“At any rate,” said he, “even if they are no better than here, we shall get a little variety and change of scene.”
“That’ll be good for our appetite.”
“I don’t think, Mr. Bickford, that either of us need be concerned about his appetite. Mine is remarkably healthy.”
“Nothing was ever the matter with mine,” said Joshua, “as long as the provisions held out.”
They made some few preparations of a necessary character. Their clothing was in rags, and they got a new outfit at the mining store. Each also provided himself with a rifle. The expense of these made some inroads upon their stock of money, but by the time they were ready to start they had eight hundred dollars between them, besides their outfit, and this they considered satisfactory.
Kellogg at first proposed to go with them, but finally he changed his mind.
“I am in a hurry to get home,” he said, “and these mines are a sure thing. If I were as young as you, I would take the risk. As it is, I had better not. I’ve got a wife and child at home, and I want to go back to them as soon as I can.”
“You are right,” said Joe.
“I’ve got a girl at home,” said Joshua, “but I guess she’ll wait for me.”
“Suppose she don’t,” suggested Joe.