"Well, of course, I don't see why you shouldn't take her, if she wants to go." Charnock looked at him with amusement.

"As she's the chief organizer of the picnic, Sadie does want to go.

For that matter, it was her suggestion that I should bring you." "I won't be there; for one thing, I'm too busy," Festing declared, and soon afterwards got up.

"It's time I started back to camp." Leaving the homestead, he walked thoughtfully across the plain.

Charnock had his faults, but he was his friend and was now in trouble.