of strangers, drawn thither by flaming accounts of
the richness of the mines and the bright prospects of acquiring sudden
fortunes, and war prices were prevalent everywhere.

"Five dollars a day!" exclaimed Jack in open-eyed amazement. "Do they
take us for millionaires?"

"I began to think they were imposing upon us," said Harry, "till I made
inquiries elsewhere. I find a pound a day is about the usual tariff for
such accommodations as we have."

"But we have only a small bedroom, and the meals are very common."

"That is true, but it seems to make no difference."

"Our money will soon be gone at that rate," said Jack soberly. "Mine is
already gone."

"No, it isn't, Jack. We are going to share and share alike, you know."

"But that is imposing on you, Harry," protested the young sailor
earnestly.

"Let me judge of that, Jack; I'd a good deal rather have your company
and half of the money than be alone and have the whole."

"Thank you, Harry. You are a true friend. I can't do much for you, but
I'll do what I can."

"If I had known of the high prices, I would have drawn more money from
the professor," continued Harry. "However, I can make this do. But I
want to start to-morrow, if possible. We shall then be owing four days'
board each, and that will make forty dollars."

At this point Fletcher joined them.

"By the way," said he nonchalantly, "I want to ask a little favor."

"What is it?" asked Harry unsuspiciously.

"I am rather short of money. Can you lend me five pounds?"

Jack looked at Harry in alarm. He was afraid Harry would grant the
favor, knowing his obliging disposition. But he didn't know our hero.
Harry was ready to do anything for a near friend, but he was too prudent
to waste his money on acquaintances who had no sort of claim on him.

"I am sorry to refuse, Mr. Fletcher," he said, "but Jack and I are
ourselves very poorly provided with money, and just before you came in
we were considering how we could manage to pay for the necessary
outfit."

"Haven't you got five pounds?" asked Fletcher quickly.

"Of course we have, or we should be unable to get to the mines."

"Then I think you might oblige me," he continued, looking very much
displeased.

"I am the best judge of my circumstances," said Harry shortly.

Fletcher looked hard at him, and saw that the boy he had to deal with
had a mind of his own, and was not to be imposed upon easily. Still he
made a farther effort.

"Then I th