The captain laughed, and as he rode a few yards in advance to carefully scan the country in front, a great deal of whispering and gesticulation went on between the gardener and Norman, while the other boys looked on full of mischievous glee, and egged the lad on.
“No, no, Master Norman; don’t, sir. It’d make him cross.”
“Yes, and he’d discharge you if I told him how you threw cold water on his plans.”
“I ain’t a bit afraid o’ that, sir,” said German, with a grin. “He can’t send me back. But I don’t want to rile him. I say, don’t tell him, sir.”
“But you laughed at everything he meant to do.”
“That I didn’t, sir. Precious little laughing I’ve done lately.”
“Well, then, say you’re sorry, and that you think father’s plans are splendid.”
“What, tell a couple o’ big thumpers like that?” whispered German, with virtuous indignation; “no, that I won’t. I wonder at you, Master Norman; that I do.”
“Oh, very well, then,” cried the boy. “Here goes. I say, father—” He ran forward, and as he joined the captain, taking hold of the mane of his horse, and walking on beside him, Sam’s face was so full of pitiable consternation that the other two boys laughed.
Sam turned upon them fiercely.