"It's a long journey we're going on, my lad," he said, "and we may not reach the end of it in safety."
"It isn't best to worry about that, Mr. Ferguson," said Tom cheerfully.
"You are right, my lad. It's not for the best to worry, but it is well to make provision for what may happen. Now, if anything happens to me, I am minded to make you my executor."
"But don't you think I am too young, Mr. Ferguson?"
"You are o'er young, I grant, but you are a lad of good parts, temperate, steady, and honest. I have no other friend I feel like trusting."
"I hope, Mr. Ferguson, there will be no occasion to render you any such service, but whatever I can I will do."
"It will be very simple. You will take my money, and see that it is sent to my mother, in Glasgow. I will give you her address now, and then, if any sudden fate overtakes me, there will be no trouble. You will know just what to do."
Tom was flattered by this mark of confidence. It was evident that the cautious Scotchman had formed a very favorable opinion of him, or he would not have selected so young a boy for so important a trust.
"Will you do the same for me, Mr. Ferguson?" he asked, with the sudden reflection that, young as he was, there was no absolute certainty of his living to reach California.
"Surely I will, my lad."