188 THE FAT OF THE LAND 
«'Tell us about him, Jack.” 
« Jarvis’s father lives in Montana, and has a 
lot of gold mines and other things to keep him 
busy. He doesn’t have time to pay much atten- 
tion to his son, who is growing up after his own 
fashion. Jim’s mother is dead, and he has 
neither brother nor sister, — nothing but money 
and beauty and health and strength and 
courage and sense and the stanchest heart 
that ever lifted waistcoat! He has been on the 
eleven three years. They want him in the boat, 
but he’ll not have it; says it’s not good work 
for a man. He’s in the first division, well 
toward the front, too, and in the best society. 
He’s taken a fancy to me, and I’m dead gone on 
him. He’s the man for you to shun, little 
woman, unless you wish to be led captive.” 
« There are others, Jack, so don’t worry about 
me. But do you think you can secure this 
paragon ? ” 
“Not a doubt of it! Ill wire him in the 
morning, and he’ll be here as soon as steam can 
bring him; he’s my best chum, you know.” 
This would make our party complete. We 
were all happy and pleased, and the evening,’ 
passed before we knew it. 
