"I haven't the least idea. Maybe he wants us to go on another
trip."

Mark finished packing, and Jack was not far behind him. Then the
lads went to the railroad station, where they purchased tickets
for home and were soon on a train. On the journey they could not
help but refer occasionally to the telegram, though Jack kept
insisting that nothing so serious had happened. Mark was not
quite in such good spirits.

"Well, here we are," announced Jack, about three hours later, as
the train pulled into a small station. "And there's Washington
on the platform waiting for us."

Jack hurried out of the car, followed by Mark.

"Hello, Wash!" cried the fat lad. "How are you? Catch this
valise!" and he threw it to the colored man before the train had
come to a stop. Washington deftly caught the grip, though he had
to make a quick movement to accomplish it.

"I 'clar t' gracious!" he exclaimed. "Dat suttinly am a most
inconsequential mannah in which to project a transmigatory object
in contiguousness to mah predistination."

"Whoa, there!" cried Jack. "Better take two bites at that,
Wash!"

"Dat's all right, Massa Jack," answered the colored man. "I'se