Now to return to Don, as, with his heart thumping against his ribs with joy and excitement, he accompanied his uncle to Hillville in order to send the message that would bring relief and assurance to his mother’s heart.
Cable tolls were a matter of no consequence to the captain, and he sent a long message to his sister-in-law, full of love and sympathy and encouragement, accompanied by a telegraphic order for a thousand dollars and directions to draw on him for all she needed to any amount. He told her also that Ruth was safe at home, and that he and the professor and Don would be on their way to her by the first steamer on which they could secure passage.
“Well, that’s that!” exclaimed the captain, when he had finished and again climbed into the car. “Now to be up at daybreak and on my way to New York to make arrangements for our passage. You’ve got to hustle now, my boy, to get ready.”
“Ready?” cried Don. “I’m ready now. I’d like to start off this minute.”
“So should I,” replied his uncle. “But a trip half-way around the world can’t be taken at the drop of a hat. We’ll make things hum though, you can be sure of that.”
“How long will the voyage take?”
“Three weeks, probably. Possibly a little less if we make good connections. We’ll have to go to England first, and book passage on a liner from there. But they run frequently, and we won’t have long to wait.”
It was getting dark as they drew near the Sturdy home. In the dusk Don saw two figures walking by the side of the road whom he recognized at once. He called to Dan to stop, and the car halted abreast of them.
“Hello, Emily! Hello, Fred!” Don called out. “Jump in. Where are you going?”
“Just coming over to make you a little call,” replied Fred Turner, a boy of about Don’s own age.