That was how the Hardy boys and their chums received permission to hold their winter outing on Cabin Island.
CHAPTER VI
Preparations
When the Hardy boys returned home after their visit to Elroy Jefferson they hastened to tell their father about the munificent reward the antique dealer had given them for recovering his automobile. Then came the momentous matter of securing permission for the vacation outing.
Fenton Hardy listened with a smile.
“So you want to leave us during the Christmas holidays,” he said. “You don’t mind missing Christmas dinner, with the turkey and the pudding and the nuts and raisins and candy. You don’t mind going without your presents this Christmas. You’d rather go camping.”
“Would we have to miss our presents?” asked Joe anxiously.
“Well, you know that Christmas presents are usually given out on Christmas morning in this house. If you’re not here——”
“Couldn’t we get them before we go away?”
Mr. Hardy laughed. “You want presents and outing both, I see. Well, I suppose it can be arranged. I have no objections to letting you go camping, seeing Mr. Jefferson has been good enough to allow you the use of Cabin Island. If you take proper equipment with you, plenty of food and blankets, you should be comfortable enough. As a matter of fact,” he murmured, “I wouldn’t mind going with you myself.”
“Will you come, Dad?” shouted Frank.