er, and see
what can be done."

The stranger rose and laid his hand on Joe's arm.

"I don't know how it is," he said, "but your words give me courage.
I believe you have saved my life. I have a revolver left and I had a
mind to blow my brains out."

"Would that have helped you or your family?"

"No, boy. I was a fool to think of it. I'll accept your offer, and
to-morrow I'll see what I can do. You're the best friend I've met
since I left home."

CHAPTER XIX

THE UNLUCKY MINER

Joe brought out some cold meat and bread and butter, and set it
before his guest.

"The fire's gone out," he said, "or I would give you some tea. Here
is a glass of milk, if you like it."

"Thank you, boy," said his visitor. "Milk is good enough for
anybody. One thing I can say, I've steered clear of liquor. A
brother of mine was intemperate and that was a warning to me. I took
credit to myself for being a steady-going man, compared with many of
my acquaintances out at the mines. But it don't do to boast. I've
done worse, perhaps. I've gambled away the provision I had made for
my poor family."

"Don't take it too hard," said Joe, in a tone of sympathy. "You know
how it is out here. Down to-day and up to-morrow."

"It'll take me a long time to get up to where I was," said the other;
"but it's my fault, and I must make the best of it."

Joe observed, with satisfaction, that his visitor was doing ample
justice to the supper spread before him. With a full stomach, he
would be likely to take more cheerful views of life and the future.
In this thought Joe proved to be correct.

"I didn't think I could eat anything," said the miner, laying down
his knife and fork, twenty minutes later, "but I have made a hearty
supper, thanks to your kindness. Things look a little brighter to me
now. I've had a hard pullback, but all is not lost. I've got to
stay here a year or two longer, instead of going back by the next
steamer; but I must make up my mind to that. What is your name, boy?"

"Joe Mason."

"You've been kind to me, and I won't forget it. It doesn't seem
likely I can return the favor, but I'll do it if ever I can. Good
night to you."

"Where are you going?" asked Joe, surprised, as the miner walked to
the door.

"Out into the street."

"But where do you mean to pass the night?"

"Where a man without money must--in the street."

"But you mustn't do that."

"I shan't mind it. I've slept out at the mi