“Well, we can take a chance,” said Ned. “Say, Bob, wipe that smudge off your nose.”
“I will. Thanks! There’s one on your ear.”
“I guess we can clean up,” announced Jerry. “She’ll do.”
They returned to Bob’s house, and a little later the whole party, including Mrs. Hopkins, Mr. Slade, Mr. Baker, and the two Westerners, were gathered about the table.
“I guess we can go, all right,” whispered Ned. “Dad looks as though he’d consented.”
“I hope so,” answered Jerry, for the grown folk had been in conference with the miners just prior to the announcement of the meal.
“Well, boys,” said Mr. Slade, after a pause, “I don’t see the necessity of keeping you in suspense any longer. We have decided that——”
