Part 34 (1/2)
”That's so. I've been into several poor-houses in the course of my life, but I never saw any of the inmates quite so poorly clad as we are.”
”You are right,” said Ferguson; ”but there are generally compensations.
I was taking account of stock, and I estimate that I have from sixteen to eighteen hundred dollars' worth of gold-dust.”
”I have nearly as much,” said Tom.
”My pile won't vary far from Tom's,” said Russell.
”That is a pretty good showing for five months, my friend,” said the Scotchman.
”It will make up for the old clothes,” said Tom.
”I have been thinking,” said Ferguson, ”that we need a vacation. What do you say to starting next week for San Francisco?”
”I agree,” said Russell, promptly.
”And I,” said Tom. ”I should like to see John Miles.”
”Very well. We will continue our work about a week longer, and then start.”
CHAPTER XXVIII.
A RICH DEPOSIT.
About the middle of the next forenoon Tom suddenly stopped work.
”What's the matter, Tom? Are you tired?”
”No, but I feel like exploring a little. Who goes with me?”
”Not I,” answered Ferguson. ”Let well enough alone.”
”I'll go with you,” said Russell. ”I should like a holiday. Besides, we may discover something.”
”'A rolling stone gathers no moss,'” said Ferguson.
”True, but there's another proverb: 'All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.' Tom and I will try a little play.”
The two friends sauntered away in an idle mood; yet, combining business with pleasure, they watched carefully the surface indications, ready to avail themselves of any that were favorable.
”It's a strange life we are leading, Tom,” said Russell. ”It is free, and independent, and healthful; but I shouldn't like to live so all my life.”
”Nor I,” answered Tom. ”No amount of gold would repay me.”
”Because gold is only valuable for what it will bring. Here it brings nothing.”
”Except the hope of future ease and comfort,” suggested Tom.