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UNIVERSITY OP 
 
 NOl CAROLINA 
 
 School of Library 
 
 Science 
 
 JOHN SKALLY TERRY 
 MEMORIAL COLLECTION 
 
 ESTABLISHED BY 
 
 THE FAMILY IN HONOR OF 
 
 JOHN S. TERRY 
 
 CLASS OF 1918 
 
 THE UNIVERSITY OF 
 NORTH CAROLINA LIBRARY 
 
UNIVERSITY OF N.C. AT CHAPEL HILL 
 
 °l 
 
 00022093173 
 
 
 d-A^S 
 
 
THE 
 
 YOUNG ADVENTURER 
 
 OK, 
 
 TOM'S TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS, 
 
 BY 
 
 HORATIO ALGER, Jr., 
 
 AnHOR OF "BAG«KT> DICK SERIES," "TATTERED TOM SERIES," 
 " LVCK AND PLV'CK SERIES," ETC. 
 
 THE JOHN C. WINSTON CO., 
 
 PHILADELPHIA, 
 CHICAGO, TORONTO. 
 
FAMOUS ALGER BOOKS. 
 
 RAGGED DICK SERIES. By Hoeatio Alger, Jr. 6 vols. 12mo. Cloth. 
 Ragged Dick. Rough and Ready. 
 
 Fame and Fortune. Ben the Luggage Boy. 
 
 Mark the Match Boy. Rufus and Rose. 
 
 TATTERED TOM SERIES. 
 
 Cloth. First Series. 
 Tattered Tom. 
 Paul the Peddler. 
 
 TATTERED TOM SERIES. 
 
 Julius. 
 
 The Young Outlaw. 
 
 By Horatio Alger, Jr. 4 vols. 12mo. 
 
 Phil the Fiddler. 
 Slow and Sure. 
 
 4 vols. 12mo. Cloth. Second Series, 
 Sam's Chance. 
 The Telegraph Boy. 
 
 CAMPAIGN SERIES. By Horatio Alger, Jr. 3 vols. 
 
 Frank's Campaign. Charlie Codman's Cruise. 
 
 Paul Prescott's Charge. 
 
 LUCK AND PLUCK SERIES. 
 
 Cloth. First Series. 
 Luck and Pluck. 
 Sink or Swim. 
 
 LUCK AND PLUCK SERIES. 
 
 Try and Trust. 
 Bound to Rise. 
 
 By Horatio Alger, Jr. 4 vols. 12mo. 
 
 Strong and Steady. 
 Strive and Succeed. 
 
 4 vols. 12mo. Cloth. Second Series. 
 Risen from the Ranks. 
 Herbert Carter's Legacy. 
 
 BRAVE AND BOLD SERIES. By Horatio Alger, Jr. 4 vols. 12mo. 
 Cloth. 
 Brave and Bold. Shifting for Himself. 
 
 Jack's Ward. Wait and Hope. 
 
 PACIFIC SERIES. By Horatio Alger, Jr. 4 vols. 12mo. 
 The Young Adventurer. The Young Explorers. 
 
 The Young Miner. Ben's Nugget. 
 
 ATLANTIC SERIES. By Horatio Alger, Jr. 4 vols. 
 
 The Young Circus Rider. Hector's Inheritance. 
 
 Do and Dare. Helping Himself. 
 
 WAY TO SUCCESS SERIES. 
 
 Cloth. 
 Bob Burton. 
 The Store Boy. 
 
 By Horatio Alger, Jr. 4y»ls. 12mo. 
 
 Luke Walton. 
 Struggling Upward. 
 
 NEW WORLD SERIES. 
 
 Digging for Gold. 
 
 By Horatio Alger, Jr. 3 vols. 12mo. Cloth. 
 Facing the World. In a New World. 
 
 Other Volumes in Preparation. 
 
 Copyright by A. K. Loring, 1878. 
 
lo 
 
 MY YOUNG FKIEND8, 
 
 GRACE AND GILBERT HITCHCOCK, 
 
 OF OMAHA, 
 
 This V o l u 
 
 IS A FF ECTI ON ATE L T DEDICATED. 
 
Digitized by the Internet Archive 
 
 in 2011 with funding from 
 
 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 
 
 http://www.archive.org/details/youngadventureroOalge 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 "The Young Adventurer" is the initial 
 volume of a series of four stories relating to 
 the Pacific coast and the intervening country. 
 The writer spent several months of 1877 in 
 a visit to California, Oregon, and Washington 
 Territory, with a view of gathering materials 
 for the Pacific Series. He was fortunate in 
 making the acquaintance of several pioneers 
 who made the overland journey in 1849 and 
 1850, and found their graphic accounts of 
 interest and value. No part of our country 
 was settled under more romantic circumstan- 
 ces, and none certainly affords a more favor- 
 able field for the story-writer. If the present 
 series does not prove attractive to his young 
 friends, the writer is ready to acknowledge 
 
 696726 
 
6 PREFACE. 
 
 that the fault will be his, and not that of 
 the subject. 
 
 The present volume chronicles the adven- 
 tures of Tom Nelson in crossing the conti- 
 nent in 1850, when months were required 
 for the journey. The next volume will re- 
 cord his experiences in the Golden State. 
 
 N*w Tout, Sept. 25, 1876. 
 
THE YOUNG ADVENTURER; 
 
 OB, 
 
 TOM'S TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 MARK NELSONS FAMILY. 
 
 " I wish I could pay off the mortgage on my 
 farm," said Mark Nelson, soberly, taking his seat 
 on the left of the fireplace, in the room where hia 
 wife and, family were assembled. 
 
 "Have you paid the interest, Mark?" asked his 
 wife. 
 
 " Yes ; I paid it this afternoon, and it has stripped 
 me of money completely. I have less than five dol- 
 lars in my pocket-book towards buying you and the 
 children clothes for the winter." 
 
 " Never mind me," said his wife, cheerfully. " I 
 am pretty well provided for." 
 
10 THE YOUNG ADVENTURER; OR, 
 
 " Why, mother," said Sarah, the oldest daughter, 
 a girl of fourteen ; " you haven't had a new dress for 
 » year." 
 
 " I have enough to last me till spring, at any rate," 
 said the mother. 
 
 " You never buy anything for yourself." 
 
 "I don't go in rags, do I?" asked Mrs. Nelson, 
 with a smile. 
 
 Mrs. Nelson had a happy disposition, which led 
 her to accept uncomplainingly, and even cheerfully, 
 the sacrifices which, as the wife of a farmer in 
 poor circumstances, she was compelled to make. 
 
 '•You are right, Sarah," said Mark Nelson. 
 "Your mother never seems to think of herself. 
 She might have been much better off if she had not 
 married me." 
 
 The children did not understand this allusion. 
 They had never been told that their mother had 
 received an offer from Squire Hudson, the wealthiest 
 man in the village, but had chosen instead to marry 
 Mark Nelson, whose only property was a small farm, 
 mortgaged for half its value. Her rejected admirer 
 took the refusal hard, for, as much as it was possible 
 
Tom's trip across the plains. \\ 
 
 for him, he loved the prettiest girl in the village, as 
 Mary Dale was generally regarded. But Mary knew 
 him to be cold and selfish, and could not make up 
 her mind to marry him. If she had done so, she 
 would now be living in the finest house in the village, 
 with the chance of spending the winter in New York 
 or Boston, instead of drudging in an humble home, 
 where there was indeed enough to eat, but little 
 money for even necessary purposes. She had never 
 regretted her decision. Her husband, though poor, 
 was generally respected and liked, while the squire, 
 though his money procured him a certain degree 
 of consideration, had no near or attached friends. 
 
 To Squire Hudson many in the village paid 
 tribute; for he held mortgages on twenty farms 
 and buildings, and was strict in exacting prompt 
 payment of the interest semi-annually. It was he 
 to whom Mark Nelson's farm was mortgaged for 
 two thousand dollars. The mortgage had originally 
 been for fifteen hundred dollars, but five years 
 before it had been increased to two thousand, which 
 represented more than half the sum which it would 
 have fetched, if put up for sale. The interest on 
 
12 the younu adventurer; or, 
 
 this sum amounted to a hundred and twenty dol- 
 lars a year, which Mark Nelson always found it 
 hard to raise. Could he have retained it in his 
 hands, and devoted it to the use of his family, 
 it would have helped them wonderfully, with Mrs. 
 Nelson's good management. 
 
 Tom, the oldest boy, now approaching his six- 
 teenth birthday, looked up from a book he was 
 reading. He was a bright-looking boy, with brown 
 hair, a ruddy complexion, and dark-blue eyes, who 
 looked, and was, frank and manly. 
 
 "What is the amount of your interest?" he 
 asked. 
 
 " Sixty dollars every half year, Tom. That is 
 what I paid to Squire Hudson this afternoon. 
 It would have made us very comfortable, if I 
 only could have kept it." 
 
 " It would have done you more good than the 
 squire," said Sarah. 
 
 "He has more money than he knows what to 
 do with," said her father, almost complainingly. 
 "It seems hard that money should be so unevenly 
 distributed." 
 
TOUS TRIP ACROSS THE PLAWS. 18 
 
 "Money is not happiness," said Mrs. Nelson, 
 quietly 
 
 " No ; but it helps to buy happiness." 
 
 "I don't think Squire Hudson is as happy a 
 man as you, Mark." 
 
 Mark Nelson's face softened as he surveyed his 
 wife and children. 
 
 "I am happy at home," he said, " and I don't 
 think the squire is." 
 
 "I am sure he isn't," said Tom. "Mrs. Hudson 
 is sour and ill-tempered, and Sinclair (the only 
 child) is a second edition of his mother. He is 
 the most unpopular boy in the village." 
 
 " Still," said the farmer, not quite convinced, 
 " money is an important element of happiness, and 
 a farmer stands a very poor chance of acquiring it. 
 Tom, I advise you not to be a farmer." 
 
 " I don't mean to be if I can help it," said Tom. 
 " I am ready for any opening that offers. I hope 
 some day to pay off the mortgage on the farm, and 
 make you a free man, father." 
 
 " Thank you for your good intentions, Tom ; but 
 two thousand dollars is a large sum of monej ." 
 
14 THE YOUNG ADVENTURER ; OR, 
 
 "I know it, father; but I was reading in a daily 
 paper, not long since, of a boy, as poor as myself, 
 who was worth twenty-five thousand dollars by the 
 time he was thirty. Why shouldn't this happen to 
 me?" 
 
 "Don't build castles in the air, Tom," said his 
 mother, sensibly. 
 
 " At least, mother, I may hope for good luck' 
 I have been wanting to talk to yau both about 
 my future prospects. I shall be sixteen next week, 
 and it is time I did something." 
 
 "You are doing something, — working on the 
 farm, now, Tom." 
 
 " That don't count. Father advises me not to 
 be a farmer, and I agree with him. I think I 
 am capable of making my way in the world in 
 some other way, where I can earn more money. 
 There is Walter, who likes the country, to stay 
 with you." 
 
 Walter, the third child, was now twelve years 
 of age, with decided country tastes. 
 
 "I would like to be a farmer as well as any- 
 thing,' said Walter. "I like the fresh air. I 
 
TOM'S TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. 16 
 
 shouldn't like to be cooped up in a store, or to 
 live in the city. Let Tom go if he likes." 
 
 "I have no objection," said Mr. Nelson; "but 
 I have neither money nor influence to help him. 
 He will have to make his own way." 
 
 "I am not afraid to try," said Tom, coura- 
 geously. "From this day I will look out for a 
 chance, if you and mother are willing." 
 
 "I shall not oppose your wishes, Tom," said 
 Mrs. Nelson, gravely, "though it will be a sad 
 day for me when you leave your home." 
 
 "That isn't the way to look at it, mother," said 
 Tom. "If gold pieces grew on currant-bushes, it 
 wouldn't be necessary for me to leave home to 
 make a living." 
 
 " I wish they did," said Harry, a boy nine years 
 of age. 
 
 "What would you do then, Harry?" asked hii 
 
 brother, smiling. 
 
 " I would buy a velocipede and a pair of skates." 
 "I heard of a boy once who found a penny 
 
 tn the field, right under a potato-vine," said 
 
 Walter. 
 
16 THB younq adyknturkr; om, 
 
 "I don't believe it," Baid Harry. 
 "It's true, for I was the boy." 
 "Where did it come from?" 
 " Tom put it there, to fool me." 
 "Won't you put one there to fool me, Tom?" 
 asked Harry. 
 
 " You are too smart, Harry," said Tom, laugh- 
 ing. " My pennies are too few to try such experi- 
 ments. I hope, by the time you are as old as 
 Walter, to give you something better." 
 
 The conversation drifted to other topics, with 
 which we are not concerned. Tom, however, did 
 not forget it. He felt that an important question 
 had that evening been decided for him. He had 
 only thought of making a start for himself hith- 
 erto. Now he had broached the subject, and 
 received the permission of his father and mother. 
 The world was all before him where to choose. 
 His available capital was small, it is true, amounting 
 only to thirty-seven cents and a jack-knife ; but he 
 had, besides, a stout heart, a pair of strong hands, 
 an honest face, and plenty of perseverance,— not » 
 bad equipment for a young adventurer. 
 
TOM'S TRIP ACROSS TBS PLAZWM. 17 
 
 CHAPTER H. 
 
 TOM FDTD8 A WALLET AMD SEEKS THE OWNER. 
 
 Since the time of which I am writing, oyer 
 twenty-five years have passed, for it was in the 
 year 1850 that Tom made up his mind to leave 
 home and seek his fortune. The papers were full 
 of the new gold discoveries in the new country 
 which had recently been added to the great republic. 
 Thousands were hurrying to the land of gold ; men 
 who had been unfortunate at home, or, though 
 moderately well situated, were seized by the spirit 
 of adventure. At considerable sacrifice many raised 
 the means of reaching the new El Dorado, while 
 others borrowed or appropriated the necessary sum. 
 Some, able to do neither, set out on a venture, 
 determined to get there in some way. 
 
 In the weekly paper, to which Mr. Nelson had 
 for years been a subscriber, Tom had read a good 
 deal about California. His youthful fancy had 
 
18 THE YOUNG ADVENTURER ; OJ?, 
 
 been wrought upon by the brilliant pictures of a 
 land where a penniless man might, if favored by 
 fortune, secure a competence in a twelvemonth, 
 and he ardently wished that he, too, might have 
 the chance of going there. It was a wish, but 
 not an expectation. It would cost at least two 
 hundred dollars to reach the Pacific coast, and 
 there was no hope of getting a tithe of that sum. 
 
 "If I could only go to California," thought 
 Tom, " I would make my way somehow ; I would 
 cheerfully work twelve hours a day. I don't see 
 why a boy can't dig gold, as well as a man. If 
 somebody would lend me money enough to get 
 there, I could afford to pay high interest." 
 
 There was one man in Wilton who might lend 
 him the money if he would. That man was Squire 
 Hudson. He always had money on hand in con- 
 siderable quantities, and two hundred dollars would 
 be nothing to him. Tom would not have dreamed 
 of applying to him, however, but for a service 
 which just at th\s time he was able to render 
 the squire. 
 
 Tom had been in search of huckleberries, — for 
 
tom's trip across the plains. 19 
 
 this was the season, — when, in a narrow country- 
 road, not much frequented, his attention was drawn 
 to an object lying in the road. His heart bounded 
 with excitement when he saw that it wa3 a well- 
 filled pocket-book. He was not long in securing 
 it. 
 
 Opening the wallet, he found it was absolutely 
 stuffed with bank-bills, some of large denomination. 
 There were, besides, several papers, to which 
 he paid but little attention. They assured him, 
 however, as he had afready surmised, that the 
 wallet was the property of Squire Hudson. 
 
 "I wonder how much money there is here," 
 thought Tom, with natural curiosit}'. 
 
 He stepped into the woods, to avoid notice, and 
 carefully counted the bills. There were two 
 hundred-doilar-bills, and three fifties, and so many 
 of smaller denominations that Tom found the 
 whole to amount to five hundred and sixty-seven 
 dollars. 
 
 "Almost six hundred dollars!" ejaculated Tom, 
 in excitement, for he had never seen so much 
 money before. " How happy should I be if I had 
 
20 TSE YOUNG ADVENTURER; OR, 
 
 as much money ! How rich the squire is I He 
 ought to be a happy man." 
 
 Then the thought stole into our hero's mind, 
 that the wallet contained nearly three times as 
 much as he would need to take him to California. 
 
 "If it were only mine!" he thought to himself. 
 
 Perhaps Tom ought to have been above temp- 
 tation, but he was not. For one little instant he was 
 tempted to take out two hundred dollars, and then 
 drop the wallet where he had picked it up. No one 
 would probably find out where the missing money 
 was. But Tom had been too well brought up to yield 
 to this temptation. Not even the thought that 
 he might, perhaps within a year, return the money 
 with interest, prevailed upon him. 
 
 " It wouldn't be honest," he decided, " and if 
 I began in that way I could not expect that God 
 would prosper me. If that is the only way by 
 which I can go to California I must make up 
 my mind to stay at home." 
 
 So the question was settled in Tom's mind. 
 The money must be returned to the owner. His 
 pail was nearlj full of huckleberries, but he post* 
 
TOM'S TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. 21 
 
 poned going home, for he felt that Squire Hudson 
 would be feeling anxious about his loss, and he 
 thought it his duty to go and return the money 
 first of all. Accordingly he made his way directly 
 to the imposing residence of the rich man. 
 
 Passing up the walk which led to the front 
 door Tom rang the bell. This was answered by 
 a cross-looking servant. She glanced at the pail 
 of berries, and said quickly, " We don't want any 
 berries, and if we did you ought to go round to 
 the side door." 
 
 " I haven't asked you to buy any berries, have 
 I?" said Tom, rather provoked by the rudeness 
 of the girl, when he had come to do the squire 
 a favor. 
 
 "No, but that's what you're after. We have 
 bought all we want." 
 
 " I tell you I didn't come here to sell berries," 
 said Tom, independently; "I picked these for use 
 at home." 
 
 " Then what do you come here for, anyway, 
 takin up my time wid comin' to the door, when 
 Tm busy gettin' supper?" 
 
22 TBB YOUNG ADVENTURER; 0J», 
 
 "I want to see Squire Hudson." 
 
 "I don't know if he's at home." 
 
 " Then you'd better find out, and not keep me 
 waiting." 
 
 "I never see such impudence," ejaculated the 
 girl. 
 
 " I mean what I say," continued Tom, stoutly. 
 " I want to see the squire on important business." 
 
 "Much business you have wid him!" said the 
 girl, scornfully. 
 
 Tom by this time was out of patience. 
 
 " Go and tell your master that I wish to see 
 him," he said firmly. 
 
 " Tve a great mind to slam the door in your 
 face," returned Bridget, angrily. 
 
 "I wouldn't advise you to," said Tom, calmly. 
 
 A stop was put to the contention by an irritable 
 voice. 
 
 "What's all this, hey? Who's at the door, 
 Bridget?" 
 
 "A boy wid berries, sir." 
 
 "Tell him I don't want any." 
 
 "I have told him, and he won't go." 
 
TOM'S TRIP ACROSS THE PIUINB. 28 
 
 "Won't go, hey?" and Squire Hudson came 
 out into the hall. "What's all this, I say? 
 Won't go?" 
 
 "I wish to see you, sir," said Tom, undaunted. 
 " I have told the girl that I didn't come here to 
 sell berries ; but she objects to my seeing you." 
 
 Squire Hudson was far from an amiable man, 
 and this explanation made him angry with the 
 servant. He turned upon her fiercely. 
 
 " What do you mean, you trollop," he demanded, 
 "by refusing to let the boy see me? What do you 
 mean by your insolence, I say?" 
 
 Bridget was overwhelmed, for the squire's tem- 
 per was like a tornado. 
 
 " I thought he wanted to sell berries," she 
 faltered. 
 
 "That isn't true," said Tom. "I told you 
 expressly that I picked the berries for use at 
 home, and had none to sell." 
 
 " Go back to the kitchen, you trollop 1 " thun- 
 dered the squire. " You deserve to go to jail 
 for your outrageous conduct." 
 
 Bridget did not venture to answer a word, for 
 
24 the younq adventurer; or, 
 
 It would only have raised a more violent storm, 
 but retreated crestfallen to her own realm, and 
 left our hero in possession of the field. She 
 contented herself with muttering under her breath 
 what she did not dare to speak aloud. 
 
 "You are Tom Nelson, are you not?" asked 
 the squire, adjusting his spectacles, and looking 
 more carefully at the boy. 
 
 "Yes, sir." 
 
 "Have you any message from your father?" 
 
 " No, sir." 
 
 "Then why did you come here to take up 
 my time?" demanded the squire, frowning. 
 
 "I came to do you a service, Squire Hudson." 
 
 "You came — to — do — me — a — service?" re- 
 peated the squire, slowly. 
 
 "Yes, sir." 
 
 "You may as well come in," said the rich 
 man, leading into the sitting-room. 
 
 Tom followed him into a handsomely furnished 
 room, and the two sat down opposite eaoh other. 
 
Ton's TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS, 25 
 
 CHAPTER m. 
 
 TOM ASKS A LOAN FROM A CAPITALIST. 
 
 "I don't know what service you can do me," 
 said Squire Hudson, incredulously. 
 
 His manner implied : "I am a rich man and 
 you are a poor boy. How can you possibly 
 serve me ? " 
 
 "Have you lost anything lately?" inquired 
 Tom, coming at once to business. 
 
 I suppose most men, when asked such a ques- 
 tion, would first think of their pocket-books. It 
 was so with Squire Hudson. He hastily thrust 
 his hand into his pocket, and found — a large 
 hole, through which, doubtless, the wallet had 
 slipped. 
 
 " I have lost my wallet," he said, anxiously 
 "Have you found it?" 
 
 In reply Tom produced the missing article. 
 The squire took it hurriedly, and, at once open* 
 
26 THE YOUNG ADVENTURER; OR, 
 
 ing it, counted the money. It was all there, and 
 he heaved a sigh of relief, for he was a man 
 who cared for money more than most people. 
 
 "Where did you find it?" he asked. 
 
 Tom answered the question. 
 
 "It is very fortunate you came along before 
 any one else saw it. I rode that way on horse- 
 back this morning. I told Mrs. Hudson that my 
 pocket needed repairing, but she put it off, ac- 
 cording to her usual custom. If it had not been 
 found, I would have kept her on short allowance 
 for a year to come." 
 
 Tom felt rather embarrassed, for, of course, it 
 would not do to join in with the squire in his 
 complaints of his wife. Suddenly Squire Hudson 
 said, eying him keenly, " Do you know how 
 much money there is in this wallet?" 
 
 "Yes, sir." 
 
 "Then you counted it?" 
 
 "Yes, sir." 
 
 "Why did you do it?" 
 
 " I wanted to know how much there was, so 
 that no one might blame me if any were missing." 
 
TOM? 8 TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. 27 
 
 "Didn't you want to take any?" asked the 
 squire, bluntly. 
 
 'Yes," answered Tom, promptly. 
 
 "Why didn't you? For fear you would be 
 found out?" 
 
 " That may have had something to do with it, 
 but it was principally because it would have been 
 stealing, and stealing is wrong." 
 
 " What would you have done with the money 
 if you had taken it?" 
 
 " Started for California next week," answered 
 Tom, directly. 
 
 "Eh?" ejaculated the squire, rather astonished. 
 "Why do you want to go to California, — a boy 
 like you ? " 
 
 "To dig gold. I suppose a boy can dig gold, 
 as well as a man. There doesn't seem to be 
 much chance for me here. There's nothing to do 
 but to work on the farm, and father and Wal- 
 ter can do all there is to be done there." 
 
 "How is your father getting along?" asked 
 the rich man, with an interest which rather sur- 
 prised Tom. 
 
28 THE YOUNQ ADVENTURER ; OH, 
 
 " Poorly," said Tom. " He makes both ends 
 meet ; but we all have to do without a great 
 many things that we need." 
 
 The squire looked thoughtful. He took half a 
 dollar from his wallet and tendered it to Tom. 
 
 " You've done me a service," he said. " Take 
 that." 
 
 Tom drew back. 
 
 "I would rather not take money for being 
 honest," he said. 
 
 "That's all nonsense," said Squire Hudson, 
 sharply. 
 
 " That's the way I feel about it," said Tom, 
 stoutly. 
 
 "Then you're a fool." 
 
 "I hope not, sir." 
 
 "This would have been quite a large loss to 
 me. I am perfectly willing to give you this 
 money." 
 
 Then Tom gathered courage and said boldly, 
 " You can do me a great favor, Squire Hudson, 
 If you choose." 
 
 "What is it?" 
 
TOM'S TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. 29 
 
 "Lend me enough money to go to California," 
 said Tom, nervously. 
 
 44 Good gracious! Is the boy crazy?" ejaculated 
 the astonished squire. 
 
 44 No sir, I am not crazy. I'll tell you what 
 my plans are. I shall go to work directly I get 
 there, and shall devote the first money I make 
 to paying you. Of course I shall expect to pay 
 high interest. I am willing to pay you three 
 hundred dollars for two ; unless I am sick, I 
 think I can do it inside of twelve months." 
 
 44 How much money do you suppose you will 
 need for this wild-goose expedition?" 
 
 44 About two hundred dollars, sir; and, as I 
 just said, I will give you my note for three." 
 
 44 A boy's note is worth nothing." 
 
 44 Perhaps it isn't in law ; but I wouldn't rest 
 till it was paid back." 
 
 44 What security have you to offer?" 
 
 14 None, sir, except my word." 
 
 44 Do you know what I would be if I lent you 
 this money?" 
 
 44 You wouH be very kind." 
 
80 tme young adventurer ; or, 
 
 " Pish ! I shou'.d be a fool." 
 " I don't think you'd lose anything by it, sir, 
 but of course I can't blame you for refusing," 
 and Tom rose to go. 
 
 "Sit down again," said the squire; "I want 
 to talk to you about this matter. How long 
 have you been thinking of California?" 
 "Only two or three days, sir." 
 " "What made you think of it ? " 
 " I wanted to help father." 
 "Who has told you about California?" 
 "I have read about it in the papers." 
 " Have you spoken to your father about going 
 there?" 
 
 " I have spoken to him about leaving home, 
 and seeking my fortune ; but I have not men- 
 tioned going to California, because I thought it 
 impossible to raise the necessary money." 
 " Of course. That's sensible, at least." 
 Squire Hudson rose and walked thoughtfully 
 about the room, occasionally casting a keen 
 glance at Tom, who remained sitting, with his 
 pail of huckleberries in his cap. 
 
TOlfS TRIP ACROSS THE PLAW8. 81 
 
 After a while the squire spoke again. 
 
 "Your father might let you have the money," 
 he suggested. 
 
 " My father has no money to spare," said 
 Tom, quickly. 
 
 "Couldn't he raise some?" 
 
 " I don't know how." 
 
 " Then I'll tell you. I hold a mortgage for 
 two thousand dollars on his farm. I suppose 
 you know that ? " 
 
 "Yes, sir." 
 
 " I might be willing to increase the mortgage 
 to twenty-two hundred, and he could lend you 
 the extra two hundred." 
 
 This was a new idea to Tom, and he took a 
 little time to think it over. 
 
 " I don't like to ask father to do that," he 
 said. " He finds it very hard now to pay the 
 interest on the mortgage." 
 
 "I thought you intended to pay up the money 
 in a year," said the squire, sharply. 
 
 "So T do," said Tom, and he began to thi** 
 more favorably of the plan. 
 
82 the yovno adventurer; oj», 
 
 "In that case your father wouldn't suffer." 
 
 " You are right, sir. If father would only 
 consent to do so I should be happy. But I 
 might die." 
 
 " Your father would have to take the risk of 
 that. You can't expect me to." 
 
 This seemed fair enough, and in fact the dan- 
 ger didn't seem very great to Tom. He was 
 about sixteen ; and to a boy of sixteen death 
 seems very far off, provided he is strong and 
 vigorous, as Tom was. He rapidly decided that 
 the squire's offer was not to be refused without 
 careful consideration. It opened to him a career 
 which looked bright and promising. Once in Cali- 
 fornia, what could he not do? Tom was hopeful 
 and sanguine, and did not allow himself to think 
 of failure. 
 
 " I understand that you are willing to advance 
 the money, Squire Hudson?" he said, determined 
 to know just what to depend upon. 
 
 " I will advance two hundred dollars, on con- 
 dition that your father will secure me by an in- 
 creased mortgage. It is no particular object to 
 
TOM'S TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. 33 
 
 me, for I can readily invest the money in some 
 other way." 
 
 "I will speak to father about it, Squire Hud- 
 Bon, and meanwhile I am thankful to you for 
 making the offer." 
 
 41 Very well. Let me know as soon as possi- 
 ble," said the squire, carelessly. 
 
 As Tom went out the rich man soliloquized: 
 14 1 have no faith in the boy's scheme, and I don't 
 believe half the stories they tell about the California 
 mines ; but it will give me an extra hold on Nel- 
 son, and hasten the day when the farm will 
 come into my hands. When Mary Nelson refused 
 my hand I resolved some day to have my re- 
 venge. I have waited long, but it will come at 
 last. When she and her children are paupers 
 ■he may regret the slight she put upon me." 
 8 
 
$4 THE YOUNG ADVENTURER / ©A, 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 TOM ASKS LEAVE OF ABSENCE. 
 
 Tom walked home slowly, but the distance seemed 
 «hort, for he was absorbed in thought. In a way 
 very unexpected he seemed to be likely to realize 
 what he had regarded as a very pleasant but 
 impossible dream. Would his father consent to 
 the squire's proposal, and, if so, ought Tom to 
 consent to expose him to the risk of losing so 
 considerable a sum of money ? If he had been older 
 and more cautious he would probably have decided 
 in the negative ; but Tom was hopeful and san- 
 guine, and the stories he had heard of California 
 had dazzled him. There was, of course, an 
 element of uncertainty in his calculations, but the 
 fact that there seemed to be no prospect before 
 him in his native village had an important influence 
 in shaping his decision. 
 
 To ask his father the momentous question, 
 
TOM'S TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. 85 
 
 however, was not easy, and he delayed it, hoping 
 for a favorable opportunity of introducing the 
 subject. His thoughtful manner excited attention, 
 and secured him the opportunity he sought. 
 
 " You seem deep in thought, Tom," said his 
 mother. 
 
 " Yes, mother, I have a good deal to think about." 
 
 44 Anybody would think Tom overwhelmed with 
 business," said Walter, next to Tom in age, 
 with good-humored banter. 
 
 44 1 am," said Tom, gravely. 
 
 44 Won't you take me in partnership, then?** 
 asked Walter. 
 
 Tom smiled. 
 
 44 1 don't think I could do that," he answered. 
 44 Not to keep you waiting, Squire Hudson has 
 made me a business proposal this afternoon." 
 
 All were surprised, and looked to Tom for an 
 explanation. 
 
 " He offers to advance me two hundred dollars 
 for a year, to help me out to California." 
 
 44 Squire Hudson makes this offer to a boy of 
 your age?" said his father, slowly. 
 
36 THE YOUNG ADVENTURER; Oil, 
 
 "Yes, or rather he makes the offer to you." 
 
 "To me?" 
 
 "Perhaps you will think me selfish for even 
 mentioning it," said Tom, rapidly, in a hurry to 
 explain fully now that the ice was broken. " He 
 will advance the money, on condition that you 
 increase the mortgage on the farm to twenty-two 
 hundred dollars." 
 
 Mr. Nelson looked blank. 
 
 " Do you know, Tom," he said, " how hard I 
 find it now to pay the interest on the mortgage, 
 and how hopeless I am of ever paying it off?" 
 
 "I know all that, father; but I want to help 
 you. If I keep my health, and have a chance, 
 I think I can help you. There's no chance for 
 me here, and there is a chance in California. 
 You remember what we have read in 'The 
 Weekly Messenger' about the gold fields, and 
 what large sums have been realized by miners." 
 
 "They are men, and you are a boy." 
 
 "That's true," said Tom, "but," he added, with 
 natural pride, "I am pretty strong for a boy. 
 I am willing to work, and I don't see why I 
 
TOM'S TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. 37 
 
 can t dig gold as well as a man . I may not 
 make as much ; but if I only do half as well as 
 some that we have read about, I can do a 
 good deal for you." 
 
 "How far off is California?" asked Mrs. Nelson. 
 
 "Over three thousand miles, across the con- 
 tinent," answered her husband. " By sea it is 
 a good deal more." 
 
 " Why, it is as far off as Europe," said Walter, 
 who was fresh from his lesson in geography. 
 
 "It is farther than some parts of Europe, — 
 England, for example," said his father. 
 
 "And a wild, unsettled region," said Mrs. 
 Nelson, soberly. 
 
 " I don't think so much of that," said Mark 
 Nelson. " Tom is no baby. He is a boy of 
 good sense, not heedless, like some of his age, 
 and I should feel considerable confidence in his 
 getting along well." 
 
 " What, Mark, are you in favor of his going 
 so far, — a boy who has never been away from 
 home in his life ? " 
 
 " I don't know what to say. I have not had 
 
99 THE TOUNO ADVENTURER', OR, 
 
 time to consider the matter, as it has come upon 
 me suddenly. I have a good deal of confidence in 
 Tcm, but there is one difficulty in my mind." 
 
 "What is that, father?" asked Tom, anxiously. 
 
 " The expense of getting to California, and the 
 method of raising the money ; I don't like to 
 increase the mortgage." 
 
 " I suppose you are right, father," said Tom, 
 slowly. " I know it is more than I have any 
 right to ask. I wouldn't even have mentioned it 
 if I hadn't hoped to help you to pay it back." 
 
 "That is understood, Tom," said his father, 
 kindly. " I know you mean what you say, and 
 that you would redeem your promise if fortune, 
 or rather Providence, permitted. It is a serious 
 matter, however, and not to be decided in a hurry. 
 We will speak of it again." 
 
 Nothing more was said about Tom's plan till 
 after the children had gone to bed. Then, as 
 Mark Nelson and his wife sat before the fire in 
 the open fireplace, the subject was taken up anew. 
 
 " Mary," said Mark, " I am beginning to think 
 favorably of Tom's proposal." 
 
TOJ/S TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. 89 
 
 "How can you say so, Mark?" interrupted his 
 wife. " It seems like madness to send a young 
 boy so far away." 
 
 "Tom can't be called a young boy; he is now 
 sixteen." 
 
 "But he has never been away from home." 
 
 " He must go sometime." 
 
 " If it were only to Boston, or New York ; but 
 to go more than three thousand miles away ! " and 
 the mother shuddered. 
 
 " There are dangers as great in Boston or New 
 York as in California, Mary, to a boy of Tom's 
 age. He can't always be surrounded by home 
 influences." 
 
 "I wish we could find employment for him in 
 town," said Mrs. Nelson, uneasily. 
 
 "That is a mother's thought, and it would be 
 pleasant for all of us ; but I doubt if it would 
 ^e better for Tom." 
 
 "Why not?" 
 
 " A boy who is thrown upon his own guardian- 
 ship and his own resources develops manliness 
 and self-reliance sooner than at home. But ws 
 
40 THE YOUNG ADVENTURER ', OR, 
 
 need not take that into consideration ; there is 
 nothing to do here, nor is there likely to be. 
 He must go away from home to find employment. 
 To obtain a place in Boston or New York requires 
 influence and friends in those places ; and we can 
 hope for neither. In California he will become his 
 own employer. The gold mines are open to all, 
 and he may earn in a year as much as he could 
 In five years in the East." 
 
 44 Do you favor his going, then, Mark?" 
 
 " Not against your will, Mary. Indeed, I should 
 not feel justified in increasing the mortgage upon 
 our little property against your wish. That con- 
 cerns us all." 
 
 " I don't think so much of that. I am so afraid 
 Tom would get sick in California. What would 
 become of the poor boy in that case?" 
 
 " That is a mother's thought. I think Tom 
 would find friends, who would not let him suffer. 
 He is a manly, attractive boy, though he is ours, 
 and I think he is well calculated to make his way." 
 
 " That he is," said the mother, proudly. »' No 
 one can help liking Tom." 
 
TOMS TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. 41 
 
 "Then you see he is likely to find friends. 
 Were he such a boy as Sinclair Hudson, 1 should 
 feel afraid that he wouid fare badly, if he stood 
 in need of help from others. Sinclair is certainly 
 a very disagreeable boy." 
 
 " Yes, he is ; and he isn't half as smart as Tom." 
 
 " A mother's vanity," said Mark Nelson, smiling. 
 " However, you are right there. I should consider 
 it a misfortune to have such a cross-grained, selfish 
 son as Sinclair. Squire Hudson, with all his wealth, 
 is not fortunate in his only child. There is con- 
 siderable resemblance between father . and son. I 
 often wish that some one else than the squire 
 held the mortgage on our farm." 
 
