“No, sir,” said the boy, very firmly now, “I am going with my father. I wish, though, you would let Cil come too.”
“Impossible, my lad,” said the captain.
“Then now let’s change the subject,” said the colonel. “I do not start yet for a week, and plenty of things may occur to alter all our opinions and determinations.”
“They will not alter mine,” said the captain firmly. “If you both alter yours, I shall be very glad. There, I must go now.”
Captain Norton gave Perry a friendly nod, and left them once more.
“There, Perry, you hear?”
“Yes, father, but he may alter his mind.”
“Don’t expect it, my lad; Captain Norton is firm as a rock in all he decides upon.”
“So is Cyril, father.”
“Not quite,” said the colonel, smiling; “the stuff is soft yet, and will have to yield. There, go and tell him you have failed.”