Part 23 (1/2)
”He said something about hiring your boat next week.”
”What, the Fawn?”
”I suppose so; but he wants to see you, at any rate.”
”Does he want me to go with her?”
”I'm sure I don't know.”
After supper Paul went to see Mr. Morrison, and found that he wanted the Fawn for the whole of the following week, and that he did not want a skipper. He was going down to Bleakport to spend a week, and he wanted a good boat, which he could not procure at the place. He offered to pay fifteen dollars for the use of her, and to restore her in as good condition as when he took her.
This was certainly a good offer, and Paul concluded that he could not do better; but he was not prepared to give a decided answer, and promised to see the gentleman again the next evening.
On his return home he found Henry Littleton and Thomas Nettle waiting for him. The arrangements in regard to the excursion in the Flyaway had been completed, and the two boys had come to urge Paul to join them.
”When do you sail?” asked Paul.
”Next Friday.”
”And how long shall you be gone?”
”About eight or ten days,” replied Henry Littleton. ”My father is going with us.”
”I have got a good offer for the use of my boat next week,” answered Paul, musing, ”and I don't know but I will go.”
”That's right, Paul; we must have you with us, at all events.”
”Father says we ought to have you with us,” said Henry.
”I will talk with my mother about it, and if she is willing, I think I will go.”
”We have talked with your mother already, and she is perfectly willing you should go.”
”I will let you know to-morrow.”
The boys left him, saying he must certainly go with them, and Paul went into the house to talk over the matter with his mother.
”Do you think I can go, mother?”
”To be sure you can go,” interposed John. ”What is the use of talking about it?”
”I didn't ask you John,” said Paul, with a smile.
”I don't see why you can't go,” replied Mrs. Duncan. ”I suppose there is no more danger of your getting drowned than there would be if you stayed at home.”
”He will certainly be drowned, mother,” added John.
”We shall be safe enough.”
”Then you had better go.”