“Mine!” exclaimed our hero, in the utmost surprise,
“Yes; I intended at first not to give it to you till I went away; but I may as well give it now, on one condition—that you let me use it whenever I please.”
“How kind you are!” said Herbert, gratefully. “I never received such a splendid present in my life. I have done nothing to deserve it.”
“Let me be the judge of that. Now, with your consent, we will try her.”
With the utmost alacrity Herbert followed Cameron aboard the new craft, and took the oars. Smoothly and easily the boat glided off on the surface of the pond.
“I like it much better than James',” said Herbert.
“It's a better model. His is rather clumsy. Besides, this is new and he must have had his for some time.”
“He has had it three years.”
“It needs painting.”
“Even if it were painted it wouldn't come up to this.”