"Supposing they do miss connections, Critchfield," said Mr. St. John, "I wouldn't worry. It is a great thing for the boys and perhaps an extra six months in school won't do any harm. However, figure on getting back."
"I guess it's up to you, Etta!" laughed Mr. Wallace. "What do you say? Yes or no?"
As Burt said afterward, "I came so near havin' heart failure for a minute that I could see the funeral procession." Mrs. St. John hesitated, her head on her hand. Then looking up, her eye met Burt's and she smiled.
"Yes—"
"Hurray!" Critch joined Burt in a shout of delight, while the latter gave his mother a stout hug of gratitude.
"I don't know what we'll do here without you," she continued when freed. "When will you start, George?"
"Since we have to be back by November," replied the explorer, "we'll leave here Monday morning and catch the Carmania from New York Tuesday. I'll wire to-night for accommodations."
"Monday!" cried Mr. St. John in amazement. "Why, there'll be no time to get the boys outfits or pack their trunks, or—"
"We don't want outfits or trunks, eh, Burt?" smiled Mr. Wallace. "The comfort of traveling, Tom, is to be able to take a suit case and light out for anywhere on earth in an hour. That's what we'll do. Wear a decent suit of clothes, boys, and take a few changes of linen. We'll reach Liverpool Friday night and London on Saturday. We'll get the outfits there, and if we hustle we can pick up one of the African Steamship Company's steamers Tuesday or Wednesday."
"But your book?" asked Mrs. St. John. "Is that finished?"