moment, when he was all ready for starting. His father gave him his
blessing; Prudence was more difficult to manage.

"It's a breach of promise case," said she, "I don't believe you mean
to marry me arter all."

"Yes, I do, ye silly critter," said Mose. "I'll come and make you Mrs.
Jenkins; but I want to get the rocks first."

"Ain't there rocks enough here?" asked Prudence, simply.

"Pooh! I mean the rocks what folks carries in their pockets, an'
treats every body with--all sollid gold."

"I don't believe half them stories," said Prudence, contemptuously.

"They're as true as gospil," said Mose, "'cause I see it in a paper.
And there's Curnil Hateful Slowboy, that went from here last
year--you'd ort to know him, Prudence, coz he was one of your old
beaux--wall, now, they say he's one of the richest men in Calliforny.
I tell you I'm bound to make my fortin' there."

"And so am I," said Prudence, resolutely.

"You!" exclaimed Mose.

"Yes. I'm bound to go, too; and I'll follow you in the next ship, else
you'll be green enough to marry one of them 'ere Ingine gals."

"Prudence, you're spunk!" exclaimed Mose, in terms of the warmest