“Oh, nonsense!” cried Brazier; “he must.”
“No!” cried the skipper, frowning as he shook his head till his earrings glistened.
“He wants you to do him a favour.”
“What does he so want—a gun, a watch, some powder?”
“No,” said the lad, clearing his throat again; “he wants you to be a friend to me and take me with you in the boat.”
“What?” cried Rob, with an eager look.
“Father—il mio padre—says it would do me good to go with you and travel, and learn to speak English better.”
“Why, you speak it well now.”
“But better,” continued Joe. “He would like me to go with Rob, and help you, and shoot and fish and collect things. He would like it very much.”
Captain Ossolo showed his teeth and laughed merrily as he clapped his son on the shoulder.