“With mamma, you mean.”
“Yes, and with you. Don’t you remember Hobab and old Tim?”
David did not answer in words, and both the boys sat silent, while the others grew eager in discussing quite other things. It was growing dark, and Philip decided that it would be better to leave the boat and walk home. Then something was said about future sails, and then Philip told them of a friend of his who was going to be one of a party who were to explore the country far west. He was going to try and persuade his father to let him join it. It was an exploring company, but a good many were to join it for the sake of the hunting and fishing, and the adventures that might fall in their way. They were to be away for months, perhaps for the whole summer, and a great deal of enjoyment was anticipated. Jem listened intently.
“That would just suit me, mamma,” said he, with a sigh.
“I dare say it would be pleasant for a while,” said she, smiling.
“It would hardly suit you to lose a summer out of your life, Jem,” said David, sharply.
Jem whistled.
“You are there! are you, David? No, that wouldn’t suit me, exactly.”
“Lose a year out of his life! What can you mean?” said Mr Philip, in astonishment.
“What would come out of such a summer, except just the pleasure of it?” said David.