His guardian was pleased with this reply; at least, he seemed to be so from the way his foxy face beamed and the manner in which he rubbed his hands together.
"Yes, Ned, I think such a life would suit a bold, strong lad like you exactly. You might go to Australia or Africa, and make a fortune in no time."
"Oh, I don't care much about the fortune," replied Ned, carelessly. "As long as I have enough to live and keep clear of debt, I'll be satisfied, so that I can do some good and help on civilisation and the glory and power of England."
"Like the great Cecil Rhodes, eh--the Empire maker?" said his guardian, slyly.
"That is my ambition, Mr Raymond," answered Ned, calmly.
He was not very familiar with his guardian, and although he could not say that he disliked him, yet he always felt better pleased to bid him good-bye than to welcome him at the beginning of his infrequent and short visits.
"Hum--yes; I think we shall be able to advance your views in this respect. Your father was not a rich man when he died, Edward. However, I need not go into that matter now, as I shall tell you all about it when you have left school. But I dare say--as I have been careful of what he did leave--that I shall be able to provide you with a comfortable start in life."
This conversation had taken place on the last visit of Mr Jabez Raymond to Shebourne Academy at the beginning of the finishing term. Since then Ned had diligently pursued his studies, and was pretty well prepared to face the world, as far as theory could prepare a young man. Experience must hereafter be the finisher of his education.
Clarence Raybold and Fred Weldon ranked next to Ned Romer in proficiency and expertness. They were both bold fellows, who had moulded themselves, as far as they could, on the pattern of their leader and hero, Ned.
Both had battled and worked their way upwards to their present proud position. The other boys owned their superiority, but--as will chance so often--while being good and faithful chums, there was not a little rivalry between them as to which should stand next to Ned Romer. Some of the boys boasted that Raybold, the Africander, was the strongest and best; some vowed by Weldon, the Australian.