“Don’t let me disturb you,” he said; “I came back for some bills of lading.—Well, Perry, you’re going to stop and keep Cil company, eh? I’ll have the big boat out and newly rigged for you boys. You can fish, and sail, and—”
“But I’m not going to stay, sir,” said Perry quietly.
“Not going to stay! I’m very sorry. But you must think better of it. Sleep on it, my lad. That journey in the mountains will be too arduous for a lad like you.”
“Oh no, sir. I’m light and strong, and—”
“Yes? And what? You are afraid of outstaying your welcome? Nonsense, boy; you’ll be conferring a favour upon us. I shall be glad for Cil to have your company. He likes you.”
Perry exchanged glances with his father, who nodded, and his eyes seemed to say, “Now’s your time.”
“Yes, sir, and I like Cil. We get on together, and—and he wants to go with us!”
Perry uttered the last words hurriedly, and then wished that he had not said them, for the captain looked at him quite fiercely.
“What!” he exclaimed.
“Cil said he would give anything to go with us, sir, and I promised to ask my father if he would take him.”