But I don't see, at present, Fred, how
you are going to get to see Mrs. Stults. The railroad fare costs more
than we can afford."

"I can walk it, father."

"What? Walk twenty-five miles--yes, fifty, for it would mean that."

"Oh, I could do it. But I may be able to get some work, and earn my
car-fare."

"Well," said Mr. Stanley, after thinking it over, "the matter will have
to be discussed considerably more at length, before I can consent to let
you do anything."

"May I go see Mrs. Stults, dad?"

"Yes, if you can arrange it. I have been promised a little job as
watchman at the old Owl mine. There is a lawsuit over it, and the court
has ordered that it be guarded, pending a settlement. The wages are not
much, but it is about all I can do. The offer only came to me this
afternoon. With what I can earn there, and with what your mother takes
in, I think we can spare you for a few days, if you want to try and see
Mrs. Stults. But, if you walk, you must take at least two days at it. I
don't want you to get sick."

"I don't either, dad. I'll go slow, so I'll be in good shape to start
for Alaska with the expedition."

"I'm afraid it will be a good while before the expedition starts, my
son."

But Fred had no doubts to worry him. He felt confident that he would
succeed, and he did not consider the many obstacles in the way. He only
looked ahead, and saw himself, in fancy, bringing home a great treasure,
to delight his father and mother.

Fred mapped out a plan for himself. Now that his father had a little
work, the boy did not worry so much about matters at home. He decided he
would try, harder than ever, to get odd jobs to do, so that he might
earn money enough for his railroad fare to Denville. In this he was more
successful than he hoped. In about a week he had the necessary cash, and
then, on second thoughts, as there was no great hurry, he decided to
walk after all.

So, taking only part of the money he had earned, and giving the rest to
his mother, he set out, one fine morning, on his long walk.

He had cash enough to buy his meals, and he knew he could find sleeping
places in the mining camps, where he would have to pay nothing. In this
way, should his mission prove a failure, as far as the widow was
concerned, he would not be out much.

Fortunately for Fred the weather continued good, and, in less time than
he had calculated, he arrived at Denville. Everyone knew where Mrs. Max
Stults lived, and, afte