About a week later, when we’re all feeling something like Washington’s soldiers that winter at Valley Forge, Rod comes running up with a piece of real news.
“What do you know, guys?” he shouts. “I just came by the depot and Crabby’s leaving town!”
“Get off!”
“He never left town in his life!”
“Quit your kidding!”
“Absolute fact!” replies Rod. “I can’t believe my eyes but I sneak up and speak to the ticket agent and he tells me Crabby’s been called to Northport on account of the serious illness of his sister.”
“Gee, that’s too bad,” says Pete. “I mean, in another way, it’s pretty good!”
“How long do you suppose he’ll be gone?” I asks.
“No idea,” answers Rod, “but figure it out for yourself—if she’s good and sick she won’t be over it in a day. Say, if this weather only holds out...!”
“Now’s when it’ll probably thaw,” puts in Dill, with his usual pessimism, “but let’s go out and see what the slide looks like.”