“Suppose you come with me. We can have a pleasant afternoon.”
Harry hesitated. He did not wish to be disobliging, nor did he wish to sacrifice the afternoon. As he did not specially fancy Congreve, he did not expect any pleasure from his company, though the young man seemed disposed to be cordial. This Harry explained to himself by Congreve’s desire to secure his services as a guide, and, therefore, did not feel much flattered.
James Congreve noticed and understood his hesitation.
“Of course,” he said, “I do not wish to take up your time without compensation. I will pay you fifty cents for your services.”
This put a different face on the matter. Fifty cents was very good pay for an afternoon’s work, and Harry at once decided that he could not let slip so good an opportunity.
“If you think my company will be worth that to you,” he said, “I am quite willing. How long do you want to stay?”
“I intend to return in time for supper.”
“Then it won’t be necessary to go home and tell my mother where I am going.”
“Oh, dear, no! You will be back before she has time to miss you.”
“When do you want to go?”