“Yes, we’ll come,” I said, answering for both; and I observed that old Jonas smiled grimly, though he did not speak.
Then Bob and I were alone and jogging down the zigzag road, traversing another five hundred yards before we reached our gate, where my father and the doctor were waiting for us.
“Brought the lads home quite safe, captain,” said old Teggley Grey. “Shall I take Mars Robert’s box on to the town, doctor?”
The old carrier remained unanswered, for we were both being heartily shaken by the hand, while old Sam came up smiling to carry in my box.
“Yes, take on the other box, Grey,” cried the doctor. “We shall walk home, Bob.”
“After a good tea,” put in my father; and I found that meal awaiting us all, and very hearty and cosy it looked after the formal repasts at school.
“Why, you’ve both grown,” said the doctor, as we sat down in the snug old room, where every object around seemed to be welcoming me.
“Yes, that they have,” said my father. “Your Bob has the best of it too.”
“Trifle,” said the doctor, “trifle. Well, sir, how many suits of clothes shall you want this time? I’ve never heard any more of the ones you lost.”
I saw Bob turn red and take a vicious bite out of a piece of bread and butter.