CHAPTER IV
FRED HAS HOPES
"How long will it take you to get home?" asked Mr. Gardner of Fred, as he accompanied him toward the street.
"Oh, about three hours. I'm a pretty fast walker, and it's mostly down hill."
"Then you'd better take my tame snake."
"Your snake? Oh, you mean the donkey."
"Yes, I think he would go pretty well down hill. He could slide most of the way. Better let me get him for you. You can send him back whenever you get ready. I shan't want him for a week or so."
"Thank you very much, but I think I'll walk."
"Well, maybe you'll get home a little sooner, even if it is down hill. Stop and see me whenever you're in this direction. I don't expect to go to prospecting right away, and I'm going to make this hotel my headquarters."