"But, oh, it seems such a distance to go!" "We'll take good care of you," answered Dunston Porter.
"And I am sure you'll like Mrs.Endicott and Belle," added Laura.

"Belle is as full of fun as a--a--oh, I don't know what." "Shad is of bones," suggested Dave, who stood by.
"Oh, what a comparison!" cried Jessie, and then giggled in the regulation girl fashion.
They were to take a local train to Buffalo and change at that city for Chicago.

Ben Basswood decided to go with them as far as Buffalo, so there would be quite a party.

The boys gathered their things together and were ready to start a full day beforehand.

The buying of railroad tickets and berths in the Pullmans was left entirely to Dunston Porter.
A farewell gathering had been arranged for the young people by Mrs.
Wadsworth, to take place on the afternoon previous to their departure for the West.