Mrs. Dean listened. There was no hesitation in her answer.
“Go to Chicago at once. You need not worry about how your wife will take it, nor as to how she feels. I know. She understands better than you can ever suppose. Jack, dear, whoever said that God did not weave our lives? How closely our friends here have been interwoven with our lives, how much we have been of service to each other.
“Go to Chicago on the first train,” she finished.
“Yes, and we shall tell Ted. Bring them back with you,” added Dean.
Pop left the house, much relieved. He 110 was happy that his duty was what his inclination was—what he craved to do. He joined the other men.
Without giving any explanation he told Smiles he would have to be away for about ten days and that he had already arranged for the same with John Dean.
Early the next morning he was off. He asked Red to take him down. To Red he explained the whole thing, that he was coming back with his folks.
“I understand a whole lot of things now. How queerly you acted at times. I guess I’ll call you Marsh, now.”
“Yes, and it’s up to you to explain. I shall wire you before you do so. If my wife should decide that she does not want me, I am not coming back. If she decides she will forgive me, I will telegraph you and you can let it out casually.”
“I will be glad to do so,” answered Red. “Is Jack going to tell Ted?”