They were, and the table was briskly deserted.

There was a final survey of the boys’ room, which resembled a rubbish heap, owing to vigorous packing.

Everybody ran wildly about looking for something.

Wally was found searching frantically for his cap, which Norah discovered—on his head. There was a hurried journey to the kitchen, to bid the servants “Good-bye.”

The buggy wheels scrunched the gravel before the hall door. The overseer coo-ee’d softly.

“All aboard!”

“All right, Evans!” Jim appeared in the doorway, staggering under a big Gladstone bag. Billy, similarly laden, followed. His black face was unusually solemn.

“Chuck ’em in, Billy. Come on, you chaps!”

The chaps appeared.

“Good-bye, Norah. It’s been grand!” Harry pumped her hand vigorously.