“Well, now you come to mention it, there is something about Archie that puts him high above other boys; and I suppose his unselfishness has much to do with it; but don’t you think he’s too young, and hardly strong enough?”
“He is not young. He is fifty years old in wisdom. He is very strong for his size, and he is willing, which makes his strength double.”
“But he will never consent to leave Little Bill,” said Dan.
“Okématan had fears of that,” returned the Indian, with, for the first time, a look of perplexity on his face. “If Arch-ee will not go without Leetle Beel, Leetle Beel must go too.”
It was found, on inquiry, that they were right in their surmise. When the proposal was made to Archie that afternoon by Dan, the boy’s eyes seemed to light up and dance in his head at the prospect. Then the light suddenly went out, and the dancing ceased.
“Why, what’s the matter, Archie?” asked his friend.
“Can’t go. Impossible!” said Archie.
“Why not?”
“Who’s to look after Little Bill, I should like to know, if I leave him?”
“Elspie, of course,” said Dan, “and Elise, to say nothing of Jessie, mother, and brother Peter.”