Harlan thought he was quite fortunate to find Vasco. Generally at this time of day he was out upon the streets with other boys of his age.
In a moment Vasco came into the house, and, boylike, Harlan stated his errand without any preliminary conversation.
"Father is going to make a trip to Colon in connection with his canal work, and will spend some time on the way, particularly at the Culebra cut. Perhaps, too, he will go up the Chagres River to the place where it is proposed to build the big dam. He is going to take me with him, and says I may invite you to go along."
"Oh, that will be fine!" exclaimed Vasco, and he fairly jumped up and down with glee. In fact, he was so overwhelmed by the thought of the proposed journey that he nearly forgot to thank Harlan for the invitation. When he did come to his senses, his gratitude was profuse, and his tongue could not begin to express his thoughts.
Then again, after a few moments, he remembered that this trip was for more than a day, perhaps for more than a week, and it might be necessary to consult his parents before accepting the invitation. At once he turned to his mother, who had overheard all the conversation.
"Are you willing I should go with Harlan?" Vasco inquired.
For a moment his mother did not reply, and the boy was very anxious for fear that when she did give her answer it might not be favourable.
Finally the señora said, "If your father has no objection, I think I am willing to let you go."
"Then I'll go now to ask him. Come on, Harlan," said Vasco.
The lieutenant was stationed in the city at this time, so the boys had not far to go. Vasco did not anticipate any great difficulty in gaining his father's consent to the journey. As the result proved, his hopes were well founded, for Lieutenant Barretas was quite willing his son should go anywhere, provided he was in Mr. Andrews's care.