Part 9 (1/2)
”When can we start?” asked Fred.
”It will take about two weeks to get everything in shape. In the meanwhile don't talk too much about the trip. The fewer that know about it the better it will be.”
”I'll be careful.”
”Now I'll write a list of what you can take from home and then you can go. I'd ask you to stay and spend a few days with us, only I'm going to be so busy that you wouldn't enjoy yourself. Give my regards to your father.”
Fred promised to do this, and then, with a list of the things he would need (none of which would have to be bought, he was glad to note, for he had them all at home) he took his departure.
”Take good care of that map,” cautioned Mr. Baxter. ”If that's lost the whole expedition will be up the flume, as we miners used to say.”
”I'll be careful of it,” replied Fred.
Mr. Stanley was delighted with the success of Fred's visit to the old gold hunter. Then, for the first time, he really began to look on the trip to Alaska as a settled thing. Mrs. Stanley, also, who had been hoping that nothing would come of it, began to be alarmed. She spoke seriously to her husband when Fred was out of the house.
”Do you really think, Norman,” she said, ”that it will be safe to let Fred make this trip?”
”Well, my dear, why not?”
”Oh, there are so many dangers. Think of the icebergs, the polar bears, the great sea lions, the terrible cold, and all that.”
”There are no icebergs to be met with on land, and I don't believe they'll meet with any wild animals worse than wolves or wild dogs.
They're not to be feared as long as one has a gun. Of course it's bound to be cold, but Fred is hardy, and, with plenty of fur garments, he can be almost as comfortable as here at home. Then, my dear, you must think of the chance for making a large sum of money, and we need it very badly. It grieves me very much to see you sewing so often.”
”I shouldn't mind that in the least, Norman, if only we could keep Fred home.”
”Aside from the chance of finding the treasure, I am not sure but what it will be a good thing for the boy to go. It will teach him to rely on himself, and he will gain many new and valuable experiences. I know I can trust Mr. Baxter, who will take as good care of Fred as if he was his own son.”
”Are you sure of that?”
”Positive. Besides, Fred and Jerry will be together, and they can help each other.”
”Well, I suppose he'll have to go then, but I wish he was safe back.”
”So do I, and with the treasure in gold. But don't worry.”
”I'll try not to, but I can't help it.”
Fred got his clothes together, and was waiting word from Mr. Baxter. The latter, as he informed Mr. Stanley in a letter, had not been idle. He had arranged for the pa.s.sage of himself, his son, Fred, and a big colored man, named George Johnson, on a steamer sailing from San Francisco to an Alaskan port, and they were to start soon. Such supplies as they would have to take on the steamer were purchased, the remainder it was planned to buy in Alaska.
Fred had told none of his acquaintances about the trip, merely stating that he was going on a journey. Mr. Baxter, on his part, was equally reticent, so, aside from the immediate families, and Mrs. Stults and her lawyer, no one was aware of the gold-hunting expedition.
On the appointed day Mr. Baxter and his son Jerry called for Fred at the latter's home. George Johnson had gone on ahead to San Francisco in charge of the baggage.
”Well, are you all ready?” asked the old gold hunter of Fred after greeting Mr. Stanley.
”All ready, sir.”