"He has just decided to do so. That, I am aware, gives you but short notice," said Mrs. Oakley.
"Shall I need to be away long?"
"A few days at least. Have you a carpet-bag?"
"A small one."
"That will answer. You can put in a couple of shirts, some collars, stockings, and handkerchiefs."
"How shall I know what to do?"
"My brother will give you all the needful information. And now, good-night. We shall breakfast at six, in order to be in time for the stage."
"Very well, I will be ready."
Mrs. Oakley left the room, and went downstairs, leaving John considerably puzzled by what had happened. He was sorry to be kept from school for a few days even, for he was at the head of his class both in Greek and Latin, and would lose his standing temporarily at least. But it was characteristic of him to be obliging, even at the cost of some self-sacrifice, and therefore he had made no opposition to the wishes of his stepmother, though it did occur to him that, as Ben neither attended school nor did anything else except amuse himself, he might have executed his mother's commission. However, John knew enough of Ben's disobliging disposition to suspect that he had been applied to and refused, especially as he could see that he had no great affection for his uncle. Of course he could have no suspicion of the trap which Mrs. Oakley had artfully laid for him, and that the few days' absence were intended by her to extend to months and possibly years.
"If I am going early to-morrow morning," thought John, "I may as well stop studying and pack my carpet-bag. I wish I had asked Mrs. Oakley where her brother lives."