."</p>
+
+<p>"I think I won't write to father about it,"
+said Tom, after a pause. "He might think I
+had acted foolishly, and become anxious. If I
+succeed, then I shall be glad to surprise him.
+I think I shall make money; but I don't want
+to count on it too much. I shall be ready to
+go back with you to the mines whenever you say
+the word."</p>
+
+<p>As they sauntered about, gazing curiously at the
+motley sights around them, they heard strains
+of music. It appeared to proceed from a large
+wooden building, with a jutting roof, under which,
+on benches, lounged a number of persons, some of
+them Mexicans, in their native costumes, smoking
+cigarettes. A large American flag was displayed
+over the door, and a crowd was constantly passing
+in and out.</p>
+
+<p>"Let us go in," said Tom.</p>
+
+<p>His companion making no objection, they<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 209]</span>
+entered. The first sight of the interior made
+clear the character of the place. There were
+numerous tables, spread with games,&mdash;faro, monte,
+and roulette,&mdash;each surrounded by an absorbed and
+interested group. "Easy come, easy go," was the
+rule with the early California pioneers, and the
+gaming-table enlisted in its service many men
+who would not have dreamed at home that they
+could ever be brought to tolerate such an instrument
+of evil.</p>
+
+<p>Tom was a country boy, and unsophisticated,
+but he could not help understanding the nature
+of the business which brought so many to the
+place.</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose they are gambling," he said.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, poor, deluded creatures!" said the Scotchman,
+who had been brought up to an abhorrence
+of games of chance. "They are wasting their
+time and their substance, and foolishly laying up
+for themselves future misery."</p>
+
+<p>Had this remark been heard it would have
+excited indignation, and perhaps subjected the
+speaker to insult; but the players were too intent<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 210]</span>
+upon their varying chances to pay any attention
+to the remarks of by-standers.</p>
+
+<p>"I hope, Tom, you will never yield to the
+seductive lures of the gaming-table," continued
+Ferguson.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't think there is much danger," said
+Tom. "I have always been taught that gambling
+is wicked."</p>
+
+<p>"May you long feel so, my lad!"</p>
+
+<p>Tom did, however, watch the players with interest.
+He saw money lost and won, without understanding
+exactly how it was decided. From the
+game his attention was drawn to the gamesters.
+He was led to notice, particularly, a young man
+of prepossessing countenance, who was evidently
+profoundly excited. From time to time he drew
+out a roll of gold pieces, which he placed on a
+card, and invariably lost. He must have had a
+considerable sum; but, small or large, he was in
+ill-luck, and constantly lost. As he neared the
+end of his resources the feverish blush upon his
+handsome features was succeeded by a deep pallor,
+and there was no mistaking the expression of<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 211]</span>
+deep anguish and despair which announced that
+he had reached the end.</p>
+
+<p>Tom became painfully interested in the young
+man, and silently drew the attention of his companion
+to him. When the end came, and the
+victim, thoroughly "cleaned out," turned to go
+out, Tom said, in a low voice, "Let us follow
+him."</p>
+
+<p>Ferguson acquiesced. He, too, had become interested,
+and the young man's expression as he
+passed our two friends was so despairing that
+Ferguson felt some alarm as to the effect of his
+disappointment upon his mind.</p>
+
+<p>Once in the street, Ferguson and Tom followed
+the unfortunate young man into an obscure street,
+keeping up with difficulty, for his pace was rapid
+and excited. It proved to be a fortunate thing,
+for when he supposed himself free from observation
+the young man drew a pistol, and, with an
+incoherent exclamation, placed it in contact with
+his temple.</p>
+
+<p>Tom sprang forward, and so did the Scotchman;
+but the boy was the quicker and more<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 212]</span>
+agile, and dashed the pistol aside just in time
+to prevent a suicide.</p>
+
+<p>"Why did you do that?" asked the baffled
+would-be-suicide, gloomily, turning his gaze upon
+Tom.</p>
+
+<p>"I was afraid you were going to kill yourself."</p>
+
+<p>"So I was."</p>
+
+<p>"What could induce you to take such a rash
+step?" asked Ferguson.</p>
+
+<p>"I have been a reckless fool. I have lost all
+my money at the accursed gambling-table, and my
+life is not worth retaining."</p>
+
+<p>"It appears to me," said the Scotchman, quietly,
+"that you set too high a value upon money.
+You have certainly been very foolish to risk it
+at the gaming-table, and the loss will no doubt
+inconvenience you; but was your money all you
+had to live for?"</p>
+
+<p>The young man regarded Ferguson with some
+surprise; but his excitement was evidently abated.
+The quiet tone of the speaker had a favorable
+effect upon him.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 213]</span></p>
+
+<p>"I didn't think of it in that light," he admitted.</p>
+
+<p>"Have you no relatives to whom your life is
+of value?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," answered the young man. "I have a
+mother and sister."</p>
+
+<p>"Would not your death affect them more than
+the loss of money?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes."</p>
+
+<p>"It seems to me that to take your life would
+be to treat them cruelly."</p>
+
+<p>The young man was evidently agitated by contending
+thoughts.</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose you are right," he said, slowly;
+"but let me tell you all, and you can judge me
+better: I arrived in California six months since.
+My home is in Ohio, not far from Cincinnati. I
+was fortunate enough to commence mining at a
+point on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada
+Mountains where I was almost alone. I 'struck
+it rich,' and two days since arrived in San Francisco
+with over two thousand dollars in gold-dust."<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 214]</span></p>
+
+<p>"You were certainly in luck," said Ferguson,
+surprised.</p>
+
+<p>"I turned it into money, and, in strolling about
+the city, was lured into that accursed den. I
+looked on and was fascinated. I thought I
+would try my luck. I began with a small stake,
+and kept on till I had lost every dollar. In one
+hour the fruits of six months' labor are gone. Do
+you wonder that I am reduced to despair?"</p>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIII" id="CHAPTER_XXIII"></a>CHAPTER XXIII.</h2>
+<p><span class='pagenum'>[Pg 215]</span></p>
+<h3>A NEW SCHEME.</h3>
+<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">Top</a></span>
+
+<p>"I see no cause for despair," replied Ferguson,
+in the same calm tone.</p>
+
+<p>"I have not a penny left out of the two thousand
+dollars I had only an hour since."</p>
+
+<p>"I understand all that."</p>
+
+<p>"I am a ruined man," said the young man,
+despondently.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't admit that. How old are you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Twenty-one."</p>
+
+<p>"You are well and strong, are you not?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, yes, I have nothing to complain of on
+that score."</p>
+
+<p>"Then it appears to me that your loss is not
+serious. Your capital still remains."</p>
+
+<p>"My capital?" repeated the young man.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; your strong arms, your education, your
+capacity to labor."<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 216]</span></p>
+
+<p>"But I shall have to begin over again."</p>
+
+<p>"Beginning over again at your age, when,
+possibly, fifty years of life lie before you, is not
+such a serious matter. Were I in your situation,&mdash;and
+I am twice as old as you,&mdash;I should not
+thing of despairing. Don't you think it would be
+rather foolish for two thousand dollars, which you
+have been only six months in accumulating, to
+throw away fifty years, and all that you can
+make in that time, thereby bringing a life-long
+grief to your mother and sister?"</p>
+
+<p>The calm, logical tone of the Scotchman had its
+effect.</p>
+
+<p>"I see that I was about to add to one piece
+of folly another far greater," said the young man.
+"I don't know who you are, sir, but I heartily
+thank you and your son for saving my life."</p>
+
+<p>"This is not my son, but my young friend,
+Thomas Nelson," said Ferguson. "I am not so
+fortunate as to have a son."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, God bless you both, and good-night!"</p>
+
+<p>"Excuse my persistency, but may I ask where
+you are going?"<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 217]</span></p>
+
+<p>"I am not going to repeat my folly of just
+now, if that is what you mean."</p>
+
+<p>"I did not suspect you of that; but are you
+sure of a bed anywhere?"</p>
+
+<p>"No; I have no money to pay for one. I
+shall walk the streets, or possibly lie down in
+some quiet place. I was accustomed to roughing
+it at the mines, and can do it again if necessary."</p>
+
+<p>"Tom and I have a room in which you are
+welcome to find a shelter. I am sorry that our
+bed is too narrow to hold another."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you. That will be better than to sleep
+in the streets. But are you not afraid to make
+me this offer?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why should I be?"</p>
+
+<p>"I might rob you during the night."</p>
+
+<p>"You might, but you don't look like one who
+would so reward confidence."</p>
+
+<p>"You are right. If you had fifty thousand
+dollars I would not touch a dollar of it. I will
+accept your offer. How can I repay you for
+your kindness?"<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 218]</span></p>
+
+<p>"There may be a way. We will talk of that
+this evening."</p>
+
+<p>Nine o'clock found the three collected in the
+small room which had been hired by Ferguson
+for himself and Tom.</p>
+
+<p>"My friend," said Ferguson, "you told us that
+you found a favorable place for mining up in the
+Sierras."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I 'struck it rich.'"</p>
+
+<p>"I take it for granted that you did not exhaust
+the wealth of the place?"</p>
+
+<p>"Far from it. I only dipped into it. There
+is abundance left."</p>
+
+<p>"Is this place known to many?"</p>
+
+<p>"To only one, so far as I know. He and I
+worked independently, but were company for each
+other."</p>
+
+<p>"But what induced you to leave so rich a
+claim?"</p>
+
+<p>"I was tired of working, and wanted to come
+to the city for a change. You know what a
+change I have experienced here."</p>
+
+<p>"Why don't you go back and start anew in<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 219]</span>
+the place where you met with your former good
+fortune?" asked Ferguson.</p>
+
+<p>"Because I am penniless. I must find something
+to do here for a while. When I have got
+together a little fund, sufficient for the purpose,
+I will go back."</p>
+
+<p>"Would you go back now, if you had the
+chance?"</p>
+
+<p>"Would I? Certainly I would, for I could
+make money faster there than here."</p>
+
+<p>"Would you have any objection to let Tom
+and myself accompany you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not the least. I should be glad of your
+company. There is gold enough for us all."</p>
+
+<p>"Then we will start to-morrow, that is, if you
+and Tom are willing."</p>
+
+<p>"I am ready," said Tom, promptly.</p>
+
+<p>"But I have nothing. I don't like to be an
+expense to you," objected the young man.</p>
+
+<p>"We will pay your expenses. We shall be
+more than recompensed by the richness of the
+mines. We might find something to do here, but
+both Tom and myself prefer the freedom of the<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 220]</span>
+mining camp, and, if the spot is as rich as you
+have led us to suspect, we shall make more
+money there."</p>
+
+<p>"Agreed!" said the young man, promptly.
+"Name the hour of starting, and rely upon me
+to be ready."</p>
+
+<p>Ferguson was evidently well pleased with this
+response. He felt that his new acquaintance would
+be so far away from the city, and would sooner
+retrieve his fortunes at the mines. He hoped, too,
+to find opportunity to strengthen his principles,
+and guard him against the temptations of the
+city when he should again visit it. Again, he
+had reason to think that the arrangement would
+benefit Tom and himself in a pecuniary way, and
+the Scotchman was by no means indifferent to
+that consideration; though, as we have seen, he
+did not unduly exalt the power or value of money.</p>
+
+<p>Tom, too, was pleased with the prospect. He
+was grateful and attached to Ferguson, whom he
+felt to be a true friend, but he was glad to
+have another companion nearer his own age. The
+young man was of a prepossessing exterior, and<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 221]</span>
+when he had shaken off his present disquietude
+looked as if he might be a cheerful and agreeable
+companion.</p>
+
+<p>"Since we are to live together, for a time at
+least, and become fellow-workers," said Ferguson,
+"we ought to know each other better. I will
+introduce myself first."</p>
+
+<p>Hereupon Ferguson gave a brief account of
+himself, which need not be repeated, and then
+called upon Tom, who followed his example.</p>
+
+<p>"Now it is my turn," said their new acquaintance.
+"You don't even know my name yet, though
+you have done me such an important service. I
+have already told you that I am from Ohio. My
+name is Richard Russell, though my friends generally
+call me Dick. My father, whom I had the misfortune
+to lose several years since, was at one
+time a member of Congress. He left a small
+property, the income of which is barely sufficient
+to provide my mother and sister with the comforts
+of life. I had a fair education, including enough
+Latin and Greek to fit me for entering college.
+My mother desired me to enter; but I knew<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 222]</span>
+that she could not keep me there without practicing
+pinching economy, and I secured a place with
+a small salary in a business house in Cincinnati.
+A year since, when the papers were full of the
+gold discoveries on this coast, I was seized, like
+so many others, with the golden fever, and
+arranged to start overland. It would have proved
+a wise step had I not been so rash a fool as
+to squander my earnings; for two thousand dollars
+in six months compare very favorably with twelve
+dollars a week, which I was earning at home.
+I might have gone home by the next steamer,
+and had money enough to carry me through a
+course of legal study, had I desired. I am out
+of patience with myself when I think of how I
+have thrown away my good fortune."</p>
+
+<p>"Don't think too much of the past, which cannot
+be recalled. Resolve not to repeat your folly,
+and all may yet be well."</p>
+
+<p>"I have fully resolved upon that," said Russell,
+earnestly.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you think you shall study law, if you
+are again fortunate, Mr. Russell?" asked Tom.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 223]</span></p>
+
+<p>"If you please don't call me Mr. Russell,
+unless you want me to call you Mr. Nelson. Call
+me Dick."</p>
+
+<p>"I will," said Tom, smiling, "for I am not
+ready to be called Mr. Nelson yet."</p>
+
+<p>"Now, to answer your question: if I can get
+two thousand dollars together again, I shall
+probably study law. Of course I don't mean to
+be a miner all my life any more than you. Now,
+Tom, what are your plans?"</p>
+
+<p>"I think I should like to be a lawyer, too,
+but I must earn more than two thousand dollars
+first."</p>
+
+<p>"Two thousand ought to be sufficient to educate
+you if you are economical."</p>
+
+<p>"It would be, but I want to pay off a
+mortgage on my father's farm before I begin to
+lay up money for myself."</p>
+
+<p>"You are a good fellow, Tom, and I wish you
+success."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you, Dick. I will succeed if hard
+work can bring success."</p>
+
+<p>"Good-night to you both," said Ferguson. "I<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 224]</span>
+want to sleep well to prepare myself for starting
+to-morrow."</p>
+
+<p>In half an hour all three were sleeping soundly.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIV" id="CHAPTER_XXIV"></a>CHAPTER XXIV.</h2>
+<p><span class='pagenum'>[Pg 225]</span></p>
+<h3>PREPARING FOR A NEW START.</h3>
+<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">Top</a></span>
+
+<p>When Tom opened his eyes he did not at first
+remember where he was, but a glance at Dick
+Russell, his new acquaintance, stretched out on
+the floor and still sleeping, quickly recalled the
+important events of the day previous. Mr. Ferguson
+was already dressed.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Tom, are you rested?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, Mr. Ferguson; I slept like a top.
+What time is it?"</p>
+
+<p>"It is seven o'clock. Our new friend is still
+asleep."</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose he was on his feet all day yesterday."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know whether I ought to hurry you
+away from San Francisco so soon, Tom," said
+his Scotch friend. "We only arrived yesterday,
+and you have not had time to see the place, and<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 226]</span>
+enjoy yourself after your hard work at the
+mines."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't care for that, Mr. Ferguson. I am
+anxious to be at work again. I didn't come out
+here to enjoy myself, but to make money for my
+father."</p>
+
+<p>"You have succeeded pretty well thus far,
+Tom."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; but I have made more by the sale of
+the team than by work at the mines."</p>
+
+<p>"True; but that is a legitimate transaction.
+If our friend here has reported correctly, we shall
+find mining more profitable in the place he mentions
+than at River Bend."</p>
+
+<p>"I have no objection to that, though I was
+satisfied with River Bend. Wouldn't it be splendid,
+Mr. Ferguson, if we could do as well in the
+next six months as he did?"</p>
+
+<p>"Making two thousand dollars each?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes."</p>
+
+<p>"We may accomplish it; but it is best not to
+calculate upon it."</p>
+
+<p>"If I could only free the farm from that troublesome
+mortgage<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 227]</span> I should be proud and happy. It
+has worn upon father, as I could see, and he has
+been compelled to toil early and late to pay the
+interest, besides supporting us all."</p>
+
+<p>"How much is the mortgage, Tom?"</p>
+
+<p>"Twenty-two hundred dollars."</p>
+
+<p>"You have made a good beginning towards it
+already, Tom. You have seven hundred dollars
+invested in business."</p>
+
+<p>"But out of that I owe you a hundred and
+fifty, Mr. Ferguson."</p>
+
+<p>"Don't trouble yourself about that, Tom. Unless
+I should stand in great need of it, I will wait till
+you have paid off the mortgage before asking to
+have it repaid."</p>
+
+<p>"You are very kind, Mr. Ferguson," said Tom,
+gratefully. "A part of my seven hundred dollars
+rightfully belongs to you, for you owned two-thirds
+of the horse and wagon."</p>
+
+<p>"I couldn't have bought them without your help,
+Tom. So you see that you enabled me to make
+money. I am quite satisfied with an equal partnership."<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 228]</span></p>
+
+<p>"And I am very well satisfied with my partner,"
+said Tom, smiling. "Shall we wake up Russell?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, for we have much to do to-day."</p>
+
+<p>"John Miles will be surprised at my leaving the
+city so quick."</p>
+
+<p>"By the way, Tom, as he is to remain here,
+while you are out of the reach of post-offices, it
+may be well to ask your father to direct future
+letters to his care, and he can forward them as
+he has opportunity."</p>
+
+<p>"That is a good idea. I will write to-day so
+as to catch the next steamer, and I will also
+speak to John."</p>
+
+<p>Tom had to shake Dick Russell energetically
+before that young man opened his eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"What's the matter?" he ejaculated, drowsily.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't you want some breakfast?" asked Tom.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, it's you, Tom! Yes, you have touched
+the right chord. I have a first-class appetite&mdash;and
+no money," he added, his face clouding.</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Ferguson is treasurer," said Tom, lightly,
+wishing to divert Russell from the thoughts of
+his heavy loss, and the folly to which he owed<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 229]</span>
+it; "but we know very little of the city. Can
+you guide us to a good restaurant?"</p>
+
+<p>"To a good one, but not a cheap one. Everything
+is high here."</p>
+
+<p>"Then it is fortunate we are going to leave
+so soon."</p>
+
+<p>In a small restaurant, on Montgomery street, our
+three friends partook of a hearty breakfast. It
+might not have attracted an epicure, but neither
+of the three was fastidious; and, though the charge
+was five dollars, Ferguson, economical as he was,
+paid the bill cheerfully. It was the first "civilized"
+breakfast he had eaten for months, and it
+might be months before he would be able to partake
+of another as good.</p>
+
+<p>"I wish we could breakfast like this at the
+mines," said Tom.</p>
+
+<p>"So say I," chimed in Dick Russell; "but
+you know that the gold-hunter must sacrifice home
+comforts."</p>
+
+<p>"I shan't complain of that, if I can do as
+well as you did," said Tom.</p>
+
+<p>"I see no reason why you can't. There is<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 230]</span>
+plenty of gold there, and all that is needed is
+work and perseverance."</p>
+
+<p>"I am willing to contribute them," said Tom.
+"I mean to do my best to succeed."</p>
+
+<p>"None of us can do more, my lad," said
+Ferguson. "Let us hope that God will prosper
+our undertakings."</p>
+
+<p>"I say, I am glad I have met with you two,"
+said Dick Russell. "You'll keep me on the right
+track; and, in spite of my past folly, I hope in
+time to win success."</p>
+
+<p>"I am glad to hear you speak so sensibly, my
+young friend," said the Scotchman, kindly. "It's a
+great deal better to put your back to the wheel
+once more, than to take the life God gave you."</p>
+
+<p>"Don't speak of that again, Mr. Ferguson,"
+said Russell, shuddering. "I don't like to think
+of it."</p>
+
+<p>"He'll do," thought Ferguson, with satisfaction.
+"His mind is now in a healthy condition, and I
+have great hopes of him."</p>
+
+<p>The rest of the day was devoted to the purchase
+of supplies. Ferguson also bought a mule,<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 231]</span>
+in behalf of the party, which was of service in
+carrying a part of their burdens. It was not until
+afternoon that Tom found an opportunity to call
+on John Miles, and acquaint him with his almost
+immediate departure.</p>
+
+<p>"I am sorry you are going away so soon,
+Tom," said Miles. "I thought you would stay at
+least a week."</p>
+
+<p>"So I would if I were not so anxious to be
+at work once more. You know how my father
+is situated, John, for I have told you more than
+once."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, Tom; but I see no reason why you
+should feel uneasy. With the help you are to
+send him, there will be no trouble about his paying
+his interest regularly."</p>
+
+<p>"I know that, John; but I shall feel uneasy until
+the mortgage is paid off, and he is out of Squire
+Hudson's power."</p>
+
+<p>"For how long a time has the farm your
+father owns been encumbered with this mortgage?"</p>
+
+<p>"For ten years, at least."<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 232]</span></p>
+
+<p>"Is the mortgage for any specified term of
+years?"</p>
+
+<p>"I don't think so."</p>
+
+<p>"It merely runs from year to year then?"</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose so."</p>
+
+<p>"In that case this Squire Hudson could foreclose
+at any time, could he not?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," answered Tom, soberly.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't make yourself uneasy about it, however,"
+said Miles, observing that Tom seemed apprehensive.
+"As your father's farm is not particularly
+valuable, there can be no danger of foreclosure.
+By the way, wouldn't you like to have me remit your
+father something next month out of the profits of
+the business?&mdash;I can charge it to your account."</p>
+
+<p>"I am glad you mentioned it, John. You may
+send him fifty or seventy-five dollars, if my share
+should amount to so much."</p>
+
+<p>"I will."</p>
+
+<p>"And I am going to have my home letters directed
+to your care. You can forward them to me
+whenever you have an opportunity."</p>
+
+<p>"I won't fail, Tom. If there is anything you<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 233]</span>
+need sent out to you, you have only to write me,
+and I will attend to your commissions."</p>
+
+<p>"It is very convenient to have an agent in the
+city," said John, smiling. "I shall feel much more
+comfortable out at the mines."</p>
+
+<p>"I wish you good luck, Tom; but remember, even
+if you don't succeed in your search for gold, I shall
+be making money for you here."</p>
+
+<p>"You make me feel quite like a capitalist, John."</p>
+
+<p>"I hope you may be one some day. Good-by!"</p>
+
+<p>They shook hands and parted. Before night-fall
+Tom had started on his new journey in quest of
+gold.</p>
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'>[Pg 234]</span></p>
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXV" id="CHAPTER_XXV"></a>CHAPTER XXV.</h2>
+<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">Top</a></span>
+
+<h3>WHITEFACE.</h3>
+
+
+<p>Mark Nelson missed sorely the cow which he
+had been compelled to yield to the squire on account
+of default of interest. Whiteface was his
+best cow, and a great favorite with all the children.
+She gave nearly as much milk as the other two,
+and had been one of the main dependences of the
+family. It was worth considerably more than the
+thirty dollars for which the squire took it; but he
+insisted upon that and no other, and Whiteface
+had to go.</p>
+
+<p>Six months had passed, and there seemed to be
+very little chance of redeeming the lost cow.
+Squire Hudson had agreed to give her back on payment
+of the balance due, with accrued interest; but
+neither he nor Mark Nelson expected that such an
+offer would be made.</p>
+
+<p>"I was passing Squire Hudson's to-day, and saw<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 235]</span>
+poor Whiteface," said Walter, one evening. "I
+think she knew me, for when I called her she lowed
+back."</p>
+
+<p>"I wish we had her back," said Sarah. "It was
+heartless in the squire to take her. He had a
+dozen cows of his own."</p>
+
+<p>"He hasn't any heart," said Walter, "or, if he
+has, it must be pretty small."</p>
+
+<p>"We must not forget that he was entitled to
+some security for the balance of interest I owe
+him," said the farmer.</p>
+
+<p>"The cow was worth a good deal more than
+thirty dollars," said Sarah.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, she was; but I am not sure whether I
+could have got any more money for her at a forced
+sale. Then you know the squire is pledged to give
+her back whenever I can pay him the thirty dollars,
+with interest."</p>
+
+<p>"I wish you could pay it now, father," said
+Walter.</p>
+
+<p>"So do I, my boy; but I cannot, unless your
+brother sends me some money."</p>
+
+<p>"It is three weeks since we have heard from<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 236]</span>
+Tom," said Mrs. Nelson, anxiously. "I am afraid
+he is sick."</p>
+
+<p>"Don't worry yourself with imaginary fears,
+Mary," said her husband. "Tom may be sick, of
+course; but he is strong and healthy, and we won't
+fear such a thing without some ground. Probably
+a letter is on the way from him now."</p>
+
+<p>"I hope he is making money," said Walter. "I
+wish I were with him."</p>
+
+<p>"I would never consent to have you go too," said
+Mrs. Nelson, hastily.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't think Walter seriously thinks of asking
+leave," said Mr. Nelson, smiling. "As he is only
+thirteen years old, I should be inclined to object
+myself. I must have him at home to help me with
+the farm."</p>
+
+<p>"I should be perfectly contented to stay at home
+if we had Whiteface back," said Walter. "I've a
+great mind to steal her out of the squire's yard.
+I bet she'd be glad to come."</p>
+
+<p>"Don't speak in that way, Walter," said his
+father. "I dislike to have you speak of stealing,
+even in fun."<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 237]</span></p>
+
+<p>At this moment there was a knock at the front
+door. Farmer Nelson's house was an old-fashioned
+one, and not provided with a bell.</p>
+
+<p>"Go to the door, Sarah," said her father.</p>
+
+<p>Sarah obeyed.</p>
+
+<p>"Good-evening, Nahum," she said to the village
+expressman.</p>
+
+<p>"I've got a small package for your folks,"
+said Nahum. "It's marked all over. Guess it
+came from Californy."</p>
+
+<p>"It must be from Tom," exclaimed Sarah, in
+delight.</p>
+
+<p>"That's what I thought," said the expressman,
+who knew everybody in the village, and could
+probably give a fairly correct list of their sisters,
+cousins, and aunts, with a fair guess at their
+worldly circumstances.</p>
+
+<p>"Is there anything to pay, Nahum?"</p>
+
+<p>"Only fifty cents,&mdash;the expressage from Boston.
+Never mind about it now, for I'm in a hurry.
+Your father can hand it to me next time he sees
+me."</p>
+
+<p>"O father, here's a package from Tom," said<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 238]</span>
+Sarah, hurrying into the room where they were
+all sitting.</p>
+
+<p>"Open it quick," said Walter. "See if there's
+any money in it."</p>
+
+<p>The cord was cut, and a small box was disclosed
+containing a hundred dollars in gold pieces
+and a line from Tom, stating that he was doing
+well, and that he hoped soon to send some more
+money.</p>
+
+<p>"A hundred dollars! What a lot of money!"
+exclaimed Walter, gazing on the little pile of
+coins as if fascinated.</p>
+
+<p>"I am so glad the dear boy is doing well,"
+said Mrs. Nelson.</p>
+
+<p>"Now we can have Whiteface back, can't we,
+father?" asked Walter, joyfully.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, Walter," said Mark Nelson, almost as
+excited as his son. "I will go over the first
+thing in the morning."</p>
+
+<p>"Can't we go over this evening?" asked Walter,
+impatiently.</p>
+
+<p>"No, it is dark, and Whiteface is stalled for
+the night."<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 239]</span></p>
+
+<p>"You'll have seventy dollars left over, father,
+won't you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; and that will provide for my next interest.
+I feel grateful and happy at Tom's success
+and his thoughtfulness."</p>
+
+<p>Could Tom have seen the effect of his remittance
+it would have made his heart glad, and he
+would have felt abundantly repaid for his labor
+and self-denial.</p>
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'>[Pg 240]</span></p>
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXVI" id="CHAPTER_XXVI"></a>CHAPTER XXVI.</h2>
+<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">Top</a></span>
+<h3>SQUIRE HUDSON'S DISAPPOINTMENT.</h3>
+
+
+<p>If Whiteface was missed at her old home, she
+was scarcely less appreciated by her new possessor.
+On the very morning succeeding the day
+when Tom's remittance was received the squire
+remarked to his head workman, "Whiteface is an
+excellent cow, Abner."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, squire, I calculate she's the best you've
+got."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know but she is, Abner," said the
+squire, complacently. "I consider her worth at
+least fifty dollars."</p>
+
+<p>"So she is, every cent of it."</p>
+
+<p>"And she cost me only thirty," thought Squire
+Hudson, with a smile of content.</p>
+
+<p>He was a rich man, and abundantly able to pay
+his poor neighbor the full value of the cow; but
+somehow it never occurred to him to do it. He<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 241]</span>
+was not above taking an unfair advantage of a
+man who was unluckily in his power. Of course
+the squire knew that Farmer Nelson had a right
+to redeem the cow at the price agreed upon
+with interest; but he felt pretty safe on this
+point. The farmer was not very likely to have
+thirty dollars to spare, and as for a remittance
+from Tom the squire was pretty sure none would
+be received.</p>
+
+<p>"It'll be all the boy can do to take care of himself
+out there," he reflected, "let alone sending
+money home. He may send ten dollars or so
+some time; but it's very doubtful, very doubtful!"</p>
+
+<p>Squire Hudson turned to go back to the house
+when he saw the man of whom he had been
+thinking coming up the road. He stopped short,
+thinking the farmer might wish to speak to him.</p>
+
+<p>"Good-morning, Mr. Nelson," he said, pleasantly,
+for he was in good-humor.</p>
+
+<p>"Good-morning, squire."</p>
+
+<p>"Your Whiteface has got to feel quite at home
+in my barn-yard."</p>
+
+<p>"She is a good cow, Squire Hudson."<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 242]</span></p>
+
+<p>"Yes, tolerable, tolerable."</p>
+
+<p>"She is worth more than the thirty dollars for
+which you took her."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I don't know about that. Cows are
+pretty cheap nowadays."</p>
+
+<p>"I see how it is," thought the squire. "Nelson
+wants me to allow him more for the cow;
+but a bargain is a bargain, and I shan't do it."</p>
+
+<p>"I always valued her at a considerably higher
+price."</p>
+
+<p>"No doubt, no doubt. You raised her yourself,
+didn't you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes."</p>
+
+<p>"That makes a difference, of course. You
+attach a sentimental value to her; but that doesn't
+affect her real value. I really can't allow you
+any more for her."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't want you to, Squire Hudson."</p>
+
+<p>The squire looked astonished.</p>
+
+<p>"What is the man driving at?" he thought.</p>
+
+<p>"She may not be worth any more to you, and
+so you won't mind my taking her back."</p>
+
+<p>"Taking her back!" ejaculated the squire.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 243]</span></p>
+
+<p>"Certainly; it was agreed that I could redeem
+her at any time, by paying you the thirty dollars
+and interest."</p>
+
+<p>"Not after two months," said the squire, hastily.</p>
+
+<p>"It is not two months. It was only six weeks
+yesterday. The fact is, squire, I've come for
+Whiteface, and I've got the money for you."</p>
+
+<p>"Have you heard from Tom?" asked the squire,
+with a blank look of disappointment.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; I heard from him yesterday."</p>
+
+<p>"And he sent you some money?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; he reports that he is doing well."</p>
+
+<p>"Did he send you thirty dollars?"</p>
+
+<p>"Rather more than that," said Mark Nelson,
+not caring to gratify the curiosity of his creditor.</p>
+
+<p>"I think you had better keep your money, and
+leave Whiteface with me," said Squire Hudson, after
+a pause.</p>
+
+<p>"I would rather not, squire. The fact is,
+Whiteface is a sort of pet at home, and we all
+want her back."</p>
+
+<p>Squire Hudson was disconcerted. He had not
+expected that Mr. Nelson would be able to redeem<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 244]</span>
+the cow, and he was reluctant to give her
+up. But there was no excuse for retaining her.
+His agreement stood in the way.</p>
+
+<p>"Neighbor Nelson," he said, after a pause, "I
+don't mind giving you five dollars over and above
+what you owe me for Whiteface. Come, that's a
+good offer."</p>
+
+<p>Mark Nelson shook his head.</p>
+
+<p>"She's worth more than that," he said. "But
+that's neither here nor there. I raised the animal,
+and it was sorely against my will that I parted
+with her six weeks ago. Now that I have the
+money to pay you I want her back."</p>
+
+<p>"I think you are standing in your own light,
+Mr. Nelson," said the squire. "I have taken a
+fancy to the cow, and am willing to pay more
+for her than she is worth. I will say ten dollars."</p>
+
+<p>Mark Nelson shook his head.</p>
+
+<p>"I'd rather have Whiteface than the money,"
+he said.</p>
+
+<p>"If she comes into my possession again," said
+Squire Hudson, "I shall not be willing to grant
+you the privilege of redeeming her. It won't be<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 245]</span>
+many months before another payment becomes
+due."</p>
+
+<p>"I hope to be ready to meet it, squire," said
+the farmer, not appearing at all anxious.</p>
+
+<p>"He seems very independent," thought the squire,
+watching, moodily, the cow driven away by her
+former owner. "He may sing another tune on
+interest day. I wonder how much the boy sent
+home."</p>
+
+<p>Had he known that Mr. Nelson had in his
+pocket enough money to pay the whole of the
+next accruing interest, he would have felt more
+doubtful about recovering the cow which he now
+coveted more than ever.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Abner, I've lost her," said the squire,
+hurrying to his assistant; "but she'll be back
+here some day, mark my words!"</p>
+
+<p>"I thought you bought her, squire," said Abner,
+in surprise.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, not exactly. I took her for a debt;
+but Nelson had the right of redeeming her, and
+he has done it. His boy sent him the money."</p>
+
+<p>"That Tom Nelson is a smart boy," said Abner,<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 246]</span>
+who, though in the squire's employ, was friendly
+to our hero.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, so-so," remarked the squire, indifferently.
+"I helped him to go to California; but
+I am not sure whether it was a wise step. I
+let my feelings get the better of my judgment."</p>
+
+<p>"Then it is the first time," was Abner's unspoken
+comment.</p>
+
+<p>"It may turn out for the best," he said aloud.</p>
+
+<p>"I doubt if I shall ever see my money again,"
+said the squire; but he did not seem to take it
+to heart, judging from his manner and tone.</p>
+
+<p>"Didn't you have security for the loan?" asked
+Abner.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, ye-es," answered the squire, slowly;
+"but not very good. The farm was already mortgaged
+for its full value."</p>
+
+<p>"The squire is getting benevolent," thought
+Abner, "or he wants me to think so; but I'm
+inclined to think he has some object under it all.
+What is it?"</p>
+
+<p>A few weeks later Farmer Nelson's heart was
+gladdened by the receipt of another remittance<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 247]</span>
+this time sent by John Miles, out of the profit
+of the business in which Tom was his partner.
+The amount this time was seventy-five dollars. It
+made him feel quite rich.</p>
+
+<p>"Mary," he said, "we all need some new
+clothes, and I propose to use this money for that
+purpose. Now I want you to consider how we
+can spend it to the best advantage. To begin
+with, you must buy a new dress. You have long
+needed one."</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Nelson demurred a little, but was forced
+to admit that the dress was needed. So the
+purchases were made at once. It is wonderful
+how far seventy-five dollars will go in an economical
+family of plain tastes. It was soon apparent
+to the neighbors that the Nelsons were exhibiting
+signs of prosperity.</p>
+
+<p>"It must be Tom," they decided.</p>
+
+<p>Efforts were made to ascertain just how much
+our hero had sent home; but on this point the
+Nelsons would not speak definitely. They reported
+in general terms that Tom was doing well.</p>
+
+<p>Of course Squire Hudson was not ignorant of<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 248]</span>
+the apparent improvement in the fortunes of his
+debtor. Strange to say, he seemed rather annoyed.
+He was pleased, however, by the outlay for dress.</p>
+
+<p>"They're getting extravagant, Abner," he said,
+cheerfully. "I thought Mark Nelson was a man
+of more sense. Because his son has sent home a
+little money, he must rig out the whole family
+in new clothes. 'A fool and his money are soon
+parted.'"</p>
+
+<p>"Mark Nelson is no fool," said Abner, stoutly.</p>
+
+<p>"He is in this instance," said the squire,
+sharply. "However, I don't object to it, if he
+likes to violate the rules of prudence. It strikes
+me, however, that it would be well for him to
+pay up the money I advanced for Tom's expenses,
+before buying new clothes wholesale."</p>
+
+<p>Abner repeated this to Mr. Nelson.</p>
+
+<p>The farmer answered quietly, "The squire is
+not wholly wrong. It is good doctrine to pay
+your debts before you spend money for what you
+don't need. In this case, however, we did need
+the clothes we bought. Now that we are provided,
+I hope, before very long, if Tom is prospered,<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 249]</span>
+to pay back the two hundred dollars the
+squire advanced for him."</p>
+
+<p>"I hope you will, I'm sure," said Abner.
