By this time the others were laughing at the tops of their lungs, and it was several moments before any suggestions came. Tom stared from one to another of them in mingled reproach and indignation. Finally,
“Sit down and wait for them to catch up with you,” Dan suggested.
“Send Barry back for them,” said Bob.
“Whistle,” said Nelson.
But presently they agreed that it was hard luck, and finally calmed Tom’s despair.
“I’ll go back with you a ways,” Nelson volunteered, “and the others can go on if they want to.”
“We’ll wait awhile,” said Bob, “and then if you don’t show up we’ll walk ahead slowly, and give you a chance to catch up with us.”
Luckily they found most of the missing articles within a mile and a half. Tom’s toothbrush and a pair of stockings, however, were not to be seen.
“Let ’em go,” said Tom. “I’ll get a brush at Kingston or Barrington; and it doesn’t matter about the socks because I’ve got plenty more in my trunk. Help me tie this old thing up right, will you?”