Her lively nephews were as dear to her as if they were her own sons.
"You'd better go along, Aunt Martha," said Dick.
"We'd like it first rate," added Sam.
"It might help us to keep out of mischief," came from Tom, with a bright smile.
"No, I'll stay at home with your uncle, boys.

But do take care of yourselves, and come home safe." "Oh, there will be no danger in this trip," said Dick, but he was mistaken--there was to be great peril and of an unusual kind.

If the treasure hunters could have seen what was before them they would not have started off in such a confident frame of mind.
The train was a little late, but presently it rolled into the station and the trunks and other baggage were hoisted aboard.

Then came the final embraces and the boys climbed up the steps, followed by their father and Aleck.
"Hurrah, we are off at last!" cried Tom, and waved his cap enthusiastically.

The others did the same, and then the train started and Oak Run quickly faded from sight.