“Thank you, sir,” was the reply. “I am always glad to be here.”
He shook hands with Mr. Ashton and Mabel.
Now Shirley proceeded to tell him of the trip they were going to take, and Dick was greatly interested.
“I should like to see the canal,” he said. “I have been reading quite a bit about it, and it is very interesting.”
“You are right, young man,” agreed Mr. Willing.
“It is one of the wonders of the world.” He paused, struck by a sudden idea. Then he said slowly, looking squarely at Dick:
“How would you like to go with us?”
“I’d like it fine,” declared Dick, with a smile. “I wish it could be done.”
“Well, it can be done,” said Mr. Willing quietly.
Dick, as well as Shirley and Mabel, looked at Mr. Willing in surprise.