At that moment Leslie burst into the room, full of life and spirits, shouting, "Good-bye, ma, good-bye papa, I'm off for a row with old Crusoe."
"Well, be careful, Leslie; and mind, no larks," said Mr Ross, holding up a finger.
"Careful, papa! Oh, you can't think how careful I am; and as for rowing, why, I shall beat Crusoe soon," replied Leslie, as, with a merry laugh, he left the room.
"How bright," said Mrs Ross; "no care sets on his heart."
"No, and his one great fault arises from thoughtlessness; how true are the poet's words:—
'Evil is wrought by want of thought
As well as want of heart.'"
Meanwhile Leslie had made his way to the beach, where he was saluted by a weather-beaten old sailor, who, in his old age, had turned boatman; this was Crusoe, a name Leslie had bestowed upon him because he had visited so many parts of the globe.
"Good morning, sir; are you going to have a row this morning, Master Leslie?"
"Yes, Crusoe, I came on purpose—a good long row, for I feel as strong as a lion," replied Leslie, taking off his jacket and turning up his shirt sleeves.
"Shall it be the 'Lively Nancy,' or 'My Mary?'"