"
Probably most boys of Ben's age share his love of independence, but
it is neither practicable nor desirable that at sixteen a boy should
be his own master, much as he may desire it. In the case of our
hero, circumstances had thrown him upon his own resources, and it
may be added that he could better be trusted with the management of
himself than most boys.
Ben's reverie was broken in upon by the return of his companion.
"What are you dreamin' about, Ben?" queried Jake.
"I was thinking about home, Jake."
"This don't look much like it, eh, Ben?"
"Not much."
"Well, my lad, I've found something," continued Bradley.
"Found something? What! a nugget?" exclaimed Ben, in excitement.
"Not much. This ain't the place for such a find as that."
"What, then, Jake?"
"I've found a hotel."
"Where?" asked Ben eagerly.
"Get up and stand by me. There! look yonder. What do you see?"
"It looks like smoke."
"It is smoke. There's a cabin yonder. I've reconnoitered, and I seed
the door open, and a woman inside. Now, I'm going to ask her to give
us some supper and a bed. Won't that be fine?"
"Splendid, Jake!"
"Then unhitch that animal of yours, and we'll put our best foot
forrards, and maybe we'll get a hot supper and a Christian bed to
sleep in.
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