Scroope wants me to go to England with him to look after him on the voyage--that's what he says.

What he means is that he hopes I might put in a word for him with the lady, if I should chance to be introduced to her.

He offers to pay all my expenses and to give me something for my loss of time.

So, as I haven't seen England since I was three years old, I think I'll take the chance." Brother John's face fell.

"Then how about the expedition, Allan ?" he asked.
"This is the first of November," I answered, "and the wet season in those parts begins about now and lasts till April.