 "You don't think he would take advantage of 
 
 you 
 
 ?" 
 
 " I don't think he would be very lenient to 
 me if I failed to pay interest promptly. He has 
 a grudge against me, you know." 
 
 "That is nonsense," said Mrs. Nelson, blushing, 
 for she understood the allusion. 
 
 "I am glad he doesn't ask me to give him • 
 mortgage on yon, Mary." 
 
42 THE YOZTNG ADVENTURER; OR, 
 
 11 He has forgotten all that," said Mrs. Nelson. 
 "I am no longer young and pretty." 
 
 "I think you more attractive than ever," said 
 the husband. 
 
 " Because you are foolish," said his wife ; but 
 she was well pleased, nevertheless. Poor as her 
 husband was, she had never dreamed of regretting 
 her choice. 
 
 "Be it so; but about this affair of Tom, — what 
 shall I say to him in the morning?" 
 
 Mrs. Nelson recovered her gravity instantly. 
 
 "Decide as } T ou think right, Mark," she said. 
 " If you judge that Tom had better go I will do 
 my best to become reconciled to his absence, and 
 set about getting him ready." 
 
 "It is a great responsibility, Mary," said Mark, 
 slowly ; " but I accept it. Let the boy go, if 
 he wishes. He will leave our care, but we can 
 trust him to the care of his heavenly Father, who 
 will be as near to him in California as at 
 home." 
 
 Thus Tom's future was decided. His father and 
 mother retired to bed, but not to sleep. They 
 
TOM'S TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. 43 
 
 were parting already in imagination with their first- 
 born, and the thought of that parting was sad 
 indeed. 
 
44 the younq adventurer; oi. 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 TOM RAISES THE MONET. 
 
 Tom got up early the next morning — in fact, he 
 was up first in the house — and attended to his usual 
 " chores." He was splitting wood when his father 
 passed him on the way to the barn with the milk-pail 
 in his hand. 
 
 "You are up early, Tom," he said. 
 
 "Yes," answered our hero. 
 
 Tom could not help wondering whether his father 
 had come to any decision about letting him go to 
 California ; but he did not like to ask. In due 
 time he would learn, of course. He felt that he 
 should like to have it decided one way or the 
 other. While his plans were in doubt he felt 
 unsettled and nervous. 
 
 At an early hour the family gathered about the 
 breakfast-table. Tom noticed that his father and 
 mother looked grave, and spoke in a subdued tone. 
 
IVJ^S TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. 45 
 
 as if they had something on their minds ; but he 
 did not know what to infer from this, except that 
 they had his prospects still in consideration. 
 
 When breakfast was over, Mark Nelson pushed 
 back his chair, and said, " How soon can you get 
 Tom ready to start, Mary?" 
 
 "Am I going, father?" asked Tom, his heart 
 giving an eager bound. 
 
 41 Is Tom really going?" asked the younger 
 children, with scarcely less eagerness. 
 
 " If Squire Hudson doesn't go back on his promise. 
 Tom, you can go with me to the squire's." 
 
 " How soon?" 
 
 " In about an hour. He doesn't breakfast as early 
 as we do. I think he will be ready to receive us in 
 about an hour." 
 
 " Thank you, father," said Tom. " You are doing 
 a great deal for me." 
 
 " I can't do much for you, my boy. I can 
 probably get you to California, and then you will 
 be thrown upon your own exertions." 
 
 " I mean to work very hard. I think I shall 
 succeed. " 
 
46 TBK YOUNG ADVENTURER / OJ«, 
 
 "I hope so, at least, Tom. When the time comes 
 to start the other boys, I shall be glad to have your 
 help in doing it." 
 
 Tom was pleased to hear this, though it placed 
 upon his shoulders a new and heavy responsibility. 
 He was assuming the responsibility not only for his 
 own future, but for that of his brothers. But it 
 made him feel more manly, as if the period of his 
 dependent boyhood were over, and he had become 
 a young man all at once. 
 
 " I hope I shan't disappoint you, father," he said. 
 
 " If you do, I don't think it will be your fault, 
 Tom," said his father, kindly. u Fortune may be 
 against you ; but we must take the risk of that." 
 
 " I don't know what to think about it, Tom," 
 said his mother, in a tone of doubt and mental 
 disturbance. " I feel as if you were too young to 
 go out in the wide world to seek your fortune." 
 
 * ' I am not so very young, mother. I am old 
 enough to make my wap." 
 
 "So your father says, and I have yielded to his 
 judgment ; but, Tom, I don't know how to let you 
 go." 
 
TOlfS TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. 47 
 
 There were tears in Mrs. Nelson's eyes as she 
 spoke. Tom was moved, and if he needed anything 
 to strengthen him in the good resolutions he had 
 formed, his mother's emotion supplied it. 
 
 " You shan't regret giving your consent, mother," 
 he said manfully, and, rising from his seat, he went 
 to his mother and kissed her. 
 
 "Mary," said Mr. Nelson, "you haven't answered 
 my question. How long will it take to get Tom 
 read}'? If he is to go, he may as well start as 
 soon as possible." 
 
 " Let me see," said Mrs. Nelson, " how many shirts 
 have you got, Tom? " 
 
 "Five." 
 
 " Are they all in good order? " 
 
 " I believe one needs mending." 
 
 " I don't know whether that will be enough," said 
 llrs. Nelson, doubtfully. 
 
 " Mary," said her husband, " don't provide too 
 large a supply of clothing. Tom may find it a 
 burden. Remember in California he will have to 
 travel on foot and carry his own baggage." 
 
 " Then I think he is already pretty well provided. 
 
48 THE YOUNQ ADVENTURER; 0*, 
 
 But some of his clothes may need mending. That 
 won't take long, and I will attend to it at once." 
 
 " Perhaps Squire Hudson will go back on you, 
 after all," said Walter. 
 
 Tom's face was overcast. That would be a dig 
 appointment he could not easily bear. 
 
 "I shall soon know," he said. 
 
 An hour later Tom and his father set out for 
 Squire Hudson's residence. Tom felt nervous ; he 
 could not well help it. 
 
 "Tom," said his father, " this is an important 
 visit for you." 
 
 "Yes, sir," said Tom. 
 
 44 You are feeling nervous, I see. Try to take it 
 coolly, and don't feel too low-spirited if things don't 
 turn out as you hope." 
 
 " I will try to follow your advice, father, but I am 
 not sure as I can." 
 
 44 If you are disappointed, try to think it is 
 for the best. A boy of your age had made all 
 arrangements to visit Europe with a party of 
 friends. The day before starting, something hap- 
 pened which made it impossible for him to go- 
 
TOAf's TRIP ACROSS 1BK PLAINS. 49 
 
 For weeks he had been looking forward with eager 
 anticipation to his journey, and now it was in- 
 definitely postponed. 
 
 ** What a terrible disappointment ! " said Tom. 
 
 " Yes, it seemed so, but mark the issue. The 
 steamer was lost, and all on board were drowned. 
 The disappointment saved his life." 
 
 " It might not always turn out so," objected 
 Tom. 
 
 " No, that is true. Still, if we are willing to 
 think that our disappointments are not always 
 misfortunes, we shall go through life with more 
 cheerfulness and content." 
 
 "Still, I hope I shall not be disappointed in 
 this," said Tom. 
 
 " You are perhaps too young to be philosoph- 
 ical," said his father. 
 
 Mark Nelson had enjoyed only the usual 
 advantages of education afforded by a common 
 school ; but he was a man of good natural 
 capacity, and more thoughtful than many in his 
 vocation. From him Tom inherited good natural 
 abilities and industrious habits. It would not be 
 4 
 
50 the touno adventurer; or, 
 
 fair, however, to give all the credit to his father. 
 Mrs. Nelson was a superior woman, and all hei 
 children were well endowed by nature. 
 
 As they turned into Squire Hudson's gravel- 
 path, the squire himself opened the front door. 
 
 "Were you coming to see me?" he asked. 
 
 "We would like to speak with you a few 
 minutes, squire, if you can spare the time." 
 
 " Oh, yes, I have nothing pressing on hand," 
 said the squire, with unusual affability. " "Walk 
 in, Mr. Nelson." 
 
 He led the way into the room where Tom had 
 had his interview with him the day before. 
 
 "Your son did me a good turn yesterday," he 
 said graciously. "He behaved in a very credit- 
 able manner." 
 
 " He told me that he found your pocket-book, 
 Squire Hudson." 
 
 " Yes ; it contained a large sum of money. 
 Some boys would have kept it." 
 
 "None of my boys would," said Mark Nelson, 
 proudly. 
 
 " Of coarse not They're too well brought up." 
 
TOj/S TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. 51 
 
 "Tom told me that you offered to advance 
 mouey enough to get him to California," said 
 Mr. Nelson, coming to business. 
 
 " On satisfactory security," added the squire, 
 cautiously. 
 
 ' ' You proposed to increase the mortgage on 
 my place?" 
 
 "Yes," said the squire. "I wouldn't have 
 done it, though, neighbor Nelson, but for the 
 good turn the boy did me. I am not at all 
 particular about increasing the amount of the 
 mortgage, but, if by so doing it I can promote 
 Tom's views, I won't object." 
 
 " Thank you, sir," said Tom, gratefully. 
 
 " It is a serious step for me to take," continued 
 Mr. Nelson, " for I feel the incumbrance to be a 
 heavy one already. In fact, it is with difficulty 
 that I pay the interest. But the time has come 
 when Tom should start in life, and in this village 
 there seems to be no opening." 
 
 " None whatever," said the squire, in a tone 
 of decision. 
 
 "What do you think of the prospects in Cali- 
 
52 TBB YOUNG ADVENTURER; OR, 
 
 fornia?" asked Mark Nelsoa. "You are a man 
 of business, and can judge better than I. Are 
 the stories we hear of fortunes made in a short 
 time to be relied upon?" 
 
 " As to that," said the squire, deliberately, " 1 
 suppose we can't believe all we hear ; we must 
 make some allowances. But, after all, there's no 
 doubt of the existence of gold in large quantities ; 
 I am satisfied of that." 
 
 " Then about the wisdom of sending out a boy 
 like Tom, alone; do you think it best?" 
 
 " It depends altogether on the boy," responded 
 the squire. "If he is honest, industrious, and 
 energetic, he will make his way. Tou know your 
 own boy better than 1 do." 
 
 " He is all you say, Squire Hudson. I have 
 a great deal of confidence in Tom." 
 
 Tom looked at his father gratefully. Sometimes 
 it does a boy good to learn that the older people 
 have confidence in him. 
 
 " Then let him go," said the squire. " I stand 
 ready to furnish the money. I think you said 
 you needed two hundred dollars." 
 
TOM'S TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. 53 
 
 This question was put to Tom, and the boy 
 answered in the affirmative. 
 
 " Very well," said the squire. " As soon as 
 the necessary writings are made out, the money 
 shall be ready." 
 
 "It's all settled!" thought Tom, triumphantly. 
 
 At that moment Sinclair Hudson, the squire's 
 only son, opened the door and looked into the 
 room. 
 
 " Holloa, Tom Nelson," said he, rather rudely. 
 "What brings you here?" 
 
64 THE YOUNQ ADVENTURER; OR, 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 TOM ARRIVES IN PITTSBURG. 
 
 " I came on business, Sinclair," answered Tom, 
 smiling. 
 
 "Thomas is going to California, Sinclair," ex- 
 plained Squire Hudson. 
 
 Sinclair opened wide his eyes in amazement. 
 "What for?" he asked. 
 
 " To dig gold and make my fortune," answered 
 Tom, complacently. 
 
 ' ' Come out and tell me all about it." 
 
 " You can go, Thomas," said Squire Hudson, 
 graciously. "Your father and I will settle the 
 business." 
 
 "Is it true that you are going to California?" 
 asked Sinclair, when they were out in the front 
 yard. 
 
 " Yes." 
 
 "How soon do you go?" 
 
Tom's trip across the plains. 55 
 
 "I want to get away in a week." 
 
 "What has my father to do with it?" inquired 
 Sinclair. 
 
 "He is going to lend me the money to get 
 there." 
 
 "How much?" 
 
 " Two hundred dollars." 
 
 "Then he is a greater fool than I thought," 
 said Sinclair, with characteristic politeness. 
 
 "Why do you say that?" demanded our hero, 
 justly nettled. 
 
 " Because he'll never see the money again." 
 
 " Yes, he will. My father is responsible for 
 it." 
 
 " Your father is a poor man." 
 
 "He is able to pay that, if I don't; but I 
 hope he won't have to." 
 
 "Do you really expect to find gold?" asked 
 Sinclair, curiously. 
 
 " Certainly I do. Others have, and why shouldn't 
 I? I am willing to work hard." 
 
 "Do you think you'll come home rich?" 
 
 " I hope so." 
 
56 the young adventurer; or, 
 
 " I have a great mind to ask father to let me 
 go with you," said Sinclair, unexpectedly. 
 
 " You wouldn't like it. You haven't been 
 brought up to work," said Tom, rather startled, 
 and not much pleased with the proposal, for 
 Sinclair Hudson was about the last boy he wished 
 as a companion. 
 
 " Oh, I wouldn't go to work. I would go as a 
 gentleman, to see the country. Wait a minute ; 
 I will run in and ask him." 
 
 So Sinclair ran into the house, and preferred 
 his request. 
 
 "That's a wild idea, Sinclair," said his father, 
 quickly. 
 
 " Why is it? I'm as old as Tom Nelson." 
 
 "He is going because it is necessary for him 
 to earn his living." 
 
 " He will have a splendid time," grumbled the 
 spoiled son. 
 
 " You shall travel all you want to when you 
 are older," said his father. "Now you must get 
 an education." 
 
 " I want to travel novr." 
 
i'OM'S TRIP ACROSS THR PLAUfS. 57 
 
 "I will take you to New York the next time 
 I go." 
 
 44 Give me five dollars besides." 
 
 The money was handed him. » 
 
 He went out and reported to Tom that he 
 was going to travel all over the world when he 
 was a little older, and had decided not to go to 
 California now. 
 
 " If you have money enough you can go with 
 me," he added, graciously. 
 
 41 Thank you." said Tom, politely, though the 
 prospect of having .Sinclair for a travelling com- 
 panion did not exhilarate him much. 
 
 For a few days Mrs. Nelson was very busy 
 getting Tom ready to go. It was well, perhaps, 
 that so much needed to be done, for it kept her 
 mind from the thought of the separation. 
 
 The question of which route to take, whether 
 by steamer or across the plains, demanded con- 
 sideration. It was finally decided that Tom should 
 go over land. It was thought that he might join 
 some company at St. Joseph, — or St. Joe. as it 
 was then, and is now. popularly called and pay 
 
58 THE YOUNG ADVENTURER ; OR, 
 
 his passage in services, thus saving a good share 
 of the two hundred dollars. That was, of course, 
 an important consideration. 
 
 "How shall I carry my money?" asked Tom. 
 
 "It will be best to take gold, and carry it 
 for safety in a belt around your waist," said his 
 father. " You must be very prudent and careful, 
 or you may be robbed. That would be a serious 
 thing for you, as I could not forward you any 
 more money." 
 
 " I will be very prudent, father," said Tom. 
 " I know the value of money too well to risk 
 losing it." 
 
 . "Well, the days of preparation were over at 
 length, and Tom stood on the threshold, bidding 
 good-by to his parents and his brothers and 
 sisters. He had not realized till now what it was 
 to leave home on a long journey of indefinite 
 duration. He wanted to be heroic, but in spite 
 of himself his eyes moistened, and he came near 
 breaking down. 
 
 "I don't know how to part with you, my dear 
 child," said his mother. 
 
TOJ^S TRIP ACROSS THB PLAINS, 59 
 
 "Think that it is all for the best, mother," 
 wid Tom, choking. "Think of the time when I 
 will come back with plenty of money." 
 
 "God bless you, Tom!" said his father 
 44 Don't forget your good habits and principles 
 when you are far away from us." 
 
 " I won't, father." 
 
 So Tom's long journey commenced. 
 
 Tom's plan was to go to St. Louis first. His 
 father made some inquiries about the route, and 
 recommended going to Pittsburg by cars, then to 
 take the boat on the Ohio river to Cincinnati. 
 This seemed to Tom to afford a pleasant variety, 
 and he gladty accepted the suggestion. 
 
 As they were approaching Pittsburg Tom occupied 
 a whole seat on the left-hand side of the car. A 
 brisk, plausible young man, of twenty-five, passing 
 through the aisle, observed the vacant seat, and, 
 pausing, inquired, "Is this seat engaged?" 
 
 "No, sir," answered Tom. 
 
 " Then, if you have no objection, I will occupy it.' 
 
 "Certainly, sir." 
 
 The young man was nicely dressed. In his 
 
60 the young aj>venturer; or, 
 
 bosom sparkled a diamond pin. and he wore three 
 or four rings on his fingers 
 
 »' He must be rich," thought Tom, who was of 
 an observant turn. 
 
 " A pleasant day to travel." remarked the young 
 man, affably. 
 
 " Yes, it is," said Tom. 
 
 " Do you go farther than Pittsburg?" 
 
 "Yes, I am going to California." answered Tom, 
 proudly. 
 
 " Is it possible? Are you alone?" 
 
 "Yes, sir." 
 
 " You are young to travel so far." 
 
 " I am sixteen ; that is, I shall be in two or three 
 weeks." 
 
 " Still, you are young to take such a journey 
 alone. Are you to join friends there?" 
 
 "No; I am going to seek my fortune." 
 
 Once more the young man looked surprised, and 
 scanned Tom curiously. 
 
 " 1 presume you are from the city," he observed, 
 with a smile which Tom would uot have under- 
 stood if he had noticed w The truth is. that 
 
TOATS TRIP A' a^SS THh. PLAINS. 61 
 
 Tom bore evident marks of being a country boy. 
 I don't like to say that he looked "green." but 
 he certainly lacked the air that distinguishes a 
 town-bred boy. His companion evidently undei- 
 stood boy nature, fov Tom was much flattered by 
 the supposition that he was a city boy. 
 
 " No," he answered, almost as if apologizing 
 for a discreditable fact ; '* I am from the country." 
 
 " You don't say so ! " exclaimed the other, in 
 appa.-ent surprise. ki I thought, from your appear- 
 ance, that you were from thw "'ty. How do you 
 go from Pittsburg?" 
 
 " By river to Cincinnati." 
 
 "Do you realty? I am glad to hear it; I am 
 going there myself. We shall be fellow-passengers. 
 That will be pleasant." 
 
 Tom thought it would. His companion seemed 
 very pleasant and social, and he had been feeling 
 lonely, as was only natural. 
 
 4i Yes, it will," he said. 
 
 44 By the way, as we may be thrown together, 
 more or less, we ought to know each other. My 
 name is Milton Graham. My father is a rich 
 
62 the rouxa adventurer; or, 
 
 merchant in New York. I am travelling partly 
 on business for my father's firm, and partly for 
 pleasure." 
 
 " My name is Thomas Nelson ; most people call 
 me Tom," said our hero. 
 
 "Then I will call you Tom," said Graham. 
 " I like the name. I have a favorite cousin named 
 Tom. Poor boy ! — he is an orphan. His father 
 died two years ago, leaving him two hundred 
 thousand dollars. My father is his guardian. He 
 is about your age ; only not quite so good-looking." 
 
 Tom blushed. He had not thought much of his 
 own looks, but he was human, and no one is 
 displeased at being considered good-looking. Mr. 
 Graham spoke meditatively, as if he was not in- 
 tending to pay a compliment, only mentioning a 
 fact, and Tom did not feel called upon to thank 
 him for this flattering remark. 
 
 "That is a great deal of money," he said. 
 
 " Yes, it is. All my relations are rich ; that 
 is, except one uncle, who probably is not worth 
 over twenty thousand dollars." 
 
 Tom was impressed. A man who could talk 
 
TOM'S TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. 6b 
 
 of such a sum in such terms must certainly be 
 very rich. 
 
 4 ; Do you know, Mr. Graham," he inquired, 
 " how soon the steamer will start after we reach 
 Pittsburg?" 
 
 " No ; but I can find out after we reach there." 
 
 On arriving at Pittsburg inquiry was made, 
 and it was ascertained that the steamer " Kiver 
 Belle" would leave at nine o'clock the following 
 morning. 
 
 " We shall have to go to a hotel," said Graham. 
 
 "Is there any cheap hotel here?" asked Tom, 
 prudently. 
 
 ** Yes ; there is the Pittsburg House. Suppose 
 we both go there." 
 
 "All right." 
 
 Mr. Graham had only a small carpet-bag, smaller 
 than Tom's. They took them in their hands, and 
 walked for a short distance, till they reached a 
 plain building, which, from the sign, Tom discov- 
 ered to be the hotel which had been mentioned. 
 
 "Shall we room together? It will cost less," 
 said Milton Graham, carelessly. 
 
64 TBE youno adventurer; or, 
 
 " If you please," said Tom. 
 
 He was lonely and thought he would like com- 
 pany. Besides, it would be cheaper, and that was 
 & weighty consideration. 
 
TOM' 8 TRIP ACROSS TBB PLAINS. 35 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 THE PITTSBURG HOUSE. 
 
 Tom and his companion entered the hotel. At 
 the left was the clerk's desk. Milton Graham 
 naturallv took the lead. He took a pen from 
 the clerk, and entered his name with a flourish. 
 Then he handed the pen to Tom, who followed 
 his example, omitting the flourish, however. 
 
 ' ' This young gentleman will room with me," 
 said Graham. 
 
 " All right, sir," said the clerk. " Will yon 
 go up to your room now?" 
 
 " Yes." 
 
 The porter was summoned, and handed the 
 key of No. 16. He took the two carpet-bags, 
 and led the way upstairs, for the Pittsburg 
 House had no elevator. Even in the best hotels 
 at that time this modern convenience was not 
 to be found. 
 5 
 
68 THE YOUNQ ADVENTURER; OR, 
 
 The door of No. 16 was opened, revealing a 
 plain room, about twelve feet square, provided, 
 as Tom was glad to see, with two narrow beds. 
 
 "Have you got a quarter, Tom?" asked Gra- 
 ham. 
 
 Tom drew one from his pocket. 
 
 Graham took it and handed it to the porter, 
 who expressed his thanks. 
 
 " It's always customary to fee the porter, " He 
 said, carelessly, in answer to Tom's look of 
 surprise . 
 
 "What for?" 
 
 "For bringing up the baggage." 
 
 " Twenty-five cents for bringing up two small 
 carpet-bags ! That's pretty high. I'd have brought 
 them up myself, if I had known," said Tom, 
 dissatisfied, for he felt that this fee was hardly 
 in accordance with his resolutions of economy. 
 
 " Oh, he expects it. It's his regular perquisite 
 When you've travelled more you'll understand." 
 
 " How much are we to pay for our accommo- 
 dations?" asked Tom, anxiously. 
 
 " About two dollars apiece, I reckon." 
 
TOlfs TRIP ACROSS THE PLJ.IN8. 67 
 
 "That's more than I can afford," said Tom, 
 alarmed. 
 
 " Perhaps it is less, as we room together." 
 
 " I hope so, for I can't afford to be extrava* 
 gant." 
 
 "Do you call two dollars a day extravagant?" 
 asked Graham, smiling. 
 
 "It is for me. My father is poor." 
 
 "Oh, it'll be all right. I'll fix it with the 
 clerk. If you are ready, suppose we go down 
 and have some supper." 
 
 To this Tom had no objection. He washed 
 his hands and face, and brushed his hair; then 
 he declared himself ready. 
 
 Tom was hungry, and did justice to the sup- 
 per, which he found very good. As they left 
 the table, and reentered the office of the hotel, 
 Milton Graham said, "I am going to make a 
 call on some friends. Sorry to leave you, but 
 we shall meet later in the evening." 
 "All right," said Tom. 
 
 On the whole he did not regret being alone. 
 He began to doubt whether Graham would make 
 
68 the touno adventurer; or, 
 
 a desirable travelling companion. Tom felt the 
 need of economy, and be saw that his companion 
 would make it difficult. If a fee must be paid, 
 it was fair to divide it ; but the porter's fee had 
 come out of Tom's pocket. 
 
 '* Didn't he have a quarter, I wonder?" 
 thought our hero. 
 
 It was a small matter, but economy must be- 
 gin in small matters, or it is not likely to be 
 practised at all. 
 
 He took the opportunity to go to the desk 
 and ascertain the sum likely to be charged for 
 bis accommodations. 
 
 "How long do you stay?" asked the clerk, 
 pleasantly. 
 
 " Till to-morrow morning. I am going to sail 
 in the 4 River Belle."' 
 
 " Then we shall charge you a dollar and a 
 half." 
 
 This seemed large to Tom, but he made no 
 objection. 
 
 44 How much would it have been, if I had 
 roomed alone?" he asked. 
 
TOitS TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. 69 
 
 "The same. We make no change in otur 
 terms on that account." 
 
 " Mr. Graham told me it would be cheaper 
 to room together." 
 
 " He is your room-mate, isn't he?" 
 
 "Yes, sir." 
 
 " He is mistaken, so far as our house is con- 
 cerned. I suppose j'ou have known him for 
 gome time." 
 
 " No, sir. I met him on the cars yesterday 
 afternoon for the first time." 
 
 "Then you don't know anything about him?" 
 
 " Oh, yes," answered Tom. " He is the son of a 
 rich merchant in New York." 
 
 " Who told you that?" 
 
 " He did." 
 
 The clerk was a man of middle age. At home he 
 had a son of Tom's age, and this led him to feel a 
 friendly interest in our hero. 
 
 " I suppose you have never travelled much," h« 
 ■aid. 
 
 " No, sir. This is my first journey." 
 
 ** Are you going far ? " 
 
70 THE YOUNQ ADVENTURER; OR, 
 
 ". To California." 
 
 " That is a long journey for a boy of your age," 
 said the clerk, looking surprised. 
 
 " Yes, sir ; but I can't get anything to do at home, 
 and I am going to California to seek my fortune." 
 
 "I hope you will be successful," said the clerk, 
 with hearty sympathy. "Will you let me give you 
 a piece of advice?" 
 
 " I shall be very glad of it, sir," responded Tom. 
 " I find I am quite inexperienced." 
 
 " Then don't trust strangers too readily. It is 
 dangerous." 
 
 "Do you refer to Mr. Graham?" asked Tom, 
 startled. 
 
 "Yes, I refer to him, or any other chance ac- 
 quaintance." 
 
 " Don't you think he is all right? " asked our hero, 
 anxiously. 
 
 " I don't think he is the son of a rich merchant in 
 New York." 
 
 " Then why should he tell me so?" 
 
 Tom was green, and I have no intention of con- 
 cealing it. 
 
TOjfs TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. 71 
 
 " I can't tell what his designs may be. Did you 
 tell him that you were going to California?" 
 
 "Yes, sir." 
 
 " Then he will, of course, conclude that you have 
 money. Did you tell him where you keep it?" 
 
 "No, sir. I keep it in a belt around my waist." 
 
 " You are too ready to tell that, though with me 
 the information is safe. You are to room together. 
 What will be easier then for your companion to rob 
 you during the night?" 
 
 " I'd better take a room alone," said Tom, now 
 thoroughly alarmed. 
 
 " I should advise you to, in most cases, but at 
 present it may be as well to let things remain as 
 they are, as it will save an awkward explanation." 
 
 " But I don't want to be robbed." 
 
 "We have a safe in the office, — there it is, — in 
 which we deposit articles of value intrusted to us 
 by our guests. Then we become responsible for 
 them. I advise you to leave your money with ua 
 over night." 
 
 " I will," said Tom, relieved. " I shall have to go 
 to my room to remove it." 
 
72 tub young adventurer; or. 
 
 "Very well. If you have a watch, or any other 
 valuable, it will be well to put those in our charge 
 also." 
 
 44 No, sir, I have nothing of consequence but the 
 money." 
 
 The belt of money was deposited in the safe, and 
 Tom felt relieved. He began to realize for the 
 first time the need of prudence and caution. It had 
 never occurred to him that a nice, gentlemanly- 
 looking man, like Milton Graham, was likely to 
 rob him of his scanty means. Even now he thought 
 there must be some mistake. Still he felt that he 
 had done the right thing in depositing the money 
 with the clerk. The mere thought of losing it, and 
 finding himself high and dry, — stranded, so to 
 speak, — hundreds of miles from home, made him 
 shudder. On the whole, Tom had learned a valuable, 
 though an unpleasant, lesson. The young are by 
 nature trustful. They are disposed to put confi- 
 dence in those whom they meet, even for the first 
 time. Unhappily, in a world where there is so much 
 of evil as there is in ours, such confidence is 
 not justified. There are too many who make it a 
 
TOM'S TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. 73 
 
 business to prey on their fellows, and select in 
 preference the young and inexperienced. 
 
 It was only seven o'clock. Tom had a curiosity 
 to see the city of Pittsburg, with whose name he 
 had been familiar. So, after parting with his 
 treasure, he went out for a walk. He did not 
 much care where he went, since all was alike new 
 to him. He ascertained, on inquiry, that Smithfield 
 street was the principal business thoroughfare. He 
 inquired his way thither, and walked slowly through 
 it, his attention fully occupied by what he saw. 
 
74 THS TOVNO ADVENTURER ; OR, 
 
 CHAPTER Vni. 
 
 GRAHAM SHOWS HIMSELF IN HIS TRUB COLORS. 
 
 Tom strayed into a street leading from the main 
 thoroughfare. Presently he came to a brilliantly 
 lighted liquor saloon. As he paused in front of 
 the door, a heavy hand was laid upon his shoulder, 
 and, looking up, he met the glance of a well-dressed 
 gentleman, rather portly, whose flushed face and 
 uncertain gait indicated his condition. He leaned 
 rather heavily upon Tom, apparently for support, 
 for he seemed to have been drinking more than 
 was good for him. 
 
 "My young friend," he said, "come in, and take 
 a drink." 
 
 "Thank you, sir, but I would rather not," said 
 Tom, startled. 
 
 " It won't hurt you. It don't hurt me." 
 
 As he uttered these last words he came near 
 falling. In his effort to save himself he clutched 
 
Tom's trip across the plains. 75 
 
 Tom by the arm, and nearly pulled him over. 
 Our hero was anxious to get away. 
 
 "Are you sure it don't hurt you?" he could 
 not help saying. 
 
 "Do you think I'm drunk?" demanded the 
 other. 
 
 " I think you've taken more then is good for 
 you, sir," Tom answered, bravely. 
 
 " I guess you're right," muttered the gentleman, 
 trying to stand upright. "The drink's gone to 
 my legs. That's strange. Does it ever go to 
 your legs ? " 
 
 " I never drink, sir." 
 
 " You're a most extraor'nary young man," 
 hiccoughed Tom's new acquaintance. 
 
 " I must bid you good-night, sir," said our 
 hero, anxious to get away. 
 
 "Don't go. I can't get home alone." 
 
 "Where do you live, sir?" 
 
 " I live in the country." 
 
 " Are you staying at a hotel ? " 
 
 " Yes, — Pittsburg House. Know Pittsburg 
 House?" 
 
76 THE TOUNO ADVENTURER ; OR, 
 
 *' Yes, sir. I am staying there myself. Shall 
 I lead you there? You'd better not dnnk any 
 more." 
 
 " Jus' 3 r ou say, my young frien'. You kno^f 
 best." 
 
 It was not a pleasant, or, indeed, an easy task 
 to lead home the inebriate, for he leaned heavily 
 on Tom, and, being a large man, it was as much 
 as our hero could do to get him along. As 
 they were walking along Tom caught sight of 
 his room-mate, Milton Graham, just turning into 
 a saloon, in company with two other } r oung men. 
 They were laughing loudl} 7 , and seemed in high 
 spirits. Graham did not recognize Tom. 
 
 " I hope he won't come home drunk," thought 
 our hero. " It seems to me it is fashionable to 
 drink here." 
 
 Tom's experience of city life was very limited. 
 It was not long before he learned that Pitts- 
 burg was by no means exceptional in this re- 
 spect. 
 
 He ushered his companion safely into the hotel, 
 and then a servant took charge of him, and led 
 
TOifs TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. 
 
 him to his room. Tom sat up a little while 
 longer, reading a paper he found in the office, 
 and then went to bed. 
 
 "I suppose Mr. Graham will come home late," 
 he said to himself. " I must leave the door 
 unlocked." 
 
 He soon went to sleep. How long he slept 
 he did not know, but suddenly awoke after an 
 interval. Opening his eyes he became conscious 
 that Graham had returned. He discovered some- 
 thing more. His room-mate, partially undressed, 
 and with his back turned to Tom, was engaged 
 in searching our hero's pockets. This discovery 
 set Tom broad awake at once. He was not 
 frightened, but rather amused when he thought 
 of Graham's disappointment. He did not think 
 it best to speak, but counterfeited sleep. 
 
 " I wonder where the boy keeps his money," 
 he heard Graham mutter. " Perhaps it is in big 
 coat-pocket. No, there is nothing but a hand- 
 kerchief. He's more careful than I gave him 
 credit for. Perhaps it is under his pillow." 
 
 He laid down the clothes, and approached the 
 
78 THE 70 UNO ADVENTURER ; OR, 
 
 bed. Tom, with some effort, kept his eyes firmly 
 closed. 
 
 Graham slid his hand lightly under the pillow, 
 but withdrew it with an exclamation of dis- 
 appointment. 
 
 "He must have some money," be muttered. 
 " Ah, I have it ! It is in his valise." 
 
 He approached Tom's valise, but it was locked. 
 He drew out a bunch of keys, and tried one 
 after the other, but in vain. Our hero feared he 
 might resort to violent means of opening it, and 
 turned in bed. Graham wheeled round quickly. 
 
 Tom stretched, and opened his eyes languidly. 
 
 "Is that you, Mr. Graham?" he asked. 
 
 "Yes," answered Graham, nonchalantly, pro- 
 ceeding to undress himself. " Have you been 
 abed long ? " 
 
 " I don't know," answered Tom. " What time 
 is it?" 
 
 "Haven't you got a watch?" 
 
 "No, I am not rich enough." 
 
 " It is one o'clock. I hadn't seen my friend 
 for a long time, and couldn't get away till late. 
 
TOlrfs TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. 79 
 
 By the way, have you got a key about you? 
 I can't open my carpet-bag." 
 
 Tom thought of suggesting the bunch of keys 
 in Graham's pocket, but decided not to. 
 
 " My key is in my pants pocket." 
 
 "Suppose you get it," said Graham. "I don't 
 like to feel in another person's pocket. There 
 might be some money there." 
 
 This was very scrupulous for one who had 
 already searched all Tom's pockets thoroughly. 
 
 Our hero got up, and got the key for his 
 room-mate. 
 
 " No, it won't fit," said the young man, after 
 a brief trial. "It is too large." 
 
 Tom replaced the key in his pocket, confident 
 that Graham would in the course of the night 
 use it to open his valise. This, however, did 
 not trouble him. 
 
 "He won't think it worth while to steal my 
 ihirts or stockings," he reflected, " and the hand- 
 kerchiefs are not worth taking." 
 
 "It will be rather awkward if I can't find my 
 
80 THE young adventures; OS, 
 
 keys," said Graham, craftily. 44 I keep my money 
 in my valise." 
 
 He thought his unsophisticated companion would 
 reveal in turn where he kept his mone} T ; but Tom 
 only said, " That is a good place," and, turning 
 over, closed his eyes again. 
 
 During the night Tom's valise was opened, as 
 he ascertained in a simple way. In the morning 
 he found that the key was in the right-hand pocket 
 instead of the left, in which he had placed it. 
 
 Upon Graham's last failure he began to sus- 
 pect what Tom had done with his money. 
 
 " The boy isn't so geeen as I thought," he said 
 to himself. " Curse his prudence ! I must get the 
 money somehow, for I am precious hard up." 
 
 He got up early, when Tom was yet asleep, 
 and went down to the office. 
 
 "Good-morning," he said to the clerk, affably. 
 
 44 Good- morning, sir." 
 
 44 My young friend and room-mate left his monej 
 with you last night. Please deliver it to me." 
 
 44 What is the number of your room?" asked 
 the clerk, quietly. 
 
Tom's trip across thk plains. 81 
 
 ♦'No. 16. Tom Nelson is my room-mate." 
 
 "Why doesn't he come for it himself?" inquired 
 h* hotel-clerk, with a searching glance at Graham. 
 
 " He wishes me to buy his steamboat ticket," 
 answered Gidham, coolly. " He is going down the 
 river ; u my charge." 
 
 "Aic you his guardian?" 
 
 •'Yes," answered Graham, with cool effrontery. 
 " He i3 the son of an acquaintance of mine, and 
 I naturally feel an interest in the boy." 
 
