where such articles are sold. On their way through the crowded
streets, the new-comers found much to attract their attention. They
seemed inclined to stop at every shop window, to admire some object,
and it was nearly dark when they reached the place where they were to
make their purchase. Here, amid the variety of pistols that were
exhibited to them, they were for a time unable to decide which to
choose. At length, however, aided by the advice of Alfred and Oscar,
they picked out two that they concluded to buy. They also purchased a
quantity of powder and balls, and then desired to look at some dirks,
two of which they decided to take. Some fine pocket-knives next
arrested their attention, which were examined, and greatly admired by
all the boys. The oldest of the strangers, who did all the business,
concluded to take four of these, and then settled for all the articles
purchased. The bill was not very small, but his pocket-book was
evidently well supplied, and he paid it with out any difficulty.

After they had left the store, the oldest boy gave Oscar and Alfred,
each, one of the pocket-knives, to pay them for their trouble, as he
expressed it. They were much pleased with their present, and felt very
well satisfied with their afternoon's adventure. They were a little
surprised, however, that their new friends should think it necessary to
invest so largely in weapons of defence; and on their hinting this
surprise, the boy who purchased the articles said, with a careless,
business-like air:

"O, we 've got to travel a good many hundred miles, and there 's no
knowing what rough fellows we may fall in with. But give me a good
revolver and dirk, and I bet I will take care of myself, anywhere."

The seriousness with which this brave language was uttered by a boy