The words troubled him all the way home. And Erminie had not been there as he had hoped. He did not agree with her that she should keep aloof from the school activities; it was like acknowledging a wrong that did not exist.
But he was tired, and too young and normal to lie awake long over any anxieties—save those “Betsey kicked in for,” and he “hit the hay with eyes already shut,” he told his mother the next morning.
CHAPTER IX
FACE TO THE SKY
THE next evening Billy was busy with preparations for starting at six o’clock in the morning on the scout for which he was patrol leader. Although it would last only two days he had been a little uncertain about going, since the end of the school year with its many duties and activities was so near; but the day before he had learned that he would have to take but one examination, his high standing excusing him from the other “exams.” And now that he would not be able to take any of the long, summer scouts, he could not resist this last chance for the tramps he loved.
A little before nine over the telephone came Bess’s voice.
“Hello, Queen of Sheba! That was a great gift you brought us last night from your domain in the south.”
“I only planned it; and like the queen of old, I didn’t do it for nothing; I crave a boon.”
“Say on. I’m no Solomon, but you shall have your desire if I can grant it.” Billy laughed and waved an imaginary sceptre, forgetting that Bess could not see him.
“It’s not so difficult. May Nell has just telephoned that two of her classmates arrived before dinner time on their way East, and she wants you and me to come over.”