“Better send it back to Washington Hall,” advised Budge. “They need it there.”
“That’s right,” laughed Jack.
Sam Chalmers and Bony Balmore arrived the next day, and were entertained at Jack’s house. Preparations were rushed, Nat and Budge finishing their packing, and two days later, with their guns, their camping outfits, and their baggage, they stood in the railroad station, ready to start for the West.
It was a fine, clear, crisp November day, all traces of the recent storm having disappeared, and it seemed as if winter, having sent on an advance agent, rather repented of opening the season so early.
“It will be fine hunting weather,” said Jack as he and his chums waited for the train.
“Couldn’t be better,” agreed Nat.
At that moment the agent came hurrying from the depot, holding aloft an envelope.
“Here’s a telegram for you, Jack Ranger,” he said as he handed it over. “It just came.”
“A telegram?” mused Jack. “I wonder who it’s from?”