Mr. and Mrs. Manley, Belle Ada, Pop, and Jack Conroy were on hand to see them off. Teddy and Roy had already said their goodbyes to their parents, both being cautioned against “wet feet, sleeping on the ground, and sitting in a draft when overheated” by Mrs. Manley. They grinned, and promised to do their best to obey all instructions.
“Hey, Teddy, bring me back a gold bracelet!” Belle called. “One with my initials on it.”
“Where you think we’re going—shopping?” Teddy replied. “Sure you don’t want a gold watch instead?”
“Bet you bring Curly something,” Belle rejoined mischievously. “All right—you wait! I know somebody who—”
“You’d better go to visit the 8 X 8, and see your friend Doc Ring,” Roy called. “He’s still making calls there, I understand, to treat Jerry Decker. Bet he misses you!”
“We’d better vamoose, after that crack,” Teddy laughed. “Come on, let’s go! So long, people!”
“So long! So long, Silent! Good luck!”
“Good-bye, boys!”
“So long, Dad, Mother! We’ll be rich when we get back!”
“Hey, Pop, you keep my bunk for me!” This from Nick. “An’ get a bushel basket ready to carry my gold in!”