 " He told me he never met you till yesterday." 
 
 Graham was rather taken aback, but he recov- 
 ered himself quickly. 
 
 " That's pretty cool in Tom," he returned, shrug- 
 ging his shoulders. " I understand it, though." 
 
 " I am glad you do," said the clerk, sarcasti- 
 cally, " for it doesn't look to me at all consistent 
 with what you represent." 
 
 " The fact is," said Graham, plausibly, " Tom 
 has a feeling of independence, and doesn't like to 
 have it supposed that he is under anybody's pro- 
 tection. That accounts for what he told you. It 
 isn't right, though, to misrepresent. I must give 
 
82 THE YOUNO ADVENTURER ; OS, 
 
 him a scolding. I am in a little of a hurry, so 
 If you will kindly give me the boy's money — " 
 
 " It won't do, Mr. Graham," said the clerk, 
 very firmly. "The money was put in our charge 
 by the boy, and it will be delivered only to 
 him." 
 
 "You seem to be very suspicious," said Gra- 
 ham, loftily. " Hand me my bill, if you please. 
 I will breakfast elsewhere." 
 
 The bill was made out, and paid. Five minutes 
 later, Milton Graham, with an air of outraged virtue, 
 stalked out of the hotel, quite forgetting the young 
 friend who was under his charge. 
 
 When Tom came downstairs he was told of the 
 attempt to get possession of his money. 
 
 " I am much obliged to you for not letting 
 him have it," he said. " He searched my clothes 
 and valise during the night; but I said noth- 
 ing, for I knew he would find nothing worth tak- 
 ing." 
 
 " He is a dangerous companion. If you ever 
 meet him again, I advise you to give him a wide 
 berth." 
 
TOMtS TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. 83 
 
 "I certainly shall follow your advice. If you 
 had not warned me against him he would have 
 stolen my money during the night." 
 
84 THE JOUNO ADVENTURER ; C«, 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 THB "RIVER BELLE." 
 
 As Tom took his place at the breakfast-table 
 he mechanically lifted his eyes and glanced at his 
 neighbors. Directly opposite him sat the gentle- 
 man whom he had brought home the evening before. 
 Uow he looked sober and respectable. Indeed he 
 looked as if he might be a person of some promi- 
 nence. He met Tom's glance, and recognized him. 
 
 " I think you are the boy who came home with 
 me, last evening," he said. 
 
 " Yes, sir," answered Torn, rather embarrassed. 
 
 " I am afraid I was not quite myself," con- 
 tinued the stout gentleman. 
 
 "Not quite, sir." 
 
 " I ought to be ashamed of myself, and I am. 
 I don't often allow myself to be caught in that 
 way. You did me a good service." 
 
 " You are quite welcome, sir." 
 
TOM'S TRIP ACROSS THR PLAINS. 86 
 
 44 I had a good deal of money with ine, and, 
 if I had drank any more, I should probably have 
 been robbed." 
 
 44 Why did you run such a risk, sir?" Tom 
 could not help asking. 
 
 " Because I was a fool," said the other, bluntly. 
 44 1 have a taste for drink, but when I am at 
 home I keep it under control." 
 
 44 Then you don't live in Pittsburg, sir?" 
 
 44 No. My home is in one of the river towns La 
 Ohio. I came to Pittsburg to collect money due 
 me for produce, and but for you should probably 
 have carried none of it home." 
 
 44 1 am very glad to be of service to you," 
 said our hero, sincerely. 
 
 44 What are your plans, my young friend? I 
 suppose you are only a visitor in this city." 
 
 44 1 am on my way to California. I expect to 
 sail in the 4 River Belle ' at nine o'clock." 
 
 44 Then we shall be fellow-passengers, and I 
 shall have a chance to become better acquainted 
 with you. You are young to go to California 
 alone. You are aloue. — art- v<»ti not?" 
 
86 TUB YOUNQ ADVENTURER; OR, 
 
 "Yes, sir." 
 
 They went down to the boat together, and on 
 the way Tom told his story. He learned that 
 his acquaintance was Mr. Nicholas Waterbury ; 
 that he had been a member of the Ohio Legis- 
 lature, and, as he inferred, was a prominent citizen 
 of the town in which he lived. 
 
 " I should be very much ashamed to have 
 them hear at home how I had forgotten myself," 
 said Mr. "Waterbury. 
 
 " It need not be known," said Tom. " I shall 
 not mention it to any one." 
 
 "Thank you," said Mr. Waterbury. "I would 
 rather you did not, as the news might reach 
 my home." 
 
 "Where do you live, sir?" 
 
 " In Marietta. I shall be glad to have you 
 leave the boat there, and stay a day or two 
 with me." 
 
 " Thank you, sir, but I am in a hurry to 
 reach California, on my father's account. I want 
 to send back as soon as possible the money he 
 raised to pay my expenses out." 
 
Tom's trip across the plains. 87 
 
 "That is very commendable; I can enter into 
 your feelings. I should like to show my obliga- 
 tion to you in some way." 
 
 "It is not worth thinking about, sir," said 
 Tom, modestly. 
 
 " Permit me to disagree with you. Why, my 
 young friend, how much money do you think I 
 had with me?" 
 
 "I don't know, sir." 
 
 "Upwards of six hundred dollars." 
 
 As Mr. Waterbury uttered these words, a young 
 man, very dark, with narrow black whiskers, 
 passed them. He darted a quick glance at the 
 speaker, and walked rapidly on. Tom noticed 
 him, but not with attention. 
 
 "That is a good deal of money, sir," he re- 
 marked. 
 
 " It would have been a good deal to lose," 
 said Mr. Waterbury, " and I have no doubt I 
 should have lost it, if it had not been for 
 you." 
 
 "I haven't so much money as you, but 1 came 
 near losing it last night." 
 
88 TRR YttnSG AnVKNTTJRRR; OR. 
 
 " How was that?" asked Tom's new acquaint 
 ance, with curiosity. 
 
 Tom explained the attempt of his room-mat* 
 to rob him. 
 
 " It would have been a serious loss to you, 
 my young friend." 
 
 "It would have broken up all my plans, and 
 I should have had to work my way home, greatly 
 disappointed." 
 
 " You will need to be careful about forming 
 acquaintances. There are exceptions, however. I 
 am a new acquaintance ; but I don't think /OU 
 need fear me." 
 
 " No, sir," said Tom, smiling. 
 
 "While I have received a great service f»~)m 
 you, who are a new acquaintance. But here we 
 are at the steamer." 
 
 The "River Belle" lay at her pier. Tom and 
 his companion went on board. Both secured 
 tickets, and Tom provided himself with a state- 
 room, for he expected to remain on board till 
 they reached Cincinnati. Freight of various kinds 
 was being busily stowed away below. It was a 
 
TOJfS TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. 89 
 
 Dusy and animated scene, and Tom looked on 
 with interest. 
 
 "Have you ever been on a steamboat before?" 
 asked Mr. Waterbury. 
 
 " No, sir. I have never travelled any to speak 
 of before leaving home on this journey, replied 
 Tom." 
 
 "It will be a pleasant variety for you, then, 
 though the scenery is tame. However, some of 
 the river-towns are pretty." 
 
 "I am sure I shall like it, sir." 
 
 " I wish I were going all the way with yon,— 
 I mean as far as Cincinnati," said Mr. Water- 
 bury. 
 
 " I wish you were, sir." 
 
 "I have a great mind to do it," said the 
 gentleman, musingly. " I should have to go very 
 soon on business, at any rate, and I can attend 
 to it now just as well as later." 
 
 " I shall be very glad if you can make it con- 
 venient, sir. We might occupy the same state- 
 room." 
 
 "Are you not afraid that I shall follow the 
 
90 THE YOUNQ ADVENTURER / OS, 
 
 example of your Pittsburg room-mate?" asked 
 Mr. Waterbury, smiling. 
 
 " I have less to lose than you," answered 
 Tom. "Besides, I shall have to have a room- 
 mate, as there are two berths." 
 
 "Precisely, and I might be safer than some. I 
 have a great mind to keep on. I shall see 
 some one on the pier in Marietta by whom I 
 can send word to my family. By the way, I 
 have a son about your age, and a daughter 
 two years younger." 
 
 "Have you, sir?" asked Tom, with interest. 
 
 "I should like you to meet them. Perhaps 
 you may some day." 
 
 "I hope I may," said Tom, politely 
 
 "I am a manufacturer," continued Mr. Water- 
 bury, " and sell my goods chiefly in Pittsburg 
 and Cincinnati. From these places they are for- 
 warded farther east and west." 
 
 " I suppose that's a pretty good business, sir." 
 
 " Sometimes ; but there are intervals of depres- 
 sion. However, I have no right to complain. I 
 began a poor boy, and now I am moderately rich." 
 
Tom's trip across the plains. 91 
 
 "Were you as poor as I am?" inquired Tom, 
 beginning to feel a personal interest in his a>m- 
 panion's career. 
 
 u Quite so, I fancy. At the age of sixteen I 
 couldn't call myself the owner of five dollars. 
 
 "And you" have become rich?" said Tom, feel- 
 ing very much encouraged. 
 
 " Moderately so. I am probably worth fifty 
 thousand dollars, and am just fifty years of 
 age." 
 
 "That seems to me very rich," said Tom. 
 
 " I should have said the same thing at your 
 age. Our views change as we get older. Still, I 
 regard myself as very well off, and, with prudent 
 management, I need not fear reverses." 
 
 " I should think not," said Tom. 
 
 "You don't know how easy it is to lose money, 
 my boy. I am not referring to robbery, but to 
 mismanagement." 
 
 "Your success encourages me, Mr. "Waterbury," 
 said Tom. " I am willing to work hard." 
 
 " I think you will succeed. You look like a 
 boy of good habits. Energy, industry, and good 
 
92 tbb young adventurer; or, 
 
 habits can accomplish wonders. But I think we 
 are, on the point of starting." 
 
 Just before the gang plank was drawn in, two 
 persons hastily crossed it. 
 
 One was the dark young man who had passed 
 them on the way down to the boat; the other 
 was Milton Graham. 
 
 " Mr. Waterbury," said Tom, hurriedly, " do 
 you see that man?" 
 
 " Yes." 
 
 " He is the man that tried to rob me.' 
 
 "We must be on our guard, then. He may 
 be up to more mischief." 
 
TOM'S TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. 9S 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 ON THE STEAMER. 
 
 In half an hour the "River Belle" was on her 
 way. Tom watched the city as it receded from 
 view. He enjoyed this new mode of travel better 
 than riding on the cars. He had never before 
 been on any boat except a ferry-boat, and con- 
 gratulated himself on his decision to journey by 
 boat part of the way. 
 
 Milton Graham had passed him two or three 
 times, but Tom, though seeing him, had not vol- 
 unteered recognition. Finding that he must make 
 the first advances, Graham finally stopped short, 
 looked full at our hero, and his face wore a very 
 natural expression of surprise and pleasure. 
 
 "Why, Tom, is that you?" he said, offering 
 his hand, which Tom did not appear to see. 
 
 "Yes," said our hero, coldly. 
 
 " I didn't expect to see you here." 
 
94 THE YOUNG ADVENTURER; OH, 
 
 "I told you I intended to sail on the 'River 
 Belle.'" 
 
 " So you did ; but I thought you had changed 
 your mind." 
 
 It made very little difference to Tom what Mr. 
 Graham thought, and he turned from him to watch 
 the scenery past which the boat was gliding. 
 
 "I suppose," continued the young man, "you 
 were surprised to find me gone, when you came 
 downstairs to breakfast." 
 
 "Yes, I was." 
 
 "He resents it because I left him," thought 
 Graham. "I guess I can bring him round." 
 
 " The fact was," explained Graham, in a plausible 
 manner, " I went out to call on a friend, mean- 
 ing to come back to breakfast ; but he made me 
 breakfast with him, and when I did return you 
 were gone. I owe you an apology, Tom. I hope 
 you will excuse my unintentional neglect." 
 
 "Oh, certainly," said Tom, indifferently; "it's 
 of no consequence." 
 
 Mr. Graham looked at him sharply. He could not 
 tell whether our hero was aware of hia dishonest 
 
TOM'S TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. 95 
 
 intentions or not, but as Tom must still have 
 money, which he wanted to secure, he thought it 
 best to ignore his coldness. 
 
 "No," said he; "it's of no consequence as long 
 as we have come together again. By the way, 
 have you secured a state-room ? " 
 
 "Yes." 
 
 "If the other berth is not taken, I should like 
 very much to go in with you," said Graham, 
 insinuating^. 
 
 "I have a room-mate," said Tom, coolly. 
 
 "You have? Who is it?" demanded Graham, 
 disappointed. 
 
 "That gentleman," answered Tom, pointing out 
 Mr. Nicholas Waterbury. 
 
 "Humph! do you know him?" 
 
 "I met him at the P/.tsburg House." 
 
 "My young friend," said Graham, with the air 
 of a friendly mentor, " I want to give you a 
 piece of advice." 
 
 "Very well." 
 
 "Don't be too ready to trust strangers. This 
 Mr. Waterbury may be a very good man, but, on 
 
96 THB YOUNO ADVENTURES ; OS, 
 
 the other hand, he may be a confidence man 
 Do you understand me?" 
 
 "I think so." 
 
 "Now, I suppose you have money?" 
 
 "A little." 
 
 "Take care that he doesn't get possession of 
 it. There are men who go about expressly to 
 fleece inexperienced strangers." 
 
 "I suppose you know all about that," Tom 
 could not help saying. 
 
 "What do you mean?" demanded Graham, 
 suspiciously. 
 
 "You are an old traveller, and must know all 
 about the sharpers." 
 
 44 Oh, to be sure," said Graham, immediately 
 dismissing his suspicions. "You couldn't leave 
 your companion, could you, and come into my 
 state-room ? " 
 
 " I don't think I could." 
 
 " Oh, very well. It's of no consequence. Keep 
 a good lookout for your room-mate." 
 
 Graham turned away, and resumed his walk. 
 Soon Tom saw him in company with the dark 
 
TOlfS TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. 97 
 
 young man, to whom reference has already been 
 
 made. 
 
 " Well," said the latter, " how did you make 
 
 out with the boy?" 
 
 " He's offish. I don't know as he suspects me. 
 
 I wanted to get him into my state-room, but he 
 
 has already taken up with another man, — that 
 
 •tout party over there." 
 
 " So I suspected. I can tell you something 
 
 ibout that man." 
 "What?" 
 
 " He carries six hundred dollars about him." 
 "You don't say so! How did you find out?" 
 " I overheard him telling the boy so." 
 "That's important news. The boy must have 
 
 a couple of hundred, or thereabouts, as he is on 
 
 his way to California." 
 
 "Eight hundred dollars together! That would 
 
 make a good haul." 
 
 "So it would, but it won't be easy to get it." 
 While this conversation was going on Tom 
 
 informed Mr. Waterbury of what had passed 
 
 between Graham and himself. 
 7 
 
98 THE YOUNG ADVENTURER; OR, 
 
 "So he warned you against me, did he?" 
 said Mr. Waterbury, laughing. 
 
 "Yes, he thought I would be safer in his 
 company." 
 
 " If you want to exchange, I will retire," said 
 Mr. Waterbury, smiling. 
 
 " Thank you ; I would rather not. I am glad 
 I met you, or he might have managed to get in 
 with me." 
 
 It was not long before they came to a land- 
 ing. It was a small river village, whose neat 
 white houses, with here and there one of greater 
 pretensions, presented an attractive appearance 
 A lady and her daughter came on board here. 
 The lady was dressed in black, and appeared to 
 be a widow. The girl was perhaps fourteen years 
 of age, with a bright, attractive face. Two 
 trunks were put on the boat with them, and, as 
 they were the only passengers from this landing, 
 Tom inferred that they were their property. 
 
 "That is quite a pretty girl," said Mr. Water- 
 bury. 
 
 " Yes," answered Tom. 
 
TOl/S TEIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. 99 
 
 '* Tlou ought to get acquainted with her," said 
 Mr. Waterbury, jocosely. 
 
 u Perhaps," said Tom, shyly, "you will get 
 acquainted with them, and then you can intro- 
 duce me." 
 
 " You are quite sharp," said Mr. Waterbury, 
 laughing. " However, your hint is a good one. 
 I may act upon it." 
 
 It happened, however, that Tom required no in- 
 troduction. As the lady and her daughter walked 
 across the deck, to occupy some desirable seats 
 on the other side, the former dropped a kid 
 glove, which Tom, espying, hastened forward and, 
 picking up, politely tendered to the owner. 
 
 "You are very kind," said the lady, in a 
 pleasant voice. "I am much obliged." 
 
 "Mamma is quite in the habit of dropping 
 her gloves," said the young girl, with a smiling 
 glance at Tom. " I really think she does it on 
 purpose." 
 
 "Then, perhaps, I had better keep near by to 
 pick them up," said Tom. 
 
 " Really, Jennie," said her mother, " you are 
 
100 THE YOUNG ADVENTURER ,' OR, 
 
 giving the young gentleman a strange impression 
 of me." 
 
 " Well, mamma, you know you dropped your 
 gloves in the street the last time you were in 
 Pittsburg ; but there was no gentleman to pick 
 them up, so I had to. Are you going to Cin- 
 cinnati?" she asked, turning to Tom. 
 
 " Yes, and farther; I am going to California," 
 replied Tom. 
 
 "Dear me, you will be quite a traveller. I 
 wish I were going to California." 
 
 " You wouldn't like to go there on the same 
 business that I am." 
 
 "What is that?" 
 
 "I am going to dig gold." 
 
 " I don't know. I suppose it isn't girls' work ; 
 but if I saw any gold about, I should like to 
 dig for it. Is that your father that was stand- 
 ing by you?" 
 
 "No," answered Tom. "I never met him till 
 yesterday. We were staying at the same hotel 
 in Pittsburg." 
 
 " He seems like quite a nice old gentleman." 
 
Tom's trip across the plains. 101 
 
 Mr. Waterbury was not over fifty, but to the 
 young girl he seemed an old gentleman. 
 
 "I find him very pleasant." 
 
 There was a seat next to Jennie, and Tom 
 ventured to occupy it. 
 
 "What is your name?" asked the young lady, 
 sociably. 
 
 "Thomas Nelson, but most people call me 
 Tom." 
 
 "My name is Jane Watson, but everybody 
 calls me Jennie." 
 
 " That is much prettier than Jane." 
 
 " So I think. Jane seems old-maidish, don't 
 you think so?" 
 
 ' ' Are you afraid of becoming an old maid ? " 
 asked Tom, smiling. 
 
 " Awfully. I wouldn't be an old maid for 
 anything. My school-teacher in an old maid. 
 She's horridly prim. She won't let us laugh, or 
 talk, or anything." 
 
 " I don't think you'll grow up like that." 
 
 "I hope not." 
 
 "How you run on, Jennie!" said her mother 
 
102 THE YOUNQ ADVENTURER ; OJl, 
 
 " What will this young gentleman think of 
 you?" 
 
 " Nothing very bad, I hope," said Jennie, smil* 
 ing archly on Tom. "I suppose," she continued, 
 addressing him, " I ought to be very quiet and 
 reserved, as you are a stranger." 
 
 " I hope you won't be," said Tom, heartily. 
 
 " Then I won't. Somehow you don't seem like 
 a stranger. You look a good deal like a cousin of 
 mine. I suppose that is the reason." 
 
 So they chatted on for an hour or more. Jennie 
 was very vivacious, occasionally droll, and Tom 
 enjoyed her company. The mother saw that our 
 hero was well-behaved and gentlemanly, and made 
 no objection to the sudden intimacy. 
 
TOM'S TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. 108 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 THE FIB8T DAT ON THE RTVEB. 
 
 About half-past twelve dinner was announced. 
 
 " I hope you'll sit next to us, Tom," said Jennie 
 Watson. 
 
 "I will, if I can." 
 
 It happened that Milton Graham entered the 
 saloon at the same time with the new friends. He 
 took the seat next to Jennie, much to that young 
 lady's annoyance. 
 
 " Will you be kind enough to take the next 
 seat?" she asked. "That young gentleman is to 
 sit next to me." 
 
 "1 am sorry to resign the pleasure, but anything 
 to oblige," said Graham. "Tom, I congratulate 
 you," he continued, with a disagreeable smile. 
 
 " Thank you," said our hero, briefly. 
 
 "He calls you Tom. Does he know you?" 
 nquired Jennie, in a low voice. 
 
104 THE YOUNG ADVENTURER / OR, 
 
 " I made his acquaintance yesterday for the flrsf 
 time." 
 
 "I don't like his looks; do you?" 
 
 " Wait till after dinner and I will tell you," said 
 Tom, fearing that Graham would hear. 
 
 Milton Graham saw that Jennie was pretty, 
 and desired to make her acquaintance. 
 
 "Tom," said he, — for he sat on the other side 
 of our hero, — "won't you introduce me to your 
 young lady friend?" 
 
 Tom was not well versed in etiquette, but his 
 good sense told him that he ought to ask Jennie's 
 permission first. 
 
 " If Miss Watson is willing," he said, and asked 
 her the question. 
 
 Jennie was not aware of Graham's real character, 
 and gave permission. She was perhaps a little too 
 ready to make new acquaintances. 
 
 " Do you enjoy this mode of travel, Miss Watson?" 
 said Graham, after the introduction. 
 
 " Oh, yes ; I think it very pleasant." 
 
 " I suppose you wouldn't like the ocean as 
 well. I went to Havana last winter, — on business 
 
TOM'S TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. 105 
 
 for my father, — and had a very rough passage. 
 The steamer pitched and tossed, making us all 
 miserably sea-sick." 
 
 "I shouldn't like that." 
 
 " I don't think you would, but we business 
 men must not regard such things." 
 
 Tom listened to him with incredulity. Only the 
 day before he would have put full confidence in 
 his statement ; but he had learned a lesson, thanks 
 to Graham himself. 
 
 "How far are you going, Miss Watson?" con- 
 tinued Graham. 
 
 " To Cincinnati. My mother and I are going 
 to live there." 
 
 "It is a very pleasant city. I have often been 
 there — on business." 
 
 "What is your business, Mr. Graham?" Tom 
 could not help asking. 
 
 "I see you are a Yankee," said Graham, smiling. 
 " Yankees are very inquisitive, — always asking 
 questions." 
 
 " Are you a Yankee, Mr. Graham?" asked Jennie. 
 " You asked me where I was going." 
 
106 THE YOUNG ADVENTURER / OR, 
 
 11 A fair hit," said Graham. " No, I am not 
 a Yankee. I am a native of New York." 
 
 " And I of New Jersey," said Tom. 
 
 "Oh, you are a foreigner then," said Graham. 
 ' We always call Jerseymen foreigners." 
 
 " It is a stupid joke, I think," said Tom, who 
 was loyal to his native State. 
 
 " You didn't answer Tom's question," said Jennie, 
 who was a very straightforward young lady. 
 
 "Oh, my father is a commission merchant," 
 answered Graham. 
 
 "What does he deal in?" 
 
 " Articles too numerous to mention. Tom, will 
 you pass me the potatoes?" 
 
 Dinner was soon over, and the passengers went 
 upon deck. Graham lit a cigar. 
 
 " Have a cigar, Tom ? " he said. 
 
 " No, thank you; I don't smoke." 
 
 " You'll soon learn. I'll see you again soon." 
 
 "Tom," said Jennie, "tell me about this Mr. 
 Graham. What do you know about him?" 
 
 " I don't like to tell what I know," said Tom, 
 hesitating. 
 
TOM'S TRIP ACROSS TUB PLAINS. 107 
 
 " But I want you to. You introduced me, yon 
 *uow." 
 
 " What I know is not to his advantage. I donl 
 like to talk against a man." 
 
 " You needn't mind telling me." 
 
 On' reflection Tom decided that he ought to 
 tell what he knew, for he felt that Jennie ought 
 to be put on her guard against a man whom he 
 did not consider a suitable acquaintance for her. 
 
 " Very well," said he, " if you promise not to 
 let him know that I have told you." 
 
 " I promise." 
 
 " He was my room-mate last night at the Pitta- 
 burg House," said Tom, in a low voice. " During 
 the night he tried to rob me." 
 
 "You don't say sol" ejaculated Jennie, in round- 
 eyed wonder. 
 
 " I will tell you the particulars." 
 
 This Tom did. Jennie listened with indignation. 
 
 "But I don't understand," she said. "Why 
 should the son of a merchant need to rob a boy 
 like you? He looks as if he had plenty of money." 
 
 " So I thought ; but the hotel-clerk told me tha* 
 
108 THE YOUNQ ADVENTURER; OX, 
 
 sharpers often appeared like this Mr. Graham, if 
 that is his name.** 
 
 "How strange it seems!" said Jennie. "I wish 
 you hadn't introduced me." 
 
 "I didn't want to; but he asked, and at the 
 table I couldn't give my reasons for refusing." 
 
 "My dear child," said her mother, "you are 
 too ready to form new acquaintances. Let this be 
 a lesson for you." 
 
 "But some new acquaintances are nice," pleaded 
 Jennie. "Isn't Tom a new acquaintance?" 
 
 "I will make an exception in his favor," said 
 Mrs. Watson, smiling pleasantly. 
 
 "Thank you," said Tom. "How do you know 
 but I may be a pick-pocket?" he continued, ad- 
 dressing Jennie. 
 
 "As I have only ten cents in my pocket I will 
 trust you," said the young lady, merrily. " I'd 
 trust you with any amount, Tom," she added, 
 impulsively. 
 
 " Thank you, for your good opinion, Miss Jennie." 
 " Don't call me Jfiss Jennie. If you do, I'll 
 call you Mr. Tom." 
 
TOJ/S TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. 109 
 
 " I shouldn't know myself by that title. Then 
 I'll call you Jennie." 
 
 "I wish you were going to live in Cincinnati," 
 said the young lady. "It would be nice to have 
 you come and see us." 
 
 "I should like it; but I mustn't think so much 
 of pleasure as business." 
 
 "Like Mr. Graham." 
 
 " I must work hard at the mines. I suppose 
 I shall look pretty rough when I am there." 
 
 "When you've made your pile, Tom, — that's 
 what the}' call it, isn't it? — you'll come back, won't 
 you?" 
 
 "Yes." 
 
 " You must stop in Cincinnati on your way 
 home." 
 
 "I wouldn't know where to find you." 
 
 "I will give you our address before we part. 
 But that will be some time yet." 
 
 About this time Graham, who had finished 
 smoking his cigar, strolled back. 
 
 "Miss Watson," said he, "don't you feel like 
 having a promenade?" 
 
110 THE YOUNO ADVENTURER; OR, 
 
 "Yes," said Jennie, suddenly. "Tom, come walk 
 with me." 
 
 Our hero readily accepted the invitation, and 
 the two walked up and down the deck. 
 
 "That's what I call a snub," said Graham's 
 friend, the dark-complexioned young man, who was 
 within hearing. 
 
 Graham's face was dark with anger. 
 
 "Curse her impudence, and his too!" he mut- 
 tered. " 1 should like to wring the bo3 r 's neck." 
 
 " He can't help it, if the girl prefers his com 
 pany," said the other, rather enjoying Graham's 
 mortification. 
 
 "I'll punish him all the same." 
 
 By this time Tom and Jennia were near him 
 again, on their return. 
 
 " You don't treat me with much ceremony, Miss 
 Watson," said Graham, with an evil smile. 
 
 " My mother doesn't like me to make too many 
 acquaintances," said Jennie, demurely. 
 
 "She is very prudent," sneered Graham. "You 
 have known your present companion quite a long 
 time " 
 
TOM'S TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. Ill 
 
 "I hope to know him a long time," said the 
 young lady, promptly. " Let us continue our walk, 
 Tom." 
 
 In discomfiture which he was unable to hide, 
 Graham walked away. 
 
 " Evidently, Graham, you are no match for 
 those two ) r oungsters," said his friend, in amuse- 
 ment, which Graham did not share. 
 
 Graham did not reply, but seemed moody and 
 preoccupied. 
 
 Tom and his companion noticed Graham's dis- 
 pleasure, but they felt indifferent to it. They had 
 no desire to continue his acquaintance. Our hero 
 introduced Mr. Waterbury to his new friends, and 
 this gentleman, who was a thorough gentleman 
 except on the rare occasion when he yielded to 
 the temptation of strong drink, made a favorable 
 impression upon both. 
 
 So the day passed. Tom enjoyed it thoroughly. 
 The river banks afforded a continuous panorama, 
 while the frequent stops gave him an opportunity 
 of observing the different towns in detail. Two 
 or three times he went ashore, accompanied by 
 
112 THE YOUNG ADVENTURER; OB, 
 
 Jennie, and remained till the steamer was ready 
 to start. 
 
 Finally night came, and one by one the weary 
 passengers retired to rest. 
 
 "Good-night, Tom" said Jennie Watson. "Ba 
 up early in the morning." 
 
 "So as to get an appetite for breakfast?" asked 
 Tom, with a smile. 
 
 " I think we shall both have appetite enough ; 
 but it will be pleasant to breathe the fresh morn- 
 ing air." 
 
 Tom promised to get up, if he wakened in time. 
 
 "If you don't mind, I will occupy the lower 
 berth," said Mr. Waterbury. "I can't climb as 
 well as you." 
 
 " All right, sir. It makes no difference to me." 
 
tojWs trip across the plains. 118 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 NO. 61 AND NO. 62. 
 
 The state-room was small, as most state-rooms 
 on river-boats are. There appeared to be no means 
 of ventilation. Mr. Waterbury was a stout man, 
 and inclined to be short-breathed. After an hour 
 he rose and opened the door, so as to leave it 
 slightly ajar. With the relief thus afforded he 
 was able to go to sleep, and sleep soundly. Tom 
 was already asleep, and knew nothing of what had 
 happened. 
 
 The number of the state-room was 61. Di- 
 rectly opposite was 62, occupied by Milton Gra- 
 ham and bis companion. 
 
 If Graham did not go to sleep it was because 
 his brain was busily scheming how to obtain pos- 
 session of the money belonging to his neighbors. 
 
 "Won't your key fit?" asked Vincent, for this 
 was the name of the dark-complexioned young man. 
 
114 THE YOUNQ ADVENTURER; OR, 
 
 "No use, even if it does. Of course they will 
 lock it inside, and probably leave the key in the 
 lock." 
 
 About midnight, Graham, who had not fully 
 undressed, having merely taken off his coat, got 
 up, and, opening the door, peered out. To his 
 surprise and joy he saw that the door of No. 
 61 was ajar. He at first thought of rousing Vin- 
 cent, who was asleep ; but a selfish thought sug- 
 gested itself. If he did this, he must share with 
 Vincent anything he might succeed in stealing ; 
 if not, he could keep it all himself. 
 
 He left his state-room silently, and looked cau- 
 tiously around him. No one seemed to be stirring 
 in the cabin. Next he stepped across, and, 
 opening wider the door of 61, looked in. The 
 two inmates were, to all appearances, sleeping 
 soundly. 
 
 " So far, so good," he said to himself. 
 
 He stepped in, moderating even his breathing, 
 and took up a pair of pants which lay on a chair. 
 They belonged to Mr. Waterbury, for Tom had 
 merely taken off his coat, and lain down as he 
 
TOM'S TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. 115 
 
 ^as. His belt of gold he therefore found it unnec- 
 essary to take off. 
 
 Graham saw at once, from the size of the pants, 
 that they must belong to the elder passenger. 
 This suited him, however, as he knew from Vin- 
 cent's information that Mr. Waterbury had six 
 hundred dollars, and Tom could not be supposed 
 to have anything like this sum. He felt eagerly 
 in the pockets, and to his great joy his hand 
 came in contact with a pocket-book. He drew 
 it out without ceremony. It was a comfortable-look- 
 ing wallet, fairly bulging with bills. 
 
 " He's g<>„ all his money inside," thought Gra- 
 ham, delighted. " What a fool he must be 
 to leave it so exposed, — with his door open, 
 too!" 
 
 At this moment Graham heard a stir in the 
 lower berth. There was no time to wait. He 
 glided out of the room, and reentered his own 
 state-room. Immediately after his departure Mr. 
 Waterbury, who had awakened in time to catch 
 sight of his receding figure, rose in his berth, 
 and drew towards him the garment which Graham 
 
lit) THE YOUNQ ADVENTURER; OS, 
 
 had rifled. He felt in the pocket, and discovered 
 that the wallet had been taken. 
 
 Instead of making a fuss, he smiled quietly, 
 and said, " Just as I expected." 
 
 " I wonder if they have robbed Tom, too," he 
 said to himself. 
 
 He rose, closed the door, and then shook Tom 
 with sufficient energy to awaken him. 
 
 "Who's there?]" asked Tom, in some bewilder- 
 ment, as he opened his eyes. 
 
 "It's I, —Mr. Waterbury." 
 
 "Is it morning? Have we arrived?" 
 
 "No, it is about midnight." 
 
 "Is there anything the matter?" 
 
 " I want you to see if you have been robbed." 
 
 Tom was broad awake in an instant. 
 
 " Robbed ! " he exclaimed, in alarm. He felt for 
 his belt and was relieved. 
 
 "No," he answered. " What makes you ask?" 
 
 " Because I have had a wallet taken. It makes 
 me laugh when I think of it." 
 
 " Makes } r ou laugh ! " repeated Tom, under the 
 transient impression that his companion was insane. 
 
TOM'S TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. 117 
 
 " Why should you laugh at the loss of your 
 money ? " 
 
 " I saw the thief sneak out of the state-room," 
 continued Mr. Waterbury ; " but I didn't interfere 
 with him." 
 
 " You didn't ! " said Tom, completely mystified. 
 "I would. Did 3'ou see who it was?" 
 
 "Yes; it was your friend and late room- 
 mate." 
 
 "Mr. Graham?" 
 
 "As he calls himself. I don't suppose he has 
 any rightful claim to the name." 
 
 "Surely, Mr. Waterbury, you are not going 
 to let him keep the money," said Tom, ener- 
 getically ; " I'll go with you, and make him give 
 it up. Where is his state-room?" 
 
 "Just opposite, —No. 62." 
 
 " We had better go at once," said Tom sit- 
 ting up in his berth. 
 
 "Oh, no; he's welcome to all there is in the 
 pocket-book." 
 
 "Wasn't there anything in it?" 
 
 "It was stuffed full." 
 
118 THE YOUNG ADVENTURER', OJt, 
 
 Tom was more than ever convinced that hia 
 room-mate was crazy. He had heard that mis- 
 fortune sometimes affected a man's mind ; and 
 he was inclined to think that here was a case 
 in point. 
 
 "You'll get it back," said he, soothingty. 
 " Graham can't get off the boat. We will re- 
 port the matter to the captain." 
 
 " I don't care whether I get it back or not," 
 said Mr. Water bury. 
 
 Tom looked so confused and bewildered that 
 his companion felt called upon to end the mysti- 
 fication. 
 
 "I know what is in your mind," he said, 
 smiling. "You think I am crazy." 
 
 " I don't understand how you can take your 
 loss so coolly, sir." 
 
 "Then I will explain. That wallet was a 
 dummy." 
 
 "A what, sir?" 
 
 "A sham — a pretence. My pocket-book and 
 money are safe under my pillow. The wallet 
 taken by your friend was filled with imitation 
 
TOM'S TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. 119 
 
 greenbacks ; in reality, business circulars of a firm 
 In Marietta." 
 
 Tom saw it all now. 
 
 "It's a capital joke," he said, laughing. u Fd 
 Kke to see how Graham looks when he discovers 
 the value of his prize." 
 
 " He will look green, and feel greener, I sus- 
 pect," chuckled Mr. Waterbury. " You are cer- 
 tain you have lost nothing, Tom?" 
 
 " Perfectly certain, sir." 
 
 " Then we won't trouble ourselves about what 
 has happened. I fancy, however, it will be best 
 to keep our own door locked for the remainder 
 of the night, even at the risk of suffocation." 
 
 " That's a capital trick of yours, Mr. Water- 
 bury," said Tom, admiringly. 
 
 "It has more than once saved me from rob- 
 bery. I have occasion to travel considerably, and 
 so am more or less exposed." 
 
 " I wonder if Graham will discover the cheat 
 before morning." 
 
 '* I doubt it. The state-rooms are dark, and 
 the imitation is so good that on casual inspec- 
 
120 THE YOUNG ADVENTURER; OR, 
 
 tion the strips of paper will appear to be genuine 
 greenbacks." 
 
 Mr. Waterhury retired to his berth, and was 
 soon asleep again. Tom, as he lay awake, from 
 time to time laughed to himself, as he thought 
 of Graham's coming disappointment, and con- 
 gratulated himself that he and that young man 
 were no longer room-mates. 
 
