Despite his mother’s protests at the inadequacy of this list, Roy stuck to it as being ample, and even more than he would probably carry at times. Then, of a miscellaneous nature, he added: A Rocky Mountain combined cartridge and money belt (“I won’t have any money to carry,” Roy explained with a laugh, “but the pocket will be handy for dispatches, reports or orders”) to cost $2.25; a “carryall” bag, water proof, with rawhide handles and a heavy lock, to carry all surplus clothing, ammunition and other articles, $10; a medical and surgical case, including a hypodermic syringe and injection for snake bite, $5.00—
“I thought you were going to shoot all the snakes?” interrupted his mother.
“But one might crawl up on me while I was asleep,” explained Roy—again very soberly.
“You don’t mean to tell me you are going to sleep right down on the ground where animals and reptiles can get at you?” exclaimed Mrs. Osborne.
“Oh, I might have to do that a few times,” explained Roy, trying hard not to smile.
“Well, I want you to go to a hotel whenever you can,” urged his mother. “Or, if that is too expensive, to a decent boarding house. And another thing, Roy, I want you to see that your sheets are aired every day.”
“I promise,” answered the lad, lowering his head to hide his grin. “And I’ll go even further—I’ll make up my own bed every day I’m out there.”
“That’s right. Hotels always do it badly.”
Roy diverted his mother’s attention to his next item—a South African water bag that was guaranteed to furnish cool water in the hottest weather. He had selected a two and one-half gallon vessel costing $1.85. She was also much interested in an acetylene gas headlight apparatus. This, on Roy’s list, really belonged in the things most eagerly desired by him, next to the automatic revolver. The apparatus consisted of a light with a lens attached to a band to be worn on the head, thus leaving the hands free. The gas generator was small enough to be carried in the pocket. The weight was only ten ounces, and the cost $6.50.
“And what’s that for?” asked his mother with interest.