“It is likely to be rather a wild-goose chase, Tom.”

 

“I expected you would say so.”

 

“But you want my consent, nevertheless?”

 

“Yes, sir.”

 

“As your mind is fixed¹ upon it, I will not interpose any objections, but I have not the slightest expectation that you will succeed.”

 

“Even if I do not,” urged Tom, “I shall enjoy the journey.”

 

“And spend your money.”

 

“Not all of it.”

 

“Remember you have but a few hundred dollars with me.”

 

“Mr. Armstrong told me that he should probably be able to pay me thirty cents on a dollar. That will be three thousand dollars. So, you see, I shall have something to fall back upon when I return.”

 

“I am glad to hear it. It is much better than anticipated.”

 

“Besides, I shall only ask you to give me a hundred dollars, beside paying for my ticket.”

 

“Then you won’t have enough to pay for returning.”

 

“I mean to earn that,” said Tom confidently.

 

“You may not be as fortunate as you expect.”

 

“I am not afraid,” said Tom, “if I have my health. If I get sick, I will write to you.”

 

“When do you want the money?”

 

“At once, if possible. I want to sail by the next steamer.”

 

“The money shall be ready. I am not sure that I am doing right in humoring your whim², but a willful lad must have his way. By the way, Tom, I want to give you one piece of advice.”

 

“What is that, sir?”

 

“You know the name you have here?”

 

“The Bully³ of the Village,” said Tom, smiling.

 

“Yes. I am afraid you have deserved it. Now that you have assumed a man’s responsibilities, I hope you will give up your domineering spirit, and have a greater regard for the rights of others.”

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