compared with a new
country like this."

"There are no gold-mines, I suppose, sir?"

"No; and the land is not as rich as the land here. It is rich in
historical associations; but a man, you know, can't live on those," he
added shrewdly.

"No, I should think not," said Tom. "It would be pretty dry diet. How
long have you been in the country, Mr. Ferguson?"

"A matter of three months only, my lad. It's the gold-mines that brought
me over. I read of them in the papers at home, and I took the first ship
across the Atlantic."

"Have you a family, Mr. Ferguson?"

"I've got an old mother at home, my lad, who looks to me for support. I
left fifty pounds with her when I came away. It'll last her, I'm
thinkin', till I can send her some from California."

"Then Mr. Ferguson, you are like me," said Tom. "I am going to
California to work for my father and mother. Father is poor, and I have
brothers and sisters at home to provide for. I hope I shall succeed, for
their sake."

"You will, my lad," said the Scotchman, in a tone of calm confidence.
"It is a noble purpose, and if you keep to it God will bless you in your
undertaking, and give you a good fortune."

"I hope we shall both be fortunate."

"I have no fear. I put my trust in the Lord, who is always ready to help
those who are working for him."

Tom found that Mr. Ferguson, though his manner was dry and unattractive,
was a religious man, and he respected and esteemed him for his excellent
traits. He was not a man to inspire warm affection, but no one could
fail to respect him. He felt that he was fortunate in having such a man
for his companion, and he was glad that Mr. Ferguson appeared to like
him in turn.

He also found that the Scotchman, though a man of peace, and very much
averse to quarreling, was by no means deficient in the trait of personal
courage.

One evening they arrived at a small tavern in a Missouri town. Neither
Tom nor his companion particularly liked the appearance of the place nor
its frequenters, but it appeared to be the only place of entertainment
in the settlement.

The barroom, which was the only public room set apart for the use of the
guests, was the resort of a party of drunken roisterers, who were
playing poker in the corner, and betting on the game. At the elbow of
each player was set a glass of whisky, and the end of each game was
marked by a fresh glass all around.

Tom and Mr. Ferguson took a walk after supper, and then sat