"But Sam Tillinghast, who comes to see us once in a while, went to Rockledge before he went to college. He says Rockledge is right up on a bluff overlooking Monatook Lake, and that a fellow can have more fun there than a box of monkeys!"
"I never had a box of monkeys," said Bobby, grinning, and with his mouth full.
"That's all right. I wish you were going," said Fred, wagging his head. "Don't you suppose that's what's the matter at your house—what your pa and your mother are thinking about?"
"No," said Bobby, wagging his head, sadly. "I guess it ain't nothing as good as going to boarding school. You see, they look so solemn when I catch them staring at me."
"Maybe you've done something and they are thinking of punishing you?" suggested Fred.
"No. I haven't done a thing. I really haven't! I'd thought of that, and I just went back over everything I've done this vacation, and I can't think of a thing," decided Bobby, reflectively.
"Well, if it's something bad, you'll find out soon enough what it is," said Fred, playing a regular Job's comforter.
"And if it is something good, I suppose they'll worry me to death—or pretty near—too, eh!"
"Mebbe if we could find a Gypsy woman she'd tell your fortune and you'd know," said Fred.
"Yah! I don't believe in such stuff," declared Bobby. "You remember that old woman that came around selling baskets last spring and wheedled that ten cents out of you? She only told you that you were going to cross water and have a great change on the other side."