“Stop!” cried Phil to Pete.
The astonished negro drew up his mules, and Adam looked around.
“Let’s take some of those children in here,” said Phil.
“That’s so,” said Chap. “That’s just what I was going to say.”
“Plenty of room here,” said Phœnix. “A big wagon, and no baggage to speak of.”
“Yes,” said Phil, “and I think it would be a mean thing for us to go ahead, and get good rooms on the boat, and cut out all these ladies and children.”
“Mean!” said Chap. “It made me feel like a boat-thief when we passed them. Let’s have them come along and get the best accommodations they can. We can stow ourselves away anywhere. Overcoats will do for beds, and our bags for pillows. It’s only a three-days’ trip. What do you say?”
“I say do it, of course,” answered Phil.
“So do I!” said Phœnix, emphatically.
Adam listened to all this, and then, with a smile, he said,—