+"That's a smart boy of yours, and I always
+said so."</p>
+
+<p>"He is a good boy, and I am sure he will do
+what is right."</p>
+
+<p>"He's a blamed sight better than the squire's
+boy. Sinclair is a stuck-up jackanapes, and it
+would do me good to kick him."</p>
+
+<p>"It might not do him any good."</p>
+
+<p>"I am not sure about that; I think he needs
+it."</p>
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'>[Pg 250]</span></p>
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXVII" id="CHAPTER_XXVII"></a>CHAPTER XXVII.</h2>
+<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">Top</a></span>
+
+<h3>THE NEW DIGGINGS.</h3>
+
+
+<p>Meanwhile Tom and his party, pursuing their
+journey by easy stages, for they sensibly determined
+not to overtask their strength, reached at
+last the spot of which Russell had spoken. Ferguson
+and Tom soon found that he had not
+exaggerated. The new diggings were certainly
+far richer than those at River Bend. It was, in
+fact, the bed of a dead river upon which Russell
+had stumbled without knowing it. My readers
+are probably aware that in the beds of rivers or
+creeks the early miners found their first harvest
+of gold, and, that, where practicable, these were
+mined by turning the stream in the dry season,
+when the water was low. As it may not be so
+well understood what is meant by a dead river,
+I quote a passage from an article in the "Overland
+Monthly," as found in the pages of the<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 251]</span>
+"Pacific Coast Mining Review," for the year
+1878-79:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"A dead river is one which formerly existed,
+but exists no longer. In volcanic regions it
+sometimes happens that the liquid lava, seeking
+the lowest ground, fills up the beds of the rivers
+which die and are replaced by water-courses running
+in other channels and in different directions.
+These dead streams are so few, and of so little
+importance elsewhere, that, as yet, I believe, no
+class name has been given to them; but in California
+they are among the chief source of its
+mineral wealth, and among the most remarkable
+features of its geological formation. They take
+us back to a remote era, before the time of
+Rome, of Greece, or of Egypt; far back beyond
+the origin of history or tradition, before our coast
+had taken its present shapes; before Shasta, and
+Lassen, and Castle Peaks had poured out their
+lava floods; before the Sacramento river had its
+birth; and while, if not before, the mastodon,
+the elephant, the rhinoceros, the horse, the mammoth
+bull, the tapir, and the bison lived in the<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 252]</span>
+land. They are indeed among the most remarkable
+discoveries of the age, and among the greatest
+wonders of geology. They deserve some common
+name, and we have to choose between 'extinct'
+and 'dead.' We speak of 'extinct volcanoes,'
+and of 'dead languages,' and, as the latter is
+Saxon and short, we prefer it. They have been
+called 'old channels;' but this name does not convey
+the proper idea, since a channel is not necessarily
+a river, and an old channel is not necessarily
+a dead one. A dead river is a channel
+formerly occupied by a running stream, but now
+filled up with earthy or rocky matter, and is not
+to be confounded with a channel that is open and
+remains dry during the greater part of the year
+because of a lack of water, or that has been
+abandoned by the stream for a deeper channel
+elsewhere. A dry river-bed is not a dead river.</p>
+
+<p>"The dead rivers of California, so far as are
+known, are on the western slope of the Sierra
+Nevada, from five hundred to seven thousand feet
+above the level of the sea. They are all gold-yielding,
+and therefore they have been sought and<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 253]</span>
+examined. They have yielded probably <i>three hundred
+millions</i> in all; they now produce perhaps
+eight million dollars annually. They are not less
+interesting to the miner than to the geologist,
+not less important to the statesman than to the
+antiquarian."</p>
+
+<p>At the risk of being considered tedious by some
+of my boy-readers, I will transcribe the writer's
+explanation of the existence of these dead rivers.
+For the reason we must go back to a remote
+geological epoch: "The main cause must have
+been the subsequent rise of the Sierra Nevada.
+Suppose that a range of mountains, seven thousand
+feet high, were upheaved thirty miles east
+of the Mississippi; that the bed of that stream
+were on the mountain side, three thousand feet
+above the sea, and that thirty miles west the
+country maintained its present level; the result
+would be that the present Mississippi would soon
+be a dead river; it would be cut across by streams
+running down the mountain side, and flowing into
+a new Mississippi, thirty miles or more west of
+the present one. We know that the Sierra Nevada<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 254]</span>
+has been upheaved; that a large stream ran on
+what is now the mountain side, and that it has
+been succeeded by a new river farther west, and
+we must infer that the death of the old and the
+birth of the new river were caused by the
+upheaval."</p>
+
+<p>Reference is here made to the Big Blue Lead,
+the largest dead river known in California, which
+has been traced for a distance of sixty-five miles,
+from Little Grizzly, in Sierra County, to Forest
+Hill, in Placer County. The original river, however,
+is thought to have run for many hundreds
+of miles. Eventually traces of its existence may
+be found elsewhere.</p>
+
+<p>It is not to be supposed that Tom and his
+friends knew anything about dead rivers, or
+troubled themselves as to how the rich deposits
+had been made, or how long they had been waiting
+discovery. They were chiefly engaged with more
+practical considerations. They found a rich harvest
+in the ravines, and they went to work energetically.</p>
+
+<p>The work was monotonous, and a detailed account<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 255]</span>
+of their progress would be tiresome. What
+we chiefly care about is results, and these may
+be gathered from a conversation which took place
+some five months later.</p>
+
+<p>Under a tent, at night-fall, reclined the three
+friends. They looked contented, and on good
+terms with the world; but, though prosperous,
+they certainly did not look it. In fact, they were
+all three exceedingly, almost disreputably, shabby.
+They looked more like tramps than respectable
+gold-miners.</p>
+
+<p>"Tom, you are looking very ragged," said
+Dick Russell, surveying our hero critically.</p>
+
+<p>"I know it, Dick. I feel as though I had just
+come out of a rag-bag. I can't say that you look
+much better, nor Ferguson either."</p>
+
+<p>"This rough work is hard on clothing," said
+Russell. "I wish there were a ready-made clothing
+store near by."</p>
+
+<p>"So do I. I would pay a high price for a
+good suit."</p>
+
+<p>"If our friends at home could see us, what
+would they think, eh, Tom?"<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 256]</span></p>
+
+<p>"That we were candidates for the poor-house."</p>
+
+<p>"That's so. I've been into several poor-houses
+in the course of my life, but I never saw any
+of the inmates quite so poorly clad as we are."</p>
+
+<p>"You are right," said Ferguson; "but there
+are generally compensations. I was taking account
+of stock, and I estimate that I have from sixteen
+to eighteen hundred dollars' worth of gold-dust."</p>
+
+<p>"I have nearly as much," said Tom.</p>
+
+<p>"My pile won't vary far from Tom's," said
+Russell.</p>
+
+<p>"That is a pretty good showing for five
+months, my friend," said the Scotchman.</p>
+
+<p>"It will make up for the old clothes," said
+Tom.</p>
+
+<p>"I have been thinking," said Ferguson, "that
+we need a vacation. What do you say to starting
+next week for San Francisco?"</p>
+
+<p>"I agree," said Russell, promptly.</p>
+
+<p>"And I," said Tom. "I should like to see
+John Miles."</p>
+
+<p>"Very well. We will continue our work about
+a week longer, and then start."</p>
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'>[Pg 257]</span></p>
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXVIII" id="CHAPTER_XXVIII"></a>CHAPTER XXVIII.</h2>
+<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">Top</a></span>
+<h3>A RICH DEPOSIT.</h3>
+
+
+<p>About the middle of the next forenoon Tom
+suddenly stopped work.</p>
+
+<p>"What's the matter, Tom? Are you tired?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, but I feel like exploring a little. Who
+goes with me?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not I," answered Ferguson. "Let well
+enough alone."</p>
+
+<p>"I'll go with you," said Russell. "I should like
+a holiday. Besides, we may discover something."</p>
+
+<p>"'A rolling stone gathers no moss,'" said Ferguson.</p>
+
+<p>"True, but there's another proverb: 'All work
+and no play makes Jack a dull boy.' Tom and I
+will try a little play."</p>
+
+<p>The two friends sauntered away in an idle
+mood; yet, combining business with pleasure, they<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 258]</span>
+watched carefully the surface indications, ready to
+avail themselves of any that were favorable.</p>
+
+<p>"It's a strange life we are leading, Tom," said
+Russell. "It is free, and independent, and healthful;
+but I shouldn't like to live so all my
+life."</p>
+
+<p>"Nor I," answered Tom. "No amount of gold
+would repay me."</p>
+
+<p>"Because gold is only valuable for what it will
+bring. Here it brings nothing."</p>
+
+<p>"Except the hope of future ease and comfort,"
+suggested Tom.</p>
+
+<p>"Of course; that is what we are working for.
+We have made a good beginning."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, Dick. I have almost accomplished what
+I have had in view ever since I left home."</p>
+
+<p>"I know. You mean paying off your father's
+mortgage."</p>
+
+<p>"That's it. It amounts to twenty-two hundred
+dollars, and I have but a few hundred dollars
+more to earn. I would stay here a month or two
+longer, if my clothes would hold together; but I
+can't risk it."<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 259]</span></p>
+
+<p>"You need rest, at any rate, Tom, leaving
+clothes out of the question."</p>
+
+<p>As he spoke, Tom, without special thought, drove
+his pick into the ground. It was a lucky inspiration.
+Some shining particles attracted the
+attention of Russell.</p>
+
+<p>"Tom," he exclaimed, in excitement, "do you
+see that, and that? I believe you've struck a
+bonanza."</p>
+
+<p>Upon that both set to work in earnest. A further
+investigation showed that Russell was right.
+Tom, by good luck, had chanced upon a deposit
+of far greater richness than any they had yet
+encountered.</p>
+
+<p>"If it holds out, our fortunes are made, Tom,"
+said Russell. "Go and call Ferguson, and I
+will remain on guard till you come back."</p>
+
+<p>Tom stood not on the order of his going,
+but went at once.</p>
+
+<p>"What's the matter, Tom?" asked the Scotchman,
+as, panting and breathless, Tom stood before
+him. "Has anything happened to Russell?"</p>
+
+<p>"No; it's good news&mdash;splendid news, Mr.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 260]</span>
+Ferguson. We've found a place ten times as rich
+as this. Come at once, and see."</p>
+
+<p>Ferguson made preparations to accompany Tom
+with what seemed to our hero to be provoking
+deliberation. In truth the Scotchman, with
+his national caution, was rather skeptical as to
+Tom's news, and did not suffer himself to become
+enthusiastic or excited. Tom had hard work to
+accommodate his impatient steps to the measured
+pace of his more sedate companion. When at
+length they reached the spot they found Russell
+no less impatient.</p>
+
+<p>"I thought you would never come," he said.</p>
+
+<p>"Tom wanted to fly," said Ferguson; "but I
+am too old for that. Now, what is it you have
+found?"</p>
+
+<p>When he was shown what had been discovered
+he admitted that it was very promising.</p>
+
+<p>"If it holds out, we shall be lucky," he
+said.</p>
+
+<p>"It <i>will</i> hold out," said Russell, enthusiastically.</p>
+
+<p>"It isn't well to be too confident," said Ferguson,
+cautiously.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 261]</span></p>
+
+<p>"You are very cold-blooded, Mr. Ferguson,"
+said Russell, impatiently. "Won't anything
+excite you?"</p>
+
+<p>"What good would it do to become excited?"
+returned the Scotchman. "I am as ready to
+test the matter as you are, and I shall rejoice
+if your sanguine expectations are realized. Do
+not expect too much, however, and you will
+guard against possible disappointment."</p>
+
+<p>But there was no disappointment awaiting them.
+They worked steadily for two weeks, with marvelous
+results. In this time they unearthed six
+thousand dollars' worth of gold, which by arrangement
+they divided equally between them; and
+still the gold deposit was far from being exhausted.</p>
+
+<p>At the end of the fortnight they were visited
+by a party of capitalists from San Francisco, who
+were out on an exploring expedition. They recognized
+the richness of the new discoveries, and
+after some negotiation offered the three friends
+ten thousand dollars for their claims. One consideration
+decided them to accept. It was absolutely necessary for<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 262]</span>
+them to go to the city for
+clothing and other articles, of which they stood
+in imperative need. They closed the bargain and
+started on their return.</p>
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'>[Pg 263]</span></p>
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIX" id="CHAPTER_XXIX"></a>CHAPTER XXIX.</h2>
+<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">Top</a></span>
+<h3>BAD NEWS FROM HOME.</h3>
+
+
+<p>Arriving in the city late in the afternoon,
+Tom went at once to see John Miles. When
+the latter caught sight of Tom, in his ragged
+attire, he came to the natural conclusion that
+our hero had met with hard luck.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, Tom, where did you spring from?" he
+exclaimed, grasping the hand of his young
+partner.</p>
+
+<p>"I am just in from the mines."</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose you are in want of money," said
+Miles, his voice betraying sympathy.</p>
+
+<p>Tom laughed.</p>
+
+<p>"How do you like my appearance, John?" he
+asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Never mind that, Tom. I see you have had
+a rough time; but I have been earning money
+for you."<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 264]</span></p>
+
+<p>"Did you send money regularly to father?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; I have sent him three hundred dollars
+in all."</p>
+
+<p>"That's good," said Tom, in a tone of satisfaction.
+"That has made him easy. I suppose
+that took up about all I was entitled to?"</p>
+
+<p>"No; I have as much more to your credit.
+I am ready to pay it to you at once."</p>
+
+<p>"I see, John, you think I have not been
+doing well."</p>
+
+<p>"You don't look very prosperous, Tom, I must
+acknowledge."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, John, appearances are deceitful. I have
+been wonderfully lucky."</p>
+
+<p>"I am delighted to hear it, Tom," said Miles,
+cordially. "How much is it now?"</p>
+
+<p>"What do you say to a thousand dollars?"</p>
+
+<p>"Excellent."</p>
+
+<p>"Two thousand?"</p>
+
+<p>"You don't mean it!"</p>
+
+<p>"I won't keep you in suspense, John. I don't
+know exactly how much I've got, but it's over
+six thousand dollars!"<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 265]</span></p>
+
+<p>John Miles stared at our hero in undisguised
+astonishment.</p>
+
+<p>"Are you sure you're quite right <i>here</i>?" he
+said, touching his forehead. "You haven't been
+sun-struck, have you?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, John, it's all as I tell you. Let me
+explain how my luck came."</p>
+
+<p>In a few sentences Tom made it clear to his
+partner that his luck was real.</p>
+
+<p>"As to the three hundred dollars due me from
+you, John," concluded Tom, "I make you a
+present of it."</p>
+
+<p>"But, Tom&mdash;" protested Miles.</p>
+
+<p>"Let it be so, and for the future you shall
+pay me my share. Have you any letters for me?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have three."</p>
+
+<p>"Give them to me, quick. I am hungry for
+news from home."</p>
+
+<p>Tom sat down on a keg, and fairly devoured
+the letters, two of which were from his father.
+One of these gave him much to think of. I
+will transcribe the passages which gave Tom most
+concern:&mdash;<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 266]</span></p>
+
+<p>"Yesterday I paid Squire Hudson his regular
+semi-annual interest, amounting to sixty-six dollars.
+Thanks to your liberal remittances, I had no difficulty
+in making the payment. Indeed, I had two
+hundred dollars left over. Imagine my dismay
+when the squire told me he had made up his
+mind to call in the mortgage, having another use
+for the money.</p>
+
+<p>"'But I can't pay it up,' said I.</p>
+
+<p>"'You ought to be able to obtain the money
+somewhere,' he returned.</p>
+
+<p>"'You are the only capitalist with whom I am
+acquainted,' said I. 'Since I have paid you the
+interest promptly, what more can you desire?'</p>
+
+<p>"He insisted that he needed the money. I
+offered to pay him the two hundred dollars which
+he had advanced for your journey. He seemed
+surprised, but repeated that he must have the
+whole. The upshot of it was that he gave me a
+formal notice of three months, as stipulated in
+the mortgage. At the end of that time, unless I
+am ready to pay the twenty-two hundred dollars,
+he will foreclose, and the old farm must be sold.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 267]</span>
+Of course it will be sold much below its real value.
+Probably the squire will get it for the amount of
+the mortgage, and we shall be thrown upon the
+world, without a home. It seems hard, Tom, and
+very selfish; but might makes right, and Squire
+Hudson has the power on his side."</p>
+
+<p>In a postscript Mark Nelson added, "I understand
+that Squire Hudson has a connection, his
+wife's brother, for whom he wants the farm. That
+explains his resolute refusal to give me time to
+redeem it. Of course it is too early to decide
+upon any plans. I must hire some tenement to
+move into when I have to leave here. It will be
+hard upon us all to give up the old farm. Walter,
+who has a taste for farming, and whom I look
+to be my successor, feels very sad. Don't let
+this news depress you too much, Tom. We shall
+not suffer. Thanks to you, I have some money
+ahead, and we shall not lack for comfort."</p>
+
+<p>Tom looked up when he had finished reading
+the letter.</p>
+
+<p>"John," he said, quickly, "when does the next
+steamer start for New York?"<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 268]</span></p>
+
+<p>"Day after to-morrow."</p>
+
+<p>"Where can I engage passage?"</p>
+
+<p>"Are you going home?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, John, it is absolutely necessary. Squire
+Hudson is about to foreclose the mortgage on my
+father's farm. I must be there to stop it."</p>
+
+<p>"Have you money enough?"</p>
+
+<p>"Three times over. He shall be defeated in
+his wicked purpose, or my name isn't Tom Nelson."</p>
+
+<p>Tom spoke in a quick, indignant tone, and
+his voice had a manly ring.</p>
+
+<p>"Wait, John, let me read you the letter."</p>
+
+<p>"The man's a mean rascal!" said Miles. "A
+rich man who will take advantage of a poor
+man's necessity to deprive him of his home deserves
+to be horsewhipped."</p>
+
+<p>"I shan't attempt that," said Tom, smiling;
+"but I will disappoint him. He little thinks I
+have it in my power to defeat his plans."</p>
+
+<p>That very evening Tom engaged passage to
+New York, and two days later he sailed out of
+the Golden Gate.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 269]</span></p>
+
+<p>"I don't know how long I shall be gone, John,"
+he said. "You need send me no remittances, for
+I have money enough with me. You will hear
+from me as soon as I have reached home,
+and transacted my business with Squire Hudson."</p>
+
+<p>"You will come out here again, Tom, won't
+you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, and before long. I have been so busily
+occupied making money that I have seen almost
+nothing of San Francisco."</p>
+
+<p>Tom did not journey alone. Ferguson, having
+thriven beyond his expectations, decided to sail
+to New York, and thence to Scotland, on a visit
+to his relatives, though he thought it probable he
+should come back within a year. Dick Russell
+also was now in a position to study law at
+home, and gave up the business of gold-mining
+forever.</p>
+
+<p>"I owe all my present prosperity to you two,"
+he said. "But for you I should have blown my
+brains out five months since."</p>
+
+<p>"We owe our prosperity to you also," said<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 270]</span>
+Tom. "You guided us to the mines from which
+we gathered a golden harvest."</p>
+
+<p>"We have worked together, and been mutual
+helpers," said Ferguson. "God has favored us
+all, and to Him be the thanks!"</p>
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'>[Pg 271]</span></p>
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXX" id="CHAPTER_XXX"></a>CHAPTER XXX.</h2>
+<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">Top</a></span>
+<h3>THE NIGHT BEFORE THE AUCTION.</h3>
+
+
+<p>It was a sad household, that of Mark Nelson,
+on the day preceding the departure from the farm.
+There was to be an auction the next day, at
+which the farm-stock and farm-implements were
+to be sold. It was well understood that Squire
+Hudson was to be the buyer of the farm, and
+as he was not likely to have any competitor
+there was little hope that it would fetch more
+than the amount of the mortgage.</p>
+
+<p>During the afternoon Mr. Nelson called on
+Squire Hudson to make the best terms he could
+at private sale.</p>
+
+<p>"The farm is worth at least a thousand dollars
+more than the mortgage, Squire Hudson," said
+the farmer.</p>
+
+<p>"It is worth what it will fetch, Mr. Nelson,"
+said the squire.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 272]</span></p>
+
+<p>"Do you mean that an article always commands
+its full value at auction, Squire Hudson?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ahem! it brings its market value, Mr. Nelson."</p>
+
+<p>"Which may be far below its intrinsic value.
+Suppose a diamond worth ten thousand dollars
+were put up at auction in our village, do you
+consider that it would bring a fair price?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ahem! you are wandering from the subject.
+We are talking of farms, not diamonds."</p>
+
+<p>"As to the farm, then, you are likely to be the
+only bidder, unless you allow the mortgage to
+remain."</p>
+
+<p>"If I were inclined to do that I would not
+disturb you as long as you paid the interest
+promptly."</p>
+
+<p>"Then you decline to buy the farm at private
+sale?"</p>
+
+<p>"I do."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't think you will be any better off in
+the end, Squire Hudson, for oppressing a poor
+man, and robbing him of his little all," said
+Mark Nelson, bitterly.<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 273]</span></p>
+
+<p>"You don't look at the matter from a business
+point of view," said the squire, coldly. "I am
+acting as any business man would under the circumstances."</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot believe you, sir. All business men
+are not so hard-hearted."</p>
+
+<p>"I really don't think there is any use in prolonging
+this interview," said Squire Hudson,
+stiffly. "I have resolved upon my course, in
+which I am perfectly justified, however you may
+choose to regard it."</p>
+
+<p>This removed the farmer's last hope, and
+he had only to look about for another home for
+his family. There was small choice of houses in
+the little farming town. In fact there was but
+one house,&mdash;a shabby, dilapidated building, a
+mile from the church and store. This, Mr.
+Nelson, having no choice, engaged for a period
+of three months.</p>
+
+<p>"It makes me homesick to think of going to
+live in that barn," said Sarah, as they were sitting
+together after supper.</p>
+
+<p>"It may not be so bad as you think for,<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 274]</span>
+Sarah," said her mother; but she secretly sympathized
+with her daughter.</p>
+
+<p>"I wish Squire Hudson had to live there himself,"
+said Walter, in an angry outburst.</p>
+
+<p>Usually Walter was checked by his father
+when uttering such speeches; but to-night Mark
+Nelson took no notice of his son's angry remark.
+He felt that it would only be a righteous retribution
+upon the squire for his cold selfishness.</p>
+
+<p>While they were sitting in the plain room endeared
+to them by the association of years, a
+sound of wheels was heard, and the village stage
+stopped before the door.</p>
+
+<p>"Who can it be?" said Sarah, wonderingly.</p>
+
+<p>The whole family hurried to the window. What
+youthful, yet manly figure, was that actively
+descending from his perch beside the driver?</p>
+
+<p>"It's Tom!" exclaimed Mrs. Nelson. "Heaven
+be praised! It is my dear boy."</p>
+
+<p>Tom was almost suffocated by the embraces
+which he received on entering the house.</p>
+
+<p>"How you have grown, Tom!" said Sarah.
+"And how well you look!"<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 275]</span></p>
+
+<p>"Thank you for the compliment," said Tom,
+laughing. "But I don't feel well."</p>
+
+<p>"What is the matter?" asked his mother, with
+maternal solicitude.</p>
+
+<p>"I am as hungry as a bear. Have you got
+anything to eat in the house?"</p>
+
+<p>This hint was enough. Fresh tea was made,
+and the wanderer was soon sitting before a bountiful
+supply of food, cooked in his mother's best style.</p>
+
+<p>"It seems good to be at home," said Tom,
+looking around him, his face beaming with happiness.</p>
+
+<p>"Did you get my letter, Tom, announcing the
+squire's intention to foreclose the mortgage?"
+asked his father, gravely.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, father; is it really true?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; he will listen to no persuasions."</p>
+
+<p>"When does the sale take place?"</p>
+
+<p>"To-morrow."</p>
+
+<p>"I shall be present. Have you thought of any
+other house, father?"</p>
+
+<p>"The old Belcher house is the only one I can
+hire."<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 276]</span></p>
+
+<p>"That is a poor place."</p>
+
+<p>"It must do for lack of a better."</p>
+
+<p>"I didn't think the squire would act so meanly.
+At any rate, father, I will see that you don't
+any of you suffer for lack of money."</p>
+
+<p>"Have you been doing well, Tom?" asked
+Walter.</p>
+
+<p>"Ask me to-morrow, Walter. To-night I want
+to hear all the news, and everything that has
+happened since I went away."</p>
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'>[Pg 277]</span></p>
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXXI" id="CHAPTER_XXXI"></a>CHAPTER XXXI.</h2>
+<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">Top</a></span>
+<h3>BIDDING FOR THE FARM.</h3>
+
+
+<p>"I apprehend," said the squire to his brother-in-law
+the next morning, "that we shall get the
+farm at our own price."</p>
+
+<p>"I hope we shall, squire," said the poor relative,
+deferentially. "I suppose this man Nelson
+is sorry to part with it."</p>
+
+<p>"Of course; he charges me with meanness,
+oppressing the poor, and so on; but of course I
+don't mind that. It's a matter of business; as I
+told him."</p>
+
+<p>"To be sure."</p>
+
+<p>"I am not to be moved by sentimental considerations.
+Business is business; but he won't see
+it in that light."</p>
+
+<p>"You consider the farm worth considerable more
+than the amount of the mortgage, of course?"<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 278]</span></p>
+
+<p>"It is worth four thousand dollars, in my
+opinion," said the squire, complacently.</p>
+
+<p>"If you get it for twenty-two hundred, it will
+be an excellent bargain."</p>
+
+<p>"Father," exclaimed Sinclair, entering the breakfast-room,
+rather hurriedly, "Tom Nelson has got
+home."</p>
+
+<p>"Where did you hear this, my son?" asked
+Squire Hudson, in surprise.</p>
+
+<p>"At the store. He got home by coach
+last evening."</p>
+
+<p>"Got discontented, I suppose," said the squire,
+in a tone of triumph. "I thought that was how
+it would turn out. He can't expect me to advance
+money to take him out there again."</p>
+
+<p>"I wish you would let me go," said Sinclair.</p>
+
+<p>"Some day I may take a trip out there with
+you, my son. Have you seen Thomas?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, he keeps mighty close. He hasn't even
+been round at the store."</p>
+
+<p>"He is ashamed to show himself, I suppose.
+He will have to work on the farm&mdash;on a farm
+again."<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 279]</span></p>
+
+<p>"I suppose that will be a hard pill for him
+to swallow," said Sinclair.</p>
+
+<p>"No doubt. He is poor and proud, like his
+father before him. I am glad of one thing,&mdash;that
+I am sure of getting back the two hundred dollars
+I advanced for his journey. I wonder where
+he raised money to get back."</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 25%;' />
+
+<p>Though there were not likely to be any competitors
+for the farm, a considerable number
+gathered at the sale. There was a general feeling
+of sympathy for the Nelsons, but no one was
+able to express that sympathy in a tangible form,
+Squire Hudson cared little for the opinion of his
+neighbors. Some of them were in debt to him,
+and he looked down upon them with the arrogance
+of wealth.</p>
+
+<p>Tom received many friendly greetings. He was
+plainly dressed, quiet in his manner, and seemed
+to take matters very coolly.</p>
+
+<p>At length the farm was put up, the auctioneer
+naturally turning towards the squire, who responded
+pompously, "I bid twenty-two hundred dollars, the<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 280]</span>
+amount of the mortgage I hold upon the property."</p>
+
+<p>"Is there any other bid?" asked the auctioneer.</p>
+
+<p>"I bid twenty-five hundred dollars," said a clear,
+boyish voice.</p>
+
+<p>All were startled, and all eyes were turned upon
+Tom Nelson, who came slightly forward.</p>
+
+<p>"Twenty-five hundred!" repeated the auctioneer,
+hesitating whether he should receive the bid.</p>
+
+<p>"I protest against this outrage," exclaimed
+Squire Hudson, angrily. "The bid is ridiculous."</p>
+
+<p>"Why is my bid ridiculous, Squire Hudson?"
+asked Tom, calmly.</p>
+
+<p>"Because you haven't got the money. It is a
+transparent attempt to run up the price of the
+farm."</p>
+
+<p>"You know nothing of my circumstances, Squire
+Hudson," said Tom, independently. "I stand
+ready to pay the sum I bid, and, should you
+outbid me, I am ready to prove to any committee
+you may appoint, that I possess the money, or
+all my bids shall go for nothing, and you can
+have the farm at your first offer."<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 281]</span></p>
+
+<p>"That is fair!" cried all.</p>
+
+<p>"This is all nonsense," said the squire. "Those
+of you who choose may believe this boy; I
+don't."</p>
+
+<p>"Going at twenty-five hundred!" said the auctioneer.</p>
+
+<p>"Twenty-five hundred and fifty!" said the
+squire, adding, "I make the bid on the terms
+proposed by the boy."</p>
+
+<p>"Twenty-eight hundred!" said Tom.</p>
+
+<p>"And fifty!" bid the squire.</p>
+
+<p>"Three thousand!" instantly came from Tom.</p>
+
+<p>No one was more surprised than Tom's own
+family at this unexpected scene. He had not
+dropped a hint as to his intentions, choosing to
+take all by surprise. Mark Nelson was perplexed.
+Though he had great confidence in Tom, he feared
+that he could not make good his bold bids.</p>
+
+<p>At length the farm was knocked down to our
+hero at three thousand five hundred dollars.</p>
+
+<p>"Now," said the squire, angrily, "I demand
+that this farce come to an end. I believe
+the bidding of this boy to be a premeditated<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 282]</span>
+swindle. If so, I will do my best to have him
+punished."</p>
+
+<p>"And I," said Tom, boldly, "have an equal
+right to demand that Squire Hudson submit proof
+that he is responsible for the amount of his offers."</p>
+
+<p>"Curse your impudence!" exclaimed the squire,
+foaming with rage.</p>
+
+<p>"But I waive that right," continued Tom, "and
+will ask Squire Hudson to name two gentlemen
+present to examine the proofs which I have to
+offer of my ability to back my bids."</p>
+
+<p>"I name Mr. Jones and Mr. Howe," said the
+squire, quickly, "and request them to act at
+once."</p>
+
+<p>"That is my desire," said Tom.</p>
+
+<p>In five minutes the committee reported that
+Tom had shown them bank-books, of two Boston
+banks, certifying that he held two thousand dollars
+on deposit in one, and four thousand in the
+other.</p>
+
+<p>"Is that satisfactory?" asked Tom, coolly.</p>
+
+<p>"No," shouted the squire; "I believe that the
+books are bogus."<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 283]</span></p>
+
+<p>But the rest of those present entertained no
+doubts, and our hero was at once surrounded by
+admiring friends, who shook his hand till it fairly
+ached.</p>
+
+<p>"Squire Hudson, your mortgage shall be paid
+whenever you desire," said Tom.</p>
+
+<p>"Three cheers for Tom Nelson!" proposed
+some one, and the cheers were given with a will.
+During the confusion the squire and his brother-in-law
+slipped out of the house, thoroughly discomfited.</p>
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'>[Pg 284]</span></p>
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXXII" id="CHAPTER_XXXII"></a>CHAPTER XXXII.</h2>
+<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">Top</a></span>
+<h3>MANHOOD.</h3>
+
+
+<p>If Squire Hudson was surprised at Tom's suddenly
+revealed wealth, Mr. Nelson was no less
+so. When Tom first commenced bidding his
+father feared that he was only trying to annoy
+the squire, or, perhaps, seeking to force him to
+pay a higher price for the farm. But when
+investigation revealed the fact of Tom's riches,
+and he saw the mountain of debt lifted from his
+little property, he was overjoyed and grateful.</p>
+
+<p>"I can't understand it, Tom," he said; "how
+could you possibly get possession of so much
+money?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have worked hard, father; but that won't
+explain it. I have been very lucky, and my
+good luck has enabled me to save the farm."</p>
+
+<p>"I think you will be easier with me than the
+squire, Tom," said his father, smiling. "I will<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 285]</span>
+make out a mortgage to you, since your money
+has been used to redeem the farm."</p>
+
+<p>"I shall have no claim on the farm," said
+Tom, "or if I have I give it to you. I have
+money enough for myself, and hope to earn a
+good deal more besides."</p>
+
+<p>"If that is the case, Tom, I will gladly
+accept your gift. It will be a great relief to
+think that I have no interest to pay. Now I
+shall be able to get along easily. I have over
+two hundred dollars on hand."</p>
+
+<p>"I want to make your life easier, hereafter,
+father. I think you need a larger income than
+the farm will yield you, and I will therefore
+send you a hundred dollars every quarter."</p>
+
+<p>"You are very generous, Tom; but I fear you
+will soon get rid of all your money at this
+rate."</p>
+
+<p>"I will explain my circumstances, father, and
+then you will think differently. I have a business
+in San Francisco which will yield me at
+least a thousand dollars a year, without my personal
+attention, and after paying the squire what<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 286]</span>
+is due him I shall have about four thousand
+dollars left. This I mean to invest securely in
+Boston."</p>
+
+<p>"I can hardly realize that you are so rich,
+Tom."</p>
+
+<p>"I can scarcely realize it myself, father.
+When I think of the change that fifteen months
+have made in my circumstances I consider myself
+the luckiest boy in the world, and have great
+cause for gratitude."</p>
+
+<p>It will be understood that, though Tom had
+bid thirty-five hundred dollars for the farm, all
+he was required to pay was the amount of the
+mortgage, the bid having been made in his
+father's interest. In a few days the business was
+completed, and Mr. Nelson found himself the
+owner of an unencumbered property.</p>
+
+<p>Tom remained a week longer in the village,
+and then started once more for California. His
+mother urged him to remain at home, now that he
+had so much money; but Tom reminded her that
+he was partner in a business in San Francisco,
+and that he needed to look after his interests<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 287]</span>
+there. John Miles might be sick, or die, and in
+that case he might meet with serious losses.</p>
+
+<p>Returning to San Francisco Tom became an
+active instead of a silent partner. The business
+was considerably enlarged, and became much more
+profitable. At the end of two years Tom sold
+out to his partner for several thousand dollars,
+and, entering an office, studied law, devoting a
+portion of his time to general study. At a comparatively
+early age he was admitted to the bar
+of his adopted city, and by degrees got into
+lucrative practice. He had become so much
+attached to California that he decided to make
+it his permanent home.</p>
+
+<p>Up among the New Hampshire hills his father
+still tills his little farm, but he no longer depends
+upon it for his entire living. Tom regularly sends
+the allowance he promised, and in addition his
+brothers are often the recipients of handsome
+gifts. Harry, developing a taste for study, was
+sent to Exeter Academy, from which in due course
+he was transferred to Harvard. He, too, was
+destined for the law, and when he had taken<span class='pagenum'>[Pg 288]</span>
+his legal degree joined Tom in California, and is
+now his partner.</p>
+
+<p>Other changes there are in the little village.
+Squire Hudson is dead, and Sinclair, making
+haste to sell the homestead, removed to New
+York, engaged in speculation, and lost everything.
+One day, shabbily dressed, he entered
+Tom's office in San Francisco, and asked for the
+loan of fifty dollars to enable him to reach the
+mines. Tom gave it, for old acquaintance' sake.
+It was not the last request for money made by
+Sinclair. Nothing has been heard of him for
+some years, and it is probable that a life which
+was of no service to any one is finished. He
+had the best start in life, but misused his advantages.
+Tom has worthily employed the talents
+committed to his charge, and is happy, honored,
+and prosperous.</p>
+
+<center><big>
+<span class="smcap">The Young Explorer</span>;<br />
+<i>or</i>,<br />
+<span class="smcap">Among the Sierras</span>,<br />
+</big></center>
+
+<p>will be the next volume.</p>
+
+<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">Top</a></span>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Young Miner, by Horatio Alger, Jr.
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@@ -0,0 +1,6722 @@
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Young Miner, by Horatio Alger, Jr.
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Young Miner
+       or Tom Nelson in California
+
+Author: Horatio Alger, Jr.
+
+Release Date: September 18, 2007 [EBook #22669]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE YOUNG MINER ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by David Edwards, Marcia Brooks and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This
+file was produced from scans of public domain material
+produced by Microsoft for their Live Search Books site.)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: THE PACIFIC SERIES.]
+
+THE
+
+YOUNG MINER;
+
+OR,
+
+TOM NELSON IN CALIFORNIA.
+
+BY
+
+HORATIO ALGER, JR.,
+
+AUTHOR OF "RAGGED DICK," "TATTERED TOM," "LUCK AND PLUCK," "BRAVE AND
+BOLD" SERIES, ETC., ETC.
+
+PHILADELPHIA:
+
+HENRY T. COATES & CO.
+
+
+
+
+FAMOUS ALGER BOOKS.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+=RAGGED DICK SERIES=. By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 6 vols. 12mo. Cloth.
+
+RAGGED DICK.
+FAME AND FORTUNE.
+MARK THE MATCH BOY.
+ROUGH AND READY.
+BEN THE LUGGAGE BOY.
+RUFUS AND ROSE.
+
+=TATTERED TOM SERIES=. By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 4 vols. 12mo. Cloth. FIRST
+SERIES.
+
+TATTERED TOM.
+PAUL THE PEDDLER.
+PHIL THE FIDDLER.
+SLOW AND SURE.
+
+=TATTERED TOM SERIES=. 4 vols. 12mo. Cloth. SECOND SERIES.
+
+JULIUS.
+THE YOUNG OUTLAW.
+SAM'S CHANCE.
+THE TELEGRAPH BOY.
+
+=CAMPAIGN SERIES=. By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 3 vols.
+
+FRANK'S CAMPAIGN.
+PAUL PRESCOTT'S CHARGE.
+CHARLIE CODMAN'S CRUISE.
+
+=LUCK AND PLUCK SERIES=. By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 4 vols. 12mos. Cloth.
+FIRST SERIES.
+
+LUCK AND PLUCK.
+SINK OR SWIM.
+STRONG AND STEADY.
+STRIVE AND SUCCEED.
