If our friend the
minister had one of his sermons with him, perhaps that would scare
away the highwaymen."
"It would not be the first time they have had an effect on godless
men," answered the missionary, mildly, and there was another laugh,
this time at the colonel's expense.
"What takes you to the Black Hills, my young friend?" asked Colonel
Braddon, addressing Luke.
Other passengers awaited Luke's reply with interest. It was
unusual to find a boy of sixteen traveling alone in that region.
"I hope to make some money," answered Luke, smiling. "I suppose
that is what we are all after."
He didn't think it wise to explain his errand fully.
"Are you going to dig for gold, Mr. Larkin?" asked Mortimer Sprague.
"It's awfully dirty, don't you know, and must be dreadfully hard on
the back."
"Probably I am more used to hard work than you, Mr. Sprague,"
answered Luke.
"I never worked in my life," admitted the dude. "I really don't know
a shovel from a hoe."
"Then, if I may be permitted to ask," said Colonel Braddon, "what
leads you to the Black Hills, Mr. Sprague?"
"I thought I'd better see something of the country, you know.
Besides, I had a bet with another feller about whether the hills
were weally black, or not. I bet him a dozen bottles of champagne
that they were not black, after all."
This statement was received with a round of laughter, which
seemed to surprise Mr. Sprague, who gazed with mild wonder at his
companions, saying: "Weally, I can't see what you fellers are
laughing at.
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