Could it be possible his Uncle Godfrey had taken Old Bruden with him? He presently came to the conclusion that this must be the case, and yet he could not imagine why in the world his uncle should want to take a gun with him. Was he going on a long tramp over the country?
Another thing surprised him. None of the shot-pouches or powder-flasks were missing. What was the good of a gun without ammunition?
But these questions were too puzzling for him, and he gave them up. He took his own little gun and went down-stairs. While he was cleaning it in the back-yard, Jenny came by from the barn with some eggs in her apron.
“Jenny,” said Phil, “did you see my uncle go away this morning?”
Jenny stopped, and, for a moment, was silent. Then she said,—
“I can’t tell you.”
“Oh, then,” exclaimed Phil, “of course you saw him! Did he take Old Bruden with him?”
“He didn’t tell me,” said Jenny, “not to tell that I saw him go, though I don’t believe he wanted me to tell. But he did tell me not to say how or when he went, and if I say he went with a gun, that would be telling how he went, wouldn’t it?”
“I suppose so,” said Phil. “I don’t want you to disobey any orders.”
And Jenny passed on to the house.