I was a great favourite with Uncle Richard , partly because he had been much attached to my mother , his only sister , partly because of my strong resemblance to his only son , who had died several years before . Uncle Richard was a stern , undemonstrative man , but I knew that he entertained a deep and real affection for me , and I always enjoyed my vacation sojourns at his place . `` What are you going to do this afternoon , Ned ? '' he asked , after the disturbance caused by Ernest 's outbreak had quieted down . `` I think I 'll row out to Island Rock , '' I replied . `` I want to take some views of the shore from it . '' Uncle Richard nodded . He was much interested in my new camera . `` If you 're on it about four o'clock , you 'll get a fine view of the ` Hole in the Wall ' when the sun begins to shine on the water through it , '' he said . `` I 've often thought it would make a handsome picture . '' `` After I 've finished taking the pictures , I think I 'll go down shore to Uncle Adam 's and stay all night , '' I said . `` Jim 's dark room is more convenient than mine , and he has some pictures he is going to develop tonight , too . '' I started for the shore about two o'clock . Ernest was sitting on the woodpile as I passed through the yard , with his arms about Laddie 's neck and his face buried in Laddie 's curly hair . Laddie was a handsome and intelligent black-and-white Newfoundland , with a magnificent coat . He and Ernest were great chums . I felt sorry for the boy who was to lose his pet . `` Do n't take it so hard , Ern , '' I said , trying to comfort him . `` Uncle will likely get another pup . '' `` I do n't want any other pup ! ''
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Adam Ernest Jim Ned Newfoundland afternoon chums night sojourns years