that, Dick," replied his father. "And, after
thinking it over, I don't know but you could make whatever investigation
would be needed. I think I'll let you go. How soon can you be ready?"

"To-night."

"Well, there's no such rush as that. If we've been swindled, finding it
out now isn't going to help matters any. If, on the other hand, as I
hope may be the case, the mines are all right, there's no need of
hurrying out there. You'd better make good preparations for the trip. It
isn't going to be much fun traveling alone."

"But, dad, I needn't travel alone. I was thinking I could take some of
my chums with me. Bricktop, Frank Bender and Walter Mead would think it
bully fun to go along. Why couldn't I take them?"

"I suppose you could if their parents did not object. They would be your
guests, of course--that is, you would have to pay all expenses."

"I'd be willing to. I've got two thousand dollars invested in the
Dolphin mine, and I've got to spend some more to see if I've thrown that
money away. I might as well have some fun out of it, if I can."

"Four lads will make a nice party. I'll have McIverson go to the depot
and get some time-tables. Meanwhile you had better get the fresh-air
boys back to Sunnyside. It's getting near supper-time, and the matron
may be worried about them."

"Say, is youse really goin' out where they make gold mines?" asked Tim
Muldoon, as he and Dick went back to the automobile, around which the
other lads, having spent all their money, and seen all the sights, were
waiting. "Are youse goin' out West among de Indians an' cowboys?"

"Well, yes, but I guess there aren't any Indians left."

"Sure dere is! Didn't I read about in a book? It's a crackerjack! I'll
lend it to youse. It's 'Three-Fingered Harry; or, De Scourge of de
Redskins!'"

"No, thanks," answered Dick, with a laugh. "I wouldn't read such trash
if I were you. There are very few Indians left out West and they're too
scarce to kill off."

"Well," spoke Tim, with a sigh, "it's in de book. Say," he added, "does
it cost much to go out West?"

"Well, I'm not sure just how much it does take, but I guess it's rather
costly."

Tim sighed heavily.

"What's the matter?" asked Dick.

"I've got three dollars an' nineteen cents salted down in de dime
savings bank," replied the newsboy. "I was savin' it fer a new overcoat,
but I'd rather go out West. How far could I go fer three dollars an'
nineteen cents? Could I travel wit you