It would have been a much easier matter for him to have secured an
ordinary carriage or wagon, and alter it to suit himself; but this was
not in accordance with the genius of the boy. No contrivance could
really suit him unless he made it himself. He had his own ideas, which
no one else could work out to his satisfaction.

It is unnecessary to say that the vehicle was made very strong and
durable.

This was the first great requisite. In some respects it resembled the
ordinary express wagons, except that it was considerably smaller.

It had heavy springs, and a canvas covering, with sufficient, as we
have shown in another place, to cover the man also, when necessary.

This was arranged to carry the wood, a reserve of water, and the
necessary tools to repair it, when any portion of the machinery should
become disarranged.

English coal could be carried to last for two days, and enough wood to
keep steam going for twenty-four hours. When the reserve tank in the
bottom of the wagon was also filled, the water would last nearly as
long.

When these contingencies were all provided against, the six weeks
mentioned by the hunter were gone, and Johnny Brainerd found himself
rather longing for his presence again.

CHAPTER V. ON THE YELLOWSTONE.