 When Graham returned to his state-room Vin- 
 cent, who was a light sleeper, was aroused by the 
 slight noise he made. 
 
 "Are you up, Graham?" he asked. 
 
 " Yes ; 1 got up a minute." 
 
 " Have you been out of the state-room ? " 
 
 " Yes." 
 
 "What for?" 
 
 " To get a glass of water." 
 
 There was a vessel of water in the cabin, and 
 this seemed plausible enough. 
 
 "Any chance of doing anything to-night?" 
 
 "No, I think not." 
 
 Vincent sank back on his pillow, and Graham 
 got back into his own berth. Quietly he drew 
 
TOM'S TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. 121 
 
 the wallet from his pocket, in which he had 
 placed it, and eagerly opened it. The huge roll 
 of bills was a pleasant and welcome sight. 
 
 " There's all of six hundred dollars here ! " he 
 said to himself. " I mustn't let Vincent know 
 that I have them." 
 
 It occurred to Graham that, of course, Mr. 
 Waterbury would proclaim his loss in the morn- 
 ing, and it also occurred to him that he might be 
 able to fasten suspicion upon Tom, who, as his 
 room-mate, would naturally have the best chance 
 to commit the robbery. One thing might crimi- 
 nate him, — the discovery of the wallet upon his 
 person. He therefore waited till Vincent was 
 once more asleep, and, getting up softly, made his 
 way to the deck. He drew the bills from the 
 wallet, put them in an inside pocket, and threw 
 the wallet into the river. 
 
 " Now I'm safe," he muttered, with a sigh of 
 relief. "The money may be found on me, but 
 no one can prove it is not my own." 
 
 He gained his berth without again awakening 
 his companion. 
 
122 the younq adventurer; or, 
 
 " A pretty good night's work ! " he said to 
 himself, in quiet exultation. " Alone I have 
 succeeded, while Vincent lies in stupid sleep. 
 He is no match for me, much as he thinks of 
 himself. I have stolen a march upon him this 
 time." 
 
 It is not in accordance with our ideas of the 
 fitness of things that a man who has committed 
 a midnight robbery should be able to sleep 
 tranquilly for the balance of the night ; but it is 
 at any rate certain that Graham slept soundly 
 till his room-mate awakened him in the morning. 
 
 " Rouse up, Graham," he said. " Breakfast is 
 nearly ready." 
 
 44 Is it?" asked Graham. 
 
 44 Instead of sleeping there, you ought to be 
 thinking how we can make a forced loan from 
 our acquaintances in 61." 
 
 44 To be sure," said Graham, smiling. "1 am 
 rather stupid about such things. Have you any 
 plan to suggest?" 
 
 44 You seem very indifferent all at once," said 
 Vincent. 
 
TOM'S TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. 123 
 
 " Not at all. If you think of anything prac- 
 tical I am your man." 
 
 He longed to get rid of Vincent, m order to 
 have an opportunity of counting his roll of bilk 
 
124 the touno adventurer: or. 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 graham's disappointment. 
 
 Milton Graham, on reaching a place where he 
 could do so unobserved, drew from his pocket 
 the roll of bills, with a smile of exultation. But 
 the smile faded, and was succeeded by a look 
 of dismay, when he recognized the worthlessness 
 of his booty. An oath rose to his lips, and he 
 thrust the roll back into his pocket, as he no- 
 ticed the approach of a passenger. 
 
 " It's a cursed imposition ! " he muttered to 
 himself, and he really felt that he had been 
 wronged by Mr. Waterbury. 
 
 "What are } r ou doing out here, Graham?" 
 asked Vincent, for it was Lis confederate who 
 approached. 
 
 "Nothing in particular. Why?" responded Gra- 
 ham. 
 
 "What makes you look so glum?" 
 
TOM'S TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. 125 
 
 "Do I look glum?" 
 
 " You look as if you had but one friend in 
 the world, and were about to lose bim." 
 
 "That may be true enough," muttered Graham. 
 
 " Come, man, don't look so downcast." 
 
 " I'm out of luck, and out of cash, Vincent." 
 
 "We're both in the same boat, as far as 
 that goes ; but that isn't going to last. How 
 about our stout friend? Can't we make him con- 
 tribute to our necessities?" 
 
 " I don't believe he's got any money." 
 
 "No? Why, I heard him tell the boy he had 
 six hundred dollars." 
 
 "Where does he keep it?" 
 
 "In his pocket-book probably." 
 
 " Wiil you oblige me by stating how we are 
 going to get hold of it ? " 
 
 " I look to you for that." 
 
 " He's too careful. I leave you to try your 
 hand." 
 
 " Let me go in to breakfast. There's nothing 
 like a full stomach to suggest ideas." 
 
 So the two went to the breakfast-table, and 
 
126 THE YOUNG ADVENTURER / OR, 
 
 Graham, in spite of his disappointment, managed 
 to eat a hearty meal. 
 
 An hour later Mr. Waterbury and Tom were 
 standing on deck, conversing with Jennie Watson 
 and her mother, when Graham and Vincent ap- 
 proached arm in arm. As soon as they were 
 within hearing distance Mr. Waterbury purposely 
 remarked, " By the way, Mrs. Watson, I met 
 with a loss last night." 
 
 "Indeed!" returned the lady. 
 
 Graham was about to push on, not wishing 
 Vincent to hear the disclosure, as it might 
 awaken his suspicions ; but the tatter's curiosity 
 was aroused. 
 
 " Wait, Graham," he said ; and Graham, against 
 his will, was compelled to slacken his pace. 
 
 "A man entered my state-room during the 
 night, and stole a wallet from my coat- pocket." 
 
 Graham changed color a little, and Vincent 
 seemed amazed. 
 
 "Did you hear that, Graham?" he asked. 
 
 " Yes." 
 
 "What does it mean?" 
 
TOM'S TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. 127 
 
 "How can I tell?" 
 
 "I hope you did not lose much," said Mrs. 
 Watson, in a tone of sympathy. 
 
 " I lost the wallet," said Mr. Waterbury, 
 laughing. 
 
 " Was there nothing in it?" 
 
 "It was full of bills." 
 
 Vincent looked at Graham with new-born sus- 
 picion, but Graham looked indifferent. 
 
 "It appears to me that you take tb« loss 
 cheerfully," said Mrs. Watson, puzzled. 
 
 " I have reason to. The fact is, I was prepared 
 for the visit, and had filled the wallet with bo- 
 gus bills. I fancy they won't do my visitor 
 much good." 
 
 The lady smiled. 
 
 "You were fortunate, Mr. Waterbury," said she* 
 " Do you suspect any one of the theft?" 
 
 "I know pretty well who robbed me," re- 
 turned Mr. Waterbury, and he suffered his 
 glance to rest on Graham, who seemed in a 
 hurry to get away. 
 
 " Come along, Vincent," he said sharply. 
 
128 THE TOUNQ ADVENTURER ; OR, 
 
 Vincent obeyed. Light dawned upon him, and 
 he determined to verify his suspicions. 
 
 •' Graham," said he, in a low voice, " you 
 .did this" 
 
 " Did what?" 
 
 "You got that wallet." 
 
 Graham concluded that he might as well make a 
 clean breast of it, since it had become a matter of 
 necessity. 
 
 "Well," said he, "suppose I did?" 
 
 " You were not going to let me know of it," 
 said Vincent, suspiciously. 
 
 " That is true. I was ashamed of having been 
 Imposed upon." 
 
 " When did you find out that the money was 
 bogus?" 
 
 " Immediately." 
 
 "If it had been good, would you have shared 
 with me honorably?" 
 
 "Of course. What do you take me for?" 
 
 Vincent was silent. He did not believe his com- 
 panion. He suspected that the latter had intended 
 to steal a march on him. 
 
tom's tuip across the plains. 129 
 
 u You might have told me of it," he continued, in 
 a tone of dissatisfaction. 
 
 "There was no need to say anything, as there 
 was nothing to divide." 
 
 "Have you got the wallet with you now?" 
 
 " No ; I threw it overboard." 
 
 "And the bills?" 
 
 " You may have them all, if you like." 
 
 " Come into the state-room, where we can be 
 unobserved, and show them to me." 
 
 Graham complied with his suggestion. 
 
 "It would have been a good haul if they had 
 been genuine," said Vincent, as he unfolded the 
 roll. 
 
 " Yes, but they are not ; worse luck I " 
 
 "I didn't give the old fellow credit for being 
 so sharp." 
 
 " Nor I. There's more iu him than I suppoeed 
 there was." 
 
 "Well, what is to be done?" 
 
 "Nothing. The old man is on his guard, and, 
 besides, he suspects me. He was probably awake 
 when I entered the state-room. He and the boy 
 
130 THE YOUNG ADVENTURER; OR, 
 
 have probably laughed over it together. I hate 
 that boy." 
 
 "Why?" 
 
 " Because he is a green country -boy, and yet he 
 has succeeded in thwarting me. I am ashamed 
 whenever I think of it." 
 
 " Would you like to play a trick on him in turn? " 
 
 "Yes." 
 
 "Then give me this roll of bills." 
 
 "What do you want to do with them?" 
 
 "Put them in his pocket." 
 
 "Can you do it unobserved?" 
 
 " Yes. The fact is, Graham, I served an 
 apprenticeship as a pick-pocket, and flatter myself 
 I still have some dexterity in that line." 
 
 "Very well, it will be some satisfaction, and if 
 the old man didn't see me enter the state-room, 
 he may be brought to believe that the boy 
 robbed him. If that could be, I should feel partly 
 compensated for my disappointment. I should like 
 to get that boy into trouble." 
 
 "Consider it done, so far as I am concerned. 
 Now let us separate, so as to avoid suspicion." 
 
Tom's trip across the plains. }Z\ 
 
 Vincent began to pace the deck in a leisurely 
 manner, in each case passing near Tom, who was 
 •till engaged in conversation with Jennie Watson 
 and her mother. For a time he was unable to 
 effect his purpose, as our hero was sitting down. 
 But after a while Tom rose, and stood with his 
 back to Vincent. He wore a sack coat, with 
 side pockets. This was favorable to Vincent, 
 who, as he passed, adroitly slipped the bills into 
 one of them, without attracting the attention of 
 our hero. 
 
 Presently Tom thrust his hand into his pocket 
 mechanically. They encountered the bills. In 
 surprise he drew them out, and looked at them 
 in amazement. 
 
 "What's that, Tom?" asked Jennie, with great 
 curiosity. 
 
 "It looks like money," answered Tom, not 
 yet understanding what had happened. 
 
 " You seem to be rich." 
 
 "By gracious! — it's Mr. Waterbury's money," 
 exclaimed Tom. Then he colored, as it flashed 
 upon him that its presence in his pocket might 
 
132 THE YOUNQ ADVEXTURER; ORy 
 
 arouse suspicion. "I don't see how it got there,' 
 he continued, in a bewildered way. 
 
 Just then Mr. Watcrbury came up, an<i was made 
 acquainted with the discovery. 
 
 " I don't know what you'll think, Mr. Water- 
 bury," said Tom, coloring; "I haven't the slightest 
 idea how the money came in my pocket." 
 
 "I have," said Mr. Waterbury, quietly. 
 
 Tom looked at him, to discover whether he was 
 under suspicion. 
 
 " The companion of your friend Graham slipped 
 it into your pocket. He was very quick and adroit, 
 but I detected him. He wanted to throw suspicion 
 upon you." 
 
 "It is lucky you saw him, sir." 
 
 "Why?" 
 
 " You might have suspected me." 
 
 " My dear boy, don't trouble yourself about that. 
 No circumstantial evidence will shake my confidence 
 in your integrity." 
 
 " Thank you, sir," said Tom, gratefully. 
 
 " What a wicked man to play such a trick on 
 you, Tom ! " exclaimed Jennie, indignantly. 
 
TOM'S TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. 133 
 
 " I see there is somebody else who has confi- 
 dence in you, Tom," said Mr. Waterbury, smiling , 
 "I'd like to give him a piece of my mind." 
 
 "I am ready to forgive him," said Mr. Water- 
 bury, "as he hag restored the money. It will 
 do as a bait for the next thief. 1 * 
 
134 THE YOUKQ ADVENTURER', OX, 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 COMEKO TO AN UNDERSTANDING. 
 
 " I believe, Tom," said Mr. Waterbury, " that 
 I will come to an understanding with these officious 
 acquaintances of yours. I will intimate to them 
 that their persecution must cease." 
 
 "Will they mind what you say, sir?" 
 
 " I think they will," answered his friend, quietly. 
 
 Graham and Vincent were standing together, 
 and apart from the rest of the passengers, when 
 Mr. Waterbury approached them. 
 
 " A word with you, gentlemen," said he, gravely. 
 
 "I don't know you, sir," blustered Vincent. 
 
 " Perhaps not. Permit me to remark that I 
 have no special desire for your acquaintance." 
 
 "Then why do you take the liberty of address- 
 ing me?" 
 
 "I rather admire the fellow's impudence," said 
 Mr. Waterbury to himself. 
 
TOlfs TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. 185 
 
 1 Aje you associated with this gentleman?" he 
 asked, indicating Graham. 
 
 • v We are friends." 
 
 " flien I will address an inquiry to him. I 
 anu not in the habit of receiving calls in aay 
 state-room during the hours of sleep." 
 
 11 1 don't understand you, sir," said Milton 
 Graham, with hauteur. 
 
 "Oh, yes, you do, unless your memory is singu- 
 larly defective. Our state-rooms are close together. 
 You entered mine last night." 
 
 " You must have been dreaming." 
 
 " If so, I was dreaming with my eyes open. 
 Perhaps it was in my dreams that I saw you 
 extract a wallet from my coat-pocket." 
 
 "Do you mean to insult me, sir?" demanded 
 Graham. 
 
 " Really, sir, your remarks are rather extraor- 
 dinary," chimed in Vincent. 
 
 "Do you mean to say that I robbed you?" 
 demanded Graham, confident in the knowledge 
 that the booty was not on his person. 
 
 " I find a wallet missing. That speaks for itself." 
 
136 the young adventurer; or, 
 
 " Let me suggest that your room-mate probably 
 took it," said Vincent. 
 
 " Extremely probable," said Graham. " He 
 roomed with me in Pittsburg, and I caught him 
 at my pockets during the night." 
 
 " Did you ever hear the fable of the wolf and 
 the lamb, Mr. Graham?" asked Mr. Waterbury. 
 
 "Can't say I have." 
 
 " It's of no consequence. I am reminded of 
 it, however." 
 
 " Come to think of it," said Vincent, " I saw 
 the boy with a roll of bills. You had better 
 search him. If he is innocent, he can't object." 
 
 "I see your drift," returned Mr. Waterbury, 
 after a pause. "I saw you thrust the bills into 
 his pocket, as he stood with his back turned, 
 conversing with one of the passengers. It was 
 very skilfully done but I saw it." 
 
 Vincent started for he had supposed himself 
 unobserved. 
 
 " I see yop & determined to insult us," he 
 said " I '-'111 charitably conclude that you are 
 drunk." 
 
toaSs trip across the plains. 137 
 
 "I can't be so charitable with you, sir. I 
 believe you are a pair of precious scoundrels, 
 who, if you had your deserts, would be in the 
 penitentiary instead of at large." 
 
 "I have a mind to knock j-ou down," said 
 Vincent, angrily. 
 
 As Vincent was several inches shorter and much 
 slighter than the person whom he threatened, this 
 menace sounded rather ridiculous. 
 
 "You are at liberty to try it," said the latter, 
 smiling. " First, however, let me warn you that, 
 if you continue to annoy us, it will be at your 
 peril. If you remain quiet I shall leave you alone. 
 Otherwise I will make known your true character 
 to the captain and passengers, and you will 
 undoubtedly be set ashore when we reach the 
 next landing. I have the honor to wish you good- 
 morning." 
 
 "It strikes me, Graham," said Vincent, as Mr. 
 Waterbury left them, "that we have tackled the 
 fn"ong passenger." 
 
 " I believe you are right," said Graham. " Just 
 my luck." 
 
188 THE YOUNQ ADVENTURER; OR, 
 
 " There isn't much use in staying on the boat. 
 He will keep a good lookout for us." 
 
 " True ; but I don't want to give up the boy." 
 
 ** He is under the guardianship of this deter- 
 mined old party." 
 
 ** They will separate at Cincinnati." 
 
 "Well?" 
 
 " He has money enough to take him to Call 
 fornia. He is worth following up." 
 
 " Then you are in favor of going on to Cin 
 cinnati ? " 
 
 "By all means." 
 
 " Very well. There are always chances of mak- 
 ing an honest penny in a large city." 
 
 "Money or no money, I want to get even with 
 the boy." 
 
 So the worthy pair decided to go on to 
 Cincinnati. 
 
T0X?3 TRIP ACROSS THE PLAIN'S. 139 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 THE ALLEGHANY HOUSK. 
 
 It was a bright, sunny morning when the 
 "River Belle" touched her pier at Cincinnati. 
 The passengers gathered on deck, and discussed 
 their plans. In one group were Tom, Mr. Water- 
 bury, Jennie Watson, and her mother. 
 
 " I am sorry you are going to leave us, Tom,** 
 said Jennie ; " I shall feel awfully lonely." 
 
 "So shall I," said Tom. 
 
 " What's the use of going to that hateful 
 California ? Why can't you stay here with us ? " 
 
 " Business before pleasure, Jennie," said her 
 mother. " You mustn't forget that Tom has his 
 fortune to make." 
 
 " I wish he could make it in Cincinnati, 
 mother." 
 
 "So do I; but I must admit that California 
 presents a better prospect just at present. You 
 
140 THE TOVNQ ADVENTURER', OS, 
 
 are both young, and I hope we may meet Tom 
 in after years." 
 
 "When I have made my pile," suggested 
 Tom. 
 
 "Precisely." 
 
 "You won't go right on, Tom, will you?" 
 asked Jennie. " You'll stay here a day or two." 
 
 "Yes; I should like to see something of Cin- 
 cinnati." 
 
 "And you'll call on us ? " 
 
 " I shall be very happy to do so. Where are 
 you going to stay?" 
 
 " At the Burnet House. Won't you come 
 there too ? " 
 
 "Is it a high-priced hotel?" 
 
 " I believe it is." 
 
 " Then I cannot afford to stay there ; but I 
 can call on you all the same." 
 
 " Stay there as my guest, Tom," said Mr. Water- 
 bury, cordially. " It shall not cost you any- 
 thing." 
 
 " Thank you, sir. You are very kind ; but I 
 don't like to accept unnecessary favors. I will 
 
TOifS TRIP ACROSS THE PLAIJTS. 141 
 
 put up at some cheap hotel, and call upon you 
 both." 
 
 " You would be heartily welcome, my boy,** 
 said Mr. Waterbury. 
 
 "I don't doubt it, sir, and the time may come 
 when I will gladly accept your kindness," replied 
 Tom. 
 
 " But now you mean to have your own way ; 
 is that it, Tom?" 
 
 "You won't be offended, sir?" 
 
 " On the contrary, I respect you for your manly 
 independence. You won't forget that I am 
 your friend ? " 
 
 "I don't want to forget that, sir." 
 
 So it happened that while Mrs. Watson, Jen- 
 nie, and Mr. Waterbury registered at the Bur- 
 net House, Tom, carpet-bag in hand, walked 
 through the streets till he came to a plain inn, 
 bearing the name Alleghany House. It is not 
 now in existence, having given way to an im- 
 posing business block. 
 
 " That looks as if it might suit my purse," 
 thought Tom. 
 
142 TUB younq adventurer; or, 
 
 He walked in, and, approaching the desk, In- 
 quired, "How much do you charge at this 
 hotel?" 
 
 " A dollar a day," answered the clerk. "Will 
 you have a room?" 
 
 " Yes, sir." 
 
 11 Please register your name." Tom did so. 
 
 " Cato," called the clerk, — summoning a colored 
 boy, about Tom's size, — " take this young man 
 to No. 18." 
 
 " All right, sar," said Cato, showing his ivo- 
 ries. 
 
 "When do you have dinner?" asked Tom. 
 
 "One o'clock." 
 
 Preceded by Cato, Tom walked upstairs, and 
 was ushered into a small, dingy room on the 
 second floor. There was a single window, look- 
 ing through dingy panes upon a backyard. 
 There was a general air of cheerlessness and dis- 
 comfort, but at any rate it was larger than the 
 state-room on the " River Belle. " 
 
 "Is this the best room you have?" asked 
 Tom, not very favorabh impressed. 
 
TOlfS TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. 143 
 
 u 0h, no, sar," answered Cato. "If your wife 
 was with you, sar, we'd give you a scrumptious 
 room, 'bout twice as big." 
 
 "I didn't bring my wife along, Cato," said 
 Tom, amused. "Are you married?" 
 
 "Not yet, sar," answered his colored guide, 
 with a grin. 
 
 " I think we can wait till we are a little 
 older." 
 
 " Reckon so, sar." 
 
 "Just bring up a little water, Cato. I feel 
 in need of washing." 
 
 " Dirt don't show on me," said Cato, with a 
 guffaw. 
 
 " I suppose you do wash, now and then, don't 
 
 you?" 
 
 "Yes, sar, sometimes," answered Cato, equivo- 
 cally. 
 
 When Tom had completed his toilet he found 
 that it was but ten o'clock. He accordingly 
 went downstairs, intending to see a little of 
 the city before dinner. 
 
144 THB YOUNG ADVENTURER; OH, 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 THE EVBKTS OF A MORNING. 
 
 Graham and Vincent had kept quiet during 
 the latter part of the voyage. They had a 
 wholesome fear of Mr. "Waterbury, and kept 
 aloof from him and Tom. They even exchanged 
 their state-room for one at a different part of 
 the boat. All was satisfactory to Tom and hia 
 companion. 
 
 When the worthy pair reached Cincinnati they 
 were hard up. Their united funds amounted to 
 but seven dollars, and it seemed quite necessary 
 that they should find the means of replenishing 
 their purses somewhere. They managed to ascertain 
 that Tom and his friend were going to separate, and 
 this afforded them satisfaction, since it made their 
 designs upon our hero more feasible. At a distance 
 they followed Tom to the Alleghany House, and 
 themselves took lodgings at a small, cheap tavern 
 
 
Tom's trip across the plains. 145 
 
 near by. Like Tom, they set out soon after their 
 arrival in quest of adventure. 
 
 "We must strike a vein soon, Graham," said 
 Vincent, " or we shall be in a tight place." 
 
 " That's so," answered Graham. 
 
 " Thus far our trip hasn't paid very well. It's 
 been all outgo and no income." 
 
 "You're right, partner; but don't give up the 
 ship," responded Graham, whose spirits returned, 
 now that he was on dry land. "I've been in the 
 same straits about once a month for the last five 
 years." 
 
 "I've known you for three years, Graham, and, 
 so far as my knowledge extends, I can attest the 
 truth of what you say. By the way, you never 
 say anything of your life before that date." 
 
 A shadow passed over Graham's face. 
 
 "Because I don't care to think of it; I never 
 talk of it," he said. 
 
 "Pshaw, man, we all of us have some ugly 
 secrets. Suppose we confide in each other. Tell 
 me your story, and I will tell you mine. It won't 
 change my opinion of you." 
 10 
 
146 THE YOUNG ADVENTURER ; OR, 
 
 "Probably not," said Graham. "Well, there is 
 no use in holding back. For this once I will go 
 back to the past. Five years ago I was a favorite 
 in society. One day an acquaintance introduced 
 me into a gambling-house, and I tried my hand 
 successfully. I went out with fifty dollars more 
 than I brought in. It was an unlucky success, for 
 it made me a frequent visitor. All my surplus 
 cash found a market there, and when that w&a 
 exhausted I borrowed from my employer." 
 
 "Without his knowledge?" 
 
 " Of course. For six months I evaded discovery 
 Then I was detected. My friends interceded, and 
 saved me from the penitentiary ; but I lost my 
 situation, and was required to leave the city. I 
 went to New York, tried to obtain a situation 
 there, failed, and then adopted my present pro- 
 fession. I need not tell you the rest." 
 
 "My dear friend, I think I know the rest pretty 
 rvell. But don't look sober. A fig for the past. 
 What's the odds, as long as you're happy?" 
 
 "Are you happy?" inquired Graham. 
 
 " As long as I'm flush," answered Vincent, 
 
TOJ/S TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. 147 
 
 shrugging his shoulders. "I'm nearly dead-broke 
 now, and of course I am miserable. However, my 
 story comes next in order. I was a bank teller, 
 appropriated part of the funds of the bank, fled 
 with it, spent it, and then became an ornament to 
 our common profession." 
 
 4 • Where was the bank ? " 
 
 " In Canada. I haven't been there since. The 
 climate don't suit me. It's bleak, but I fear it 
 might prove too hot for me. Now we know each 
 other." 
 
 ' ' You don't allow it to worry you, Vincent," 
 said Graham. 
 
 "No, I don't. Why should I? I let the dead 
 past burj T its dead, as Longfellow says, and act 
 in the living present. That reminds me, we ought 
 to be at work. I have a proposal to make. We 
 won't bunt in couples, but separate, and each will 
 try to bring home something to help the common 
 fund. Is it agreed ? " 
 
 " Yes." 
 
 " Au revoir, then ! " 
 
 "That fellow has no conscience," thought Gr» 
 
148 THE YOUNQ ADVENTURER; OR, 
 
 ham. " Mine is callous, but he goes beyond me. 
 Perhaps he is the better off." 
 
 Graham shook off his transient dull spirits, and 
 walked on, keeping a sharp lookout for a chance 
 to fleece somebody. In front of a railroad ticket- 
 office he espied a stolid-looking German, who wag 
 trying to read the placard in the window. 
 
 Graham approached him, and said politely, " My 
 friend, perhaps I can help you. Are you thinking 
 of buying a railroad ticket?" 
 
 The German turned, and his confidence was 
 inspired by the friendly interest of Graham's man- 
 ner. 
 
 " I go to Minnesota," he said, " where my brother 
 live." 
 
 " Exactly, and you want a ticket to go there?" 
 
 " Yes, I want a ticket. Do they sell him here? " 
 
 "No," said Graham. "That is, they do sell 
 tickets here ; but they ask too much." 
 
 "I will not pay too much," said the German, 
 shaking his head decisively. 
 
 "Of course not; I will take you to a cheaper 
 place." 
 
TOlfS TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. 14b 
 
 " That is good," said the German, well pleased. 
 "It is luck I meet mit a friend like you." 
 
 "Yes," said Graham, linking his arm in that 
 of his new acquaintance. " I don't like to see a 
 worthy man cheated. Come with me. How much 
 money have you ? " 
 
 This inquiry ought to have excited the suspicions 
 of the German ; but he was trustful, and answered 
 promptly, " Two hundred dollar." 
 
 Graham's eyes sparkled. 
 
 "If I could only get the whole of it," he 
 thought. But that didn't seem easy. 
 
 They walked through street after street till 
 Graham stopped in front of an office. 
 
 " Now," said he, " give me your money, and I 
 will buy the ticket." 
 
 "How much mone} r ?" asked his new acquaint- 
 ance. 
 
 " I don't know exactly," said Graham, carelessly. 
 "Just hand me your pocket-book, and I will 
 pay what is needed." 
 
 But here the German's characteristic caution 
 came in. 
 
150 THE YOUNQ ADVENTURER; 0«, 
 
 " I will go with you," he said. 
 
 " If you do, I can't get the tickets so cheap. 
 The agent is a friend of mine, and if he thinks 
 it is for me he will give it to me for less. 
 Don't give me all your money. Fifty dollars will 
 do. I will buy the ticket, and bring you the 
 rest of the money." 
 
 This seemed plausible enough, and Graham would 
 have got what he asked for, but for the inter- 
 ference of Tom, who had come up just in time 
 to hear Graham's proposal. He had no difficulty 
 in comprehending his purpose. 
 
 "Don't give him the money," he said. "He 
 will cheat you." 
 
 Both Graham and his intended victim wheeled 
 round, and looked at our hero. 
 
 " Clear out of here, you young vagabond ! " 
 said Graham, angrily. 
 
 "This man wants to cheat you," persisted Tom. 
 •' Don't give him your money." 
 
 The bewildered foreigner looked from one to 
 the other. 
 
 "This is no ticket-office," said Tom. "I will 
 
TOifS TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. 151 
 
 lead yon to one, and you shall buy a ticket foi 
 yourself." 
 
 " He wants to swindle you," said Graham, 
 quickly. 
 
 "You shall keep your money in your own 
 hands," said Tom. " I don't want it." 
 
 "I go with you, my young friend," said the 
 German, convinced by Tom's houest face. " The 
 other man may be all right, but I go with you." 
 
 Graham protested in vain. His victim went off 
 with Tom, who saw that he was provided with 
 the ticket he wanted. His new friend tried to 
 force a dollar upon him ; but this Tom steadily 
 refused. 
 
 "I'll get even with you yet!" said Graham, 
 furiously ; but our hero was not disturbed by this 
 menace. 
 
 Vincent, meantime, was making a tour of obser- 
 vation, ready for any adventure that might put 
 an honest or dishonest penny into his pocket. 
 About half an hour later he found himself on 
 the leading retail street in Cincinnati. In front 
 of him walked a lady, fashionably attired, holding 
 
152 THE YOUNQ ADVENTURER; OR, 
 
 a mother-of-pearl porte-monnaie carelessly in her 
 hand. He brushed by her, and at the same 
 moment the pocket-book was snatched from her 
 hand. 
 
 The lady screamed, and instinctively clutched 
 Vincent by the arm. 
 
 " This man has robbed me, I think," she said. 
 The crowd began to gather about Vincent, and 
 he saw that he was cornered. Among the crowd, 
 unluckily for himself, was Tom. By a skilful 
 movement Vincent thrust the porte-monnaie into 
 our hero's pocket. 
 
 "You are mistaken, madam," he said, coolly; 
 " i saw chat boy take your money." 
 
 Instantly two men seized Tom. 
 
 "Search him," said Vincent, "and see if I am 
 not right." 
 
 The porte-monnaie was taken from Tom's pocket, 
 amid the hootings of the crowd. 
 
 " So young, and yet so wicked ! " said the lady, 
 regretfully. 
 
 "I didn't take the money, madam," protested 
 Tom, his face scarlet with surprise and mortification- 
 
TOM'S TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. 153 
 
 " Don't believe him, ma'am. I saw him take 
 it," said Vincent, virtuously. 
 
 Poor Tom looked from one to another ; but all 
 faces were unfriendly. It was a critical time for 
 him 
 
lM THE YOUNQ ADVENTURES', OM, 
 
 CHAPTER XVn. 
 
 TOIL'S ARREST. 
 
 To one who is scrupulously honest a sudden 
 charge of dishonesty is almost overwhelming. Now, 
 Tom was honest, not so much because he had 
 been taught that honesty was a virtue, as by tem- 
 perament and instinct. Yet here he saw himself 
 surrounded by hostile faces, for a crowd soon 
 collected. Not one believed in his innocence, not 
 even the lady who thought it was such a pity 
 that he was " so young and yet so wicked." 
 
 "Will somebody call a policeman?" asked 
 Vincent. 
 
 A policeman soon made his appearance. He 
 was a stout, burly man, and pushed his way 
 through the crowd without ceremony. 
 
 "What's the row?" he inquired. 
 
 " This boy has picked a lady's pocket," ex 
 claimed Vmcent. 
 
TOM'S TRIP ACROSS THJE PLAINS. 155 
 
 The officer placed his hand roughly on Tom's 
 shoulder. 
 
 44 You were a little too smart, young feller I " 
 said he. "You must come along with me." 
 
 "I didn't take the money," protested Tom, 
 pale, but in a firm voice. 
 "That's too thin," said Vincent, with a sneer. 
 "Yes, it's too thin," repeated two or three in 
 the crowd. 
 "It's true," said Tom. 
 
 "Perhaps you'll tell us how the money came 
 in your pocket," suggested a bystander. 
 
 "That man put it in," answered Tom, indi- 
 cating Vincent. 
 The latter shrugged his shoulders. 
 "He says so, because I exposed him," he 
 remarked, turning to the crowd. 
 
 "Of course; that's a common game," inter- 
 posed the policeman. 
 
 "Have you any reason for what you say, my 
 boy?" asked a quiet-looking man, with a pleas- 
 ant face. 
 
 " Of course he hasn't," replied Vincent, hastily. 
 
156 THE YOUNG ADVENTURER ; OR, 
 
 " I spoke to the boy, sir." 
 
 " I have a reason," answered Tom. " A friend 
 of this man roomed with me at Pittsburg, and 
 during the night tried to rob me. We were both 
 passengers on the ' River Belle ' on the last trip. 
 During the trip he entered our state-room, and 
 stole a wallet from my room-mate. This man 
 slyly put it into my pocket, in order to escape 
 suspicion." 
 
 " It's a lie ! " exclaimed Vincent, uneasily. 
 " Gentlemen, the boy is very artful, and the 
 greatest liar out." 
 
 "Of course he is!" assented the policeman. 
 " Come along, young feller ! " 
 
 "Wait a minute," said the quiet man. "Have 
 you any proof of your statements, my boy, 
 except your own word?" 
 
 "Yes, sir; my room-mate will tell you the 
 same thing." 
 
 "Who is he? Where can he be found?" 
 
 " He is Mr. Nicholas Waterbury, of Mariett*. 
 He is now at the Burnet House." 
 
Tom's trip across the plains. 157 
 
 " That's all gammon ! " said the officer; roughly. 
 " Come along. I can't wait here all day." 
 
 " Don't he in a hurry, officer," said the quiet 
 man. " I know Mr. Waterbury, and I believe 
 the boy's story is correct." 
 
 '* It aint any of your business ! " said the 
 officer, insolently. " The boy's a thief, and I'm 
 goin' to lock him up." 
 
 *' Look out, sir ! " said the quiet man, sternly. 
 " You are overstepping the limits of your duty, 
 and asserting what you have no possible means 
 of knowing. There is reason to believe that this 
 man (pointing out Vincent) is the real thief. I 
 call upon you to arrest him." 
 
 " I don't receive no orders from you, sir," said 
 the policeman. "I'm more likely to take you 
 along." 
 
 " That's right, officer," said Vincent, approv- 
 ingly. "The man is interfering with you in the 
 exercise of your duty. You have a perfect right 
 to arrest him." 
 
 " I have a great mind to," said the officer, 
 who was one of the many who are puffed up by 
 
158 THE YOUNQ ADVENTURER; OR, 
 
 a little brief authority, and lose no opportunity 
 of exercising it. 
 
 The quiet man did not seem in the least 
 alarmed. He smiled, and said, "Perhaps, officer, 
 it might be well for you to inquire my name, 
 before proceeding to arrest me." 
 
 "Who are you?" demanded the officer, inso- 
 lently. 
 
 "I am Alderman Morris." 
 
 A great change came over the policeman. 
 He knew now that the quiet man before him was 
 President of the Board of Aldermen, and he 
 began to be alarmed, remembering with what 
 rudeness he had treated him. 
 
 "I beg your pardon, sir," he said, humbly; 
 "I didn't know you." 
 
 "What is your name, sir?" demanded the 
 alderman, in a tone of authority. 
 " Jones, sir." 
 
 "How long have you been on the force?" 
 " Six months, Your Honor." 
 "Then you ought to be better fitted for youi 
 position by this time." 
 
TOtfs TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. 159 
 
 "I hope you won't take no offence at what 
 1 said, not knowing you, alderman." 
 
 "That's no personal offence; but I object to 
 your pronouncing upon the guilt of parties 
 arrested when you know nothing of the matter " 
 
 "Shall I take the boy along, sir?" 
 
 " Yes, and this man also. I don't wish to 
 interfere with the exercise of justice, but it is my 
 opinion that the boy is innocent." 
 
 "I protest against this outrage," said Vincent, 
 nervously. -Am I to be punished because I 
 expose a thief?" 
 
 "Come along, sir," said the policeman. "The 
 alderman says so." 
 
 "I appeal to the gentlemen present," said 
 Vincent, hoping for a forcible deliverance. 
 
 " Madam," said the alderman to the lady who 
 had been robbed, "did you see the boy take 
 your pocket-book?" 
 
 "No, sir; I thought it was the man, tiil he 
 told me it was the boy, and the money wag 
 found on the boy." 
 
 "I should think that told the story," said 
 
160 THE YOUNG ADVENTURER', OS, 
 
 Vincent. "Any man here might be arretted as 
 soon as I. Fellow-citizens, is this a free country, 
 where a man of reputation can be summarily 
 arrested at the bidding of another? If so, I 
 would rather live under a monarchy." 
 
 There was a murmur of approval, and some 
 sympathy was excited. 
 
 "There will be no injustice done, sir," said 
 the alderman. "I propose to follow up this 
 matter myself. I will see my friend, Mr. Water- 
 bury, and I can soon learn whether the boy's 
 story is correct." 
 
