“Matches?” said the gentleman on the wharf.
“Plenty, and we have each a burning-glass.”
“That’s right, and now once more: take my advice.”
Johnstone Murray, enthusiast over matters of natural history, shook his head, and rather a stern look came into his eyes as his nephew watched him eagerly.
“But, hang it, man! you can make excursions up and down the river from Dindong, and up the little branches as well. Surely you can get all you want from here, and not lose touch of civilisation.”
“But we want to lose touch of civilisation, my dear fellow.—What do you say, Ned? Shall we stop here?”
“No, no, uncle; let’s go now.”
“Why, you foolish boy!” cried the gentleman addressed as Wilson, “you do not know what you are saying, or what risks you are going to run.”
“Oh, uncle will be careful, sir.”
“If he can,” said the other, gruffly. “I believe you two think you are going on quite a picnic, instead of what must be a dangerous expedition.”