“You mean my awkwardness,” he said. “You are quite welcome to the amusement it must afford you.” George arched his brows in surprise. “Really this ragged boy is talking to me as if he considered me his equal,” he thought. “It is Herbert’s fault. He should not treat him so familiarly. I really don’t care to be in such company.” “You must excuse me, Herbert,” said George, rising with suitable dignity. “As you are provided with company, you can spare me. I will go into the house and read for a while.” “Very well, George.” “I hope I haven’t driven your cousin away, Herbert,” said Robert. “I don’t care whether you have or not, Bob,” said Herbert, “I’m awfully disappointed in him. Papa invited him to visit us, thinking he would be company for me, but, instead of that, he objects to everything I propose. I find it very hard to entertain him.” “He doesn’t appear to fancy me,” said Robert. “Don’t mind him, Bob. He’s a mean, stuck-up fellow, if he is my cousin.” “Perhaps he is not to blame. I am only a poor boy, belonging to a fisherman’s family. I am afraid I am not a suitable associate for you or him,” said Robert with proud humility. “No more of that talk, Bob,” said Herbert. “You’re suitable for me, anyhow, and I like you twice as much as my cousin. I don’t care how you are dressed, as long as you are a good fellow.” “At any rate, you are a good fellow, Herbert,” said Robert warmly. “I liked you the very first day I saw you.” “And I can say the same for you. Bob. Well, never mind about George. Leave him to his book. We’ll amuse ourselves better.” As Robert was playing he caught sight of his uncle on his way to the tavern. He knew, therefore, that he could return home without danger of annoyance, and he excused himself to Herbert. As it was doubtful whether he could get anything to do in the village and as the boat would not be in use, he concluded to go out and see if he could not catch a few fish for his aunt’s dinner. “Well, come and play with me again very soon, Bob,” said his friend. “I will, Herbert. Thank you for inviting me.” “Oh, I do that on my own account! I like your company.” “Thank you!” Robert went home and spent a short time with his aunt before setting out on his fishing trip. He only meant to go out a short distance and there was plenty of time before noon. He was just getting out the boat when, to his dismay, he heard a familiar but unwelcome voice hailing him. “Where are you going?” “I am going a-fishing. I thought you were not going to use the boat.” “Well, I am,” said the fisherman shortly. “Are you ready to give me that money?” “No, uncle,” said Robert firmly. “I have a right to it.” “You don’t need it and aunt does,” answered our hero. “Well, never mind about that now. You can go out with me.” Considerably surprised at getting off so easily, Robert jumped into the boat with his uncle and they pushed off. “Pull for Egg Island,” said John Trafton.