"You are right there. He don't believe it, nor do I. One thing more--were you the man that broke into his cabin and stole two gold pieces from his trunk?"

"No. I don't know anything about it."

"Of course you would deny it. All the same I have no doubt that you were the man."

"If I had done it he would have seen me."

"That won't go down. He was asleep. Ernest, what shall I do with this fellow? Shall I shoot him?" and Luke Robbins pulled out a revolver, which he handled in a significant way.

"Don't shoot! Spare my life, Mr. Robbins!" cried the tramp in great alarm.

"Humph! I don't see the good. Your life is of no value to the world."

"Let him go, Luke," said Ernest, "but tell him to clear out of this neighborhood."

"It is treating him too well. Still, I will do as you say. Hark, you fellow, what is your name?"

"Tom Burns."

"You are a disgrace to the name of Burns. If I spare your life will you leave this neighborhood and never come back?"

"Yes--yes!" answered the tramp earnestly.

"You'd better keep that promise. If I ever catch sight of you again I'll shoot without asking you any questions! Now get!"

Tom Burns got up and started away with celerity. He thought it wise to put as great a distance as possible between himself and the tall and stalwart hunter.

"I'll scare him a little," said Luke.

He fired after the fugitive, taking care not to hit him, however. Tom Burns heard the bullet whistling by his head, and with a cry of terror increased his speed till he reached a place where he felt secure.

"That is a terrible man!" he panted. "He'd as soon take my life as not. I won't get in his way again if I can help it."

"Well, Ernest, where do you want to go? What are your plans?"

"I don't know," answered Ernest gravely. "I am not sure that I have any plans. I feel upset completely."

"Sit down here and I'll talk to you."

The two sat down together.

"Now, how much money have you got?"

"A hundred dollars."

"It isn't much. Is that all that your uncle left?"

"I think so. He said nothing about having more."

"It isn't much to begin the world with. I wish for your sake, boy, that I had some to give you, but I never knew how to get together money."

"I guess it will do, Luke. I have health and strength. I think I can make my way."

"But you have no trade."

"Have you?"

"No, Ernest. You've got me there. I am only a hunter, but I don't make much of a living. I don't recommend you to follow in my steps."

"One thing is certain, Luke. I must get away from here. There is nothing I can do in Oak Forks."

"Where do you want to go, lad?"

"I don't know. I might go eastward to Chicago or New York, or I might go West to California. Have you ever been to either place, Luke?"

"No, lad, but if I had my choice I'd go westward. I've heard fine stories of California. I think I should like to see that land."

"Why don't you go?"

"Stop a minute! Let me think!"

The hunter a.s.sumed a thoughtful look. He remained silent for five minutes.

Then he said, as if to himself: "Why not?"

Ernest still kept silence, but his eyes were fixed upon the face of the hunter.

Finally Luke looked up.

"How do you want to go, lad?" he asked. "Do you want to go over the railroad, or are you in for a tramp over the mountains and plains?"

"That depends on whether I am to go alone or not. If I go alone I shall prefer to go by rail."

"Are you in for a long tramp with me?" asked Luke, his face glowing with new-born enthusiasm.

"I will go anywhere with you, Luke."

"Then it is agreed. We will start to-morrow."

CHAPTER VII

ON THE ROAD

Nothing could have pleased Ernest better than to travel with Luke Robbins.

He felt that he should be safe with the st.u.r.dy hunter, who was strong, resolute and reliable.