Three Boys Part 53

"Yes."

"See Tavvy this morning?"

"Yes."

"What did he say?"

"That he wished you to get well, and come and catch some salmon."

"Well, it isn't my fault. I want to get well, don't I? A fellow can't want to lie here always, with his back getting sore. I say, do open the window."

Max glanced at the window to make sure.

"It is open," he said.

"No, it isn't."

"Yes, it is. Look!"

"Well, shut it, then. I hate to hear the sea."

"I like it," said Max, closing the sash.

"Yes, you miserable c.o.c.kneys always do. It gives one the horrors when you can't go out. Is it high tide?"

"No; quite low."

"It can't be. Go and look."

Max went to the window and looked out.

"The rocks are bare ever so far out, and you can see all the yellow weed."

"No, I can't."

"I meant I can."

"Well, why don't you say what you mean? Phew! how hot this room is!

You might open a window."

Max smiled at his companion's petulance, and opened the window.

"Now, you're laughing at a poor miserable beggar."

"No, no, Kenneth," said Max, taking his hand.

"Don't do that! I wish you wouldn't be such a molly. Can't you say 'No, no,' without catching hold of a fellow's hand?--and one 'no' is enough. How jolly hot it is! See old Tonal' this morning?"

"Yes."

"What did he say?"

"He wants to come up and play to you on the pipes."

"Did he say he would?"

"Yes; and that he'd cut his way to you if they didn't let him come. He was going to sharpen his broadsword this morning."

"Look here: if he came up and began to play, he'd drive me mad. You go down and get my double gun and some cartridges."

"What for?"

"You don't suppose I'm going to lie here and be driven mad! I'll shoot him like I would a hare."

"Nonsense!" said Max, laughing.

"Well, you go and let him blow to you."

"No, thank you; I hate it."

"So do I; only a chap who is going to be chief of a clan some day mustn't say he hates the horrible old row. Here, I shall get up."

He threw off the clothes; but Max dashed at him, and covered him to the shoulders.

"No, no!" he cried.

"There you go with your 'No, no,' again. You're just like a great girl, Max."

"Am I? I'm very sorry."

"What's the good of being sorry? Be more like a man. Oh dear! I am so tired of lying here!"

"Yes, it is very tiring."

"Well, I know that. I didn't want you to tell me. What did Scoody say?"

"He's very angry because they will not let him come up to you, and will hardly speak to me."

"No wonder."

"He says it's a shame for me to be always with you, and him not allowed to come."

"So it is. Poor old Scoody! Did he say 'she shall came'?"

"Yes, over and over again."

"So it is a shame, poor old chap! I'll bully father about it. I'd a deal rather have him here than you."