“I only wanted to understand clearly,” said Harry quietly. “As we are in some sort partners, that is fair, is it not?”
“Oh, yes,” returned Fletcher, but he did not respond with any alacrity. “I’m always fair and aboveboard, I am. No man can say that Dick Fletcher ever tried to get the best of him. Why, if I was better fixed I wouldn’t let you two boys pay at all. I’d shoulder the whole thing myself.”
“Your offer is a very kind one, Mr. Fletcher——”
“Don’t say Mr. Fletcher; call me Dick,” interrupted their new acquaintance.
“I will if you wish it, though as you are so much older, it hardly seems proper. What I was going to say was that Jack and myself are determined to pay our share. We couldn’t accept any such favour as you mention.”
“Now, if you let me have the ten pounds I’ll take all the trouble off your hands, and have everything ready for a start to-morrow morning.”
“I would prefer to go with you and help select the articles.”
Fletcher looked disconcerted.
“Oh, well, if you think I ain’t capable——” he began.
“I think nothing of the kind, but I want to learn as much as I can. I may have to do it alone some time.”