“Sho! I never did! How long have you been out here?”
“Three months.”
“Je-rusalem! That’s better than stayin’ to hum.”
“I think so.”
By this time Mr. Bickford had completed his breakfast and in an anxious tone he inquired:
“What’s the damage?”
“Oh, I won’t charge you anything, as you are going to be my traveling companion,” said Joe.
“You’re a gentleman, by gosh!” exclaimed Mr. Bickford, in unrestrained delight.
“Come in at one o’clock and you shall have some of your favorite beans and nothing to pay. Can you start for the mines to-morrow?”
“Yes—I’ve got nothin’ to prepare.”