The Young Adventurer; or, Tom's Trip Across the Plains

CHAPTER I.

MARK NELSON'S FAMILY.

"I wish I could pay off the mortgage on my farm," said Mark Nelson soberly, taking his seat on the left of the fireplace, in the room where his wife and family were assembled.

"Have you paid the interest, Mark?" asked his wife.

"Yes; I paid it this afternoon, and it has stripped me of money completely. ...