just as I liked; but of late,
since he has been grown big and strong, he generally ends by making me
think as he likes, and he is so obstinate."

"Oh no; he's a very good fellow."

"Yes, my dear. Hush! don't talk so loud. You see he has got it into
his head that it is the best thing for us, and I want you to get it
out."

"But how can I, when I think the same?"

"Now, Mr Gordon, my dear, you don't--you can't think it's best for you
two boys to go trapesing hundreds of thousands of miles, and going
living among wild beasts in forests."

"I'm afraid I do, without the wild beasts," I said.

"But suppose you were both taken ill, my dear, there's no hospitals, or
dispensaries, or doctors out there."

"But you said you would come with us, and if we were taken ill, where
could we get a better nurse?"

"It's very kind of you to say so, my dear, and of course I shouldn't
think of going without some camomiles, and poppy-heads, and a little
castor-oil, and salts and senny, and jollop. Yes, and a roll of
sticking-plaster. And that reminds me, how is your poor ear?"

"Oh, not very bad," I said laughing. "But there, I'm afraid I cannot do
what you wish, Mrs Dean, for if Esau does not come, I shall certainly
go myself."

"And he'd be sure to, then, my dear. He'd have been a soldier by this
time, only you kind of held him back. He does think such a deal of--"

"Hallo, you two! Ketched you, have I, making plots and plans?"

"No, no, my dear."

"Why, you've been coaxing him to get me not to go."

"Well, my dear, it was something of that sort."

"Yes, I know, mother. That's just like you, trying to stop me when I'm
going to make a big fortune."

"But you don't know that you are, my dear. Such lots of people go
abroad to make fortunes, and I never knew one yet who brought a fortune
back."

"Then you're going to know two now--him and me. Breakfast ready?"

"Yes, my dears; and I thought you'd like some hot rolls, so I went and
got 'em."

"I say, mother, you're going it. Hot rolls! Are they buttered?"

"Yes, my dear, and in the oven."

"Did you cut 'em in three?"

"Yes, dear, and put plenty of butter in, as you like them."

"Hooray! Come on then, and let's begin."

"But, Esau dear, if you'll only promise to stop, you shall have hot
rolls for breakfast every morning. You shall, if I work night and day."

"Then Esau and I would rather have hard biscuit and dry bread out
yonder, Mrs Dean," I said w