“I am the best judge of my circumstances,” said Harry shortly.
Fletcher looked hard at him, and saw that the boy he had to deal with had a mind of his own, and was not to be imposed upon easily. Still he made a further effort.
“Then I think,” he said coldly, “I shall not be able to assist you in your preparations.”
“Just as you please,” answered Harry promptly. “As you volunteered, I accepted your proposal. Now I will act for myself. I have heard of a party about to start, and I will arrange to join it.”
Fletcher felt that he was outgeneralled. He did not mean to let Harry and Jack slip through his fingers, for he had an idea, notwithstanding Harry’s disclaimer, that he had a large sum of money, and thought he would be a good party to hang on to. He saw that he had made a false move, and hastened to repair it.
“Excuse me,” he said, assuming a hearty tone; “I was hasty, and I apologise. You are right, and I like you too well to cut up rough, just because you can’t do me a favour. There, take my hand, and we will make it all up.”
“With pleasure,” answered Harry, as he accepted the proffered hand, and Jack followed his example. Nevertheless, Fletcher’s demand had produced an unpleasant effect upon him. The coarse-grained selfishness of the man had shown through his outward varnish of good-fellowship, and he felt that henceforth he must be on his guard.
“I may have to ask for some money, however,” continued Fletcher, in an offhand manner, “for it is necessary to buy supplies for our journey. You know we shan’t be able to put up at hotels on our way, but must furnish our own meals.”
“So I have heard,” answered Harry. “What is it customary to take?”
“Well, it will be best to buy a bag of coffee, a sack of flour, some ship biscuits, potatoes, and sugar. That will do to start on, and we shall vary our diet by what we are able to kill on the way.”