Part 3 (1/2)
”What is it?”
”Lend me enough money to go to California,” said Tom nervously.
”Good gracious! Is the boy crazy?” e.j.a.c.u.l.a.t.ed the astonished squire.
”No, sir, I am not crazy. I'll tell you what my plans are. I shall go to work directly I get there, and shall devote the first money I make to paying you. Of course, I shall expect to pay high interest. I am willing to pay you three hundred dollars for two; unless I am sick, I think I can do it inside of twelve months.”
”How much money do you suppose you will need for this wild-goose expedition?”
”About two hundred dollars, sir; and, as I just said, I will give you my note for three.”
”A boy's note is worth nothing.”
”Perhaps it isn't in law; but I wouldn't rest till it was paid back.”
”What security have you to offer?”
”None, sir, except my word.”
”Do you know what I would be if I lent you this money?”
”You would be very kind.”
”Pis.h.!.+ I should be a fool.”
”I don't think you'd lose anything by it, sir; but, of course, I can't blame you for refusing,” and Tom rose to go.
”Sit down again,” said the squire; ”I want to talk to you about this matter. How long have you been thinking of California?”
”Only two or three days, sir.”
”What made you think of it?”
”I wanted to help father.”
”Who has told you about California?”
”I have read about it in the papers.”
”Have you spoken to your father about going there?”
”I have spoken to him about leaving home, and seeking my fortune; but I have not mentioned going to California, because I thought it impossible to raise the necessary money.”
”Of course. That's sensible, at least.”
Squire Hudson rose and walked thoughtfully about the room, occasionally casting a keen glance at Tom, who remained sitting, with his pail of huckleberries in his cap.
After a while the squire spoke again.