“’T would be wonderful fine!” exclaimed Dan.
“No reason why you can’t. I’m up there all alone, and I need a couple of chaps like you to use for dumb-bells, or to kick around when I want exercise, or suffer from ennui.”
“We’ll be wonderful glad o’ th’ chance t’ go with you,” said Dan, “and t’ be doin’ things t’ help when you’s sick an’ sufferin’, but I’s not likin’ t’ be kicked, sir. Is ‘ownwe’ a bad ailment, sir?”
“Pretty bad sometimes, but I’ll try and control myself and not kick you very hard,” explained Amesbury, looking very grave about his lips but with eyes betraying merriment.
“Oh, Dan,” exclaimed Paul, laughing outright, “ennui isn’t a sickness. Mr. Amesbury is just joking.”
Dan did not understand the joke, but he smiled uncertainly, nevertheless.
“We’ll hit the trail, then, the day after New Year’s. How’ll that suit you?” asked Amesbury.
“Can’t go too soon to suit us,” said Paul.
“Now I’m thinkin’,” suggested Dan, “th’ master’ll not be lettin’ us leave th’ post. I were so glad t’ be goin’ I forgets we has a debt an’ we signed papers t’ work un out, an’ he’ll sure not let us go till we works un out.”