Untitled - Beeldbibliotheek

258 CARAVAN DAYShim than all the unsolved questions that he hasleft at home. I do not say that he would beindifferent to the news, reaching him by telegram,that his house had been burned down (althoughhe ought to be),but at least he would pause toask himself if that was really as great a calamityas it is held to be. His house isvery far away, butthe steak is on the table beside him, and it ishigh time that he lit the Primus.They are days with a perfect balance, betweenrest and exertion, labour and reward. Much oftheir high contentment is due to their system ofrewards and prizes.For you will get nothing thatisgood till you have earned the right to it. Ifyou would smoke a pipe in peace on the road youmust push on at a good pace and gain a full mileupon the van to give you time to lie down on thebank till she comes up. Lunch is a special prizeafter ten miles of steady walking, and whateverdifficulties you have had to encounter you maylook for your reward at camping time, when thehorses go off to their stable and the house is setin order for the night. The happy ceremony ofsupper which is the prime reward of the caravanner'sday is in just and full recompense forthe labour of the cook. And all the incidents ofthe long day have paved the way for exquisite