Page 28 - In A New World

Fletcher’s persistence only aroused vague suspicions in Harry’s breast. He
felt glad that Stackpole was neither a friend nor likely to prove a

confederate of Dick Fletcher, and was resolved to hold on to him.

"I have invited him, and I won’t take back the invitation," he said.

"How old are you?" asked Fletcher abruptly.

"Sixteen."

"I should think you were sixty by the tone you assume," said Fletcher with
a sneer.

"Do I understand, Mr. Fletcher," asked Harry steadily, "that you claim to

control our party?"

"Seeing that I am more than twice as old as you are, I am the natural head

of the expedition."

"I cannot admit any such claim. If you are not satisfied to be simply a
member of the party, like the rest of us, I shall not be offended if you back
out even now."

This, however, did not suit Fletcher, and with a forced laugh he answered,

"You are a strange boy, Vane. I suppose it’s the way with your countrymen.
I don’t want to back out, as you term it. I fancy we shall get along together."

"I wish he had decided to leave us," said Harry when the two boys were
alone. "Somehow I distrust him."

"I don’t like him myself," said Jack, "but I don’t see what harm he can do
us."

"Nor I, but I feel safer with this Yankee addition to our party."