"You might have got off from standing watch; but you asked to be allowed to."
"That is quite true, Mr. Peabody. I want to meet my fair share of danger and fatigue."
"You can stand it, for you are strong and tough. You have not my delicacy of constitution."
"Perhaps that's it," said Tom, laughing.
"Would you mind speaking to Fletcher, and telling him you are willing to take my place?"
"I will do it, if you wish me to, Mr. Peabody."
"Thank you, Tom; you are a true friend;" and Mr. Peabody wrung the hand of his young companion.
Tom was as good as his word. He spoke to Fletcher on the subject; but the leader of the expedition was obdurate.
"Can't consent, my boy," he said. "It is enough for you to take your turn. That young dandy from Boston needs some discipline to make a man of him. He will never do anything in a country like California unless he has more grit than he shows at present. I shall do him a favor by not excusing him."
Tom reported the answer to Peabody, who groaned in spirit, and nervously waited for the night when he was to stand watch.