Part 3 (2/2)
”Indeed we will,” said Tom. ”More than likely they'll be well armed, too.”
After that a long talk ensued, and Harold Bird had the servants treat the boys to light refreshments. He was a capital fellow, with a winning, though rather sad smile, and all liked him from the start.
”I've seen a bit of adventure myself,--visiting Mexico and Europe, and climbing high mountains,” he said. ”But I haven't had such stirring times as you. It is very quiet here, and I shall enjoy the change.”
”Are you alone here, may I ask?” said Fred, curiously.
”Yes, excepting for my overseer and the servants. The estate was left to me by my mother, who died three years ago.”
”It must be rather lonely,” murmured Songbird.
”It is exceedingly lonely at times, and that is why I travel a great deal--that and for another reason.” And the face of the young man clouded for the time. Evidently he had something on his mind, but what it was he did not just then mention.
He told them how he had come to buy the gasoline launch and said it was big enough to take on board a party of twelve or fifteen with comfort. It was decided to take some provisions along, for there was no telling how long the chase would last.
It was evening before all arrangements were completed and the whole party went to town. There they met the ladies and the girls, and Harold Bird was introduced.
”I should consider it an honor to have you remain at my plantation while we are off on this search for the houseboat,” said the young Southerner. ”You can stay there as long as you please and make yourselves thoroughly at home.”
As there was no good hotel in the town, this invitation relieved Mrs.
Stanhope and Mrs. Laning a great deal, and they said they would accept the offer, and thanked the young man very much. Carriages were obtained, and inside of two hours the ladies and the girls were at Lee Hall, as Harold Bird called his place. There were rooms in plenty for all, and each was made to feel perfectly at home. It was decided that Aleck Pop should also remain at the plantation for the time being.
”The hospitality in the South is certainly marvelous,” said Dora to d.i.c.k. ”When I left home I never thought I should be treated so well.”
”You are right, Dora. The whole world over, you will find no greater gentleman than one from our South.”
”And what a beautiful plantation!” cried Nellie. ”What grand walks, and trees and flowers!”
”And what a fine lot of colored servants,” came from Grace. ”Really they won't let me do a thing for myself!”
”I should think Mr. Bird would be very happy,” said Mrs. Laning, for at that moment the owner of the estate was not present.
”You'd think so,” answered d.i.c.k. ”But do you know, notwithstanding his smiling face he appears at times to be very sad.”
”I thought so,” said Mrs. Stanhope. ”He acts as if he had something on his mind.”
”Yes, and something that worried him a great deal,” added Tom.
They were right, Harold Bird had a great deal to worry him, and what it was we shall learn as our tale proceeds.
CHAPTER IV
HAROLD BIRD'S STRANGE TALE
Early in the morning the Rovers and their friends were ready to take their departure. d.i.c.k came down in the garden at sunrise, and was soon joined by Dora, and they took a short walk together.
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