"
"And what is that?"
"Unless we learn something of Ida within a week from the time she
left here, I shall go on to Philadelphia, or send Jack, and endeavor
to get track of her."
CHAPTER XV.
AUNT RACHEL'S MISHAPS.
THE week which had been assigned by Mr. Crump slipped away, and
still no tidings of Ida. The house seemed lonely without her. Not
until then, did they understand how largely she had entered into
their life and thoughts. But worse even, than the sense of loss, was
the uncertainty as to her fate.
When seven days had passed the cooper said, "It is time that we took
some steps about finding Ida. I had intended to go to Philadelphia
myself, to make inquiries about her, but I am just now engaged upon
a job which I cannot very well leave, and so I have concluded to
send Jack."
"When shall I start?" exclaimed Jack, eagerly.
"To-morrow morning," answered his father, "and you must take clothes
enough with you to last several days, in case it should be
necessary."
"What good do you suppose it will do, Timothy," broke in Rachel, "to
send such a mere boy as Jack?"
"A mere boy!" repeated her nephew, indignantly.
"A boy hardly sixteen years old," continued Rachel. "Why, he'll need
somebody to take care of him. Most likely you'll have to go after
him."
"What's the use of provoking a fellow so, Aunt Rachel?" said Jack.
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