She wrote that she and Aunt Hannah were going to "run across the water for a little trip through the British Isles"; and that their passage was already engaged.
"And so you see," she explained, "I shall not have a minute to spare.
There'll be only time to skip home for Aunt Hannah, and to pack the trunks before it'll be time to start." Bertram looked at Cyril significantly when this letter was read aloud; and afterward he muttered in Cyril's ear: "You see! It's Hampden Falls she calls 'home' now--not the Strata." "Yes, I see," frowned Cyril.

"It does look suspicious." Two days before the date of Billy's expected sailing, William announced at the breakfast table that he was going away on business; might be gone until the end of the week.
"You don't say," commented Bertram.

"I'M going to-morrow, but I'm coming back in a couple of days." "Hm-m;" murmured William, abstractedly.

"Oh, well, I may be back before the end of the week." Only one meal did Cyril eat alone after his brothers had gone; then he told Pete that he had decided to take the night boat for New York.

There was a little matter that called him there, he said, and he believed the trip by water would be a pleasure, the night was so fine and warm.
In New York Cyril had little trouble in finding Billy, as he knew the steamship she was to take.
"I thought as long as I was in New York to-day I'd just come and say good-by to you and Aunt Hannah," he informed her, with an evident aim toward making his presence appear to be casual.
"That was good of you!" exclaimed Billy.