Chapter VII - Off for Florida

Grace was in tears when her father finished reading Will's pathetic letter. Nor were the eyes of her chums altogether dry, for they all liked Will, who seemed as much a brother to them as he did to his own sister. Anche gli occhi dei suoi amici non erano del tutto asciutti, perché a tutti piaceva Will, che sembrava loro un fratello come lo era per sua sorella.

"We—we mustn't let mamma know this," announced Grace, when she had regained control of herself. "It would prostrate her." "Yes, we must keep it from her if we can," agreed Mr. Ford. "To think of poor Will being in with—with criminals," went on his sister. "It will be a terrible experience for him." "Perhaps they are not desperate criminals," suggested Amy, as a sort of ray of hope. "Forse non sono criminali disperati", suggerì Amy, come una sorta di raggio di speranza. "No, I do not believe they are," said Mr. Ford, frankly. "No, non credo che lo siano", ha detto Mr. "The State would not let contractors hire them if they were. "Lo Stato non permetterebbe agli appaltatori di assumerli se lo fossero. I suppose they are mostly young men who have been guilty of slight violations of the law, and hard work is the best punishment for them. But I certainly am sorry for Will.

"I had no idea that when, to punish him for what was more thoughtlessness than anything else, I sent him South, it would turn out this way. "Non immaginavo che quando, per punirlo di quella che era più una sconsideratezza che altro, lo mandai a Sud, sarebbe andata a finire così. I regret it very much." Mi dispiace molto". "But it wasn't your fault, Daddy," declared Grace. "It just couldn't be helped. "Non è stato possibile evitarlo. But Will is brave—his letter shows that. Oh, can you help him?" "I certainly shall, daughter," and Mr. Ford put his hand on Grace's head, now bowed in grief. "Lo farò di sicuro, figlia", e il signor Ford pose la mano sulla testa di Grace, ormai piegata dal dolore. "I will write to Uncle Isaac at once, and have him get in touch with the authorities. "Scriverò subito allo zio Isaac e lo metterò in contatto con le autorità. They should be able to tell where the different gangs of prisoners have been sent, and by investigating each one we can, by elimination, find Will. Dovrebbero essere in grado di dire dove sono state mandate le diverse bande di prigionieri, e indagando su ognuna di esse potremo, per eliminazione, trovare Will. Then it will be an easy matter to get him home. Allora sarà facile riportarlo a casa. And I think he will be very glad to see Deepdale again, in spite of the fact that he wanted to start out for himself to 'make good.' I hope the lesson will not be too hard for him." "If we could only do something!" exclaimed Betty.

"Yes, girls always seem so—so helpless at a time like this," murmured Mollie. "Sì, le ragazze sembrano sempre così indifese in un momento come questo", mormorò Mollie. "Oh, I wish I were a—man!" "Tut—tut!" exclaimed Mr. Ford, with a laugh, something he had seldom indulged in of late. esclamò Mr. Ford, con una risata che ultimamente si concedeva raramente. "We couldn't get along without our girls. "Non potremmo andare avanti senza le nostre ragazze. You can offer sympathy, if nothing else, and often that is something as real as actual service. Si può offrire comprensione, se non altro, e spesso si tratta di qualcosa di concreto come un vero e proprio servizio. But I don't agree that you girls are helpless. Ma non sono d'accordo sul fatto che voi ragazze siate impotenti. You have proved in the past that you outdoor lassies can do things, and I would not be surprised in the future if you gave further evidence of it." Avete dimostrato in passato che voi lassie all'aperto sapete fare le cose, e non mi stupirei in futuro se ne deste ulteriore prova". Though he spoke rather lightly, Mr. Ford little realized how soon the time was to come when the outdoor girls were to prove their sterling worth in a peculiar manner. Anche se parlava in modo piuttosto leggero, il signor Ford non si rendeva conto di quanto presto sarebbe arrivato il momento in cui le ragazze all'aperto avrebbero dimostrato il loro valore in modo particolare.

"Well, things are certainly taking a queer turn," said Grace as she looked at the scribbled letter of her brother, so strangely forwarded to them. "Beh, le cose stanno certamente prendendo una piega strana", disse Grace guardando la lettera scarabocchiata del fratello, così stranamente inoltrata a loro. "There is no telling how long ago this was written. "Non si sa quanto tempo fa sia stato scritto. Poor Will is probably having a hard time this very minute." Probabilmente il povero Will sta passando un brutto momento proprio in questo momento". "He probably is if he's at work in a turpentine camp," said Mr. Ford. "It is no easy work, and it is no wonder the contractors have to take criminals, and fairly kidnap their helpers. "Non è un lavoro facile e non c'è da stupirsi che gli appaltatori siano costretti a prendere dei criminali e a rapire i loro aiutanti. Then they have to literally mount guard over them to force them to remain. But I must start things moving to aid Will." Ma devo iniziare a muovermi per aiutare Will". Letters were written to Uncle Isaac, to the planter who had so kindly forwarded the letter, and to various authorities. Furono scritte lettere allo zio Isaac, al piantatore che aveva gentilmente inoltrato la lettera e a varie autorità.

