"Can't see how some fellers can spend all they have on liquor," said Socket. "I like an occasional glass, but that's all."
"And I don't want any," answered Mark.
"Well, I reckon as how you're jest as well off without it."
But although Josiah Socket did not care for liquor, he loved his tobacco and took along two plugs of "tar heel," one for himself and one for Maybe Dixon, the plugs of a pound each costing two dollars.
They spent the night in one of the cabins, that belonging to Abram Monkey's youngest brother, and at sunrise were all ready for the trip back to their own camp.
"Wish you luck!" cried Abram Monkey, as they went away. "If you want any more supplies, call again."
"We will," said Josiah Socket.
"I've got to find some gold first," answered Mark, with a grin.
"Well, you'll find it, my boy, as soon as the season opens. This land is full of dust and nuggets."
They took to the trail by which they had come. There had been a light fall of snow during the night, covering their former tracks, but they remembered many of the landmarks, so had no fear of going astray.