“I meant he’d have to learn to look after himself sometime, sir, and I don’t see why he mightn’t just as well learn now.”
“Pshaw,” exclaimed Gerald disgustedly, “anyone would think I was a regular baby!”
“And—and I’d help him all I could, sir,” added Dan earnestly.
“Thank you,” responded Mr. Pennimore. “I think you would. And I don’t mind saying that the fact of your being there with Gerald would weigh a good deal with me. But I’ll have to think this over, boys. There’s lots of time before next September, lots of time. We’ll talk about it again. What do you say, Gerald?”
“All right, sir.” But it was plain that Gerald wasn’t in favor of postponing action on his motion. Mr. Pennimore smiled.
“And you, Dan?” he asked.
“It’s just as you say, sir. It isn’t necessary to decide now, I guess. And, besides, I’ll have more time to persuade you!”
“Oh, so I’m to be put under pressure, am I?” asked Mr. Pennimore with a twinkle in his eye. Dan nodded vigorously.
“Yes, sir, I give you fair warning, you see. I’m going to get Gerald to Yardley if it can be done!”