“Ye-es,” said Charlie, with hesitation.
“And shall we break the ice by referring to Toc’s condition, eh?” said Dan.
“Well, it seems to me the easiest plan; perhaps I should say the least difficult,” returned Charlie, with a faint smile.
“Come, don’t lose heart, Charlie,” said Dan, with an attempt to look humorous, which signally failed.
“Hallo, lads! where away?” said Adams, as they came up.
“Just bin havin’ a walk and a talk, father,” answered Dan. “We saw you up here, and came to walk back with you.”
“I’m not so sure that we’ll let you. The girls and I have been having a pleasant confab, an’ p’r’aps they don’t want to be interrupted.”
“Oh, we don’t mind; they may come,” said Di Adams, with a laugh.
So the youths joined the party, and they all descended the mountain in company.