“Just so,” assented Colson, but his face was of a sickly hue, and taking Ropes by the arm he hurried him away.
“That fellow’s well scared,” said Obed, turning to his two young companions. “I reckon he’ll make himself scarce till we’re out of the way.”
Obed and the boys made arrangements to travel with the party sent by the commissioner as an escort to the nugget and other sums entrusted to it by different miners. The strong guard gave them a sense of security which they would not have had under other circumstances.
They were all in high spirits. They were no longer penniless adventurers, but, though not rich, were possessed of enough gold to make them feel so. Now that they were well fixed they were all filled with a strong desire to see their home across the sea.
“I suppose, Obed, you’ll be getting married soon after you reach home?” said Harry.
“The very first thing I shall do will be to pay off the mortgage on dad’s farm,” said Mr. Stackpole. “I want to see him a free man, with a home that can’t be taken from him. Then I’ll look after the other matter.”
“You are right, Obed. I only wish I had a father to help and care for,” said Harry soberly.
“I’ve got a stepfather,” said Jack, “but I don’t feel much like helping him.”
“You have a mother, Jack.”
“Yes, but I shall have to be careful about giving her money, for her husband would get it away from her before long.”