"What's the matter, Tom? Are you tired?"

 

"No, but I feel like exploring a little. Who goes with me?"

 

"Not I," answered Ferguson. "Let well enough alone."

 

"I'll go with you," said Russell. "I should like a holiday. Besides, we may discover something."

 

"'A rolling stone gathers no moss,'" said Ferguson.

 

"True, but there's another proverb: 'All work and no play makes Jack¹ a dull boy.' Tom and I will try a little play."

 

The two friends sauntered away in an idle mood; yet, combining business with pleasure, they[Pg 258] watched carefully the surface indications, ready to avail themselves of any that were favorable.

 

"It's a strange life we are leading, Tom," said Russell. "It is free, and independent, and healthful; but I shouldn't like to live so all my life."

 

"Nor I," answered Tom. "No amount of gold would repay me."

 

"Because gold is only valuable for what it will bring. Here it brings nothing."

 

"Except the hope of future ease and comfort," suggested Tom.

 

"Of course; that is what we are working for. We have made a good beginning."

 

"Yes, Dick. I have almost accomplished² what I have had in view ever since I left home."

 

"I know. You mean paying off your father's mortgage."

 

"That's it. It amounts to twenty-two hundred dollars, and I have but a few hundred dollars more to earn. I would stay here a month or two longer, if my clothes would hold together; but I can't risk it."[Pg 259]

 

"You need rest, at any rate, Tom, leaving clothes out of the question."

 

As he spoke³, Tom, without special thought, drove his pick into the ground. It was a lucky inspiration. Some shining particles attracted the attention of Russell.

 

"Tom," he exclaimed, in excitement, "do you see that, and that? I believe you've struck a

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