With handshakings all around, with repeated thanks to McRae and Robbie, and followed by the best wishes of all their comrades, they left the hotel and ensconced themselves in the train. Luck was with them, and they made good connections throughout the trip.
The second morning they woke to a glorious day that fitted admirably into their joyous mood and did full justice to the abundant breakfast to which they sat down in the dining car.
“Where will we be eating our next meal, old man?” chuckled Joe, as he called for another cup of coffee.
“Don’t tantalize me with such suggestions,” replied Jim. “Isn’t it hard enough for me to wait, without stirring me up this way?”
“Only about three hours now,” murmured Joe happily, as he looked out of the window, “and by the way this old train is skipping along, we’ll get there right on time.”
Suddenly Jim slapped his knee as a thought struck him.
“What are you hitting yourself for?” asked Joe.
“By Jove!” exclaimed Jim. “It just came across me why Robbie was so anxious that I should make a good showing yesterday afternoon. The old rascal had this very thing in mind, and he and McRae had cooked it up that I’d get this vacation only if I earned it.”
“Just like the big-hearted old boy to give you the tip,” declared Joe. “He’d have felt almost as bad as you would if you had fallen down. But you sure came through like a stake horse.”