"But you girls must not let this interfere with your trip, nor with the enjoyment of it," said Mr. Ford, who had told his wife something of the truth, but not enough to cause her to worry. "Ma voi ragazze non dovete permettere che questo interferisca con il vostro viaggio, né con il divertimento", disse il signor Ford, che aveva detto alla moglie qualcosa della verità, ma non abbastanza da farla preoccupare. He said they had word from Will, and hoped soon to have him home. And Mrs. Ford, who leaned much on her husband and daughter, was more content than she had been. E la signora Ford, che si appoggiava molto al marito e alla figlia, era più soddisfatta di prima. "Get ready, Grace," said her father, "and enjoy your winter in the South." "Preparati, Grace", disse il padre, "e goditi il tuo inverno nel Sud". "I certainly don't enjoy a winter in the North," she replied. "Girls, did you see my chocolates?" "Hopeless! "Senza speranza! Hopeless!" murmured Mollie, with a smile, as she found the confections on the mantel. mormorò Mollie, con un sorriso, quando trovò i dolci sul caminetto.

Preparations for the Florida trip went on apace. I preparativi per il viaggio in Florida proseguono a ritmo serrato. The girls were so busy sorting out what clothes they were going to take, and having new gowns made that, for a time, they almost forgot about Will. Le ragazze erano così impegnate a scegliere i vestiti da portare e a far confezionare nuovi abiti che, per un certo periodo, si dimenticarono quasi di Will.

Though Mr. Ford had set in motion various forces, no definite word had yet been received. Sebbene il signor Ford abbia messo in moto diverse forze, non è stata ancora ricevuta alcuna notizia definitiva. But they were hoping that every day would bring some message. Uncle Isaac wrote that he was doing all he could. Lo zio Isaac scrisse che stava facendo tutto il possibile.

Frank Haley, Will's school chum, and Allen Washburn, the young lawyer, were very anxious to start off and make a search for their friend. Frank Haley, compagno di scuola di Will, e Allen Washburn, il giovane avvocato, erano molto ansiosi di partire alla ricerca del loro amico. But Mr. Ford, though deeply grateful to them, thought it might complicate matters. So, much against their desire, the two young men were forced to remain in Deepdale.

"Though we may take a run down and see you," said Allen to Betty a few days before the one set for the departure. "Anche se potremmo fare un salto a trovarti", disse Allen a Betty qualche giorno prima di quello fissato per la partenza. "Would you mind?" "Ti dispiace?" "We shall be very glad to see you," she answered, rather non-committally. "Saremo molto contenti di vedervi", rispose lei, in modo piuttosto distaccato. "We?" he asked, pointedly. chiese, con tono deciso.

"Oh, of course I meant that I would, too," and she blushed as she glanced at him. "Oh, certo, intendevo dire che lo farei anch'io", e lei arrossì guardandolo. "That's better!" "Così va meglio!" he laughed.

The next day Mollie telephoned for all of her chums to gather at her house for a sort of farewell tea some of the friends of the girls wished to tender to them. Il giorno successivo Mollie telefonò affinché tutte le sue compagne si riunissero a casa sua per una sorta di tè d'addio che alcune amiche delle ragazze volevano offrire loro. It was a cold, snowy, blustery day, and as Grace, wrapped in her furs, walked shiveringly along with Amy and Betty she remarked: Era una giornata fredda, nevosa e ventosa, e mentre Grace, avvolta nella sua pelliccia, camminava tremante con Amy e Betty, osservò:

"I can almost envy Will now—down where it is nice and warm." "Posso quasi invidiare Will ora, giù dove è bello e caldo". "Oh, we'll soon be there," answered Betty. They found Mollie in the midst of showing some of her new gowns to her friends, and the three chums joined in the admiration. Trovarono Mollie intenta a mostrare alcuni dei suoi nuovi abiti alle amiche, e le tre amiche si unirono all'ammirazione. For Mollie, with the characteristics of a French girl, loved pretty clothes, and rather inclined to a pronounced style not indulged in by her chums. Mollie, infatti, con le caratteristiche di una ragazza francese, amava i bei vestiti ed era piuttosto incline a uno stile marcato, che non veniva seguito dalle sue compagne. But she always dressed becomingly. Ma si è sempre vestita in modo elegante.

