"I'll grow older," remarked Fred, with a smile, "and I am used to hard work and exposure. I have done considerable camping out."
"Yes, but not in such a cold country as Alaska, young man."
"No, sir, but I expect to prepare for it."
"Dis is mine lawyer," explained Mrs. Stults, "Mr. Ackerman. He vill make out der papers."
"Mrs. Stults has told me what you want to do," went on Mr. Ackerman. "I see no objection to it, provided you can get your father or some other men interested. I have drawn up an agreement by which you are required to give Mrs. Stults half the gold you discover."
"I am willing to do that."
"Then if you will sign it, I will give you a copy of the map, and such directions as the late Mr. Stults left. I must warn you that they are not very clear, and, even with the aid of the map, many men have tried to find the gold, but have failed."
"I may fail also," admitted Fred, "but I am going to try."
"That is the right spirit. I wish you all success."
The papers were signed, a duplicate being given Fred. Mrs. Stults affixed her name, the lawyer put his down as a witness, and Fred received a copy of the map, and some directions how to find the gold. He glanced over the latter, and had to admit that they were rather vague. He hoped, however, when he was on the scene, to make them available.