"Mr. Powers doesn't care for me, and there is nothing to hold me back," he told himself. "Yes, I might as well go! The first people on the ground are sure to get the richest nuggets! Who knows but what I may make my fortune! Ho, for the West!" A smile of enthusiasm broke out on his face and he quickened his pace. But then he grew thoughtful. He had only seven dollars that he could call his own and six dollars of the amount was at his home, two miles away. "I'd better get my money and some clothes before Mr. Powers goes home," he reasoned. "If he catches me, there'll be too much music to suit me!" In those days there were no trolley cars, only dingy stages running to where Mark wished to go. He hopped aboard one of these, paid his fare, and was soon set down at the right corner. "Why, you are back early, Master Mark," said the housekeeper, who saw him enter. "Yes, Mrs. Nason. I'm going on a journey. Mr. Powers hasn't got back yet, has he?" "No, I don't expect him before his regular time, half-past six." The housekeeper wanted to question him further, but he ran up to his room. He had a valise which had belonged to his mother, and into this he placed such clothing as he wished to take along. Then he brought out his money, a watch that had been his father's, and some jewelry that had belonged to Mrs. Radley. "I may have to sell some of those things before I reach the Land of Gold," he thought. "But I'll not dispose of them until I actually have to." When he went below, he found the housekeeper waiting for him. "So you are going on a journey," she said. "May I ask where to, Master Mark?" "I'm sorry, but I cannot tell you," he answered, briefly. "To tell the truth, Mrs. Nason, I don't want my step-father to know." "Oh!" The housekeeper grew doubly interested. "Do you mean to say you are going to run away?" "I don't think I'll run very much." "You must have had another quarrel." "We are quarreling all the time. I can't stand his ways, Mrs. Nason." "I don't blame you, Master Mark. He is a terrible hard man to get along with. Maybe he means well, but, but----" "If he does, he doesn't show it. I must be off, for I don't want to meet him. Good-by." He held out his hand. "Good-by, and good-luck, no matter where you go! But you must come back some day! The property is yours, remember that!" "Oh, I'll remember, and I'll come back," answered Mark, and gave her a smile. "And one thing more, Master Mark," the housekeeper continued, in a lower tone. "If you need money, I have some saved, and----" "Thank you, Mrs. Nason, you are very kind. But I don't want any but my own." "If you do, write, and I'll send you some," she continued. "Thank you very much." "And if you get into trouble, let me know, and I'll do what I can for you." "Perhaps I'll send you a letter some day. But you mustn't show it to Mr. Powers." "I'll do as you wish, Master Mark."