“Big, vast, level, and wild, but the very spot for our purpose.”
“And not a neighbour near.”
“To quarrel with? No, not one. No, Dyke, we mustn’t give it up; and some day you’ll say I’m right.”
“Never,” cried the boy emphatically.
“Never’s a long day, Dyke.—Look here, lad, I’m going to tell you an old story.”
“Thankye,” said Dyke sullenly. “I know—about Bruce and the spider.”
“Wrong, old fellow, this time. Another author’s story that you don’t know.”
“Bother the old stories!” cried the boy.
The big manly fellow laughed good-humouredly.
“Poor old Dyke! he has got it badly this time. What is it—prickly heat or home-sickness, or what?”