CO ATE FARM. 29 



stones. This was used by the boys as a 

 treasure-house, where darts, bows and arrows, 

 wooden swords, and other instruments used in 

 mimic warfare were kept. Two favourite pas- 

 times were those of living on a desert island, and 

 of waging war with wild Indians. Dick was 

 of a masterful' temperament, and though less 

 strong than several of us in a bodily sense, his 

 force of will was such that we had to succumb 

 to whatever plans he chose to dictate, never 

 choosing to be second even in the most trivial 

 thing. His temper was not amiable, but there 

 was always a gentleness about him which 

 saved him from the reproach of wishing to 

 ride rough-shod over the feelings of others. I 

 do not recollect his ever joining in the usual 

 boy's sports cricket or football he preferred 

 less athletic, if more adventurous, means of 

 enjoyment. He was a great reader, and I re- 

 member a sunny parlour window, almost like 

 a room, where many books of adventure and 

 fairy tales were read by him. Close to his 

 home was the ' Eeservoir/ a prettily-situated 

 lake surrounded by trees, and with many 

 romantic nooks on the banks. Here we often 



