"It will have to be 'boots and saddles,' as soon as we can manage it," Mary Lee announced. "Aunt Helen thinks we should start as soon as we get rested, so we shall pack to-morrow and the day after begin our journey across country. Eleanor will go with us, she says, though I didn't think she would, for she could easily go back with her brother from here and save herself the longer trip."
"Is her brother going back from here?" asked Nan.
"You ought to know. Is he?" queried Mary Lee.
"No," Nan replied with a laugh.
"Oh!" Mary Lee gave Jack a little prod with her elbow and Jack responded with a soft pinch which expressed her understanding.
"Is Mr. Montell going back from here?" asked Nan.
"I don't believe he is. You see he is free to come and go as he may see fit and I understand that he thinks he can gather profitable material by joining our caravan. Nell vows that she means to see the last of us and will stand by till we are fairly off. Ergo Mr. Montell follows suit."
"Good old Nell," remarked Nan apropos of what she did not explain.
"Well, what do you make of it?" inquired Mary Lee as soon as Nan was out of hearing.
"I think it is very, very near the climax," responded Jack.