“Where to?”

“To a farmer I know. I am going to show you a lark, Tom,” said George, and his eyes beamed benevolence on his comrade.

Robinson stopped short. “George,” said he, “no! don’t let us. I would rather stay at home and read my book.”

“Why, Tom, am I the man to tempt you to do evil?” asked George, hurt.

“Why, no! but, for all that, you proposed a lark.”

“Ay, but an innocent one,—one more likely to lift your heart on high than to give you ill thoughts.”

“Well, this is a riddle!” and Robinson was intensely puzzled.

“Carlo!” cried George suddenly, “come here; I will not have you hunting and tormenting those kangaroo rats to-day. Let us all be at peace, if you please. Come, to heel.”

The friends strode briskly on, and a little after eleven o’clock they came upon a small squatter’s house and premises. “Here we are,” said George, and his eyes glittered with innocent delight.

THE LARK IN THE GOLD-FIELDS.
CHARLES READE.
Part II.