+
+=LUCK AND PLUCK SERIES=. 4 vols. 12mo. Cloth. SECOND SERIES.
+
+TRY AND TRUST.
+BOUND TO RISE.
+RISEN FROM THE RANKS.
+HERBERT CARTER'S LEGACY.
+
+=BRAVE AND BOLD SERIES=. By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 4 vols. 12mo. Cloth.
+
+BRAVE AND BOLD.
+JACK'S WARD.
+SHIFTING FOR HIMSELF.
+WAIT AND HOPE.
+
+=PACIFIC SERIES=. By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 4 vols. 12mo.
+
+THE YOUNG ADVENTURER.
+THE YOUNG MINER.
+THE YOUNG EXPLORERS.
+BEN'S NUGGET.
+
+=ATLANTIC SERIES=. By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 4 vols.
+
+THE YOUNG CIRCUS RIDER.
+DO AND DARE.
+HECTOR'S INHERITANCE.
+HELPING HIMSELF.
+
+=WAY TO SUCCESS SERIES=. By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 4 vols. 12mo. Cloth.
+
+BOB BURTON.
+THE STORE BOY.
+LUKE WALTON.
+STRUGGLING UPWARD.
+
+=NEW WORLD SERIES=. By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 3 vols. 12mo. Cloth.
+
+DIGGING FOR GOLD.
+FACING THE WORLD.
+IN A NEW WORLD.
+
+=_Other Volumes in Preparation._=
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+COPYRIGHT BY A. K. LORING, 1879.
+
+To
+GENEVIEVE AND ANITA ALGER,
+This Volume
+IS AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED.
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE.
+
+
+When "The Young Adventurer" was published, a year since, as the initial
+volume of The Pacific Series, it was announced that the second volume
+would be "The Young Pioneer." This has been changed to "The Young
+Miner," in order to avoid confusion with a book bearing a title somewhat
+similar to the one first proposed.
+
+Those who were interested in Tom Nelson's trip across the Plains will
+find in the present story a record of his adventures in the Land of
+Gold. Though his prosperity was chiefly due to his own energy and
+industry, it is also true that he was exceptionally lucky. Yet his good
+fortune has been far exceeded by that of numerous adventurous spirits in
+Colorado, within the last twelve months. Some measure of prosperity
+generally awaits the patient and energetic worker, and seldom comes to
+those who idly wait for something to turn up.
+
+NEW YORK, Oct. 1, 1879.
+
+
+
+
+THE YOUNG MINER;
+
+OR,
+
+TOM NELSON IN CALIFORNIA.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+THE GOLD-SEEKERS.
+
+
+A dozen men, provided with rockers, were busily engaged in gathering and
+washing dirt, mingled with gold-dust, on the banks of a small stream in
+California. It was in the early days, and this party was but one of
+hundreds who were scattered over the new Eldorado, seeking for the
+shining metal which throughout the civilized world exercises a sway
+potent and irresistible.
+
+I have said there were a dozen men, but this is a mistake. One of the
+party was a well-grown boy of sixteen, with a good-humored and even
+handsome face. He was something more than good-humored, however. There
+was an expression on his face which spoke of strength and resolution
+and patient endurance. The readers of "The Young Adventurer" will at
+once recognize in our young hero Tom Nelson, the oldest son of a poor
+New England farmer, who, finding no prospects at home, had joined the
+tide of emigrants pouring from all parts of the country to the land of
+which so many marvelous stories were told. Tom had come to work; and
+though he doubtless shared to some extent the extravagant anticipations
+of the great body of Eastern visitors who hoped to make a fortune in a
+year, he did not expect to succeed without hard toil.
+
+His companions belonged to the same party with whom he had crossed the
+plains, under the leadership of Phineas Fletcher, a broad-shouldered
+Illinois farmer, who had his family with him. Next to Tom was Donald
+Ferguson, a grave Scotchman, and Tom's special friend; a man of
+excellent principles, thoroughly reliable, and held in high respect by
+all though not possessed of popular manners. On the other side was
+Lawrence Peabody, a young Boston clerk, who had spent several years
+behind a dry-goods counter. He was soft and effeminate, with no talent
+for "roughing it," and wholly unfitted for the hard work which he had
+undertaken. He was deeply disappointed in his first work at
+gold-hunting, having come out with the vague idea that he should pick up
+a big nugget within a short time that would make his fortune and enable
+him to go home a rich man. The practical side of gold-seeking--this
+washing particles of dust from the dirt of the river-bed--was in the
+highest degree unsatisfactory and discouraging. He was not a bad fellow;
+and his companions, though they laughed at him, were well disposed
+towards him.
+
+Among the rest, mention may be made of John Miles, Henry Scott, and
+Chapman, owner of a refractory donkey named after King Solomon.
+
+Not far away from the river were the tents occupied by the miners. There
+was but one house, roughly built of logs. This was occupied by Captain
+Fletcher and his family. He had not had the trouble of building it, but
+had found it ready for occupation, having been constructed by a
+previous party who had wandered farther down the river in search of
+richer washings. In fact, it was this building which had decided our
+party to remain.
+
+"There isn't much difference in places," said Fletcher. "We may as well
+stay here."
+
+"Then why was it deserted?" suggested John Miles, dubiously. "That's
+rather against it, isn't it, captain?"
+
+"Not necessarily, Miles. You've been on berrying parties, haven't you,
+when at home?"
+
+"Many a time."
+
+"You've noticed that many of the pickers leave good places, just from
+love of novelty, and wander about the field, often faring worse than if
+they remained where they were?"
+
+"That's so, captain."
+
+"Then let us give this place a try. We'll make more working steady in a
+medium place than wandering here, there, and everywhere."
+
+So the whole party agreed to "give the place a try."
+
+There had been no brilliant success as yet, but fair luck. In six days
+Tom had washed out twenty-five dollars' worth of gold-dust, in spite of
+awkwardness and inexperience. Others had done better, but poor Lawrence
+Peabody had barely five dollars' worth to show. It must be said,
+however, that he had not averaged more than two or three hours of real
+labor in every twenty-four. He spent the rest of the time in wandering
+about aimlessly, or sitting down and watching the labors of his
+companions, while he enlivened them by pathetic lamentations over his
+unfortunate position, so far away from Boston and the refining
+influences of civilization.
+
+A little transcript of a conversation between Tom and himself will throw
+light upon the characters of both.
+
+"This is beastly work," sighed Peabody, resting from his by no means
+arduous labors, and looking over to Tom. "I tell you, it isn't fit for a
+gentleman."
+
+"It is rather hard to keep one's hands clean, Mr. Peabody," said Tom;
+"but you mustn't think of the present. Think of the time when you will
+go home, your pockets full of gold."
+
+"I don't see any prospect of it, Tom," sighed Peabody. "Here I've been
+hard at work for a week, and I haven't got over five dollars' worth of
+dust."
+
+"I have five times as much," said Tom.
+
+"Some people are lucky," said Peabody.
+
+"You haven't worked like Tom," said the Scotchman, plainly. "You haven't
+averaged over two hours a day, while Tom has worked eight or ten."
+
+"I have worked till my back was like to break," said the young man from
+Boston. "I am not accustomed to manual labor, Mr. Ferguson. My friend
+Tom has worked on a farm, while I have been engaged in mercantile
+pursuits. Oh, why did I leave Boston!"
+
+"I am sure I can't guess," said Ferguson, dryly.
+
+"I never expected anything like _this_."
+
+"What did you expect, if I may be so bold as to inquire?"
+
+"I thought I should find the gold in big nuggets worth thousands of
+dollars apiece. I was always reading in the papers about finding them. I
+think it's a great shame to deceive people by such stories. I don't
+believe there are any nuggets."
+
+"Oh, yes, there are; but they are few and far between," said Fletcher.
+"A neighbor of mine found one worth three thousand dollars. Altogether
+he brought home five thousand dollars, and invested it in a farm and
+saw-mill. He is doing a good business. When he came to California he had
+nothing."
+
+"That is what I should like, Captain Fletcher," said Tom. "If I could
+only manage to carry home five thousand dollars, I could make my father
+comfortable for life."
+
+"I shouldn't be satisfied with five thousand dollars," said Peabody,
+whose ideas were lofty.
+
+"How much would satisfy you?"
+
+"About fifty thousand," said the young Bostonian, his face lighting up
+at the thought of so large a sum.
+
+"And what would you do with it, if I may make so bold?" asked Ferguson.
+
+"I would buy a nice house at the South End, furnish it handsomely, and
+live in style."
+
+"I suppose you would marry?" suggested Tom, smiling.
+
+"I probably should," answered Peabody, gravely.
+
+"Perhaps you have the lady already selected."
+
+"I have."
+
+"Who is she?" asked John Mills. "Come, now, Peabody, don't be bashful."
+
+"It is the daughter of a Boston merchant."
+
+"Does the lady love you?"
+
+"We understand each other," answered Peabody, loftily. "She would marry
+me, poor as I am, but for her purse-proud, mercenary sire. It will be a
+happy day when, with my pockets full of gold, I enter his presence and
+claim his daughter's hand."
+
+"I wish you success, Mr. Peabody," said Tom. "I hope you have no
+rivals."
+
+"Yes, there is one."
+
+"Are you not afraid of him?"
+
+"Oh, no; he is a fellow of no style," said Peabody, drawing up his
+slender form, and looking as stylish as a very dirty shirt, muddy boots,
+and a soiled suit would allow.
+
+"I think I shall wait awhile before getting married," said Tom. "I am
+afraid I wouldn't stand any chance with an heiress, Mr. Peabody. Do you
+think I can ever be stylish?"
+
+The Bostonian understood Tom to be in earnest, and told him he thought
+in time, under proper training, he might become fairly stylish.
+
+The conversation was interrupted by the ringing of a bell from the
+log-house. Mrs. Fletcher, by an arrangement with the party, prepared
+their meals, and thus they fared better than most of the early pioneers.
+Their labor gave them a good appetite, and they were more solicitous
+about quantity than quality. Slow as he was at his work, there was no
+one who exhibited greater alacrity at meal-times, than Lawrence Peabody.
+At such times he was even cheerful.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+MISSOURI JACK.
+
+
+At the end of a month the settlement had considerably increased. A large
+party from Missouri went to work farther up stream, and a few stray
+emigrants also added themselves to the miners at River Bend, for this
+was the name selected by Captain Fletcher for the location. The new
+arrivals were a rougher and more disorderly class than Fletcher and his
+companions. Already there was a saloon, devoted to the double purpose of
+gambling and drinking; and the proprietor, Missouri Jack (no one knew
+his last name), was doing a thriving business. Indeed his income
+considerably exceeded that of any one in the settlement.
+
+Neither Tom nor any of his party contributed much to Missouri Jack's
+profits. In consequence, they had to bear the ill-will and sometimes
+open abuse of Jack and his friends.
+
+"Come in and take a drink, stranger," called out Jack, the day after the
+opening of the saloon, to Captain Fletcher.
+
+"No, thank you."
+
+"It shan't cost you a cent."
+
+"It would cost me my health," returned Fletcher.
+
+"Do you mean to say I sell bad whiskey?" demanded Jack, angrily,
+emphasizing the inquiry by an oath.
+
+"I don't know anything about it."
+
+"Then what _do_ you mean?"
+
+"I mean that all whiskey is bad for the health," replied Fletcher.
+
+"Oh, you're a temperance sneak!" exclaimed Missouri Jack,
+contemptuously.
+
+"I am a temperance man; you may leave out the other word," calmly
+answered Fletcher.
+
+"You're not a man!" exploded Jack. "A man that's afraid of whiskey is
+a--a--isn't half a man. He isn't fit to be a woman."
+
+"Have it as you like," said Fletcher, unruffled. "I shall not drink to
+please any man. I had a younger brother--a bright, promising young man
+poor Ben was--who drank himself to death. He'd have been alive now but
+for whiskey."
+
+"Oh, dry up your pious talk! You make me sick!" exclaimed Missouri Jack
+in deep disgust.
+
+Next he accosted John Miles, who curtly declined and received in return
+a volley of abuse. Now Miles was a powerful man, and not possessed of
+Fletcher's self-control. He paused, and surveyed Jack with a menacing
+look.
+
+"Look here, stranger," he said, sharply, "just have a care how you use
+that tongue of yours. This is a free country, and if I choose to decline
+your whiskey, there's no law against it that I know of."
+
+"You're a white-livered sneak!"
+
+Missouri Jack did not proceed with his remarks, for John Miles, seizing
+him by the shoulder, tripped him up, and strode away, leaving him
+prostrate, and pouring out a volley of curses. Being a bully, and
+cowardly as most bullies are, he did not pursue his broad-shouldered
+enemy, but vowed vengeance whenever a good opportunity came.
+
+In fact, the only one of the original miners who accepted Jack's
+invitation was Lawrence Peabody.
+
+"Step in, stranger, and have a drink!" said Jack, a little dubiously,
+having met with such poor luck heretofore.
+
+The young Bostonian paused. He was not a drinker at home, but in his
+discontent and disappointment he was tempted.
+
+"My dear sir, you are very polite," he said.
+
+"I hope you ain't one of them temperance sneaks," said Jack, his brow
+clouding in anticipation of a refusal.
+
+"I assure you I am not," Peabody hastened to say. "I have participated
+in convivial scenes more than once in Boston."
+
+"I don't understand college talk," said Jack; "but if you want a glass
+of prime whiskey, just say the word."
+
+"I don't care if I do," said Peabody, following his new friend into the
+saloon.
+
+The draught of prime whiskey scorched his throat as he swallowed it
+down, but it was followed by a sense of exhilaration, and Peabody's
+tongue was loosened.
+
+"You're a gentleman!" said Missouri Jack. "You ain't like them fellows
+you're with. They're sneaks."
+
+"Really, you compliment me, Mr.--, what may I call your name?"
+
+"Missouri Jack--that's the peg I hang on to."
+
+"My dear Mr. Jack, I am glad to know you. You are really quite an
+accession to our settlement."
+
+"Well, if I ain't, my saloon is. How you've managed to live so long
+without liquor beats me. Why, it ain't civilized."
+
+"It _was_ pretty dull," admitted Peabody.
+
+"No life, no amusement; for all the world like a parcel of Methodists.
+What luck have you met with, stranger?"
+
+"Beastly luck!" answered Peabody. "I tell you, Mr. Jack, California's a
+fraud. Many a time I've regretted leaving Boston, where I lived in
+style, and moved in the first circles, for such a place as this.
+Positively, Mr. Jack, I feel like a tramp, and I'm afraid I look like
+one. If my fashionable friends could see me now, they wouldn't know me."
+
+"I ain't got no fashionable friends, and I don't want any," growled
+Missouri Jack, spitting on the floor. "What I want is, to meet
+gentlemen that ain't afraid to drink like gentlemen. I say, stranger,
+you'd better leave them Methodist fellers, and join our gang."
+
+"Thank you, Mr. Jack, you're very kind, and I'll think of it," said
+Peabody, diplomatically. Though a little exhilarated, he was not quite
+blind to the character of the man with whom he was fraternizing, and had
+too much real refinement to enjoy his coarseness.
+
+"Have another drink!"
+
+"Thank you."
+
+Peabody drank again, this time with a friend of Jack's, a man of his own
+stripe, who straggled into the saloon.
+
+"Do you play euchre?" asked Jack, producing a dirty pack of cards.
+
+"I know little of it," said Peabody; "but I'll try a game."
+
+"Then you and me and Bill here will have a game."
+
+"All right," said Peabody, glad to while away the time.
+
+"What'll you put up on your game, stranger?" asked Bill.
+
+"You don't mean to play for money, do you?" asked Peabody, a little
+startled.
+
+"Sartain I do. What's the good of playin' for nothing?"
+
+So the young Bostonian, out of his modest pile was tempted to stake an
+ounce of gold-dust. Though his head was hardly in a condition to follow
+the game intelligently, he won, or at least Bill and Jack told him he
+had, and for the first time Lawrence felt the rapture of the successful
+gambler, as he gathered in his winnings.
+
+"He plays a steep game, Bill," said Jack.
+
+"Tip-top--A No. 1."
+
+"I believe I do play a pretty good game," said the flattered Peabody.
+"My friends in Boston used to say so."
+
+"You're hard to beat, and no mistake," said Bill. "Try another game."
+
+"I'm ready, gentlemen," said Peabody, with alacrity.
+
+"It's a great deal easier earning money this way," he reflected,
+regarding complacently the two ounces of dust which represented his
+winnings, "than washing dirt out of the river." And the poor dupe
+congratulated himself that a new way of securing the favors of fortune
+had been opened to him.
+
+The reader will easily guess that Lawrence Peabody did not win the next
+game, nor will he be surprised to hear that when he left the saloon his
+pockets were empty.
+
+"Better luck next time, stranger," said Jack, carelessly. "Take a drink
+before you go?"
+
+Peabody accepted the invitation, and soon after staggered into the tent
+occupied by Tom and his friend Ferguson.
+
+"What's the matter, Mr. Peabody?" asked Tom. "Are you sick?"
+
+"Yes," answered Peabody, sinking to the floor. "Something's the matter
+with my head. I don't feel well."
+
+"Have you been to the saloon, Mr. Peabody?" asked Ferguson.
+
+"Yes," answered the Bostonian.
+
+"And while there you drank some of their vile whiskey, didn't you?"
+
+"I'm a free man, Mr. Ferguson. If I choose to drink, what--what business
+is it--yours?"
+
+"None, except as a friend I advise you not to go there again."
+
+Further inquiries elicited the facts about the gambling, and Ferguson
+and Tom seriously remonstrated with Peabody, who, however, insisted that
+Mr. Jack, as he called him, was a hospitable gentleman.
+
+The dust which Peabody had lost should have been paid to Capt. Fletcher,
+as his share of the expenses that same evening. Of course this was now
+impossible. Fletcher warned him that any subsequent failure from the
+same cause would be followed by an exclusion from his table.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+HOW TOM GOT ON.
+
+
+About this time Tom took account of stock. He had come out to California
+with the noble and praiseworthy purpose of earning money to help his
+father pay off the mortgage on his little farm. He was the more anxious
+to succeed, because two hundred dollars of the amount had been raised to
+defray his expenses across the continent. The mortgage, amounting now to
+twenty-two hundred dollars, was held by Squire Hudson, a wealthy
+resident of the same town, who hoped eventually to find an excuse for
+fore-closing the mortgage, and ejecting Mr. Nelson's family. He was
+actuated not alone by mercenary motives, but also to gratify an ancient
+grudge. In early life Mrs. Nelson, Tom's mother, had rejected the suit
+of the wealthy squire, and this insult, as he chose to characterize it,
+he had never forgotten or forgiven.
+
+Had Tom been aware of the Squire's feelings, towards his family, he
+never would have been willing to have the mortgage increased for his
+sake, much as he wished to go to California. But neither Tom nor his
+father dreamed of Squire Hudson's secret animosity, and regarded his
+willingness to advance the extra two hundred dollars as an evidence of
+friendship.
+
+But I have said that Tom took account of stock--in other words,
+ascertained how much he was worth. First, then, of the money borrowed
+for his trip--the original two hundred dollars--he had twenty-five
+dollars left over. Besides this sum, after paying all expenses, he had
+accumulated, by hard work and strict economy, fifty dollars' worth of
+gold-dust.
+
+"I wish father had this money," said Tom to his tent-mate, Ferguson. "I
+am afraid he stands in need of it."
+
+"There may be a way to send it to him, Tom."
+
+"I wish there were."
+
+"There's one of our party going to San Francisco next week. He can buy
+a draft there, and send it to your father."
+
+"Who is going?" asked Tom, eagerly.
+
+"John Miles. You can trust him with the money, Tom."
+
+"Of course I can. I'd trust John Miles with any sum."
+
+"Who's that taking liberties with my name?" asked a manly voice, and
+John Miles himself stepped into the tent, bending his head as he
+entered.
+
+"I hear you are going to San Francisco, John?"
+
+"Yes, I start next week."
+
+"Will you come back again?"
+
+"I intend to. I am going to prospect a little, and buy some things for
+myself and Captain Fletcher."
+
+"Will you do me a favor?"
+
+"Of course I will, if it isn't too large a one," answered Miles.
+
+Tom explained what he wished, and John Miles cordially assented.
+
+"You're a good boy, Tom," he said, "to think of your father so soon."
+
+"I feel anxious about him," said Tom. "He raised money to send me out
+here, and I don't want him to suffer for it."
+
+"That's the right way to feel, Tom. I wish I had a father and mother to
+look out for," said Miles, soberly, "but you're in better luck than I.
+Both died when I was a mere lad. How much do you want to send?"
+
+"Seventy-five dollars."
+
+"Have you saved up so much already?" asked Miles, in surprise.
+
+"Part of it I had left over when I got here."
+
+"Will you have any left?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Isn't it well to reserve a little, then?"
+
+"Oh, I shall have some more soon," answered Tom, sanguine, as most boys
+are.
+
+"Suppose you are sick?"
+
+"If he is sick he shall suffer for nothing," said the Scotchman. "While
+I have money, Tom shall not feel the want of it."
+
+"Thank you, Mr. Ferguson," said Tom, gratefully.
+
+"That old fellow has a heart, after all," thought Miles, who had been
+disposed to look upon Ferguson ever since their first acquaintance, as
+rather miserly.
+
+The Scotchman was certainly frugal, and counted his pennies carefully,
+but he was not mean, and had conceived a strong affection for his young
+companion, whom he regarded much as a son or a nephew.
+
+"Suppose you take the money now, John," said Tom.
+
+"Shall I scribble a receipt, Tom? I am afraid my writing materials have
+given out."
+
+"I don't want any receipt," said Tom; "I'll trust you without one."
+
+"Nevertheless, lad," said the cautious Scotchman, "it may be well--"
+
+"Yes, Tom, Mr. Ferguson is right. Of course I know that you trust me;
+but if anything should happen to me,--any accident, I mean,--the paper
+may be useful to you."
+
+"Just as you like, Mr. Miles, but I don't ask it, remember that."
+
+"Yes, I will remember it, and I don't mean to meet with any accident if
+I can help it. Mr. Ferguson, can you oblige me with a pipeful of
+tobacco? I'll join you in smoking."
+
+Smoking was the Scotchman's solitary extravagance, not a costly one,
+however, as he never smoked cigars, but indulged only in a democratic
+clay pipe.
+
+John Miles threw himself on the ground between Tom and his Scotch
+friend, and watched complacently the wreaths of smoke as they curled
+upwards.
+
+"Tom, you ought to smoke," he said. "You don't know how much enjoyment
+you lose."
+
+"Don't tempt the lad," said Ferguson. "It's a bad habit."
+
+"You smoke yourself."
+
+"That is true, but it isn't well for a growing boy. It can do him no
+good."
+
+"I smoked before I was as old as Tom."
+
+"So did I, but I wish I had not."
+
+"Well, perhaps you're right, but it's a comfort when a man's tired or
+out of spirits."
+
+"I am not troubled in that way," said Tom. "I mean with being out of
+spirits."
+
+"Youth is a hopeful age," said the Scotchman. "When we are young we are
+always hoping for something good to befall us."
+
+"And when one is older, how is it, Mr. Ferguson?"
+
+"We fear ill more than we hope for good," he replied.
+
+"Then I want to remain young as long as I can."
+
+"A good wish, Tom. Some men are always young in spirit; but those that
+have seen the evil there is in the world find it harder to be hopeful."
+
+"You speak as if you had had experience of the evil, Mr. Ferguson."
+
+"So I have," answered the Scotchman slowly. Then, after a pause, "I will
+tell you about it: it's no secret."
+
+"Not if it is going to pain you."
+
+"Oh, the pain is past. It's only a matter of money, and those wounds
+heal."
+
+"Only a matter of money!" said John Miles to himself. "I must have
+misjudged Ferguson. I thought money was all in all with him. I did not
+think he would speak so lightly of it."
+
+"When I was a young man," Ferguson began, "my father died, leaving me a
+thousand pounds, and a small annuity to my mother. With this money I
+felt rich, but I knew it would not support me, nor was I minded to be
+idle. So I began to look about me, to consider what business I had best
+go into, when a young man, about my own age, a clerk in a mercantile
+house, came to me and proposed a partnership. He was to put in five
+hundred pounds, and contribute his knowledge of business, which was
+greater than mine. He was a young man of good parts, and had a brisk,
+pleasant way with him, that made him a favorite in business circles. I
+thought it was a good chance, and, after taking a little time for
+thought, agreed to his proposal. So the firm of McIntire and Ferguson
+was formed. We went into business, and for a time all seemed to go
+well. As my partner chose to keep the books, I was not so clear as I
+wished to be about matters, but we seemed to be prospering. One morning,
+however, on coming to business, I found that my partner had disappeared,
+after possessing himself of all the money he could collect on the credit
+of the firm. Of course we were bankrupts, or rather I was, for he left
+me to bear the brunt of failure."
+
+"Have you ever seen him since, Mr. Ferguson?"
+
+"From that day to this--twenty years--I have never set eyes on Sandy
+McIntire."
+
+"It was a mean trick to serve you, Ferguson," said Miles.
+
+"Yes," said the Scotchman, soberly. "I minded the loss of money, but the
+loss of confidence was a sore thought too, after all the trust I had put
+in that man."
+
+Presently Miles rose to go.
+
+"I'll take care of your money, Tom," he said, "and do my best to get it
+safely to your father."
+
+"Thank you, John."
+
+As Miles left the tent, he did not observe a crouching figure on the
+other side of it. It was the figure of Bill Crane, a crony of Missouri
+Jack, in fact, the man who helped him to fleece poor Peabody of his
+scanty hoard.
+
+Bill looked after Miles enviously.
+
+"I wonder how much money he's got?" thought Bill. "I'd like some of it,
+for I'm bust. I must tell Jack. I don't dare to tackle him alone."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+A FOILED ROBBER.
+
+
+In the grand rush to the newly discovered gold-fields all classes were
+represented. There were men of education, representatives of all the
+learned professions, men versed in business, and along with them
+adventurers and men of doubtful antecedents, graduates of prisons and
+penitentiaries. Bill Crane, introduced in the last chapter, belonged to
+the latter undesirable class. He had served a term at Sing-Sing as a
+housebreaker, and later another term in a Western penitentiary. He had
+come to California with a prejudice against honest labor, and a
+determination to make a living by the use of the peculiar talents on
+which he had hitherto relied. He had spent a week at River Bend, chiefly
+at the saloon of Missouri Jack, whom he found a congenial spirit, and
+had picked up a little money from flats like the young Bostonian; but,
+on the whole, he had found it an unprofitable field for the exercise of
+his special talents.
+
+"I must make a raise somehow," he bethought himself, "and then I'll make
+tracks for some other settlement."
+
+Precisely how to raise the fund of which he stood in need was difficult
+to decide. Moneyed men were not plenty at River Bend. Captain Fletcher
+and his party had been at work but a short time, and were not likely to
+have collected much.
+
+As we know, Bill Crane overheard a part of the closing conversation
+between Tom and John Miles. From this he learned that Miles, besides his
+own money, would be in charge of seventy-five dollars belonging to our
+young hero. It was not much, but it was something.
+
+"If the whole doesn't come to over two hundred dollars, I can make it
+do," thought Crane. "It will get me out of this beastly hole, and carry
+me to San Francisco."
+
+John Miles slept by himself under a small tent at the northern end of
+the small encampment. He looked like a man who ate well and slept well,
+and this would be favorable to Bill Crane, who proposed to effect the
+robbery in the night. He had half a mind to secure the aid of Missouri
+Jack, but then Jack would expect to go shares in the "plunder," and
+there was likely to be little enough for one. So Bill decided to make
+the attempt alone.
+
+In a small camp like that at River Bend, the movements and plans of each
+individual were generally known. So it was generally understood that
+John Miles intended to start on Thursday for the city.
+
+The previous evening he spent with Tom and Ferguson, with whom he was
+more intimate than any others of the party. He would not have been drawn
+to the Scotchman, but for his being Tom's room-mate. Through him he came
+to appreciate and respect the Scot's sterling virtues, and to overlook
+his dry, phlegmatic manner.
+
+"I hope you'll have good luck, Mr. Miles," said Tom.
+
+"Thank you, my boy."
+
+"I would join with my young friend Tom," said Ferguson, "if I were quite
+clear in my mind whether good luck is the right term to use."
+
+"Don't you think some men are luckier than others, Mr. Ferguson?" asked
+Tom.
+
+"Some men are more successful, doubtless; but what we call good luck,
+generally comes from greater industry, good judgment, and, above all,
+the prompt use of opportunities."
+
+"There is something in that," said Miles; "but when two men work side by
+side with equal industry, and one finds a nugget worth thousands of
+dollars, while the other plods along at a few dollars a day, isn't there
+some luck there?"
+
+"It may be so," said the Scotchman, cautiously, "but such cases are
+exceptional."
+
+"So one boy is born to an inheritance of wealth and another to an
+inheritance of hard work. Isn't there any luck there?"
+
+"The luck may be on the side of the poor boy," was the reply. "He is
+further removed from temptation."
+
+John Miles laughed.
+
+"Well, at any rate, it seems you believe in luck after all. I am sure
+you both wish me to be prosperous, whether you call it luck or by some
+other name. Tom, if I meet with any good opening that I think will suit
+you, I shall write you. You don't want to stay here, particularly?"
+
+"No; the place is not so pleasant since these new people have come here.
+Missouri Jack isn't a neighbor that I like."
+
+"He is exerting a bad influence," said Ferguson. "I am afraid Peabody
+visits him too often for his own good."
+
+"He ought to have stayed in Boston," said Miles. "He is not the man for
+such a life as ours. He is too delicate to work, or thinks he is, and I
+see no other reliable road to success."
+
+"I saw Peabody reeling out of the saloon this afternoon," said Tom. "I
+asked him if he considered it was 'high-toned' to drink in a saloon, as
+that is the word he is always using, but he said it didn't make much
+difference out here, where he wasn't known."
+
+"Peabody isn't overstocked with brains, though he does come from
+Boston," said Miles.
+
+Ten o'clock came, and Miles rose to go.
+
+"I must have a good night's rest," he said, "for to-morrow night must
+see me many miles on my road. Tom, I will attend to that commission of
+yours just as soon as I have the opportunity."
+
+"Thank you, Mr. Miles."
+
+John Miles walked slowly toward his tent. Arrived there, he threw
+himself down on his rude couch, and in less than fifteen minutes, he was
+sound asleep. He had done his usual day's work, and made some
+preparations for his journey besides, and these made slumber sweet and
+refreshing.
+
+Before settling himself for the night, however, Miles carefully
+deposited a bag of gold-dust under his head, wrapped up in an extra pair
+of pantaloons. Had he known that Bill Crane had formed a plan to rob him
+that very night, he would have taken extra precautions, but he was not
+inclined to be suspicious, or to anticipate danger.
+
+Perhaps an hour later, Tom, who found himself unusually restless, got up
+from his hard couch, leaving Ferguson fast asleep, and went out into
+the air, thinking that a walk would do him good and dispose him to
+sleep. The night was dark, but not wholly so. There was no moon, but a
+few stars were shining; and as his eyes became accustomed to the faint
+light, he could easily distinguish objects at the distance of a few
+rods.
+
+Tom's thoughts reverted to his humble home, more than three thousand
+miles away. Probably the fact that he had committed to John Miles a sum
+of money to send to his father, had turned his thoughts in that
+direction.
+
+"Father will be glad to get the seventy-five dollars," thought Tom, "and
+I am sure he will need it. I wish it could get there more quickly, but
+it is a long way off."
+
+Tom was not homesick, and was far from wishing himself back, with his
+object in coming yet unaccomplished, but it did occur to him, that he
+would like to see his father and mother, and brothers and sisters, if
+only for a few minutes.
+
+When he came out he had no particular direction in mind in which he
+wished to walk, but chance directed his steps toward the tent of his
+friend, John Miles.
+
+When he came near it, his attention was arrested by the sight of a
+crouching figure which appeared to be entering the tent. His first
+thought was, that Miles, like himself, had got up from his couch and was
+just returning. He was on the point of calling out "John," when a sudden
+doubt and suspicion silenced him.--"Might not it be a robber?"
+
+Tom was determined to find out. He crept nearer, so that he could have a
+clearer view of the figure.
+
+"It's Bill Crane!" he said to himself, with sudden recognition. "What's
+he up to?"
+
+Tom could guess. He didn't know the man's antecedents, but he had read
+his character aright. He was instantly on the alert. Crane evidently was
+on a thief's errand, and was likely to steal not only Miles's money but
+Tom's. Our hero was alive to the emergency, and resolved to foil him. He
+had his revolver with him; for in the unsettled state of society, with
+no one to enforce the laws, and indeed no laws to enforce, it was the
+custom for all men to go armed.
+
+Tom was not long left in doubt as to Crane's intentions. He saw him
+cautiously pulling at something in the tent, and felt sure that it was
+the bag of treasure. He decided that the time had come to act.
+
+"Put that back," he exclaimed in boyish, but clear, commanding tone.
+
+Bill Crane turned suddenly, panic-stricken.
+
+He saw Tom standing a few feet from him, with a revolver in his hand.
+
+All was not lost. He might, he thought, intimidate the boy.
+
+"Mind your business, you young cub," he growled.
+
+"What are you about?" demanded Tom.
+
+"I am going to sleep with Miles. He invited me. Does that satisfy you?"
+
+"No, it doesn't, for I know that it's a lie. You are here to rob him."
+
+"You'd better not insult me, boy, or I'll have your life."
+
+"Get up this instant and leave the tent, or I'll fire," said Tom,
+resolutely.
+
+"A young cub like you can't frighten me. That shooting-iron of yours
+isn't loaded," said Bill Crane, rather uneasily.
+
+"It'll be rather a bad thing for you to take the risk," said Tom, with a
+coolness that surprised himself, for the situation was a strange one for
+a boy brought up in a quiet New England farming town.
+
+"What do you want of me?" growled the desperado, uncomfortably, for he
+was satisfied that the weapon was loaded, and Tom looked as if he would
+shoot.
+
+"I want you to leave that tent at once," said Tom.
+
+"Suppose I don't."
+
+"Then I shall fire at you."
+
+"And be hung for attempted murder."
+
+"I think I could explain it," said our hero. "You know very well what
+will happen to you if you are caught."
+
+Bill Crane did know. Hanging was the penalty for theft in the early
+days of California, and he had no desire to swing from the branch of a
+tree.
+
+"You're a young fool!" he said roughly, as he rose from his stooping
+posture. "I wanted to ask Miles to do a little commission for me in
+Frisco. I had no thought of robbing him."
+
+"You can see him in the morning about it," said Tom, resolutely.
+
+"I'll be even with you for this," said the foiled thief, as he sullenly
+obeyed the boy, half-ashamed to do so.
+
+Tom went back to his tent, aroused Ferguson, and the two took turns in
+guarding the tent of Miles during the night. Tom did not wish to awaken
+him, for he needed rest on the eve of a long and fatiguing journey.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+MILES SETS OUT ON HIS JOURNEY.
+
+
+"When Miles woke up in the morning he found Tom beside him.
+
+"Hallo, Tom!" he said, in some surprise. "This is an early call."
+
+"I have been here half the night," said Tom, quietly.
+
+"How is that?"
+
+"I was afraid you would be robbed."
+
+"Did you have any particular reason for fearing it?" asked Miles,
+quickly.
+
+Thereupon Tom described his chance visit of the evening before, and what
+he saw. As might have been expected, John Miles was indignant.
+
+"The miserable sneak! I'd like to wring his neck," he exclaimed. "Did
+you say he had his hand upon the bag of gold-dust, Tom?"
+
+"Yes; I distinctly saw him attempting to draw it out from under your
+head."
+
+"If the boys knew of this, Crane's fate would be sealed. A thief in a
+mining camp has a short shrift."
+
+"You mean he would be hung?" asked Tom, in surprise.
+
+"Yes, he would grace a limb of yonder tree, and I am not sure but it
+would be the best way to dispose of him."
+
+Tom shuddered.
+
+"It would be a terrible fate," he said. "I should like to see him
+punished, but I don't want him hanged."
+
+"Then you will have to keep your mouth shut. Once let the boys get hold
+of what happened, and nothing will save him."
+
+"Then I shall keep it to myself."
+
+"I will see Crane, and let him understand that I am aware of the attempt
+he made," said Miles.
+
+After breakfast he came upon Crane within a few rods of Missouri Jack's
+saloon.
+
+"Look here, Bill Crane," said Miles, "I've got something to say to you."
+
+"What is it?" returned Crane, sullenly, looking ill at ease.
+
+"I understand you favored me with a visit, last night."
+
+"Who told you so?"
+
+"Tom Nelson."
+
+"The young cub had better mind his own business," growled Crane, in a
+menacing tone.
+
+"He did me a service in preventing your intended theft."
+
+"If he says I meant to rob you, he lies!"
+
+"Nevertheless, if he should make public what he saw, the boys would be
+likely to believe him rather than you," said Miles, significantly.
+
+"Is he going to tell?" asked Crane, nervously.
+
+"He has told me, but is not likely to speak of it to others, being
+unwilling that you should suffer the punishment you deserve."
+
+"He is very kind," sneered Bill Crane, but he felt very much relieved.
+
+"You probably owe your life to his kindness," said Miles, quietly. "He
+tells me you wish me to do something for you in Frisco."
+
+"I've changed my mind," said Crane, abruptly; "I may go there myself,
+soon."
+
+Miles smiled.
+
+"I thought it might be something urgent," he said, "since it led you to
+come to my tent at midnight."
