Without too much stickling for unanimity, it was finally agreed that while the general plan of the eastern trip should remain the same, whenever advisable there would also be discussions of the next move which would require at least a three-to-one vote in order to decide.
“We may all be fools some of the time,” voiced Dave sagely, paraphrasing Lincoln’s noteworthy pronouncement, “but we won’t all of us be fools all the time.” This while shaking his head dubiously at Jones, Esq., who sniffed scornfully.
Accordingly, the following morning when the Big Six left Griffin its course was eastward over the big highway prescribed in the guide book.
Phil, Dave and Paul took turns at the wheel, and when night was again upon them they were nearing a small town where, according to the guide book, one might turn to the left and before the day was over be fairly within an hour or so of Niagara Falls. They put up at a modest hotel, stored the auto in a convenient garage, took supper and, after a short stroll along an uninteresting main street, retired for the night to a large bedroom with two double beds.
Some debate ensued as to whether they should turn off and visit the big falls, during which Worth dropped off asleep while MacLester nearly jerked his head loose as he nodded from the depths of an ancient armchair.
“Aw, what’s the use?” grumbled Paul. “They don’t care where we go!” He pointed at Billy snug in bed, while Dave nodded the sleeper’s approval of whatever course might be taken on the morrow. “They don’t care, I say.”
“Well, what do you say, Paul?” Phil regarded the boy quizzically. “Have you ever seen the Falls?”
“No, nor I don’t care if I never see ’em. Nothing but a roar of water and a cloud of wet spray if you go near ’em below.” Paul’s grammar was humorously absurd at times.
“How do you know, if you’ve never been there?”
“Haven’t I read and heard about ’em ever since I was knee high to a duck?”