“Then don’t hold back,” urged the young man, “for you’ll always find that both Mr. Rowland and myself are willing to accommodate any of you when it can be done without disturbing the ordinary routine of the camp too much.”
“It was only this, sir,” continued Asa. “According to the programme mapped out by Mr. Rowland, and which he read to us, I’m selected to sleep to-night in the cabin along with three other fellows.”
“And what objection do you have to that, Asa? I think Mr. Rowland picked out those who were to occupy the cabin with a purpose in view,” the camp leader remarked, kindly.
“I’m sure he did, sir, for he said as much,” Asa admitted. “But you see it’s this way with me. I’ve been feeling a heap better ever since I took to sleeping on that porch they enclosed with wire netting. It’s been nearly a year now since I started to try that sort of thing, and I’ve got so used to it I’m afraid I’d feel awfully choky and queer if I tried to sleep in a room again.”
“I reckon there’s a whole lot in that, too, Asa,” said Dick, with a quick glance at the camp leader, who nodded in approval. “I’ve heard people say they couldn’t bear to go to bed inside four walls after sleeping outdoors for a long time. They complain that it seems to smother them.”
“Just so,” added Mr. Bartlett, “and I suppose that’s why gypsies who used to come to Cliffwood trading horses and telling fortunes said no winter’s storm could ever drive them to seek shelter in a house-dweller’s place. I’ll make arrangements to have you exchange places with one of the boys in a tent, Asa. And I’m glad you spoke of it in time. Remember, both Mr. Rowland and I will be pleased to oblige any of you boys when the request is as reasonable as yours.”
“I don’t suppose there’ll be any danger out here on this big island, sir?” remarked Asa, a little uneasily, Dick noticed, as he glanced around at the moonlit vicinity, and shivered.
“Oh! there’s very small chance that the island holds any wild animals larger than raccoons and squirrels,” replied the camp leader.
“Besides, Asa,” Dick added, “you must remember that even a wildcat is afraid of fire, and as a rule shuns the presence of human beings. The chances are we’ll not be disturbed in any way while camping on Bass Island.”
And so it came about that Asa found a place in one of the tents, where he could make himself comfortable near the entrance, and breathe all the free night air he wished.