“Then Jack will look out for me.”
“You may be sure of that, Harry,” said the young sailor, with a glance of affection at Harry.
“You might both fall sick.”
“Is it best to borrow trouble?” said Harry, smiling. “I think we shall come out all right. But I am sorry you won’t stay with us, professor.”
Professor Hemmenway shook his head.
“I am three times your age, Harry,” he said, “and am not as hopeful or sanguine as you. Besides, I have a wife and children at home who are already very anxious at my long silence; I did indeed mean to make a professional tour of Australia, but the shipwreck and those lonely weeks on the island changed my plans. I have a competence already, and can make an income at home twice as large as my expenses. Why should I incur any risks?”
“I don’t know but you are right, professor, but Jack and I are not so fortunate. Neither of us has a competence, and our prospects are probably better here than at home.”
“Remember, Harry, that if you return I shall be glad to continue your engagement and will even increase your salary.”
Jack Pendleton fixed his eyes anxiously on Harry’s face. He feared that he would yield to the professor’s persuasion and leave him, but his anxiety was soon removed.
“Thank you, professor,” said Harry, “but I don’t want to leave Jack. If I return in bad luck, I may look you up and see whether the offer still holds good.”