Chapter 17—Good Bargains
It was a rainy Sunday afternoon, and four boys were trying to spend it quietly in the “liberry,” as Jamie called the room devoted to books and boys, at Aunt Jessie's. Will and Geordie were sprawling on the sofa, deep in the adventures of the scapegraces and ragamuffins whose histories are now the fashion. Archie lounged in the easy chair, surrounded by newspapers; Charlie stood upon the rug, in an Englishman's favourite attitude, and, I regret to say, both were smoking cigars.
“ It is my opinion that this day will never come to an end,” said Prince, with a yawn that nearly rent him asunder.
“ Read and improve your mind, my son,” answered Archie, peering solemnly over the paper behind which he had been dozing.
“ Don't you preach, parson, but put on your bo
