"I wonder if they'll have the brass band out to meet us," suggested
Jack.
"Perpetual porous plasters! They would if they only knew what a reputation we have achieved!" exclaimed Nat, as the train rolled in. "Hello, there's some of your folks!"
"That's so! My three aunts!" cried Jack, as he saw from the window the three maiden ladies with whom he had lived so long. Aunt Mary caught a glimpse of him, and waved her handkerchief, an example that was followed by the other two. The next instant Jack was being hugged and kissed as though he had been away ten years instead of a few months.
"We were so afraid the train would be late, or that you wouldn't come until the night one," said Aunt Josephine.
"Couldn't think of staying away from you any longer," Jack replied, his eyes a trifle moist as he realized the love his aunts bore toward him, and he hugged and kissed them in turn.
"So long!" called Nat, as he walked up the station platform. "I'll see you later. Got to pack for our trip."
The next few days were busy ones for Jack. In the first place he had to tell his aunts all about his school experience, that is such parts of it as he thought they might care to hear and this took time. Then he had to see Judge Bennett, and the family lawyer explained further details about Jack's father. Jack also asked the judge for the curious ring, as he thought he might have to use it on his western trip.
"You must take good care of it, Jack," the lawyer said. "No telling what may hinge on it."
"If anyone gets it away from me he'll have the hardest proposition he ever tackled," Jack said earnestly.
In fact our hero was kept so busy, between this, arranging for his trip, and renewing his acquaintances with the town boys, that he was all unprepared when, one day, John Smith rang the door bell.