“If there was war,” suggested Uncle Bob.
“Yes, uncle, if there was war.”
“Cob, my lad,” said Uncle Dick, “that’s a strong argument, but it does not convince us. Your Uncle Jack speaks my feelings exactly. I would give anything to keep you with us, for your young elastic nature seems to send off or radiate something brightening on to ours; and, now that you are going away, I tell you frankly that your courage has often encouraged us.”
“Has it, uncle?” I cried.
“Often, my lad.”
“Ay that it has,” said Uncle Jack. “I’ve often felt down-hearted and ready to throw up our adventure; but I’ve seen you so fresh and eager, and so ready to fight it out, that I’ve said to myself—If a boy like that is ready to go on it would be a shame for a man to shrink.”
“Yes,” said Uncle Bob, “I confess to the same feeling.”
“Well, that is shabby,” I cried.
“What is, boy?” said Uncle Jack.
“To send me off like this. Why, you’ll all break down without me.”