“Can you get Jacobs?” asked Jasper joyfully.
“Yes; heard so to-day. I was going to ask you if we better not secure him anyway. So you see the way is open for you to be off.”
“But there is plenty more that Jacobs cannot do, Mr. Marlowe,” began Jasper anxiously.
“‘Of course,’ cried Polly, with kindling eyes, ‘splendid old Joel would do just that very thing, Davie.’”
“Never mind; I shall plan it so that you’re not to worry. You must go, Jasper;” and looking in the resolute face with its shining eyes, they knew it was a settled thing that in two days, if all went well, they would be off.
And on the next day David came rushing in, breathless with pride and excitement. “I’m going to Joel,” he panted.
“Why, David,” Polly cried at him, “oh, you dear boy! Can you?”
“Can I?” cried David. “Nothing in all this world is strong enough to keep me from him. To think that Joel stayed till the very last. O Polly!”
“I know it,” cried Polly with kindling eyes; “but of course splendid old Joel would do just that very thing, Davie.” She was hugging his hands now, and laughing and crying together. “Jasper!” she called, hurrying into the wide hall, “David has—oh, oh—Ben!” she screamed.