“Don’t speak of it, lad,” said the shepherd, lapsing into his Scotch mode of speech. “We shan’t miss the bit sup we have given you.”
At nine o’clock all retired for the night, for the shepherd must be up early in the morning to look after his flocks. Harry and Jack slept in a small room at the back. They were very tired, and fell asleep as soon as their heads struck the pillow.
CHAPTER IX
A DANGEROUS ACQUAINTANCE
THOUGH the boys were very much fatigued, they were up in time for an early breakfast the next morning. It consisted of mutton-chops, potatoes, bread, and coffee, and they were prepared, notwithstanding their hearty supper of the night before, to do full justice to it.
The shepherd had got over his first impression, and nothing could be more friendly than his manner toward them. He gave a still stronger proof of his confidence and friendship.
“So you think of going to the mines, my lads,” he said.
“Yes, sir.”
“I don’t know about the wisdom of your plans. It isn’t all that find the gold they look for. Are you expecting to come back with fortunes?”
“They would not be unwelcome, sir,” said Harry, “but we shall at any rate like the advantage of it, and we are young enough to try experiments.”