“What danger?”
“Snakes and other reptiles may be in abundance.”
“I’ll take care.”
“And for aught we know Indians may be hunting in the neighbourhood.”
“Should not we have heard them or seen them, if they were?” I said, for I did not like the idea of giving up my trip.
“Well, perhaps so,” said my father. “There, I will not stop you; I only say again, be careful when you do go.”
“Can’t I go to-morrow?” I said.
“No, I would rather that you did not go right away while I am from home. Wait a few days, and then have your trip.”
I said no more, but of course felt disappointed, and a strange temptation came over me next day, on finding how bright it was, to go and explore a little, the more especially that Pomp came up with his face shining and full of excitement.
“Now,” he cried, “go and find summer-house.”