Morton had been such a good, helpful boy ever since their arrival in
Dartmoor, that Sara was almost as glad as he when the professor's
thought about the boat was finally unfolded, and proved to be a
proposition that the lad should accompany him on a geological expedition
down a certain river not far away.
He wanted Morton to help in managing the boat, as well as in foraging
for extra game and provisions along the route, and watching the stores,
while he studied, sought, and speculated over his stony treasures; for
all of which the boy should receive a certain consideration in money,
not to mention the fun.
"Just think, Sara, to be paid, actually _paid_, for having the
biggest kind of a picnic," he cried rapturously. "Now, who cares for the
Mary Jane?"
For the next two days all was hurry and confusion, as he and Molly ran
errands, packed and planned, with Sara to advise and help; and the third
saw the grand start.
As the river was at some distance, the first stage of the journey must
be made by land (a great drawback in Morton's opinion, but still to be
borne with patience because of what was to follow), so the boat was
mounted on a cart, and packed full of the camping apparatus, amid which
the professor and the boy sat in state, while a grinning Hibernian drove
the mild animal in front.
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