"If it's a conundrum, ask me an easier one." Any lingering doubt he might have had of their meaning was dispelled by the Judge.

"It's about the softest thing you kin drop into, Old Man," he said confidentially; "if I hadn't promised the other boys to go with them, and if I didn't need the best medical advice in Sacramento for my lungs, I'd just enjoy staying with you." "It gives a sorter freedom to a young fellow like you, Old Man, like goin' into the world on your own capital, that every Californian boy hasn't got," said Union Mills, patronizingly.
"Of course it's rather hard papers on us, you know, givin' up everything, so to speak; but it's for your good, and we ain't goin' back on you," said the Left Bower, "are we, boys ?" The color had returned to the Old Man's face a little more quickly and freely than usual.

He picked up the hat he had cast down, put it on carefully over his brown curls, drew the flap down on the side towards his companions, and put his hands in his pockets.

"All right," he said, in a slightly altered voice.

"When do you go ?" "To-day," answered the Left Bower.