Their first errand was to the baggage-room; and they were on their way when Dab Kinzer thoughtfully remarked,—
"Now, Joe, here we've dragged you and Fuz away up here, miles and miles out of your way."
"That's so," said Ford, "but they can take a street-car down. They've got hours of time to spare."
"No hurry," said Joe: "we'll see you off." But Fuz whispered to him,—
"Time's up, Joe. Joke's got to come out now."
It came out at the baggage-room; for there were the trunks of the Hart boys, and they had to go with the others to the ticket-office for their tickets, before they could get their checks.
"Do you mean you're to go right on now, with us?" said Ford in some astonishment. "I thought you were going home first."
"No. We got a letter three days ago, telling us what to do. Our other things'll be sent on by express."
The "joke" was out, and the two jokers were laughing as though it were a remarkably good one in their estimation; but Ford nodded his head approvingly.
"Uncle Joseph is a wise and careful man about his children," he said slowly. "He didn't mean you should make the trip alone. I'm much obliged to him for such an expression of his confidence in me."