Part 69 (1/2)

”Look out! Heads!” cried Bob, as the bow of the boat touched the leaf.a.ge, and they glided on through the pliant twigs; and as the sculls were laid in, Bob rose up in his place, seized a good-sized bough, and holding on by it worked the boat beneath, and in a position which enabled him to throw the chain over, and securely moor the little vessel in what formed quite a leafy arbour with the clear water for floor, and the thwarts of the boat for seats.

”There,” cried Bob, in a satisfied tone, and with a little of his old manner, ”whatcher think o' that? Talk about a place for a bragfuss!

Why, it would do to live in.”

Dexter said it was capital, but somehow just then he began to think about the pleasant room at the doctor's, with the white cloth and china, and the silver coffee-pot, and the odour from the covered dish which contained ham or bacon, or fried soles.

”Now then!” cried Bob; ”I'm as hungry as you, and we're all safe here, so hand over.”

Dexter gave him one of the portions of bread and cheese--the better of the two, but Bob turned it over and examined it in a dissatisfied way, scowling at it the while, and casting an occasional glance at that which Dexter had reserved for himself.

”What I says is--play fair,” he growled. ”I don't want no more than half.”

”But that's the bigger half, Bob.”

”I dunno so much about that.”

”And this is the one which seemed to be a little gritty.”

”Oh, is it?” said Bob surlily; and he began eating in a wolfish fas.h.i.+on, making fierce snaps and bites at his food, as he held the bread in one hand, the cheese in the other, and taking alternate mouthfuls.

”Hunger is sweet sauce,” and Dexter was not long in following Bob's example, that is as to the eating, but as he sat there munching away at the cakey home-made bread, and the strong cheese, in spite of its being a glorious morning, and the sun showering down in silver pencils through the overhanging boughs--in spite of the novelty of the scene, and the freedom, there did not seem to be so much romance in the affair as had been expected; and try how he would he could not help longing for a good hot cup of coffee.

This was not heroic, but the boy felt very miserable. He had been up all night, going through adventures that were, in spite of their tameness, unusually exciting, and he was suffering from a nervous depression which robbed him of appet.i.te as much as did his companion's words. For instead of being merry, confidential, and companionable, Bob scarcely opened his lips now without a.s.suming the overbearing bullying tone he had heard so often from his elders.

”Come, get on with your bragfuss,” said Bob sharply. ”We're going on d'rectly, and you've got to pull.”

”I can't eat much this morning,” said Dexter apologetically; ”and I'm thirsty.”

”Well, why don't yer drink!” said Bob, grinning, and pointing at the river. ”Here, I'll show you how.”

He took off his cap, and placing his chest on the side of the boat, leant over till his lips touched the clear flowing stream.

”Hah!” he said at last, rising and pa.s.sing his hand across his lips; ”that's something like water, that is. Better than tea, or drinking water out of a mug.”

”Doesn't it taste fishy?” Dexter ventured to say.

”Fishy! Hark at him!” cried Bob mockingly. ”You try.”

Dexter's mouth felt hot and dry, and laying aside what he had not eaten of his bread and cheese he followed his companion's example, and was drawing in the cool sweet water, when he suddenly felt Bob's hand on the back of his, neck, and before he could struggle up his head was thrust down into the water over and over again.

”Don't, don't!” he panted, as he thrust against the side of the boat and got free. ”You shouldn't do that.”

There was a flash of anger in his eyes as he faced Bob, and his fists were clenched, but he did not strike out, he contented himself with rubbing the water from his eyes, and then wiping his face upon his handkerchief.

”I shouldn't do that? Why shouldn't I do that?” said Bob threateningly.

”Serve yer right, sittin' down to bragfuss without was.h.i.+ng yer face.

Going to have any more?”

Dexter did not answer; but finished drying his face, and then took up his bread and cheese.