 "He may lie too!" said Vincent, who had 
 very good reasons for fearing Mr. Waterbury's 
 testimony. 
 
 " Mr. Waterburj is a gentleman of veracity v " 
 said Alderman Morris, sharply. "I see you 
 recognize the name." 
 
 "Never heard of him," said Vincent. "I sup- 
 pose it is one of the boy's confederates." 
 
 "I will answer for him," said the alderman. 
 "My boy," he said, "I hope we shall be able 
 to prove your innocence. Be under no anxiety. 
 
TOM'S TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. 161 
 
 Go with the officer, and I will seek out Mr. 
 Waterbury. Officer, take care to treat him 
 gently." 
 
 "All right, sir!" 
 
 There was no fear now that Tom would be 
 roughly treated. He had too much regard for 
 his own interest, and his tenure of office, to 
 disoblige a man so influential and powerful as 
 Alderman Morris. 
 
 Notwithstanding there had been such a turn 
 in his favor, Tom felt humiliated to feel that he 
 was under restraint, and his cheeks burned with 
 shame as he walked beside the officer. Vincent, 
 upon the other side, gnashed his teeth with rage, 
 as he thought of his unexpected detention. Just 
 as revenge was in his grasp, he had been caught 
 in the same trap which he had so willingly set 
 for Tom. 
 
 " That Alderman Morris is a fool ! " he said. 
 " He isn't fit to be in office." 
 
 "Don't you say nothin' against him!" said the 
 
 policeman. " It won't be best for you. He's ore 
 
 of our leadin' citizens, Alderman Morris is." 
 11 
 
162 THE YOUNQ ADVENTURER ,' OR, 
 
 "He snubbed you!" sneered Vincent. "He 
 talked to you as if you were a dog." 
 
 " No, he didn't. You'd better shut up, pris- 
 oner." 
 
 " Oh, well, if you're willing to be trampled 
 upon, it isn't any of my business. I wouldn't 
 stand it, alderman or no alderman. Such things 
 wouldn't be allowed in New York, where I live." 
 
 " Oh, New York's a model city, so I've heard," 
 retorted the policeman, in a tone of sarcasm. 
 " We don't pretend to come up to New York." 
 
 Finding that nothing was to be gained by con- 
 tinuing his attacks upon the alderman, Vincent 
 became silent ; but his brain was active. He felt 
 that Mr. Waterbury's testimony would be fatal to 
 him. He must escape, if possible. Soon a 
 chance came. He seized his opportunity, shook 
 off the grasp of the officer, and darted away. 
 Not knowing what to do with Tom, who was 
 also under arrest, the officer paused an instant, 
 then, leaving our hero, hastened in pursuit. 
 
 " Now's your chance to escape, boy!" said a 
 sympathetic bystander to him. 
 
TOM'S TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. 168 
 
 "I don't want to escape," answered Tom. "I 
 want my innocence proved. I shall stay where 
 I am till the officer returns." 
 
 And he kept his word. Ten minutes later the 
 officer came back puffing and panting, after an 
 unsuccessfully pursuit, prepared to find Tom gone 
 also. 
 
 "What, are you there?" he asked, staring in 
 wonder. 
 
 "Yes," said Tom; "I don't want to escape. 
 I shall come out right." 
 
 "I believe you will," said the officer, with a 
 revulsion of sentiment in Tom's favor. "Just 
 walk along beside me, and I won't take hold of 
 you. I'm not afraid of your running away now." 
 
164 THE YOUNQ ADVENTURER', 0R % 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 TOM GET8 OUT OP HIS DIFFICULTY. 
 
 Tom had not been long in the station-house 
 when Alderman Morris, accompanied by Mr. 
 Waterbury, entered. The latter looked at Tom 
 with a humorous smile. 
 
 " You don't appear to get along very well 
 without my guardianship, Tom," he said. 
 
 " No, sir," answered Tom. " The trouble is, 
 some of my other friends can't let me alone." 
 
 "Was it in a fit of emotional insanity that 
 you relieved the lady of her pocket-book?" asked 
 Mr. "Waterbury, bent on keeping up the joke. 
 
 " If I ever do such a thing, you may be sure 
 it is because I am insane," answered Tom, posi- 
 tively. 
 
 "I shall," said Mr. Waterbury, seriously. 
 '* Now, where is this precious acquaintance of 
 ours who got you ,. into this scrape ? " 
 
TOifs TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. 165 
 
 "He has escaped." 
 
 " Escaped ! " exclaimed the alderman, hastily. 
 "How is that?" 
 
 Here the policeman took up the story, and 
 explained that Vincent had taken advantage of 
 his double charge to effect his escape. 
 
 "I suppose, officer," said Mr. Waterbury, "that 
 you were unwilling tc leave Tom in order to 
 pursue him." 
 
 "I did leave him, sir, and didn't expect to 
 find him when I got back. But there he was, 
 waiting for me as quietly as — anything." 
 
 "Didn't you feel tempted to escape too, my 
 boy?" 
 
 "Why should I, sir? I had done nothing; I 
 had nothing to fear." 
 
 "Innocence is not always a protection, for 
 justice is sometimes far from clear-sighted. In 
 the present case, however, I think you will not 
 suffer for your confidence." 
 
 Tom was not brought to trial. Mr. Waterbury'B 
 statement of what had passed on the voyage of 
 the "River Belle" was held to be sufficient tc 
 
166 THE YOUNG ADVENTURER; O/t, 
 
 establish Tom's innocence, and he was allowed to 
 walk out with Mr. Waterbury. 
 
 ** Have you anything to do this morning, Tom?" 
 asked his friend. 
 
 "No, sir." 
 
 "Then come round and dine with me at the 
 Burnet House. Afterwards we will call upon your 
 friends, the Watsons." 
 
 Mrs. Watson and Jennie had altered their plans 
 and gone to a boarding-house, preferring that to a 
 hotel. 
 
 " That will be agreeable to me, sir." 
 
 The dinner was excellent, and Tom did full 
 Justice to it. 
 
 " At one time this morning, Tom, it looked as 
 if you would dine at quite a different place," said 
 Mr. Waterbury, when thej 7 were eating the dessert. 
 
 "Yes, sir." 
 
 "You won't think much of Cincinnati's hospi- 
 tality, eh, Tom?" 
 
 " Any place would be the same, where Vincent 
 was," returnei Tom. 
 
 "Very true; he and Graham will bring discredit 
 
TOM'S TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. 167 
 
 on any city which they adopt as a home. Kow 
 long shall you remain here ? " 
 
 " I should like to staj 7 long enough to see some- 
 thing of the city, but I cannot afford it. I must 
 reach California as soon as possible." 
 
 "No doubt you are right, in your circumstances. 
 I have been inquiring for you, and find that St. 
 Joseph, in Missouri, is the usual starting-point for 
 travellers across the plains. I find an acquaint- 
 ance here in the hotel, who will start to-morrow 
 for that place. I have mentioned you to him, 
 and he says he shall be glad to have your com- 
 pany so far. Whether you keep together after- 
 wards will depend upon yourselves." 
 
 " I shall be glad to have compan}-, sir," said 
 Tom. Though manly and self-reliant, he realized 
 that it was quite a serious undertaking for a boy 
 of his age to make the trip alone. He was not 
 sure of meeting with another friend like Mr. 
 Waterbury, and there might be danger of falling 
 in with another brace of worthies like Graham 
 and Vincent 
 
 "My friend's name is Ferguson, — a Scotchman. 
 
168 the young adventurer; or, 
 
 rather sedate, but entirely trustworthy. I will 
 introduce you this evening." 
 
 "Thank you, sir." 
 
 After dinner they walked to Mrs. Watson's 
 boarding-house. Somewhere on Vine street Mr. 
 Waterbury paused in front of a jewelry store. 
 
 " I want to step in here a minute, Tom," he 
 said. 
 
 11 Certainly, sir." 
 
 Tom remained near the door while Mr. Water- 
 bury went into the back part of the store, where 
 he was occupied for a few minutes with one of 
 the proprietors. When he came back he held a 
 small box in his hand. 
 
 " Please carry this for me, Tom," he said. 
 
 " With pleasure, sir." 
 
 They went out into the street together. 
 
 "Do you know what is in the box, Tom?" 
 asked Mr. Waterbury. 
 
 " No, sir," answered our hero, a little surprised 
 at the question. 
 
 "You didn't see what I was buying, then?" 
 continued Mr. Waterbury. 
 
TOM'S TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. lbi* 
 
 "No, sir; I was watching the crowds on the 
 sidewalk." 
 
 " If you have any curiosity, you may open the 
 box." 
 
 Previously Tom had felt no curiosity. Now he 
 did feel a little. 
 
 Opening the box, his eye rested on a neat 
 silver watch, with a chain attached. The case 
 was a pretty one, and Tom glanced at it with 
 approval. 
 
 " It is very pretty, sir," he said; "but I 
 thought you had a watch already." 
 
 "I didn't buy it for myself." 
 
 "For your son?" asked Tom, innocently. 
 
 Mr. Waterbury smiled. 
 
 "I thought of asking your acceptance of it," 
 he said. 
 
 " You don't mean that you are going to give 
 It to me, sir?" said Tom, eagerly. 
 
 "If you will accept it." 
 
 " How kind you are, Mr. Waterbury I " exclaimed 
 Tom, gratefully. " There is nothing in the world 
 that I should like so much. How can I thank you ? " 
 
170 the young adventurer ; or, 
 
 "By considering it a proof of my interest in 
 yon. I was sure you would like it. Before I had 
 reached your age the great object of my ambition 
 was a watch. I received one from my uncle, aa 
 a gift, on my seventeenth birthday. I believe I 
 looked at it once in five minutes on an average 
 during the first day." 
 
 " I dare say it will be so with me, sir," said 
 Tom, who, at the moment, had the watch in his 
 hand, examining it. 
 
 " As you are to rough it, I thought it best to 
 get you a hunting-case watch, because it will be 
 less liable to injury. When you become a man 
 I hope you will be prosperous enough to buy a 
 gold watch and chain, if you prefer them. While 
 you are a boy silver will be good enough." 
 
 " Gold wouldn't correspond very well with my 
 circumstances," said Tom. "I didn't dream of 
 even having a silver watch and chain for years 
 to come. I shall write home this evening, and 
 tell mother of my good luck." 
 
 14 Will you mention that you have alreadj' been 
 under arrest ? " asked Mr. Waterbury, smiling. 
 
T03fS TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. 171 
 
 Tom shook his head. 
 
 " I am not proud of that," he answered ; " and 
 it would only trouble them at home to have an 
 account of it. When I get home, I may mention it 
 sometime." 
 
 " Better put on your watch and chain, Tom, 
 before we reach Mrs. Watson's." 
 
 Tom needed no second invitation. 
 
 " It's lucky mother put a watch-pocket in my 
 vest," he said. " We didn't either of us suppose 
 there would be any occasion for it ; but I asked 
 her to do it." 
 
 In a nice-looking brick boarding-house — for brown- 
 stone houses were not then often to be found — 
 Tom and his friend found Mrs. Watson and 
 Jennie. 
 
 " I'm so glad to see you, Tom," said Jennie. 
 "I've missed you awfully." 
 
 " Thank you," said Tom. " I've come to bid 
 you good-by." 
 
 "Good-by! You don't mean that?" 
 
 "I expect to start for St. Joseph to-morrow. 
 I am in a hurry to get to California." 
 
172 TRK tovno adventurer; ok, 
 
 " That' 8 real mean. I don't see why you can't 
 Btay in Cincinnati a week." 
 
 "I should like to." 
 
 4 4 Then why don't you ? " persisted the young 
 girl. 
 
 44 Jennie," said her mother, 44 we must remem- 
 ber that Thomas is not travelling for pleasure. 
 He is going to California to seek his fortune. 
 It won't do for him to linger on his way." 
 
 44 A week won't make much difference ; will it, 
 Tom?" 
 
 44 1 am afraid it will, Jennie. Besides, a friend 
 of Mr. Waterbury will start to-morrow, and has 
 agreed to take me with him." 
 
 44 I suppose you've got to go, then," said Jennie, 
 v egretfully. 44 Oh, where did you get that Tatch, 
 Tom?" 
 
 44 A kind friend gave it to me." 
 
 44 Who do you mean, — Mr. Graham?" she 
 asked, archly. 
 
 44 He would be more likely to relieve me of it. 
 No, it is Mr. Waterbury." 
 
 44 1 am goin£ to kiss you for that, Mr. Water- 
 
TOM'S TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. 173 
 
 bury," said Jennie, impulsively ; and she suited 
 the action to the word. 
 
 "What will Mr. Waterbury think, Jennie?" 
 said her mother. 
 
 11 He thinks himself well repaid for his gift," 
 answered that gentleman, smiling; "and half in- 
 clined to give Tom another watch." 
 
 " Isn't it my turn now?" asked Tom, with a 
 courage at which he afterwards rather wondered ; 
 but he was fast getting rid of his country bash- 
 fulness. 
 
 " I never kiss boys," said Jennie, demurely. 
 
 " Then I will grow into a man as fast as I 
 can," said Tom, 4k and give somebody a watch, 
 and then — But that will be a good while to 
 wait." 
 
 " I may kiss you good- by," said Jennie, " if 
 I feel like it." 
 
 She did feel like it, and Tom received the kiss. 
 
 " It strikes me, Tom," said Mr. Waterbury, aa 
 they were walking home, " that you and Jennie 
 are getting along fast." 
 
 " She kissed you first," said Tom, blushing. 
 
174 THE YOUNG ADVENTURER; OR, 
 
 44 But the kiss she gave me was whollv on 
 your account." 
 
 "She seems just like a sister," said Tom. 
 " She's a tip-top girl." 
 
Tom's trip across the plains. 175 
 
 CHAPTER XTX. 
 
 K MISSOURI TAVERN. 
 
 The next day Tom started on his way. His 
 new companion, Donald Ferguson, was a sedate 
 Scotchman, and a thoroughly reliable man. He 
 was possessed to the full of the frugality char- 
 acteristic of the race to which he belonged, and, 
 being more accustomed to travelling than Tom, 
 saved our hero something in the matter of expense. 
 He was always ready to talk of Scotland, which 
 he evidently thought the finest country in the 
 world. He admitted that Glasgow was not as 
 large a city as London, but that it was more 
 attractive. As for New York, that city bore no 
 comparison to the chief city of Scotland. 
 
 "You must go to Scotland some time, Tom," 
 he said. "If you can't visit but one country in 
 the Old World, go to Scotland." 
 
 Privately Tom was of opinion that he should 
 
J 76 THE YOUNG ADVENTURER; OR. 
 
 prefer to visit England; but he did not \entur« 
 to hurt the feelings of his fellow-traveller by 
 saying so. 
 
 " I wonder, Mr. Ferguson," he could not help 
 sajing one day, " that you should have been 
 willing to leave Scotland, since you so much 
 prefer it to America." 
 
 " I'll tell you, my lad," answered the Scotch- 
 man. " I would rather live in Scotland than an} T - 
 where else on God's footstool ; but I won't be 
 denj'ing that it is a poor place for a man to 
 make money if compared with a new country like 
 this." 
 
 "There are no gold mines, I suppose, sir?" 
 
 "No; and the land is not as rich as the land 
 here. It is rich in historical associations ; but a 
 man, 3*ou know, can't hve on those," he added, 
 ehrewdly. 
 
 " No, I should think not," said Tom. " It 
 would be pretty dry diet. How long have you 
 been in the country, Mr. Ferguson?" 
 
 " A matter of three months only, my lad. It's 
 the gold mines that brought me over. I read of 
 
TOM'S TRIP ACROSS TUB PLAINS. 177 
 
 them in the papers at home, and I took the first 
 ship across the Atlantic." 
 
 "Have you a family, Mr. Ferguson?" 
 
 " I've got an old mother at home, my lad, who 
 looks to me for support. I left fifty pounds with 
 her when I came away. It'll last her, I'm thinkin', 
 till I can send her some from California." 
 
 " Then, Mr. Ferguson, you are like me," said 
 Tom. u I am going to California to work for 
 my father and mother. Father is poor, and I have 
 brothers and sisters at home to provide for. I 
 hope I shall succeed, for their sake." 
 
 "You will, my lad," said the Scotchman, in 
 a tone of calm confidence. "It is a noble pur- 
 pose, and if you keep to it God will bless you 
 in your undertaking, and give you a good fortune." 
 
 " I hope we shall both be fortunate." 
 
 " I have no fear. I put my trust in the Lord, 
 who is always ready to help those who are working 
 for him." 
 
 Tom found that Mr. Ferguson, though his manner 
 was dry and unattractive, was a religious man, 
 and he respected and esteemed him for his excel- 
 12 
 
178 THE YOUNG ADVENTURER; OS, 
 
 lent traits. He was not a man to inspire warm 
 affection, but no one could fail to respect him. 
 He felt that he was fortunate in having such a man 
 for his companion, and he was glad that Mr. 
 Ferguson appeared to like him in turn. 
 
 He also found that the Scotchman, though a 
 man of peace, and very much averse to quarrelling, 
 was by no means deficient in the trait of personal 
 courage. 
 
 One evening they arrived at a small tavern in 
 a Missouri town. Neither Tom nor his companion 
 particularly liked the appearance of the place nor 
 its frequenters, but it appeared to be the only 
 place of entertainment in the settlement. 
 
 The bar-room, which was the only public room 
 set apart for the use of the guests, was the resort 
 of a party of drunken roisterers, who were playing 
 poker in the corner, and betting on the game. 
 At the elbow of each player was set a glass of 
 whiskey, and the end of each game was marked 
 by a fresh glass all around. 
 
 Tom and Mr. Ferguson took a walk after 
 supper, and then sat down quietly at a little 
 
TOM'S TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. 179 
 
 distance from the card-players, attracting at first 
 but little attention from them. 
 
 Presently, at the close of a game, glasses were 
 ordered for the party, at the expense of those 
 who had suffered defeat. 
 
 " What'll you have, strangers?" inquired a tipsy 
 fellow, with an Indian complexion and long black 
 hair, staggering towards Ferguson. 
 
 "Thank you, sir," said the Scotchman; "but 
 1 don't drink." 
 
 "Don't drink!" exclaimed the former, in evident 
 surprise. " What sort of a man, pray, may you 
 be? 
 
 " I am a temperance man," said Ferguson, 
 adding indiscreetly, " and it would be well for 
 you all if you would shun the vile liquor which 
 is destroying soul and body." 
 
 " } r our impudence ! " ejaculated the other, 
 
 in a rage. " Do you dare to insult gentlemen 
 Hke us?" 
 
 " I never insult anybody," said the Scotchman, 
 calmly. " What I have said is for your good, 
 and you would admit it if you were sober." 
 
180 THE YOUNQ ADVENTURER ', Oil, 
 
 " Do you dare to say I'm drunk ? " demanded 
 the man, in a fury. 
 
 " Mr. Ferguson," said Tom, in a low voice, 
 **I wouldn't provoke him if I were you." 
 
 But the Scotchman was no coward, and, though 
 generally prudent, he was too fond of argument 
 to j'ield the point. 
 
 " Of course you're drunk," he said, calmly. " If 
 you will reflect, 3'ou show all the signs of a man 
 that has taken too much liquor. Your face is 
 flushed, your hand is unsteady, and — " 
 
 He was interrupted by a volley of execrations 
 from the man whom he was coolly describing, and 
 the latter, in a fit of fury, struck the Scotchman 
 in the face. Had the blow been well-directed it 
 would, for the time, have marred the small share 
 of personal beauty with which nature had endowed 
 Mr. Ferguson ; but it glanced aside and just struck 
 him on his prominent cheek-bone. 
 
 "A ring! a ring!" shouted the men in the 
 corner, jumping to their feet in excitement. " Let 
 Jim and the Scotchman fight it out." 
 
 " Gentlemen," said Mr. Ferguson, " I don't wish 
 
Tom's trip across the plains. 181 
 
 to fight with your friend. He is drunk, &a you 
 can see plainly enough. I don't wish to fight with 
 a drunken man." 
 
 "Who says I am drunk?" demanded the cham- 
 pion of whiskey. " Let me get at him." 
 
 But his friends were now holding him back. 
 They wanted to see a square fight, according to 
 rule. It would prove, in their opinion, a pleasant 
 little excitement. 
 
 " I meant no offence," said Ferguson ; "I only 
 told the truth." 
 
 "You are a liar!" exclaimed the man, 
 
 known as Jim. 
 
 "I do not heed the words of a man in your 
 condition," said the Scotchman, calmly. 
 
 " Pull his nose, Jim ! Make him fight ! " ex- 
 claimed the friends of the bully. " We'll back you ! " 
 
 The hint was taken. Jim staggered forward, 
 and, seizing the Scotchman's prominent nose, gave 
 it a violent tweak. 
 
 Now there are few men, with or without self- 
 respect, who can calmly submit to an insult like 
 this. Certainly Mr. Donald Ferguson was not one 
 
182 THE YOUNG ADVENTURER, OS, 
 
 of them. The color mantled his high cheek-bones, 
 and anger gained dominion over him. He sprang 
 to his feet, grasped the bully in his strong arms, 
 dashed him backwards upon the floor of the bar- 
 room, and, turning to the companions of the fallen 
 man, he said, " Now come on, if you want to 
 fight. I'll take you one by one, and fight the 
 whole of you, if j'ou like." 
 
 Instead of being angry, they applauded his pluck. 
 They cared little for the fate of their champion, 
 but were impressed by the evident strength of 
 the stranger. 
 
 " Stranger," said one of them, " you've proved 
 that you're a man of honor. We thought you 
 were a coward. It's a pity you don't drink. What 
 may your name be ? " 
 
 "Donald Ferguson." 
 
 " Then, boys, here's to the health of Mr. Fer- 
 guson. He's a bully boy, and no coward." 
 
 " Gentlemen," said the Scotchman, " it's a com- 
 pliment you mean, no doubt, and I'm suitably 
 thankful. If you'll allow me, I'll drink your health 
 in a liquor which will not injure any one. I'll 
 
TOlts TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. 183 
 
 wish you health and prosperity in a glass of cold 
 water, if the barkeeper happens to have any of 
 that beverage handy. Tom, join with me in the 
 toast." 
 
 Tom did so, and the speech was well received. 
 
 " As for this gentleman," said Mr. Ferguson 
 addressing Jim, who had struggled to his feet, 
 and was surveying the scene in rather a bewildered 
 way, "I hope he won't harbor malice; I've only 
 got even with him. We may as well forgive and 
 forget." 
 
 "That's the talk! Jim, drink the stranger's 
 health ! " 
 
 Jim looked a little doubtful, but when a glass 
 of whiskey was put into his hand he could not 
 resist the seductive draught, and tossed it down. 
 
 •'Now shake hands!" said one of the players. 
 
 "With all my heart," said Ferguson; and the 
 two shook hands, to the great delight of the 
 company. 
 
 "You got off pretty well, Mr. Ferguson," said 
 Tom, when they retired for the night. 
 
 " Yes, my lad, better than I expected. I 
 
184 THE YOUNQ ADVENTURER; 0.R, 
 
 thought once I would have to fight the whole 
 pack. Poor fellows ! I pity them. They are but 
 slaves to their appetites. I hope, my lad, you'll 
 never yield to a like temptation." 
 
 " No fear for me, Mr. Ferguson. I feel as you 
 do on the subject." 
 
 The journey continued till one day, about noon, 
 they reached the town of St. Joseph, popularly 
 called St. Joe. 
 
Tom's trip across the plains. 185 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 ST. JOE. 
 
 St. Joe was at that time the fitting-out point 
 for overland parties bound for California. As a 
 matter of course it presented a busy, bustling 
 appearance, and seemed full of life and movement. 
 There was a large transient population, of a very 
 miscellaneous character. It included the thrifty, 
 industrious emigrant, prepared to work hard and 
 live poorty, till the hoped-for competence was 
 attained ; but there was also the shiftless adventurer, 
 whose chief object was to live without work, and 
 the unscrupulous swindler, who was ready, if oppor- 
 tunity offered, to appropriate the hard earnings 
 of others. 
 
 " It's a lively place, Mr. Ferguson," said Tom. 
 
 "It is, indeed, my young friend," said the cau- 
 tious Scot ; " but it is a place, to my thinking, 
 
186 THE YOUNQ ADVENTURER; OK, 
 
 where it behooves a man to look well to hia 
 purse." 
 
 " No doubt you are right, Mr. Ferguson. I have 
 learned to be cautious since my adventure with 
 Graham and Vincent." 
 
 " There's many like them in the world, Tom. 
 They are like lions, going about seeking whom 
 they may devour." 
 
 St. Joseph could not at that time boast any first- 
 class hotels. Inns and lodging-houses it had in 
 plenty. At one of these — a two-story building, 
 dignified by the title of "The Pacific Hotel" — 
 our hero and his Scotch friend found accommo- 
 dations. They were charged two dollars and a half 
 per day, — the same price they charged at first-class 
 hotels in New York and Boston, while their rooms 
 and fare were very far from luxurious. The 
 landlord was a stout, jolly host, with a round, 
 good-natured face. 
 
 " You and your son will room together, I sup- 
 pose," he said. 
 
 " He isn't my son, but a young friei.d of mine," 
 said Mr. Ferguson. 
 
TOM'S TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. 187 
 
 " I thought he didn't look much like you," said 
 the landlord. 
 
 "I am hard and weather-beaten, while he is 
 young and fresh." 
 
 "Well, gentlemen, I wish you both good-luck. 
 What will you take? I have a superior article 
 of whiskey that I can recommend." 
 
 "Thank you, but I beg you will excuse me, 
 sir," said Ferguson. " I never drink." 
 
 "Nor I," said Tom; "but I am much obliged 
 to you all the same." 
 
 "Well, that beats me," said the landlord. 
 "Why, you don't know what's good. You aint 
 a minister, are you?" turning to Ferguson. 
 
 "I have not that high distinction, my friend. 
 I am an unworthy member of the church of Scot- 
 land." 
 
 " I don't think your countrymen generally refuse 
 whiskey." 
 
 " So much the worse for them. They are only 
 too fond of it. My own brother died a miserable 
 death, brought on by his love of liquor." 
 
 " Then I won't press you ; but I say, strangers, 
 
188 THE YOUNQ ADVENTURER; 0£, 
 
 you won't find man}' of your way of thinking 
 in the country you're going to." 
 
 "I doubt he's right, Tom," said Ferguson to 
 Tom, a9 they entered the chamber assigned to 
 them. " We may not be together always. I hope 
 you won't be led away by them that offer you 
 strong drink. It would be the ruin of you, boy." 
 
 " Don't fear for me, Mr. Ferguson. I have no 
 taste for it." 
 
 " Sometimes it's hard to refuse." 
 " It won't be hard for me." 
 "I am glad to hear you say that, my lad. 
 You are young, strong, and industrious. You'll 
 succeed, I'll warrant, if you steer clear of that 
 quicksand." 
 
 Later in the day the two friends began to make 
 inquiries about overland travel. They had no wish 
 to remain long at St. Joe. Both were impatient 
 to reach the land of gold, aud neither cared to 
 incur the expense of living at the hotel any 
 longer than was absolutely necessary. Luckily 
 this prolably would not be long, for nearly every 
 day a caravan set out on the long journey, and 
 
TOUtS TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. 189 
 
 doubtless they would be able to join on agreeing 
 to pay their share of the expenses. It was a 
 great undertaking, for the distance to be traversed 
 was over two thousand miles, through an unset- 
 tled country, some of it a desert, with the chances 
 of an attack by hostile Indians, and the certainty 
 of weeks, and perhaps months, of privation and 
 fatigue. Mr. Donald Ferguson looked forward to 
 it with some apprehension ; for, with characteristic 
 Scotch caution, he counted the cost of whatever 
 he undertook, and not did fail to set before his mind 
 all the contingencies and dangers attending it. 
 
 "It's a long journey we're going on, my lad,', 
 he said, " and we may not reach the end of it 
 in safet}-." 
 
 " It isn't best to worry about that, Mr. Fer- 
 guson," said Tom, cheerfully. 
 
 " You are right, my lad. It's not for the best 
 to worry, but it is well to make provision for 
 what may happen. Now, if anything happens to 
 me, I am minded to make you my executor." 
 
 " But don't you think I am too young, Mr 
 Ferguson ? " 
 
190 the young adventurer; or, 
 
 "You are o'er young, I grant, but you are 
 a lad of good parts, temperate, steady, and honest. 
 I have no other friend I feel like trusting." 
 
 "I hope, Mr. Ferguson, there will be no occa- 
 sion to render you any such service, but whatever 
 I can I will do." 
 
 "It will be very simple. You will take my 
 money, and see that it is sent to my mother, in 
 Glasgow. I will give you her address now, and 
 then, if any sudden fate overtakes me, there will 
 be no trouble. You will know just what to do." 
 
 Tom was flattered by this mark of confidence. 
 It was evident that the cautious Scotchman had 
 formed a very favorable opinion of him, or be 
 would not have selected so young a boy for so 
 important a trust. 
 
 "Will you do the same for me, Mr. Ferguson?" 
 he asked, with the sudden reflection that, young 
 as he was, there was no absolute certainty of 
 his living to reach California. 
 
 " Surely I will, my lad." 
 
 "If I should die I should want any money 
 I might have left sent to my father." 
 
TOM'S TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. 191 
 
 "Give me his address, my lad, and it shall 
 be done. It is a good precaution, and we shan't 
 either of us die the sooner for doing our duty, 
 to the best of our ability, by those who would 
 mourn our loss." 
 
 Tom and his friend instituted inquiries, and 
 ascertained that two days later a caravan was to 
 start on its way across the continent. They as- 
 certained, also, that the leader of the expedition 
 was a pioneer named Fletcher, who was making, 
 his home at the California Hotel. They made 
 their way thither, and were fortunate enough to 
 find Mr. Fletcher at home. He was a stout, 
 broad-shouldered man, a practical farmer, who was 
 emigrating from Illinois. Unlike the majority of 
 emigrants, he had his family with him, namely, 
 a wife, and four children, the oldest a boy of 
 twelve. 
 
 "My friend," said Ferguson, "I hear that you 
 are soon leaving here with a party for California." 
 
 "I leave day after to morrow," answered 
 Fletcher. 
 
 "Is your party wholly made up?" 
 
192 the rouNQ adventurer; on, 
 
 "We are about full; but we might receive one 
 or two more." 
 
 4 ' My young friend and I wish to join some 
 good party, as we cannot afford to remain here, 
 and we are anxious to get to work as soon aa 
 possible." 
 
 Some care needed to be exercised in the choice 
 of a party, as there were some who would only 
 give trouble and annoyance, or perhaps fail to 
 pay tneir proper share of the expenses. But Fer- 
 guson's appearance was sufficient guarantee of his 
 reliability, and no one was likely to object to 
 Tom. 
 
 "Of course," added Ferguson, "we are ready tc 
 bear our share of the expense." 
 
 " Then you can come," said Fletcher. " You 
 will both need revolvers, for we may be attacked 
 by Indians, and must be able to defend ourselves." 
 
 " Certainly, we will do our part, if need be." 
 
 This was an expense which Tom had not foie- 
 ieen ; but he at once saw the importance of being 
 urmed when crossing such a country as lay before 
 hem, and went with Ferguson to make the need 
 
TOM'S TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. 193 
 
 ftil purchase. His Scotch friend instructed him in 
 the method of using his new weapon, and Tom 
 felt a boy's natural pride in his new acquisition. 
 He felt years older than he did on the morning 
 when he left his country home. He had gained 
 some knowledge of the world, and felt a greater 
 confidence in himself on that account. He looked 
 forward to the remainder of his journey with 
 pleasurable excitement, and lost no time in making 
 the necessary preparations. 
 IS 
 
194 THE YOUNG ADVENTURER; OM, 
 
 CHAPTER XXI. 
 
 HOW THINGS WENT ON AT HOKE. 
 
 While Tom was slowly making his way west- 
 ward, there was one place where tidings from 
 him were anxiously awaited, and where nightly 
 prayers were offered for his health and safe prog- 
 ress. Of course this was the dear, though humble, 
 farm-house, which had been his home. 
 
 Twice a week Tom wrote, and his letters were 
 cheerful and reassuring. 
 
 Don't trouble yourself about me, dear mother, (he 
 wrote from Cincinnati.) I am making friends, and learning 
 how to travel. I feel years older, and rely much 
 more on myself than when, an inexperienced boy, I bade 
 you good-by. I am a thousand miles from you, and the 
 longest and most difficult part of the journey lies before 
 me; but with health, and strength, and prudence, I hope 
 to arrive in good condition at my destination. As to health 
 I never felt better in my life, and I hare taken lessons 
 
T03T8 TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. 195 
 
 in prudence and caution which will be of essential ser- 
 vice to me. I hare found that a boy who goes out into 
 the world to seek his fortune cannot trust everybody he 
 falls in with. He will find foes as well as friends, and 
 he will need* to be on his guard. 
 
 I start to-morrow for St. Joseph, in Missouri, going 
 by way of St. Louis. Mr. Donald Ferguson, a middle- 
 aged Scotchman, is my companion. A younger and livelier 
 companion might prove more agreeable, but perhaps not 
 so safe. Mr. Ferguson is old enough to be my father, 
 and I shall be guided by his judgment where my own is 
 at fault. He is very frugal, as I believe his countrymen 
 generally are, and that, of course, just suits me. I don't know 
 how long I shall be in reaching St. Joseph, but I shall write 
 you once or twice on the way. Give my love to father, 
 Sarah, Walter, and Harry, and keep a great deal for 
 yourself. 
 
 Tour loving son, 
 
 Tom. 
 
 "Tom is growing manly, Mary," said Mark 
 Nelson to his wife. "It's doing him good to 
 see a little of the world." 
 
 "I suppose it is, Mark," said his wife; but 
 the more I think of it the more I feel that he 
 
196 THE TOUNQ ADVENTURER; OA, 
 
 is very young to undertake such a long journey 
 alone." 
 
 " He is young, but it will make a man of 
 him." 
 
 " He must be having a tip-top time," said 
 Walter; "I wish I were with him." 
 
 "You would be more of a hindrance than a 
 help to him, Walter," said Mark Nelson. 
 
 " You are only a child, you know," said 
 Sarah, in an elder-sister tone. 
 
 "What do you call yourself?" retorted Walter. 
 " You are only two } T ears older than I am." 
 
 " Girls always know more than boys of the 
 same age," said Sarah, condescendingly. " Besides, 
 I haven't said anything about going out to Cali- 
 fornia." 
 
 " No, I should think not. A girl that's afraid 
 of a mouse had better stay at home." 
 
 Walter referred to an incident of the day pre- 
 vious, when the sudden appearance of a mouse 
 threw Sarah into a panic. 
 
 "Are there any mouses in California?'' asked 
 little Harr) T , with interest. 
 
TOM'S TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. 197 
 
 " If there are I could carry a cat with me," 
 returned Sarah, good-humoredly. 
 
 Mark Nelson^ though he felt Tom was a boy 
 to be trusted, did ask himself occasionally 
 whether be had been wise in permitting him to 
 leave home under the circumstances. Suppose he 
 continued in health, there were doubts of his suc- 
 cess. His golden dreams might not be realized. 
 The two hundred dollars which he had raised 
 for Tom might be lost, and bring in no return ; 
 and this would prove a serious loss to Mark, 
 hampered as he was already by a heavy mort- 
 gage on his farm. Would Squire Hudson be 
 forbearing, if ill luck came? This was a ques- 
 tion he could not answer. He only knew that 
 such was not the squire's reputation. 
 
 " Well, Mr. Nelson, what do you hear from 
 Tom," asked the squire, one day about this 
 time. " How far is he on his way?" 
 
 " We received a letter from Cincinnati yester- 
 day. He then was about starting for St. Jo- 
 seph." 
 
 "Does he seem to enjoy the journey?" 
 
198 THE YOUNG ADVENTURER; OJl, 
 
 "He writes in excellent spirits. He says h« 
 has met with good friends." 
 
 " Indeed 1 How does his money hold out?" 
 
 " He does not speak of that." 
 
 "Oh, well, I dare say he is getting along 
 well ; " and the squire walked on. 
 
 "Does he feel interested in Tom, or not?" 
 queried Mark Nelson, as he looked thoughtfully 
 after the squire, as he walked on with stately 
 steps, leaning slightly on his gold-headed cane. 
 He might have been enlightened on this point, 
 if he could have heard a conversation, later in 
 the day, between Squire Hudson and his son 
 Sinclair. 
 
 " I saw Mark Nelson this morning," he ob- 
 served at the supper table. 
 
 "Has he heard from Tom?" 
 
 " Yes ; his son wrote him from Cincinnati." 
 
