“It’s my idea of adventure,” declared Bob, taking up where his friend had left off. “Why can’t you arrange to take us with you?”
The scientist eyed the young men intently with an expression of sympathy.
“Then you want to go that badly?” he asked, and then his eyes fell. He had been young himself once. How often had he visualized this very mission! How many times had he tramped through the heavy Western woods, imagining himself in a great tropical forest, with its mysteries, thrills, and tragedies! If those longings could only have been satisfied when they were strongest!
For over a minute Mr. Holton stared thoughtfully at the floor. Then, with twinkling eyes, he glanced up at the boys.
“What would you give to go with us?” he asked, his face brightening.
“What!” cried Bob, with a look that combined delight with bewilderment. “You mean that we can go?”
“Not exactly,” was the reply. “I just asked you what you’d give to go.”
“Everything!” blurted out Joe. “Everything we’ve got—and then some. Oh, do take us, Mr. Holton,” he went on more pleadingly. “We’re old enough by now to take care of ourselves.”
“I’d like to have you,” the naturalist said. “And so would your father. But your mothers——” Here he stopped. It was unnecessary to continue. The youths understood.
“But I’m sure they’ll consent,” Bob said, with a certainty that he was far from feeling. “Especially if they know you are willing to have us.”