Ernest pointed out the place near the top of the bluff where a dark spot in the rocky ledge revealed the location of the hermit’s cave. “Who is ready for the climb?” he asked, rejoining the others.
“I pass,” said Dick from the depths of a willow porch chair.
“And I,” Marian echoed.
“I am just dying to go, Ernest, but it wouldn’t be proper for me to desert my liege Lord.” Alice shot a mischievous glance at the occupant of the willow chair.
“I couldn’t think of leaving our guests,” Frank stopped smoking long enough to say.
“Put it to a vote, Ernest, and save us the trouble of inventing excuses,” remarked the Captain dryly.
237“Resolved–That we stay right where we are until train time. All in favor—” He was not permitted to continue. A chorus of “Ayes” drowned him out, the Captain leading.
And they stayed until train time.
“What is it,” queried Ernest as they started homeward, “about a railroad train that makes one so crazy to go along?”
“Is it the train, or merely your love of adventure?” suggested Captain Clarke.