Brazier shook his head, and a look of agony convulsed the boy’s Southern features.
“Speak to him, my father,” he cried excitedly, “and you, Rob. We were making friends. Beg, pray of him to say yes.”
“Si!” said the captain, nodding his head. “Do boy mio good. Much, very good boy, Giovanni.”
“Well, I hardly like to refuse you, my lad,” said Brazier. “What do you say, Rob? Could we make room for him?”
A light seemed to flash from Giovanni’s eyes, and his lips parted as he waited panting for Rob’s reply.
“Oh yes; he would not take up much room.”
“No, very little. I could sleep anywhere,” cried the lad excitedly, “and I could help you so much. I know the country almost as well as Shaddy. Don’t I, Shaddy?”
“Say ever so much more, boy, if you like. But he does know a lot about it. Me and he’s been more than one trip together, eh, lad?”
“Yes. But beg him to take me, Rob,” cried the boy. “I do so want to go.”
“You will take him, will you not, Mr Brazier?”