 " I wish I could go to Cincinnati," grumbled 
 Sinclair; "I think I have a better right to see 
 the world than Tom Nelson." 
 
 " All in good time, my son. Tom is not 
 travelling for pleasure." 
 
Tom's trip across the plains. 199 
 
 "Still, he is getting the pleasure." 
 
 " He will have to work hard when he reaches 
 California. Probably he won't have a cent left 
 when he gets there." 
 
 "What will he do then?" 
 
 "He must earn money." 
 
 "Do you think he will do well, father?" 
 
 ' ' He may, and then again he may not," an- 
 swered the stfuire, judicially. 
 
 "If he don't, how is he going to pay you 
 back the money you lent him ? " 
 
 "I always thought your father was foolish to 
 lend Lis money to a boy like that," said Mrs. 
 Hudson, querulously. 
 
 " Women know nothing about business," said 
 the squire, with an air of superior wisdom. 
 
 " Sometimes men don't know much," retorted his 
 wife. 
 
 " If you refer to me, Mrs. Hudson," said her 
 husband, " you need have no anxiety. I did not 
 lend the money to the boy, but to his father." 
 
 "That isn't much better. Everybody knows 
 that Mark Nelson has all that he can do to 
 
200 THE YOUNQ ADVENTURER; OR. 
 
 get along. His wife hasn't had a new dress 
 for years." 
 
 The squire's face grew hard and stern. He 
 had never loved his wife, and never forgiven 
 Mrs. Nelson, whom he had loved as much as 
 he was capable of doing, for refusing his hand. 
 
 " She has made her bed and she must lie 
 upon it," he said, curtly. " She might have 
 known that Mark Nelson would never be able to 
 provide for her." 
 
 tk Perhaps she never had any other offer," 
 eaid Mrs. Hudson, who was ignorant of a 
 certain passage of her husband's life. 
 
 " Probably she did, for she was a very pretty 
 girl." 
 
 "Then she's faded," said Mrs. Hudson, toss- 
 ing her head. 
 
 Squire Hudson did not reply ; but as his eyes 
 rested on the sharp, querulous face of his help- 
 mate, and he compared it mentally with the pleasant 
 face of Mrs. Nelson, he said to himself that, 
 faded or not, the latter was still better-look- 
 ing than his wife had been in the days of her 
 
TOM'S TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS 201 
 
 youth. Of course it would not do to say so, 
 for Mrs. Hudson was not amiable. 
 
 " Mark Nelson has given ine security," said 
 the squire, returning to the point under discus- 
 sion. " I hold a mortgage on his farm for the 
 whole amount he owes me." 
 
 " Do you think you shall have to foreclose, 
 father?" asked Sinclair. 
 
 " If Tom does not succeed in California, I 
 probably shall," said the squire. 
 
 "Do you think he will succeed?" 
 
 "He may be able to make a living; but I 
 don't think he will be able to help his father any." 
 
 "Then why did you lend him the money?" 
 
 ** He wanted to go, and was willing to take 
 the risk. 1 lent the money as a business operation." 
 
 " Suppose Mr. Nelson loses his farm, what will 
 he do?" inquired Sinclair. 
 
 " I really don't know," answered the squire, 
 shrugging his shoulders. "That is no concern of 
 mine." 
 
 "Tom wouldn't put on so many airs if his father 
 had to go to the poor-house." said Sinclair. 
 
202 THE YOUNG ADVENTURER; OB, 
 
 "Does he put on airs?" 
 
 " He seems to think he is as good as I am," 
 said Squire's Hudson's heir. 
 
 "That is perfectly ridiculous," said Mrs. Hud- 
 son. " The boy must be a fool." 
 
 "He is no fool," said the squire, who did not 
 allow prejudice to carry him so far as his wife 
 and son. " He is a boy of very fair abilities ; 
 but I apprehend he will find it harder to make 
 his fortune than he anticipated. However, time 
 will show." 
 
 " Most likely he'll come home in rags, and grow 
 up a day-laborer," said Sinclair, complacently. 
 "When I'm a rich man I'll give him work. He 
 won't feel like putting on airs, then." 
 
 "What a good heart Sinclair has!" said Mrs. 
 Hudson, admiringly. 
 
 Squire Hudson said nothing. Possibly the good- 
 ness of his son's heart was not so manifest to 
 him. 
 
TOM'S TRIP ACROSS TBS FLAWS. 208 
 
 CHAPTER XXn. 
 
 THE TOUNO MAN FROM BOSTON. 
 
 Soon after leaving St. Joe, the emigrant train 
 which Tom had joined entered the territory of 
 Kansas. At that early day the settlement of this 
 now prosperous State had scarcely begun. Its 
 rich soil was as yet unvexed by the plough and 
 the spade, and the tall prairie grass and virgin 
 forest stretched for many and many a mile west- 
 ward in undisturbed loneliness. 
 
 One afternoon, towards the setting of the sun, 
 the caravan halted on the site of the present 
 capital of the State, Topeka. The patient oxen, 
 wearied with the twenty mile8 they had travelled, 
 were permitted to graze. The ten baggage wagons — 
 or " ships of the plain," as they were sometimes 
 called — came to anchor in a sea of verdure. They 
 were ranged in a circle, the interior space being 
 occupied as a camping-ground. Then began prepa- 
 
204 THE YOUNQ ADVENTURER; OR, 
 
 rations foi supper. Some of the party were sent 
 for water. A fire was built, and the travellers, 
 with a luxurious enjoyment of rest, sank upon 
 the grass. 
 
 Donald Ferguson looked thoughtfully over the 
 fast expanse of unsettled prairie, and said to 
 Tom, " It's a great country, Tom. There seems 
 no end to it." 
 
 "That's the way I felt when I was plodding 
 along to-day through the mud," said Tom, laugh- 
 ing. 
 
 " It's because the soil is so rich," said the 
 Scotchman. kt It'll be a great farming country 
 some day, I'm thinking." 
 
 " I suppose the soil isn't so rich in Scotland, 
 Mr. Ferguson ? " 
 
 "No, my lad. It's rocky and barren, and cov- 
 ered with dry heather ; but it produces rare men, 
 for all that." 
 
 Mr. Ferguson was patriotic to the backbone. 
 He would nut claim for Scotland what she could 
 not fairly claim ; but he was all ready with some 
 compensating claim. 
 
Ten's TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. 205 
 
 "How do you stand the walking, Mr. Ferguson?" 
 
 " I'm getting used to it." 
 
 " Then it's more than I am. I think it's beastly." 
 
 These words were not uttered by Tom, but by 
 rather a dandified-looking young man, who came 
 up limping. He was from Boston, and gave his 
 name as Lawrence Peabod} 7 . He had always lived 
 in Boston, where he had been employed in vari- 
 ous genteel avocations ; but in an evil hour he 
 had been lured from his comfortable home by 
 the seductive cry of gold, and, laying down his 
 yardstick, had set out for California across the 
 plains. He was a slender young man, with limbs 
 better fitted for dancing than for tramping across 
 the prairie, and he felt bitterly the fatigue of the 
 journey. 
 
 "Are you tired, Mr. Peabody?" asked Tom. 
 
 " I am just about dead. I didn't bargain for 
 walking all the way across the prairies. Why 
 cor In't old Fletcher let me ride?" 
 
 The oxen have had all they could do to-day 
 ttf draw the wagons through the mud." 
 
 * Look at those boots." said the Boa to ni an, 
 
206 THE YOUNG ADVENTURER; Ort, 
 
 ruefully, pointing to a pair of light calf-skin 
 boots, which were so overlaid with mud that it 
 was hard to tell what was their original color. 
 "I bought those boots in Boston only two weeks 
 ago. Everybody called them stylish. Now they 
 are absolutely disreputable." 
 
 " It seems to me, my friend," said the Scotch- 
 man, "that you did not show much sagacity in 
 selecting such boots for your journey. My young 
 friend, Tom, is much better provided." 
 
 "His boots are cowhide," said Mr. Lawrence 
 Peabody, disdainfully. " Do you think I would 
 wear cowhide boots ? " 
 
 '•You would find them more serviceable, Mr. 
 Peabody," said Tom. " Besides, I don't believe 
 anybody could tell the difference now." 
 
 "How much did you pay for them?" asked 
 the Bostonian. 
 
 "A dollar and a half." 
 
 " Humph ! I thought so," returned Peabody, 
 contemptuously. " We don't wear cowhide boot* 
 in Boston." 
 
 " You are not in Boston now." 
 
TOMS TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. 207 
 
 " I wish I was," said Peabody, energetically. 
 "I wouldn't have started if I had known what 
 was before me. I expected to travel like a 
 gentleman, instead of wading through this cursed 
 mud till I'm ready to drop. Look at my panta- 
 loons, all splashed with mire. What would my 
 friends say if I should appear in this rig on 
 Washington street?" 
 
 "They might take you for a bog-trotter," said 
 Tom, smiling. 
 
 "I have always been particular about my ap- 
 pearance," said Peabody, plaintively. " < He looks 
 just as if he'd come out of a bandbox,' some of 
 my lady friends used to say. How do I look 
 now ? " 
 
 "Like a dirty-handed son of toil," said Tom, 
 humorously. 
 
 "So do you," retorted Peabody, who felt that 
 this was uncomplimentary. 
 
 "I admit it," said Tom; "and that's just what 
 I expect to be. You don't expect to dig gold 
 with kid gloves on, do you, Mr. Peabody? * 
 
 " I wish I had brought some with me," said 
 
*08 THE young adventurer; or, 
 
 the Bostoman, seriouslj'. " It would have saved 
 my hands looking so dingy." 
 
 44 How came you to* start for California, my 
 friend?" inquired Ferguson. 
 
 "The fact is," said Peabody, "I am not rich. 
 There are members of our famity who are wealthy ; 
 but 1 am not one of the lucky number." 
 
 44 You were making a living at home, were you 
 not?" 
 
 "Yes; but my income was only enough for 
 m3"self." 
 
 44 I su|)|>ose you were in love, then," said Tom. 
 
 44 I don't mind sa}"ing that I was ; confiden- 
 tially, of course," said Mr. Peabody, compla- 
 cently. 
 
 44 Was your love returned?" 
 
 44 1 may say it was. The young lady was the 
 daughter of a merchant prince. I saw that she 
 loved me, hut her father would not consent to 
 oui union, on account of my limited means. I 
 read in the 'Transcript' of the gold discoveries in 
 California. I determined to go out there, and 
 try m\ fortune. If I am successful I will go 
 
Tom's trip across the plaiss. 209 
 
 home, and, with a bag of gold in each hand, 
 demand the hand of Matilda from her haughty 
 sire. When he asks me for my credentials, I 
 will point to the gold, and say, ' Behold them 
 here ! ' " 
 
 " If both 3 r our hands are full I don't see how 
 you can point to the bags of gold," saia Tom, 
 who liked to tease the young Bostonian. 
 
 "There are a great many things you don't 
 understand," said Mr. Peabody, irritably. 
 
 " He is right, Tom," said Ferguson, with a 
 quiet smile. 
 
 " If you are both against me, I will give it 
 up," said Tom. " All I can say is, I hope you'll 
 get the two bags of gold, Mr. Peabody, and that 
 you'll get the young lady too." 
 
 Here Fletcher came up, and called upon Tom 
 to assist in preparations for supper. Our hero 
 readily complied with the request. Indeed, he 
 always showed himself so obliging that he won 
 the favorable regards of all. 
 
 Mr. Peabody continued the conversation with 
 Mr. Ferguson. 
 
210 THE YOUNG ADVENTURER / OR, 
 
 " Do you think there's as much gold in Cali* 
 fornia as people say?" he asked. 
 
 "No," answered the Scotchman. 
 
 " You don't? " ejaculated the Bostonian, in dismay. 
 
 " No ; people always magnify when they talk 
 of a new country. Now, my friend, how much 
 do you expect to get in the first year?" 
 
 " Well, about fifty thousand dollars," answered 
 Peabody. 
 
 " And how much were you earning in Boston, 
 — a thousand dollars ? " 
 
 4 ' About that," answered Peabody, vaguely. "In 
 fact, he had been working on a salary of twelve 
 dollars a week, in a retail dry goods store on 
 Washington street." 
 
 "Then you expect to make fifty times as much 
 as at home ? " 
 
 "Don't you think I will?" 
 
 " I have never had such large expectations 
 If I make three or four thousand dollars in 
 twelve months it will satisfy me." 
 
 " But a man would never get rich, at that rate," 
 said Lawrence Peabody, uneasily. 
 
TOM'S TRIP ACROSS 1 HE PLAINS. 211 
 
 41 1 don't know about that. It depends as much 
 on what a man does with his money, as on the 
 amount he makes," said the prudent Scot, 
 
 "I am afraid I did wrong in leaving Boston,'' 
 ■aid Peabody, gloomily. "If I am to travel many 
 weeks through the mud, and get no more than 
 that, I shall feel that I am poorly paid." 
 
 "You don't feel like my young friend Tom. 
 He is full of hope, and enjoys everything." 
 
 " He hasn't been brought up as I have," said 
 Peabody. " A country boy in cowhide boots is 
 tough, and don't mind roughing it." 
 
 Ferguson did not have a chance to answer, for 
 there was a summons to supper,— a welcome call, 
 that made even Mr. Lawrence Peabody look cheer- 
 ful for the time being. 
 
tit THE TOUNO ADVENTURER ; OM, 
 
 CHAPTER XXIII. 
 
 MR. PEABODYS TROUBLES. 
 
 When the party camped for the night the cus- 
 tom was to arrange the baggage wagons in a 
 Bemi-circle, and provide a resting-place for the 
 women and children inside. As they were pass- 
 ing through a country occupied by Indians it was 
 necessary to post one or more sentinels to keep 
 watch through the night, and give notice of any 
 who might be seen lurking near the camp. For- 
 tunately, however, an Indian attack was seldom 
 made at night. The time generally selected was 
 in the morning, when the party were preparing 
 to start on their day's march. Tom, as a boy, 
 would have been excused taking his turn; but 
 this did not suit him. He requested, as a favor, 
 that he might stand watch with the rest. 
 
 " Can he be relied upon? Is he not too 
 
TOAtS TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. 213 
 
 young?" asked Fletcher, the leader, of Mr. Fer- 
 guson. 
 
 " You can depend upon him," said the Scotch- 
 man, confidently. " There's more manliness in 
 Tom than in many men of twice his years." 
 
 " Then I will put his name on the list," said 
 Fletcher. 
 
 " That's right. I'll answer for him." 
 
 But there was one of the travellers who was 
 by no means eager to stand on watch. This was 
 Lawrence Peabody, the young man from Boston. 
 He sought an interview with Fletcher, and asked 
 to be excused. 
 
 "On what grounds, Mr. Peabody?" asked 
 Fletcher, surprised. 
 
 "It doesn't agree with me to lose my night's 
 sleep," said Peabody. " I am naturally delicate, 
 and — " 
 
 " Your excuse is not satisfactory, Mr. Pea- 
 body. We are banded together in a little com- 
 munity, having mutual rights and mutual obligations. 
 In the arrangements made for the common safety 
 it is your dut} r to bear your part." 
 
214 the youxto adventurer; or, 
 
 " I am willing to provide a substitute," said 
 Peabody, eagerly. 
 
 "Where will you find a substitute?" 
 
 "I have been talking with Tom Nelson. He 
 says he is willing to serve in my turn." 
 
 " He will serve when his own turn comes ; that 
 will be all we can expect of him." 
 
 "But he is only a boy. Why should he be 
 expected to take his turn?" 
 
 " If he is old enough to be a substitute, he is 
 old enough to stand watch for himself." 
 
 "But, Mr. Fletcher, I am very delicate," pro- 
 tested Lawrence Peabody. " I must have my 
 regular sleep, or I shall be sick." 
 
 " We must take our chances of that, Mr. Peabody." 
 
 " I shall be very likely to go to sleep on 
 my post." 
 
 " I wouldn't advise you to," said Fletcher, 
 seriously. " It might be dangerous." 
 
 "Dangerous!" ejaculated Peabody, nervously. 
 
 "Precisely. If a lurking Indian should surprise 
 you, you might wake up to find yourself scalped. ** 
 
 " Good gracious ! " exclaimed the Bostonian, bis 
 
TOifs TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. 215 
 
 teeth chattering, for he was not of the stuff of 
 which heroes are made. " Do you — think there 
 is any danger of that?" 
 
 "Considerable, if you neglect your duty." 
 "But perhaps I can't help falling asleep." 
 "Mr. Peabody," said Fletcher, sternly, "you 
 must keep awake. Not only your own safety, 
 but that of the whole camp, may depend upon 
 your vigilance. If you choose to risk your own 
 life, I don't complain of that, but you shall not 
 imperil ours. I therefore give you notice, that if 
 you fall asleep on guard you will be drummed 
 out of camp, and left to shift for yourself." 
 
 " But I couldn't find my way on the prairie," 
 said Peabodj", very much alarmed. 
 
 " You had better think of that when you are 
 tempted to close your eyes, Mr. Peabody," replied 
 Fletcher. 
 
 Lawrence Peabody walked off, feeling very much 
 disconcerted. Fervently he wished himself back 
 in Boston, where there are no Indians, and a 
 man might sleep from one week's end to another 
 without any danger of losing his scalp. 
 
216 THE YOUNQ ADVENTURER; OR, 
 
 " What's the matter, Mr. Peabody ? " asked 
 Tom, observing bis melancholy appearance. 
 
 "I don't think I shall ever live to see Cali- 
 fornia," answered Mr. Peabodj', plaintively. 
 
 "Why, what's the matter now?" asked Tom, 
 checking an inclination to laugh ; "are you sick?" 
 
 "I don't feel very well, Tom. I'm very delicate, 
 and this journey is almost too much for my strength." 
 
 "Oh, cheer up, Mr. Peabody! Think of the gold 
 that awaits you at the end of the journey." 
 
 " It's all that keeps me up, I do assure you. 
 But I am afraid I shall never live to get there," 
 said Peabody, with a groan. 
 
 " Don't think of such thing3, Mr. Peabody. 
 Of course none of us is sure of living, but the 
 chances are, that we shall reach California in 
 health, make our fortunes, and go home rich. 
 At any rate, that's what I am looking forward to." 
 
 "I wouldn't mind so much but for one thing, 
 Tom." 
 
 "What is that?" 
 
 " Fletcher insists that I shall take my turn in 
 standing guard. If I were not so delicate I 
 
TOM'S TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. 217 
 
 wouldn't mind ; but I know I can't stand it. I'll 
 give you two dollars to take my place, every 
 time my turn comes." 
 
 " I am willing, if Mr. Fletcher is," said Tom, 
 who was by no means averse to making a little 
 extra money. 
 
 41 But he isn't. I proposed it to him, for I 
 was sure I could arrange with you ; but he re- 
 fused." 
 
 " I suppose," said Tom, slyly, " he thought I 
 couldn't till your place. You are a brave, resolute 
 man, and I am only a boy." 
 
 *' Tom — I — I don't mind telling you ; but I am 
 afraid I am not brave." 
 
 " Oh, nonsense, Mr. Eeabody ; that is only your 
 modesty." 
 
 "But I assure you," said the young Bostonian, 
 earnestly, " I am speaking the truth. If I should 
 see an Indian crawling near the camp I'm really 
 afraid I should faint." 
 
 " You won't know how brave you are till yoo 
 are put to the test." 
 
 " But do you think there is any chance of my 
 
218 THE YOUNO ADVENTURER ; 0«, 
 
 being put to the test? Do you think there are 
 any Indians near?" asked Lawrence Peabody, 
 wiping the damp perspiration from his brow. 
 
 "Of course there must be," said Tom. "We are 
 passing through their hunting-grounds, you know." 
 
 "Why did I ever leave Boston?" said Mr. 
 Peabody, sadly. 
 
 "You came, as I did, to make your fortune, 
 Mr. Peabody." 
 
 "I'm afraid I can't keep awake, Tom; Mr. 
 Fletcher tells me, if I don't, that he will turn me 
 adrift on the prairie. Isn't that hard ? " 
 
 "I am afraid it is a necessary regulation. But 
 you won't fall asleep. Your turn will only come 
 about once in two weeks, and that isn't much." 
 
 "The nights will seem very long." 
 
 " I don't think so. I think it'll be fun, for my 
 part." 
 
 "But suppose — when you are watching — you 
 should all at once see an Indian, Tom?" said 
 Peabody, with a shiver. 
 
 "I think it would be rather unlucky for the 
 Indian," said Tom, coolly. 
 
Tom's trip across the plains. 219 
 
 "You are a strange boy, Tom," said Mr. 
 Peabody. 
 
 "What makes you think so?" 
 
 "You don't seem to care anything about tht 
 danger of being scalped." 
 
 " I don't believe I should like being scalped 
 any more than you do." 
 
 " You might have got off from standing watch ; 
 but you asked to be allowed to." 
 
 "That is quite true, Mr. Peabody. I want to 
 meet my fair share of danger and fatigue." 
 
 " You can stand it, for you are strong and 
 tough. You have not my delicacy of constitution." 
 
 "Perhaps that's it," said Tom, laughing. 
 
 " Would you mind speaking to Fletcher, and 
 telling him you are willing to take my place?" 
 
 " I will do it, if you wish me to, Mr. Peabody." 
 
 " Thank you, Tom ; you are a true friend ; " 
 and Mr. Peabody wrung the hand of his young 
 companion. 
 
 Tom was as good as his word. He spoke to 
 Fletcher on the subject ; but the leader of the 
 expedition was obdurate. 
 
220 THE YOUNQ ADVENTURER / OR, 
 
 " Can't consent, my boy," he said. " It i* 
 enough for you to take your turn. That young 
 dandy from Boston needs some discipline to make 
 a man of him. He will never do anything in a 
 country like California unless he has more grit 
 than he shows at present. I shall do him a favor 
 by not excusing him." 
 
 Tom reported the answer to Peabody, who 
 groaned in spirit, and nervously waited for the 
 night when he was to stand watch. 
 
TOMS TRIP ACROSS TJJM PLAINS. 221 
 
 CHAPTER XXIV. 
 
 A SAD SIGHT. 
 
 A dat later, while the wagon train was slowly 
 winding through a mountain defile, they encoun- 
 tered a sight which made even the stout-hearted 
 leader look grave. Stretched out stiff and stark 
 were two figures, cold in death. They were men 
 of middle age apparently. From each the scalp 
 had been removed, thus betraying that the mur- 
 derers were Indians. 
 
 " I should like to come across the red devils 
 who did this," said Fletcher. 
 
 "What would you do with them?" asked Fer- 
 guson. 
 
 " Shoot them down like dogs, or if I could 
 take them captive they should dangle upon the 
 boughs of yonder tree." 
 
 " I hope I shall be ready to die when my 
 tune comes," said Ferguson ; " but I want it to be 
 
222 TBE YODtTO ADVENTURER OR. 
 
 in a Christian bed, and not at the hands of a 
 dirty savage." 
 
 Just then Lawrence Peabody came up. He had 
 been lagging in the rear, as usual. 
 
 "What have you found?" he inquired, not see- 
 ing the bodies at first, on account of the party 
 surrounding them. 
 
 "Come here, and see for yourself, Peabody," 
 said one of the company. 
 
 Lawrence Peabody peered at the dead men (he 
 was rather near-sighted) and turned very pale. 
 
 "Is it the Indians?" he faltered. 
 
 " Yes, it's those devils. You can tell their work 
 when you see it. Don't you see that they are 
 scalped ? " 
 
 "I believe I shall faint," said Peabody, his 
 face becoming of a greenish hue. " Tom, let me 
 lean on your shoulder. Do — do you think it has 
 been done lately?" 
 
 " Yesterday, probably," said Ferguson. " The 
 bodies look fresh." 
 
 " Then the Indians that did it must be near 
 here?" 
 
TOM'S TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. 228 
 
 "Probably." 
 
 "These men were either travelling by them- 
 selves, or had strayed away from their party," 
 taid Fletcher. "It shows how necessary it is for 
 ns to keep together. In union there is strength." 
 The bodies were examined. In the pocket of 
 one was found a letter addressed to James Col- 
 lins, dated at some town in Maine. The writer 
 appeared to be his wife. She spoke of longing 
 for the time when he should return with money 
 enough to redeem their farm from a heavy mortgage. 
 "Poor woman!" said Ferguson. "She will wait 
 for her husband in vain. The mortgage will never 
 be paid through his exertions." 
 
 Tom looked sober, as he glanced compassion- 
 ately at the poor emigrant. 
 
 "He came on the same errand that I did," he 
 said. "I hope my journey will have a happier 
 ending." 
 
 "Always hope for the best, Tom," said his 
 Scotch friend. "You will live happier while you 
 do live, and, if the worst comes, it will be time 
 enough to submit to it when you must." 
 
224 THE YOUNQ ADVENTURER; OR, 
 
 " That is good philosophy, Mr. Ferguson." 
 
 ** Indeed it is, my lad. Don't borrow trouble." 
 
 " We must bury these poor men," said Fletcher. 
 " We can't leave them out here, possibly to be 
 devoured by wild beasts. Who will volunteer for 
 the service ? " 
 
 " Come, Peabody," said John Miles, a broad- 
 shouldered giaut, who had a good-natured con- 
 tempt for the young man from Boston. " Suppose 
 you and I volunteer." 
 
 Lawrence Peabody shrank back in dismay at 
 the unwelcome proposition. 
 
 " I couldn't do it," he said, shivering. " I never 
 touched a dead body in my life. I am so del- 
 icate that I couldn't do it, I assure you." 
 
 " It's lucky we are not all delicate," said Miles, 
 "or the poor fellows would be left unburied. 
 I suppose if anything happens to you, Peabody, 
 you will expect us to bury you ? " 
 
 44 Oh, don't mention such a thing, Mr. Miles,'* 
 entreated Peabody, showing symptoms of becoming 
 hysterical. ki I really can't bear it." 
 
 44 It's my belief that nature h.i* made a mistake, 
 
TOM'S TRW ACROSS THX PLAINS. 225 
 
 and Peabody was meant for a woman," said Miles, 
 shrugging his shoulders. 
 
 "I will assist you, my friend," said the Scotch- 
 man. » If s all that remains for us to do for the 
 poor fellows " 
 
 "Not quite all," said Tom. "Somebody ought 
 to write to the poor wife. We have her address 
 in the letter you took from the pocket." 
 
 "Well thought of, my lad," said Fletcher. 
 "Will you undertake it?" 
 
 " If you think I can do it properly," said Tom, 
 modestly. 
 
 " It'll be grievous news, whoever writes it. You 
 can do it as well as another." 
 
 In due time Mrs. Collins received a letter 
 revealing the sad fate of her husband, accompanied 
 with a few simple words of sympathy. 
 
 Over the grave a rude cross was planted, fash- 
 ioned of tw6 boards, with the name of James 
 Collins, cut out with a jackknife upon them. This 
 inscription was the work of Miles. 
 
 " Somebody may see it who knows Collins," ha 
 aaid. 
 
 is 
 
826 the rouira adventurer; or, 
 
 It happened that, on the second night after the 
 discovery of Collins and his unfortunate compan- 
 ion, Lawrence Peabody's turn came to stand watch. 
 He was very uneasy and nervous through the day. 
 In the hope of escaping the ordeal he so much 
 dreaded he bound a handkerchief round his head. 
 
 "What's the matter, Mr. Peabody?" asked 
 Fletcher. 
 
 " I've got a fearful headache," groaned Peabody. 
 "It seems to me as if it would split open." 
 "Let me feel of it," said Fletcher. 
 "It doesn't feel hot; it doesn't throb," he said. 
 "It aches terribly," said Peabody. "I'm very 
 subject to headache. It is the effect of a delicate 
 constitution." 
 
 "The fellow is shamming," said Fletcher to 
 himself; and he felt disgust rather than sympathy. 
 "It's a little curious, Mr. Peabody, that this 
 headache should not come upon you till the day 
 you are to stand on watch," remarked the leader, 
 with a sarcasm which even the young man from 
 Boston detected. 
 
 " Yes, if s strange," he admitted, " and very 
 
TOA^S TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. 227 
 
 anlucky, for of course you won't expect a sick 
 man to watch." 
 
 ♦'You don't look at it in the right light, Mr. 
 Peabody. I regard it as rather lucky than other 
 wise." 
 
 Lawrence Peabody stared. 
 
 "I don't understand you, Mr. Fletcher," he 
 said. 
 
 "If you have the headache, it will prevent you 
 from going to sleep, and you remember you ex- 
 pressed yourself as afraid that you might. If 
 you were quite well, I might feel rather afraid 
 of leaving the camp in your charge. Now, I am 
 sure vou won't fall asleep." 
 
 Mr. Peabody listened in dismay. The very plan 
 to which he had resorted in the hope of evading 
 duty was likely to fasten that duty upon him. 
 
 "He'll be well before night," thought Fletcher, 
 shrewdly; and he privately imparted the joke to 
 the rest of the party. The result was that Mr. 
 Peabody became an object of general attention. 
 
 In half an hour the young man from Boston 
 removed his handkerchief from his head. 
 
228 THE YOUNQ ADVENTURER; OJl, 
 
 "Are you feeling better, Mr. Peabody?" asked 
 Tom. 
 
 " Very much better," said Peabody. 
 
 "Your headache seems to pass off suddenly." 
 
 "Yes, it always does," said the young Bos- 
 tonian. " I am like mother in that. She had a 
 delicate constitution, just like mine. One minute 
 she would have a headache as if her head would 
 split open, and half an hour afterwards she 
 would feel as well as usual." 
 
 " You are very fortunate. I was afraid your 
 headache would make it uncomfortable for you 
 to watch to-night." 
 
 " Yes, it would ; but, as the captain said, it 
 would have kept me awake. Now I don't believe 
 I can keep from sleeping on my post." 
 
 "Why don't you tell Fletcher so?" 
 
 "Won't you tell him, Tom? He might pay 
 more attention to it if you told him." 
 
 "No, Mr. Peabody. You are certainly the 
 most suitable person to speak to him. What 
 makes you think he would pay more attention to 
 me, who am only a boy?" 
 
TOifS TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. 229 
 
 " He seems to like 3-011, Tom." 
 
 " I hope he does, but really, Mr. Peabody, you 
 mast attend to your own business." 
 
 Fletcher was at the head of the train, walking 
 beside the first wagon. Hearing hurried steps, he 
 turned, and saw Mr. Lawrence Peabody, panting for 
 breath. 
 
 " Have you got over your headache, Mr. Pea- 
 body?" he asked, with a quiet smile. 
 
 "Yes, Mr Fletcher, it's all gone." 
 
 "I am glad to hear it." 
 
 " It would have kept mc awake to-night, as yon 
 remarked," said Peabody. " Now, I am really 
 afraid that I shall fall asleep." 
 
 " That would be bad for you." 
 
 •'Why so?" 
 
 " You remember those two poor fellows whom 
 we found scalped, the other day?" 
 
 " I shall never forget them," said Lawrence 
 Peabody, with a shudder. 
 
 " Better think of them to-night. If you go to 
 sleep on watch, those very Indians may serve you 
 in the same way." 
 
280 THE lOUNO ADVENTURER; ORy 
 
 "Oh, good gracious!" ejaculated Peabody, turn 
 Ing pale. 
 
 "They or some of their tribe are, no doubt, 
 near at hand." 
 
 "Don't you think you could excuse me, Mr. 
 Fletcher?" stammered Peabody, panic-stricken. 
 
 "No!" thundered Fletcher, so sternly that the 
 unhappy Bostonian shrank back in dismay. 
 
 For the credit of Boston, it may be said that 
 John Miles — a broad-shouldered young giant, who 
 did not know what fear was — more honorably 
 represented the game city. 
 
TOM'S TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. 831 
 
 CHAPTER XXV. 
 
 A NIOHT PANIC. 
 
 Lawrence Peabodt's feelings when night ap- 
 proached were not unlike those of a prisoner 
 under sentence of death. He was timid, nervous, 
 and gifted with a lively imagination. His fears 
 were heightened by the sad spectacle that he had 
 recently witnessed. His depression was apparent 
 to all; but I regret to say that it inspired more 
 amusement than sympathy. Men winked at each 
 other as they saw him pass; and, with the 
 exception of Tom and his Scotch friend, proba- 
 bly nobody pitied the poor fellow. 
 
 "He's a poor creature, Tom," said Donald 
 Ferguson; "but I pity him. We wouldn't mind 
 watching to-night; but I doubt it's a terrible 
 thing to him." 
 
 "I would volunteer in his place, but Mr. 
 Fletcher won't agree to it," said Tom. 
 
232 the rouiro adventures; or, 
 
 "He is right. The young man must take his 
 
 turn. He won't dread it so much a second 
 
 time." 
 i 
 
 " What would the poor fellow do if he should 
 
 see an Indian?" 
 
 " Faint, likely ; but that is not probable.** 
 
 " Mr. Fletcher thinks there are some not far 
 off." 
 
 " They don't attack in the night, so I hear." 
 
 "That seems strange to me. I should think 
 the night would be most favorable for them. 
 
 " It's their way. Perhaps they have some 
 superstition that hinders." 
 
 " I am glad of it, at any rate. I can sleep 
 with greater comfort." 
 
 The rest were not as considerate as Tom and 
 Ferguson. They tried, indeed, to excite still 
 further the fears of the young Bostonian. 
 
 " Peabody," said Miles, " have you made your 
 will?" 
 
 "No;" answered Peabody, nervously. "Why 
 should 1?" 
 
 " Oh, I was thinking that if anything happened 
 
TOM'S TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. 238 
 
 to you to-night you might like to say how your 
 things are to be disposed of. You've got a gold 
 watch, haven't you?" 
 
 " Yes," said Peabody, nervously. 
 
 " And a little money, I suppose." 
 
 "Not very much, Mr. Miles." 
 
 " No matter about that. Of course if you are 
 killed you won't have occasion for it," said Miles, 
 in a matter-of-fact tone. 
 
 " I wish you wouldn't talk that way," said 
 Peabody, irritably. " It makes me nervous." 
 
 "What's the use of being nervous? It won't 
 do any good." 
 
 " Do you really think, Mr. Miles, there is 
 much danger?" faltered Peabody. 
 
 " Of course there is danger. But the post of 
 danger is the post of honor. Now, Peabody, I 
 want to give you a piece of advice. If you spy 
 one of those red devils crouching in the grass, 
 don't stop to parley, but up with your revolver, 
 and let him have it in the head. If you can't 
 hit him in the head, hit him where you can." 
 
 "Wouldn't it be better," suggested Peabody, in 
 
234 THE YOUNQ ADVENTURER; OR, 
 
 a tremulous voice, " to wake you up, or Mr. 
 
 Fletcher?" 
 
 " While you were doing it the savage would 
 make mince-meat of you. No, Peabody, fire at 
 once. This would wake us all up, and if you 
 didn't kill the reptile we would do it for you." 
 
 " Perhaps he would see me first," suggested 
 Peabody, in a troubled tone. 
 
 " You mustn't let him. You must have your 
 eyes all about you. You are not near-sighted, 
 are you ? " 
 
 "I believe I am — a little," said Peabody, 
 eagerty, thinking that this might be esteemed a 
 disqualification for the position he dreaded. 
 
 14 Oh, well, I guess it won't make any differ- 
 ence, only you will need to be more vigilant." 
 
 " I wish I was blind ; just for to-night," 
 thought Peabody to himself, with an inward sigh. 
 " Then they would have to excuse me." 
 
 John Miles overtook Fletcher, who was with the 
 head wagon 
 
 "Capt. Fletcher," he said, "I am afraid Pea- 
 body will make a mighty poor watch." 
 
TOM'S TRIP ACROSS TUB PLAINS. 285 
 
 "Just my opinion." 
 
 " He is more timid than the average of women. 
 I've got a sister at home that has ten times his 
 courage. If she hadn't I wouldn't own the rela- 
 tionship." 
 
 " I am not willing to excuse him." 
 
 "Of course not; but I'll tell you what I'll do. 
 I'll keep an eye open myself, so that we shan't 
 wholly depend on him." 
 
 " If you are willing to do it, Miles, we shall 
 all be indebted to you. Don't let him know it, 
 though." 
 
 " I don't mean to. He shall suppose he is 
 the only man awake in camp." 
 
 At a comparatively early hour the party stretched 
 themselves out upon the ground, inviting sleep. 
 Generally they did not have to wait long. The 
 day's march brought with it considerable physical 
 fatigue. Even those who were light sleepers at 
 home slept well on the trip across the plains. 
 Few or none remained awake half an hour after 
 lying down. So Peabody knew that he would 
 •oon be practically alone. 
 
286 the young adventurer; on. 
 
 With a heavy heart he began to pace slowly 
 forward and back. He came to where Tom lay. 
 
