"One at a time," she begged. "Frank, you seem to be the most sensible of this noisy crew. Now the rest of you boys keep still and let Frank tell me what it's all about."
"We all want to go out West on a ranch," blurted out Frank.
"Out West? A ranch?" gasped Mrs. Bouncer. "What on earth do you mean?"
"This letter will tell all about it better than I can," replied Frank, handing over the important sheet of paper.
Mrs. Bouncer read with the utmost interest while the boys watched her face hopefully. After she had finished she turned back and read it all over again. Then she handed the letter back to Frank.
"How about it, Ma?" asked Bob, who was bursting with impatience. "You're going to let me go, aren't you?"
"Please say yes, Mrs. Bouncer," coaxed Frank.
"We'll all have such a splendid time," added Sammy.
Mrs. Bouncer looked around smilingly on the eager faces.
"The whole thing has taken me so by surprise," she said, "that I hardly know what to say yet. And, of course, I shall have to talk it over with Mr. Bouncer when he comes home to-night."