e 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."

"They are playing with Laddie," said Mrs. Bobbsey. "I'll get them."

The two younger Bobbsey twins felt sorry that their father had to go away,
but they were told he would soon be back again. But as Flossie and Freddie
were having such fun playing with Laddie, they did not really think much
about Mr. Bobbsey going away, except for five minutes or so.

"Give our love to Uncle Jack," said Freddie, as he kissed his father, and
started b