TAKING ACCOUNT OF STOCK Three months passed.

They were not eventful.

The days were spent in steady and monotonous work; the nights were passed around the camp-fire, telling and hearing, stories and talking of home.

Most of their companions gambled and drank, but Mr.Bickford and Joe kept clear of these pitfalls.
"Come, man, drink with me," more than once one of his comrades said to Joshua.
"No, thank you," said Joshua.
"Why not?
Ain't I good enough ?" asked the other, half offended.
"You mean I'm puttin' on airs 'cause I won't drink with you?
No, sir-ree.

There isn't a man I'd drink with sooner than with you." "Come up, then, old fellow.