"Friends, I have resolved to leave you, and return to Europe. You know
my reasons. I am not a companion, but only a drag upon you; besides, my
mother is left unprotected. You will excuse me if I decline to enter
into a discussion on this point. I have not strength for it, and my
resolve is fixed."
Will paused, and Larry O'Hale, with a leer on his countenance, asked by
what road he meant to travel.
"Across the Andes to the northern coast of South America," answered
Will, smiling.
"An' you as waik as wather, with legs like the pins of a
wather-wagtail!"
"That will soon mend," said Will, jumping up and pulling on his clothes;
"get ready to go out hunting with me, Larry, if you have a mind to!"
Despite the remonstrances of his friend, Will Osten went out with his
gun, trembling with weakness at every step. He was soon induced to
return to the cottage, but his resolve was fixed. Next day he went out
again, and, finally, in the course of a week or two, had recovered so
much of his old vigour that he felt able to set out on his journey. Of
course there were many disputings and arguings as to who should go with
him, but it was finally agree that Larry and Bunco should be his
companions. Indeed these two would take no denial, and vowed that, if
he declined to accept of them as comrades, they would follow him as a
rear-guard! Muggins and Old Peter decided that they would return to
Tacames, and make their way thence to California.
Just before parting, Larry took Muggins aside and said, in as dismal a
tone as his jovial spirit was capable of, "It's little I thought, mate,
that you an' me would come for to part in this way, but ov coorse, I
couldn't leave Mr Osten in such a fix, so, d'ye see, I must say
farewell; but kape yer weather eye open, ould boy, for as sure as Larry
O'Hale has got two legs, which makes a pair, you'll see him in
Callyforny yit, diggin' for his fortin'. In the main time, as I know
ye'll want money, an' as I've made a lot more than you by huntin'--
becase of being a better shot, d'ye see--here's a small sum which I axes
you to accept of as a testimoniyall of my ondyin' friendship."
Muggins bluntly refused the leathern bag which Larry thrust into his
hand, but he ultimately allowed him to force it into his pocket--and
turned away with a sigh.
It was a lovely morning when Wandering Will sorrowfully bade his friends
farewell, and, with his faithful followers, turned his face towards the
snow-capped range of the mighty Andes.