“I wish we were sure of going,” said Andy, to him, and then told of what had been said to Mr. Dawson.
“I like you lads very much,” returned the old scientist. “I hope Mr. Dawson sees fit to take you along.”
“Perhaps you can put in a good word for us,” suggested Chet.
“I’ll do it,” was the prompt answer.
Professor Jeffer was as good as his word, and that evening he and Barwell Dawson had a long talk concerning the boys. The hunter and explorer could not help but smile at Upham Jeffer’s enthusiasm.
“Well, if you are on their side too, I’ll surely have to take them,” he said at length. “But it is a risky thing to do—they are not men, remember.”
“They will stand the trip as well as though they were men,” was the professor’s answer. “They are in the best of health, and full of vigor. Besides, it is well to have the enthusiasm of youth with us. It may help to cheer up many a lonely hour.”
“I like the idea of their being without close family connections, Professor. I hate to take a man away from those near and dear to him.”
“True, sir, true—especially when it is not actually necessary. Yes, I’d take the boys by all means. I do not think you’ll regret it. Of course, though, each will have to have a complete outfit.”
“You can trust me to get the best there is.”