"I'm afraid it will be a great come-down for them." "I'm afraid so," said Mrs.Schofield gently.

"A very great one--yes, a very, very great one." "Well," observed Mrs.Williams, after a thoughtful pause, "there's only one thing to be done, and I suppose it had better be done right away." She glanced toward the two gentlemen.
"Certainly," Mr.Schofield agreed.

"But where ARE they ?" "Have you looked in the stable ?" asked his wife.
"I searched it.

They've probably started for the far West." "Did you look in the sawdust-box ?" "No, I didn't." "Then that's where they are." Thus, in the early twilight, the now historic stable was approached by two fathers charged to do the only thing to be done.

They entered the storeroom.
"Penrod!" said Mr.Schofield.
"Sam!" said Mr.Williams.
Nothing disturbed the twilight hush.
But by means of a ladder, brought from the carriage-house, Mr.Schofield mounted to the top of the sawdust-box.