He asked to be excused from going up on the Rigi with them.

He said that he would stay at home and sit in the sun and rest.

They offered to postpone the trip, but he insisted on their going without him.

They must be moving on to Zuerich, soon, he reminded them, and they might not have another day of such perfect weather, for the excursion.
Hero stood looking from the Major in his chair, to the Little Colonel, standing with her hat and jacket on, ready to start.

He could not understand why he and his master should be left behind, and walked from one to the other, wagging his tail and looking up questioningly into their faces.
"Go, if you wish," said the Major, kindly patting his head.