"Only a little over a week."
"Do you know anything about his history?" demanded Mr. Hardy, with a sharp look of inquiry.
"Yes, sir. He has told me something of it."
"Humph! Then he must have confidence in you. Well, let us be starting. Is it far?"
"Nearly two miles, sir. Perhaps you will be tired."
"In which case you will perhaps kindly carry me on your shoulders," suggested Mr. Hardy, quizzically.
"I am afraid I shouldn't be able to do that," returned Mark, with a smile.
"And yet, I don't believe I weigh much more than you. What is your weight?"
"One hundred and twenty-three pounds."
"And I weigh one hundred and twenty-four. I have one pound the advantage of you."