"Tom wanted to fly," said Ferguson; "but I am too old for that. Now, what is it you have found?"
When he was shown what had been discovered he admitted that it was very promising.
"If it holds out, we shall be lucky," he said.
"It _will_ hold out," said Russell, enthusiastically.
"It isn't well to be too confident," said Ferguson, cautiously.
"You are very cold-blooded, Mr. Ferguson," said Russell, impatiently. "Won't anything excite you?"
"What good would it do to become excited?" returned the Scotchman. "I am as ready to test the matter as you are, and I shall rejoice if your sanguine expectations are realized. Do not expect too much, however, and you will guard against possible disappointment."
But there was no disappointment awaiting them. They worked steadily for two weeks, with marvelous results. In this time they unearthed six thousand dollars' worth of gold, which by arrangement they divided equally between them; and still the gold deposit was far from being exhausted.
At the end of the fortnight they were visited by a party of capitalists from San Francisco, who were out on an exploring expedition. They recognized the richness of the new discoveries, and after some negotiation offered the three friends ten thousand dollars for their claims. One consideration decided them to accept. It was absolutely necessary for them to go to the city for clothing and other articles, of which they stood in imperative need. They closed the bargain and started on their return.
Arriving in the city late in the afternoon, Tom went at once to see John Miles. When the latter caught sight of Tom, in his ragged attire, he came to the natural conclusion that our hero had met with hard luck.
"Why, Tom, where did you spring from?" he exclaimed, grasping the hand of his young partner.
"I suppose you are in want of money," said Miles, his voice betraying sympathy.
"How do you like my appearance, John?" he asked.
"Never mind that, Tom. I see you have had a rough time; but I have been earning money for you."
"Did you send money regularly to father?"
"Yes; I have sent him three hundred dollars in all."
"That's good," said Tom, in a tone of satisfaction. "That has made him easy. I suppose that took up about all I was entitled to?"