By the way, my name is Harry Nilford, which I do not think I have mentioned before.

Then came a long verbal tug of war between these two good men, in which I could discern that my father’s refusal was solely based upon his love for me and his apprehension for my safety.  The tug of words, like a tug of war at an athletic meeting, was a long one, first one gained an advantage only to lose it to his opponent directly after; then the opponent would get in a strong verbal tug, and nearly draw his man over the line; but at length my father, with great reluctance, conceded a point, a great point in fact, one which virtually settled the contest.

“M.  Oudin,” said my parent, “I’ll consent on one condition, which is, that I may be allowed to draw up an agreement as to the boy’s tenancy of the island, and if Harry agrees to abide by it, well and good.”

“Very well, father,” I quickly put in, “here are writing implements; draw up your Code and I will soon tell you my decision.”

This was said with great emphasis on the “my,” and delivered with an air of—­“see what a decided person I am.”

In an hour my father had drawn up the following document:—­

     TERMS OF AGREEMENT FOR MY SON’S RESIDENCE UPON JETHOU FOR 12
     MONTHS.

My son Harry wishes to live the life of a Crusoe or Hermit, on the Island of Jethou for twelve months, and to this I agree only on his signifying his willingness to abide by the terms stated in this agreement.

     1.  He shall allow no one to land on the island.

     2.  Shall not himself land upon any of the surrounding islands
     (rocks which are uninhabited excepted).

     3.  Shall not speak to a living soul during the course of his
     self-exilement.

     4.  Shall obtain no stores nor goods of any kind from any other
     island, nor from any passing vessel.

     5.  Shall hold no communication with anyone, in any way:—­

(a) Either ashore or afloat.

(b) Except in case of sickness, accident, detrimental to limb or
life, or

(c) In other case of dire necessity.

Should my son choose to abide by the above regulations, I will
agree to his holding the island for a period of one year.

Signed, THOMAS J. NILFORD.

“There!” said my father, laying down his pen, “that is my ultimatum, my son; and mark me, I will agree to nothing else.”

This was said in a manner which shewed plainly that he considered he had drawn up a code so stringent that he did not deem it at all likely I should accept his plan; but to his great chagrin, and I may almost say his consternation, I reached out my hand, after reading the document, and taking the goose quill, wrote under the last clause,

“Accepted—­Harry Nilford.”

That being done, my father could not go back upon his word, and accordingly the whole thing was settled.