Page 167 - In A New World

CHAPTER XXX.

THE TWO CONSPIRATORS.

Obed and the boys made arrangements to travel with the party sent by the
commissioner as an escort to the nugget and other sums intrusted to it by

different miners. The strong guard gave them a sense of security which they
would not have had under other circumstances.

They were all in high spirits. They were no longer penniless adventurers,
but, though not rich, were possessed of enough gold to make them feel so.

Now that they were well fixed they were all filled with a strong desire to
see their home across the sea.

"I suppose, Obed, you'll be getting married soon after you reach home?"
said Harry.

"The very first thing I shall do will be to pay off the mortgage on dad's

farm," said Mr. Stackpole. "I want to see him a free man, with a home that
can't be taken from him. Then I'll look after the other matter."

"You are right, Obed. I only wish I had a father to help and care for," said
Harry soberly.

"I've got a step-father," said Jack, "but I don't feel much like helping him."

"You have a mother, Jack."

"Yes, but I shall have to be careful about giving her money, for her husband
would get it away from her before long."

"Well, boys, we won't borrow trouble before the time comes. For all I know
Suke Stanwood may have got tired of waitin' for me, and married some

other feller."

"In that case, Obed, I suppose you would die of a broken heart."