“Yes, if you will,” they chorused.
“Very good,” said my father. “I am glad to do so, for that will give me plenty of time to make arrangements for Jacob here.”
“But he must go with us,” said Uncle Dick.
“Yes, of course,” said Uncle Jack.
“Couldn’t go without him.”
“But his education as an engineer?”
“Now, look here, Alick,” said Uncle Dick, “don’t you think he’ll learn as much with us down at the new works as in any London place?”
My father sat silent and thoughtful, while I watched the play of his countenance and trembled as I saw how he was on the balance. For it would have been terrible to me to have gone away now just as a new life of excitement and adventure was opening out.
“Do you really feel that you would like Jacob to go with you?” said my father at last.
There was a unanimous “Yes!” at this, and my heart gave a jump.