It was a large party who intended to make the journey on this morning, and to Jack's dismay he saw Bill Dean and his particular friends arrive about half an hour before the time for leaving.
If it had been possible he would have remained out of sight; but the station was small, and Aunt Nancy insisted he should stand where she could keep her eyes on him, consequently it was not many moments before Master Dean recognized him.
"Oh, dear! is he going? and must we be in fear and trembling of him all the time we stay?" Aunt Nancy said pathetically as she saw the three boys approaching. "Keep close to me, Jack dear, and if he attempts any mischief I'll appeal for help to Deacon Downs."
Bill, however, did not intend to commit any overt act while there were so many around who would not hesitate about dealing out justice to him without delay.
He contented himself by walking slowly around Aunt Nancy and Jack, as he said to Jip Lewis,—
"I didn't think we stood so much of a chance to have a good time at camp meetin' this year. Here's Hunchie with the old maid, and we'll see that they don't get lonesome."
Fortunately Aunt Nancy did not hear him, otherwise she might have said something which would have provoked further and louder threats.
Jack, however, could distinguish every word, and before the three tormentors finished their promenade he regretted having accompanied the little woman.
"I ain't afraid they'll get very much the best of me," he said to himself; "but there isn't goin' to be a great deal of fun if I've got to keep my eyes open for them all the time."