His words caused a little feeling of sadness, but it soon passed away, and Fred's father and mother listened with interest to his account of the trip to Denville.
"Now, father, what would you advise me to do?" asked Fred, when he had concluded. "We need to get some man, who has money, interested in this venture, for it will cost something to fit out the expedition. Do you know of any one among your acquaintances, who would take the risk?"
Mr. Stanley was silent for several seconds. He was in deep thought. Then he suddenly exclaimed:
"Fred! I believe I know the very man."
"Who, dad?"
"Simon Baxter. He is an old gold hunter, as well as a miner. He has gone on several expeditions of this kind, and he has traveled in the far north. He would be the very man."
"Is he well off?"
"Yes, he is quite rich."
"Do you think he would go; and provide the money?"
"Ah, that is another question. But it would do no harm to see him, and find out. He lives about five miles from here, with his son Jerry, who is about your age, Fred."