This, he decreed, was to be under the direction of Shelby and Blair, who knew just how it should be conducted. With his usual efficiency, Crane made all the arrangements and then told the young men about what he had done.
They agreed to go, but Shelby advised first that he write to Joshua, their old guide, as to their reception.
This was done, but the reply received caused a halt in the preparations.
For the letter, which Shelby brought over for Crane to read, ran thus:
"Dear Mister Shelby:
"I think youd better not try to take back the boddy of Mister Peter. We berried it verry deep and it better remain here. Anny way, you cant mannage it till late summer. Say about August or so."
"However, Mr. Crane," Shelby said, "if you say so, we can go ahead in spite of Joshua's letter. He's a good guide, but he always was a bit dictatorial."
"No," Benjamin Crane said, "I believe in taking advice from one who is undoubtedly good authority. We'll postpone the plan until August."
When Blair was told of it he was rather relieved, for he was busy with his prize drawings and he didn't want to leave town.
"Let's see the letter," he said to Shelby.