“Dad!” exclaimed Shirley. “What do you mean?”
“Just what I say,” was the reply. “I am going to take Dick with us.”
Dick shook his head slowly.
“I appreciate your kindness, Mr. Willing,” he said quietly, “but I cannot accept such generosity.”
“Can’t, eh?” blustered Mr. Willing, “and why not, I’d like to know. I am not in the habit of having my invitations refused, sir!”
Again Dick smiled.
“It is very kind of you to ask me,” he said, “but I do not feel that I should accept. Of course, I have the money for the trip, but I do not feel I can afford to spend it. Besides, I could not leave the paper for so long a time.”
“Couldn’t leave the paper!” echoed Mr. Willing.
“I’ll speak a few words to my friend Col. Harperson, the owner, and he will see that you are given an indefinite vacation.”
“No, sir, thank you, I don’t think it can be done.”