“Take my place in the boat and have a row on the river,” said he, as he sat down on the steps near them. “I have had enough of it for awhile.”
Jem was nothing loth, but he looked at his mother for permission.
“Is it quite safe, do you think?” asked she hesitating.
“Oh! quite safe. Frank understands all about it; and so does Jem, I dare say.”
“Mamma!” entreated Ned.
“And mamma!” entreated Jessie.
On the Gourlay river the boys had paddled about at their own pleasure, and their mother was not inclined to be unreasonably anxious about them. She knew it would be a great delight to them all to be permitted to go.
“But there is not room for all; and Mr Oswald will not care to be troubled with so many children.”
“Let them go with the boys—there is no danger, and I will wait here,” said Philip. “Only you must promise to come back within a reasonable time, Jem.”
“All right!” said Jem. “I promise. Come along Violet. There is room for you, and Polly too.”