hy member of
the church of Scotland."

"I don't think your countrymen generally refuse whisky."

"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, you won't find many of
your way of thinking in the country you're going to."

"I don't doubt he's right, Tom," said Ferguson to Tom, as 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, and neither cared to incur the expense of
living at the hotel any longer than was absolutely necessary. Luckily
this probably would not be long, for nearly every day a caravan set out
on the long journey, and 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
unsettled 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 did not 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 safety."

"It isn't best to worry about that, Mr. Ferguson," 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?"

"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 occasion to rende