"I've got a notion to strike out for California. But it's a long journey."
"You're right there. Heard about the gold, I suppose?"
"Yes."
"I heard about that myself. I met one man in Philadelphia who was crazy on the subject. He sold almost the shirt off his back to get money enough to buy a ticket on a steamer for Panama."
"I'd rather go overland—I think it would be more fun."
"You'll have the Rocky Mountains to climb," put in Jed Dickson. "Won't be no fun in that—especially if you're out there in the winter time!"
"Oh, I don't mind the cold so much."
"I've been thinking of going to California myself," resumed Bob Billings. "But I want to see how old Aunt Betsey is first. Maybe she will want me to stay with her for a spell. She didn't use to care for me, but maybe she is changed now."
Hopeville was reached about supper time, and Mark and Jed Dickson put up at the local tavern, while Bob Billings went off to find his aunt, whom he had not seen in three years.
"He's a nice sort," said Mark. "If I went to California I'd like to have him along."