"We would be just as careful as if the teachers were there," interposed Lewis Swift; and many other voices added a like assurance.
"Very well, boys. If you will all be careful, I will agree to your going without a leader. I think myself that it is much wiser to have one of the teachers with such a troop of boys. When men gather in companies, they always appoint a leader, and consider it no disgrace to them."
"That's so," said Joe Chester. "I never thought of that; did you, Walt?"
"No, but I'm for a day of freedom!" replied Walter in a low tone. Then aloud he said, "So we may go, Mr. Bernard, may we?"
"Yes, you may go. Success to you, and a safe return!"
"Three cheers for the teachers!" cried Ned Gould, waving his cap, and adding in a low tone to Walter, "Nice fellows--at a distance!"
Jonas grumbled a good deal at having so many lunches to put up.
"It's worse than getting dinner for you! It will take all my bread and gingerbread."
"Put in plenty; we'll be hungry as sharks," said David, bringing along a good-sized basket.
"Put in some potatoes, Jonas, and we'll make a fire and cook some for dinner ourselves. I can fry fish on a stick," said Joe.