trapper was accepted with the utmost enthusiasm. Mickey and Ethan were
more anxious to go out upon the prairies than they had been a year and
a half before, when they started so full of fife and hope for that
vast wilderness, and had come back with such discouragement and
disgust.

It was arranged that as soon as the succeeding spring had fairly set
in, they would set out on their return for St. Louis, where the
trapper would meet and accompany them to the wonderful gold region of
which he had spoken.

Before continuing their journey homeward, Baldy presented each with a
complete outfit, paid their passage to their homes, and gave them a
snug sum over. Like the Indian, he never could forget a kindness shown
him, nor do too great a favor to those who had so signally benefited
him.

So the separation took place again; and, on the following spring
Mickey and Ethan appeared in St. Louis, where they had no difficulty
in finding their old friend, the trapper.

He had recovered entirely from his prostrating blow, and was expecting
them, anxious and glad to join in the promised search for gold. As the
fair weather had really begun, there was no time lost in unnecessary
delay. The purse of Baldy Bicknell was deep, and he had not the common
habit of intoxication, which takes so much substance from a man. He
purchased a horse and accouterments for each of his friends; and,
before they started westward, saw that nothing at all was lacking in
their outfit.