"Would you rather have chocolate or cocoanut cake for your lunch, girls? Annie has killed three chickens, and I thought you could take a basket of those big yellow peaches; I only wish I could send some to your mother. And I'll put in cheese and cold-boiled ham and a glass of current jelly. Mr. Lenox may want to get a meal or two at the stations, but you are so hurried at these--and it's always well to have plenty of lunch in traveling. Dr. Morton told Ernest that he'd better get all his breakfasts at the eating houses to have something hot. And by the third day his lunch will be too stale--even if there is any left." Ernest was creepy with excitement between joy at going and his haunting fear that he might disgrace the family by failing to pass the examinations. "Buck up, old chap," Frank admonished, "you've got facts enough in your head if you can only get them out at the right time. My advice is to forget all about exams and enjoy your trip. One doesn't go to Washington and Baltimore every day. You ought to have several hours in St. Louis if your train is on time. Be sure to eat three square meals every day and keep yourself as fresh as you can and I'll back you to pass any fair test." "If you have time in St. Louis I want you to be sure to go and see Shaw's Gardens. They used to be wonderful and they must have been greatly improved since I saw them," said Mrs. Morton. Each individual member of the Morton family, except Jilly and Huz and Buz, took Ernest aside for a parting chat with advice and remembrances. Jilly and the dogs secured their share by getting in the way as often as possible. Chicken Little had her turn first. She tendered the needle case doubtfully. "Mother said you would have to sew on your own buttons at the Academy and that you'd find this mighty handy, but I'd loathe to have anybody give me such a present. And, Ernest, here's the five dollars I got last birthday. You take it and buy something you really want." Ernest demurred about accepting the money, but Jane insisted. "Little Sis, you're sure a dear----" Ernest found himself choking up most unaccountably. He gave her a good old-fashioned hug in conclusion to save himself the embarrassment of words. Dr. Morton took his son into the parlor and closed the door immediately after dinner. They stayed an hour, during which time the Doctor gave Ernest much practical advice about his conduct and sundry warnings not to be extravagant or careless in handling his money. No sooner had they emerged, Ernest looking important and rather dazed, when his mother laid her hand upon his arm, saying: "My son, I also wish to have a little talk with you. We shall be hurried in the morning so perhaps we would better have it now." Ernest returned to the parlor with his mother. Chicken Little lay in wait outside in the hall. She and Katy had a beautiful plan for a last boat ride that afternoon. She knew Ernest would be going over to say good-bye to the Captain anyway.