“I’ll kick old Dick first time I see him,” cried Tom Long. “I’m not going. Smithers and I are to be in charge of the fort.”
“You are not going?” cried Bob incredulously.
“No!”
“Oh, I am glad.”
“Thanky,” said Tom.
“No, I don’t mean that,” said Bob. “I mean I’m glad I’m not going, now you are not.”
“I say, Bob, do you mean that?” said Tom Long excitedly, and dropping all his stiffness.
“Of course I do,” said Bob. “What’s the fun of going without a friend?”
“Bob, you’re a regular little brick,” said Tom Long. “Shake hands. ’Pon my word I shall end by liking you.”
Bob shook hands, and laughed.