This was agreed to, and they started out at once. Being strangers, they had some difficulty in getting the orders cashed; but finally this was accomplished, and the two boys emerged upon the streets richer than before.
“Now that father has written that I can stay in California for a while, I intend to unite my fortunes with you,” said Gus; “that is, if you will allow me to do so.”
“I am perfectly willing, if you wish it,” replied Oliver; “but I do not know about Mr. Whyland.”
“I shall be pleased to have Mr. Gregory along if he wishes to come,” said that gentleman. “But you must remember we may have some pretty rough experiences before we accomplish what we have set out to do,” he added seriously.
“I am willing to put up with whatever comes, sir.”
“The West is not the East in more ways than one,” continued Mr. Whyland. “Many things are mighty rough here, especially when you get up in the mountains.”
From the express-office they started for the nearest hotel, where they looked carefully over the register; but looked in vain.
“Failure number one,” said Oliver. “I suppose we may have a number of them before we are lucky enough to strike the right house.”
“It would be funny if we ran across this Mendix the first thing,” said Gus. “My, wouldn’t he be surprised!”
“He doesn’t know me, I believe,” said Oliver.