"Everything," answered Tim—"our guns, even, are oiled and polished."
Mr. Lovell pushed back his chair.
"I only wish I could go with you, lads," he said, slowly. "It pleases me to think, however, that in moments of danger you have already proven yourselves cool and resourceful."
Jack grinned complacently.
"Still, I wish to impress you with the fact that, while it is necessary to have the spirit and ability to conquer danger, it is far wiser to go forth with the determination to avoid it. Now, I suppose, none of you feels that it would be best to postpone your trip until the early spring, when—"
A chorus, in which Jack's voice was strangely feeble, assured him that they had not.
"Very well, then! But, boys, don't let your hopes run too high. Wanatoma's gold mine may prove a myth; or, perhaps, if it really does exist, the value may be small. You must, of course, be prepared for disappointment."
"Guess we'll be able to stand it all right," said Tim, with a grin.
"That is the proper spirit. And now, lads, I have a message for you."
"A message for us!" cried Tim.