+
+"I thought you would be starting away early this morning."
+
+"Well thought of, Bill Crane; but it is only fair to tell you that I
+don't believe a word you say. I have one thing to say to you before I
+go, and you had better bear it in mind. If you harm a hair of Tom
+Nelson's head, and I believe you quite capable of it, I will never rest
+till I have found you out and punished you for it."
+
+"I am not afraid of you, John Miles," retorted Crane, but he looked
+uncomfortable.
+
+"You will have cause to be, if you injure Tom."
+
+Miles walked off, leaving behind him a bitter enemy.
+
+"I _hate_ him--him and the boy too!" muttered Bill Crane. "If I dared, I
+would put my mark on him before he leaves the camp."
+
+But Crane did not dare. He knew that he was in a very critical position.
+His safety depended on the silence of two persons--one of whom would
+soon be gone. He was not aware that Ferguson also knew of his attempted
+crime, or the danger would have seemed greater. However much he thirsted
+for vengeance, it would not do to gratify it now. He must bide his time.
+
+Bill Crane was cunning as well as malignant. He decided to quiet Tom's
+suspicions if he could, and ensure his continued silence, by an
+affectation of friendliness. He waited till he saw our hero washing dust
+beyond earshot of any listeners, and strolled up to him.
+
+"How are you getting on, Tom?" he asked, with an appearance of
+friendliness.
+
+Tom looked up quickly. Considering all that had happened, he was
+somewhat struck by Crane's effrontery.
+
+"Fairly well," he answered coldly.
+
+"Shan't I relieve you a few minutes?" proposed Crane.
+
+"No, thank you."
+
+"It's pretty hard work, and don't pay as well as it might. I think
+California's a humbug, for my part."
+
+"Have you tried washing for gold?" asked Tom. "I haven't seen you at
+work."
+
+"Not here. I've tried it elsewhere, but it's slow."
+
+"Then, why do you stay here?" asked Tom, naturally.
+
+Crane shrugged his shoulders.
+
+"Because I haven't money to get away," he said. "I'm waiting for
+something to turn up. If I could only get to Frisco, I would go into
+some business. I would like to have gone with Miles."
+
+"Was that what you were going to propose to him, last night?" asked Tom,
+dryly.
+
+"Yes, I wanted to speak to him on that subject. I had a great mind to
+ask him to lend me a little money, and take me along with him. I would
+have arranged to pay him soon after we reached Frisco."
+
+Tom knew that the fellow was lying, and remained silent.
+
+"You made a little mistake about my intentions," continued Bill Crane,
+smoothly, "but perhaps it was natural under the circumstances."
+
+Tom thought it was, but still preserved silence, much to Crane's
+discomfiture.
+
+Bill Crane eyed him sharply, and saw his incredulity, but for that he
+cared little, if only he could secure his silence.
+
+"I think you will see that it isn't fair to me to speak of this matter,"
+he continued.
+
+"I had made up my mind not to speak of it," said Tom. "I don't want to
+get you into trouble."
+
+"Good-morning, Mr. Crane," said Lawrence Peabody, who had just come up.
+
+"Good-morning, Peabody. I was watching our friend Tom. How are you
+getting on?"
+
+"I haven't done anything yet to-day. It's dirty work. I don't think
+it's fit for a gentleman; Tom, there, is used to work, and he don't
+mind."
+
+"Shall we go round to Jack's?"
+
+"All right!"
+
+And the two walked away together.
+
+"I am sorry Peabody doesn't keep better company," Tom said to himself.
+"Bill Crane won't do him any good."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+ROBBED IN HIS SLEEP.
+
+
+Tom was right in concluding that Bill Crane's influence over Peabody was
+anything but good. The young Bostonian, however, was not long subjected
+to it. During the night following John Miles's departure, the little
+settlement at River Bend was called upon to deplore the loss of an
+eminent member.
+
+In brief, somewhere between midnight and dawn Mr. William Crane took his
+departure, without the ceremony of leave-taking. Had he gone alone no
+one perhaps would have felt any violent sorrow, but he took with him a
+horse belonging to Adam Dietrich, an industrious young German, who had
+only recently arrived. No one had seen the two go together, but it was
+only natural to suppose that Crane had spirited away the horse.
+
+Dietrich borrowed a horse, and, accompanied by a friend, set out in
+search of the thief, but returned at night unsuccessful. Had it been wet
+weather, it might have been possible to track the fugitive; but it was
+very dry, and the trail was soon lost. It was almost impossible to tell
+what direction Crane would choose, and continued pursuit would not pay,
+so Adam sadly returned to his work.
+
+Little doubt was entertained among the miners that Crane was responsible
+for the loss of the horse. Had he been caught, there would have been
+small chance for him, so generally was he pronounced guilty. A few of
+his companions, especially Missouri Jack, defended him.
+
+"Bill Crane wouldn't steal a horse any more than I would," said Jack;
+and there were those who agreed with him without acquitting Bill. "Bill
+ain't no saint, but he ain't a thief."
+
+Whether Jack believed what he said, admits of a doubt. Crane needed a
+different advocate to clear him from suspicion.
+
+It may as well be stated that Crane did steal the horse. He had a
+decided objection to walking as long as he could ride, and, having no
+animal of his own, annexed the property of his neighbor.
+
+He had two motives which influenced him to leave the settlement. First,
+he was in Tom's power, and he was by no means certain that our hero
+would keep silence touching his night-attempt at robbery. In the second
+place, he still coveted the bag of gold-dust which John Miles carried
+away with him. He had been prevented from taking it; but, as Miles was
+travelling alone, he foresaw a better chance of success if he should
+follow on his track.
+
+How or under what circumstances he should make the new attempt he left
+to be decided later. The first thing, obviously, was to overtake him.
+
+Crane experienced the same difficulty in tracking Miles that had led to
+the failure of his own pursuers. It was only on the fifth day, that, as
+he halted his steed on the hillside, and cast long glances about him, he
+caught sight, a mile away, of the object of his pursuit. He could not
+mistake the sturdy, broad-shouldered figure, and large, massive head.
+
+"That's Miles, sure enough!" he exclaimed, joyfully. "I thought I had
+missed him, but I'm in luck. That bag must be mine."
+
+The most direct course was to ride up in the fashion of a highwayman,
+and demand the bag. But Crane did not mean to proceed in this fashion.
+Physically, though not a weak man, he was not a match for Miles, and he
+knew it. Cunning must supply the place of strength. He knew that Miles
+was a sound sleeper, and could think of no better plan than repeating
+the visit he had made in camp. It was already late in the afternoon when
+he caught sight of the sturdy miner. It was his policy now to keep him
+in sight, but not to approach near enough for recognition. Once seen,
+Miles would be on his guard, and the game would be spoiled. Crane
+halted, therefore, and drew back within the shadow of the trees,
+henceforth advancing cautiously.
+
+John Miles did not once turn back. Had he done so, it is quite possible
+that he might have caught a glimpse of his pursuer. He had travelled
+since morning, and his faithful horse was beginning to show signs of
+fatigue.
+
+"You are tired, my poor Dick," he said kindly, stroking the horse. "You
+deserve supper and rest, and you shall have it."
+
+Dick appeared to understand what his rider said, for he gave a short
+neigh of satisfaction.
+
+John Miles looked around him. Just ahead was a large tree, under whose
+broad branches it would be pleasant to recline. Not far away was a
+slender mountain-stream trickling over the rocks. Nothing could have
+been better.
+
+Miles slid from his horse and made preparations to encamp for the night,
+first leading his faithful steed to the stream, where he quenched his
+thirst. Then he brought out his slender stock of provisions and partook
+of supper.
+
+"It's pleasant to rest after a long day's ride," soliloquized Miles. "I
+must have made forty miles to-day. I could easily have gone farther, had
+it been on the prairies at home, but these mountain-roads are hard upon
+man and beast."
+
+After supper Miles threw himself upon the ground, and his mind became
+busy with his plans and prospects.
+
+"I shall reach Frisco in three days, according to my calculations," he
+reflected; "and then, first of all, I must attend to Tom's commission.
+That's a good boy, Tom. I wish he were here with me to-night. Why didn't
+I urge him to come with me? He is not doing very well where he is, and
+there are plenty of chances for a smart boy in the city. If I find any
+opening for him, I will send for him. I don't know what gives me such an
+interest in that boy, but I'd sooner do him a good turn than any man I
+know. I hope that thief Crane won't play any trick upon him. If he does,
+I swear I'll get even with him."
+
+John Miles little suspected that he himself stood in more peril from the
+man he denounced than our hero. Had he known that Bill Crane was lurking
+in the vicinity, he would scarcely have courted slumber so fearlessly.
+
+Physical fatigue and the stillness of outward nature speedily brought
+on a feeling of drowsiness that was not long in bringing sleep. Twilight
+had hardly given place to night when our traveller had become "to dumb
+forgetfulness a prey."
+
+This was what Bill Crane had been waiting for. He rightly calculated
+that Miles would soon be asleep. He inferred this from his own feelings.
+He, too, had travelled many miles, and felt drowsy; but, with the object
+he had in view near accomplishment, he was able to resist the promptings
+of nature.
+
+Crane rode till he was but a few rods from Miles, then dismounted and
+tethered his horse. With stealthy step he approached the sleeper. With
+satisfaction he regarded the upturned face of the man whom, if waking,
+he would have feared, and noted his deep, regular breathing.
+
+"You wouldn't sleep so sound, John Miles," he said to himself, "if you
+knew I was standing over you. How easily I could put a bullet into you!
+But then I wouldn't have the satisfaction of anticipating your
+disappointment when you wake up and find your treasure gone! No, you
+may live. I have no use for your life, that is, if you don't wake up. In
+that case, I may have to kill you."
+
+The bag of gold-dust lay under the head of Miles. He knew of no better
+place for it, calculating that any attempt at removal would arouse him.
+So it might under ordinary circumstances, but unusual fatigue made him
+sleep like a log. Bill Crane kneeled down, and by delicate manipulation
+succeeded in drawing the bag from beneath the sleeper's head. Lest the
+removal of the pillow might awaken Miles, he replaced it by a coat,
+which he folded up so as to produce about the same elevation above the
+ground.
+
+The transfer was made, without in the least interfering with the
+slumbers of the tired traveller.
+
+Bill Crane rose to his feet, triumphant. Not only was he possessed of a
+sum of which he stood sorely in need, but he had the satisfaction of
+outwitting his adversary. Moreover, he had obtained Tom's money in
+addition, and thus revenged himself upon the boy who had once thwarted
+him.
+
+"Good-by, John Miles!" he said, lifting his hat mockingly. "Sorry to
+inconvenience you, but can't help it. A long sleep, and pleasant
+dreams!"
+
+Thus speaking, he turned away, unconscious that he had been observed by
+a third party.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+THE HEATHEN CHINEE.
+
+
+This third party belonged to that peculiar race immortalized by Bret
+Harte. He was a heathen Chinee! His face was smooth and bland, and wore
+an expression of childlike innocence which was well calculated to
+deceive. Ah Sin possessed the usual craft of his countrymen, and
+understood very well how to advance his worldly fortunes. He belonged to
+the advance guard of immigrants from the Central Flowery Kingdom, and
+with a companion, Ah Jim, was engaged in mining in the immediate
+neighborhood. His gains had not been great thus far, but then his
+expenses had amounted to little or nothing. He and his friend had
+brought two bags of rice from San Francisco, and they were well
+satisfied with this solitary article of diet.
+
+Ah Sin, from a distance, had seen John Miles encamp for the night, and,
+impelled by curiosity or a more questionable motive, had approached to
+take a view of the stranger. Before reaching him he caught sight of Bill
+Crane, and his almond eyes straightway watched the movements of that
+gentleman, while he himself kept sufficiently in the background to
+escape observation.
+
+When he saw Crane stealthily remove the bag from under the sleeper's
+head, he became very much interested, and a bland smile overspread his
+face, while his cue vibrated gently with approval.
+
+"'Melican man very smart," he murmured to himself. "He steal his
+friend's money while he sleep."
+
+My readers are probably aware that our Mongolian visitors find a
+difficulty in pronouncing the letter _r_, and invariably replace it by
+_l_.
+
+"Suppose other 'Melican man wake up, he make a low," continued Ah Sin,
+softly.
+
+But the other 'Melican man did not wake up, and Bill Crane got away with
+his booty, as we already know. Cautiously the Chinaman followed him,
+and ascertained where he intended to pass the night. It was at a
+moderate distance from the cabin which the two Chinamen had selected for
+their mining camp.
+
+Bill Crane jumped from his horse, stretched his limbs, and gaped.
+
+"I'm powerful sleepy," he soliloquized. "I can't go any farther
+to-night. I don't like to rest so near Miles, but I can be on the road
+before he wakes up. I guess it will be safe enough."
+
+Crane, having made up his mind to rest, rolled himself up in his
+blanket, and stretched himself out, first tying his horse to a sapling.
+The place was retired, and he felt moderately confident that, even if he
+overslept himself, he would not be discovered.
+
+"I'd like to see Miles when he discovers his loss," he said to himself,
+smiling at the thought. "He'll be ready to tear his hair, and won't have
+the least idea how the gold-dust was spirited away. You excel me in
+brute strength, John Miles, but one thing I am pretty sure of, you
+haven't got my brains," and he complacently tapped his forehead.
+
+"There must be at least two hundred dollars' worth in that bag," he
+reflected. "It isn't a great haul, but it will do. It will last me some
+time, and perhaps start me in something in Frisco. Bill Crane, you've
+done a good stroke of business to-day. You are entitled to a good
+night's rest, and you shall have it."
+
+First, however, he concealed the bag. He did not think it safe to place
+it under his head as Miles had done. He scooped a hole in the earth near
+by, deposited the bag, replaced the dirt, and spread a few leaves over
+the top.
+
+"No one will think of searching there," thought Crane. "Even if Miles
+himself surprises me here, he won't suspect anything."
+
+Bill Crane felt that he was unusually sharp and crafty, and felt great
+contempt for the stupidity of the man whom he had overreached. The time
+was not far off when he had occasion to doubt whether he had not
+overrated his own artfulness.
+
+A pair of almond eyes, lighted up with mild wonder, followed closely
+all the movements of William Crane. When the bag was concealed, and
+Crane lay down to sleep, the Chinaman nodded blandly, and remarked
+softly, "All light! Me go find Ah Jim."
+
+Ah Sin had to walk but half a mile to find the partner of his toils. Ah
+Sin and Ah Jim, though not related to each other, were as like as two
+peas. The same smooth face, the same air of childlike confidence, the
+same almond eyes, a pigtail of the same length, a blouse and loose pants
+of the same coarse cloth, were characteristic of both.
+
+When the two met, they straightway plunged into a conversation in which
+Ah Sin had most to say.
+
+Ah Jim listened attentively, and was evidently well pleased with what
+his companion said. I am afraid my young friends are not well up in the
+Chinese tongue, and would not understand the conversation, however
+faithfully reported. They must infer what it was from what followed.
+
+The two Chinamen bent their steps towards the resting-place of Bill
+Crane. Ah Sin carried a bag of about the same size as the one Crane had
+stolen, which he carefully filled with sandy earth. With stealthy steps
+these two innocent heathen drew near the spot, and looked searchingly at
+the recumbent form of the eminent representative of American
+civilization.
+
+Ah Sin turned to Ah Jim with a pleased smile.
+
+"All light!" he said. "'Melican man asleep."
+
+A similar smile lighted up the face of Ah Jim. "'Melican man sleep
+sound," he said; "no wake up."
+
+Quite unaware of the honor done him by the special Chinese embassy which
+had taken this early opportunity to call upon him, Bill Crane slept on.
+There was a smile upon his upturned face as if he were dreaming of
+something pleasant. He should have been a prey to remorse, if his
+conscience had done its duty, but Bill's conscience had grown callous,
+and gave him very little trouble. It was only when he was found out that
+he became sensible of a kind of mental discomfort which came as near to
+remorse as he was capable of feeling.
+
+Reassured by the deep, regular breathing of the sleeper, Ah Sin and his
+friend proceeded to their work. The former drew a slender stiletto-like
+knife from a fan which protruded above the collar of his blouse, and,
+stooping down, began skilfully to remove the dirt which covered the bag
+of gold-dust. From time to time he stole a glance at the sleeper to mark
+the first indications of returning consciousness. It was well for Crane
+that his sleep continued. A Chinaman does not set a high value upon
+human life, and the long stiletto would have been plunged into the
+'Melican man before he was well aware of what was going on. Bill Crane's
+good genius saved him from this sudden exit by continuing the profound
+slumber in which he was repairing the ravages of fatigue.
+
+The Chinamen therefore met with no interruption in their work. They drew
+out from its place of concealment the buried bag, and emptying the
+contents of their own poured into it the combined treasures of Miles and
+poor Tom. Then they filled the first bag with the worthless dust which
+they had brought with them, and carefully reburied it in the ground.
+
+They did their work so carefully and well that no one was likely to
+suspect that the bag had been tampered with.
+
+Having done their work, Ah Sin and his friend smiled upon each other in
+bland satisfaction, which was further expressed by a low guttural
+chuckle.
+
+"All light," said Ah Sin, with a nod.
+
+"All light," chimed in Ah Jim, nodding in return.
+
+A consciousness of lofty virtue could not have produced a happier
+expression upon any face than appeared on the mild countenance of the
+Chinamen.
+
+"'Melican man much supplised when he wake up," remarked Ah Jim.
+
+"Chinamen make much money," returned his friend.
+
+The two enterprising visitors returned to their quarters, and concealed
+their booty in a safe place. Then they too lay down and slept the sleep
+of confiding innocence.
+
+Bret Harte has not told us whether the heathen Chinee has a conscience;
+but if he has, neither Ah Sin nor Ah Jim experienced any inconvenience
+from its possession. Neither they nor Bill perhaps can fairly be taken
+as fair representatives of the different religious systems under which
+they were trained. Bill Crane could hardly claim any superiority over
+the heathen Chinee in point of honesty.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+BILL CRANE'S DISAGREEABLE DISCOVERY.
+
+
+It was five o'clock in the morning when Bill Crane opened his eyes. He
+felt refreshed by his night's sleep, yet under ordinary circumstances
+would have deferred getting up for at least an hour. But the
+consciousness that he had a treasure to guard, and the knowledge that he
+was at any moment liable to be called to account by the real owner,
+whose camp was scarcely more than a mile distant, aroused him to
+exertion.
+
+"I must get away while John Miles is still asleep," he bethought
+himself. "Let me get to Frisco first, and I can at once dispose of it,
+and he will never find me out."
+
+Crane did not wait to prepare breakfast. That he could take on the road
+an hour or two later, when he felt safe from interruption. He rose and
+shook himself. This was his scanty toilet. Next he must take the bag
+from its place of concealment, and then he could commence his journey.
+
+While uncovering the bag, Crane did not discover that it had been
+tampered with, partly because it was still there. It was natural to
+suppose that, if discovered by a third party, it would be carried away.
+He did not even open the bag, not thinking it necessary.
+
+"John Miles hasn't waked up yet," he said to himself with a smile. "When
+he does, there'll be some swearing, I'll be bound. You're a good boy,
+John Miles, but you ain't so smart as you think you are. I think I have
+got the start of you this time."
+
+Bill Crane rode off smiling.
+
+His course led him by the camp of the Chinamen. Early as it was they
+were astir. Ah Sin saw the rider, and at once recognized him as the man
+he had robbed. How could Crane know that those pleasant-faced barbarians
+had served him such a trick?
+
+"Hallo, Chinamen!" he said aloud. "Have they got out here already? I'll
+speak to them. Hallo, John!" he said, halting his horse, for even then
+every Chinaman was John.
+
+"How do, John?" replied Ah Sin, smiling blandly.
+
+"My name isn't John, but no matter. What are you two doing?"
+
+"Looking for gold," was the reply.
+
+"Do you find any?"
+
+"Velly little. Bad place."
+
+"Have you been in San Francisco?"
+
+"Yes, John."
+
+"Why didn't you stay there?"
+
+"Too many Chinamen--too little washee,--washee."
+
+"What have you got in the way of provisions? Mine are stale. I'd like to
+buy some of you."
+
+"We have got a little lice, John."
+
+"Got a little what? Oh, I know: you mean rice. Why don't you pronounce
+your English better?"
+
+"Because Chinamen not 'Melican men."
+
+"Then I suppose I may as well be moving on, as I can't get anything out
+of you. Oh, have you got any tea, John?"
+
+"Yes, John."
+
+"Got any made?"
+
+Ah Sin produced a cup, for he and his friend had just prepared their
+breakfast, and being warm, Bill Crane gulped it down with a relish.
+
+"After all, a man needs some warm drink in the morning," he said to
+himself. "How much to pay, John?"
+
+"Nothing, John. 'Melican man welcome."
+
+"John, you're a gentleman, or rather both of you are gentlemen, even if
+you are heathens. I'll remember you in my prayers."
+
+The eminent Christian, Bill Crane, rode off from the Chinese camp,
+calmly confident of his moral superiority to the two benighted heathen
+whom he left behind him. Whether he remembered his promise to intercede
+for them in prayer is a little doubtful, or would have been, if he had
+had occasion to pray himself. It is to be feared that prayer and William
+Crane had long been strangers.
+
+As Crane rode away, the two Chinamen exchanged glances. A gentle smile
+lighted up their yellow faces, and they were doubtless thinking of
+something pleasant. They exchanged a few guttural remarks which I should
+like to be able to translate, for they doubtless referred to Bill Crane,
+whom they had kindly supplied with a cup of tea gratis. Yet, perhaps,
+considering all things, it was the dearest cup of tea Crane had ever
+drank, since it was the only return he got for a bag of gold-dust worth
+over two hundred dollars. But there is an old saying, "Where ignorance
+is bliss, 'tis folly to be wise." Crane was just as happy as if the bag
+really contained gold-dust. But this happy ignorance was not to last
+long.
+
+After riding five or six miles our traveller thought he might venture to
+dismount for rest and refreshment. He selected as his breakfast-table
+the green sward beside a sparkling mountain streamlet. He dismounted,
+permitting his horse to graze while he took out the stale provisions
+which must constitute his morning meal. They were not very palatable,
+and Crane sighed for the breakfasts of old, the memory of which at this
+moment was very tantalizing. But he comforted himself with the thought
+that he had the means of making up for his enforced self-denial when he
+reached San Francisco.
+
+This naturally led him to open the bag, and feast his eyes over his
+easily obtained wealth. He untied the string, and with a smile of
+pleased anticipation peered at the contents.
+
+His face changed suddenly.
+
+Was he dreaming? In place of the shining dust, his eyes rested on--sand.
+
+He hastily thrust in his finger, and stirred the grains. But nothing
+else was to be discovered. The bag contained nothing but worthless sand.
+
+Crane stared at the deceptive bag in the most lugubrious astonishment.
+Surely the bag contained gold-dust when he concealed it. There could be
+no doubt on that point, for he had opened it and seen the contents for
+himself. But in that case, how could such a change have been effected in
+one night? It had not been touched; so, at any rate, he believed. He had
+found it in the morning in the exact spot where he had placed it
+overnight, and yet--
+
+Bill Crane took another look at the contents of the bag, hoping that he
+had been deceived by some ocular delusion, but the second examination
+brought him no comfort. He sank back, feeling in a state of mental and
+bodily collapse.
+
+Never was poor thief so utterly bewildered as Bill Crane. He could
+almost believe that some magical transformation had been practiced at
+his expense. Was it possible, he thought, that John Miles, discovering
+his loss, had visited him, and played this trick upon him? He could not
+believe this. It was not in accordance with John's direct,
+straightforward nature. Instead of acting in this secret manner, he
+would have sternly charged Crane with the robbery, and punished him on
+the spot. Leaving him out of the account, then, the mystery deepened. It
+never occurred to Crane to suspect the Chinamen who had so hospitably
+furnished him with a cup of tea. Even if they had come into his mind, he
+would have been puzzled to account for their knowledge of his having the
+bag in his possession.
+
+Bill Crane was decidedly unhappy. His glowing anticipations of
+prosperity, based upon the capital contained in the bag, were rudely
+broken in upon, and the airy fabric of his hopes dashed to the ground.
+He felt that fortune had been unkind--that he was a deeply injured man.
+Had his claim to the stolen property been the best possible, he could
+not have felt the injustice of fate more keenly.
+
+"It's always the way!" he exclaimed in deep dejection. "I always was
+unlucky. Just as I thought I was on my feet again, this cursed gold-dust
+turns to sand. Here am I out in the wilderness without an ounce to my
+name. I don't know what to do. I'd give a good deal, if I had it, to
+find out what became of the gold-dust."
+
+As he spoke, Crane, in a fit of ill-temper, kicked the unlucky bag to a
+distance, and slowly and disconsolately mounting his horse, plodded on
+his way. All his cheerfulness was gone. It was some comfort, but still
+scant, to think that John Miles was as unlucky as himself. Both had
+become penniless tramps, and were alike the sport of Fortune. There was
+a difference in respect to their desert, however. John Miles may
+rightly claim the reader's sympathy, while Bill Crane must be considered
+to have met with a disaster which he richly deserved.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+CLEANED OUT.
+
+
+John Miles slept long, and awoke feeling refreshed and cheerful. He had
+a healthy organization, and never failed to eat and sleep well. Like
+Crane, he had no toilet to make, but sprang to his feet already dressed.
+
+His first thought was naturally of his treasure. His heart gave a quick
+bound when he failed to discover it in the place where he remembered to
+have put it. In dismay he instituted a search, which, of course, proved
+unavailing.
+
+"Who could have taken it?" thought Miles, large drops of perspiration
+gathering upon his forehead.
+
+All about him was loneliness. He could see no signs of life. Yet the bag
+could not have gone away of itself. There was certainly human agency in
+the matter.
+
+Miles confessed to himself with sadness that he had been imprudent to
+leave the bag where it would naturally excite the cupidity of any
+passing adventurer. That it must have been taken by such a one seemed
+evident. In that case, the chance of recovering it seemed slender
+enough. Nevertheless, John Miles decided to make an effort, hopeless as
+it was, to discover the whereabouts of his lost property.
+
+"If it had been mine, I wouldn't have cared so much," he said to
+himself, with a sigh; "but poor Tom's money is gone too. I will make it
+up to him if I live, but I am afraid his father will be inconvenienced
+by the delay."
+
+Miles made preparations for his departure, and strode away, looking
+searchingly to the right and left in search of something that might
+throw light upon his loss. Presently he espied the two Chinamen. Could
+they have taken it? He would at any rate speak to them.
+
+"Good-morning, John," he said, when he came within hearing distance.
+
+Ah Sin bobbed his head, and repeated "Good-morning, John."
+
+"Do you live here?"
+
+"Yes, we washee-washee for gold."
+
+"Does anyone else live near by?"
+
+The two inclined their heads, and answered in the negative.
+
+"Have you seen anyone pass last night or this morning?"
+
+"Yes," answered Ah Sin. "'Melican man stay all nightee--over there.
+Chinaman give him a cup of tea this morning."
+
+"How long ago?" asked Miles, eagerly.
+
+"Two hours," answered Ah Jim.
+
+"In what direction did he go?"
+
+The two Chinamen readily told him.
+
+Miles decided to tell them of the loss of his bag of gold-dust. Possibly
+they could throw some light upon his loss.
+
+"Some one stole a small bag of dust from me last night," he said. "I
+suspect it was the man you describe. Did he appear to have any such
+article with him?"
+
+"Yes," answered Ah Sin, who, with natural cunning, saw that this
+information would divert suspicion from them. "It was so large,"
+indicating the size with his hands.
+
+Of course his description was accurate, for he had very good reason to
+know the size of the bag.
+
+"He must have been the thief," said Miles, eagerly. "In what direction
+did you say he went?"
+
+Ah Sin pointed to the west.
+
+"I will follow him. It is on my way. If I catch the villain, it will be
+the worse for him."
+
+"He velly bad man," said Ah Sin, sympathizingly.
+
+"That's where you are right, my heathen friend. Well, good-morning,
+John. I am much obliged to you for your information."
+
+"Velly welcome, John."
+
+As John Miles rode away, Ah Sin turned to his friend Ah Jim, and
+remarked,--
+
+"S'pose he catch him, he kill him."
+
+"All lightee!" returned Ah Jim. "He velly bad man, he thief."
+
+The two Chinamen exchanged glances. If they had been white men, there
+would have been a smile or a wink, but these children of Confucius
+looked so serenely virtuous, so innocent of guile, that the most
+experienced detective would have seen nothing in their faces indicating
+any guilty knowledge of the lost treasure. But, guileless as they
+seemed, they had proved more than a match for Bill Crane and his victim.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+John Miles rode away with a faint hope that he might overtake the man,
+whoever he might be, who had stolen his precious bag. In due time he
+reached the spot where Crane had examined the bag, and on discovering
+its worthless contents, had thrown it away. The thief had not taken the
+trouble to empty it.
+
+When Miles saw it he hurried to it, hoping he might find some of the
+treasure inside. Of course he was disappointed, and at the same time
+bewildered.
+
+"This is certainly my bag," he said to himself. "Here are my initials,
+J. M. Then there are other marks well known to me. I could swear to it
+anywhere. But how does it happen that it is full of sand, and why has
+the thief thrown it away? That beats me!"
+
+Miles decided that for some reason unknown the thief had transferred its
+contents to some other bag--perhaps his own--and then had discarded the
+original one, in wanton humor filling it instead with sand.
+
+"He may have been afraid it would be found on him," thought Miles. "The
+marks on the bag would have been evidence enough to condemn him. By
+throwing away my bag he thinks himself safe."
+
+His solution of the puzzle was ingenious, but as we know he erred in two
+respects. Bill Crane had not filled the bag with sand and thrown it away
+from prudential considerations, nor had he profited by the theft he had
+committed. He had been as badly outwitted as his victim, and the profit
+had gone to the bland and obliging Chinamen, who had thus far escaped
+suspicion.
+
+John Miles slackened his rein, and thought seriously and sadly of the
+position to which he was reduced. What was he to do? He was, in the
+expressive language of the country, "cleaned out," and brought to a pass
+where he must begin life over again, with the disadvantage of being
+seventy-five dollars in debt, for he was resolved that Tom's loss should
+be paid back to the uttermost penny.
+
+Presently philosophy came to his aid.
+
+"It might have been worse," he reflected. "Two hundred dollars is too
+large a sum to lose, but it wont take long to make up if I have any sort
+of luck. I wish I were in San Francisco. It may trouble me to get there
+without means."
+
+When misfortune comes it is always best to look it manfully in the face,
+and not to shrink from or over estimate it. John Miles had a strong,
+healthy nature, with a good deal of confidence in his own resources, and
+in an hour or two he was again looking hopefully forward to the future.
+Not that he cherished a hope of recovering his lost money. There seemed
+to be no way of identifying it, even if he should track the thief. One
+ounce of gold-dust looks like another, and there is no way of
+distinguishing individual property in that form.
+
+John Miles pushed on slowly. About noon he found himself threading a
+narrow canon, shaded by gigantic redwood tress, with steep, almost
+perpendicular sides, with here and there a narrow streamlet descending
+in a cascade, and lighting up the darkened scene with its silvery
+reflections.
+
+"This is a pretty spot, but it would be lonely to live here," thought
+Miles. "Yet," shading his eyes, "there seems to be a cabin of some sort.
+Is it possible that anybody lives in this canon?"
+
+Ten minutes' ride brought him to a rude cabin, with a gigantic tree
+spreading at a great height protecting branches over it. That it was
+inhabited was clear, for in front of it stood a strongly built, robust
+woman, who seemed to be nearing forty.
+
+She bent a searching look upon the intruder, who bent his head
+courteously.
+
+"Good-morning, ma'am," said Miles.
+
+"Good-morning, stranger," was the reply. "Where might you be going?"
+
+"I am on my way to the city. Am I on the right track?"
+
+"I reckon so."
+
+"Do you live here--alone?" asked John Miles, in some curiosity.
+
+"It looks like it, doesn't it?" returned the woman. "I've been alone
+since my man pegged out."
+
+"Is that long?"
+
+"A matter of three weeks."
+
+"I sympathize with you," said Miles. "You must be very lonely."
+
+"Yes," said the widow. "Jim was good company, and I feel kind of
+lonesome without him, you better believe."
+
+"There isn't much sentiment there," thought Miles. "She doesn't appear
+to be heart-broken. Do you mean to stay here alone?" he inquired. "Are
+you not afraid?"
+
+"What's there to be afraid of?"
+
+"Some tramp or adventurer might attack and injure, or at least rob you."
+
+"Look here, stranger! do you see that?" and the woman produced a
+revolver. "Do you see that shooting-iron?"
+
+"It looks as if it might be a good one," said Miles, who began to think
+the woman better able to take care of herself than he had at first
+supposed.
+
+"You bet it is! I know how to use it, too. If one of them tramps gets in
+front of it, and sasses me, he'd better say his prayers mighty quick,
+for he'll need 'em. He needn't reckon much on my being a woman. I can
+shoot jest as true as my man could when he was alive."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+A CALIFORNIA WIDOW.
+
+
+John Miles eyed the woman curiously. There did not seem much that was
+feminine left in her. Life in the wilderness had made her as bold and
+self-reliant as a man. She was not compelled to plead for woman's
+rights. She resolutely took a man's rights, and was prepared to
+maintain them against all comers.
+
+"I rather think you can take care of yourself, ma'am," he said.
+
+"You can bet your bottom dollar on that, stranger," said the woman,
+cheerfully. "Brown--that's my husband--knew what I was. We was ekal
+partners--Brown and me--and he knew too much to tread on me."
+
+"I'm glad I wasn't Brown," thought John Miles. "When I marry, it'll be a
+woman, and not a man in petticoats."
+
+"If you're hungry, stranger," said the woman, "just jump off that horse
+of yours, and come in. I can give you a square meal, and I reckon you
+haven't had one lately."
+
+"You are right, Mrs. Brown," said Miles, dismounting with alacrity. "My
+provisions are dry and stale, and I shall enjoy a square meal amazingly.
+But I ought to tell you that last night I was robbed of a bag of
+gold-dust, and I have nothing to pay you."
+
+"Who asks for pay?" returned the woman. "I don't keep a hotel, but I'm
+tired of eating alone. I want to see how it seems to have a man setting
+opposite me agin. So come in, and I won't keep you waiting long."
+
+"Thank you, Mrs. Brown. If you don't mind, I'll light my pipe, and sit
+out here till I've had a smoke."
+
+"You can smoke inside if you want to. I always let Brown. It makes me
+feel better, now that he's pegged out, that I didn't deny him any of his
+little comforts."
+
+"Clearly Mrs. Brown was a considerate wife," thought Miles; "but she
+doesn't look like a woman to fall in love with."
+
+Tying his horse, he threw himself down on the grass, and enjoyed the
+luxury of a smoke while Mrs. Brown was heard bustling about inside,
+preparing the square meal which she had promised to her unexpected
+guest.
+
+Presently she reappeared.
+
+"The victuals is ready, if you are, stranger," she said.
+
+"I am ready, Mrs. Brown," said Miles, rising at once, and entering the
+cabin.
+
+The cabin was rough, and ill-adapted to a fastidious tenant, but it
+looked comfortable. What attracted Miles most, however, was a table set
+in the middle of the floor, covered with a substantial and appetizing
+meal. Mrs. Brown was a fair cook--perhaps her only feminine
+accomplishment. She placed Miles at the head of the table, and seated
+herself opposite him. She watched his attacks upon the fare she had
+provided with evident satisfaction.
+
+"I hope you like it," she said.
+
+"Mrs. Brown, I haven't tasted anything so good for a long time."
+
+She nodded, with a pleased look.
+
+"Brown allus liked my cookin," she said. "He had a good appetite most
+generally, and it was a pleasure to see him eat. It's kinder lonesome
+cookin' for yourself. Then, too, it takes away my appetite sittin' down
+alone to eat."
+
+"You must be very lonely, Mrs. Brown."
+
+"Yes, its lonesome like bein' a widder. I'm kinder used to seein' a man
+about the house."
+
+"So I suppose."
+
+"Be you a married man?" asked the lady, pointedly.
+
+"No, ma'am."
+
+"How old be you?"
+
+"Twenty-eight," answered Miles, rather amused.
+
+"Then you're old enough to get married?"
+
+"Oh yes, I am old enough."
+
+"Be you in love with any girl?"
+
+"The old woman's getting curious," thought Miles. "However, I don't mind
+gratifying her curiosity."
+
+"No, I'm not in love," he replied.
+
+Mrs. Brown eyed him thoughtfully. She seemed to be revolving some plan
+in her mind.
+
+"Take a good look at me, stranger," she said, bracing herself up, as if
+on exhibition.
+
+"Certainly," said John Miles, considerably astonished.
+
+"I want to ask you a few questions."
+
+"Go ahead, Mrs. Brown."
+
+"Am I hump-backed?"
+
+"Certainly not. Who said you were?"
+
+"Just attend to my questions, if you please, stranger. Am I
+squint-eyed?"
+
+"Mrs. Brown must be crazy," thought Miles. However, he answered in the
+negative.
+
+"Am I as homely as a hedge-fence?" pursued the widow.
+
+"Has anybody been calling you so? If so, tell me who it is."
+
+"Never you mind, stranger. Am I old and wrinkled?"
+
+"Certainly she's out of her mind," thought Miles. "I must humor her."
+
+"I think you are a very good-looking woman," he said, soothingly.
