His mind was so filled with the thought of it, that he actually forgot about planning any jokes.

Nor would he take part in any with the other village boys.
"Let's go down past old Mary Bounder's house and throw stones at the door.

Then she'll come out and chase us and one of us can go in and get her pet cat and tie a can to its tail," proposed Ted the following Monday.

Mary Bounder was a curious old woman, who lived all alone in a cabin near the woods, and was the mark for many a joke on the part of the boys.
"Nope," said Bob firmly.
"What's the matter?
Sick ?" asked Ted in surprise.
"No, but I've got to do some studying." "Studying?
Why, there's only a little more school." "I don't mean that kind of studying.

I'm learning the different parts of a ship, so I'll know 'em when I get to sea." Ted had momentarily forgotten about Bob's voyage.
"That's so," he said.