Daisy was soon ready, and the brother and sister held each other by the hand all the way into town, as they drove swiftly and silently with aunt and uncle through the shadowy roads to say good-by to father.
None of the boys but Franz and Emil knew what had happened, and when they came down next morning, great was their wonderment and discomfort, for the house seemed forlorn without its master and mistress.

Breakfast was a dismal meal with no cheery Mrs.Jo behind the teapots; and when school-time came, Father Bhaer's place was empty.

They wandered about in a disconsolate kind of way for an hour, waiting for news and hoping it would be all right with Demi's father, for good John Brooke was much beloved by the boys.

Ten o'clock came, and no one arrived to relieve their anxiety.

They did not feel like playing, yet the time dragged heavily, and they sat about listless and sober.