"You can join our company."
"I will go," said Moses.
"Come along with me," said Pate. And he conducted his recruit to a room where several members of his company were assembled. Here Moses was introduced to Wiggins, Love, and Dove, and a long and earnest conversation ensued; after which Moses signed a paper purporting to be the constitution of a mining association; to which were already subscribed the names of the persons present, and also of Messrs Botts, Perch, and Bliss.
"When does the ship sail?" asked Moses.
"In about a week," said Wiggins.
"We leave Mapleton to-morrow," said Pate. "We must be in the city to make arrangements for the voyage."
"I wish we were off," said Moses. "I will go home and bid my father farewell, and come here to-night."
Moses hurried home, and on the way threw the deadly drug, which he had purchased of the apothecary, into a stream of water to poison the fishes. He thought no more of suicide. Avarice had entered his soul, and expelled another powerful passion, which had been impelling him to the commission of felo de se. Love, like a cruel leopard, had clutched the heart of Moses, when Avarice, like a mighty lion, appeared and compelled the leopard to abandon its prey.
The father of Moses had already heard of the wonderful discoveries of gold on the Pacific coast, and was willing that his son should go thither and secure his fortune. The parent was a pious man, and he bade Moses kneel before him, while he laid his hands on his head and gave him his blessing. He then proceeded to his barn, and procuring two sacks made of stout canvas and each capable of containing a couple of bushels, he presented them to Moses, saying,—
"My son, be not greedy of gold. Moderate your desires; and when you have filled these two sacks return again to your father's house."