"Yes, do stay," said Aggie, coaxingly.
"I intend to," cried Guy, bursting out into a loud laugh to prevent himself from crying with joy at his good fortune. "Hasn't it nearly broken my heart to think of leaving you, Aggie, and Mr. and Mrs. Harwood, and all the rest? Indeed, I would rather be with you all, if you were as poor as—as—"
"Job's turkey," suggested George.
"Well, yes, or as I am myself, than be a prince without you."
After which burst of eloquence Guy sat down, bringing a scream of dismay from Aggie, upon whom he had inadvertently seated himself.
"Now that is all settled," said Mr. Harwood, dismissing the matter in his usual cool way, though one could see he was much gratified, "we will have prayers."
He arose and rung the large bell and all the company gathered around him, as they had often done upon the plains and the mountains, and listened to the word of God. Then he spoke to them of what had passed, and gave his best wishes to each. All were much affected at his kindly words, and by the short prayer that followed. There were few dry eyes there as those that were to leave on the morrow bade farewell, and it was with deep grief Guy parted with his many friends.
At daybreak next morning the final separation took place, a long train of waggons diverged to another path, leaving the families of Mr. Frazer and Mr. Harwood to take their way alone into California.