“I wondered where I would go if I went home. There was no Mother waiting, no home, and my Father was in a strange city with his son-in-law.
“I turned and handed the letter to Hal. He read and comprehended.
“‘Guess it’s Alaska for ye, Kid. Want to go back with me?’
“Did I?—well, I just guess I did, and I fairly jumped at the hand that was held out to me.
“‘Glad myself, Kid, to have you. I sure would have missed you tol’able ef I saw you sailin’ away from me, headed for Seattle.’
“‘Hal, will the bosses think it is all right now?’ I asked.
“‘Sure thing, when they read this letter, Kid. And, say, I never told anyone this, but seein’ thet I am to be your ’dopted father, now, I may as well tell yeh—I am to have a tenth-share in the claim up there, and, as my ’dopted son, you come in fer a part of mine—see?’
“‘Hal, do you mean you will take me under your wing?’ I cried, all forgetful of the goldmine.
“This pleased the old guide so much that he laughed as he retorted, ‘I knew I wasn’t wrong on the stuff you’re made of. That was a lucky day when my horse stumbled, eh?’ and he slapped me kindly on the back.
“Well, we went back to Dyea, and waited for a caravan to start on the trail. We joined the very first one out, and Hal earned our passage and keep all the way, as guide.