“Exactly! But----” Mr. Parker paused. He had noted Sam’s earnestness; had marked how the boy was bending forward, and how his hands gripped the edge of the table. “But, you see----” Now he had caught his wife’s eye, and again hesitated. For some strange reason she was endorsing her son’s plea. He read the unspoken message; he saw her little nod of affirmation. “Why--why, give me a moment to consider,” he concluded. “It’s vacation, you know,” said Mrs. Parker softly. “I know--but I hadn’t thought of----” “But you’ll think of it now, won’t you?” implored Sam. Once more husband and wife exchanged glances. “The fact that I hadn’t thought of taking you, Sam, doesn’t bar considering the proposition now,” said Mr. Parker. “Well, I dare say it can be arranged if----” “Bully!” cried Sam enthusiastically. “Oh, but that’s fine, sir! And I want my crowd to go--the club--you know, sir!” “What!” “Yes, the club--all of ’em. That’s the best part of it.” “Possibly--for the club,” said Mr. Parker drily. “But I’m not planning a wholesale migration.” “Still,” suggested Mrs. Parker, “there’s the big sleigh.” “There is.” “And the boys wouldn’t mind a little crowding.” “Not they! Warren may have prejudices.” “You can share the front seat with him. And I believe the roads are well broken.” “Only so far as the first camp.” “But that’ll do for us,” cried Sam. “You can leave us there, and go on with Mr. Warren, and pick us up when you come back. You won’t be more than a couple of days away from us, and we’ll keep out of mischief.” “Why not put Lon in charge of the boys?” added Mrs. Parker. Her husband laughed outright. “It’s no use--I’m outvoted two to one! But that is a happy thought about Lon. And jammed as we’ll be, an extra passenger will make little difference. Only understand, son!” He turned to Sam. “You’ve promised good behavior. Don’t forget that.” Sam was grave enough. “I won’t forget that I’m on probation, sir. But--but then it’s settled?” “You may consider it so.” “Whoop! Excuse me, please!” Up sprang Sam so hastily that his chair was almost overturned. He dashed into the hall and caught up the telephone. Mr. Parker glanced inquiringly at his wife. “There’s more animation than I’ve seen manifested for weeks,” he observed. “Sam has seemed to be rather subdued lately.” “I’ve noticed it. And I confess I haven’t understood it.” “Effect of his escapade with my gun, perhaps?” “Not wholly. I’m sure there’s something else on his mind.” From the hall floated Sam’s eager voice: