"The sunrises are just as wonderful!" interrupted Bet. "And I'm wondering who is going to be game enough to start to Saugus before daylight some morning. Kit says we will have to take an early start if we are to make the trip in one day."
"Why are we going there?" asked Joy.
"To record our claims. We could mail the filled-in blanks but it's lots more exciting to take them. And it's good experience for us. Besides the County Recorder should get acquainted with us, for someday we'll own a great big mine and be people of importance."
The girls laughed at Bet's seriousness.
"Are you going to say you don't want to go?" Bet asked in a vexed tone.
"Of course we'll go!" assented Enid. "We're The Merriweather Girls; one for all and all for one! What day do we start?"
"Why not go tomorrow, if our folks agree? I'm anxious to see those claims put on record," said Shirley, "and the sooner business matters are attended to, the better for everyone. And just think, girls, it's our second business venture. Shirley's Shop was a success and still is, for mother is keeping it going, and she said in her last letter that she was not doing badly at all."
"Shirley's Shop was a success and the Merriweather Mining Company will be, too," Bet declared. "It must be a success."
"It will be!" determined Enid.
Only Joy did not share their optimism. "I think the storm was a bad omen, don't you, Kit? It's hoodooed!"