“And you do not even seem to know that Victoria is on an island, from which you will have to cross to the mouth of the Fraser.”
“I’m afraid I am very ignorant,” I said, bitterly; “but I am going to try to learn. I suppose there are villages here and there up the country?”
“Perhaps a few, not many yet; but you will find some settler’s place now and then.”
“Well, they will be English people,” I said, “and they will help us.”
“Of course.”
“Where are you going?” I asked suddenly.
He gave a little start, and his face relaxed.
“I?” he said quickly, and he looked as if he were going to take me into his confidence; but just then Esau came on deck to stand looking shoreward, and Gunson turned cold and stern directly. “Don’t know for certain,” he replied. “Morning, my lad,” to Esau, and then walked forward to speak to the skipper.
“There, Esau,” I said eagerly; “that’s something like a country to come to,” for the fresh beauties which were unfolding in the morning sun made me forget all Gunson’s suggestions of difficulties.
“Yes, that’s something like,” said Esau. “What makes those big hills look so blue as that?”