It was the safest, though the longest way home.
The other was a wood path through the pines, which was the one often
taken by farmers living east of the town, to shorten the distance to The
Corner. In this road, Bounding Brook was crossed by fording.
"Father told us to be sure to take the traveled road if it was late,"
said David.
"Going to," asserted Jack, as he drew rein for a moment, at the division
of the roads.
But really, Jack was confused; the windings of the road, with nothing
but woods on each side, and, of course, no distinct landmarks to direct
them, together with the gloom of the night and their small acquaintance
with the roads, puzzled the boys not a little. But Jack, being the
older, wished to impress his brother with a sense of his superior
wisdom, and would not admit his confusion.
Quickly deciding which road he would take, he whipped up, exclaiming
conclusively, "it's all right!"
"Are you sure?" asked David.
"Certainly; I cannot be mistaken."
"I don't know," said David. "Let me jump off and run to that light
yonder; there must be a cabin there."
"Oh, we can't stop for all that," said Jack. "I honestly believe this
is the traveled road, David; can't you trust me?"
"But your honestly believing it, doesn't make it __," protested David.
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