“I’m afraid it’s too much of an undertaking,” said Mr. Baker.
“That’s my idea,” agreed Mr. Slade, and Mrs. Hopkins nodded to indicate that that was her view.
The boys set up a chorus of pleadings. The parents had many objections. The distance was too great, the boys did not know enough about automobiles, they would lose their way and break down far from help. In fact, so many negative reasons were given that it looked as if the plan would not go through.
“Will you please wait ten minutes before you make a final decision?” asked Jerry, appealing to the trio of parents.
They agreed, wondering what he was about to do. Jerry got his hat and hurried from Mr. Baker’s house. In a little while he returned, all out of breath.
“He’ll be here in five minutes,” said the boy.
“Who?” asked Mr. Slade.
“Mr. Wakefield.” Jerry referred to Horace Wakefield, an instructor at the Athletic Club, who was quite a friend of the boys, and who himself had recently purchased an automobile. He lived near Mr. Baker.
“What’s all this I hear about a trip to the West these boys are going to take?” asked Mr. Wakefield, a few minutes later, coming into the parlor where the conference was going on.
“You mean the trip they think they are going to take,” corrected Mr. Slade, with a laugh. “I suppose Jerry told you it was all settled.”