Will looked suspenseful.
“We have decided, since your heart seems so set upon it, to let you do as you please.”
“Oh, father, I am so glad!” cried Will, rapturously. “Of course I long for the adventurous life the expedition offers—what boy wouldn’t?—but, honestly, I want to help you, and in a business point of view it’s the best thing open to me.”
He promised his mother to indulge in no reckless or dangerous exploits, and to evade companionship with any evil persons he might meet.
Then, while his mother was making up a package of his clothes, Will went to the hotel.
Mr. Hunter expressed a keen satisfaction at his decision. He drew a sort of contract between them, and, as he had promised, advanced the two months’ wages, and bade Will return by ten o’clock to leave home for good.
Will paid the money over to his mother, and took occasion to relate his adventures of the night previous. She trembled at the stirring recital. He listened attentively to her parting words of advice. Mrs. Bertram was not the woman to show her anxiety and grief at his departure, but kissed him good-by with cheering words and hopeful smiles.
Little did either dream of the long, weary months destined to intervene ere they again clasped hands.
Will’s step was quick and elastic, and his heart thrilled with pleasure as he again reached the hotel, his bundle of clothing strapped over his shoulder.
Youth does not cherish sadness, and his exuberant spirits regarded the parting with his parents tenderly rather than with forebodings of distress.