"That's what I don't know," and Fred spoke a little discouragedly. "I must try some other camp, I suppose."
"Yes, I guess that's the only way. But say, won't you come in and have some lunch with me? I'm just going to sit down."
"No, thank you. I must be getting home. I have quite a long walk."
"Oh, come on. It won't take long, and you'll feel all the better for having eaten something. They don't set a very good table here. Everyone is too busy thinking about gold mines, to care much about grub. I'd lend you my elephant to get home on, only you can walk faster than he'll carry you."
"Your elephant?"
"Yes, that's my latest name for the donkey."
"Oh, I understand."
"Come on in and have lunch," insisted the old miner again.
Fred did not need much urging. The truth was he was quite hungry, for he had not eaten a hearty breakfast, and his lunch was not very substantial. So he followed Mr. Gardner into the hotel, or what answered for one, and soon they were seated at a rough table, where the food, if not very dainty, was good, and there was enough of it.
"So your folks need money, do they?" asked Mr. Gardner when they were drinking their coffee.