Page:Clement Fezandié - Through the Earth.djvu/120

100 profuse thanks. Visions immediately floated through his mind of a speedy and successful trip, and he pictured his arrival in New York, where, of course, he would be received in triumph, and fêted like a hero. He would not have been a mortal boy had he not been dazzled by the glory that seemed in store for him.

Had he realized then the dangers and difficulties to be passed, he might well have paused and turned back. But, with youthful optimism, he saw none of these, and he faced the ordeal with a brave and cheerful heart.

Our hero was brought back from his reflections by the doctor's next remark:

"We now come to the question of money, William. I hardly suppose you will wish to take the hundred pounds with you on your trip?"

"No, sir," said William; "I should like mother to get them as soon as possible."

"Very well; then I'll despatch a messenger at once with the money, and will myself add a second hundred pounds to the amount. But where can we find your mother?"

"I left her in the park early this morning, sir, while I went out to look for work; and I told her I should be back by noon, if possible, or, if I