The two partners realized that Grant’s mission would involve some risk. Californian routes of travel were in those days infested by robbers and road agents, who preferred making a living in a lawless way to the more creditable and less hazardous paths of industry. How to reduce the danger to a minimum was a subject of anxious thought. “You had better not send all the gold-dust by me, Tom,” said Grant. “Then, if I am robbed, it won’t be a total loss.” This plan seemed wise, and Grant set out with about fifteen hundred dollars’ worth of gold. He carried it in a valise, and, the better to divert suspicion, wore an old and shabby working suit. “I am not proud of my appearance,” he said, as he took a position in front of the mirror in their chamber. “What do I look like?” “A healthy young tramp,” answered Tom, laughing. “I agree with you.” “However, there is one comfort; no one will think you have anything of value with you.” “What will Mr. Crosmont think when I make my appearance in San Francisco?” “That you are down on your luck. However, you can explain to him.” The next morning Grant set out on his way to Sacramento. Tom Cooper accompanied him as far as the cabin of the old man to whom they owed their present good fortune. It was a long walk, and the valise, with its weight of gold-dust, was no light burden. When they reached the cabin, they found Mr. Gilbert—for this was the old man’s name—sitting on a chair in front of it. His face was naturally grave, but it lighted up when his glance rested on the two new-comers. “I am glad to see you,” he said; but, as his glance dwelt on Grant in his shabby attire, “you don’t seem to have prospered,” he added. Grant laughed. “Appearances are deceitful, Mr. Gilbert,” he said. “I am in disguise.” “I don’t understand you.” “Do I look as if I were worth robbing?” The old man smiled. “You look,” he said, “as if you had just escaped from a poorhouse.” “Then the disguise is effective.” said Tom. “The fact is my young partner is going to San Francisco, and this valise, which he is taking with him, contains fifteen hundred dollars in gold-dust.” CHAPTER XXXIII. ON TO THE GOLDEN GATE. “Then you have really prospered?” said Mr. Gilbert. “Yes, sir; we must have as much as seven hundred dollars more, but this was as much as Grant could conveniently carry. We depend on his shabby attire to save him from attracting the attention of robbers.” “You will remain at the claim?” said Mr. Gilbert, addressing himself to Tom. “Yes, I shall continue to work it. Grant is summoned to San Francisco by a friend whose acquaintance he made in crossing the plains.” They stopped an hour to chat with the old man, and then, resuming their march, reached Howe’s Gulch in time for supper. They were immediately surrounded by old acquaintances. “Where are you bound, Tom?” asked one.