“Very well. So far as this proposition is concerned you shall have your own way. But you cannot blame me for being concerned about your welfare.” “Of course not. But at the same time, please don’t forget that I am not a baby. I can take care of myself.” His father bit his lip. His eyes narrowed as he regarded his son. And in that instant an idea came to him. “Just as you say,” he said quietly. “It will be your chance to show me just what you can do. The _Morales_ sails a week from today and I shall make a reservation for you. In the meantime, I shall send other cables; you may go regardless of whether there are answers or not. Is that satisfactory?” “It’s splendid. I won’t sleep a wink until then.” On the eve of the great day the little group around the dinner table was very silent. “Rice has answered at last,” Mr. Jones said suddenly. “What did he say?” asked David, eagerly. “Never mind what he said. You are determined to go, anyway, so it makes no difference.” “But does he want me to come?” David persisted. “Suppose he does?” “I should go, of course.” “And if he does not?” “I should go anyway. I am all ready, my ticket is bought and I couldn’t think of backing out. I should never hear the last of it.” “You are quite right. Everything is arranged, however, and I want you to go. You will do just as you planned.” David thought he noticed an amused expression on his father’s face, but he was not quite sure. It did seem, though, that his manner had changed remarkably in the last few days. His former reluctance had given way to seeming eagerness. But in the feverishness of his excitement David did not appraise these observations at their proper value and soon forgot them entirely. At last the memorable day actually arrived. The weeks of waiting had seemed an eternity. But here he was, aboard the great boat; some of the people about him were crying and for a moment he felt a strange feeling coming upon him. Going was not so easy as he had thought. Just then the bell warned all visitors to go ashore and amid the last farewells he was reminded of one thing. “Do not forget,” his father said, “you may return at any time you like and you will be welcome at home. Even if you stay only a few days, the experience of the voyage will be of value and you will be more content to settle down. Perhaps you will be back soon.” They went ashore. The gangway was raised and the engines began to throb ever so slowly as the ship backed out of her berth. Not long after that the boat was well out in the bay and the crowd that lined the dock merged into a waving mass in which it was impossible to distinguish anyone. Those last words filled David with something like resentment.