“And we often go out there in the launch.”
A flash from Gloria’s dark eyes warned Millie. She stopped suddenly, smiled, and dropped down to a spot from which she was in no danger of sliding. Gloria joined her and both laughed slyly while Ben Hardy focussed his marine glasses upon the coveted view.
“Great!” he exclaimed. “This was worth leaving school for.”
“Have—you—left?” asked Gloria.
“Well, you see,” he replied rather awkwardly, “I’m going in for science and I’m determined to get my field work done while I need it. I could have gone on with the books—”
“How dad would have loved to have met you!” exclaimed Gloria impulsively.
“Indeed! Why?”
“Because, that’s just his—hobby also. He wants to see a part of the world. He knows all about this” (with an encompassing wave toward land and over sea), “but he wanted to prove his book work, as he expressed it. That’s why he’s gone away.” She could not keep the droning tone out of her voice. Ben Hardy respected it and only nodded his head.
“But when he comes back,” chirped up Millie, “maybe he’ll bring an Indian Prince—to Gloria.”
“A Prince! I thought you might have said a little slave, one of those water pitcher kind,” laughed Ben.