Dinner was now had, and then the three proceeded to the outfitting store Foster Portney had previously mentioned. On the way their uncle asked the boys what they had in their trunks, that nothing not needed might be purchased. Two hours were spent in buying clothing, and both Earl and Randy thought their uncle would never get done adding to the pile. First came a dozen suits of flannel underwear, and with them a dozen pairs of heavy socks and half a dozen of light ones. Then came two suits of woollen clothing, strongly made and with large pockets, two pairs of strong shoes and a pair of arctics, and two pairs of walrus-hide boots--heavy, it is true, but strong as iron. Finally came a suit of furs and two caps, each with a guard which could be pulled down to the neck, leaving only two holes for the eyes. "I reckon you've got handkerchiefs and such extras," said Mr. Portney. "So now all you want, so far as wearing is concerned, is a few pairs of smoked glasses, to prevent snow-blindness." The general outfitter was also able to supply these, and he suggested they take along about ten yards of mosquito netting. "Mosquito netting!" cried Randy. "What for?" "During the short summer mosquitoes are exceedingly thick in Alaska," said his uncle; and made the purchase suggested. It was now getting late, and Foster Portney said they had best wait until the following morning before buying the camping-out things, bedding, and other necessities. "I'll make a careful list to-night," he added. They returned to the Palace Hotel, where Randy and Earl found Fred Dobson awaiting them. "Say!" was the greeting of the squire's son. "Is half of Basco moving out to San Francisco?" "What do you mean?" questioned Earl, with a puzzled look. "Why, I was down at the railroad station about an hour ago, and I saw a train come in from Chicago with Tom Roland and Jasper Guardley on board." CHAPTER VII. BUYING THE OUTFITS. "You saw Tom Roland and Jasper Guardley?" burst from the lips of the Portney brothers simultaneously. "Yes," replied Fred Dobson. "I couldn't believe my eyes at first, but when I felt sure I was right I ran up to speak to Roland." "And what did he say?" queried Earl. "He didn't give me a chance to speak to him. He and Guardley disappeared in the crowd like a flash. I rather think they saw me and avoided me." Earl and Randy exchanged glances. Tom Roland and Jasper Guardley had followed them to San Francisco. What could it mean? "I shouldn't wonder if they are bound for Alaska, too!" burst out Randy. "Oh, Earl, supposing they got that letter--" "It's more than likely they did," said the elder youth, quickly. "I'll wager both of them are going to try their fortunes in the new gold fields. Well, they had a cheap trip West," he concluded bitterly. "If we could prove they got the money, we could have them locked up."