Part 7 (1/2)
TOM ARRIVES IN PITTSBURG.
”I came on business, Sinclair,” answered Tom, smiling.
”Thomas is going to California, Sinclair,” explained Squire Hudson.
Sinclair opened wide his eyes in amazement. ”What for?” he asked.
”To dig gold and make my fortune,” answered Tom complacently.
”Come out and tell me all about it.”
”You can go, Thomas,” said Squire Hudson graciously. ”Your father and I will settle the business.”
”Is it true that you are going to California?” asked Sinclair, when they were out in the front yard.
”Yes.”
”How soon do you go?”
”I want to get away in a week.”
”What has my father to do with it?” inquired Sinclair.
”He is going to lend me the money to get there.”
”How much?”
”Two hundred dollars.”
”Then he is a greater fool than I thought,” said Sinclair, with characteristic politeness.
”Why do you say that?” demanded our hero, justly nettled.
”Because he'll never see the money again.”
”Yes, he will. My father is responsible for it.”
”Your father is a poor man.”
”He is able to pay that, if I don't; but I hope he won't have to.”
”Do you really expect to find gold?” asked Sinclair curiously.
”Certainly I do. Others have, and why shouldn't I? I am willing to work hard.”
”Do you think you'll come home rich?”
”I hope so.”
”I have a great mind to ask father to let me go with you,” said Sinclair unexpectedly.