 "Tom — Tom Nelson," he called, in a low 
 roice. 
 
 "What's the matter?" asked Tom, in a sleepy 
 tone. 
 
 " Are yon asleep ? " 
 
 " No ; but I soon shall be." 
 
 "Won't you try to keep awake a little while? 
 It won't seem so lonesome." 
 
 " Sorry I can't accommodate you, Mr. Peabody ; 
 but I'm awfully tired and sleepy." 
 
 "Who's that talking there?" drowsily demanded 
 the nearest emigrant. "Can't you keep quiet, and 
 let a fellow sleep?" 
 
 " Good-night, Mr. Peabody," said Tom, by way 
 of putting an end to the conversation. 
 
 " Good-night," returned the sentinel, disconso- 
 lately. 
 
 The hours passed on, and Lawrence Peabody 
 maintained his watch. He was in no danger of 
 going to sleep, feeling too timid and nervous. He 
 began to feel a little more comfortable. 
 
Tom's trip across the plains. 237 
 
 He could see nothing suspicious, and hear noth 
 ing except the deep breathing of his sleeping 
 comrades. 
 
 "It is not so bad as I expected," he muttered 
 to himself. 
 
 He began to feel a little self-complacent, ana 
 to reflect that he had underrated his own courage. 
 He privately reflected that he was doing as 
 well as any of his predecessors in duty. He 
 began to think that after he had got back to 
 Boston with a fortune, gained in California, he 
 could impress his friends with a narrative of his 
 night-watch on the distant prairies. But his cour- 
 age had not yet been tested. 
 
 He took out his watch to see how time was 
 passing. 
 
 It pointed to twelve o'clock. 
 
 Why there should be anything more alarming 
 in twelve o'clock than in any other hour I can't 
 pretend to say, but the fact none will question. 
 Mr. Peabody fere a nervous thrill when his eyes 
 rested on the dial. He looked about him, and 
 the darkness seemed blacker and more awe-in- 
 
238 THE TOUNQ ADVENTURER / OR, 
 
 spiring than ever, now that he knew it to be 
 midnight. 
 
 " Will it ever be morning?" he groaned. " Four 
 long hours at least before there will be light. 
 I don't know how I am going to stand it." 
 
 Now, there was attached to the wagon-tra^n one 
 of those universally despised but useful animals, 
 a donkey, the private property of a man from 
 Iowa, who expected to make it of service in 
 California. The animal was tethered near the 
 camp, and was generally quiet. But to-night he 
 was wakeful, and managed about midnight to 
 slip his tether, and wandered off. Peabody did 
 not observe his escape. His vigilance was some- 
 what relaxed, and with his head down he gave 
 way to mournful reflection. Suddenly the donkey, 
 who was now but a few rods distant, uplifted 
 his voice in a roar which the night stillness 
 made louder than usual. It was too much for 
 the overwrought nerves of the sentinel. He gave 
 a shriek of terror, fired wildly in the air, and 
 sank fainting to the ground. Of course the 
 camp was aroused. Men jumped to their feet, 
 
TOM 8 TRIP ACROSS THE PLAJ2TS. 239 
 
 and, rubbing their eyes, gazed around them in 
 bewilderment. 
 
 It was not long before the truth dawned 
 apon them. There lay the sentinel, insensible 
 from fright, his discharged weapon at his feet, 
 and the almost equally terrified donkey was in 
 active flight, making the air vocal with his pecu- 
 liar cries. 
 
 There was a great shout of laughter, in the 
 midst of which Peabody recovered consciousness. 
 
 "Where am I?" he asked, looking about him 
 wildly, and he instinctively felt for his scalp, 
 which he was relieved to find still in its 
 place. 
 
 "What's the matter?" asked the loader, 
 "What made you fire?" 
 
 "I — I thought it was the Indians," faltered Pea- 
 body. " I thought I heard their horrid war-whoop." 
 
 "Not very complimentary to the Indians to 
 compare them with donkeys," said Miles. 
 
 Lawrence Peabody was excused from duty for 
 the remainder of the night, his place being 
 taken by Miles and Tom in turn. 
 
240 THE YOUNG ADVENTURER / OH, 
 
 It was a long time before he heard the last 
 of his ridiculous panic, but he was not sensi- 
 tive as to his reputation for courage, and h« 
 bore it, on the whole, pretty well. 
 
TOM'S RRIP ACROSS T/TB PLAINS. 243 
 
 CHAPTER XXVI. 
 
 MR. PEABODY IS WORSTED BT A DONKEY. 
 
 The traveller of to-day who is whirled across 
 the continent in six days and a half has little 
 conception of what the overland journey was in 
 the year 1850. Week after week and month after 
 month slipped away between the start and the 
 arrival on the western slope of the Sierra Nevadas. 
 Delicate women and children of tender years devel- 
 oped extraordinary endurance, and showed remark- 
 able fortitude on the wearisome trip. But the 
 hope of bettering their fortunes was the magnet 
 that drew them steadily on, day after day, in 
 their march across the plains. 
 
 Tom was at an age when adventure has a 
 charm. His feet were often weary ; but he never 
 tired of the journey. Every morning found him 
 active, alert, and ready for the toilsome walk. 
 He was, indeed, impatient for the time to come 
 16 
 
t43 THE TOUNQ ADVENTURER', OB, 
 
 when he could be earning something to pay up 
 his debt to Squire Hudson, and so relieve his 
 father from the additional burden assumed for his 
 sake. Otherwise he was quite content to plod 
 on, seeing something new every day. 
 
 "You're always cheerful, Tom, my lad," said 
 Ferguson, one day. 
 
 " Yes," said Tom. " I am having a good 
 time." 
 
 " Youth is aye the time for enjoyment. When 
 I was a lad like you I might have been the 
 same." 
 
 "Don't you enjoy the journey, Mr. Ferguson?" 
 asked Tom. 
 
 " I'm getting tired of it, Tom. I look upon 
 it as a means to an end. I'm in a hurry to reach 
 the mines." 
 
 " So am I, Mr. Ferguson, for that matter." 
 
 " And I can't help thinking, what if they don't 
 turn out as well as we expect? Then there'll be 
 months lost, besides a good bit of money," 
 replied Ferguson. 
 
 ** Oh, I'm sure there is plenty of gold, and we 
 
Tom's trip across the plains. 243 
 
 shall get our share," said Tom, confidently; ''that 
 is, if we have our health." 
 
 " I hope it'll be as you say, my lad. Indeed, 
 I think you are right. You have taught me a 
 lesson." 
 
 "Have I, Mr. Ferguson? What is it?" 
 
 ♦'Always to look on the bright side. It is a 
 lesson worth learning. It makes a man feel hap- 
 pier, and often gives courage to press on to the 
 accomplishment of his purpose." 
 
 "I suppose it is natural to me," said Tom. 
 
 "It is a happy gift. It is a pity that poor 
 creature from Boston hadn't it." 
 
 Lawrence Peabody was approaching, and this 
 no doubt led to the allusion. He was limping 
 along, looking decidedly down in the mouth, which, 
 indeed, was not unusual. 
 
 "What is the matter with you, Mr. Peabody?" 
 asked Tom. 
 
 " I'm almost gone," groaned Peabody. " My 
 strength is exhausted, and, besides, I've got a 
 terrible corn on my left foot." 
 
 "How long has that been?" 
 
244 THE TOVNO ADVENTURER ; OJt, 
 
 " For two or three days. It's torture for me 
 to walk. I don't know but you'll have to leave 
 me here on the prairie to perish." 
 
 " Not so bad as that, Mr. Peabody, I hope. 
 Perhaps Mr. Chapman will lend you his donkey 
 to ride upon." 
 
 The owner of the donkey was within hearing 
 distance, and at once expressed a willingness to 
 lend his animal to Mr. Peabody. 
 
 u That will be better than perishing on the 
 prairies," said Tom, cheerfully. 
 
 " I am not much used to riding," said Peabody, 
 cautiously. 
 
 " He won't run away with you, Peabody," said 
 the owner. " He's too lazy." 
 
 Lawrence Peabody was already aware of this 
 fact, and it gave him courage to accept the 
 offered help. He mounted Solomon, — as the don- 
 key was called, for some unknown reason, — and 
 for a time enjoyed the relief from the toil of 
 walking. He became quite cheerful, and was 
 <£isposui to congratulate himself upon his success, 
 when an unfortunate fit of obstinacy came over 
 
TOUfS TKIP ACROSS TBB PLAINS. lib 
 
 Solomon. It dawned upon the sagacious auimal 
 that it would be much easier to travel without 
 a load, and, turning his head, he looked thought- 
 fully at his rider. 
 
 "Get up, Solomon!" exclaimed Peabody, strik- 
 ing the animal on the haunch. 
 
 Solomon felt that this was taking a personal 
 liberty and he stood stock-still,, his face expressive 
 of obstinacy. 
 
 "Why don't he go on?" asked Peabody, per- 
 plexed. 
 
 "He's stopping to rest," said Tom. "I am 
 afraid he is lazy." 
 
 " Go along ! " exclaimed Peabody, again using 
 his whip. 
 
 But the animal did not budge. 
 
 " This is really very provoking," murmured the 
 rider. " What shall I do?" 
 
 " Don't give up to him," advised one of the 
 company. " Here, let me whip him." 
 
 " Thank you ; I wish you would." 
 
 It was an unlucky speech. The other complied 
 with his request, and delivered his blow with 
 
246 the touno adventurer; OJt, 
 
 such etrphasis that Solomon's equanimity was 
 seriously disturbed. He dashed forward with 
 what speed he could command, Mr. Peabody 
 holding on, in a sort of panic, till he was a 
 hundred yards away. Then he stopped suddenly, 
 lowering his head, and his hapless rider was 
 thrown over it, landing some distance in advance. 
 Solomon looked at him with grim humor, 
 if a donkey is capable of such a feeling, and, 
 apparently satisfied, turned and walked com- 
 placently back to the wagon train. 
 
 Several of the company, witnessing the accident, 
 hurried forward to Mr. Peabody's assistance. 
 They picked him up, groaning and bewildered, 
 but not much hurt. 
 
 " None of your limbs broken," said Miles. 
 " I guess you'll do." 
 
 u I'm badly shaken up," moaned Peabody. 
 
 " It will do you good," said Miles, bluntly. 
 
 "You had better try it yourself, then," retorted 
 Peabody, with unwonted spirit. 
 
 " Good for you ! " laughed Miles. " I suspect 
 you are not dead yet." 
 
TOAfS TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. 247 
 
 11 What made you put me on such a vicious 
 beast?" asked Peabody of the owner. 
 
 " Solomon isn't vicious ; he's only lazy," said 
 Chapman. " We can't blame him much." 
 
 "I think he ought to be shot," said Peabody, 
 painfully rising, and stretching out one limb after 
 another to make sure that none was broken. 
 
 "You seem to be unlucky, Mr. Peabody," said 
 Tom. 
 
 "I'm always unlucky," moaned Peabody. 
 
 " Will you ride again, Mr. Peabody ? " asked 
 Chapman. " I'll catch Solomon for you, if you 
 like." 
 
 " Not for fifty dollars ! " exclaimed Peabody, 
 energetically. " It is as much as anybody's life 
 is worth." 
 
 " If you will make me the same otfer, I won't 
 refuse, Mr. Chapman," said Tom. 
 
 "You can mount him, if you like." 
 
 Tom waited for no second invitation. He ap- 
 proached Solomon cautiously, vaulted upon his back, 
 and the animal, disagreeably surprised, had re- 
 course to the same tactics which had proved so 
 
248 TBK YOUNQ ADVENTURER; OR, 
 
 successful in the case of the young man from 
 Boston. But he had a different kind of a rider 
 to deal with. Tom had been accustomed to ride 
 from the time he was six years of age, and he 
 stuck to his seat in spite of all attempts to dis- 
 lodge him. So far from feeling alarmed, he 
 enjoyed the struggle. 
 
 44 It's no go, Solomon I " he said gayly. 44 You've 
 tackled the wrong customer this time. Better 
 make up your mind to go as I want you to." 
 
 Solomon came to the same conclusion after a 
 time. He had tried his ordinary tactics, and they 
 had proved unavailing. The struggle had been 
 witnessed with some interest by the other mem- 
 bers of the company. 
 
 44 You can ride, youngster ; that's a fact," said 
 the owner of the donkey. 44 1 didn't say anything, 
 but I rather expected to see you follow Peabody." 
 
 44 I'm used to riding," said Tom, modestly. 
 44 Mr. Peabody is not." 
 
 44 Every lad ought to know how to ride," said 
 Ferguson. " It's a deal manlier than smoking a 
 eigar, to my thinking." 
 
TOM'S TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. 249 
 
 M I can smoke a cigar," said Peabody, desirous 
 probably of appearing to possess one manly accom- 
 plishment. 
 
 " You will hardly find it as useful as riding 
 in the new country you are going to, Mr. 
 Peabody," said Ferguson, drily. 
 
 44 I'd give something for a good cigar myself," 
 said John Miles. 
 
 44 1 prefer riding," said Tom. 44 1 never smoked 
 a cigar in my life." 
 
 44 You are just as well off without it, my lad," 
 said the Scotchman. 44 It don't do men any good, 
 and alwa3"s harms boys." 
 
 Peabody never again mounted Solomon. One 
 trial was sufficient, and, foot-sore and lame as h« 
 was, he decidedly preferred to walk. 
 
150 THE YOUNG ADVENTURER J OR t 
 
 CHAPTER XXVTI. 
 
 THE LOST HORSE. 
 
 Day followed day, and every sunset found the 
 party from eighteen to twenty miles nearer the 
 land of gold. They had not yet been molested 
 by Indians, though on more than one occasion 
 they had encountered the remains of those whom 
 the savages had ruthlessly slaughtered. When 
 they witnessed such a spectacle they were moved 
 less by fear than indignation. 
 
 "I didn't think I should ever thirst for a 
 fellow-creature's blood," said John Miles ; " but 
 if I could meet the savages that did this bloody 
 work, I would shoot them down like dogs, and 
 sleep all the more soundly for it. How is it 
 with you, friend Ferguson?" 
 
 "I am inclined to agree with you," said the 
 Scotchman. " When an Indian makes himself a 
 beast of prey he should be treated accordingly." 
 
TOJU^S TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. 251 
 
 "Are there any Indians in California?" asked 
 Peabody, nervously. 
 
 "I don't think we shall have any trouble with 
 them there, Mr. Peabody," said Ferguson. 
 
 " Then I wish I was there now. It must be 
 terrible to be scalped ; " and the young man from 
 Boston shuddored. 
 
 " I don't think it would be an agreeable 
 surgical operation," said Fletcher, who had just 
 come up. " Let us hope that we shall not be 
 called upon to undergo it." 
 
 The next morning, when breakfast was over» 
 and the party was preparing to start, an unpleasant 
 discovery was made. One of the most valuable 
 horses was missing. He must have slipped his 
 tether during the night, and strayed away ; as 
 they were situated, the loss of such an animal 
 would be felt. 
 
 " He can't be far away," said Fletcher. " Some 
 of us must go after him." 
 
 " Let Peabody mount the mustang, and undertake 
 to find him," suggested John Miles, winking at 
 the captain. 
 
252 TBE YOUNG ADVENTURER; OR, 
 
 •* Mr. Peabody," said Captain Fletcher, gravely, 
 "will you undertake to recover the horse? We 
 shall all feel under great obligations to you." 
 
 "I — I hope you'll excuse t »e, Captain Fletcher," 
 stammered Peabody, in great alarm. " I know I 
 couldn't find the horse. I shouldn't know where to 
 look." 
 
 44 This is where he got away. Tou can see his 
 trail in the grass," said Scott, a young man from 
 Indiana. 4t All } t ou will have to do will be to follow 
 the trail, Mr. Peabody." 
 
 "I'm very near-sighted," pleaded Peabody. 4 'I 
 should lose my way, and never come back." 
 
 44 Carrying the mustang with you? That would 
 be a loss indeed," said John Miles, pointedly. 44 On 
 the whole, Captain Fletcher, we had better excuse 
 Mr. Peabody." 
 
 44 Mr. Peabody is excused," said the leader. 
 
 44 Thank you," said Peabody, looking relieved. 
 "I would go, I am sure, if I could do any good; 
 but I know I couldn't." 
 
 44 Who will volunteer?" asked Fletcher. 
 
 44 Let me go," said Tom, eagerly. 
 
TOM'S TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. 263 
 
 " You are not afraid of losing your way, Tom?" 
 said Miles. 
 " No ; or, if I do, I will find it again." 
 "That boy is more of a man now than Peabody 
 will ever be," said Miles, in a low voice to 
 Ferguson. 
 
 " That he is," said the Scotchman, who was a firm 
 friend of our young hero. " There is the making of 
 a noble man in him." 
 " I believe you." 
 
 " I have no objection to your going, Tom," said 
 Fletcher ; " but it is better that you should have com- 
 pany. Who will go with the boy ? " 
 
 "I," said several, among them John Miles and 
 Henry Scott. 
 
 " You may go, Scott," said the leader. « I have 
 work for Miles at camp. The sooner you get started 
 the better." 
 
 " All right, captain. Come along, Tom." 
 
 The two were in the saddle before two minutes 
 
 had passed, and, guided by the trail, struck out 
 
 upon the prairie. 
 
 Scott was a tall, broad-shouldered young farmer, 
 
254 THE YOUNG ADVENTURER ,' OJI, 
 
 not over twenty-five, strong and athletic, and re- 
 ported the best runner, wrestler, and vaulter in 
 the party. Tom was very well pleased to have his 
 company. 
 
ra*a tmlp acmoss tub plains. 256 
 
 CHAPTER XXVm. 
 
 INDIAN CASUISTRY. 
 
 "I should like to know when the horse got 
 away," said Scott, as he and Tom rode on side by 
 side; "then we could calculate how far we should 
 have to go before overtaking him." 
 
 "He wouldn't be likely to travel all the time, 
 would he?" asked Tom. 
 
 " Probably not. He may have gone only a mile 
 or two. Are your eyes good ? " 
 
 " Pretty good." 
 
 "Look about, then, and see if you can anywhere 
 flee anything of the rover." 
 
 Scott and Tom, drawing rein, looked searchingly 
 in all directions; but nowhere was the lost animal 
 visible. 
 
 "Somebody may have found him," suggested 
 Tom. 
 
it>6 the youitq adventurer; or % 
 
 " That may be. If so, we have a harder job 
 before us." 
 
 The prairie was not quite level, but was what is 
 called a rolling prairie, and this limited the view. 
 Otherwise it would have been easy for a person, 
 whose sight was keen, to have distinguished an 
 object as large as a horse at a distance of many 
 miles. 
 
 " Are you sure we are on the right track, Mr. 
 Scott?" asked Tom. 
 " Yes, I can see by the trail." 
 "I can see no hoof-marks." 
 "Not just here; but look closely, and you will 
 see slight marks of disturbance in the grass. As 
 long as these signs last we need have no doubts 
 as to our being on the right track." 
 
 "The same trail will lead us back to our party," 
 said Tom. 
 
 " Yes, I shouldn't like to part from them in this 
 country. It would be rather a bad place to be lost 
 without provisions." 
 
 They had ridden about five miles, when the trail 
 became clearer and better defined. In fact, the 
 
TOM'S TRIP ACJtOSS TBK PLAINS. ihl 
 
 marks in the prairie-grass appeared more numerou» 
 than a single horse would be likely to make. 
 
 Scott looked grave. 
 
 "We will halt here a moment, Tom," he said. 
 " I want to examine the trail." 
 
 "Shall I get off my horse?" 
 
 " No ; it is not necessary." 
 
 Scott dismounted, and walked about, closely 
 examining the marks in the grass. 
 
 Finalty he looked up. 
 
 "I begin to think it doubtful whether we shall 
 recover Dan," he said. 
 
 "Why?" 
 
 "He has been found and carried off," was the 
 reply. " Do you see the double trail ? " 
 
 "Yes," said Tom, after a brief examination. 
 
 " It means that a horseman has found Dan, 
 and led him away. This rather complicates mat- 
 ters." 
 
 "What do you think we had better do?" 
 inquired Tom. 
 
 " That requires consideration. I could tell 
 better if I knew by whom the horse had been 
 17 
 
258 THE YOUNQ ADVENTURER / 0M % 
 
 found. The finder may be honest, and would, in 
 that case, surrender it on our appearing, and claim- 
 ing him. But, again, he may be dishonest, and 
 resist our claims." 
 
 "We are two to one," said Tom, stoutly. 
 
 " We don't know that. The man may belong 
 to a party." 
 
 "The members of his party would know that 
 the horse was not his." 
 
 "Quite true, if the part}' was composed of 
 decent persons, like our own ; but that is not 
 certain." 
 
 "Then will you go back without Dan?" asked 
 Tom. 
 
 " I don't want to do that. In fact I should 
 be ashamed to. Captain Fletcher would conclude 
 that he might as well have sent Peabody ; and 
 I am not anxious to be classed with him." 
 
 " Nor I," said Tom, smiling. 
 
 " So the only thing is to push on, and make 
 what discoveries we may." 
 
 "All right," said Tom, cheerfully. 
 
 They rode on for a couple of miles, having no 
 
TOlfS TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. 259 
 
 difficulty in following the trail, until they reached 
 the brow of a small eminence. Here they were 
 greeted with a sight that startled them. A group 
 of a dozen Indians were reclining on the grass, 
 with their horses fastened near them. Startled as 
 they were, they detected the animal of which 
 they were in search among the Indian horses. 
 
 " We've walked into a trap with our eyes 
 open, Tom," said Scott, halting his horse me- 
 chanically. His bronzed face was a little pale, 
 for he knew well the character of the savages 
 before him, the hopelessness of escape, and the 
 terrible fate that probably awaited them. 
 
 "Shall we turn and fly, Mr. Scott?" asked 
 Tom, hurriedly. 
 
 : 'It would be of no use, Tom. We must stay 
 and face the music." 
 
 Upon the appearance of the two friends the 
 Indians had sprung to their feet, and the col- 
 loquy was scarcely over before there was an 
 Indian at eacn bridle rein. They made signs, 
 easily understood, for Tom and Scott to dis- 
 mount. 
 
260 tub youno adventurer; ©«, 
 
 " Stop a minute," said Scott, with creditable 
 coolness, considering the great peril in which he 
 knew himself to be. " Is there any one here 
 who speaks English?" 
 
 An elderly Indian stepped forward quickly, and 
 said, " Speak, white man. I speak English a 
 little." 
 
 "Good," said Scott; "then I want you to 
 tell your friends here that I came after a horse 
 that left our camp last night. Do you under- 
 stand?" 
 
 The Indian inclined his head. 
 
 "There he is," continued Scott, pointing with 
 his finger to Dan. "Give him to me, and I will 
 go away." 
 
 The interpreter turned to his companions, and 
 repeated what Scott had said. Evidently it was 
 not favorably received, as Scott could see by the 
 menacing looks that were turned upon him.- He 
 waited, with some anxiety, for the answer to his 
 claim. He had to wait for some minutes, during 
 which the Indians appeared to be consulting. It 
 came at last. 
 
TOM'S TRIP ACROSS TUB PLATXS. 261 
 
 " The white man has lied," said the Indian, 
 sententiously. " The horse is ours." 
 
 "That's pretty cool, eh, Tom?" said Scott, 
 provoked ; not only by the denial of his claim, 
 but by the charge of falsehood. 
 
 Tom did not answer, thinking silence more 
 prudent. 
 
 The Indian interpreter looked suspiciously from 
 one to the other. He understood what "cool" 
 meant, but was not familiar with the special 
 sense in which Scott used it. 
 
 " I will prove that the horse is ours," said 
 Scott. "Here, Dan!" 
 
 The horse whinnied, and tried to reach Scott, 
 upon hearing his name pronounced. 
 
 " There," said Scott, triumphantly, " you see 
 the horse knows me. I have not lied." 
 
 The speech was an imprudent one. Indians 
 are not lawyers, but they understand the familiar 
 saying, that " possession is nine points of the 
 law." That the horse was a valuable one they 
 understood ; and they had no intention of parting 
 with him. Still more, they l'»oked with covetous 
 
262 ran younq adventurer; or, 
 
 eyes at the horses ridden by Scott and the boy» 
 and they had already made up their minds to 
 seize them also. 
 
 " The white man is a magician," said the 
 interpreter. " He has bewitched the horse. The 
 horse is ours. He has always belonged to us." 
 
 "It's no use, Tom," said Scott. "They are 
 bound to keep Dan, and I don't see how we 
 can help it. We had better give him up, and 
 get away if we can. All the same, the fellow 
 is an outrageous liar." 
 
 He spoke in a low voice, and the interpreter 
 though listening attentively, did not quite catch what 
 was said. 
 
 "I guess you are right," said Tom. 
 
 Scott turned to the interpreter. 
 
 " Well, if you think it is yours, squire, I reckon 
 you will keep it. So we'll say good-morning, 
 and go." 
 
 He pulled the rein, but the Indian at hi* 
 bridle did not let go. 
 
 "Good-morning, gentlemen," said Scott. "We 
 are going." 
 
Tom's trip across the plains. 269 
 
 44 White man must stay," said the Indian In- 
 terpreter, decisively. 
 
 •'Why?" demanded Scott, impatiently. 
 
 "He has tried to steal Indian's horse," said the 
 wily savage. 
 
 " Well, by gosh ; that's turning the tables with 
 a vengeance," ejaculated Scott. " They're rather 
 ahead of white rogues, Tom. Will you let the 
 boy go?" he asked. 
 
 " White boy stay, too," answered the interpreter, 
 after a brief reference to the leader of the Indian 
 party. 
 
 "Tom," said Scott, rapidly, and not appearing 
 to be excited, lest his excitement should lead to 
 suspicion, "none of them are mounted. Lash your 
 horse, and tear from the grasp of the man that 
 holds him ; then follow me. It is our only 
 chance." 
 
 Tom's heart beat rapidly. He knew that all his 
 nerve was called for ; but he did not falter. 
 
 " Give the signal," he said. 
 
 "One, two, three!" said Scott, rapidly. Simul- 
 taneously both lashed their horses. The startled 
 
264 THE TOUNQ ADVENTURER; OR, 
 
 animals sprang forward. The grips of the Indians, 
 who were not suspecting any attempt at escape, 
 were already relaxed, and before they were fully 
 aware of what was intended our two friends were 
 galloping away. 
 
TOM'S TRIP ACROSS TBB PLAINS. 26£ 
 
 CHAPTER XXIX 
 
 A RACE FOR LIFE. 
 
 The Indians were taken by surprise. They so 
 outnumbered their intended captives that they had 
 not anticipated an attempt at escape. But they 
 had no intention of losing their prey. There was 
 & howl of surprise and disappointment ; then they 
 sprang for their horses, and, with little delay, were 
 on the track of our two friends. 
 
 The delay was small, but .it was improved by 
 Scott and Tom. Pressing their animals to their 
 highest speed they gained a lead of several hun- 
 dred feet before their savage pursuers had fairly 
 started; It was well that Tom was a good rider, 
 or he might not have been able to keep his seat. 
 In fact, he had never ridden so rapidly before : 
 but he felt that he was riding for his life, and 
 was only anxious to ride faster. Scott had felt 
 a little anxious on this point : but his anxiety 
 
266 THE YOUNO ADVENTURER ; OB, 
 
 vauished when he saw how easily and fearlessly 
 his boy-companion kept at his side. 
 
 •'Well done, Tom!" he said, as they flew over 
 the prairie. " Keep up this pace, and we will 
 escape yet." 
 
 "I can do it, if my horse holds out," returned 
 Tom, briefly. 
 
 Scott looked over his shoulder, and, brave man 
 as he was, it almost made him shudder. The 
 whole party of Indians was on his track. He 
 could see their dusky faces, distorted by wrath, 
 and the longing for a savage revenge. He knew 
 that Tom and he had little to hope for if they 
 were caught. Fortunately their horses were strong 
 and fleet, and not likely to break down. 
 
 "Ride for your life, Tom!" he shouted. "They 
 will show us no mercy if they catch us." 
 
 " All right, Mr. Scott ! " said Tom, his face 
 flushed, and panting with excitement. If he had 
 not felt that so much depended upon it; if he 
 could have thrust out from his mind the sense of 
 the awful peiil in which he stood, — he would 
 
T(AfS TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. 267 
 
 have enjoyed the furious pace at which his horse 
 was canning him. 
 
 The horses ridden by the Indians were not equal 
 in speed or endurance to those which the two 
 friends bestrode. They were fresher indeed, but 
 they did not make up for the difference between 
 them. There was one exception, however: Dan, 
 the stolen horse, was not only equal to either of 
 their horses, but had the advantage of being 
 fresher. This, after a while, began to tell. It was 
 ridden by a young Indian brave, a brother of the 
 leader. Soon he drew avfay from his companions, 
 and, yard by yard, lessened the distance between 
 himself and the pursued. At the end of three 
 miles he was close upon them, and at least fifty 
 rods in advance of his comrades. Scott saw this 
 in one of hi3 backward glances. 
 
 "Tom," said he, "the redskin on Dan is over- 
 hauling us." 
 
 "Will he catch us?" 
 
 " I mean to catch him," said Scott, coolly. 
 
 Tom did not need to ask for an explanation. 
 6cott wheeled round, took hasty but accurate aim 
 
268 the young adventurer; om, 
 
 at the Indian, and fired. The hapless warrior 
 reeled in his saddle, loosed his hold of the reins, 
 and fell to the ground, while his horse, continuing 
 in his course, his pace accelerated bj' fright, soon 
 galloped alongside of Scott. There was a howl 
 of rage from the main body of Indians, who saw 
 the fate of their comrade, without being able to 
 help him. 
 
 "Now, Tom, ride as you never rode before!" 
 shouted Scott. " We will circumvent those Indian 
 devils yet, and bring Dan safe into camp. Come 
 along, Dan, old fellow ; you're doing nobly." 
 
 Dan recognized the familiar voice. He entered 
 into the spirit of the race, and, relieved from the 
 weight of his rider, dashed forward with increased 
 speed, till he led, and Scott and Tom were forced 
 to follow. 
 
 The Indians were mad with rage. Their com- 
 rade had received a fatal wound. They saw the 
 round hole in his breast, from which the life- 
 blood was gushing, and they thirsted for vengeance. 
 
 Should two pale-faces, one of them a boy, 
 escape from them ? That would be a disgrace. 
 
IVAfS TRIP ACROSS TBK PLAINS. 269 
 
 indeed ; the blood of their brother called for 
 blood in return. 
 
 Could they have inspired their horses with the 
 same spirit which animated themselves, they might, 
 perhaps, have overtaken their intended captives ; 
 but, happily for our two friends, the horses were 
 less interested than their riders. 
 
 The danger was well-nigh over. It was scarcely 
 two miles to the camp. There they would be 
 so reinforced that the Indians would not venture 
 an attack. That was the goal they had in view. 
 Already they could see in the distance the wagon- 
 train, ready for a start. They were surely safe 
 now. But at this unlucky moment Tom's horse 
 stumbled. The motion was so rapid that he could 
 not retain his seat. He was thrown over the 
 horse's head, and lay stunned and insensible upon 
 the ground. His horse kept on his way to the 
 camp. 
 
270 THE TOUNQ AJiVBNTVRRR; OR. 
 
 CHAPTER XXX. 
 
 TOM BECOMES AN INDIAN BY ADOPTION. 
 
 Scott did not immediately notice Tom's mis- 
 hap. The boy had shown himself so good a 
 rider that such an accident had not occurred to 
 him as likely to happen. When he did look 
 back there was already a considerable distance 
 between them. In fact, Tom lay midway between 
 the Indians and himself. 
 
 What was he to do? 
 
 If he returned there was no hope of rescuing 
 Tom ; and he would infallibly fall into the hands 
 of the Indian pursuers. In that case his fat© 
 was sealed. He had killed an Indian warrior, 
 and his life would pay the forfeit. By going on 
 he could head a rescuing party from the camp. 
 His heart ached for Tom. It was hard to leave 
 him in the hands of the savage foe ; but Tom 
 was a boy, and there was hope that he would 
 
TOM'S TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. 271 
 
 be spared; so he felt that it was better to 
 continue his flight. 
 
 There was a shout of fierce joy when the 
 Indians saw Tom's fall. They would have pre- 
 ferred to capture Scott, for he it was who had 
 killed their comrade; but they were glad to have 
 one prisoner. They reined up their horses, and 
 halted beside the still insensible boy. They held 
 a brief consultation, and decided not to continue 
 the pursuit. They could see the encampment, 
 which Scott was sure to reach before he could 
 be overtaken. They could not tell the number 
 of the party to which he belonged; but, being 
 few in numbers themselves, the risk would be a 
 hazardous one. They decided to retire with their 
 prisoner. Tom was lifted to a seat in front of 
 one of the party, and they rode leisurely back. 
 
 This was the position in which our hero found 
 himself when he roused from his stupor. One 
 glance revealed to him the whole. His heart 
 sank within him. They might kill him. Remem- 
 bering the ghastly sights he had seen on his trip 
 across the plains, he thought it likely tUt they 
 
272 trb youno adventurkr; ok. 
 
 would. Life was sweet to Tom. To what boy 
 o e sixteen is it not? It seemed hard to be cut 
 off in the threshold of an active career, and by 
 savage hands. But there was an additional pang 
 in the thought that now he would be unable to 
 help his father. The result of his plan would 
 only be to impose an additional burden upon the 
 modest home which his father found it so hard 
 to keep up. Tom sighed ; and, for the first time 
 in his life, he felt discouraged. 
 
 lie looked about him, 6cauning the dark, grave 
 faces, and read no hope or encouragement in any. 
 Finally the Indians came to a halt at their old 
 camping-ground, and Tom was lifted from the 
 horse. He was placed upon the ground, in the 
 centre of the group. Then followed a consultation. 
 From the glances directed towards him Tom un- 
 derstood that he was the subject of deliberation. 
 In fact, his fate was being decided. 
 
 It was certainly a trying ordeal for our young 
 hero. He was not sure of half an hour's life. 
 An unfavorable decision might be followed by 
 Immediate execution. Tom felt that his best 
 
TOM" 3 TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. 273 
 
 course was to remain perfectly passive. He could 
 not understand what was said ; out we are able 
 to acquaint the reader with the general purport 
 of the conference. 
 
 Several of the Indians favored immediate death. 
 
 " Our brother's blood calls for vengeance," thej 
 said. " The white boy must die." 
 
 "The boy did not kill him," said others. "It 
 was the white warrior who spilled our brother's 
 blood. He must be pursued and slain." 
 
 "What, then, shall be done with the boy? 
 Shall he go?" 
 
 " No ; we will keep him. He has strong limbs* 
 We will adopt him into our tribe. He will make 
 a brave warrior." 
 
 "He shall be my brother," said the chief. "I 
 will take him in place of my brother who is 
 dead." 
 
 There was a low murmur of approval. Even 
 
 those who had first recommended the infliction of 
 
 death seemed to have changed their minds. They 
 
 looked at the boy as he lay stretched out upon 
 
 he ground. He was stout, comely, and strongly 
 la 
 
274 the touno adventurer; or, 
 
 made. He had proved that he was an admirable 
 rider. If he should join them he would grow 
 up into a warrior who would do credit to their 
 tribe. 
 
 So the matter was settled. The only thing that 
 remained was to acquaint the prisoner with the 
 decision. 
 
 The interpreter approached Tom, and said, 
 " White boy, you are our captive. Why should 
 we not kill you?" 
 
 "You can if you wish," answered Tom; "but 
 why should you kill mc? I have done you no 
 harm." 
 
 "Our brother is killed. He lies dead upon the 
 plain." 
 
 "I did not kill him," said Tom. 
 
 " The white boy speaks truth. He did not 
 kill our brother, but his white friend took his 
 life." 
 
 " You ought not to kill me for that," said 
 Tom, gathering courage, for he inferred he was 
 to live. 
 
 "The white boy speaks truth, and therefore 
 
TOM'S TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. 275 
 
 he shall live, but he must join us. He must live 
 with us, hunt with us, and fight for us." 
 
 " You want me to become an Indian ! " ejac- 
 ulated Tom. 
 
 " We will take you in place of the warrior 
 that is gone," said the interpreter. 
 
 Tom looked thoughtful. He did not enjoy the 
 prospect before him, but it was, at all events, 
 better than death. While there was life there 
 was hope of escape. He concluded to make one 
 appeal for freedom, and, if that was denied, to 
 accept the proposal. 
 
 " I have a father and mother far away," he 
 said; "I have brothers and a sister, who will 
 mourn for me. My father is poor ; he needs my 
 help. Let me go back to them." 
 
 The interpreter communicated Tom's words to 
 his companions, but it was easy to see that they 
 were not favorably received. The original advo- 
 cates of the death penalty looked at our hero 
 with hostile eyes, and he saw that he had mad« 
 a mistake. 
 
