Sonny Boy set out, all alone, for the city in which Aunt Kate lived. Papa Plummer thought that any kind of a boy of ten ought to be able to make a little journey like that alone.
The whole Plummer family went with Sonny Boy to the Poppleton station and gave him charges, while they waited for the train. “Write every day,” said Mamma Plummer, “and learn to spell, and don’t touch Aunt Kate’s scissors to your curls.”
“Say your prayers,” whispered Grandma Plummer, “and change your wet feet.”
“Don’t lose your money,” said Papa Plummer.
“Eat your soup from the side of the spoon, and don’t say ‘ain’t’ nor ‘is that so,’” said Polly, in a severe tone.
“Don’t scuff nor speak through your nose, and don’t say ‘No-sir-ee’ to Aunt Kate,” said Dorothy.
“If you go to the circus that was here last summer, find out whether the Wild Man is truly wild,” said Tom, “and see what a big drum costs—big enough for the Company.”
“Go to a dog-man and find out what is good for Bevis’ dyspepsia, and whether he may eat cookies,” said Trixie.
And then the train came whizzing along, and, with his cage of white mice under his arm, and his turtle sticking its head out of his jacket pocket, Sonny Boy went into the car.
As the train moved off Sonny Boy shut his teeth tight together. In his heart he was afraid he should be homesick, like Trixie.