"Send your wife here to-morrow morning. I will give her a part of your wages, so that she will have enough to carry her through while you are away."
"Give it to me, squire. I'll give it to her."
Giles Packard regarded him keenly.
"I can't trust you," he said. "If I give her the money I shall be sure she gets it."
"How much are you goin' to give her?"
"Two days' pay—six dollars. When you return, if you are away seven days there will be fifteen dollars for you."
Ben Boone grumbled some. He thought three dollars would be enough for his wife, but Mr. Packard was obstinate. He understood Ben thoroughly and had very little confidence in him.
"You may be surprised, Rupert, that I should send you with such a man, but, shiftless and lazy as he is, he understands his business. He will prove a good guide, and will make you acquainted with some of the wonders of Colorado."
"I am quite satisfied, Mr. Packard."