“Why specify breakfast?”
“Because that’s when my wife don’t approve of me doing it.”
“Why, you’re no more grown up than Westy or Rip at that rate!”
“I know it! Show me any man who is—in his heart!”
With the night coming on and the rain still swirling about the cabin, Mr. Wilde began to get a little anxious about the boys.
“Even as bad as it’s been to-day, I shouldn’t think those kids would impose on the Redmonds’ good nature any longer. My heavens, a little soaking won’t hurt them. They’re supposed to be scouts, not ninnies.”
“Oh, I don’t think that’s the reason at all. I’ve an idea it’s just been a treat for those people to have them as guests for these two desolate nights and days. They’ve probably urged them, knowing we wouldn’t be anxious.”
“Perhaps you’re right, Billy. They are old enough to take care of themselves and know what’s the right thing to do. I guess we will see them in the morning all right.”
It was almost noontime of the next day before Mr. Wilde and Billy were all prepared to leave for the eastern end of the range.
Billy was inside getting the rest of his stuff together, while the older man stood outside, waiting. He caught sight of Lola coming up the path from the brook. She smiled sweetly as she came toward him.