"He put me through the third degree yesterday about skinning deer. Next time he gives me a chance I'll ask him about taking you along."
"What!" exclaimed Howard. "Have your folks come around?"
"I don't know. I'm leaving it all to Uncle George. Believe me, they've got to come around or I'll—I'll run away!"
"Yes, I've got a picture o' you running away!" grinned Critch. "Mebbe dad'll tell me what's up when I get home."
But Critch was not enlightened that night nor for many nights thereafter. This was the last week of school and Burt was too busy with his examinations to waste much time speculating on the African trip. Howard was also pretty well occupied, although not trying for any scholarship, and for the rest of the week both boys gave all their attention to school. On Friday evening Burt arrived home jubilantly.
"Done!" he shouted, bursting in on his mother and uncle. "Got it!"
"What, the scholarship? How do you know?" asked his mother in surprise.
"Prof. Garwood tipped me off. Won't get the reg'lar announcement till commencement exercises next week but he says I needn't worry! Hurray! One more year and then Yale for mine!"
"Good boy!" cried Mr. Wallace. "Guess you've plugged for it though. Burt, I'll have that book finished next week. If she goes through all right I'll be off by the end of the month for Africa." He winked meaningly. "Guess I'll take you along."