"But we can't prove it, Randy; we haven't time, so we'll just have to let matters stand where they are. For my part I never want to see either of them again," said Earl, decidedly. Fred Dobson had listened to the latter part of the conversation with interest, and now he wished to know what it all meant. "They must be guilty," he said, after Randy had recited the facts. "Guardley is a bad egg. You know he was up before my father several times. But say, Randy," he went on, as Earl turned away with Foster Portney to secure extra accommodations at the hotel for the two following nights, "can't you fix it up with your uncle so that I can go to Alaska with him? I'll work like a slave for the chance to go." Randy had expected something of this sort and had talked the matter over with Earl, and now he shook his head. "I don't believe I can, Fred. My uncle is only taking us along because we are related and because he knows we are both strong and used to hard work. I really don't believe you could stand it in the new gold fields. He has warned us that the exposure is something awful." "Oh, I know, but I can stand more than you think," pleaded Fred. "Besides that, it wouldn't be right," added Randy. "You ran away from home, and it's your duty to go back." "Oh, don't preach. My father doesn't care where I am." "Yes, he does, Fred; he cares a good deal. And then your mother must be worried, too." At the mention of his mother, Fred Dobson's face changed color for a moment, and when next he spoke there seemed to be a suspicious lump in his throat. "I--I'm going to send mother a letter; I'll write it to-night." "You should have written long ago, Fred." "Oh, don't preach. Then you won't speak to your uncle?" And the squire's son looked into Randy's face wistfully. "Yes, I'll speak to him; but it won't do any good, Fred." It was not long after this that Foster Portney and Earl came back, having hired an extra room for the time desired. The uncle had been introduced to Fred, and now he invited the runaway to take supper with them. It was not until the meal was nearly over that Fred urged Randy to broach the subject next his heart. Foster Portney listened patiently to all Randy had to say and also gave ear to Fred's pleadings. But his face did not brighten up into anything like an encouraging look. "No, Dobson, I can't take you," was his reply. "In the first place, Earl and Randy are all the companions I wish to take along, that is, and grub stake, as we term it in mining slang--pay their way, that means; and in the second place, it wouldn't be right. You are a minor and have run away from home, and, if anything, it is my duty to see that you go back. Besides this, you do not look strong, and, I believe, you have never done any real hard work, and that won't do for Alaska. Only those who know how to rough it stand any show whatever of getting along there. My advice to you is, to go back where you belong."