But as soon as the school closed they met at Snap's house
to complete their arrangements.
It had been no easy matter for the four to obtain permission to
leave home on such an extended trip. Mr. Dodge and Dr. Reed were
willing enough, for they had gone out in a similar fashion when
boys, and thought it would do their sons good, but with Frank's
folks it was different, and Giant's mother shook her head decidedly,
and only gave in after a long consultation with the doctor, who
had become her physician.
"They will be safe enough, do not fear," said Dr. Reed. "Boys
have to become self-reliant, Mrs. Caslette, and the time to start
is when they are young." After that the widow said no more, and
so it was settled, so far as Giant was concerned. Then the three
boys talked the matter over with Whopper's folks, and at last
they gave in also, and then the boys danced a regular war-dance
in Whopper's back yard, which made even Mrs. Dawson laugh.
"Well, boys will be boys," she said. "But I do hope they don't
run into a bear or shoot themselves."
"They are all good shots and know how to handle their guns," answered
Mr.
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