Wouldn't it, Ike?"
Ike grinned and nodded.
"The passenger that I'm speaking of wouldn't be a passenger altogether,"
said Colonel Kenton. "He'd like to be one of the crew also, and I don't
think he'd make trouble. Anyway, he's got a claim on you already.
Having fished him out of the river, where he was unconscious, it's your
duty to take care of him for a while. It's my son Harry, who wants to
get across the mountains to Virginia, and we'll be greatly obliged to
you if you'll take him."
Colonel Kenton had a most winning manner. He already liked Jarvis,
and Jarvis liked him.
"I reckon your son is all right," said Jarvis, "an' if he gits
cantankerous we kin just pitch him overboard into the Kentucky. But I
can't undertake sich a contract without consultin' my junior partner,
this lunkhead, my nephew, Ike Simmons. Ike, are you willin' to take
Colonel Kenton's son back with us? Ef you're willin' say 'Yes,' ef
you ain't willin' say 'No.'"
Ike said nothing, but grinned and nodded.
"The resolution is passed an' Harry Kenton is accepted," said Jarvis.
"We start day after tomorrow mornin', early."
Breakfast was finished and Colonel Kenton rose and thanked them.
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