It is very hard to realize, though, that my little Winn is sixteen years old and almost a man.

But, John, you won't let him run any risks, or get into any danger, will you ?" "Not knowingly, my dear, you may rest assured," answered the Major.
But he smiled as he thought how impossible it was to keep boys from running risks and getting into all sorts of dangerous positions.
So it was decided that Winn should form one of the crew of the _Venture_ whenever the raft should be ready to start on its long voyage; and ever since learning tins decision the boy had been in a fever of impatience to be off.

So full was he of anticipations concerning the proposed journey that he could talk and think of nothing else.

Thus, after a month of tiresome delay, he was in such an uncomfortable frame of mind that it was a positive trial to have him about the house.

For this reason he was encouraged to spend much of his time aboard the raft, and was even allowed to eat and sleep there whenever he chose.