+
+"No, I'm not," said the strong-minded lady, "but at the same time I
+ain't a scarecrow."
+
+"Certainly not."
+
+"Don't talk too much, stranger. I expect you're surprised at my
+questions, but I'll come to the p'int at once. I'm tired of livin' here
+alone. I didn't think I'd miss Brown so much. He wasn't any great shakes
+of a man, but he was better than nothing. He was company for me, Brown
+was, in the long evenin's, and I miss him. I've made up my mind to take
+on somebody in his place, and I reckon I'd like to engage you, stranger.
+Will you marry me?"
+
+Mrs. Brown did not blush when she asked this extraordinary question. She
+was entirely self-possessed, and could not have been cooler, if she had
+been transacting an ordinary piece of business.
+
+John Miles had never before received a proposal of marriage. He felt as
+awkward and confused as a young girl, and began to hesitate and
+stammer.
+
+"Really, Mrs. Brown," he began, "you have taken me by surprise."
+
+"I expect I have," said the widow, "but I'll give you time to think it
+over. Brown left me I pretty comfortable, though I did more to get the
+property together than he. You wouldn't think it, perhaps, but I've got
+five thousand dollars in gold hid away somewheres near, and there's a
+claim not far away, that belongs to me, and will pay for workin'."
+
+"I am glad you are so well off, Mrs. Brown," said Miles.
+
+"If you marry me," continued the widow, "you can work that claim. You're
+a strong, able-bodied man, and a year from now, if you want to, we'll go
+to the city, and settle down. I'm older than you; but a matter of a few
+years don't make much difference. You were robbed, you told me?"
+
+"Yes, of all that I had."
+
+"How much was it?"
+
+"About two hundred dollars."
+
+"That ain't much."
+
+"It's a good deal when it's all you have," answered Miles.
+
+"If you marry me you won't miss it," said Mrs. Brown. "I won't give you
+my money right off, for you might run off with it, but at the end of the
+first year you shall have half of it. There's a parson a few miles up
+the canon, at Dirt Hole, that will marry us any time we ride over. What
+do you say, stranger?"
+
+It was an embarrassing moment for John Miles. He had no desire to
+succeed the deceased Brown, notwithstanding the little property he had
+left behind him. Mrs. Brown did not in the least resemble the wife of
+whom he had sometimes dreamed. But how could he decline without exciting
+the resentment of that singular female? He bore in mind that Mrs. Brown
+carried a revolver, and she might take a notion to shoot him down. He
+must temporize.
+
+"Your proposal is a very kind and flattering one, Mrs. Brown, but I
+don't care to marry just at present. I want to go to the city and try
+my fortune. I've only lately arrived in California, and I am not ready
+to settle down yet."
+
+To his relief Mrs. Brown accepted his objection in good part.
+
+"No offence, stranger," she said. "I didn't know how you might feel
+about it. I've made you a fair offer."
+
+"Indeed you have. The time may come when I shall return, and--"
+
+"I won't promise to wait for you, stranger. Somebody else may happen
+along that'll take the situation."
+
+"It would be too much to expect you to wait for me, I admit."
+
+"All right, stranger. You've answered fair, and now we'll let the matter
+drop."
+
+When Miles left the cabin he carried with him an addition to his stock
+of provisions, for which he was indebted to Mrs. Brown's liberality. It
+was evident that she bore no malice, notwithstanding her suit had been
+rejected.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+BILL CRANE'S GOOD LUCK.
+
+
+About an hour after John Miles rode away from the widow's door Mr.
+William Crane came in sight of the cabin. He had strayed from the direct
+course, and that had delayed him. Otherwise he would not have fallen
+behind Miles.
+
+Bill Crane was in rather a melancholy mood. He had not got over his
+disappointment of the morning. He was fagged out and hungry, and felt
+that luck was against him. When he saw the cabin, and the widow Brown
+sitting in the door-way, it instantly occurred to him that here was a
+chance to get a dinner. He had nothing to pay, to be sure, but he need
+say nothing about it till after the dinner was eaten.
+
+As he rode up, he removed his hat, and said, "Good-day, ma'am."
+
+Mrs. Brown scrutinized the new-comer with critical eyes. She decided
+that he was not as good-looking as John Miles. Indeed Bill Crane never
+could have been accounted handsome; but on this point the widow was not
+exacting. She was looking for somebody to fill the place of her lamented
+Brown, and relieve her loneliness, and it was Crane's eligibility in
+this respect that she was considering. Beauty was but skin deep, as Mrs.
+Brown was practical enough to admit, and she was not overstocked with
+that attractive quality herself. Though Crane did not know it, the
+resolute, middle-aged female, from whom he hoped to obtain a gratuitous
+dinner, was making up her mind to offer him the position of husband.
+
+"Good-day, stranger," she answered composedly. "Are you travelin' fur?"
+
+"I'm thinkin' of goin' to Frisco," he said, "but it's a long journey and
+I'm fagged out. If you have no objection, I'll stop at your place and
+see if I can rest a few minutes."
+
+"You can stop if you want to," she said. "I don't see much company, and
+I like to see a new face now and then."
+
+"So do I," said Crane, thinking a little flattery might help him;
+"especially when it's the face of a good-looking woman."
+
+"I ain't good-lookin' enough to hurt me," returned Mrs. Brown, with a
+frankness which rather disconcerted and puzzled Crane, "but I don't mind
+you callin' me so. If you are anyways hungry, I haven't cleared away the
+dinner, and--"
+
+"You are very kind," broke in Crane, eagerly; "I don't mind saying I am
+a little bit hungry."
+
+"All right, stranger. If you'll wait long enough for me to make some hot
+tea, and warm the victuals, you shall have a chance to judge of my
+cookin'."
+
+Bill Crane was quite elated. He decided that the widow would not ask him
+for payment, thus saving him from embarrassing excuses. In due time he
+was called in and seated in the chair not long since occupied by John
+Miles.
+
+"You're the second man that's dined with me to-day," said the widow.
+
+"And who was the first lucky man?" inquired Crane, suspecting at once
+that it might have been Miles.
+
+"I don't know his name, but he was a good-looking young man, who said he
+had had a bag of gold-dust stolen from him."
+
+"That's Miles," thought Crane; and he at once decided not to betray any
+knowledge of him.
+
+"He was in bad luck," said Bill. "Did he know who stole it?"
+
+"He didn't tell me. I don't think he knew."
+
+"That's well," thought Crane.
+
+"Did he say where he was going?"
+
+"To the city."
+
+"Do you live here all the year round, Mrs.----?"
+
+"My name's Brown, stranger."
+
+"All I can say is, that Brown is a lucky man. Another cup of tea if you
+please, Mrs. Brown."
+
+"You might not like to exchange places with him, for all his luck,
+stranger," remarked the widow.
+
+"Indeed I would," said Bill, with a languishing look.
+
+"He's six feet under ground!" explained Mrs. Brown, dryly.
+
+"Dead?" ejaculated Crane.
+
+"Yes; he's been dead these three weeks."
+
+"And you are a widow?"
+
+"That's so, stranger."
+
+"But you don't mean to stay a widow?" interrogated Crane.
+
+"Well, it is kinder lonesome. It seems natural like to have a man
+round."
+
+"I wonder if she's got any money," thought Crane. "I'll find out if I
+can."
+
+"Yes, Mrs. Brown, I feel for you," he said. "A woman can't struggle with
+the world as a man can."
+
+"I don't know about that, stranger. I can take care of myself, if that's
+what you mean."
+
+"But a woman needs a man to protect and work for her," insinuated
+Crane.
+
+"I don't need any one to protect me," said the widow; "and, as for
+support, I've got a matter of five thousand dollars laid by, and a good
+claim that'll pay for the workin'. I don't think I shall need to go to
+the poor-house yet awhile."
+
+Bill Crane's eyes sparkled. The widow Brown seemed wonderfully
+attractive in his eyes. He was willing to barter his young affections
+for five thousand dollars and a claim, even if the widow had been thrice
+as homely as she was. If he had known that Mrs. Brown was bent on
+marriage his way would have been clearer. His mind was made up. He would
+woo and win his fair hostess if he could.
+
+"When did Brown die?" he inquired.
+
+"Three weeks ago, stranger."
+
+"You must miss him."
+
+"Yes, he was a quiet man, Brown was. He never gave me any trouble, and
+it was natural to see him round."
+
+"You must not mourn for him too much, Mrs. Brown."
+
+"I shan't make a fool of myself," said the widow. "He's gone, and he
+won't come back. There's no use cryin'."
+
+"She's rather a queer specimen," thought Crane. "She hasn't broken her
+heart, it seems."
+
+"You ought to marry again," he said.
+
+"I mean to," said Mrs. Brown.
+
+"Well, that's frank," thought Crane. "There ain't any nonsense about
+her."
+
+"Your second husband will be a lucky man, Mrs. Brown."
+
+"Well, he'll have a good livin', and, if he treats me right, he'll get
+treated right too."
+
+"This is a cold world, Mrs. Brown. I've been drifting about till I'm
+tired. I'd like to settle down with a good wife."
+
+"If you want to take Brown's place, say so," remarked the widow, in a
+business-like tone.
+
+Bill Crane was staggered by the promptness with which his hint was
+taken, but did not hesitate to follow it up.
+
+"That's what I mean," he said.
+
+"What's your name, stranger?"
+
+"William Crane."
+
+"You haven't got another wife anywhere, have you?"
+
+"Of course not."
+
+"I've got to take your word for it, I s'pose. I guess I'll take the
+risk. I'll marry you if you say so."
+
+"How soon?" asked Crane, eagerly.
+
+"Well, there's a parson a few miles from here. We can ride right over
+and be back by sundown, if that will suit you."
+
+"A capital idea, Mrs. Brown. You won't be Brown long," he added,
+sportively. "How will you like to be called Mrs. Crane?"
+
+"One name will do as well as another," said the widow, philosophically.
+
+Crane wanted to make inquiries about the five thousand dollars and the
+claim; but he reflected that it might be inferred that his views were
+mercenary. It would be more politic to wait till after marriage. He did
+not understand the character of the woman he was going to marry. She
+understood very well that Crane was marrying her for her money; but she
+felt lonesome, and it suited her to have a husband, and she was willing
+to overlook such a trifle.
+
+The widow had a horse of her own. Directly after dinner it was
+harnessed, and the two rode over to Dirt Hole, a small mining
+settlement, where the Rev. Pelatiah Pond, a Methodist minister, united
+them in the bonds of matrimony.
+
+When Mr. and Mrs. Crane reached home, Bill ventured to inquire, "Have
+you got the money in the house, Mrs. Crane,--the five thousand dollars,
+I mean?"
+
+"It's put away in a safe place."
+
+"You'd better let me take care of it for you, my dear."
+
+"Not at present, Mr. Crane. A year from now I will let you have half of
+it, if you behave yourself."
+
+"As your husband, madam, I insist."
+
+"Stop right there, stranger--Mr. Crane, I mean," said the bride,
+decidedly. "Do you see that? and she whipped out a revolver.
+
+"Good gracious, Mrs. Crane! Do you want to murder me?"
+
+"No, I didn't marry you for that; but I want you to understand that the
+money is in my hands, and I don't allow any man to insist. I may let you
+have some of it when I get ready. Do you understand?"
+
+"I believe I do," murmured Crane. "I'm regularly taken in and done for,"
+he reflected sadly.
+
+But directly after their return Mrs. Crane prepared a nice supper, and
+Crane, as he ate it, and smoked a pipe later, began to be reconciled to
+his new situation.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+TOM RECEIVES NEWS FROM HOME.
+
+
+Meanwhile Tom, happily unconscious that the money entrusted to John
+Miles had been lost, continued to work diligently at his claim. His
+success varied from day to day; but, on the whole, he was gaining. He
+spent nothing except for absolute necessities, and in spite of all
+temptations he gave a wide berth to Missouri Jack's saloon. In this way
+he gained the ill-will of the saloon-keeper, who felt a certain portion
+of every miner's gains ought to find its way into his till.
+
+One evening Tom met the saloon-keeper when out walking. The latter had
+not at that time given up securing Tom's patronage.
+
+"Good-evening, young feller," said Jack.
+
+Tom answered the greeting politely.
+
+"Why don't you come round to the saloon evenings? We always have a jolly
+crowd there. After a hard day's work it'll do you good to take a social
+glass."
+
+"I would rather not drink, thank you," said Tom.
+
+"You ain't afraid of a little drink, I hope, are you?"
+
+"Yes, I would rather let it alone."
+
+"Oh, you're too good to live," said Jack, in deep disgust.
+
+"I hope not," answered Tom, smiling; "for I hope to live a good many
+years."
+
+That was the last attempt Missouri Jack made to secure Tom as a patron.
+Our hero spoke in so decided a tone that he understood the uselessness
+of the attempt.
+
+Two months passed, and Tom heard nothing from John Miles. He was not
+surprised or disquieted, for he knew that mails to the interior were
+very irregular, and, besides, Miles might not be fond of letter-writing.
+He took it for granted that the seventy-five dollars had been forwarded
+home, and were now in his father's hands. He had saved as much more, and
+would like to have sent that too, for its possession gave him anxiety;
+but there seemed to be no opportunity.
+
+About this time he received two letters. The first was from John Miles,
+written from San Francisco. After acquainting Tom with his loss of the
+bag of gold-dust, he proceeded:--
+
+"I should not have cared so much, Tom, had the loss been mine only; but
+it was hard to think that I had lost your money too, and was unable to
+pay it back. I know, from what you said, that your father needed the
+money, and that the delay would put him to a good deal of inconvenience.
+You shall have it all back, Tom, every cent; but you will have to wait
+awhile. On reaching Frisco I got work, and soon saved up enough to pay
+the debt, when, as bad luck would have it, I fell sick, and before I got
+well all my money had been used up. Now I am well again, and at work,
+and if I have good luck will be able soon to send on the money to your
+father. I know you will understand the circumstances, and will excuse
+the delay.
+
+"The very day I discovered my loss I had a chance to marry a fortune.
+You will stare at that, and wonder how it happened. At a lonely cabin I
+made the acquaintance of a widow, who was looking out for a second
+husband. She was left with a comfortable property, which, with her hand,
+she was willing to bestow upon your friend; but she didn't tempt me
+much. I believe her fortune amounted to five thousand dollars and a
+claim. It would be a good chance for you, if you were old enough, Tom.
+
+"I don't know when this letter will reach you, for the country mails--at
+least to such out-of-the-way places as River Bend--go quite irregularly.
+However, I hope you will get it after a while, and won't be too much
+troubled about the money; if I live it shall be repaid."
+
+Tom showed this letter to Ferguson.
+
+"It's a pity, my lad, that the money was stolen," said the Scotchman;
+"but you'll get it again. John Miles is an honest man."
+
+"I am sure of that, Mr. Ferguson. I don't know that I ought to make him
+pay it back, though. It isn't his fault that it was lost."
+
+"That's true, my lad, and you might offer to share the loss with him,
+but I doubt if he would accept your offer. He will feel better to pay it
+all back."
+
+"At any rate I will write him, and make him the offer."
+
+"That's fair, Tom; but you'll see what he'll say."
+
+It may be stated here that Miles utterly declined to accept any
+abatement of the debt.
+
+"I ought to have taken better care of the money," he said. "It's my
+fault, and I shall pay it in full."
+
+The next letter was from home. Tom opened and read it eagerly. It was
+mainly from his father, but there was a note from each member of the
+family.
+
+His father wrote:--
+
+     MY DEAR TOM,--We are glad to hear that you have reached
+     California after a wearisome journey, and are now at work. We
+     have travelled so little that we can hardly realize that you are
+     more than three thousand miles away from us, with so many
+     mountains, plains, and valleys between. Of course you cannot tell
+     us much in your letters of your various experiences. I wish we
+     could have you with us this evening, and hear some of them from
+     your own lips.
+
+     I am anxious to hear that you are succeeding in the object of
+     your journey, and that you will not find the stories of the rich
+     gold fields greatly exaggerated. I do not myself believe all I
+     hear, yet I think there must be gold enough to pay those who
+     search for it diligently. You must remember, my dear boy, that
+     hard work is better than luck, and more to be relied upon. Don't
+     expect to make your fortune all at once by finding a big nugget,
+     but work steadily, and you will meet with more or less success.
+
+     If you succeed moderately, I shall be glad you went away, for
+     here prospects are not very good. Our little farm seems to be
+     less productive every year. The soil is not very good, as you
+     know, and I cannot afford fertilizers. This year the crops were
+     not as good as usual, and we have felt the decrease sensibly. If
+     there were not a mortgage on the farm, I could get along very
+     well, but the interest now amounts to one hundred and thirty-two
+     dollars annually, and it is hard to get that amount together.
+     Next month sixty-six dollars come due, and I don't know how I am
+     to find the money. Squire Hudson could afford to wait; but I am
+     afraid he won't. The older and richer he gets, the more grasping
+     he becomes, I sometimes think. However, I don't want to borrow
+     trouble. If it is absolutely necessary I can sell off one of the
+     cows to raise the money, and before the year comes round I think
+     you will be able to help me.
+
+     Walter, though only twelve years old,--his thirteenth birthday
+     comes next month,--helps me about the farm, and is very useful in
+     doing chores. He likes farm-work, and will be ready to succeed me
+     in time. As for Sarah, she is a good, sensible girl, and helps
+     her mother in a good many ways. Though I am a poor man, and
+     always expect to remain so, I feel that I am blessed in having
+     good, industrious children, who promise to grow up and do me
+     credit. I should not be willing to exchange one of my boys for
+     Squire Hudson's son Sinclair. He is, to my mind, a very
+     disagreeable boy, who makes himself ridiculous by the airs he
+     puts on. I have seen him once or twice lately when he appeared to
+     have been drinking; but I hope I am mistaken in this. He is an
+     only son, and it would be a pity that he should go astray.
+
+Tom looked thoughtful after reading this letter.
+
+"Is it bad news, Tom, lad?" asked Ferguson.
+
+"Times are hard at home, Mr. Ferguson," answered Tom. "Father is very
+much in need of money. It would have been a great help to him if he had
+received that seventy-five dollars."
+
+"You have as much as that on hand now, Tom. If it isn't enough, I will
+lend you some."
+
+"Thank you, Mr. Ferguson. You are a good friend, and I wouldn't mind
+accepting your offer, if I needed it. But father won't need any more
+than I can send him. Only I don't know how to get it to him."
+
+"If you were in San Francisco, you would have no difficulty in sending
+the money."
+
+"No."
+
+"I've been thinking, Tom," said Ferguson, after a while, "that it might
+be a good plan for us to take a little vacation, and visit the city. We
+have been working steadily here over three months, and the change would
+do us good. Besides, we might on the way come across some better place.
+This isn't as good now as when we began to work it."
+
+"That is true," said Tom.
+
+"Suppose, then, we stay a week longer, sell out our claim if we can,
+and start in the direction of the city."
+
+"You and I?"
+
+"Yes; we shall be better off without company."
+
+"We had better not let Peabody know we are going, or he will want to
+accompany us."
+
+"I could almost be willing to take him, poor creature, to get him away
+from that Missouri Jack; but, as you say, he would not be a help to us."
+
+So it was decided that, in a few days, as soon as they were ready, Tom
+and Ferguson should leave River Bend.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+A SPECULATIVE INVESTMENT.
+
+
+It leaked out after a while that Tom and Ferguson were intending to
+leave River Bend, and considerable regret was expressed by the other
+members of the party. Tom was a general favorite. His youth and his
+obliging disposition made him liked by all except Missouri Jack and his
+set. It cannot be said that his Scotch friend was popular, but he was,
+at all events, highly respected as a man of high principle and rigid
+honesty. This was not the way the miners expressed it. They called him a
+"square" man, and that word expressed high moral praise. They all felt
+that Tom was going off in good company.
+
+Before they went, the two had a chance for a speculation. Two weeks
+before, a man came to River Bend, across the country, with a horse and
+wagon, the latter an old express wagon, which he had brought round the
+Horn from some one of the Eastern States. What had induced him to take
+so much trouble to convey such bulky articles was not quite clear. Now
+that he was a miner he had no use for them, and at River Bend they were
+not saleable. This man, Abner Kent, came to Ferguson's tent, where he
+and Tom were resting after the labors of the day. He was a tall man,
+with a shambling gait and an angular face.
+
+"Good-evening," he said. "If you ain't busy I'll sit down a few
+minutes."
+
+"We are glad to see you Mr. Kent," said Ferguson. "Tom and I were
+discussing our plans, but we've plenty of time for that. Come in. Here's
+a place for you."
+
+"I hear that you are going to leave us, you two?"
+
+"Yes, Tom has some business in San Francisco, and I want to see a little
+more of the country."
+
+"How are you going?"
+
+"We'll take the cars if we can find any," answered Tom. "If we can't
+we'll foot it."
+
+"That's what I came to see you about. You know I've got a horse and
+wagon."
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Why don't you buy it? You'll go easier and quicker."
+
+"We can't afford it," said Ferguson. "Poor men must walk."
+
+"You don't see the point. When you get through with the team, you can
+easily sell them for more than you gave. It will be a good speculation."
+
+"That will depend on how much we give," said the Scotchman, shrewdly.
+
+"To be sure, Mr. Ferguson. Now about that, I'll be easy. They ain't any
+good to me here. I'll take--let me see--four hundred dollars cash.
+You'll maybe double your money inside of a month."
+
+The team did seem cheap at this price, as prices of all articles in a
+new country are very much enhanced.
+
+"Tom and I will talk it over and let you know to-morrow morning," said
+Ferguson.
+
+"That's all right. It's a good chance for you."
+
+When Kent was gone Tom asked, "What do you think of his offer, Mr.
+Ferguson?"
+
+"I think it will be a good investment, Tom, and that we shall be less
+likely to be robbed than if we carried gold-dust with us. You know how
+John Miles got robbed."
+
+"I have only a hundred dollars," said Tom, doubtfully.
+
+"I have enough to add to it, but I think we can get the team cheaper. I
+don't want to beat the man down, but a bargain is a bargain, and we must
+look out for our own interest."
+
+"You know more about such things than I do, Mr. Ferguson; I will agree
+to anything you say."
+
+"Very well, my lad, I shall be sure to consult your interest as well as
+my own. It will be very comfortable for us to have a team of our own."
+
+"It will seem strange to me," said Tom, laughing. "What will they think
+at home when they hear that I have set up a carriage?"
+
+"They might think it imprudent to invest all you had in that way; but
+we'll make money out of it yet, or I am sorely mistaken."
+
+The next morning, while Tom and Ferguson were at work, Kent came up to
+them.
+
+"What have you decided about the team?" he asked.
+
+"We are not willing to pay four hundred dollars," said Ferguson.
+
+"That's a fair price."
+
+"It may be, but it will take all the money Tom and I can raise. You know
+it wouldn't be quite prudent for us to part with all our funds."
+
+"I will take a note for part of the money," said Kent.
+
+"That's very considerate of you, but scarcely prudent."
+
+"Then don't you want it at all?" asked Kent, disappointed.
+
+"Yes; we are prepared with an offer. We'll give you three hundred
+dollars."
+
+Kent shook his head.
+
+"That's too little," he said.
+
+Ferguson remained silent. He wished to give Kent time to reflect upon
+his offer.
+
+"Have you sold these claims of yours?" asked Kent, after a pause.
+
+"No."
+
+"Then add them to your offer, and I accept it."
+
+This proposal struck Ferguson favorably. They could not carry away their
+claims, and very possibly no other purchaser might offer, as, except as
+regards location, other places along the river-bank could be had without
+cost.
+
+"What do you say, Tom?" asked Ferguson.
+
+"I agree if you do, Mr. Ferguson."
+
+"Then it's a bargain, Mr. Kent. I hope it'll prove satisfactory to both
+of us."
+
+"I don't think you'll regret it. It's a good speculation."
+
+When the two friends had settled for their purchase, Tom paying one
+hundred and Ferguson two hundred dollars, our hero found himself left
+with twenty dollars, or its equivalent in gold-dust, while his companion
+had about one hundred and fifty left over.
+
+"We shall go off in style," said Tom; "riding in our own carriage. But
+there's one thing I have been thinking of. I want to send a hundred
+dollars home as soon as I get the chance. Suppose we can't sell the
+team?"
+
+"Have no fears about that, Tom. I'll lend you the money if that is the
+case; but, mark my word, we shan't have it left on our hands, of that
+you may be sure."
+
+The night before they were to start Lawrence Peabody dropped in. He was
+looking down in the mouth.
+
+"How does the world use you, Mr. Peabody?" inquired Tom.
+
+"Fortune is against me," said Peabody. "I'm tired of River Bend."
+
+Tom glanced at his companion. He could guess what was coming.
+
+"Won't you take me with you, Tom?" entreated the young Bostonian.
+
+"You must ask Mr. Ferguson. He is the head of our party."
+
+Peabody looked appealingly towards Ferguson, but the Scotchman shook his
+head.
+
+"You mustn't be offended, Mr. Peabody," he said, "when I tell you that
+you are responsible for your own bad luck. You have had just as good a
+chance as Tom or I."
+
+"Your claim was better."
+
+"There was no difference that I can see, except that we worked, and you
+didn't. You don't expect gold to come to you?"
+
+"You and Tom are more used to hard work than I," murmured Peabody.
+
+"If you did not feel able to work, you should not have come to
+California. A man must work harder here than at home, and then he stands
+a chance of succeeding better."
+
+"Then you won't take me?" asked Peabody, sadly.
+
+"Are you in debt to Captain Fletcher for board?"
+
+Peabody reluctantly admitted that he was, but had no idea how much he
+owed.
+
+"Fletcher tells me that he shall not trust you any longer."
+
+Lawrence Peabody looked frightened.
+
+"What shall I do?" he faltered. "I shall starve."
+
+"You can't blame the captain; he knows that you spend the little money
+you do earn at the saloon. But he will give you a chance. There is no
+one to wash clothes in the camp, and we have all observed that you keep
+yours looking well. If you will set up a laundry, you can make more
+money than in any other way."
+
+"But then I should be a common washer-woman," objected Peabody. "What
+would my friends in Boston say?"
+
+"They won't hear of it. Besides, a man can do here what he would not do
+at home."
+
+It may be stated here that Peabody, finding work absolutely needful,
+went into partnership with a Chinaman, who arrived at the camp a day or
+two later, and succeeded in making a fair living, which hitherto he had
+been unable to do. After he was employed, his visits to the saloon
+became less frequent. At times he was disturbed by the fear that his
+friends at home might learn the character of his employment; apart from
+this he found his new business, with the income it yielded, not
+distasteful.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+A NEW ACQUAINTANCE.
+
+
+Having made all necessary preparations, Ferguson and Tom set out on
+their way. They took a course differing somewhat from that chosen by
+John Miles, one object being to survey the country, and find, if
+possible, a suitable place for continuing their search for gold. After
+their three months' steady work both of our travellers were prepared to
+enjoy the journey. Their road was difficult at times, from its
+steepness, and more than once they found it necessary, out of
+consideration for the horse, to get out and walk. But this only added to
+the romantic charm of the trip.
+
+"It's like a constant picnic," said Tom. "I should like to travel this
+way for a year, if I did not feel the need of working."
+
+"We might tire of it after a while," suggested Ferguson,--"in the rainy
+season, for example."
+
+"That would not be so pleasant, to be sure," Tom admitted. "Do you have
+such fine scenery in Scotland, Mr. Ferguson?"
+
+"Our mountains are not so high, my lad, nor our trees so gigantic; but
+it's the associations that make them interesting. Every hill has a
+legend connected with it, and our great novelist, Walter Scott, has
+invested them with a charm that draws pilgrims from all parts of the
+world to see them. Now this is a new country--beautiful, I grant, but
+without a history. Look around you, and you will see nothing to remind
+you of man. It is nature on a grand scale, I admit, but the soul is
+wanting."
+
+"I like mountains," said Tom, thoughtfully. "There is something grand
+about them."
+
+"There are some famous mountains in your native State, New Hampshire,
+are there not, Tom?"
+
+"Yes; but I have only seen them from a distance. They are not above
+thirty miles away from where I was born; but poor people don't travel in
+search of scenery, Mr. Ferguson."
+
+"No, my lad, and there's another thing I have noticed. We don't care
+much for the curiosities that are near us. The people about here, if
+there are any settled inhabitants, care nothing about the mountains, I
+doubt."
+
+"That is true. In our village at home there is an old man nearly eighty
+years old who has never visited the mountains, though he has lived near
+them all his life."
+
+"I can well believe it, my lad. But what is that?"
+
+The sound which elicited this exclamation was a loud "Hollo!" evidently
+proceeding from some one in their rear.
+
+Both Tom and the Scotchman turned, and their eyes rested on a horseman
+evidently spurring forward to overtake them. Tom, who was driving,
+reined in the horse, and brought him to a stop. The horseman was soon
+even with them.
+
+He was evidently a Yankee. All Yankees do not carry about with them an
+unmistakable certificate of their origin, but Ebenezer Onthank was a
+typical New Englander. His face was long and thin, his expression shrewd
+and good-natured, his limbs were long and ungainly. In later life, with
+the addition of forty or fifty pounds of flesh, he would be much
+improved in appearance.
+
+"Good-morning, gentlemen," said he. "It seems kinder good to see a human
+face again. It ain't very populous round here, is it?"
+
+"We haven't seen any large towns," said Tom, smiling.
+
+"Where are you steerin'?" inquired the Yankee. "I'm expectin' to fetch
+up at San Francisco some time, if I don't get lost in the woods."
+
+"That is our destination, my friend," returned Ferguson.
+
+"Would you mind my joining your party?" asked Onthank. "It's lonesome
+travelin' by one's self without a soul to speak to."
+
+"We shall be glad of your company," said the Scotchman, sincerely, for,
+though naturally cautious, he could not suspect the new-comer of
+anything which would make him an undesirable companion.
+
+"Perhaps you'd like to know who I am," said the new acquaintance. "My
+name is Ebenezer Onthank, from Green Mountain Mills, in Vermont. My
+father is deacon of the Baptist Church at home."
+
+"I suppose you will take his place when you get older," said Tom,
+gravely.
+
+"No, I guess not. I wonder what Susan Jones would say to my bein' a
+deacon!" and Ebenezer burst into a loud laugh.
+
+"Is Miss Jones a particular friend of yours?" asked Tom, slyly.
+
+"I should say she was. Why, I expect to marry her when I get home."
+
+"I congratulate you."
+
+"Don't be too fast. We ain't hitched yet. Say, boy, where do you come
+from?"
+
+"From Vernon, in New Hampshire."
+
+"You don't say! Why, that ain't more'n fifty miles from Green Mountain
+Mills; cu'rus we should meet so fur away from hum, ain't it? When did
+you start?"
+
+"Seven or eight months ago."
+
+"I've been in California six months. Does that gentleman come from your
+town?"
+
+"My friend," answered the Scotchman, not without a touch of pride, "I am
+not an American; I am from the Highlands of Scotland."
+
+"You be? Sho! Well, of course you can't help that."
+
+"Help it, sir? I am proud of hailing from the land of Scott and Burns."
+
+"Well, I guess it's a pretty nice sort of country," said Mr. Onthank,
+patronizingly. "I guess you'll like America best, though."
+
+"I am by no means sure of that, my friend," said Ferguson, a little
+nettled. "America's all very well, but--"
+
+"Why, you could put Scotland into its waist-coat pocket, and there'd be
+plenty of room left," said Ebenezer, energetically.
+
+"I admit that, as regards size, Scotland cannot compare with this
+country."
+
+"Say, have you got mountains as high as them, or trees as high as that?"
+pointing to a gigantic redwood.
+
+"No; but size is not everything."
+
+"That's so. Vermont is a little State, but she's smart, I tell you. But
+you haven't told me your names yet."
+
+"I am called Donald Ferguson, Mr. Onthank. My young friend here answers
+to the name of Thomas Nelson."
+
+"Commonly called Tom," added our hero, smiling.
+
+"Why, I've got a brother Tom," said Mr. Onthank. "Cu'rus, isn't it?"
+
+Considering that Tom is by no means an uncommon name, it could hardly be
+called very remarkable, but Tom politely assented.
+
+"Is he older than I am?" he inquired.
+
+"Yes, my brother Tom is twenty-one years old. I expect he voted at the
+last town-meeting. I'm four years older than Tom."
+
+"Have you been fortunate so far in California, Mr. Onthank?"
+
+"Can't say I have. I guess I've wandered round too much. Been a sort of
+rollin' stone; and my granny used to say that a rollin' stone gathers no
+moss. I've got about enough money to get me to San Francisco, and I own
+this animal; but I haven't made a fortune yet. What luck have you two
+had?"
+
+"Pretty fair, but it will take a good while to make our fortunes. We own
+this team, and that's about all we do own."
+
+"A sort of an express wagon, isn't it?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Ain't goin' into the express business, be you?"
+
+"Probably not. We bought it on speculation."
+
+"That reminds me of old Sam Bailey in our town. He was always tradin'
+horses. Sometimes he made money, and then again he didn't. How much did
+you give?"
+
+Tom told him.
+
+"That was a pretty stiff price, wasn't it?"
+
+"It would be considered so at home, but we hope to get a good deal more,
+when we come to sell it."
+
+Their new friend kept on with them, amusing them with his homely
+sayings, and original views of things. His conversation beguiled the
+tedium of the journey, so that all were surprised when the shadows
+deepened, and supper-time came. Selecting a favorable place they
+encamped for the night.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+A GRIZZLY BEAR.
+
+
+Ebenezer Onthank was an early riser. He had been brought up on a farm,
+where, during a part of the year it was the custom for the "menfolks" to
+rise between four and five o'clock in the morning to begin the labors of
+the day. His old habit clung to him, and at five o'clock, when Tom and
+Ferguson were yet asleep, Mr. Onthank sprang from his leafy couch
+refreshed and vigorous.
+
+Seeing his companions yet sleeping, he concluded to take a walk.
+
+"It'll give me an appetite for breakfast," thought he, "and a chance to
+see something of the country."
+
+As to the appetite, Ebenezer was generally well provided. Indeed,
+latterly his appetite had exceeded his means of gratifying it, and more
+than once he had longed to be back at his old home in the Vermont
+farm-house, where the table was always generously, if not elegantly,
+furnished. If Ebenezer had a special weakness it was for doughnuts,
+which he called nut-cakes.
+
+"If I only had a few of marm's nut-cakes," he had said the night before
+to his new-found friends, "I'd be a happy man."
+
+"What are nut-cakes?" asked the Scotchman, puzzled.
+
+"Don't you know what nut-cakes are?" inquired Ebenezer, astonished at
+Ferguson's ignorance.
+
+"I never heard of them before," said Ferguson.
+
+"Well, I declare! I thought everybody knew what nut-cakes are,"
+ejaculated the Yankee. "Don't you ever make 'em in Scotland?"
+
+"Not that I ever heard."
+
+"Then you don't know what is good. You know what they are, Tom?"
+
+"Oh, yes," said Tom, smiling. "We often have them at home. Perhaps Mr.
+Ferguson would understand better if he heard them called doughnuts or
+crullers."
+
+Thus defined Mr. Ferguson acknowledged that he had heard of them, and he
+thought he had once tasted one. Scotland, however, fell considerably in
+the estimation of Mr. Onthank, when he learned that his favorite article
+of food was almost unknown in that distant country.
+
+"You Scotchmen don't know what is good," he said. "If you ever come to
+Green Mountain Mills, I'll get marm to fry a batch of nut-cakes, and
+you'll say they're goloptious."
+
+This last word was not familiar to Ferguson, but the smack of the lips
+with which it was accompanied made it sufficiently intelligible. He
+assured Ebenezer politely that he hoped some day to accept his kind
+invitation.
+
+When Ebenezer left the camp he had no definite plan of exploration.
+Everything was alike new to him, and it mattered little in what
+direction his steps led him. It was a charming morning. The sun had
+risen, and hill and valley were glorified by its slanting rays. The air
+was bracing, and Ebenezer, though neither a poet nor a sentimentalist,
+felt his spirits rise, as with vigorous steps he strode on, letting his
+eyes wander at will over the landscape.
+
+"Looks kinder han'some," he said to himself. "I wish Susan Jones was
+with me now. Gals like to walk round and look at scenery, and pick
+flowers, and so on. As for me, a good field of corn suits me better than
+all the flowers in the world. They're only good to smell of; out here
+though I'd like a good 'claim' best. It seems cu'rus to think how much
+money you can get sometimes from a hole in the ground. Beats cornfields
+for profit, by a great sight, if you only get hold of the right place. I
+just wish I could find a big nugget, as big as my head. I guess it would
+make me the richest man in Green Mountain Mills. I'd be a bigger man
+than the old deacon. They'd be glad to make me selectman, and perhaps
+send me to Montpelier after a while to make laws. Well, there's no
+knowin' what may turn up. Why shouldn't I light on a nugget as well as
+the next man?"
+
+In this pleasant channel the thoughts of our Yankee adventurer were
+running as he strode over the uneven ground, with all the vigor gained
+by his hardy training. But his walk was destined to be interrupted in a
+decidedly unpleasant manner. All at once he became conscious of a huge
+object, scarcely thirty yards distant, whose attention he had already
+attracted. Mr. Onthank had been long enough in California to recognize
+in the huge, unwieldy figure--a grizzly bear!
