"We are," put in Mark. The strange boy interested him.
"Wish I was going. Of course your folks are with you."
"I haven't any folks," returned Bob. "I'm alone in the world, excepting for my chum Mark," and he nodded to his companion.
"We are going alone," said Mark.
"What, no grown folks with you?" cried the strange youth.
"Don't you think we can get through?" questioned Bob.
"Mother didn't think I could get through. Said the journey was too rough."
"Oh, were you thinking of going?" asked Mark, in surprise.
"Yes. In fact, I haven't thought of anything else since the news came in. You see, we're poor over our way, and father isn't very well, and I'd like to go to California and make some money to send home to the folks."
"It's a long journey," said Bob, and now he looked the strange boy over more carefully. He was well set up, and looked as if he could stand almost any amount of knocking round.