"But Slats is laid up with a broken leg," Bob said mournfully.
"And, of course, that's too bad, but I reckon it needn't stop us from going. Father didn't say for us not to go without him, you know."
"I know, but—"
"But nothing. Father wants us to go whether Slats can go or not and that settles it."
"How about taking me along to take care of you?" Sue asked.
"Huh," Jack snorted. "Anyone'd think we were a couple of babies."
"And I reckon we'd have to have a chaperon along if we took you," Bob laughed.
"Well, of course, I didn't mean it, but just the same, I wish I was a boy and then I could go," Sue pouted.
Mr. Stebbins, or Jeb as everyone called him, shook his head when they showed him the letter.
"Your father has a lot of confidence in you for a fact and I'm not saying that it's misplaced, but I can't help thinking that it's risky for you two boys to go away off up there. If Slats could go along I'd feel better about it but, of course, that's out of the question. Yes, I know your father wants you to go," he added as Bob was about to speak, "and of course, the thing for you to do is to go only—"