"Rain, rain and always more rain. Have you been told what happens in countries like China where foolish people have been allowed to cut down the trees?"
"Oh, yes, yes," said the boy. "I remember now. My teacher used to tell me trees keep the soil moist and attract rainfalls. Oh! I don't mind a few, sir, but these endless forests appal me."
"You'll get over that. I'll soon have you a regular backwoodsman. Come up Deer Trail with me now and help me look for a missing lamb."
I had heard the boy say that he was lame from his long drive, but he did not tell this to the man, and prepared to follow him quite bravely.
"May this little beastie go too, sir?" he asked, pointing to me.
"Certainly, the more beasts the merrier for me."
CHAPTER III THREE FRIENDS ON DEER TRAIL
I trotted after them and the boy looking over his shoulder at me said, "Is he yours, sir?"