There was a thick roll of bills. He counted them in a quick, stealthy way, and his heart beat with excitement when he ascertained that the roll contained eighty-one dollars. "Why, that will take me to New York," he thought. Yes, it would take him to New York. There would be no weary waiting, no probable disappointment in the end. The dream of his life might be realized, and at once. Ben was not naturally dishonest. If he had not had a special use for the money it would not have tempted him. But he wanted to go to New York, and the temptation seemed too great for him to resist. His resolution was taken. With one backward glance at the sleeping boy he thrust the wallet into his pocket and started for the river, where the skiff awaited him. CHAPTER XXXIV. RUPERT'S PREDICAMENT. Rupert did not wake till later than usual. The previous day had been unusually fatiguing and nature had asserted her rights. He turned over and mechanically looked over to where his companion lay at the time he went to sleep. He was a little surprised to find that he was not visible. Usually Boone slumbered till Rupert went over and waked him up. "Ben has gone to take a walk," he said to himself. "It must be later than usual." He looked at his watch and found that it was eight o'clock. "Well, I did oversleep myself," he said, as he rose to his feet. "No wonder Boone got the start of me." Upon reflection he decided that Ben had probably gone down to the boat, which was tied to a small tree on the river bank not more than five minutes' walk distant. He turned his steps in that direction. When he reached the place where the skiff was fastened, a surprise awaited him. The boat was not there! Still he had not the faintest suspicion that his guide had played him false and deserted him in the wilderness. "Ben must have taken a row himself," he decided. "It is rather strange, for he isn't generally enterprising enough for that. He must have had a headache or something that prevented his sleeping. Well, I might as well take breakfast." There was something left from supper of the night before. Rupert ate this with a hearty relish. He did not stop to make any hot coffee. Ben usually attended to this duty, and he was likely to appear at any moment. "I will wait for Ben to come," Rupert said to himself. "I hope he hasn't gone very far." After eating he lay back on the ground, for he still felt a little tired. "It seems odd to be alone," he reflected. He had not formed any particular attachment to Ben Boone, but he had a certain satisfaction in his companionship. They had become closely acquainted, and though Ben was not especially sociable, they had had some long talks together, so that Rupert felt a certain interest in his rough companion. Half an hour passed, and Rupert began to feel impatient, as well as solitary. "Why doesn't Ben come?" he asked himself. "It is very strange that he should go away so early and stay away so long."