"I thought I would go," answered Randolph Rover, "and I thought, possibly, that I might take Dick with me."
"Oh, you must take me too!" burst out Tom. "I could never bear to be left behind."
"And you must take me," interrupted Sam. "We always go together, you know."
At this talk Randolph Rover was somewhat taken aback. "All!" he cried. "Why, what would three boys do in the heart of Africa?"
"Look for father!" cried Tom. "I shan't stay behind—you can't make me!" he went on half defiantly.
"We have been through lots of adventures, uncle, you know that," came from Sam. "We are not afraid."
"But the danger, boys—" began the uncle.
"What danger wouldn't we face for father's sake!" said Tom. "I'd go through fire and water for him."
"You had better let us all go," said Dick.
"If you don't let Tom and Sam go, why, the chances are they'll—"