“Yes, it was, my lad, very; but I won that game. I didn’t get the skin money, for I didn’t care for it then. I couldn’t see very well. Why, I was quite blind for a month after, and then all the strength of two eyes seemed to go into this one. Painters they call ’em nor’ard, as I said; and he painted me prettily, didn’t he, right down this cheek? Never saw a girl who thought me handsome enough to want to marry me.”
Shaddy laughed.
“What is it?” said Rob.
“I was thinking about Mr Brazier yonder when I came to you at Buenos Ayres.”
“What, when he was waiting for the guide Captain Ossolo said he could recommend?”
Shaddy nodded.
“He looked quite scared at me. Most people do; and the captain had quite a job to persuade him that I should be the very man.”
“Yes, and it was not till the captain said he would not get one half so good that he engaged you.”
“That’s so, my lad. But I am a rum ’un, ain’t I?”
“You’re not nice-looking, Shaddy,” said Rob, gazing at him thoughtfully; “but I never notice it now, and—well, yes, you are always very kind to me. I like you,” added the boy frankly.