He was enthusiastic about the house-boat trip.
“I wish I were going with you,” he said rather wistfully. “If you use your eyes to advantage a great deal can be learned. Travel broadens one’s views, and even in a short trip of this sort habits of self-reliance are formed. How far are you going—to Albany, eh?”
The smile on his face suddenly vanished, and he gazed reflectively at the floor.
“Know the city?” asked Joe.
“Yes, very well. It’s a nice town, and I——” He stopped short and looked at his watch, then added, “Hello! What’s that in the corner—a telescope?”
“Yes,” answered Fred. “Some night we’re going to have a look at the stars.”
Norman Redfern seemed greatly interested; he walked over, picked up the instrument and examined it carefully.
“I WISH I WERE GOING WITH YOU”
“A very good one,” he said, approvingly. “Too bad the boat isn’t steady enough for us to take an observation.”