"Hilloa!" cried the young man; "Another of your mysterious walks! Do explain yourself." "All right," he replied, reseating himself, "there is no reason for circumlocution between friends. The truth must be told. I had hoped to lend you money, and I know that had you have required it, you would have borrowed it." "Certainly, without hesitation, my friend." "Of course, as I find you are very much better off than myself, I withdraw the proposition; but I had already provided your outfit." "What can you mean? Provided my outfit!" "Yes! I mean to say that there is not a single thing required for your journey that is not ready. Look!" And both rising, the captain opened the parcels which had been left on a side table. "Look here," said the captain; "this is a real Kentucky rifle, the only gun fit for a hunter; I have tried it. This is a ball pouch, with mould and everything necessary to make others when needed; this is your powder horn, which is full, while here are two small canisters to replenish with; this is a 'necessary,' as we sailors call it, containing spoon, fork, cup, knife, and other trifles; this is a leather belt; this is a game bag, with gaiters, riding boots, a cloak, and four rugs." "My dear friend," said Oliver, deeply moved, "you have been ruining yourself." "Get out of that and wait a little longer. As you seriously wish to adopt savage life, at all events you must be rigged out accordingly," he added, laughing. "This is a hunting knife, which you put in your belt; these pistols are to be placed in the holsters; that sword is perhaps one of the best cavalry swords I have ever seen. What, more! Oh, yes. This portmanteau, which is neither too large nor too small, in which you will find shirts and other necessaries. Then some pipes, tobacco, flint and steel, and a dozen boxes of preserves, in case you may someday be short of provisions. I think, on my honour, that is all. No, I had forgotten: paper, pens, ink, and pencils. And now my watch as a last remembrance." "This I must refuse. Your watch is too useful to yourself." "My friend, every time you look at it you will think of me," said the captain. And the two Frenchmen embraced. "I accept," replied Oliver, with deep emotion. "Now I know," continued the captain, "you are really my friend; and now let me see you dressed up as a true traveller, while I put the other things back into their parcels." "But before I don my new prairie costume, I have something else to buy," cried Oliver. "What!" cried the captain, "I thought surely I had forgotten nothing." "Do you think, my dear friend, that I am going to carry all this on my back. I don't want to look like a comic Robinson Crusoe, and, besides, it is more than I could do. I must have a horse." The captain burst out laughing. "Look out of window, my dear friend," he said, "and then you shall decide whether or not I forgot anything." Oliver approached the window, and saw two magnificent horses admirably caparisoned.