“But, uncle John, it was perfectly safe. Mr. Lacelle is an experienced diver; and the landlord under whose care papa left me gave me permission. Besides, nothing happened—”
“How stout and healthy you have grown!” exclaimed Mr. Van Rasseulger, interrupting Eric. “If Johnny has improved as much as you have, I shall send him abroad frequently.”
“How is Johnny? He was ill when uncle Charlie wrote to me.”
“Ill!” exclaimed Johnny’s fond papa, instantly growing anxious. “What did the doctor say, Eric?”
“Only that I must wait here a day or two, until Johnny was well enough to come on.”
“And where were they when he wrote?”
“At Paris,” said Eric.
“I meant to stay with you to-night,” said his uncle; “but I believe I shall take the boat to Antwerp to-night, and catch the Express to Paris. I must look after my boy.”
“O, please take me with you,” pleaded Eric. “Mr. Lacelle is going to stay at Amsterdam, and I shall be terribly lonesome here, all alone again.”
“Well, get your things together. Can you be ready in two hours?”