In addition to his strength and quickness, he had a fund of dogged endurance, and imperturbable good temper, that did not fail him; even on the rare occasions when, in combats with boys much older than himself, he was forced to admit himself defeated.
The fact that he fought, not because he was angry, but as if it were a matter of business, gave him a great advantage; and his readiness to take up the cause of any boy ill-treated by another was so notorious, that "I will tell Dick Holland" became a threat that saved many a boy from being burned.
Ten days before his conversation with Ben, his mother had said: "Dick, I can stand this no longer.

I have tried to be patient, for six years, but I can be patient no longer.

I feel that another year of suspense would kill me.

Therefore, I have made up my mind to sail at once.

The voyage will take us five months, and perhaps you may have to remain some little time, at my brother's, before you can start.
"Now that the time is come, I think that perhaps I am about to do wrong, and that it may cost you your life.