Jane introduced Sherm as soon as they came abreast.
“Captain Clarke, this is Ernest’s friend, the Sherman Dart I told you about.”
Captain Clarke scanned the boy’s face curiously. His own went a little white after an instant’s inspection.
“You are right–he is marvellously like what my boy might be to-day. I beg your pardon for my rude scrutiny. Possibly Jane has told you of the resemblance. You will come up to the house and let Wing give you some lemonade. It is hot this afternoon.”
Chicken Little declined to take him from his course and told him their errand. He hesitated. “You say Mr. and Mrs. Harding and your brother and his wife are going. Would you think me very rude and unappreciative if I declined, dear? I am poor company for anyone these days and—”
Chicken Little looked so disappointed that he paused ruefully.
“Please, just this once, Katie and Gertie want to see you dreadfully and you could go with us. Pretty please.”
111She thought she saw signs of weakening. Sherm also noticed the Captain’s hesitation.
“We’ve all sort of set our hearts on having you, Sir. Chicken Little and Ernest have talked so much about you we feel acquainted, and Dr. Morton says you’re a dead shot. I’ve never hunted anything but squirrels myself.”
Captain Clarke stared at Sherm as if in a dream for a minute. The boy was embarrassed by his silence and smiled his little crooked smile to cover it. Their host passed his hand over his eyes and sighed. Then he smiled.