Part 21 (1/2)
”I will.”
”When?”
”As soon as you wish, and we can get train accommodations.”
”Hadn't we better wait until we hear from Luke?” suggested Roger.
”No, let us get off at once!” exclaimed Dave. ”If he sends word after we are gone, it can be forwarded to us.” And so it was arranged.
Great was the surprise of the Wadsworths and of Laura when the boys and Dunston Porter announced that they were going to start for Florida the next morning.
”Why, Dave?” asked Jessie. ”Why are you going in such a hurry?”
”Oh, I hardly care to tell, Jessie,” he answered. ”It may prove only a wild goose chase.”
”It is about the missing jewels?”
”Yes.”
”Then you are after Merwell and Jasniff.”
”Yes, but please don't tell any outsiders.”
”Oh, Dave, don't get into any trouble!” cried the girl, as she clung to him. ”They are such bad fellows! You know what they have done to you in the past!”
”I am not afraid of them.”
”Oh, I know how brave you are, Dave! But-but don't let them harm you-for my sake, please!” And then the tears came into her eyes and she hid her face on his arm.
”There! there! don't worry!” he said, as he bent over her, and then he kissed her forehead. ”We'll be back before long,” and he gave her a little hug. Then the others came in.
Laura was also worried, but glad that her uncle would be along. She helped Dave to pack his suit-case. Phil and Roger also packed up, and sent word home regarding the proposed trip. As my old readers know, all the boys were well-to-do, so the expenses did not bother them.
At breakfast time the following morning came a telegram from Luke Watson. It read as follows:
”The hotel was the Castor. Think schooner was the _Emma Brown_, or _Black_, or _Jones_. Common name.”
”Well, that isn't very definite, but it is something to work on,”
remarked Dunston Porter.
Soon the party of four were ready to start. There was a general hand-shaking and also a few kisses.
”Well, have a good time, even if you don't catch those fellows,” said Mrs. Wadsworth.
”Keep out of trouble,” warned Laura.
”Yes, yes, don't let them harm you,” pleaded timid Jessie.