+
+Ebenezer Onthank was no coward, but it must be admitted that when he saw
+the eyes of the grizzly fixed upon him he turned pale, and his limbs
+trembled. He had heard from fellow-miners stories of the great strength
+and ferocity of this most formidable beast. The grizzly bear shows no
+fear of man. He is always ready to make an attack, even when not
+stimulated by hunger. Even the lion is crafty and cunning, and likes to
+attack his enemy unawares; but the grizzly boldly advances to the attack
+without seeking to surprise his adversary. If out of humor it makes no
+account of odds, but will as readily attack a party as a single foe.
+Col. Albert S. Evans, the author of an interesting volume, containing
+sketches of life in California, says, "I am satisfied that an average
+grizzly could at any time whip the strongest African lion in a fair
+stand-up fight, while a full-grown bull is no more to him than a rat is
+to the largest house-cats."
+
+Twenty-five years ago the grizzly was to be found in various parts of
+California. As the State has become settled his haunts have become
+contracted, but even now, as the writer just quoted assures us, he is
+still found in great numbers in the Coast Range Mountains from San Diego
+to Del Norte. In describing Samson, a famous specimen once on exhibition
+in San Francisco, we are told that "his strength was that of an
+elephant, and his claws, eight inches in length, curved like a rainbow
+and sharp as a knife, would enable him to tear open anything made of
+flesh and blood as you or I would open a banana."
+
+Such was the new acquaintance who confronted Mr. Onthank, and barred
+his progress.
+
+"Jerusalem!" ejaculated the surprised and dismayed Yankee, and he
+instinctively felt for his rifle. But, alas! he had left it in the camp.
+It was thoughtless and imprudent to venture out unarmed; but the scene
+was so quiet and peaceful that no thought of danger had entered the mind
+of our unlucky friend.
+
+The bear sat upon his haunches, and stared at the intruder. Ebenezer,
+brought to a stand-still, returned his gaze. They were less than a
+hundred feet apart, and the situation was decidedly critical.
+
+"I guess he wants to chaw me up for his breakfast," thought Ebenezer,
+despairingly, "and I don't see what I can do to prevent it."
+
+The bear, however, seemed in no hurry to commence the attack. He
+surveyed our Yankee with dignified gravity, conscious that he had him at
+advantage. When Ebenezer felt for his rifle he uttered a low growl,
+being possibly aware of his purpose. Possibly he laughed in his sleeve
+(some of my young critics may suggest that bears have no sleeves) at his
+failure.
+
+Ebenezer looked about him despairingly. No man will surrender at
+discretion to a grizzly, for he can hope for no mercy. But what could be
+done? Once subjected to the terrible hug, and the life would be crushed
+out of him in less than a minute.
+
+"If Ferguson and Tom were only here!" thought poor Ebenezer.
+
+But the camp was at least two miles away, and his two companions,
+unconscious of his terrible peril, were calmly sleeping, and not likely
+to awaken till he was a crushed and bleeding corpse.
+
+In great crises the mind travels rapidly. I shall not attempt to record
+the thoughts that chased one another through the mind of the luckless
+adventurer. But they were by no means pleasant.
+
+"I shall never see Green Mountain Mills again," he thought, with an
+inward groan. "I shall never marry Susan Jones, or eat any of marm's
+nut-cakes. If I only had my rifle here, I'd make one effort for my life.
+I'd spoil the beauty of that ugly devil anyhow."
+
+Still, as if charmed, he stood staring open-eyed at the grizzly.
+
+Bruin, deciding that this had lasted long enough, began in a slow and
+dignified manner to approach the intruder upon his solitude.
+
+This broke the charm. With a wild shout Ebenezer Onthank took to his
+heels and flew over the ground at a rate of speed which Weston, the
+champion runner, would scarcely be able to equal.
+
+The grizzly accepted the challenge, and increased his own speed,
+developing an activity hardly to be expected of his huge and unwieldy
+form.
+
+It was man against beast, with the odds decidedly in the favor of the
+latter.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+UP A TREE.
+
+
+The race between the Yankee and the bear was an exciting one, to the
+former at least. He was fleet of foot, and in a hundred yards' dash
+would have won without great difficulty; but in wind and endurance the
+grizzly excelled him. So, as the race continued, Mr. Onthank, looking
+back from time to time, was painfully conscious that his enemy was
+gaining upon him. The perspiration came out upon his face in large
+drops, and he panted painfully. He felt that the chances were against
+him, and he could almost feel in advance the fatal hug which would
+slowly press the life out of him. As he felt his strength failing he
+looked around him despairingly. Just before him was a moderate-sized
+tree. Though he knew that bears can climb, he gathered his remaining
+strength, seized a low hanging branch, and swung himself up just in
+time to avoid his persistent foe, who was close upon his heels. He did
+not tarry where he was, but climbed higher up, until from a height of
+twenty feet he could look down upon the bear.
+
+Bruin looked up placidly, but did not begin to climb at once. Probably
+he was fatigued with his race. Moreover he knew that his intended victim
+could not get away. The latter was emphatically and literally "treed."
+The bear sat upon his haunches and complacently regarded the Yankee.
+
+Ebenezer Onthank made himself as comfortable as he could under the
+circumstances. He was by no means easy in mind, however. He was "holding
+the fort," it is true; but the enemy was in force outside, and evidently
+intended to remain. Worse still, he would probably after a while climb
+the tree, and this would bring matters to a crisis.
+
+"You pesky critter! Why don't you go along about your business?"
+exclaimed the unhappy adventurer, shaking his fist at the foe.
+
+Bruin deigned no reply, but continued to survey him with steady,
+unwinking eyes.
+
+"If I only had a gun, I'd pepper you," continued Ebenezer. "I should
+like to put a bullet into that impudent eye of yours."
+
+Though the bear had never received an English education, his instinct
+probably enabled him to understand the feelings of his intended victim,
+but he remained as placid as ever.
+
+So an hour passed. At the end of that time the situation remained
+unchanged. The unfortunate Yankee was getting hungry, as well as tired
+of his somewhat constrained position. Bears probably have more patience
+than the human family, for Bruin had scarcely moved, except occasionally
+to wag his great head. He felt that in the game that was being played it
+was his adversary's turn to make the next move.
+
+"I wish Tom and the Scotchman would find me out," thought Onthank. "What
+on earth makes them sleep so late?" he continued, irritably. "They must
+be naturally lazy."
+
+He may be excused for feeling irritated, though there was no particular
+reason to expect his two friends to curtail their hours of slumber
+because he had done so. But he was not in a position where it is easy to
+be reasonable, and in his situation every minute seemed to him as long
+as five.
+
+Meanwhile, in the camp, a mile away, Tom and Ferguson had awakened.
+
+"How did you sleep, Tom?" asked the Scotchman.
+
+"Tip-top. Did you rest well?"
+
+"I have a gift of sleep," replied Ferguson. "But where is our Yankee
+friend?"
+
+"I suppose he has taken an early walk," said Tom. "He will be back
+before long, I guess. We'd better not wait breakfast for him. I'm hungry
+for one."
+
+The two friends proceeded to break their fast, washing down the rather
+stale provisions with water from a spring near by.
+
+"I wish it were coffee," said Tom. "I'm tired of cold water."
+
+"Doubtless the coffee would be more gratifying to the palate, Tom; but
+it's likely the water is better for the health."
+
+"I suppose you would refuse a cup of hot coffee, Mr. Ferguson, if it
+were offered you," said Tom, smiling.
+
+"I don't say that, Tom. I would risk its effect upon my health for once.
+But, as we haven't got it, we may as well make the best of what we
+have."
+
+Soon after their simple meal, which did not consume much time, Tom
+suggested to his companion that they set out in search of Mr. Onthank.
+He did not suspect that their missing companion was in trouble, but he
+thought that it would be pleasant to take a walk.
+
+"You can go, if you like, Tom," said Ferguson, with characteristic
+caution. "I will remain behind to look after the camp."
+
+"All right, Mr. Ferguson. I'll soon be back."
+
+"Don't go too far away, my lad; and mind your bearings, so that you can
+find your way back."
+
+"Never fear, Mr. Ferguson. It wouldn't be very easy to be lost here.
+I'll keep my eyes open, and bring Mr. Onthank back with me if I see him
+anywhere."
+
+Ferguson sat down, and indulged himself in reading, probably for the
+hundredth time, Walter Scott's Marmion, of which he had a small pocket
+edition; while Tom went on his way.
+
+A fortunate chance directed our hero by an almost straight course to the
+very tree where Ebenezer Onthank was still perched with the grizzly
+standing guard beneath. From time to time he looked about him anxiously,
+in the hope of seeing the approach of one of his travelling companions.
+
+It was with a feeling of joy, not wholly unmingled with anxiety, that he
+descried Tom descending a hillock not many rods away. As yet it was
+evident that our hero had not caught sight of the bear and his prisoner.
+It was very necessary to put him on his guard.
+
+"Tom!" shouted Mr. Onthank, at the top of his voice.
+
+Tom heard the call in spite of the distance, and looked about him, but
+did not immediately catch sight of the speaker. It did not occur to him
+to look upwards.
+
+"Tom!" shouted the Yankee again. "Here I am. Look up in the tree."
+
+That time Tom's glance detected his companion, and, not yet having
+discovered the bear, he was led to wonder why Mr. Onthank had climbed
+the tree. As he was advancing incautiously, Onthank shouted again,
+"There's a cursed grizzly under the tree. Don't come too near."
+
+Tom saw the bear, and he paused suddenly. He was startled in truth, for
+he had been long enough in California to be aware that it was a
+dangerous beast.
+
+"Isn't Ferguson with you?" asked Onthank, anxiously, for he knew that a
+boy of sixteen, even if armed, was no match for the king of the
+California sierras.
+
+"No, he's behind in the camp," shouted Tom, in reply.
+
+By this time the bear became aware that there was a second intruder
+within his precincts. He turned his head deliberately and surveyed our
+hero. It is not within the range of the author to read the thoughts of a
+grizzly, but, from the indifference with which he turned away and
+resumed his watch, it may be inferred that he considered Tom too small
+game to merit his attention. This was rather satisfactory to our young
+hero, who was not ambitious to come in close quarters with so formidable
+an antagonist.
+
+Startled as he was, Tom maintained his ground. He wanted to help
+Onthank; but he did not know how to do it.
+
+"What can I do to help you, Mr. Onthank?" shouted Tom.
+
+"Blamed if I know," answered the Yankee, helplessly. "I wish Ferguson
+were here. It won't do for you to attack the beast single-handed."
+
+"Shall I go back for Ferguson?" asked Tom.
+
+"I don't know; how far away is the camp?"
+
+"It must be as much as a mile."
+
+"While you are away the brute may take it into his head to climb the
+tree, and then I am gone up."
+
+"Haven't you any weapon?"
+
+"No."
+
+"I'll fire at the bear if you say so."
+
+"It would be of no use. If you missed, or only grazed him, he would make
+for you."
+
+"I wish you had my rifle," said Tom.
+
+"So do I. I'd let him have it straight in the eye. Have you had
+breakfast?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"I'm as hungry as a bear--as this bear who probably wants me for his
+breakfast. O Tom, if I was only back at Green Mountain Mills once more,
+I'd be content to live and die there, and all the gold in California
+wouldn't bring me out here again."
+
+Tom stood silent and perplexed. While he was considering whether he
+could do anything to help his friend, the bear slowly rose, approached
+the tree, and, grasping it between his paws, prepared to climb. He was
+evidently tired of waiting.
+
+"He's coming, Tom!" shouted Onthank. "O Lord, what shall I do?"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+AN EXCITING PURSUIT.
+
+
+Mr Onthank's reflections when the grizzly was slowly but steadily
+climbing the tree were by no means pleasant.
+
+"If he once grips me, I am gone," he said, despairingly.
+
+"Shall I shoot?" asked Tom, looking on in excitement.
+
+"You might hit me," said Ebenezer, who knew nothing of Tom's skill as a
+marksman.
+
+"No, I won't."
+
+"I think I'll swing off," said the Yankee, "and join you."
+
+Whether this was or was not a wise thing to do Tom did not feel
+qualified to decide. It was evident that Onthank must do something
+speedily, or he would be in the power of the bear. He waited nervously
+till Bruin was uncomfortably near, and then, seizing the branch with
+his hands, swung to the ground. The height was considerable, and the
+fall jarred him; but, quickly recovering himself, he ran towards Tom.
+
+"Now we must run for our lives, Tom," he said, suiting the action to the
+word.
+
+Tom fully understood the necessity, and followed suit, first hazarding a
+glance at the discomfited bear.
+
+When the grizzly witnessed the escape of his victim he showed no
+excitement, nor did he accelerate his motions. He began deliberately to
+back down the tree. This required some little time, which Tom and his
+friend made the most of.
+
+"Give me your rifle," said Onthank.
+
+"I'd rather keep it," said Tom.
+
+"I can make better use of it," said the Yankee.
+
+"I don't know about that," said Tom. "At any rate I will keep it."
+
+He felt that it was hardly reasonable to expect him, in the presence of
+such a danger, to give up his only instrument of defence.
+
+"You are only a boy," said his companion, discontented.
+
+"I can shoot," answered Tom, briefly.
+
+Onthank was not in general an unreasonable man, but danger makes men
+selfish.
+
+"Give it to me," he said, in a tone of authority, and he tried to wrest
+it from Tom's hands.
+
+"You shall not have it," exclaimed Tom, indignantly. "Take away your
+hand, or I'll shoot you!"
+
+Of course Tom was excited, and would not have carried out his threat,
+but he was fully resolved to stand up for his rights.
+
+Whether Ebenezer would have yielded the point, being stronger than Tom,
+is uncertain; but our hero shouted "Look out for the bear!" and the
+Yankee, in alarm, released his hold, and the two entered upon a race, in
+which the Yankee's superior length of limb enabled him to keep the first
+place.
+
+Bruin was now on terra firma, and was on his way, wagging his great
+head, developing an alarming rate of speed. Tom was somewhat hampered
+by the weapon which he carried, and he was getting out of breath.
+Onthank was three or four rods ahead of him. The situation had changed,
+and it was now Tom that was in the greater peril.
+
+"Don't give out, Tom!" called out Ebenezer, encouragingly.
+
+"I won't," gasped Tom, "if I can help it."
+
+"Is he gaining on us?"
+
+"Yes," returned our hero.
+
+"Then I'll try another tree," said Onthank, and he caught a branch, and
+clambered up into a tree quite similar to the other in which he had been
+besieged.
+
+Tom would gladly have followed his example, but the branch was too high
+for him to reach readily, and the grizzly was too near to give him
+adequate time. Poor boy! He began to despair, and was at an utter loss
+what to do. To face round and fire at the foe seemed about all that was
+left him, but he wanted to reserve his fire to the last. He caught sight
+of another tree, of a larger trunk than the one which Onthank had
+ascended, and ran towards it, pursued by the grizzly. Then commenced a
+dodging game, which seemed to afford but a brief respite from
+destruction.
+
+"This can't last long," thought poor Tom. "I suppose I must die."
+
+In that brief time of peril many thoughts passed through his mind. To
+die at his age would be sad enough; but the thought that his expedition
+would be a failure, only involving his father deeper in difficulty and
+debt chiefly troubled him. The mortgage would be foreclosed, and his
+father and whole family deprived of their humble home. Onthank watched
+the boy's peril, unable to give him assistance. To do him justice he
+almost forgot his own danger in the more apparent and immediate peril of
+his young companion.
+
+"Be careful!" he shouted, quite needlessly. "Don't let him grip you.
+Give it to him right in the eye."
+
+Tom was so absorbed, and his mind so painfully occupied by his efforts
+to keep out of his enemy's clutches, that he was not conscious of the
+warning.
+
+Active and alert as he was, the result was hardly a matter of doubt. He
+would tire sooner than the bear, and if he ran again he was sure to be
+overtaken. This, however, was what he did. Of course the grizzly
+instantly pursued him. Poor Tom breathed a prayer for help, though there
+seemed no chance of his prayer being answered; but sometimes God sends
+assistance when there seems no chance of escape.
+
+The galloping of a horse was heard. There was a whirling sound, and
+Bruin, already within two yards of Tom, was jerked back, and brought to
+a stand-still by a lasso which wound about his neck. A shout caused Tom
+suddenly to turn his head, and to his joy he saw a mounted Mexican
+_vaquero_, who had brought him timely relief.
+
+Bruin growled angrily on finding himself balked of his prey. He was not
+disposed to yield to his new antagonist. Rising and sitting on his
+haunches he began coolly to draw in the lasso, against the combined
+strength of man and horse. The muscular force of a big grizzly is
+simply enormous. Usually he is attacked from two sides, two lassos being
+thrown around him. For a single antagonist he is sometimes more than a
+match, as seemed likely in the present case. The _rieta_ being attached
+to the pommel of the saddle, of course the bear, in pulling as he did,
+hand over hand, steadily brought the _vaquero_ and his steed nearer. The
+horse, terrified, trembled in every limb, and tried to rear; but his
+strength was as nothing when opposed to the steady power of his massive
+antagonist.
+
+Relieved from the immediate attentions of the grizzly, Tom did not
+continue to run, but stood still, and, forgetting his own peril,
+remained an excited spectator of the struggle between the bear and the
+_vaquero_.
+
+The Mexican in an excited manner shouted to him to shoot. This brought
+Tom to a sense of his duty. A third person had been brought into danger
+by an effort to give him assistance, and he was too manly to leave him
+to his fate. He raised his rifle, and, taking quick aim, fired. Our
+young hero was of course inexperienced, and it was only by a piece of
+good fortune that his bullet inflicted a serious wound, striking the
+bear in the throat. The blood began to flow and the grizzly, growling
+fiercely, slackened his hold on the lasso. The _vaquero_ followed up
+Tom's shot by another, equally effective, and the powerful animal
+dropped to the ground, dangerous still if approached, but unfitted for
+pursuit.
+
+The _vaquero_ reined his horse back, and his dark face became illumined
+with a smile of satisfaction.
+
+"He will do no more harm," he said in good English, but with a foreign
+accent. "The danger is over."
+
+"Is the critter used up?" shouted Onthank, cautiously, from his elevated
+perch. "Is he defunct?"
+
+"He soon will be," answered Tom. "I guess it will be safe to come down."
+
+Ebenezer Onthank needed no second invitation. He "shinned" down the tree
+in a manner not unlike the grizzly, and approached the spot where the
+huge foe was lying, the life-blood flowing from his throat.
+
+"I'd like to kick you, you big brute!" said Mr. Onthank.
+
+The bear slowly turned upon him his glazing eyes, and they expressed so
+much ferocity that almost involuntarily the Yankee drew back. The bear
+partly raised himself, and tried to drag himself towards his
+adversaries; but the effort was vain.
+
+"He is one of the largest I have seen," said the _vaquero_. "See how
+strong he is!"
+
+"It was lucky for me that you came up," said Tom. "He was almost upon
+me."
+
+"I had about given you up, Tom," said Onthank, "and I thought my turn
+was coming next."
+
+"We are much indebted to you, sir," said Tom, gratefully, to the
+Mexican. "You have saved my life."
+
+The _vaquero_ courteously expressed his satisfaction, and, remounting
+his horse, resumed his journey.
+
+"I never want to see another grizzly," said Onthank. "This one is enough
+for me, darn his ugly pictur'!"
+
+"I quite agree with you, Mr. Onthank," said Tom.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+TOM'S OLD HOME.
+
+
+Leaving Tom for a time, we will cross the continent, and, a little
+earlier in point of time, look in upon Mark Nelson and his family at
+their humble home in New Hampshire.
+
+For years Mr. Nelson had been struggling to provide a comfortable living
+for his wife and children. The struggle was not an easy one. His small
+farm was sterile, and yielded grudgingly its annual crops. Then the
+mortgage held by Squire Hudson imposed a burden of interest very hard to
+meet. Each half year sixty-six dollars must be raised somehow to satisfy
+the squire's demand. Though a rich man, with ready money in plenty, he
+never failed to call for his money on the very day it was due. Once or
+twice he had granted a delay of a day or two; but his manner was so
+unpleasant that the farmer, except from dire necessity, was hardly
+likely to ask a renewal of the favor.
+
+The six months immediately following Tom's departure from home were not
+favorable to his father. There was a drought of considerable duration,
+which made the crops smaller than usual, and thus materially decreased
+the farmer's income. When the semi-annual interest became due, with the
+most energetic effort Mark Nelson had got together but thirty-six
+dollars towards it, leaving a deficit of thirty dollars.
+
+"I feel anxious about to-morrow, Mary," he said, as the little family
+sat together the night before in the plain sitting-room. "I have never
+been so much behindhand before with the interest."
+
+"How much do you lack, Mark?" asked Mrs. Nelson.
+
+"Thirty dollars."
+
+"That is a good deal of money," said his wife, gravely.
+
+"Yes; I don't know where to raise it. If Squire Hudson were only a
+little considerate. But he isn't, and, even if he were, I am afraid
+there is no prospect of my raising the money at present."
+
+"You may get some money from Tom soon," suggested Sarah.
+
+"I can't rely upon that. Tom will doubtless send when he is able, for he
+understands my circumstances, and is a thoughtful boy; but it is going
+to take time for him to earn a surplus--enough to send on."
+
+"He may find a big nugget," said Walter, the second boy, who eagerly
+read the letters from California which from time to time appeared in the
+weekly paper.
+
+"He _may_, but the chances are against it."
+
+"I was reading in last week's paper about a man finding a nugget worth
+over two thousand dollars."
+
+"Such nuggets are as rare as large prizes in a lottery, I suspect," said
+Mark Nelson, who had a large share of plain common-sense.
+
+Walter looked rather disappointed, having made up his mind that Tom
+would certainly find a big lump of gold, and come home rich.
+
+"Don't you think Tom will find some gold?" he asked.
+
+"Yes, I have no doubt he will gather some gold-dust. I have no doubt,
+too, that he will earn more than he or I can do at home; but I haven't
+much faith in these extraordinary pieces of good luck."
+
+"Still, Tom _may_ find a nugget," persisted Walter.
+
+"Yes, he _may_, and I shall be very glad if he does; but we must not
+build too many air-castles on that chance."
+
+"I wish I could see the dear boy again," sighed his mother, looking up
+from the stocking she was laboriously darning.
+
+"So do I," said Walter. "He would have a lot to tell us."
+
+"California seems so far away," resumed Mrs. Nelson, "and he has no one
+there to look after him, and mend his clothes--"
+
+"And darn his stockings," said Walter, smiling.
+
+"If he walked all the way across the continent," said Sarah, "I don't
+believe he would have larger holes in his stockings than you have,
+Walter."
+
+"Oh, well, I exercise a good deal," said Walter. "Ask father if I
+don't."
+
+"Walter will be more successful as a farmer than as a scholar," said Mr.
+Nelson. "He helps me a good deal."
+
+"Tom was a good scholar," said Sarah, "and he was always ready to work
+too. Walter will never astonish or electrify the world by his learning."
+
+"I don't want to," said her brother. "It isn't in my line."
+
+"That's true enough."
+
+"Don't tease Walter," said Mrs. Nelson. "He helps your father a good
+deal, and he is not a dunce."
+
+"Thank you, mother, for taking my part. Sarah is going to be a
+strong-minded woman. I should not wonder if she came out as a lecturer
+on 'Woman's Rights' some time. I think I see her, with a pair of
+iron-bowed spectacles on her nose, and her back hair tied up in a big
+knot, flinging her arms about, and--"
+
+"That'll do, Walter," said Sarah. "It is an unusually powerful effort
+for you. I have no desire to lecture on 'Woman's Rights,' though I think
+they ought to have them all the same."
+
+"I guess you'll get yours. You'll make your husband stand round, if you
+ever get one."
+
+Sarah laughed good-naturedly, and retorted, "I shall pity your wife, if
+she has to darn your stockings."
+
+The next day about dinner-time Squire Hudson walked up to the front
+door, and knocked. His approach was witnessed, not without trepidation,
+for he was not an easy creditor.
+
+The squire looked about him searchingly as he entered. He suspected that
+the interest was not ready, and the farmer's grave face confirmed his
+suspicions. That he was glad of this of course Mark Nelson did not
+dream, for he was not aware of his creditor's deep-laid plans.
+
+"A fine day!" said the squire, with suavity. "I hope you are well, Mrs.
+Nelson."
+
+"Pretty well, thank you, sir."
+
+"Have you heard from Tom lately?"
+
+"Yes; he had just reached California."
+
+"Then of course he could not say anything of his prospects?"
+
+"It was too soon."
+
+"You must miss him a good deal--all of you."
+
+"I am thinking of him all the time," said Mrs. Nelson.
+
+"To be sure, that is natural in a mother. But if the boy does well, that
+will repay you hereafter."
+
+"If I only felt sure he would do well."
+
+"Oh, he is young and industrious. He will be sure to make his way. He'll
+like it too. Why, my Sinclair envies him the chance of leaving home. He
+wanted to go with him."
+
+"Sinclair would not like to go in the same way as Tom, with the prospect
+of having to work hard after he got there," said Mark Nelson.
+
+"To be sure not, neighbor Nelson. My boy has never been brought up to
+work. My circumstances--ahem!--have not made it necessary."
+
+"Sinclair is fortunate in having a rich father," said the farmer.
+
+"So I tell him," said the squire, complacently. "His fortune is already
+made."
+
+"What are you going to do with him, squire?"
+
+"Oh, I shall make a professional man of him,--a lawyer, most likely,"
+said the rich man, complacently. "I can give him a suitable income till
+he gets into a paying practice."
+
+"That will be a good many years," thought Sarah, "unless Sinclair works
+harder than he has lately at school;" but the shrewd young lady kept
+this thought to herself.
+
+One by one wife and children left the room, for it was well understood
+that the squire came on business, and would be likely to desire a
+private interview with the farmer. They went into the kitchen, closing
+the door behind them, and awaited anxiously the result of the
+interview.
+
+"I do hope Squire Hudson will be considerate," said Mrs. Nelson,
+anxiously.
+
+"I am afraid he won't be, mother," said Sarah. "He is a hard man."
+
+"Sinclair puts on no end of airs," said Walter. "By the way he struts
+round you would think he owned the whole town. You had better set your
+cap for him, Sarah, for he will be rich some day."
+
+"I would rather be an old maid than marry him," said Sarah, decidedly.
+
+"Very likely your wish will be gratified," said her brother.
+
+Mrs. Nelson did not smile at this sally, for her mind was too full of
+anxiety.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+A MODERN SHYLOCK.
+
+
+"I believe your interest falls due to-day, Mr. Nelson," said the squire,
+when he found himself alone with his debtor.
+
+"Yes," answered the farmer, slowly. It was not very likely to slip his
+mind.
+
+"I suppose you have the money ready," continued the squire, who supposed
+no such thing.
+
+"I have a part of it ready," said Mark Nelson, with an effort.
+
+"A part," repeated his creditor, with a frown.
+
+"Yes; I can give you thirty-six dollars to-day."
+
+"_Only_ thirty-six dollars! The amount due is sixty-six."
+
+"I know it, Squire Hudson; but this has been a bad year for the farmers,
+as you probably know. Owing to the drought, my crops fell off at least
+one quarter."
+
+"I can't help that," said the squire, coldly.
+
+"If you will be a little patient," said Mr. Nelson, uneasily.
+
+"Neighbor Nelson," said his creditor, interrupting him, "I wish to ask
+you one question. When I lent you money on mortgage was there a
+stipulation that if there was a drought I was to wait for my just
+interest?"
+
+"No, Squire Hudson."
+
+"To be sure not; I would not of course lend you money on any such terms.
+It was understood that my interest was to be paid semi-annually,--was it
+not so?"
+
+"Yes, but--"
+
+"Wait a moment. You must certainly agree that I am entitled to prompt
+payment. A bargain is a bargain."
+
+"I don't dispute it, Squire Hudson, and I have tried to be ready for
+you; but in spite of all my efforts I am thirty dollars short."
+
+"Do you expect me to be content with this explanation?"
+
+"I think you are rather hard on me, squire. It isn't as if I had the
+money and objected to pay. I am a poor man, but no one ever lost a
+dollar by me; and I don't mean that any one shall, while I have my life
+and strength."
+
+"That's all very well, but it won't make up the thirty dollars in which
+you are delinquent."
+
+"What would you have me do? I cannot _make_ money."
+
+"I wouldn't give much for an investment when the interest is delayed. It
+is no longer worth its face. If any of my railroad bonds defer their
+usual interest they at once drop in value."
+
+"I know very little of railroad bonds, never having any money to invest
+in them; but I think my farm will be full security for all the money I
+owe you."
+
+"Suppose I should foreclose--you would consider it an unkind thing and a
+great hardship, wouldn't you?"
+
+"It would take away my means of supporting my family. I don't think you
+would go to extremes, for the sake of thirty dollars."
+
+"It isn't the amount of money, neighbor Nelson, that is to be
+considered. It is the principle that is involved."
+
+This is a very common pretext with men who have made up their minds to
+do a mean thing. Generally speaking it is false, and the money is the
+first consideration.
+
+"Will you give me two months to pay the balance of interest?" asked Mark
+Nelson.
+
+"What better prospect have you of being able to pay me then?"
+
+"As soon as Tom has any money to send, he will remit to me. I think it
+probable that I shall hear from him in the course of two months."
+
+"If that is your reliance," said the squire, shrugging his shoulders, "I
+am afraid you are leaning upon a broken reed. I know boys pretty well,
+and I fancy Tom will find a use for all the money he earns."
+
+"You don't know him, Squire Hudson. He is a very conscientious boy, and
+understands very well the sacrifice I made in raising money to send him
+to California. He is not very likely to forget that."
+
+"It seems to me that the sacrifice was mine," said the squire, with a
+half sneer. "If I remember rightly, I advanced the money which he took
+away with him."
+
+Mark Nelson flushed, and he answered warmly, "You did advance the money,
+Squire Hudson, but I gave you security for it."
+
+"And the very first interest that has come due you are not prepared to
+meet. You can't blame me for feeling a little doubt as to the wisdom of
+my advance."
+
+"Are you very much in need of the thirty dollars?" asked Mr. Nelson,
+nettled at the squire's tone.
+
+"What do you mean, sir?"
+
+"Is it subjecting you to any great inconvenience to wait a couple of
+months for it? That is what I mean."
+
+"My circumstances are not such," returned the squire, haughtily, "as to
+make me feel even the loss of thirty dollars."
+
+"I wish I could say the same, but I cannot. Since, then, it will
+occasion you no inconvenience, I ask you as a favor that you will let
+the balance rest for two months."
+
+Squire Hudson saw that he was cornered; but none the less was he
+disposed to yield the point. He even felt provoked with the farmer for
+having forced from him an acknowledgment that he did not need the money
+he so persistently demanded.
+
+"I told you before," he said, "that it was not the amount of money, but
+the principle, that I care for. You cannot have forgotten this."
+
+"I don't see how any principle is involved, Squire Hudson."
+
+"You look at the matter solely from a debtor's point of view. If you
+held the mortgage, instead of myself, you would change your view very
+quickly."
+
+"I don't think I should," said the farmer, slowly. "I would be
+considerate to a poor neighbor, even if it did inconvenience me a
+little."
+
+"The poor neighbor should not have borrowed money on which he was unable
+to pay interest," said Squire Hudson, severely.
+
+"How could I anticipate the drought that has diminished my crops?" said
+Mark Nelson, with spirit.
+
+"That is neither here nor there. You knew that the interest must be
+paid, drought or no drought, crop or no crop."
+
+"I cannot argue with you further, since you refuse to consider
+circumstances over which I have had no control. You refuse to grant me
+any delay?"
+
+"I do."
+
+"Since I have not the money to pay you, will you tell me what you
+require?"
+
+"How many cows do you keep?"
+
+"Three."
+
+"You can give me one of these, and I will consider it an equivalent for
+the thirty dollars."
+
+"Do you require this?" asked the farmer, uneasily.
+
+"Yes; unless you have some other satisfactory arrangement to propose."
+
+"I am afraid I have nothing else which you would regard as satisfactory.
+The loss of a cow will diminish my income. Instead of three, I ought to
+have four or five. I shouldn't like to be reduced to two."
+
+"Very likely not; but an honest man is willing to make a sacrifice in
+order to meet his just liabilities. Besides, you expect to have the
+money, you say, in a couple of months. When it has come, you may have
+your cow back, on paying two months' interest on the deferred payment.
+That is only fair."
+
+"Say no more, Squire Hudson," said the farmer. "I must, of course,
+consent to this arrangement since you insist upon it. How soon do you
+wish for the cow?"
+
+"You had better let your son Walter drive it over this afternoon."
+
+"He is losing no time," thought Mark Nelson, bitterly. "He does not even
+appear to be willing that I should have the benefit of this night's
+milking."
+
+"You may send me Whiteface," continued Squire Hudson, who knew that this
+was the most valuable of the three cows.
+
+"That is my best cow," protested the farmer "That makes little
+difference, as you expect to redeem it in two months."
+
+Mark Nelson was silent. He felt indignant with Squire Hudson for his
+cruel exaction; but he felt that he was in his power, and that he must
+submit to his exactions.
+
+"You will attend to this matter?" asked the squire, as he rose and
+prepared to go.
+
+"Yes," answered the farmer, coldly.
+
+When his creditor was gone he went into the kitchen and acquainted the
+family with what had passed. Great were the grief and indignation of the
+children, and Walter expressed a desire that Squire Hudson might lose
+all his property as a fitting reward for his meanness.
+
+"Heaven help me if I can't meet the next interest!" said Mark Nelson,
+later in the day, to his wife.
+
+"Don't be too much troubled about the future, Mark," said his wife, who
+was of a more hopeful temperament than her husband; "I am sure that you
+will get some help from Tom before six months are over."
+
+"I hope so," answered her husband; but for the rest of the day he was
+very grave.
+
+Walter drove over Whiteface, at his father's request; but he came near
+crying, stout boy as he was, at the loss of the faithful animal which
+his father had reared from a calf.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+AT SACRAMENTO.
+
+
+After his escape from the grizzly Tom had no further adventures of an
+exciting character. One afternoon he and his companions arrived at
+Sacramento. It was but a small settlement, but was more town-like than
+any place they had yet seen in California. They drove to a two-story
+frame building, which was the chief hotel in the town. Taking the
+precaution to inquire the price of board and lodging, they were dismayed
+by the extravagance of the charges. Tom saw that his reserve fund of
+twenty dollars would scarcely last him forty-eight hours.
+
+"I can't stay here, Mr. Ferguson," he said. "I will take my chances and
+camp out, if necessary."
+
+"I agree with you, lad; I'm not inclined to waste my substance on
+luxurious living."
+
+"There won't be much luxurious living, I guess," said Ebenezer Onthank,
+who, with Yankee curiosity, had already visited the kitchen and obtained
+some idea of the fare to be expected. "I kin get better board at Green
+Mountain Mills for three dollars a week, and folks are darned glad to
+accommodate you for that price. These chaps seem to think and act as if
+we were made of money."
+
+"I wish some of your Green Mountain Mills boarding-houses were here,"
+said Tom. "I could save plenty of money then."
+
+"Well, gentlemen, do you want to stay here?" inquired the landlord.
+
+"We'd like to, squire, but not bein' millionaires I guess we'll have to
+put it off till times are better."
+
+"Just as you say," said the landlord, indifferently. "There's others
+waiting for the only room I have empty." Then, noticing for the first
+time the express wagon which Tom had left outside, he asked, in a tone
+of interest, "Who owns that team?"
+
+"It belongs to this boy and myself," answered Ferguson.
+
+"Where did it come from?"
+
+"The States."
+
+"You don't want to sell, do you?"
+
+Tom was about to reply in the affirmative, but the Scot, more shrewd,
+answered indifferently, "We may sell it when we get to San Francisco."
+
+"I need just such a team as that," said the landlord, eagerly. "I'll
+give you a good price for it. You can go down the river to Frisco."
+
+"I suppose we might," said Ferguson, slowly, "if it was worth our
+while."
+
+"What'll you take, cash down?" inquired the landlord, earnestly.
+
+"Nay, my friend, I prefer to hear your views as to the price."
+
+"I will give you eight hundred dollars for the wagon."
+
+This was certainly an excellent profit, for but three hundred had been
+paid for horse and wagon. Tom's heart beat fast with excitement, for he
+remembered that one-third of the money would come to him. If it had
+depended upon him he would have clinched the bargain at once, but he
+wisely left the matter in the hands of his companion and partner.
+
+"That seems a fair offer," said Ferguson; "but I think we may as well
+wait till we reach San Francisco. Besides, we want to sell the horse,
+too."
+
+"I will give you a thousand dollars for the two," said the landlord.
+
+A man with his pantaloons tucked in his boots, a coarse woolen shirt,
+and a wide-brimmed sombrero, which overshadowed a face bearing a beard
+of a week's growth, was leaning against the door-post.
+
+"Landlord," said he, "I see your price, and I'll go two hundred better."
+
+Tom stared at the speaker in surprise. He looked like a man who would
+have found it hard to raise twelve dollars, yet he had made an offer of
+twelve hundred. Our hero did not learn till afterwards that the man had
+"struck it rich" at the mines, sold out his claim for ten thousand
+dollars, and for the time being was the lucky possessor of a large bank
+account.
+
+"Now, Tom Scott," expostulated the landlord, "this ain't fair. I want
+the wagon more'n you do, and you're a-raisin' the price on me."
+
+"How do you know that?" drawled Scott. "I've got a pile, and I mean to
+take it easy while it lasts. I'm going back to the mines like a
+gentleman, with my own team, you bet, if I've got money enough to buy
+one."
