“Uncle!” cried the boy, in a voice full of protest.
“The weather’s going to change. I can feel it in my old wound; and it will not be safe for a boy like you alone to try and run that boat home round the point.”
“Oh, uncle, you treat me as if I were a little boy!”
“So you are; and too light-headed.”
“It’s such a beautiful morning for a sail, uncle.”
“Do just as well to watch the sea from the cliffs, and the carrier can bring what you want from Rockabie next time he goes.”
“Uncle! I shall be so disappointed,” pleaded the boy.
“Well! What of that? Do you good, boy. Life’s all disappointments. Prepare you for what you’ll have to endure in the future.”
“Very well, uncle, I won’t go if you don’t wish it.”
“Of course you won’t, sir. There, run round and get one of the Eilygugg lads to help you with the boat.”