years developed
extraordinary endurance, and showed remarkable 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 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 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 happier, 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?"

"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