+
+The landlord was satisfied that, if he wanted the team, he must outbid
+his competitor, and advanced his offer to thirteen hundred dollars. But
+Tom Scott was not terrified. His money had come easily, and he would not
+let two or three hundred dollars stand in the way of his wishes.
+
+"I'll go fifteen," he drawled.
+
+The landlord shrugged his shoulders, and said, in a disappointed tone,
+"You'll have to take it, Scott. You've gone ahead of my pile."
+
+"Well, stranger, is it a bargain?" asked Scott.
+
+The Scotchman, though inwardly elated as well as astonished at the
+extraordinary offer he had received, answered quietly, "If my partner
+agrees."
+
+"I guess we'd better sell," said Tom, trying not to betray his inward
+satisfaction.
+
+"All right," said Scott, appearing to be well pleased. "You can have
+your money when you want it. If you are going to Frisco, I'll give you
+an order on my banker there."
+
+"Tom Scott's a square man, and his order will fetch the money," said the
+landlord, observing Ferguson's prudent hesitation.
+
+"That is satisfactory," replied Ferguson.
+
+In five minutes more the business was concluded, and Ferguson and Tom,
+longing to congratulate each other on their good fortune, walked off
+together.
+
+"We're in luck, Mr. Ferguson," said Tom. "I don't know whether I stand
+on my head or my heels. I never expected such a price."
+
+"Twelve hundred dollars is a great profit," said Ferguson. "I almost
+doubt whether we are justified in asking such an extortionate price of
+the poor man."
+
+"He is pleased with his bargain, and I don't think we need to trouble
+ourselves about that," answered Tom. "Besides, you know we can't compare
+prices with those at home."
+
+"No doubt there is reason in what you say, my lad; but it's not easy at
+first to make allowance for the difference."
+
+"That's so, Mr. Ferguson. When shall we go to San Francisco?"
+
+"We will go to-morrow, if we can. I suppose you will wish to send some
+money to your father."
+
+"Yes, I am in a hurry to send to him, for I am sure he needs it already.
+I can hardly realize that I am worth five hundred dollars."
+
+"Five hundred?"
+
+"Yes, I had a third share in the team."
+
+"That isn't my way of looking at it, Tom."
+
+"Is it possible Mr. Ferguson would cheat me out of my fair share?"
+thought Tom, but he only harbored the suspicion for an instant. He had
+seen too much of his friend to believe such a thing, and he quietly
+waited for an explanation.
+
+"I'll tell you how I propose that we divide it, Tom. First we'll take
+out the money each of us put in, one hundred for you and two hundred for
+me, and then we'll divide the profit equally."
+
+"But," protested Tom, "you are entitled to two-thirds."
+
+"Then I won't take it," said Ferguson, decidedly. "I only want half of
+the profit. That will give me eight hundred dollars, and that ought to
+satisfy me."
+
+"And I shall have seven hundred," said Tom, his eyes sparkling.
+
+"Precisely."
+
+"How kind you are, Mr. Ferguson!" exclaimed Tom, eagerly seizing the
+Scotchman's hand.
+
+"No, my lad; I am only just. I am glad to help a boy who is working for
+his father and family."
+
+"I shouldn't deserve to succeed if I didn't," said Tom, earnestly.
+
+"Always bear that in mind, my lad, and God will smile on your efforts,
+and raise you up friends."
+
+In spite of the high price, Tom and his partner felt justified now in
+stopping over night at the hotel where they had met with such a piece of
+good luck, and the next day started down the river for San Francisco.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+
+TOM BUYS A BUSINESS.
+
+
+It was an interesting moment for our two friends when they landed in San
+Francisco. The future Western metropolis was only a town of scattered
+wooden and adobe houses, with irregular streets and a general lack of
+uniformity in its buildings; but everybody seemed on the alert. The
+number of drones was wonderfully small; even the constitutionally lazy
+could not resist the golden incentives to labor. Money was looked upon
+with very different eyes there and at the East. No one took the trouble
+to dispute prices; and a man who landed with an article rare or
+desirable could often obtain twenty times its value. Within ten minutes
+of his arrival Tom witnessed a case of this kind.
+
+Just as he was entering Montgomery street he noticed a man--evidently a
+new-comer--with a fine bunch of pineapples in his hand. He had just
+arrived in the steamer Columbus, then anchored out in the stream.
+
+"I shouldn't mind having one of those pineapples," said Tom to Ferguson.
+
+"Doubtless they are high-priced, being a rarity," said the Scotchman.
+
+Just then a passer-by, attracted like Tom, and feeling a similar
+longing, stepped up to the new-comer.
+
+"Are those pineapples for sale?" he asked.
+
+"Yes, if you'll pay enough," was the half-jocular reply.
+
+"Name your price."
+
+"Ten dollars."
+
+"Here is your money;" and he put a gold piece into the hand of the
+astounded passenger, which represented ten times the sum he had paid for
+the fruit at San Blas.
+
+"That's a pretty steep price," said Tom, "for six pineapples."
+
+"It is very wasteful to spend such a sight of money to pamper the
+appetite," said the canny Scot. "Truly, a fool and his money are soon
+parted."
+
+He was destined to be still more surprised. The purchaser within five
+minutes transferred half his purchase to another for fifteen dollars.
+
+"Gold seems to be plenty here," said Tom.
+
+"I hope all provisions are not as high," said Ferguson, "or we shall
+soon have a chance to spend all we have."
+
+"Where shall we go first?" asked Tom.
+
+"We had better go to a public house, and secure a lodging," said
+Ferguson.
+
+"I wish I knew some one here to direct me."
+
+Scarcely had Tom uttered these words than he cried out in surprise,
+"Why, there's John Miles!"
+
+They were passing a little, unpainted, wooden building, of one and a
+half stories, used as a grocery. A German name was on the sign; but
+behind the rough counter stood the familiar form of John Miles.
+
+Tom dashed into the store, followed by his more dignified companion.
+
+"How are you, John?" he exclaimed.
+
+"Why, if it isn't Tom," returned Miles, his face showing the joy he
+felt. "And here's Mr. Ferguson, too."
+
+Then there ensued a hearty shaking of hands, followed by the question,
+"When did you get here?"
+
+"About twenty minutes ago."
+
+"And you came straight to me. That's good."
+
+"So it is; but it's an accident. We had no idea where you were. So you
+are a grocer, John. Is the place yours?"
+
+"If it is, then I've changed my name," said Miles, pointing to the sign
+bearing the name:--
+
+     JOHN SCHINKELWITZ.
+
+"The first name's right, at any rate," said Tom, laughing. "I suppose
+you are the clerk, then."
+
+"Yes."
+
+"How long have you been here?"
+
+"Four weeks."
+
+"Is it a good business?"
+
+"Very good. My Dutch friend pays me five dollars a day, and I sleep
+here."
+
+"Among the groceries?"
+
+"Yes; it saves me the expense of a bed outside, and that is a good deal.
+I haven't saved quite enough to pay you yet, Tom, but I can soon."
+
+"No hurry, John. I have been lucky since I saw you."
+
+"I am glad to hear it, Tom. Did the claim prove more productive?"
+
+"No; but I have been speculating. Guess how much money I have with me."
+
+"A hundred and fifty dollars."
+
+"More."
+
+"Two hundred."
+
+"More yet."
+
+"Not three hundred, Tom?"
+
+"I won't make you guess any more. I have seven hundred dollars. No
+wonder you look surprised. I'll tell you how I made it;" and Tom
+repeated the story of his purchase and its profitable sale.
+
+"I am not so much surprised now," said Miles, "for in this country a man
+will have what he takes a fancy to, no matter what it costs. I am glad
+the good luck came to you and Mr. Ferguson. I shouldn't mind having that
+amount of money myself."
+
+"What would you do with it?"
+
+"I would buy out my employer, and then I could make money fast."
+
+"Does he want to sell?"
+
+"Yes, he wants to go to the mines."
+
+"Would he sell for such a small sum?"
+
+"Yes; there isn't much of a stock, but we are constantly replenishing. I
+tell you what, Tom, _you_ buy him out, and I'll manage the business."
+
+"Are you in earnest, John?"
+
+"Certainly I am."
+
+"But I want to send some money home," objected Tom.
+
+"How much?"
+
+"A hundred dollars at least."
+
+"I'll lend you the hundred, my lad," said Ferguson, "and fifty more, and
+you can take your own money and buy the business. I don't favor acting
+hastily, in general, but I have faith in our friend here, and I am led
+to believe that the enterprise will be a profitable one."
+
+"You'll be my partner, Tom, and I'll give you a third of the profits
+without your doing a thing. If you work with me, you shall have as much
+more as will be satisfactory."
+
+"I would rather go back to the mines, John, and leave you to manage this
+business by yourself. A quarter of the profits will satisfy me."
+
+"No, it shall be a third. As you furnish the capital, that is only
+fair."
+
+"We may be counting our chickens too soon. Perhaps your Dutch friend,
+whose name I can't pronounce, won't sell."
+
+"Here he is to speak for himself."
+
+A short German, with a ponderous frame, and a broad, good-humored face,
+here entered the grocery, panting with the exertion of walking, and
+looked inquiringly at Tom and the Scotchman.
+
+"Herr Schinkelwitz, this is my friend, Tom Nelson," said Miles.
+
+"Glad to see you, mine vriend," said the German, addressing Ferguson.
+
+"No, that is Mr. Ferguson," said Miles, smiling. "I should have
+introduced him first."
+
+"Wie gehts, Herr Ferguson?" said the grocer. "You have one strange
+name."
+
+"Your name seems strange to me," said the Scotchman.
+
+"Oh, no; Schinkelwitz is a very common name. Most peoples admire my
+name."
+
+Tom was considerably amused, but Herr Schinkelwitz did not observe the
+smile which he could not repress.
+
+"I have told my friends you would like to sell out the business," said
+Miles.
+
+"Oh, ja, it is a good business, but my health is not good. I think it
+will be much better at the mines. You will do well to buy it yourself."
+
+"I would if I had money enough."
+
+"Ja, I must have the money, for I shall need it."
+
+"My friend here has money, and may buy of you," said Miles, indicating
+Tom.
+
+"What, the boy?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Where did he get so much money?"
+
+"At the mines."
+
+"Oh, ja, that is a good place to get gold. Well, my young vriend, I will
+sell cheap."
+
+It will not be necessary to enter into a detailed account of the
+negotiation. It is enough to say that for the sum of seven hundred
+dollars Herr Schinkelwitz made over the business to Herr Tom, as he
+called him, and our hero found himself penniless, but the owner of a
+grocery. In half an hour it was all completed.
+
+"Now, Tom, you are my boss," said Miles. "Shall I put your name
+outside?"
+
+"No, John, put your own. I am only a silent partner, you know."
+
+"I congratulate you, Tom," said Ferguson. "Here are two hundred dollars,
+for which you can give me your note."
+
+"Two hundred?"
+
+"Yes; you will need some yourself, besides what you send to your
+father."
+
+"Suppose I can't pay you back?"
+
+"Then I will levy on the grocery, my lad," said Ferguson.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+
+A GAMBLING-HOUSE.
+
+
+Having completed this important business arrangement, the two friends
+went out to explore the town. The limits were narrow compared with those
+of the flourishing city of the present day. Where the Palace and Grand
+hotels now stand was a sand-hill, and the bay encroached upon the
+business part of the city far more than now.
+
+Scarcely a stone's throw from the grocery, on Montgomery street, between
+California and Sacramento, was the office of Adams' Express, which
+advertised to forward gold-dust and packages by every steamer.
+
+"I will go in here, Mr. Ferguson," said Tom. "I shall not feel
+comfortable till I have started this money homeward. I am sure it will
+be wanted."
+
+"Right, my lad. We will attend to it, by all means."
+
+They entered the building,--a very humble one it would now be
+considered,--but they found other customers before them, and had to wait
+for their turn.
+
+"What can I do for you?" asked the clerk, in a quick, business-like
+tone.
+
+"I want to send home a hundred dollars," said Tom.
+
+"Give me the address."
+
+This was done, the money paid over, and a receipt returned in two
+minutes.
+
+"How long before my father will receive the money?" asked Tom.
+
+"The steamer starts in three days. About a month will be needed."
+
+Then Tom moved aside, and the next man took his place.
+
+"I am glad that is attended to," said Tom, relieved. "Now, Mr. Ferguson,
+I will go wherever you wish."
+
+"We had better secure a lodging," said the Scotchman. "When we are sure
+of a bed we can walk about at our leisure."
+
+Lodgings were to be had, but they were generally very dear. The first
+room looked at was five dollars per day, without board,--a price our
+friends were unwilling to pay. Finally they found a decent, though small
+room, with rather a narrow bed, which could be had for three fifths of
+that sum, and they engaged it.
+
+"We will have to go back to the mines soon," said Tom. "San Francisco is
+too expensive for us to live in."
+
+"You can afford it better than I, Tom," said his friend.
+
+"Why?"
+
+"Because you have a business that brings you in an income."
+
+"Oh, I forgot that," said our hero, smiling. "Things happen so fast here
+that I haven't got used to my new position. Do you think I invested my
+money wisely, Mr. Ferguson?"
+
+"Yes, my lad, since your agent is a trustworthy, honest man."
+
+"I am sure I can trust John Miles."
+
+"If I were not confident of it, also, I would not have encouraged you to
+take so important a step."
+
+"I think I won't write to father about it," said Tom, after a pause. "He
+might think I had acted foolishly, and become anxious. If I succeed,
+then I shall be glad to surprise him. I think I shall make money; but I
+don't want to count on it too much. I shall be ready to go back with you
+to the mines whenever you say the word."
+
+As they sauntered about, gazing curiously at the motley sights around
+them, they heard strains of music. It appeared to proceed from a large
+wooden building, with a jutting roof, under which, on benches, lounged a
+number of persons, some of them Mexicans, in their native costumes,
+smoking cigarettes. A large American flag was displayed over the door,
+and a crowd was constantly passing in and out.
+
+"Let us go in," said Tom.
+
+His companion making no objection, they entered. The first sight of the
+interior made clear the character of the place. There were numerous
+tables, spread with games,--faro, monte, and roulette,--each surrounded
+by an absorbed and interested group. "Easy come, easy go," was the rule
+with the early California pioneers, and the gaming-table enlisted in its
+service many men who would not have dreamed at home that they could ever
+be brought to tolerate such an instrument of evil.
+
+Tom was a country boy, and unsophisticated, but he could not help
+understanding the nature of the business which brought so many to the
+place.
+
+"I suppose they are gambling," he said.
+
+"Yes, poor, deluded creatures!" said the Scotchman, who had been brought
+up to an abhorrence of games of chance. "They are wasting their time and
+their substance, and foolishly laying up for themselves future misery."
+
+Had this remark been heard it would have excited indignation, and
+perhaps subjected the speaker to insult; but the players were too
+intent upon their varying chances to pay any attention to the remarks of
+by-standers.
+
+"I hope, Tom, you will never yield to the seductive lures of the
+gaming-table," continued Ferguson.
+
+"I don't think there is much danger," said Tom. "I have always been
+taught that gambling is wicked."
+
+"May you long feel so, my lad!"
+
+Tom did, however, watch the players with interest. He saw money lost and
+won, without understanding exactly how it was decided. From the game his
+attention was drawn to the gamesters. He was led to notice,
+particularly, a young man of prepossessing countenance, who was
+evidently profoundly excited. From time to time he drew out a roll of
+gold pieces, which he placed on a card, and invariably lost. He must
+have had a considerable sum; but, small or large, he was in ill-luck,
+and constantly lost. As he neared the end of his resources the feverish
+blush upon his handsome features was succeeded by a deep pallor, and
+there was no mistaking the expression of deep anguish and despair which
+announced that he had reached the end.
+
+Tom became painfully interested in the young man, and silently drew the
+attention of his companion to him. When the end came, and the victim,
+thoroughly "cleaned out," turned to go out, Tom said, in a low voice,
+"Let us follow him."
+
+Ferguson acquiesced. He, too, had become interested, and the young man's
+expression as he passed our two friends was so despairing that Ferguson
+felt some alarm as to the effect of his disappointment upon his mind.
+
+Once in the street, Ferguson and Tom followed the unfortunate young man
+into an obscure street, keeping up with difficulty, for his pace was
+rapid and excited. It proved to be a fortunate thing, for when he
+supposed himself free from observation the young man drew a pistol, and,
+with an incoherent exclamation, placed it in contact with his temple.
+
+Tom sprang forward, and so did the Scotchman; but the boy was the
+quicker and more agile, and dashed the pistol aside just in time to
+prevent a suicide.
+
+"Why did you do that?" asked the baffled would-be-suicide, gloomily,
+turning his gaze upon Tom.
+
+"I was afraid you were going to kill yourself."
+
+"So I was."
+
+"What could induce you to take such a rash step?" asked Ferguson.
+
+"I have been a reckless fool. I have lost all my money at the accursed
+gambling-table, and my life is not worth retaining."
+
+"It appears to me," said the Scotchman, quietly, "that you set too high
+a value upon money. You have certainly been very foolish to risk it at
+the gaming-table, and the loss will no doubt inconvenience you; but was
+your money all you had to live for?"
+
+The young man regarded Ferguson with some surprise; but his excitement
+was evidently abated. The quiet tone of the speaker had a favorable
+effect upon him.
+
+"I didn't think of it in that light," he admitted.
+
+"Have you no relatives to whom your life is of value?"
+
+"Yes," answered the young man. "I have a mother and sister."
+
+"Would not your death affect them more than the loss of money?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"It seems to me that to take your life would be to treat them cruelly."
+
+The young man was evidently agitated by contending thoughts.
+
+"I suppose you are right," he said, slowly; "but let me tell you all,
+and you can judge me better: I arrived in California six months since.
+My home is in Ohio, not far from Cincinnati. I was fortunate enough to
+commence mining at a point on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada
+Mountains where I was almost alone. I 'struck it rich,' and two days
+since arrived in San Francisco with over two thousand dollars in
+gold-dust."
+
+"You were certainly in luck," said Ferguson, surprised.
+
+"I turned it into money, and, in strolling about the city, was lured
+into that accursed den. I looked on and was fascinated. I thought I
+would try my luck. I began with a small stake, and kept on till I had
+lost every dollar. In one hour the fruits of six months' labor are gone.
+Do you wonder that I am reduced to despair?"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII.
+
+A NEW SCHEME.
+
+
+"I see no cause for despair," replied Ferguson, in the same calm tone.
+
+"I have not a penny left out of the two thousand dollars I had only an
+hour since."
+
+"I understand all that."
+
+"I am a ruined man," said the young man, despondently.
+
+"I don't admit that. How old are you?"
+
+"Twenty-one."
+
+"You are well and strong, are you not?"
+
+"Oh, yes, I have nothing to complain of on that score."
+
+"Then it appears to me that your loss is not serious. Your capital still
+remains."
+
+"My capital?" repeated the young man.
+
+"Yes; your strong arms, your education, your capacity to labor."
+
+"But I shall have to begin over again."
+
+"Beginning over again at your age, when, possibly, fifty years of life
+lie before you, is not such a serious matter. Were I in your
+situation,--and I am twice as old as you,--I should not thing of
+despairing. Don't you think it would be rather foolish for two thousand
+dollars, which you have been only six months in accumulating, to throw
+away fifty years, and all that you can make in that time, thereby
+bringing a life-long grief to your mother and sister?"
+
+The calm, logical tone of the Scotchman had its effect.
+
+"I see that I was about to add to one piece of folly another far
+greater," said the young man. "I don't know who you are, sir, but I
+heartily thank you and your son for saving my life."
+
+"This is not my son, but my young friend, Thomas Nelson," said Ferguson.
+"I am not so fortunate as to have a son."
+
+"Well, God bless you both, and good-night!"
+
+"Excuse my persistency, but may I ask where you are going?"
+
+"I am not going to repeat my folly of just now, if that is what you
+mean."
+
+"I did not suspect you of that; but are you sure of a bed anywhere?"
+
+"No; I have no money to pay for one. I shall walk the streets, or
+possibly lie down in some quiet place. I was accustomed to roughing it
+at the mines, and can do it again if necessary."
+
+"Tom and I have a room in which you are welcome to find a shelter. I am
+sorry that our bed is too narrow to hold another."
+
+"Thank you. That will be better than to sleep in the streets. But are
+you not afraid to make me this offer?"
+
+"Why should I be?"
+
+"I might rob you during the night."
+
+"You might, but you don't look like one who would so reward confidence."
+
+"You are right. If you had fifty thousand dollars I would not touch a
+dollar of it. I will accept your offer. How can I repay you for your
+kindness?"
+
+"There may be a way. We will talk of that this evening."
+
+Nine o'clock found the three collected in the small room which had been
+hired by Ferguson for himself and Tom.
+
+"My friend," said Ferguson, "you told us that you found a favorable
+place for mining up in the Sierras."
+
+"Yes, I 'struck it rich.'"
+
+"I take it for granted that you did not exhaust the wealth of the
+place?"
+
+"Far from it. I only dipped into it. There is abundance left."
+
+"Is this place known to many?"
+
+"To only one, so far as I know. He and I worked independently, but were
+company for each other."
+
+"But what induced you to leave so rich a claim?"
+
+"I was tired of working, and wanted to come to the city for a change.
+You know what a change I have experienced here."
+
+"Why don't you go back and start anew in the place where you met with
+your former good fortune?" asked Ferguson.
+
+"Because I am penniless. I must find something to do here for a while.
+When I have got together a little fund, sufficient for the purpose, I
+will go back."
+
+"Would you go back now, if you had the chance?"
+
+"Would I? Certainly I would, for I could make money faster there than
+here."
+
+"Would you have any objection to let Tom and myself accompany you?"
+
+"Not the least. I should be glad of your company. There is gold enough
+for us all."
+
+"Then we will start to-morrow, that is, if you and Tom are willing."
+
+"I am ready," said Tom, promptly.
+
+"But I have nothing. I don't like to be an expense to you," objected the
+young man.
+
+"We will pay your expenses. We shall be more than recompensed by the
+richness of the mines. We might find something to do here, but both Tom
+and myself prefer the freedom of the mining camp, and, if the spot is
+as rich as you have led us to suspect, we shall make more money there."
+
+"Agreed!" said the young man, promptly. "Name the hour of starting, and
+rely upon me to be ready."
+
+Ferguson was evidently well pleased with this response. He felt that his
+new acquaintance would be so far away from the city, and would sooner
+retrieve his fortunes at the mines. He hoped, too, to find opportunity
+to strengthen his principles, and guard him against the temptations of
+the city when he should again visit it. Again, he had reason to think
+that the arrangement would benefit Tom and himself in a pecuniary way,
+and the Scotchman was by no means indifferent to that consideration;
+though, as we have seen, he did not unduly exalt the power or value of
+money.
+
+Tom, too, was pleased with the prospect. He was grateful and attached to
+Ferguson, whom he felt to be a true friend, but he was glad to have
+another companion nearer his own age. The young man was of a
+prepossessing exterior, and when he had shaken off his present
+disquietude looked as if he might be a cheerful and agreeable companion.
+
+"Since we are to live together, for a time at least, and become
+fellow-workers," said Ferguson, "we ought to know each other better. I
+will introduce myself first."
+
+Hereupon Ferguson gave a brief account of himself, which need not be
+repeated, and then called upon Tom, who followed his example.
+
+"Now it is my turn," said their new acquaintance. "You don't even know
+my name yet, though you have done me such an important service. I have
+already told you that I am from Ohio. My name is Richard Russell, though
+my friends generally call me Dick. My father, whom I had the misfortune
+to lose several years since, was at one time a member of Congress. He
+left a small property, the income of which is barely sufficient to
+provide my mother and sister with the comforts of life. I had a fair
+education, including enough Latin and Greek to fit me for entering
+college. My mother desired me to enter; but I knew that she could not
+keep me there without practicing pinching economy, and I secured a place
+with a small salary in a business house in Cincinnati. A year since,
+when the papers were full of the gold discoveries on this coast, I was
+seized, like so many others, with the golden fever, and arranged to
+start overland. It would have proved a wise step had I not been so rash
+a fool as to squander my earnings; for two thousand dollars in six
+months compare very favorably with twelve dollars a week, which I was
+earning at home. I might have gone home by the next steamer, and had
+money enough to carry me through a course of legal study, had I desired.
+I am out of patience with myself when I think of how I have thrown away
+my good fortune."
+
+"Don't think too much of the past, which cannot be recalled. Resolve not
+to repeat your folly, and all may yet be well."
+
+"I have fully resolved upon that," said Russell, earnestly.
+
+"Do you think you shall study law, if you are again fortunate, Mr.
+Russell?" asked Tom.
+
+"If you please don't call me Mr. Russell, unless you want me to call you
+Mr. Nelson. Call me Dick."
+
+"I will," said Tom, smiling, "for I am not ready to be called Mr. Nelson
+yet."
+
+"Now, to answer your question: if I can get two thousand dollars
+together again, I shall probably study law. Of course I don't mean to be
+a miner all my life any more than you. Now, Tom, what are your plans?"
+
+"I think I should like to be a lawyer, too, but I must earn more than
+two thousand dollars first."
+
+"Two thousand ought to be sufficient to educate you if you are
+economical."
+
+"It would be, but I want to pay off a mortgage on my father's farm
+before I begin to lay up money for myself."
+
+"You are a good fellow, Tom, and I wish you success."
+
+"Thank you, Dick. I will succeed if hard work can bring success."
+
+"Good-night to you both," said Ferguson. "I want to sleep well to
+prepare myself for starting to-morrow."
+
+In half an hour all three were sleeping soundly.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV.
+
+PREPARING FOR A NEW START.
+
+
+When Tom opened his eyes he did not at first remember where he was, but
+a glance at Dick Russell, his new acquaintance, stretched out on the
+floor and still sleeping, quickly recalled the important events of the
+day previous. Mr. Ferguson was already dressed.
+
+"Well, Tom, are you rested?" he asked.
+
+"Yes, Mr. Ferguson; I slept like a top. What time is it?"
+
+"It is seven o'clock. Our new friend is still asleep."
+
+"I suppose he was on his feet all day yesterday."
+
+"I don't know whether I ought to hurry you away from San Francisco so
+soon, Tom," said his Scotch friend. "We only arrived yesterday, and you
+have not had time to see the place, and enjoy yourself after your hard
+work at the mines."
+
+"I don't care for that, Mr. Ferguson. I am anxious to be at work again.
+I didn't come out here to enjoy myself, but to make money for my
+father."
+
+"You have succeeded pretty well thus far, Tom."
+
+"Yes; but I have made more by the sale of the team than by work at the
+mines."
+
+"True; but that is a legitimate transaction. If our friend here has
+reported correctly, we shall find mining more profitable in the place he
+mentions than at River Bend."
+
+"I have no objection to that, though I was satisfied with River Bend.
+Wouldn't it be splendid, Mr. Ferguson, if we could do as well in the
+next six months as he did?"
+
+"Making two thousand dollars each?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"We may accomplish it; but it is best not to calculate upon it."
+
+"If I could only free the farm from that troublesome mortgage I should
+be proud and happy. It has worn upon father, as I could see, and he has
+been compelled to toil early and late to pay the interest, besides
+supporting us all."
+
+"How much is the mortgage, Tom?"
+
+"Twenty-two hundred dollars."
+
+"You have made a good beginning towards it already, Tom. You have seven
+hundred dollars invested in business."
+
+"But out of that I owe you a hundred and fifty, Mr. Ferguson."
+
+"Don't trouble yourself about that, Tom. Unless I should stand in great
+need of it, I will wait till you have paid off the mortgage before
+asking to have it repaid."
+
+"You are very kind, Mr. Ferguson," said Tom, gratefully. "A part of my
+seven hundred dollars rightfully belongs to you, for you owned
+two-thirds of the horse and wagon."
+
+"I couldn't have bought them without your help, Tom. So you see that you
+enabled me to make money. I am quite satisfied with an equal
+partnership."
+
+"And I am very well satisfied with my partner," said Tom, smiling.
+"Shall we wake up Russell?"
+
+"Yes, for we have much to do to-day."
+
+"John Miles will be surprised at my leaving the city so quick."
+
+"By the way, Tom, as he is to remain here, while you are out of the
+reach of post-offices, it may be well to ask your father to direct
+future letters to his care, and he can forward them as he has
+opportunity."
+
+"That is a good idea. I will write to-day so as to catch the next
+steamer, and I will also speak to John."
+
+Tom had to shake Dick Russell energetically before that young man opened
+his eyes.
+
+"What's the matter?" he ejaculated, drowsily.
+
+"Don't you want some breakfast?" asked Tom.
+
+"Oh, it's you, Tom! Yes, you have touched the right chord. I have a
+first-class appetite--and no money," he added, his face clouding.
+
+"Mr. Ferguson is treasurer," said Tom, lightly, wishing to divert
+Russell from the thoughts of his heavy loss, and the folly to which he
+owed it; "but we know very little of the city. Can you guide us to a
+good restaurant?"
+
+"To a good one, but not a cheap one. Everything is high here."
+
+"Then it is fortunate we are going to leave so soon."
+
+In a small restaurant, on Montgomery street, our three friends partook
+of a hearty breakfast. It might not have attracted an epicure, but
+neither of the three was fastidious; and, though the charge was five
+dollars, Ferguson, economical as he was, paid the bill cheerfully. It
+was the first "civilized" breakfast he had eaten for months, and it
+might be months before he would be able to partake of another as good.
+
+"I wish we could breakfast like this at the mines," said Tom.
+
+"So say I," chimed in Dick Russell; "but you know that the gold-hunter
+must sacrifice home comforts."
+
+"I shan't complain of that, if I can do as well as you did," said Tom.
+
+"I see no reason why you can't. There is plenty of gold there, and all
+that is needed is work and perseverance."
+
+"I am willing to contribute them," said Tom. "I mean to do my best to
+succeed."
+
+"None of us can do more, my lad," said Ferguson. "Let us hope that God
+will prosper our undertakings."
+
+"I say, I am glad I have met with you two," said Dick Russell. "You'll
+keep me on the right track; and, in spite of my past folly, I hope in
+time to win success."
+
+"I am glad to hear you speak so sensibly, my young friend," said the
+Scotchman, kindly. "It's a great deal better to put your back to the
+wheel once more, than to take the life God gave you."
+
+"Don't speak of that again, Mr. Ferguson," said Russell, shuddering. "I
+don't like to think of it."
+
+"He'll do," thought Ferguson, with satisfaction. "His mind is now in a
+healthy condition, and I have great hopes of him."
+
+The rest of the day was devoted to the purchase of supplies. Ferguson
+also bought a mule, in behalf of the party, which was of service in
+carrying a part of their burdens. It was not until afternoon that Tom
+found an opportunity to call on John Miles, and acquaint him with his
+almost immediate departure.
+
+"I am sorry you are going away so soon, Tom," said Miles. "I thought you
+would stay at least a week."
+
+"So I would if I were not so anxious to be at work once more. You know
+how my father is situated, John, for I have told you more than once."
+
+"Yes, Tom; but I see no reason why you should feel uneasy. With the help
+you are to send him, there will be no trouble about his paying his
+interest regularly."
+
+"I know that, John; but I shall feel uneasy until the mortgage is paid
+off, and he is out of Squire Hudson's power."
+
+"For how long a time has the farm your father owns been encumbered with
+this mortgage?"
+
+"For ten years, at least."
+
+"Is the mortgage for any specified term of years?"
+
+"I don't think so."
+
+"It merely runs from year to year then?"
+
+"I suppose so."
+
+"In that case this Squire Hudson could foreclose at any time, could he
+not?"
+
+"Yes," answered Tom, soberly.
+
+"Don't make yourself uneasy about it, however," said Miles, observing
+that Tom seemed apprehensive. "As your father's farm is not particularly
+valuable, there can be no danger of foreclosure. By the way, wouldn't
+you like to have me remit your father something next month out of the
+profits of the business?--I can charge it to your account."
+
+"I am glad you mentioned it, John. You may send him fifty or
+seventy-five dollars, if my share should amount to so much."
+
+"I will."
+
+"And I am going to have my home letters directed to your care. You can
+forward them to me whenever you have an opportunity."
+
+"I won't fail, Tom. If there is anything you need sent out to you, you
+have only to write me, and I will attend to your commissions."
+
+"It is very convenient to have an agent in the city," said John,
+smiling. "I shall feel much more comfortable out at the mines."
+
+"I wish you good luck, Tom; but remember, even if you don't succeed in
+your search for gold, I shall be making money for you here."
+
+"You make me feel quite like a capitalist, John."
+
+"I hope you may be one some day. Good-by!"
+
+They shook hands and parted. Before night-fall Tom had started on his
+new journey in quest of gold.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV.
+
+WHITEFACE.
+
+
+Mark Nelson missed sorely the cow which he had been compelled to yield
+to the squire on account of default of interest. Whiteface was his best
+cow, and a great favorite with all the children. She gave nearly as much
+milk as the other two, and had been one of the main dependences of the
+family. It was worth considerably more than the thirty dollars for which
+the squire took it; but he insisted upon that and no other, and
+Whiteface had to go.
+
+Six months had passed, and there seemed to be very little chance of
+redeeming the lost cow. Squire Hudson had agreed to give her back on
+payment of the balance due, with accrued interest; but neither he nor
+Mark Nelson expected that such an offer would be made.
+
+"I was passing Squire Hudson's to-day, and saw poor Whiteface," said
+Walter, one evening. "I think she knew me, for when I called her she
+lowed back."
+
+"I wish we had her back," said Sarah. "It was heartless in the squire to
+take her. He had a dozen cows of his own."
+
+"He hasn't any heart," said Walter, "or, if he has, it must be pretty
+small."
+
+"We must not forget that he was entitled to some security for the
+balance of interest I owe him," said the farmer.
+
+"The cow was worth a good deal more than thirty dollars," said Sarah.
+
+"Yes, she was; but I am not sure whether I could have got any more money
+for her at a forced sale. Then you know the squire is pledged to give
+her back whenever I can pay him the thirty dollars, with interest."
+
+"I wish you could pay it now, father," said Walter.
+
+"So do I, my boy; but I cannot, unless your brother sends me some
+money."
+
+"It is three weeks since we have heard from Tom," said Mrs. Nelson,
+anxiously. "I am afraid he is sick."
+
+"Don't worry yourself with imaginary fears, Mary," said her husband.
+"Tom may be sick, of course; but he is strong and healthy, and we won't
+fear such a thing without some ground. Probably a letter is on the way
+from him now."
+
+"I hope he is making money," said Walter. "I wish I were with him."
+
+"I would never consent to have you go too," said Mrs. Nelson, hastily.
+
+"I don't think Walter seriously thinks of asking leave," said Mr.
+Nelson, smiling. "As he is only thirteen years old, I should be inclined
+to object myself. I must have him at home to help me with the farm."
+
+"I should be perfectly contented to stay at home if we had Whiteface
+back," said Walter. "I've a great mind to steal her out of the squire's
+yard. I bet she'd be glad to come."
+
+"Don't speak in that way, Walter," said his father. "I dislike to have
+you speak of stealing, even in fun."
+
+At this moment there was a knock at the front door. Farmer Nelson's
+house was an old-fashioned one, and not provided with a bell.
+
+"Go to the door, Sarah," said her father.
+
+Sarah obeyed.
+
+"Good-evening, Nahum," she said to the village expressman.
+
+"I've got a small package for your folks," said Nahum. "It's marked all
+over. Guess it came from Californy."
+
+"It must be from Tom," exclaimed Sarah, in delight.
+
+"That's what I thought," said the expressman, who knew everybody in the
+village, and could probably give a fairly correct list of their sisters,
+cousins, and aunts, with a fair guess at their worldly circumstances.
+
+"Is there anything to pay, Nahum?"
+
+"Only fifty cents,--the expressage from Boston. Never mind about it now,
+for I'm in a hurry. Your father can hand it to me next time he sees me."
+
+"O father, here's a package from Tom," said Sarah, hurrying into the
+room where they were all sitting.
+
+"Open it quick," said Walter. "See if there's any money in it."
+
+The cord was cut, and a small box was disclosed containing a hundred
+dollars in gold pieces and a line from Tom, stating that he was doing
+well, and that he hoped soon to send some more money.
+
+"A hundred dollars! What a lot of money!" exclaimed Walter, gazing on
+the little pile of coins as if fascinated.
+
+"I am so glad the dear boy is doing well," said Mrs. Nelson.
+
+"Now we can have Whiteface back, can't we, father?" asked Walter,
+joyfully.
+
+"Yes, Walter," said Mark Nelson, almost as excited as his son. "I will
+go over the first thing in the morning."
+
+"Can't we go over this evening?" asked Walter, impatiently.
+
+"No, it is dark, and Whiteface is stalled for the night."
+
+"You'll have seventy dollars left over, father, won't you?"
+
+"Yes; and that will provide for my next interest. I feel grateful and
+happy at Tom's success and his thoughtfulness."
+
+Could Tom have seen the effect of his remittance it would have made his
+heart glad, and he would have felt abundantly repaid for his labor and
+self-denial.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI.
+
+SQUIRE HUDSON'S DISAPPOINTMENT.
+
+
+If Whiteface was missed at her old home, she was scarcely less
+appreciated by her new possessor. On the very morning succeeding the day
+when Tom's remittance was received the squire remarked to his head
+workman, "Whiteface is an excellent cow, Abner."
+
+"Yes, squire, I calculate she's the best you've got."
+
+"I don't know but she is, Abner," said the squire, complacently. "I
+consider her worth at least fifty dollars."
+
+"So she is, every cent of it."
+
+"And she cost me only thirty," thought Squire Hudson, with a smile of
+content.
