"He may, but the chances are against it."
"I was reading in last week's paper about a man finding a nugget worth over two thousand dollars."
"Such nuggets are as rare as large prizes in a lottery, I suspect," said Mark Nelson, who had a large share of plain common-sense.
Walter looked rather disappointed, having made up his mind that Tom would certainly find a big lump of gold, and come home rich.
"Don't you think Tom will find some gold?" he asked.
"Yes, I have no doubt he will gather some gold-dust. I have no doubt, too, that he will earn more than he or I can do at home; but I haven't much faith in these extraordinary pieces of good luck."
"Still, Tom may find a nugget," persisted Walter.
"Yes, he may, and I shall be very glad if he does; but we must not build too many air-castles on that chance."
"I wish I could see the dear boy again," sighed his mother, looking up from the stocking she was laboriously darning.
"So do I," said Walter. "He would have a lot to tell us."