"I'm getting tired of it, Tom. I look upon it as a means to an end. I'm in a hurry to reach the mines."
"So am I, Mr. Ferguson, for that matter."
"And I can't help thinking, what if they don't turn out as well as we expect? Then there'll be months lost, besides a good bit of money," replied Ferguson.
"Oh, I'm sure there is plenty of gold, and we shall get our share," said Tom confidently; "that is, if we have our health."
"I hope it'll be as you say, my lad. Indeed, I think you are right. You have taught me a lesson."
"Have I, Mr. Ferguson? What is it?"
"Always to look on the bright side. It is a lesson worth learning. It makes a man feel happier, and often gives courage to press on to the accomplishment of his purpose."
"I suppose it is natural to me," said Tom.
"It is a happy gift. It is a pity that poor creature from Boston hadn't it."
Lawrence Peabody was approaching, and this no doubt led to the allusion. He was limping along, looking decidedly down in the mouth, which, indeed, was not unusual.