"How much money have you?" asked Toney.
"Five thousand dollars," said Tom.
"I have about an equal amount in my trunk," said the Professor.
"And I can raise about as much more," said Toney. "Come, let us make our purchase without delay."
Business was then rapidly transacted in the El Dorado of the West, where, at that period, immense fortunes were frequently made and lost in a month. In a few hours the three friends were the owners of the sand-hill, and had their titles secured by deeds duly executed.
On the following morning they hunted up Hercules and his companions, who were feasting on wild geese and quails at a tent in Montgomery Street, and embarked in a boat for Stockton, from which point they intended to proceed across the country to the mines on the Moquelumne River. In the afternoon of the same day they were entering the mouth of the San Joaquin when a schooner ran by them.
"What place is this?" shouted Toney.
"New York," answered a man on the schooner.
"Not much like New York," said the Professor.
"What place is it?" asked Tom Seddon.