elves."

"Certainly, we will do our part, if need be."

This was an expense which Tom had not foreseen; but he at once saw the
importance of being armed when crossing such a country as lay before
them, and went with Ferguson to make the needful purchase. His Scotch
friend instructed him in the method of using his new weapon, and Tom
felt a boy's natural pride in his new acquisition. He felt years older
then he did on the morning when he left his country home. He had gained
some knowledge of the world, and felt a greater confidence in himself on
that account. He looked forward to the remainder of his journey with
pleasurable excitement, and lost no time in making the necessary
preparations.

CHAPTER XXI.

HOW THINGS WENT ON AT HOME.

While Tom was slowly making his way westward, there was one place where
tidings from him were anxiously awaited, and where nightly prayers were
offered for his health and safe progress. Of course this was the dear,
though humble, farmhouse, which had been his home.

Twice a week Tom wrote, and his letters were cheerful and reassuring.

"Don't trouble yourself about me, dear mother"--he
wrote from Cincinnati. "I am making friends, and
learning how to travel. I feel years older, and
rely much more on myself than when, an inexperienced
boy, I bade you good-by. I am a thousand miles from
you, and the longest and most difficult part of the
journey lies before me; but with health and
strength, and prudence, I hope to arrive in good
condition at my destination. As to health I never
felt better in my life, and I have taken lessons in
prudence and caution which will be of essential
service to me. I have found that a boy who goes out
into the world to seek his fortune cannot trust
everybody he falls in with. He will find foes as
well as friends, and he will need to be on his
guard.

"I start to-morrow for St. Joseph, in Missouri,
going by way of St. Louis. Mr. Donald Ferguson, a
middle-aged Scotchman, is my companion. A younger
and livelier companion might prove more agreeable,
but perhaps not so safe. Mr. Ferguson is old
enough to be my father, and I shall be guided by
his judgment where my own is at fault. He is very
frugal, as I believe his c