He got up from his knees, read Mr. Stanley's letter over again, folded it carefully, placed it in the envelope, placed the envelope in his pocket, and then said:
"Come into the house, young man."
CHAPTER VII
OFF FOR ALASKA
Striding on ahead, Mr. Baxter led the way to the porch of a fine country house. Fred followed, hardly knowing what to think. Certainly the man's manner was not very encouraging, but the boy had not yet lost hope.
"Sit down," said the old gold hunter, indicating a big chair on the porch. Fred took it, and Mr. Baxter seated himself near the boy. Then he read the letter over again.
"How's your father?" he asked suddenly, as though that was the chief matter in his mind.
"Not very well."
"I'm sorry to hear that. He's a fine man."