what one bit's worth more than another, only goes by the eye,
you see. I've got the rough bits hid away for him when he wants 'em."

Mr Temple seemed unusually thoughtful, so it seemed to Dick, who was
delighted with the quaintness of the little attic, and declaring to
himself that it was just the place he should like for himself; but he
wondered a little bit at his father looking so stern.

"Here, quick!" cried Uncle Abram excitedly; "that's my boy's step coming
in back way. I don't want him to see us. Looks like spying on him,
poor lad, and I want him to enjoy himself when he isn't at work."

"And quite right too," said Mr Temple quietly, as he followed the old
man down the steep stairs, and they had just reached the parlour when
there was a knock at the door.

"Beg pardon, sir," said Will, who was flushed with hurrying; "but you
said you would like the young gentlemen to have a sail in the trawler."

"Sail in the trawler!" cried Dick, bounding across the room excitedly.

"Yes! Well?" said Mr Temple, smiling.

"She's lying off the harbour, sir. I've seen the master, and he says
the young gentlemen are welcome, and there's a fine breeze, sir, and
it's a lovely day."

Dick turned a look upon his father, such as a prisoner might turn upon a
judge as he waited for him to speak.

"I suppose you would not like to go, Dick?" said Mr Temple dryly. "You
would miss your dinner."

"Why, father," cried Dick in a tone of reproach, "I can have a dinner
every day."

"And a sail in a trawler only once perhaps in your life. Then be off."

Dick bounded to the door and then stopped.

"May Taff come, father?" he cried.

"If he likes; but perhaps he wouldn't care to go. Make him sea-sick
perhaps."

"But he may go, father?"

"Yes. But stop. Take something to eat with you in a basket."

"The master of the smack said if the young gentlemen would come in they
could have a bit of dinner on board. We could cook some fish, sir."

"Oh!" cried Dick excitedly.

"Come, this is tempting," said Mr Temple. "I'm half disposed to come
too."

"Do, father," cried Dick, catching his hand. "Oh, do come."

"No, my boy, I have some important business on hand. There, go and
enjoy yourselves. You're going, Will?" he said quietly.

"Yes, sir, if uncle can spare me, and Josh too."

"That's right; take care of my boys--that is, if your uncle can spare
you."

"Oh yes, oh yes! They can go. They don't sail for the pilchar