In the meanwhile Mr. Harrison had another letter from Ted Jordan, and this confirmed the first rumors of rich strikes. There was quite a rush of miners and others to the new fields, Jordan wrote, and he advised Gabe and the boys to hurry.
So, one morning, with their simple outfits on the saddles back of them, the boys and Gabe Harrison mounted their horses, and started off for the golden West.
"Don't you boys go to gambling," cautioned Mrs. Crosby, as she waved a farewell to her sons.
"Now, mother, you know they won't do that," said Nettie.
"I know it—but—but I—I just had to say something," replied her mother, as she tried to hide the tears that would persist in coming into her eyes.
"Look out for a bagful of gold nuggets!" called back Jed. "I'll send them by the first mail."
"All right," answered his father with a laugh. "Good luck, boys, and write when you get a chance."
"Good-by!" they chorused, and Gabe Harrison waved his broad-brimmed hat at the little group standing in front of the farmhouse. Soon they were out of sight down the road.
"It's—it's lonesome—without the boys," said Mrs. Crosby softly, as she went in the house and closed the door.