t out an
expedition after the gold, for she was familiar with her husband's
handwriting and understood what certain words on the map meant, which
was more than those who first saw it knew. But it fared no better than
the others. So the treasure must be there still. Now if you only had a
share of that, you and your folks wouldn't have to worry."

"No, indeed, but I guess the chances are very small for me finding that
gold, even if I could go to Alaska, which is impossible."

"Yes, I am afraid so. Still, when you grow up you may want to have a try
for it. I think Mrs. Stults is living yet, and, I understand, she has a
standing offer of half the treasure to whoever will find it."

"Is that so? Where does Mrs. Stults live?"

"The last I heard she was in Denville, California."

"Denville? Why that is not more than twenty-five miles from Piddock!"
exclaimed Fred, a sudden idea coming into his mind.

"So near as that? Well, why don't you go and see her, get a copy of the
map, and hunt for the gold?" and the old miner laughed as if it was a
joke.

"Maybe I will," replied Fred, in a curiously quiet voice, as he rose to
leave the dining-room of the hotel.

CHAPTER IV

FRED HAS HOPES

"How long will it take you to get home?" asked Mr. Gardner of Fred, as
he accompanied him toward the street.

"Oh, about three hours. I'm a pretty fast walker, and it's mostly down
hill."

"Then you'd better take my tame snake."

"Your snake? Oh, you mean the donkey."

"Yes, I think he would go pretty well down hill. He could slide most of
the way. Better let me get him for you. You can send him back whenever
you get ready. I shan't want him for a week or so."

"Thank you very much, but I think I'll walk."

"Well, maybe you'll get home a little sooner, even if it is down hill.
Stop and see me whenever you're in this direction. I don't expect to go
to prospecting right away, and I'm going to make this hotel my
headquarters."

"Thank you, Mr. Gardner, I will."

"And give my regards to your father. I'd like to see him."

"I will do so, but I'm afraid you can't see him unless you call. He is
not able to get very far from the house."

"Then I'll try to call. Don't forget to say that Old Bill Gardner was
asking for him. And if he wants to have a try at the Stults treasure,
why, I'll give him a letter of introduction to the widow. I know her."

"Do you?" asked Fred eagerly. "Then perhaps you would give me a letter?"

"Gi