+
+He was a rich man, and abundantly able to pay his poor neighbor the full
+value of the cow; but somehow it never occurred to him to do it. He was
+not above taking an unfair advantage of a man who was unluckily in his
+power. Of course the squire knew that Farmer Nelson had a right to
+redeem the cow at the price agreed upon with interest; but he felt
+pretty safe on this point. The farmer was not very likely to have thirty
+dollars to spare, and as for a remittance from Tom the squire was pretty
+sure none would be received.
+
+"It'll be all the boy can do to take care of himself out there," he
+reflected, "let alone sending money home. He may send ten dollars or so
+some time; but it's very doubtful, very doubtful!"
+
+Squire Hudson turned to go back to the house when he saw the man of whom
+he had been thinking coming up the road. He stopped short, thinking the
+farmer might wish to speak to him.
+
+"Good-morning, Mr. Nelson," he said, pleasantly, for he was in
+good-humor.
+
+"Good-morning, squire."
+
+"Your Whiteface has got to feel quite at home in my barn-yard."
+
+"She is a good cow, Squire Hudson."
+
+"Yes, tolerable, tolerable."
+
+"She is worth more than the thirty dollars for which you took her."
+
+"Well, I don't know about that. Cows are pretty cheap nowadays."
+
+"I see how it is," thought the squire. "Nelson wants me to allow him
+more for the cow; but a bargain is a bargain, and I shan't do it."
+
+"I always valued her at a considerably higher price."
+
+"No doubt, no doubt. You raised her yourself, didn't you?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"That makes a difference, of course. You attach a sentimental value to
+her; but that doesn't affect her real value. I really can't allow you
+any more for her."
+
+"I don't want you to, Squire Hudson."
+
+The squire looked astonished.
+
+"What is the man driving at?" he thought.
+
+"She may not be worth any more to you, and so you won't mind my taking
+her back."
+
+"Taking her back!" ejaculated the squire.
+
+"Certainly; it was agreed that I could redeem her at any time, by paying
+you the thirty dollars and interest."
+
+"Not after two months," said the squire, hastily.
+
+"It is not two months. It was only six weeks yesterday. The fact is,
+squire, I've come for Whiteface, and I've got the money for you."
+
+"Have you heard from Tom?" asked the squire, with a blank look of
+disappointment.
+
+"Yes; I heard from him yesterday."
+
+"And he sent you some money?"
+
+"Yes; he reports that he is doing well."
+
+"Did he send you thirty dollars?"
+
+"Rather more than that," said Mark Nelson, not caring to gratify the
+curiosity of his creditor.
+
+"I think you had better keep your money, and leave Whiteface with me,"
+said Squire Hudson, after a pause.
+
+"I would rather not, squire. The fact is, Whiteface is a sort of pet at
+home, and we all want her back."
+
+Squire Hudson was disconcerted. He had not expected that Mr. Nelson
+would be able to redeem the cow, and he was reluctant to give her up.
+But there was no excuse for retaining her. His agreement stood in the
+way.
+
+"Neighbor Nelson," he said, after a pause, "I don't mind giving you five
+dollars over and above what you owe me for Whiteface. Come, that's a
+good offer."
+
+Mark Nelson shook his head.
+
+"She's worth more than that," he said. "But that's neither here nor
+there. I raised the animal, and it was sorely against my will that I
+parted with her six weeks ago. Now that I have the money to pay you I
+want her back."
+
+"I think you are standing in your own light, Mr. Nelson," said the
+squire. "I have taken a fancy to the cow, and am willing to pay more for
+her than she is worth. I will say ten dollars."
+
+Mark Nelson shook his head.
+
+"I'd rather have Whiteface than the money," he said.
+
+"If she comes into my possession again," said Squire Hudson, "I shall
+not be willing to grant you the privilege of redeeming her. It won't be
+many months before another payment becomes due."
+
+"I hope to be ready to meet it, squire," said the farmer, not appearing
+at all anxious.
+
+"He seems very independent," thought the squire, watching, moodily, the
+cow driven away by her former owner. "He may sing another tune on
+interest day. I wonder how much the boy sent home."
+
+Had he known that Mr. Nelson had in his pocket enough money to pay the
+whole of the next accruing interest, he would have felt more doubtful
+about recovering the cow which he now coveted more than ever.
+
+"Well, Abner, I've lost her," said the squire, hurrying to his
+assistant; "but she'll be back here some day, mark my words!"
+
+"I thought you bought her, squire," said Abner, in surprise.
+
+"Well, not exactly. I took her for a debt; but Nelson had the right of
+redeeming her, and he has done it. His boy sent him the money."
+
+"That Tom Nelson is a smart boy," said Abner, who, though in the
+squire's employ, was friendly to our hero.
+
+"Well, so-so," remarked the squire, indifferently. "I helped him to go
+to California; but I am not sure whether it was a wise step. I let my
+feelings get the better of my judgment."
+
+"Then it is the first time," was Abner's unspoken comment.
+
+"It may turn out for the best," he said aloud.
+
+"I doubt if I shall ever see my money again," said the squire; but he
+did not seem to take it to heart, judging from his manner and tone.
+
+"Didn't you have security for the loan?" asked Abner.
+
+"Well, ye-es," answered the squire, slowly; "but not very good. The farm
+was already mortgaged for its full value."
+
+"The squire is getting benevolent," thought Abner, "or he wants me to
+think so; but I'm inclined to think he has some object under it all.
+What is it?"
+
+A few weeks later Farmer Nelson's heart was gladdened by the receipt of
+another remittance this time sent by John Miles, out of the profit of
+the business in which Tom was his partner. The amount this time was
+seventy-five dollars. It made him feel quite rich.
+
+"Mary," he said, "we all need some new clothes, and I propose to use
+this money for that purpose. Now I want you to consider how we can spend
+it to the best advantage. To begin with, you must buy a new dress. You
+have long needed one."
+
+Mrs. Nelson demurred a little, but was forced to admit that the dress
+was needed. So the purchases were made at once. It is wonderful how far
+seventy-five dollars will go in an economical family of plain tastes. It
+was soon apparent to the neighbors that the Nelsons were exhibiting
+signs of prosperity.
+
+"It must be Tom," they decided.
+
+Efforts were made to ascertain just how much our hero had sent home; but
+on this point the Nelsons would not speak definitely. They reported in
+general terms that Tom was doing well.
+
+Of course Squire Hudson was not ignorant of the apparent improvement in
+the fortunes of his debtor. Strange to say, he seemed rather annoyed. He
+was pleased, however, by the outlay for dress.
+
+"They're getting extravagant, Abner," he said, cheerfully. "I thought
+Mark Nelson was a man of more sense. Because his son has sent home a
+little money, he must rig out the whole family in new clothes. 'A fool
+and his money are soon parted.'"
+
+"Mark Nelson is no fool," said Abner, stoutly.
+
+"He is in this instance," said the squire, sharply. "However, I don't
+object to it, if he likes to violate the rules of prudence. It strikes
+me, however, that it would be well for him to pay up the money I
+advanced for Tom's expenses, before buying new clothes wholesale."
+
+Abner repeated this to Mr. Nelson.
+
+The farmer answered quietly, "The squire is not wholly wrong. It is good
+doctrine to pay your debts before you spend money for what you don't
+need. In this case, however, we did need the clothes we bought. Now that
+we are provided, I hope, before very long, if Tom is prospered, to pay
+back the two hundred dollars the squire advanced for him."
+
+"I hope you will, I'm sure," said Abner. "That's a smart boy of yours,
+and I always said so."
+
+"He is a good boy, and I am sure he will do what is right."
+
+"He's a blamed sight better than the squire's boy. Sinclair is a
+stuck-up jackanapes, and it would do me good to kick him."
+
+"It might not do him any good."
+
+"I am not sure about that; I think he needs it."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII.
+
+THE NEW DIGGINGS.
+
+
+Meanwhile Tom and his party, pursuing their journey by easy stages, for
+they sensibly determined not to overtask their strength, reached at last
+the spot of which Russell had spoken. Ferguson and Tom soon found that
+he had not exaggerated. The new diggings were certainly far richer than
+those at River Bend. It was, in fact, the bed of a dead river upon which
+Russell had stumbled without knowing it. My readers are probably aware
+that in the beds of rivers or creeks the early miners found their first
+harvest of gold, and, that, where practicable, these were mined by
+turning the stream in the dry season, when the water was low. As it may
+not be so well understood what is meant by a dead river, I quote a
+passage from an article in the "Overland Monthly," as found in the pages
+of the "Pacific Coast Mining Review," for the year 1878-79:--
+
+"A dead river is one which formerly existed, but exists no longer. In
+volcanic regions it sometimes happens that the liquid lava, seeking the
+lowest ground, fills up the beds of the rivers which die and are
+replaced by water-courses running in other channels and in different
+directions. These dead streams are so few, and of so little importance
+elsewhere, that, as yet, I believe, no class name has been given to
+them; but in California they are among the chief source of its mineral
+wealth, and among the most remarkable features of its geological
+formation. They take us back to a remote era, before the time of Rome,
+of Greece, or of Egypt; far back beyond the origin of history or
+tradition, before our coast had taken its present shapes; before Shasta,
+and Lassen, and Castle Peaks had poured out their lava floods; before
+the Sacramento river had its birth; and while, if not before, the
+mastodon, the elephant, the rhinoceros, the horse, the mammoth bull, the
+tapir, and the bison lived in the land. They are indeed among the most
+remarkable discoveries of the age, and among the greatest wonders of
+geology. They deserve some common name, and we have to choose between
+'extinct' and 'dead.' We speak of 'extinct volcanoes,' and of 'dead
+languages,' and, as the latter is Saxon and short, we prefer it. They
+have been called 'old channels;' but this name does not convey the
+proper idea, since a channel is not necessarily a river, and an old
+channel is not necessarily a dead one. A dead river is a channel
+formerly occupied by a running stream, but now filled up with earthy or
+rocky matter, and is not to be confounded with a channel that is open
+and remains dry during the greater part of the year because of a lack of
+water, or that has been abandoned by the stream for a deeper channel
+elsewhere. A dry river-bed is not a dead river.
+
+"The dead rivers of California, so far as are known, are on the western
+slope of the Sierra Nevada, from five hundred to seven thousand feet
+above the level of the sea. They are all gold-yielding, and therefore
+they have been sought and examined. They have yielded probably _three
+hundred millions_ in all; they now produce perhaps eight million dollars
+annually. They are not less interesting to the miner than to the
+geologist, not less important to the statesman than to the antiquarian."
+
+At the risk of being considered tedious by some of my boy-readers, I
+will transcribe the writer's explanation of the existence of these dead
+rivers. For the reason we must go back to a remote geological epoch:
+"The main cause must have been the subsequent rise of the Sierra Nevada.
+Suppose that a range of mountains, seven thousand feet high, were
+upheaved thirty miles east of the Mississippi; that the bed of that
+stream were on the mountain side, three thousand feet above the sea, and
+that thirty miles west the country maintained its present level; the
+result would be that the present Mississippi would soon be a dead river;
+it would be cut across by streams running down the mountain side, and
+flowing into a new Mississippi, thirty miles or more west of the present
+one. We know that the Sierra Nevada has been upheaved; that a large
+stream ran on what is now the mountain side, and that it has been
+succeeded by a new river farther west, and we must infer that the death
+of the old and the birth of the new river were caused by the upheaval."
+
+Reference is here made to the Big Blue Lead, the largest dead river
+known in California, which has been traced for a distance of sixty-five
+miles, from Little Grizzly, in Sierra County, to Forest Hill, in Placer
+County. The original river, however, is thought to have run for many
+hundreds of miles. Eventually traces of its existence may be found
+elsewhere.
+
+It is not to be supposed that Tom and his friends knew anything about
+dead rivers, or troubled themselves as to how the rich deposits had been
+made, or how long they had been waiting discovery. They were chiefly
+engaged with more practical considerations. They found a rich harvest in
+the ravines, and they went to work energetically.
+
+The work was monotonous, and a detailed account of their progress would
+be tiresome. What we chiefly care about is results, and these may be
+gathered from a conversation which took place some five months later.
+
+Under a tent, at night-fall, reclined the three friends. They looked
+contented, and on good terms with the world; but, though prosperous,
+they certainly did not look it. In fact, they were all three
+exceedingly, almost disreputably, shabby. They looked more like tramps
+than respectable gold-miners.
+
+"Tom, you are looking very ragged," said Dick Russell, surveying our
+hero critically.
+
+"I know it, Dick. I feel as though I had just come out of a rag-bag. I
+can't say that you look much better, nor Ferguson either."
+
+"This rough work is hard on clothing," said Russell. "I wish there were
+a ready-made clothing store near by."
+
+"So do I. I would pay a high price for a good suit."
+
+"If our friends at home could see us, what would they think, eh, Tom?"
+
+"That we were candidates for the poor-house."
+
+"That's so. I've been into several poor-houses in the course of my life,
+but I never saw any of the inmates quite so poorly clad as we are."
+
+"You are right," said Ferguson; "but there are generally compensations.
+I was taking account of stock, and I estimate that I have from sixteen
+to eighteen hundred dollars' worth of gold-dust."
+
+"I have nearly as much," said Tom.
+
+"My pile won't vary far from Tom's," said Russell.
+
+"That is a pretty good showing for five months, my friend," said the
+Scotchman.
+
+"It will make up for the old clothes," said Tom.
+
+"I have been thinking," said Ferguson, "that we need a vacation. What do
+you say to starting next week for San Francisco?"
+
+"I agree," said Russell, promptly.
+
+"And I," said Tom. "I should like to see John Miles."
+
+"Very well. We will continue our work about a week longer, and then
+start."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII.
+
+A RICH DEPOSIT.
+
+
+About the middle of the next forenoon Tom suddenly stopped work.
+
+"What's the matter, Tom? Are you tired?"
+
+"No, but I feel like exploring a little. Who goes with me?"
+
+"Not I," answered Ferguson. "Let well enough alone."
+
+"I'll go with you," said Russell. "I should like a holiday. Besides, we
+may discover something."
+
+"'A rolling stone gathers no moss,'" said Ferguson.
+
+"True, but there's another proverb: 'All work and no play makes Jack a
+dull boy.' Tom and I will try a little play."
+
+The two friends sauntered away in an idle mood; yet, combining business
+with pleasure, they watched carefully the surface indications, ready to
+avail themselves of any that were favorable.
+
+"It's a strange life we are leading, Tom," said Russell. "It is free,
+and independent, and healthful; but I shouldn't like to live so all my
+life."
+
+"Nor I," answered Tom. "No amount of gold would repay me."
+
+"Because gold is only valuable for what it will bring. Here it brings
+nothing."
+
+"Except the hope of future ease and comfort," suggested Tom.
+
+"Of course; that is what we are working for. We have made a good
+beginning."
+
+"Yes, Dick. I have almost accomplished what I have had in view ever
+since I left home."
+
+"I know. You mean paying off your father's mortgage."
+
+"That's it. It amounts to twenty-two hundred dollars, and I have but a
+few hundred dollars more to earn. I would stay here a month or two
+longer, if my clothes would hold together; but I can't risk it."
+
+"You need rest, at any rate, Tom, leaving clothes out of the question."
+
+As he spoke, Tom, without special thought, drove his pick into the
+ground. It was a lucky inspiration. Some shining particles attracted the
+attention of Russell.
+
+"Tom," he exclaimed, in excitement, "do you see that, and that? I
+believe you've struck a bonanza."
+
+Upon that both set to work in earnest. A further investigation showed
+that Russell was right. Tom, by good luck, had chanced upon a deposit of
+far greater richness than any they had yet encountered.
+
+"If it holds out, our fortunes are made, Tom," said Russell. "Go and
+call Ferguson, and I will remain on guard till you come back."
+
+Tom stood not on the order of his going, but went at once.
+
+"What's the matter, Tom?" asked the Scotchman, as, panting and
+breathless, Tom stood before him. "Has anything happened to Russell?"
+
+"No; it's good news--splendid news, Mr. Ferguson. We've found a place
+ten times as rich as this. Come at once, and see."
+
+Ferguson made preparations to accompany Tom with what seemed to our hero
+to be provoking deliberation. In truth the Scotchman, with his national
+caution, was rather skeptical as to Tom's news, and did not suffer
+himself to become enthusiastic or excited. Tom had hard work to
+accommodate his impatient steps to the measured pace of his more sedate
+companion. When at length they reached the spot they found Russell no
+less impatient.
+
+"I thought you would never come," he said.
+
+"Tom wanted to fly," said Ferguson; "but I am too old for that. Now,
+what is it you have found?"
+
+When he was shown what had been discovered he admitted that it was very
+promising.
+
+"If it holds out, we shall be lucky," he said.
+
+"It _will_ hold out," said Russell, enthusiastically.
+
+"It isn't well to be too confident," said Ferguson, cautiously.
+
+"You are very cold-blooded, Mr. Ferguson," said Russell, impatiently.
+"Won't anything excite you?"
+
+"What good would it do to become excited?" returned the Scotchman. "I am
+as ready to test the matter as you are, and I shall rejoice if your
+sanguine expectations are realized. Do not expect too much, however, and
+you will guard against possible disappointment."
+
+But there was no disappointment awaiting them. They worked steadily for
+two weeks, with marvelous results. In this time they unearthed six
+thousand dollars' worth of gold, which by arrangement they divided
+equally between them; and still the gold deposit was far from being
+exhausted.
+
+At the end of the fortnight they were visited by a party of capitalists
+from San Francisco, who were out on an exploring expedition. They
+recognized the richness of the new discoveries, and after some
+negotiation offered the three friends ten thousand dollars for their
+claims. One consideration decided them to accept. It was absolutely
+necessary for them to go to the city for clothing and other articles, of
+which they stood in imperative need. They closed the bargain and started
+on their return.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX.
+
+BAD NEWS FROM HOME.
+
+
+Arriving in the city late in the afternoon, Tom went at once to see John
+Miles. When the latter caught sight of Tom, in his ragged attire, he
+came to the natural conclusion that our hero had met with hard luck.
+
+"Why, Tom, where did you spring from?" he exclaimed, grasping the hand
+of his young partner.
+
+"I am just in from the mines."
+
+"I suppose you are in want of money," said Miles, his voice betraying
+sympathy.
+
+Tom laughed.
+
+"How do you like my appearance, John?" he asked.
+
+"Never mind that, Tom. I see you have had a rough time; but I have been
+earning money for you."
+
+"Did you send money regularly to father?"
+
+"Yes; I have sent him three hundred dollars in all."
+
+"That's good," said Tom, in a tone of satisfaction. "That has made him
+easy. I suppose that took up about all I was entitled to?"
+
+"No; I have as much more to your credit. I am ready to pay it to you at
+once."
+
+"I see, John, you think I have not been doing well."
+
+"You don't look very prosperous, Tom, I must acknowledge."
+
+"Well, John, appearances are deceitful. I have been wonderfully lucky."
+
+"I am delighted to hear it, Tom," said Miles, cordially. "How much is it
+now?"
+
+"What do you say to a thousand dollars?"
+
+"Excellent."
+
+"Two thousand?"
+
+"You don't mean it!"
+
+"I won't keep you in suspense, John. I don't know exactly how much I've
+got, but it's over six thousand dollars!"
+
+John Miles stared at our hero in undisguised astonishment.
+
+"Are you sure you're quite right _here_?" he said, touching his
+forehead. "You haven't been sun-struck, have you?"
+
+"No, John, it's all as I tell you. Let me explain how my luck came."
+
+In a few sentences Tom made it clear to his partner that his luck was
+real.
+
+"As to the three hundred dollars due me from you, John," concluded Tom,
+"I make you a present of it."
+
+"But, Tom--" protested Miles.
+
+"Let it be so, and for the future you shall pay me my share. Have you
+any letters for me?"
+
+"I have three."
+
+"Give them to me, quick. I am hungry for news from home."
+
+Tom sat down on a keg, and fairly devoured the letters, two of which
+were from his father. One of these gave him much to think of. I will
+transcribe the passages which gave Tom most concern:--
+
+"Yesterday I paid Squire Hudson his regular semi-annual interest,
+amounting to sixty-six dollars. Thanks to your liberal remittances, I
+had no difficulty in making the payment. Indeed, I had two hundred
+dollars left over. Imagine my dismay when the squire told me he had made
+up his mind to call in the mortgage, having another use for the money.
+
+"'But I can't pay it up,' said I.
+
+"'You ought to be able to obtain the money somewhere,' he returned.
+
+"'You are the only capitalist with whom I am acquainted,' said I.
+'Since I have paid you the interest promptly, what more can you desire?'
+
+"He insisted that he needed the money. I offered to pay him the two
+hundred dollars which he had advanced for your journey. He seemed
+surprised, but repeated that he must have the whole. The upshot of it
+was that he gave me a formal notice of three months, as stipulated in
+the mortgage. At the end of that time, unless I am ready to pay the
+twenty-two hundred dollars, he will foreclose, and the old farm must be
+sold. Of course it will be sold much below its real value. Probably the
+squire will get it for the amount of the mortgage, and we shall be
+thrown upon the world, without a home. It seems hard, Tom, and very
+selfish; but might makes right, and Squire Hudson has the power on his
+side."
+
+In a postscript Mark Nelson added, "I understand that Squire Hudson has
+a connection, his wife's brother, for whom he wants the farm. That
+explains his resolute refusal to give me time to redeem it. Of course it
+is too early to decide upon any plans. I must hire some tenement to move
+into when I have to leave here. It will be hard upon us all to give up
+the old farm. Walter, who has a taste for farming, and whom I look to be
+my successor, feels very sad. Don't let this news depress you too much,
+Tom. We shall not suffer. Thanks to you, I have some money ahead, and we
+shall not lack for comfort."
+
+Tom looked up when he had finished reading the letter.
+
+"John," he said, quickly, "when does the next steamer start for New
+York?"
+
+"Day after to-morrow."
+
+"Where can I engage passage?"
+
+"Are you going home?"
+
+"Yes, John, it is absolutely necessary. Squire Hudson is about to
+foreclose the mortgage on my father's farm. I must be there to stop it."
+
+"Have you money enough?"
+
+"Three times over. He shall be defeated in his wicked purpose, or my
+name isn't Tom Nelson."
+
+Tom spoke in a quick, indignant tone, and his voice had a manly ring.
+
+"Wait, John, let me read you the letter."
+
+"The man's a mean rascal!" said Miles. "A rich man who will take
+advantage of a poor man's necessity to deprive him of his home deserves
+to be horsewhipped."
+
+"I shan't attempt that," said Tom, smiling; "but I will disappoint him.
+He little thinks I have it in my power to defeat his plans."
+
+That very evening Tom engaged passage to New York, and two days later he
+sailed out of the Golden Gate.
+
+"I don't know how long I shall be gone, John," he said. "You need send
+me no remittances, for I have money enough with me. You will hear from
+me as soon as I have reached home, and transacted my business with
+Squire Hudson."
+
+"You will come out here again, Tom, won't you?"
+
+"Yes, and before long. I have been so busily occupied making money that
+I have seen almost nothing of San Francisco."
+
+Tom did not journey alone. Ferguson, having thriven beyond his
+expectations, decided to sail to New York, and thence to Scotland, on a
+visit to his relatives, though he thought it probable he should come
+back within a year. Dick Russell also was now in a position to study law
+at home, and gave up the business of gold-mining forever.
+
+"I owe all my present prosperity to you two," he said. "But for you I
+should have blown my brains out five months since."
+
+"We owe our prosperity to you also," said Tom. "You guided us to the
+mines from which we gathered a golden harvest."
+
+"We have worked together, and been mutual helpers," said Ferguson. "God
+has favored us all, and to Him be the thanks!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXX.
+
+THE NIGHT BEFORE THE AUCTION.
+
+
+It was a sad household, that of Mark Nelson, on the day preceding the
+departure from the farm. There was to be an auction the next day, at
+which the farm-stock and farm-implements were to be sold. It was well
+understood that Squire Hudson was to be the buyer of the farm, and as he
+was not likely to have any competitor there was little hope that it
+would fetch more than the amount of the mortgage.
+
+During the afternoon Mr. Nelson called on Squire Hudson to make the best
+terms he could at private sale.
+
+"The farm is worth at least a thousand dollars more than the mortgage,
+Squire Hudson," said the farmer.
+
+"It is worth what it will fetch, Mr. Nelson," said the squire.
+
+"Do you mean that an article always commands its full value at auction,
+Squire Hudson?"
+
+"Ahem! it brings its market value, Mr. Nelson."
+
+"Which may be far below its intrinsic value. Suppose a diamond worth ten
+thousand dollars were put up at auction in our village, do you consider
+that it would bring a fair price?"
+
+"Ahem! you are wandering from the subject. We are talking of farms, not
+diamonds."
+
+"As to the farm, then, you are likely to be the only bidder, unless you
+allow the mortgage to remain."
+
+"If I were inclined to do that I would not disturb you as long as you
+paid the interest promptly."
+
+"Then you decline to buy the farm at private sale?"
+
+"I do."
+
+"I don't think you will be any better off in the end, Squire Hudson, for
+oppressing a poor man, and robbing him of his little all," said Mark
+Nelson, bitterly.
+
+"You don't look at the matter from a business point of view," said the
+squire, coldly. "I am acting as any business man would under the
+circumstances."
+
+"I cannot believe you, sir. All business men are not so hard-hearted."
+
+"I really don't think there is any use in prolonging this interview,"
+said Squire Hudson, stiffly. "I have resolved upon my course, in which I
+am perfectly justified, however you may choose to regard it."
+
+This removed the farmer's last hope, and he had only to look about for
+another home for his family. There was small choice of houses in the
+little farming town. In fact there was but one house,--a shabby,
+dilapidated building, a mile from the church and store. This, Mr.
+Nelson, having no choice, engaged for a period of three months.
+
+"It makes me homesick to think of going to live in that barn," said
+Sarah, as they were sitting together after supper.
+
+"It may not be so bad as you think for, Sarah," said her mother; but
+she secretly sympathized with her daughter.
+
+"I wish Squire Hudson had to live there himself," said Walter, in an
+angry outburst.
+
+Usually Walter was checked by his father when uttering such speeches;
+but to-night Mark Nelson took no notice of his son's angry remark. He
+felt that it would only be a righteous retribution upon the squire for
+his cold selfishness.
+
+While they were sitting in the plain room endeared to them by the
+association of years, a sound of wheels was heard, and the village stage
+stopped before the door.
+
+"Who can it be?" said Sarah, wonderingly.
+
+The whole family hurried to the window. What youthful, yet manly figure,
+was that actively descending from his perch beside the driver?
+
+"It's Tom!" exclaimed Mrs. Nelson. "Heaven be praised! It is my dear
+boy."
+
+Tom was almost suffocated by the embraces which he received on entering
+the house.
+
+"How you have grown, Tom!" said Sarah. "And how well you look!"
+
+"Thank you for the compliment," said Tom, laughing. "But I don't feel
+well."
+
+"What is the matter?" asked his mother, with maternal solicitude.
+
+"I am as hungry as a bear. Have you got anything to eat in the house?"
+
+This hint was enough. Fresh tea was made, and the wanderer was soon
+sitting before a bountiful supply of food, cooked in his mother's best
+style.
+
+"It seems good to be at home," said Tom, looking around him, his face
+beaming with happiness.
+
+"Did you get my letter, Tom, announcing the squire's intention to
+foreclose the mortgage?" asked his father, gravely.
+
+"Yes, father; is it really true?"
+
+"Yes; he will listen to no persuasions."
+
+"When does the sale take place?"
+
+"To-morrow."
+
+"I shall be present. Have you thought of any other house, father?"
+
+"The old Belcher house is the only one I can hire."
+
+"That is a poor place."
+
+"It must do for lack of a better."
+
+"I didn't think the squire would act so meanly. At any rate, father, I
+will see that you don't any of you suffer for lack of money."
+
+"Have you been doing well, Tom?" asked Walter.
+
+"Ask me to-morrow, Walter. To-night I want to hear all the news, and
+everything that has happened since I went away."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXI.
+
+BIDDING FOR THE FARM.
+
+
+"I apprehend," said the squire to his brother-in-law the next morning,
+"that we shall get the farm at our own price."
+
+"I hope we shall, squire," said the poor relative, deferentially. "I
+suppose this man Nelson is sorry to part with it."
+
+"Of course; he charges me with meanness, oppressing the poor, and so on;
+but of course I don't mind that. It's a matter of business; as I told
+him."
+
+"To be sure."
+
+"I am not to be moved by sentimental considerations. Business is
+business; but he won't see it in that light."
+
+"You consider the farm worth considerable more than the amount of the
+mortgage, of course?"
+
+"It is worth four thousand dollars, in my opinion," said the squire,
+complacently.
+
+"If you get it for twenty-two hundred, it will be an excellent bargain."
+
+"Father," exclaimed Sinclair, entering the breakfast-room, rather
+hurriedly, "Tom Nelson has got home."
+
+"Where did you hear this, my son?" asked Squire Hudson, in surprise.
+
+"At the store. He got home by coach last evening."
+
+"Got discontented, I suppose," said the squire, in a tone of triumph. "I
+thought that was how it would turn out. He can't expect me to advance
+money to take him out there again."
+
+"I wish you would let me go," said Sinclair.
+
+"Some day I may take a trip out there with you, my son. Have you seen
+Thomas?"
+
+"No, he keeps mighty close. He hasn't even been round at the store."
+
+"He is ashamed to show himself, I suppose. He will have to work on the
+farm--on a farm again."
+
+"I suppose that will be a hard pill for him to swallow," said Sinclair.
+
+"No doubt. He is poor and proud, like his father before him. I am glad
+of one thing,--that I am sure of getting back the two hundred dollars I
+advanced for his journey. I wonder where he raised money to get back."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Though there were not likely to be any competitors for the farm, a
+considerable number gathered at the sale. There was a general feeling of
+sympathy for the Nelsons, but no one was able to express that sympathy
+in a tangible form, Squire Hudson cared little for the opinion of his
+neighbors. Some of them were in debt to him, and he looked down upon
+them with the arrogance of wealth.
+
+Tom received many friendly greetings. He was plainly dressed, quiet in
+his manner, and seemed to take matters very coolly.
+
+At length the farm was put up, the auctioneer naturally turning towards
+the squire, who responded pompously, "I bid twenty-two hundred dollars,
+the amount of the mortgage I hold upon the property."
+
+"Is there any other bid?" asked the auctioneer.
+
+"I bid twenty-five hundred dollars," said a clear, boyish voice.
+
+All were startled, and all eyes were turned upon Tom Nelson, who came
+slightly forward.
+
+"Twenty-five hundred!" repeated the auctioneer, hesitating whether he
+should receive the bid.
+
+"I protest against this outrage," exclaimed Squire Hudson, angrily. "The
+bid is ridiculous."
+
+"Why is my bid ridiculous, Squire Hudson?" asked Tom, calmly.
+
+"Because you haven't got the money. It is a transparent attempt to run
+up the price of the farm."
+
+"You know nothing of my circumstances, Squire Hudson," said Tom,
+independently. "I stand ready to pay the sum I bid, and, should you
+outbid me, I am ready to prove to any committee you may appoint, that I
+possess the money, or all my bids shall go for nothing, and you can have
+the farm at your first offer."
+
+"That is fair!" cried all.
+
+"This is all nonsense," said the squire. "Those of you who choose may
+believe this boy; I don't."
+
+"Going at twenty-five hundred!" said the auctioneer.
+
+"Twenty-five hundred and fifty!" said the squire, adding, "I make the
+bid on the terms proposed by the boy."
+
+"Twenty-eight hundred!" said Tom.
+
+"And fifty!" bid the squire.
+
+"Three thousand!" instantly came from Tom.
+
+No one was more surprised than Tom's own family at this unexpected
+scene. He had not dropped a hint as to his intentions, choosing to take
+all by surprise. Mark Nelson was perplexed. Though he had great
+confidence in Tom, he feared that he could not make good his bold bids.
+
+At length the farm was knocked down to our hero at three thousand five
+hundred dollars.
+
+"Now," said the squire, angrily, "I demand that this farce come to an
+end. I believe the bidding of this boy to be a premeditated swindle. If
+so, I will do my best to have him punished."
+
+"And I," said Tom, boldly, "have an equal right to demand that Squire
+Hudson submit proof that he is responsible for the amount of his
+offers."
+
+"Curse your impudence!" exclaimed the squire, foaming with rage.
+
+"But I waive that right," continued Tom, "and will ask Squire Hudson to
+name two gentlemen present to examine the proofs which I have to offer
+of my ability to back my bids."
+
+"I name Mr. Jones and Mr. Howe," said the squire, quickly, "and request
+them to act at once."
+
+"That is my desire," said Tom.
+
+In five minutes the committee reported that Tom had shown them
+bank-books, of two Boston banks, certifying that he held two thousand
+dollars on deposit in one, and four thousand in the other.
+
+"Is that satisfactory?" asked Tom, coolly.
+
+"No," shouted the squire; "I believe that the books are bogus."
+
+But the rest of those present entertained no doubts, and our hero was at
+once surrounded by admiring friends, who shook his hand till it fairly
+ached.
+
+"Squire Hudson, your mortgage shall be paid whenever you desire," said
+Tom.
+
+"Three cheers for Tom Nelson!" proposed some one, and the cheers were
+given with a will. During the confusion the squire and his
+brother-in-law slipped out of the house, thoroughly discomfited.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXII.
+
+MANHOOD.
+
+
+If Squire Hudson was surprised at Tom's suddenly revealed wealth, Mr.
+Nelson was no less so. When Tom first commenced bidding his father
+feared that he was only trying to annoy the squire, or, perhaps, seeking
+to force him to pay a higher price for the farm. But when investigation
+revealed the fact of Tom's riches, and he saw the mountain of debt
+lifted from his little property, he was overjoyed and grateful.
+
+"I can't understand it, Tom," he said; "how could you possibly get
+possession of so much money?"
+
+"I have worked hard, father; but that won't explain it. I have been very
+lucky, and my good luck has enabled me to save the farm."
+
+"I think you will be easier with me than the squire, Tom," said his
+father, smiling. "I will make out a mortgage to you, since your money
+has been used to redeem the farm."
+
+"I shall have no claim on the farm," said Tom, "or if I have I give it
+to you. I have money enough for myself, and hope to earn a good deal
+more besides."
+
+"If that is the case, Tom, I will gladly accept your gift. It will be a
+great relief to think that I have no interest to pay. Now I shall be
+able to get along easily. I have over two hundred dollars on hand."
+
+"I want to make your life easier, hereafter, father. I think you need a
+larger income than the farm will yield you, and I will therefore send
+you a hundred dollars every quarter."
+
+"You are very generous, Tom; but I fear you will soon get rid of all
+your money at this rate."
+
+"I will explain my circumstances, father, and then you will think
+differently. I have a business in San Francisco which will yield me at
+least a thousand dollars a year, without my personal attention, and
+after paying the squire what is due him I shall have about four
+thousand dollars left. This I mean to invest securely in Boston."
+
+"I can hardly realize that you are so rich, Tom."
+
+"I can scarcely realize it myself, father. When I think of the change
+that fifteen months have made in my circumstances I consider myself the
+luckiest boy in the world, and have great cause for gratitude."
+
+It will be understood that, though Tom had bid thirty-five hundred
+dollars for the farm, all he was required to pay was the amount of the
+mortgage, the bid having been made in his father's interest. In a few
+days the business was completed, and Mr. Nelson found himself the owner
+of an unencumbered property.
+
+Tom remained a week longer in the village, and then started once more
+for California. His mother urged him to remain at home, now that he had
+so much money; but Tom reminded her that he was partner in a business in
+San Francisco, and that he needed to look after his interests there.
+John Miles might be sick, or die, and in that case he might meet with
+serious losses.
+
+Returning to San Francisco Tom became an active instead of a silent
+partner. The business was considerably enlarged, and became much more
+profitable. At the end of two years Tom sold out to his partner for
+several thousand dollars, and, entering an office, studied law, devoting
+a portion of his time to general study. At a comparatively early age he
+was admitted to the bar of his adopted city, and by degrees got into
+lucrative practice. He had become so much attached to California that he
+decided to make it his permanent home.
+
+Up among the New Hampshire hills his father still tills his little farm,
+but he no longer depends upon it for his entire living. Tom regularly
+sends the allowance he promised, and in addition his brothers are often
+the recipients of handsome gifts. Harry, developing a taste for study,
+was sent to Exeter Academy, from which in due course he was transferred
+to Harvard. He, too, was destined for the law, and when he had taken
+his legal degree joined Tom in California, and is now his partner.
+
+Other changes there are in the little village. Squire Hudson is dead,
+and Sinclair, making haste to sell the homestead, removed to New York,
+engaged in speculation, and lost everything. One day, shabbily dressed,
+he entered Tom's office in San Francisco, and asked for the loan of
+fifty dollars to enable him to reach the mines. Tom gave it, for old
+acquaintance' sake. It was not the last request for money made by
+Sinclair. Nothing has been heard of him for some years, and it is
+probable that a life which was of no service to any one is finished. He
+had the best start in life, but misused his advantages. Tom has worthily
+employed the talents committed to his charge, and is happy, honored, and
+prosperous.
+
+THE YOUNG EXPLORER;
+
+_or_,
+
+AMONG THE SIERRAS,
+
+will be the next volume.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Young Miner, by Horatio Alger, Jr.
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE YOUNG MINER ***
+
+***** This file should be named 22669.txt or 22669.zip *****
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
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