"The day after to-morrow, I think," the chief of the party replied, "as the work should be done by that time; so you can start the same day, only in the opposite direction."
In spite of Roger's interest in going to a new field, however, and though he had beside him his grizzled friend, one of the keenest twinges of loneliness the boy had felt while on the Survey came over him a couple of days later, as he saw the party which he had so long considered as his own, ride away from the site of the camp, leaving the frontiersman and himself looking after them. He would much have preferred being the first to start, but as the main party had to cross the Canyon, movement at the earliest dawn was necessary. One consolation he had in the possession of Duke, the chief's horse and a great favorite with the boy.
As Roger and his friend started on their journey westward, the boy said:
"You were speaking of some mines out this way. Do you own gold mines?"
"No, bub, not gold. Wouldn't have 'em as a gift."
"Why not?" asked the lad, surprised.
"Cost too much to work, and there's no money in it. You know the old saying about gold mines, don't you?"
"No, what is it?"
"That 'A copper mine will bring you gold; silver, silver; but a gold mine will only bring you a few coppers!'"
"I never heard that before," replied the lad, "and it sounds queer, too."