"
"I don't think Garibaldi in Sicily will put much prize-money into
your pocket, Hal," said Miss Fosbrook.
"Oh! but there's sure to be a war! and I shall get promoted, and be a
man before any of you. I shall go about, and see condors, and lions,
and elephants, and wear a sword--at least, a dirk--while you are
learning Latin and Greek at Uncle John's!"
"Don't make such a noise about it!" said Sam crossly.
"I don't know why you should be the one to go," said Elizabeth. "Sam
is the eldest."
"Yes; but Sam is such a slow-coach. Papa said I was the only one fit
to make a sailor of--at least, he said I was smart, and--Hollo! Sam,
I won't have you kicking my legs!"
"Don't keep up such a row then!" growled Sam; but Hal was in too full
swing to be reached by slight measures. He pushed his chair back,
tucked up his feet like a tailor's, out of reach, and went on: "Then
I shall come home in my cocked hat, like Papa's--at least, my cap--
and come and ask for a holiday for you all at Uncle John's."
Uncle John was an under-master at one of the great public schools,
and the children were all a good deal in awe of him.
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