“May I keep the paper?” asked Grant.
“Certainly.”
“If we start now, Grant, we can get there before night.”
“Go, then, and may success attend you.”
“Can’t we do anything for you before we go, sir?”
“No, thank you. One thing, however, I will ask. In a month, let me know how you are getting along. I look upon you as my successors. I hope you may be as fortunate as I was.”
The two friends set out with stout hearts, in excellent spirits. The walk was long and fatiguing, but there is nothing like hope to sweeten toil. About midway they sat down under a tree, and ate, with hearty appetite, the lunch they had taken the precaution to carry with them.
“I wish there was more,” said Grant wistfully.
“Your appetite seems improving.”
“There’s nothing like a good walk to make a fellow feel hungry. I wonder how Stockton is getting along.”