"Sit down and tell me about your plans," said Mr. Williams, after the money had been paid over. And a talk lasting over an hour followed. They were joined by Mrs. Williams and her daughter Bess, who was a year younger than Si.
"If they can do that, pa, I don't see why our Si can't do it," said Bess. "He's just as big and every bit as strong. Why don't you let Si go?"
"Maybe you'd like to take me in as a partner," said Si, with a longing look in his clear blue eyes. "I'd be willing to do my full share of the work, I can vouch for that!"
"Si's heart has been set on going for a long time," came from Mrs. Williams, a modest little woman with a pale face. "I shouldn't mind it if we had plenty of money and could give him a good outfit. But to start off with next to nothing——" She ended with a sigh.
"We are starting off with little enough," answered Bob. "We've got a mule and the wagon, and a little tent, and we are going to buy some provisions and firearms, and then we'll be pretty low on cash, I can tell you."
"I do want to go so much," said Si. "I've been planning it every day. Father, you could afford to give me the wagon, couldn't you?"
"Why, it's sold!"
"Then the price of it—and maybe some provisions. Then if they'll have me——" He paused and looked at Mark and Bob.
"We might take you," answered Bob, slowly. "We'd want to talk it over first."
"Why can't you come over to the house!" burst out Si, eagerly. "Bring the mule over and your tent. We've got a spare room——"