For a few days Mrs. Nelson was very busy getting Tom ready to go. It was well, perhaps, that so much needed to be done, for it kept her mind from the thought of the separation.
The question of which route to take, whether by steamer or across the plains, demanded consideration. It was finally decided that Tom should go overland. It was thought he might join some company at St. Joseph—or St. Joe, as it was then, and is now, popularly called—and pay his passage in services, thus saving a good share of the two hundred dollars. That was, of course, an important consideration.
"How shall I carry my money?" asked Tom.
"It will be best to take gold, and carry it for safety in a belt around your waist," said his father. "You must be very prudent and careful, or you may be robbed. That would be a serious thing for you, as I could not forward you any more money."
"I will be very prudent, father," said Tom. "I know the value of money too well to risk losing it."
Well, the days of preparation were over at length, and Tom stood on the threshold, bidding good-by to his parents and his brothers and sisters. He had not realized till now what it was to leave home on a long journey of indefinite duration. He wanted to be heroic, but in spite of himself his eyes moistened, and he came near breaking down.
"I don't know how to part with you, my dear child," said his mother.
"Think that it is all for the best, mother," said Tom, choking. "Think of the time when I will come back with plenty of money."
"God bless you, Tom!" said his father. "Don't forget your good habits and principles when you are far away from us."
"I won't, father."