“British Columbia?” I said, thoughtfully, as I tried to remember where that country was on the map, and I am afraid getting a very hazy notion as to its position.
“Yes, my lad, Bri’ish Columbia; and if you go out there and mention my name, my brother will be glad enough to see you, I know. There—I must get to work ’fore the guv’nor catches me, or p’r’aps there’ll be another fight, and me wanting a fresh place too.” So we shook hands, promising to go and see him again, and directly after Esau and I parted, he going south for home, I going north, and feeling a curious sensation of shrinking as I neared Mr John Dempster’s home.
Chapter Seven.
My Friends’ Plans.
They were both in the little sitting-room, when Maria, who had given me a very indignant look for dragging her down to the gate, announced the visitor and went away, closing the door more loudly than was necessary, and the reception I had was very warm as they both rose from where they had been turning over some letters together.
“Why, Mayne,” cried Mr John, “this is an unexpected pleasure,” and he made way for Mrs John, who took my hand, smiling in her gentle way, and then turning serious and eager as she exclaimed—
“There is something the matter?”
I nodded, for I could not speak.