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." The laugh somehow died away, as if a sudden fit of sickness had carried it off, while a broad smile widened on the faces of the other boys, notably including Dick Lee; but the baggage-checks were to be looked after, and there were seats in the sleeping-car to be secured.

The lost joke could hide itself easily in all that hurry and excitement.
"The sleeper'll carry us the best part of the way," said Ford, when at last they took their seats; "but we'll have a doleful little ride on a small railway, early in the morning." "But that'll take us right up north to Grantley," added Dab, with a long-drawn breath of expectation.