ther would have to take the risk of that. You can't expect me
to."

This seemed fair enough, and, in fact, the danger didn't seem very
great to Tom. He was about sixteen; and to a boy of sixteen death seems
very far off, provided he is strong and vigorous, as Tom was. He rapidly
decided that the squire's offer was not to be refused without careful
consideration. It opened to him a career which looked bright and
promising. Once in California, what could he not do? Tom was hopeful and
sanguine, and did not allow himself to think of failure.

"I understand that you are willing to advance the money, Squire Hudson?"
he said, determined to know just what to depend upon.

"I will advance two hundred dollars, on condition that your father will
secure me by an increased mortgage. It is no particular object to me,
for I can readily invest the money in some other way."

"I will speak to father about it, Squire Hudson, and meanwhile I am
thankful to you for making the offer."

"Very well. Let me know as soon as possible," said the squire
carelessly.

As Tom went out, the rich man soliloquized: "I have no faith in the
boy's scheme, and I don't believe half the stories they tell about the
California mines; but it will give me an extra hold on Nelson, and
hasten the day when the farm will come into my hands. When Mary Nelson
refused my hand I resolved some day to have my revenge. I have waited
long, but it will come at last. When she and her children are paupers,
she may regret the slight she put upon me."

CHAPTER IV.

TOM ASKS LEAVE OF ABSENCE.

Tom walked home slowly, but the distance seemed short, for he was
absorbed in thought. In a way very unexpected he seemed to be likely to
realize what he had regarded as a very pleasant, but impossible, dream.
Would his father consent to the squire's proposal, and, if so, ought Tom
to consent to expose him to the risk of losing so considerable a sum of
money? If he had been older and more cautious he would probably have
decided in the negative; but Tom was hopeful and sanguine, and the
stories he had heard of California had dazzled him. There was, of
course, an element of uncertainty in his calculations, but the fact
that there seemed to be no prospect before him in his native village had
an important influence in shaping his decision.

To ask his father the momentous question, however, was not easy, and he
delayed it, hoping for a favorable opportunity of introducing the