This seems like a providential call; it's sudden enough." The two young men who were by this time full of the adventure, went down to the Wall street office of Henry's uncle and had a talk with that wily operator.

The uncle knew Philip very well, and was pleased with his frank enthusiasm, and willing enough to give him a trial in the western venture.

It was settled therefore, in the prompt way in which things are settled in New York, that they would start with the rest of the company next morning for the west.
On the way up town these adventurers bought books on engineering, and suits of India-rubber, which they supposed they would need in a new and probably damp country, and many other things which nobody ever needed anywhere.
The night was spent in packing up and writing letters, for Philip would not take such an important step without informing his friends.

If they disapprove, thought he, I've done my duty by letting them know.

Happy youth, that is ready to pack its valise, and start for Cathay on an hour's notice.
"By the way," calls out Philip from his bed-room, to Henry, "where is St.Jo. ?" "Why, it's in Missouri somewhere, on the frontier I think.