"Sit down here and I'll talk to you." He pointed to a little ridge which would serve as a seat. The two sat down together. "Now, how much money have you got?" "A hundred dollars," "It isn't much. Is that all your uncle left?" "I think so. He said nothing about having more." "It isn't much to begin the world with. I wish for your sake, boy, that I had some to give you, but I never knew how to get together money." "I guess it will do, Luke. I have health and strength. I think I can make my way." "But you have no trade." "Have you?" "No, Ernest. You've got me there. I am only a hunter, but I don't make much of a living. I don't recommend you to follow in my steps. I'd like to keep you with me, but it wouldn't pay you." "One thing is certain, Luke. I must get away from here. There is nothing I can do in Oak Forks." "Where do you want to go, lad?" "I don't know. I might go eastward to Chicago or New York, or I might go West to California. Have you ever been to either place, Luke?" "No, lad, but if I had my choice I'd go westward. I've heard fine stories of California. I think I should like to see that land, and push on to the Pacific ocean." "Why don't you go?" "Stop a minute! Let me think!" The hunter assumed a thoughtful look. He remained silent for five minutes. Then he said, as if to himself, "Why not?" Ernest still kept silence, but his eyes were fixed upon the face of the hunter. Finally Luke looked up. "How do you want to go, lad?" he asked. "Do you want to go by the railroad, or are you in for a tramp over the mountains and plains?" "That depends on whether I am to go alone or not. If I go alone I shall prefer to go by rail." "Are you in for a long tramp with me?" asked Luke, his face glowing with new-born enthusiasm. "I will go anywhere with you, Luke." "Then it is agreed. We will start to-morrow." CHAPTER VII. ON THE ROAD. Nothing could have pleased Ernest better than to travel with the companionship of Luke Robbins. He felt that he should be safe with the sturdy hunter, who was strong, resolute, and reliable. True, he was not a man who had succeeded, as men reckon success. He had lived comfortably, but it had never occurred to him to lay up money, nor indeed had he had any opportunity to do so. He mentioned this as an objection to the trip which he had himself proposed. "My lad," he said, "I am afraid I can't go with you, after all." "Why not, Luke?" "Because you're rich, compared with me." "I have but a hundred dollars." "And I well, lad, I'm ashamed to say so, but I have only fifteen." "We'll share and share alike, Luke." "No, lad. Luke Robbins is too proud to live upon a boy. I reckon I'd better stay at home." "But I want you to go and take care of me, Luke. How can I travel alone?" Luke brightened up. "That puts a different face on it, Ernest. If you think you need me, I'll go." "I do need you." "Then go I will; but one thing is understood--I won't take any of your money."