“I hope there isn’t bad news,” said Mrs. Bobbsey.

“No, not exactly bad news,” was her husband’s answer.  “But I think I shall have to go back home.”

CHAPTER XVIII

A QUEER RIDE

Nan and Bert, who were in the room with their mother and father when the letter was read, looked quickly at Mr. Bobbsey.  Flossie and Freddie had gone to the next apartment to play with Laddie.

“Does that mean we’ve got to go back?” asked Bert.

“We haven’t seen half enough of New York,” added Nan.

“Oh, no, you won’t have to come back with me,” said Mr. Bobbsey.  “You’ll stay here at the hotel, and I’ll return in a few days.”

“What’s it all about?” asked Mrs. Bobbsey.

“Uncle Jack,” answered her husband.

“You mean the woodchopper who was so kind to Flossie and Freddie?”

“Yes, and because he was so kind I can’t refuse to do what he wants me to.”

“What is it he wants you to do?” asked Mrs. Bobbsey.  “Did he write to you?”

“No, he got some one to do it for him, and my bookkeeper sent the letter on to me.”

“But I thought Uncle Jack was going to the hospital,” Bert said.

“So he is, Son.  In fact, he is in the hospital now, but he is so ill that they fear he will not get better, even if the doctors do all they can for him.  He is afraid he might die and he wants to see me before then.  He says he has something he wants to tell me.”

“What do you suppose it can be?” asked Mrs. Bobbsey.

“I haven’t the least idea.  Perhaps it’s about his folks.  He may have found some of them, or know where they are.  If he has any relations they ought to know about him, and not leave him among strangers.  Of course I’ll do all I can for him.  Mr. Whipple has given me some money to spend on Uncle Jack, so I think the poor old woodchopper will be all right, if he can only get well.”

“Then you’re going to see him?” asked Mrs. Bobbsey.

“Yes, I think I had better,” answered Mr. Bobbsey.  “He did me a great favor, caring for Flossie and Freddie, and I must do what I can for him.  He says it will make his mind easier if he can talk to me before the doctors try to make him well in the hospital.”

“Then we can’t go to the Natural History Museum to-day!” exclaimed Nan.

“Oh, yes; your mother can take you.”

“I fear I can’t tell you, as well as Daddy can, about the different things,” said Mrs. Bobbsey, smiling; “but I’ll do the best I can.”

“Oh, Momsey!  Of course we love to have you!” cried Nan, kissing her mother.

“I know, but you want Daddy, too!  I don’t blame you.  But we must give him up for a little while, if it is to help Uncle Jack.”

“Oh, of course we will!” cried Nan, and Bert nodded his head to show that he agreed.

“I’ll just about have time to catch a train for Lakeport,” said Mr. Bobbsey, looking at his watch.  “Where are Flossie and Freddie?  I want to say good-bye to them.”