 " The white boy must become one of us ; h* 
 
276 THE YOUNG ADVENTURER; Oil, 
 
 must take our brother's place, or he must die," 
 said the interpreter. 
 
 Tom very sensibly concluded that it would be bet- 
 ter to live with the Indians than to be killed, 
 and signified his acceptance of the offer. Upon 
 this the Indians formed a circle about him, and 
 broke into a monotonous chant, accompanied with 
 sundry movements of the limbs, which appeared 
 to be their way of welcoming him into their 
 tribe. 
 
 It seemed like a dream to Tom. He found it 
 very hard to realize his position, so unexpect- 
 edly had he been placed in it. He could not 
 help wondering what the family at home would 
 say when they should learn that he had joined 
 an Indian tribe far beyond the Mississippi. 
 
TOM'S TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. 277 
 
 CHAPTER XXXI. 
 
 TOM GIVES A MAGICAL SOIREE. 
 
 Tom had no intention of passing his life with 
 the Indians. In joining them he submitted to 
 necessity. It gave him a respite, and a chance 
 to devise plans of escape. He understood very 
 well that, if he made the attempt and failed, his 
 life would be the forfeit. But Tom determine*! 
 to take the risk, though life was sweet to him ; 
 but of course he must wait for a favorable op- 
 portunity. 
 
 There was a chance of his being rescued by 
 his party, but this chance was diminished by the 
 decision of his Indian captors to break camp, 
 and proceed in a northerly direction, while the 
 course of the emigrant train was of course west- 
 ward. Little time was wasted. The Indiaoa 
 mounted their horses, Tom being put on tlw 
 horse of the fallen brave. The leader put him- 
 
278 THE YOUNG ADVENTURER; OR, 
 
 self at the head, and Tom was placed in the 
 centre, surrounded by Indians. It was evident 
 that they were not willing to trust him yet. 
 They meant to afford him no chance of escape. 
 
 As the only one of the band with whom Tom 
 could converse was the interpreter, who rode at 
 the head with the chief, he rode in silence. The 
 Indians on either side of him never turned their 
 heads towards him, but, grave and impassive, 
 rode on, looking straight before them. 
 
 " This is easier than walking," thought Tom ; 
 "but I would a hundred times rather walk with 
 Scott, or Miles, than ride in my present company.** 
 
 They rode for three hours, and then dismounted 
 for the mid-day rest. 
 
 Nothing had been seen or heard of his old friends, 
 and that made Tom anxious and thoughtful. 
 
 "They have gone on without me, leaving me 
 to my fate," he said to himself, and the reflection 
 gave him a pang. He had been on such pleasant 
 and friendly terms with the whole party, that 
 this cold desertion (as it appeared) wounded 
 him. The young are more sensitive in such 
 
tom's trip across the plains. 279 
 
 eases than their elders. As we grow older we 
 cease to expect too much of those whose interests 
 differ from our own. 
 
 Tom felt that his fate was more and more 
 bound up with the Indians. If some days should 
 pass before he could escape he would find 
 himself in an embarrassing condition. Suppose he 
 got away safely, he would find himself in a 
 pathless plain, without provisions, and with no 
 other guide than the sun. If he should meet 
 with no party he would die of starvation. The 
 prospect seemed by no means bright. 
 
 I am bound to say that, for a time, Tom, in 
 spite of his bright, sanguine temperament, was 
 greatly depressed ; but his spirits were elastic. 
 
 " I won't give up to despair," he said to 
 himself. " Something tells me that I shall come 
 out right. I must wait and watch my chances." 
 
 Upon this his face brightened, and his air, 
 which had been listless, became more animated 
 The Indians glanced at him with grave approval. 
 They concluded that he was becoming reconciled 
 to living among them. 
 
280 the tovno adventurer; or. 
 
 When the simple mid-daj T meal was piaced 
 upon the ground, and the Indians gathered around 
 it in a sitting posture, Tom followed their example, 
 and did full justice to the dinner. In fact he 
 had taken so much exercise that he felt hungry. 
 Besides, he knew that he must keep up his 
 strength, if he wished to escape ; so, instead of 
 keeping aloof in sullen dissatisfaction, he dis- 
 played a " healthy appetite." 
 
 After resting several hours the Indians resumed 
 their journey, but did not travel far. They were 
 in no hurry. They had no long journey to make 
 across the continent. They only wished to go 
 far enough to be safe from attack by a rescuing 
 party of Tom's friends. Again they encamped, 
 and this time, from the preparations made, he 
 understood that it was for the night. 
 
 One thing Tom could not help noticing, — the 
 silence of these red children of the plains. 
 They seemed to make no conversation with each 
 other, except on necessary matters, and then their 
 words were few in number, replies aeing often 
 made in a monosyllable. 
 
TOM'S TRIP ACROSS THB PLAINS. 281 
 
 " They don't seem very social," thought Tom. 
 " I sii])pose they have nothing to talk about. I 
 wonder if the squaws ever have sewing-circles. 
 If they have, they can't he much like Yankee 
 women if they don't find plenty to talk about." 
 
 The silence became oppressive. Tom would have 
 liked to take a walk, but he knew that this would 
 not be allowed. It would be thought that he 
 wanted to escape. Yet to sit mute hour after 
 hour seemed to Tom intolerably stupid. A bold 
 idea came to him. He would try to afford them 
 some amusement. 
 
 Accordingly, he said to the interpreter, " Shal 
 I show you a trick?" 
 
 The interpreter communicated the proposal to 
 his comrades, and permission was granted. 
 
 Tom took from his pocket a penny. He ex- 
 plained to the interpreter that he would swallow 
 the penny, and make it come out at his nose, — 
 a common boy's trick. The Indians, to whom 
 this also was communicated, looked curious and 
 incredulous, and Tom proceeded. 
 
 Now I am not going to explain how Tom ao« 
 
282 tbb young adventurer; OB, 
 
 complished the illusion. That I leave to the 
 ingenuity of my boy-readers to discover. It is 
 enough to say that he succeeded, to the great 
 amazement of his copper-colored spectators. There 
 was a chorus of Ughs ! and Tom was requested to 
 repeat the trick. 
 
 He did so, the Indians being as puzzled as 
 before. 
 
 Now, Indians are, in many respects, like chil- 
 dren. They displayed, on this occasion, a childish 
 curiosity and wonder that amused Tom. They 
 insisted on his opening his mouth, to ascertain 
 whether there was any hidden avenue from his 
 mouth to his nose, and found, to their surprise, 
 that his mouth was like their own. Then one of 
 the Indians volunteered to try the experiment, 
 and nearly choked himself with the penny, which, 
 it must be remembered, was one of the large, 
 old-fashioned, copper coins, in circulation before 
 the war. It cannot be said that he turned black 
 in the face, but he certainly gasped, and rolled 
 his eyes in a manner that alarmed his friends, 
 and they instinctively looked to Tom for help. 
 
TO£fS TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. 283 
 
 Tom was equal to the emergency. He rose hastily, 
 slapped the Indian forcibly on the back, and the 
 cent was ejected from his mouth. 
 
 There was another chorus of Ughs ! and it waa 
 evident that Tom had risen vastly in their opinion. 
 They looked upon him as a white magician, and 
 even were a little afraid that he might work them 
 injury in some way. But Tom's frank, good- 
 humored manner reassured them. They asked him, 
 through the interpreter, if he could perform any 
 other tricks. Tom knew a few, that he had learned 
 out of an old tattered book which had fallen in 
 his way at home ; and such as he had facilities 
 for he attempted, to the great delight of his new 
 friends. Tom was becoming popular ; and even 
 those who had at first recommended death were 
 glad that his life had been spared. 
 
284 THE touno advbntumbr; om % 
 
 CHAPTER XXXTI. 
 
 TOM 8 ESCAPE. 
 
 Night came, and the Indian camp was hushed 
 and still. It was long before Tom went to sleep. 
 Generally he was a good sleeper, but his mind at 
 present was too active for slumber. " How long 
 is this strange life going to last?" he asked 
 himself. " How long am I to be exiled from 
 civilization?" This was more easily asked than 
 answered. 
 
 When he slept, his sleep was troubled. He 
 dreamed that Lawrence Peabody was a captive, 
 and that the chief was about to scalp him, when 
 suddenly he awoke. He could not at first tell 
 where he was, but a glance revealed the dis- 
 heartening truth. 
 
 He must have slept several hours, for the gray 
 dawn was creeping up the sky, heralding sunrise. 
 He leaned on his elbow, and bent a searching 
 
TOM'S TRIP ACROSS THE PLAMS. 285 
 
 glance upon his companions. They were stretched 
 motionless upon the ground, hushed in the in- 
 sensibility of sleep. " Are they asleep ? " Tom 
 asked himself. He satisfied himself that the 
 slumber was genuine, and there sprang up in his 
 heart the wild hope of escape. A few rods dis- 
 tant the horses were fastened. Could he unfasten 
 and mount one before any of them awakened? 
 
 Tom's heart beat quick with excitement. He 
 knew that he ran a fearful risk ; but he made up 
 his mind that now was his time. 
 
 Slowly, and without noise, he raised himself to 
 his feet. As he stood erect, he closely scanned 
 the sleepers. There was not a motion. With 
 stealthy steps he crept to the horses. He selected 
 the one he had ridden the day before, and un- 
 loosed him. The animal gave a slight whinny, 
 and Tom's heart was in his throat. But no one 
 stirred. He quickly mounted the animal, and 
 walked him for a few rod&, then gave him a loose 
 rein, and was soon speeding away. Just then the 
 sun rose, and this guided him in the direction he 
 was to take. 
 
286 THE TOUNO ADVENTURER; OR) 
 
 He had got a mile away, when, looking back 
 through the clear air, he saw, to his dismay, 
 that his flight had been discovered. The Indiana 
 'were mounting their horses. 
 
 "I must gallop for life," thought Tom. "They 
 will kill me if they catch me." 
 
 He urged on his horse by all the means in 
 his power. Luckily it was one of the two fleet- 
 est horses the Indians possessed, the other being 
 ridden by their leader. 
 
 Tom's hope was sustained by this fact, which 
 he had proof of the day before. 
 
 Rather to his surprise he did not feel as much 
 frightened as he anticipated. He felt excited, 
 and this was his prominent feeling. Probably h« 
 felt like a soldier in the heat of battle. 
 
 But the odds against Tom were terrible, and 
 his chance of escape seemed very slender. Be- 
 hind him was a band of savages, accustomed to 
 the plains, strong, wily, enduring, and persistent. 
 He was new to the plains, and a mere boy. 
 Moreover, he did not know where to find his 
 part} 7 . There were no sign-boards upon the pr«« 
 
TOM'S TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. 267 
 
 ries, but a vast, uniform expanse stretching far- 
 ther than the eye could reach. 
 
 Inch by inch, foot by foot, the Indians gained 
 Bpou him, the leader considerabty in advance. 
 
 Even if he alone were to overtake Tom, our 
 hero would of course be no match for a strong, 
 full-grown warrior, more especially as he had no 
 weapon with him. By some mischance he had 
 left it in the camp. 
 
 Tom's heart began to fail him. His horse 
 could not always, perhaps not long, keep up his 
 headlong speed. Then would follow capture, and 
 a painful death. 
 
 " It's hard," thought Tom, sadly, — " hard for me 
 and for my dear parents and brothers and sis- 
 ters. Why did I ever leave home ? " 
 
 He turned in the saddle, and saw the Indian 
 leader evidently nearer. But he aaw something 
 else. He saw a herd of buffaloes, thousands in 
 number, impetuously rushing across the plain from 
 the west. Their speed was great. They seemed 
 to be blindly following their leader. 
 
 " Good heavens ! " ejaculated Tom, in great 
 
288 TBS YOUNG ADVENTURER; OR, 
 
 excitement ; " the Indians are in their path. If 
 Uie herd does not stop they will be destroyed." 
 The Indians were fully aware of their great 
 danger. They knew the plains well, and the 
 terrible, resistless power of these wild herds 
 when once on the march. They no longer thought 
 of Tom, but of their own safety. But the buf- 
 faloes were close at hand. They were sweeping 
 on like a whirlwind. The Indians could only 
 ride on, and trust to clear them. But their 
 pathway was wide. It reached to within a fur- 
 long of where Tom was riding. They never 
 paused ; some of the animals in the advance 
 might have veered to the right or left on seeing 
 the Indians, but the pressure from behind pre- 
 vented. The savages saw their fate, and it inspired 
 them with more dread than an encounter with 
 white foes. Finally they halted in despair, and 
 their fate overtook them. Riders and steeds were 
 overthrown as by a flash of lightning. The 
 dark, shaggy herd did not stop, but dashed on. 
 Tom, in awe and excitement, halted his horse, 
 and watched the terrible sight. He could not 
 
TOM'S TRIP AOROSS THE PLBINS. 289 
 
 but sympathize with his late companions, though 
 he knew they would have taken his life. 
 
 The buffaloes passed on, but left no life behind 
 them. The Indians and their horses were all tram- 
 pled to death. Tom was alone upon the plains. 
 
 He thanked God in his heart for his self- 
 deliverance ; though he shuddered at the manner 
 in which it was wrought. He, too, had been 
 near being overwhelmed, but, through God's mercy, 
 had escaped. 
 
 But for what had he escaped ? Unless he found 
 his own party, or some other, he would starve 
 to death, or might fall into the power of some 
 other tribe of Indians. He must ride on. 
 
 An hour later he thought he saw in the dis- 
 tance a solitary horseman. It might be an Indian ; 
 but that was not likely, for they generally trav- 
 elled in numbers. It was more likely to be a 
 white man. Any white man would be a friend, 
 and could guide him to safety, unless he were 
 himself lost. At any rate there seemed but one 
 course to follow, and that to ride towards the 
 
 stranger. 
 
 19 
 
290 TBS YOUKQ ADVENTURER; OR, 
 
 When Tom drew near his heart was filled with 
 sudden joy, for, in the new arrival, he recog- 
 nized John Miles. Miles was no less delighted. 
 
 "Tom, old boy," he said, "is it you? How 
 did you get away? I was afraid we should never 
 see you again." 
 
 "I feared so myself," said Tom; "but I have 
 been saved in a wonderful manner. Has the train 
 moved on?" 
 
 "Do you think we would go on without you? 
 Not a man was willing to stir till you were 
 found. Even Peabody, though terribly afraid of 
 falling into the hands of the Indians, and losing 
 his scalp, was in favor of our waiting. The 
 boys are very anxious about you." 
 
 Tom heard this with satisfaction. The esteem 
 of our friends and associates is dear to us all ; 
 and it is always sad to think that we may be 
 forgotten in absence. 
 
 " But you have not told me of your escape, 
 Tom," said Miles. " Where are the Indians who 
 captured you?" 
 
 " All dead ! " answered Tom, solemnly. 
 
 
TOM'S TRIP ACROSS T11E PLAINS. 291 
 
 u Good heavens ! You don't mean to say — " 
 
 "That I killed them? Oh, no! Look over 
 theie ! Can you see anything? " 
 
 Miles looked earnestly. 
 
 " I think I see upon the ground some men and 
 horses." 
 
 " It is the Indians. They were pursuing me when 
 they were trampled to death by a herd of buffaloes." 
 
 "Wonderful!" ejaculated Miles. "I have heard 
 of such things, but hardly believed in them." 
 
 " It was a terrible sight," said Tom, soberly. 
 " I wish I could have been saved in some other way.' 
 
 " It was }'ou or they," said Miles, senten- 
 tious])'. " It is well as it is." 
 
 They were warmly welcomed at the camp. Tom 
 was looked upon as one raised from the dead ; 
 and the particulars of his wonderful escape were 
 called for again and again. 
 
 "You are sure they didn't scalp you, Tom?" 
 asked Mr. Peabocty. 
 
 " Feel and see, Mr. Peabody," said Tom, 
 smiling. " I believe my hair is pretty firm." 
 
292 THE YOUNG ADVENTURER; OR, 
 
 " I wouldn't have been in your shoes for all 
 the gold in California," said Peabody, fervently. 
 
 " I believe you, Mr. Peabody. Indeed, I think 
 I may say that I wouldn't be placed in the same 
 situation again for all the gold in the world." 
 
 "Tom," said Scott, "you are bound to suc- 
 ceed." 
 
 " What makes you think so? " 
 
 " You have shown so much pluck and coolnew 
 that you are sure to get along." 
 
 " I hope so, I am sure, for my father's sake." 
 
 Some weeks later a wagon train was seen 
 slowly climbing a mountain pass on the crest 
 of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. They reached 
 the summit, and, looking eagerly to the west- 
 ward, saw the land of gold at their feet. They 
 had been months in reaching it. Now it lay 
 spread before them, glorious in the sunlight. 
 
 " Yonder lies the promised land, my lad," said 
 Ferguson. " It remains to be seen whether we 
 shall be rewarded for our long and toilsome 
 journey." 
 
TOM'S TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS. 293 
 
 " If hard work will win success I mean to 
 succeed," said Torn, stoutly. 
 
 "I don't see any gold," said Lawrence 
 Peabody, with a disappointed air. 
 
 "Did you think it grew on trees, Mr. Peabody?" 
 asked Scott, sarcastically. 
 
 "I should like to stop a week at a first-class 
 hotel before getting to work," remarked Peabody. 
 " I don't like roughing it." 
 
 " We will leave you at the first hotel of that 
 sort we meet. Now, boys, gather about me, and 
 give three rousing cheers for California." 
 
 Thus spoke Miles, aud swung his hat. The 
 cheers were given with a will, and the wagon 
 train commenced the descent. 
 
 Those of my readers who would like to learn 
 how Tom and his friends fared in the land of 
 gold will find their further adventures chronicled 
 in the second volume of this series, — 
 
 The Young Pioneer ; 
 
 OR, 
 
 Tom Nelson in California. 
 
HORATIO ALGER, JR. 
 
 The enormous sales of the books of Horatio Alger, 
 Jr., show the greatness of his popularity among the 
 boys, and prove that he is one of their most favored 
 writers. I am told that more than half a million copies 
 altogether have been sold, and that all the large circu- 
 lating libraries in the country have several complete 
 Bets, of which only two or three volumes are ever 
 on the shelves at one time. If this is true, what thou- 
 sands and thousands of boys have read and are reading 
 Mr. Alger's books! His peculiar style of stories, often 
 imitated but never equaled, have taken a hold upon the 
 young people, and, despite their similarity, are eagerly 
 read as soon as they appear. 
 
 Mr. Alger became famous with the publication of 
 that undying book, "Ragged Dick, or Street Life in New 
 York." It was his first book for young people, and its 
 success was so great that he immediately devoted him- 
 self to that kind of writing. It was a new and fertile 
 field for a writer then, and Mr. Alger's treatment of it 
 at once caught the fancy of the boys. "Ragged Dick" 
 first appeared in 1868, and ever since then it has been 
 selling steadily, until now it is estimated that about 
 200,000 copies of the series have been sold. 
 
 — "Pleasant Hours for Boys and Girls." 
 
 A writer for boys should have an abundant sym- 
 pathy with them. He should be able to enter into their 
 plans, hopes, and aspirations. He should learn to look 
 Upon life as they do. Boys object to be written down to. 
 A boy's heart opens to the man or writer who under- 
 stands him. 
 ■—From "Writing Stories for Boys," by Horatio Alger, Jr. 
 
RAGGED DICK SERIES. 
 6 vols. By Horatio Alger, Jr. $6.00 
 
 Ragged Dick. Rough and Ready. 
 
 Fame and Fortune. Ben the Luggage Boy. 
 
 Mark the Match Boy. Rufus and Rose. 
 
 TATTERED TOM SERIES— First Series. 
 4 vols. By Horatio Alger, Jr. $4.00 
 
 Tattered Tom. Phil the Fiddler. 
 
 Paul the Peddler. Slow and Sure. 
 
 TATTERED TOM SERIES— Second Series. 
 
 4 vols. $4.00 
 
 Julius. Sam's Chance. 
 
 The Young Outlaw. The Telegraph Boy. 
 
 CAMPAIGN SERIES. 
 
 3 vols. By Horatio Alger, Jr. $3.00 
 Prank's Campaign. Charlie Codman's Cruise. 
 
 Paul Prescott's Charge. 
 
 LUCK AND PLUCK SERIES— First Series. 
 
 4 vols. By Horatio Alger, Jr. $4.00 
 Luck and Pluck. Strong and Steady. 
 
 Sink or Swim. Strive and Succeed. 
 
 LUCK AND PLUCK SERIES— Second Series. 
 4 vols. $4.00 
 
 Try and Trust. Risen from the Ranks. 
 
 Bound to Rise. Herbert Carter's Legacy. 
 
 BRAVE AND BOLD SERIES. 
 4 vols. By Horatio Alger, Jr. $4.00 
 
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 Jack's Ward. Wait and Hope. 
 
 COMPLETE CATALOG OF BEST BOOKS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS 
 MAILED ON APPLICATION TO THE PUBLISHERS 
 
 THE JOHN C. WINSTON CO.. PHILADELPHIA 
 
VICTORY SERIES. 
 3 vols. By Horatio Alger, Jr. $3.00 
 
 Only an Irish Boy. Adrift in the City. 
 
 Victor Vane, or the Young Secretary. 
 
 FRANK AND FEARLESS SERIES. 
 3 vols. By Horatio Alger, Jr. $3.00 
 
 Frank Hunter's Peril. Frank and Fearless. 
 
 The Young Salesman. 
 
 GOOD FORTUNE LIBRARY. 
 3 vols. By Horatio Alger, Jr. $3.00 
 
 Walter Sherwood's Probation. A Boy's Fortune. 
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 HOW TO RISE LIBRARY. 
 3 vols. By Horatio Alger, Jr. $3.00 
 
 Jed, the Poorhouse Boy. Rupert's Ambition. 
 Lester's Luck. 
 
 COMPLETE CATALOG OF DEST BOOKS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS 
 MAILED ON APPLICATION TO THE PUBLISHERS 
 
 THE JOHN C. WINSTON CO., PHILADELPHIA 
 
THE JOHN C. WINSTON CO.'S POPULAR JUVENH.ES. 
 
 J. T. TROWBRIDGE. 
 
 NEITHER as a writer does lie stand apart from the great 
 currents of life and select some exceptional phase or odd 
 combination of circumstances. He stands on the common, 
 level and appeals to the universal heart, and all that he sug- 
 gests or achieves is on the plane and in the line of march of 
 the great body of humanity. 
 
 The Jack Hazard series of stories, published in the late 
 Our Young Folks, and continued in the first volume of St. 
 Nicholas, under the title of ' ' Fast Friends, " is no doubt 
 destined to hold a high place in this class of literature. The 
 delight of the boys in them (and of their seniors, too) is 
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 of a man, too, and he has laid them both open in these books 
 In a most successful manner. Apart from the qualities that 
 render the series so attractive to all young readers, they 
 liave great value on account of their portraitures of American, 
 country life and character. The drawing is wonderfully 
 accurate, and as spirited as it is true. The constable, Sel- 
 lick, is an original character, and as minor figures where will 
 we find anything better than Miss Wansey, and Mr. P. Pip- 
 kin, Esq. The picture of Mr. Dink's school, too, is capital, 
 and where else in fiction is there a better nick-name than 
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 On the whole, these books are very satisfactory, and 
 afford the critical reader the rare pleasure of the works that 
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 plish all they set out to do. — Scribiier's Monthly, 
 
THE JOHN C. WINSTON CO.'S POPULAR JUVENILES. 
 JACK HAZARD SERIES. 
 
 6 vols. By J. T. TROWBRIDGE $7.2$ 
 
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 make the superior features so apparent that those who 
 have once read one, will always return to the 
 Roundabout Library for more. 
 
 Bound in Extra Cloth, with gold title and ap- 
 propriate cover designs stamped in colors, 
 attractive and durable, printed on the best 
 paper from large clear type. Illustrated, 
 !2mo. 
 
 PRICE PER. VOLUME, - $ .75 
 
 Catalogue mailed on application to the Publishers. 
 
 THE JOHN C. WINSTON CO., Publishers 
 
 PHILADELPHIA 
 
ROUNDABOUT LIBRARY 
 
 FOR YOUNG PEOPLE 
 
 Selected from the works of Alger, Castlemon, EHis, 
 Stephens, Henty, Mrs. Lillie and other writers. 
 
 Price, per volume, $0.75 
 
 Across Texas. By Edward S. Ellis. 
 
 Adventures in Canada; or, Life in the Woods. By John 
 
 C. Geikie. 
 Alison's Adventures. By Lucy C. Lillie. 
 American Family Robinson, The; or, The Adventures 
 
 of a Family Lost in the Great Desert of the West. 
 
 By W. D. Belisle'. 
 Bear Hunters of the Rocky Mountains, The. By Anne 
 
 Bowman. 
 Ben's Nugget; or, A Boy'? Search for a Fortune. By 
 
 Horatio Alger, Jr. 
 Bob Burton; or, the Young Ranchman of the Missouri. 
 
 By Horatio Alger, Jr. 
 Bonnie Prince Charlie; A Tale of Fontenoy and Cul* 
 
 loden. By G. A. Henty. 
 Brave Billy. By Edward S. Ellis. 
 Brave Tom; or, The Battle that Won. By Edward S. 
 
 Ellis. 
 By England's Aid; or, The Freeing of the Netherlands 
 
 (1585-1604). By G. A. Henty. 
 By Pike and Dyke; A Tale of the Rise of the Dutch 
 
 Republic. By G. A. Henty. 
 By Right of Conquest; or, With Cortez in Mexico. By 
 
 G. A. Henty. 
 By Love's Sweet Rule. By Gabrielle Emelie Jackson. 
 Cabin in the Clearing, The. A Tale of the Frontier. 
 
 By Edward S. Ellis. 
 Camping Out, As Recorded by "Kit." By C. A. Stephens. 
 Camp in the Foothills, The. By Harry Castlemon. 
 
ROUNDABOUT LIBRARY (Continued) 
 Price, per volume, $0.75 
 
 Cornet of Horse, The. A Tale of Marlborough's Wars. 
 
 By G. A. Henty. 
 Cruise of the Firefly. By Edward S. Ellis. 
 Dear Days, A Story of Washington School Life. By 
 
 Ada Mickle. 
 Diccon the Bold. A Story of the Days of Columbus. 
 
 By John Russell Coryell. 
 Do and Dare; or, A Brave Boy's Fight for Fortune. By 
 
 Horatio Alger, Jr. 
 Dog Crusoe, The. A Tale of the Western Prairies. By 
 
 R. M. Ballantyne. 
 Dog of Cotopaxi, The. By Hezekiah Butterworth. 
 Doris and Theodora. By Margaret Vandegrift. 
 Dr. Gilbert's Daughters. By Margaret H. Matthews. 
 Dragon and the Raven, The; or, The Days of King 
 
 Alfred. By G. A. Henty. 
 Elam Storm, the Wolfer; or, The Lost Nugget. By 
 
 Harry Castlemon. 
 Elinor Belden; or, The Step Brothers. By Lucy C. Lillie. 
 Esther's Fortune. By Lucy C. Lillie. 
 Floating Treasure. By Harry Castlemon. 
 Four Little Indians. By Ella Mary Coates. 
 Family Dilemma. By Lucy C. Lillie. 
 Floating Light of the Goodwin Sands, The. By R. M. 
 
 Ballantyne. 
 For Honor's Sake. By Lucy C. Lillie. 
 Four Boys; or, The Story of the Forest Fire. By Ed- 
 ward S. Ellis. 
 Fox Hunting, As Recorded by "Raed." By C. A. 
 
 Stephens. 
 Freaks on the Fells. By R. M. Ballantyne. 
 Gascoyne, the Sandalwood Trader. By R. M. Ballantyne. 
 Girl's Ordeal, A. By Lucy C. Lillie. 
 Gorilla Hunters, The. By R. M. Ballantyne. 
 Great Cattle Trail, The. By Edward S. Ellis. 
 Hunt on Snow Shoes, A. By Edward S. Ellis. 
 Hartwell Farm, The. By Elizabeth B. Comins. 
 Hector's Inheritance; or, The Boys of Smith Institute* 
 
 By Horatio Alger, Jr. 
 
ROUNDABOUT LIBRARY (Continued) 
 
 Price, per volume, $0.75 
 
 Helen Glenn; or, My Mother's Enemy. By Lucy C. 
 
 Lillie. 
 Helping Himself; or, Grant Thornton's Ambition. By 
 
 Horatio Alger, Jr. 
 Honest Ned. By Edward S. Ellis. 
 Haunted Mine, The. By Harry Castlemon. 
 In Freedom's Cause. A Story of Wallace and Bruce. 
 
 By G. A. Henty. 
 In the Reign of Terror; The Adventures of a West- 
 minster Boy. By G. A. Henty. 
 Jack Midwood; or, Bread Cast Upon the Waters. By 
 
 Edward S. Ellis. 
 Joe Wayring at Home; or, The Adventures of a Fly 
 
 Rod. By Harry Castlemon. 
 Kangaroo Hunters, The; or, Adventures in the Bush. 
 
 By Anne Bowman. 
 King's Rubies, The. By Adelaide Fulaer Bell. 
 Lady Green Satin. By Baroness Deschesnez. 
 Left on Labrador; or, The Cruise of the Yacht "Curlew." 
 
 By C. A. Stephens. 
 Lena Wingo, the Mohawk. By Edward S. Ellis. 
 Lenny, the Orphan. By Margaret Hosmer. 
 Lion of the North. The. A Tale of the Times of Gus- 
 
 tavus Adolphus. By G. A. Henty. 
 Luke Walton; or, The Chicago Newsboy. By Horatio 
 
 Alger, Jr. 
 Lynx Hunting. By C. A. Stephens. 
 Limber Lew, the Circus King. By Edward S. Ellis. 
 Marion Berkley. By Elizabeth B. Comins. 
 Missing Pocket-Book, The. By Harry Castlemon. 
 Mysterious Andes, The. By Hezekiah Butterworth. 
 Northern Lights. Stories from Swedish and Finnish 
 
 Authors. 
 Off to the Geysers; or, The Young Yachters in Iceland. 
 
 By C. A. Stephens. 
 On the Amazon; or, The Cruise of the "Rambler." By 
 
 C. A. Stephens. 
 On the Trail of the Moose. By Edward S. Ellis. 
 Orange and Green; A Tale of the Boyne and Limerick. 
 
 By G. A. Henty. 
 
ROUNDABOUT LIBRARY (Continued) 
 Price, per volume, $0.75 
 
 Oscar in Africa. By Harry Castlemon. 
 Our Boys in Panama. By Hezekiah Butterworth 
 Our Fellows; or, Skirmishes with the Swamp Dragoons. 
 By Harry Castlemon. a * 
 
 Path in the Ravine, The. By Edward S. Ellis 
 Plucky Dick; or, Sowing and Reaping. By Edward S. 
 
 JkliiS. 
 
 Queen's Body Guard, The. By Margaret Vandegrift 
 
 Question of Honor. By Lynde Palmer. 
 
 Righting the Wrong. By Edward S. Ellis 
 
 River Fugitives t The. By Edward S. Ellis 
 
 Remain Kalbris. His Adventures by Sea and Shore. 
 
 Translated from the French of Hector Malot 
 Rose Raymond's Wards. By Margaret Vandegrift' 
 Ruth Endicott's Way. By Lucy C. Lillie 
 Shifting Winds; A Story of the Sea. By R M Bar. 
 
 lantyne. ' ' 
 
 Snagged and Sunk; or, The Adventures of a Canvas 
 
 Canoe. By Harry Castlemon. canvas 
 
 Squire's Daughter, The. By Lucy C. Lillie 
 Steel Horse, The; or, The Rambles of a Bicycle. By 
 
 Harry Castlemon. ' y 
 
 Store Boy The; or, The Fortunes of Ben Barclay. By 
 
 Horatio Alger, Jr. ' y 
 
 Storm Mountain. By Edward S. Ellis 
 
 StrU I?ger 9 Jr PyNard '' ° P ' Luke Larkin ' S Luck ' By Horati <> 
 Tarn; or, Holding the Fort. By Edward S. Ellis 
 Through Forest and Fire. By Edward S. Ellis ' 
 True to the Old Flag; A Tale of the American War of 
 Independence. By G. A. Henty. 
 
 Sommers 8 ' The '' ° P ' Heavenward Led - By Jane R. 
 
 Unl^V' B i < r omin 9 a Hunte <*- By Harry Castlemon. 
 Under Drake's^Flag. A Tale of the Spanish Main. By 
 
 Under the Holly. By Margaret Hosmer. 
 Under the Red Flag; or, The Adventures of Two Arner* 
 ■ can Boys in the Days of the Commune. By Edwar* 
 
ROUNDABOUT LIBRARY (Continued) 
 Price, per volume, $0.75 
 
 Ways and Means. By Margaret Vandegrift. 
 
 Where Honor Leads. By Lyude Palmer. 
 
 Wilderness Fugitives, The. By Edward S. Ellis. 
 
 Wild Man of the West, The. By R. M. Ballantyne. 
 
 With Olive in India; or, The Beginning of an Empire. 
 By G. A. Heuty. 
 
 With Wolfe in Canada; or, The Winning of a Continent. 
 By G. A. Henty. 
 
 Wyoming. By Edward S. Ellis. 
 
 Young Adventurer, The; Tom's Trip Across the Plains. 
 By Horatio Alger, Jr. 
 
 Young Circus Rider, The. By Horatio Alger, Jr. 
 
 Young Conductor, The; or, Winning His Way. By Ed- 
 ward S. Ellis. 
 
 Young Explorer, The; or, Among the Sierras. By Ho- 
 ratio Alger, Jr. 
 
 Young Miner, The; or, Tom Nelson in California. By 
 Horatio Alger, Jr. 
 
 Young Ranchers, The; or, Fighting the Sioux. By 
 Edward S. Ellis. 
 
 Young Wrecker, The, By Richard Meade Bache. 
 
THE RENOWNED STANDARD JUVENILES 
 
 BY EDWARD S. ELLIS 
 
 hSZoH wi,f "J 8 iS r t §arded as the lat *r day Cooper. 
 Sri, «f • , W , ayS be read for the accurate pen pic- 
 
 tures of pioneer life they portray. 
 
 LIST OF TITLES 
 
 Its 
 
 DEERFOOT SERIES 
 
 Hunters of the Ozark. 
 The Last War Trail. 
 Camp in the Mountains. 
 
 LOO CABIN SERIES 
 Lost Trail. 
 
 Footprints in the Forest. 
 Camp Fire and Wigwam. 
 
 BOY PIONEER SERIES 
 Ned in the Block-House. 
 Ned on the River. 
 Ned in the Woods. 
 
 THE NORTHWEST SERIES 
 
 Two Boys in Wyoming. 
 Cowmen and Rustlers. 
 A Strange Craft and 
 
 Wonderful Voyage. 
 
 BOONE AND KENTON SERIES 
 Shod with Silence. 
 In the Days of the Pioneers. 
 Phantom of the River. 
 
 WAR CHIEF SERIES 
 Red Eagle. 
 Blazing Arrow. 
 Iron Heart, War Chief of 
 the Iroquois. 
 
 THE NEW DEERFOOT SERIES 
 Deerfoot in the Forest. 
 Deerfoot on the Prairie. 
 Deerfoot in the Mountains. 
 OTHER TITLES 
 PRICE $1.00 PER VOLUME 
 
 Complete Catalogue of 
 brated Castlemon Books 
 mailed on application 
 
 TRUE GRIT SERIES 
 Jim and Joe. 
 
 Dorsey, the Young Inven- 
 tor. 
 Secret of Coffin Island. 
 GREAT AMERICAN SERIES 
 Teddy and Towser; or, 
 Early Days in California. 
 Up the Forked River. 
 
 COLONIAL SERIES 
 
 An American King. 
 The Cromwell of Virginia. 
 The Last Emperor of the 
 Old Dominion. 
 
 FOREIGN ADVENTURE SERIES 
 Lost in the Forbidden Land. 
 River and Jungle. 
 The Hunt of the White 
 
 Elephant. 
 
 PADDLE YOUR OWN CANOE SERIES 
 The Forest Messengers. 
 The Mountain Star. 
 Queen of the Clouds. 
 
 ARIZONA SERIES 
 Off the Reservation; or, 
 Caught in an Apache Raid' 
 Trailing Geronimo; or, 
 Campaigning with Crook. 
 The Round-Up; or, Geroni- 
 mo's Last Raid. 
 IN PREPARATION 
 
 Sold separately and in set 
 Famous Alger Books, Cele- 
 and Renowned Ellis Books 
 
 THE JOHN C. WINSTON CO PHILADELPHIA, PA. 
 

 
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