“Then I can offer you a supper and a night’s lodging. Don’t be discouraged. In the morning we can talk the matter over, and see what can be done.”
The stranger rose and laid his hand on Joe’s arm.
“I don’t know how it is,” he said, “but your words give me courage. I believe you have saved my life. I have a revolver left and I had a mind to blow my brains out.”
“Would that have helped you or your family?”
“No, boy. I was a fool to think of it. I’ll accept your offer, and to-morrow I’ll see what I can do. You’re the best friend I’ve met since I left home.”
CHAPTER XIX
THE UNLUCKY MINER
Joe brought out some cold meat and bread and butter, and set it before his guest.
“The fire’s gone out,” he said, “or I would give you some tea. Here is a glass of milk, if you like it.”
“Thank you, boy,” said his visitor. “Milk is good enough for anybody. One thing I can say, I’ve steered clear of liquor. A brother of mine was intemperate and that was a warning to me. I took credit to myself for being a steady-going man, compared with many of my acquaintances out at the mines. But it don’t do to boast. I’ve done worse, perhaps. I’ve gambled away the provision I had made for my poor family.”
“Don’t take it too hard,” said Joe, in a tone of sympathy. “You know how it is out here. Down to-day and up to-morrow.”