"Yes, and it may take longer--so I heard one man say," returned Bob. "He said nobody would dare to try getting over the mountains after the snow began to fall. If we can't get over by the first of November, we'll have to stay on this side until next spring." "We'll have to get a regular outfit,--or else join some company going over." "I'd rather have my own outfit." "Oh, so would I." That night they landed near Cairo--which was only a small place in those days. They offered the scow to a number of boatmen and finally disposed of the craft in a most unusual manner. "See heah," said a man from Alabama, who sat on a mule, chewing a quid of tobacco. "If you're out fer a trade--I'm with yer. I allowed I was gwine to Californy on th' back o' this mule. But I've changed my mind an' I'm gwine home. If ye want to swap the scow fer the mule speak up; an' if ye don't, hold yer peace. Washington Gossnacker has spoken." "Let's take him up," whispered Mark. "The mule may come in handy." "What will you give to boot?" asked Bob, cautiously. "Th' harness an' the saddle an' not a cent's wuth moah, sonny. Is it a go?" "Yes," answered Bob. "Co-rect, neighbor--the mule is yours. Don't never git behind him, onless ye want to go to heav'n by th' direct route," added the man from Alabama. "Which means that he can kick," said Mark, in dismay. "Wall, I reckon he wouldn't be a mule ef he couldn't do thet same," responded Washington Gossnacker. The transfer was made on the spot, and while the man from Alabama took possession of the scow, Bob swung himself up on the mule's back. As quick as a flash the animal swerved around, began to kick, and then set off at a break-neck speed up the street. "Whoa!" yelled Bob, holding tight to the reins. "Whoa, you skyrocket; whoa, I say!" "Look out that he don't throw you!" screamed Mark, and he started after his chum, and several in the crowd followed. Up the street went the mule, with Bob clinging desperately to the saddle. Then the boy gave the reins a strong pull and spoke gently to the animal, and soon the mule came to a stop. "Better get down," suggested Mark, as he came up. "No, sir, I'm going to show Mr. Mule that I am his new master," returned Bob, and he made the mule run once more, stopping and starting him half a dozen times. At last the mule was worn out and under perfect control, and then Bob patted him gently and gave him something to eat. "Do you think it was a bad trade?" asked Mark. He could not help grinning, now the danger was past. "No, I don't--for the old scow was beginning to leak!" answered Bob, and then both boys laughed outright. "Now we've got a mule, what we shall need next is a wagon," went on Mark, a moment later. "Then some provisions, and ho! for the wild West and gold!"