"Well, we won't argue the point. Come on, there's just time for a gallop before supper."
It was three days before the letter came and Bob read it with Jack and Sue looking over his shoulder. It was as follows:
My dear boys:
My wire undoubtedly was a great surprise to you and, of course, you have been wondering what it was all about.
You will, no doubt, recall hearing me speak many times of my brother, Silas, who lives in the State of Washington. You have never seen him as he is a bit queer and has not been East for nearly thirty years, although he has always been a great rover. About six months ago he wrote me that he was going to take a trip to Alaska and try his hand at mining. Three months later I received a second letter from Nome stating that he was about to start for the upper waters of the Yukon with another man by the name of Long and that they would be gone a month. He promised that he would write as soon as they returned, but I have no word from him and, frankly, I am worried. He should have been back two months ago and I should have heard from him a few days later.
I have wired several times to Nome to find out if he had returned, but each time have received a reply stating nothing had been heard from them.
How would you like to take a trip up there and see if you can find out what has become of him? I know you ought to be in college, but you are well up in your studies and the trip will be a new one for you. I would go myself, but business will not let me get away just now. If your friend, Slats Magee, can go with you so much the better. I am so sure that you will want to go that I am inclosing check for expenses. Wire what you will do. Mother sends lots of love as do I.
Your loving father.
"Do we go?" Bob asked as he finished reading.
"Does a duck swim?" Jack laughed.