CHAPTER SIXTEEN.
ANOTHER TRIP.
The two lads had left the grammar-school in the county town about a year before in consequence of a terrible outbreak of fever; and, Mrs Winthorpe declaring against their going back, they had been kept at home.

But though several plans had been proposed of sending them for another year's education somewhere, the time had glided by, the business of the draining had cropped up, and as the lads proved useful at times, the school business kept on being deferred, to the delight of both, the elongated holiday growing greatly to their taste.

Even though they were backward from a more modern point of view, they were not losing much, for they were acquiring knowledge which would be useful to them in their future careers, and in addition growing bone and muscle such as would make them strong men.
Hence it was that the time glided pleasantly on, with the two lads finding plenty of opportunities for the various amusements which gratified them when not occupied in some way about the farms.
It was a few days after the conversation with the squire that Tom proposed a turn after the fish in Hickathrift's boat.
"We could pole ourselves without Dave; and let's ask Mr Marston to come.

It's a long time since he has had a holiday." Dick's brow was overcast, and he wore generally the aspect of a boy who had partaken of baking pears for a week, but his face cleared at this, and he eagerly joined in the plan.
"We'll get Hicky to lend us his boat, and pole down as far as we can, and then run across to Mr Marston." Their preparations did not take long, and though they were made before they knew whether they could have the punt, they did not anticipate any objections, and they were right.
Hickathrift was busy sawing, but he looked up with a broad grin, and leaving his work went down with them to the water side.
"Course I'll lend it to you, lads," he said.

"Wish I could come wi' you." "Do, then, Hicky.