"It is lovely!" exclaimed Hattie Reynolds. "But isn't it awfully light, Mollie?" "Ma non è terribilmente leggero, Mollie?". "Not for where we are going," was the answer. "You forget that we are going to a summer land. Oh, Dodo—stop that!" she cried, for from the room where stood Mollie's half-packed trunk came the twin, trailing a garment. gridò, perché dalla stanza in cui si trovava il baule mezzo imballato di Mollie arrivò la gemella, strascicando un indumento. "That's my best petticoat!" "Questa è la mia sottoveste migliore!". wailed Mollie. "You'll ruin it. And Paul! What are you doing with that shirtwaist—it's my very finest lawn!" Che cosa stai facendo con quella camicia di tela: è il mio prato più bello!". "Us 'ookin' for tandy!" "Stiamo cercando il tandy!". calmly announced Dodo. "Has oo dot any in oo pockets?" "Ne ha un po' nelle tasche?". "Pockets! We never have pockets!" cried Betty. "Oh, aren't they too funny for anything!" "Oh, non sono troppo divertenti per qualsiasi cosa!". "You wouldn't say so, if they did this—or something like it—to you three or four times a day," exclaimed Mollie, half-crossly, as she advanced to rescue her garments. "Non lo diresti, se ti facessero questo, o qualcosa di simile, tre o quattro volte al giorno", esclamò Mollie, a mezza voce, mentre avanzava per recuperare i suoi indumenti. But the twins backed away, stepping on the skirt. Ma i gemelli indietreggiarono, calpestando la gonna.

"Paul—Dodo—give those to sister at once!" "Paul-Dodo, dai subito questi alla sorella!". commanded Mollie.

"Us will—for tandy!" "Noi lo faremo per tandy!". stipulated Paul, craftily. stipulò Paul, con astuzia.

"Oh, if I only had some!" exclaimed Mollie.

"Allow me," volunteered Grace, producing a bag. "Permettetemi", si offrì Grace, producendo una borsa. "Here, children." "Not while they have my things!" cried Mollie. "Chocolate on my white waist—never! "Cioccolato sulla mia vita bianca: mai! Put the things down. Paul—Dodo, and Grace will give you candy." "Oo dot tandy?" asked Dodo, looking doubtfully at Grace.

"Yes," and she opened the bag to show them. This was evidence enough, and the garments were placed where they belonged, Mollie hastening in to lay them straight again. Questa era una prova sufficiente e gli indumenti furono riposti al loro posto, Mollie si affrettò a sistemarli di nuovo.

The little tea was a success, in spite of the invasion of the twins. The girls were bidden farewell by their friends—rather envious friends, to be frank—for who would not envy one a trip to sunny Florida with its flowers in the midst of winter? Le ragazze sono state salutate dai loro amici, piuttosto invidiosi, a dire il vero, perché chi non invidierebbe un viaggio nella soleggiata Florida con i suoi fiori in pieno inverno?

The motor boat had been crated and shipped. Mr. Stonington had arranged his business for a long stay in the South, and all was in readiness for the trip. Il signor Stonington aveva organizzato i suoi affari per un lungo soggiorno nel Sud e tutto era pronto per il viaggio. The girls had decided on a hundred and one things to take with them, and had rejected as many, only to make new selections. Le ragazze avevano deciso di portare con sé un centinaio di cose e ne avevano scartate altrettante, per poi fare nuove selezioni. But finally even their exacting tastes were gratified, and satisfied, and their trunks were ready to go. Ma alla fine anche i loro gusti esigenti sono stati appagati e soddisfatti e i loro bauli erano pronti a partire.

"But oh, I do wish Aunty Stonington was better," sighed Amy, the day before that set for their departure. "Ma oh, vorrei che la zia Stonington stesse meglio", sospirò Amy, il giorno prima di quello fissato per la partenza. "Why, is she worse?" "Perché, sta peggio?". asked Betty.

"She seems very weak. Uncle is quite worried about her, though the doctor says the change will benefit her as soon as we get there. But I am afraid about the trip, though we are to go in a compartment car, and won't have to change." Ma ho paura per il viaggio, anche se andremo in una carrozza a scompartimenti e non dovremo cambiarci". "That will be lovely," said Grace. "We'll look after your aunt for you, Amy." "Ci prenderemo cura di tua zia per te, Amy". "That's sweet of you girls. Perhaps it will not be as bad as I fear. Forse non sarà così grave come temo. But she seems failing rapidly. Ma sembra che stia cedendo rapidamente. The winter has been unusually severe for her." "And poor mamma is not herself," murmured Grace. "E la povera mamma non è in sé", mormorò Grace. "Lack of news from Will seems to prey on her mind. "La mancanza di notizie da parte di Will sembra essere un problema per la sua mente. But there! don't let's talk any more about our troubles. non parliamo più dei nostri problemi. Let's look on the bright side of the clouds. I'm sure we ought to just hug Amy to pieces for giving us this nice trip." Sono sicuro che dovremmo abbracciare Amy per averci regalato questo bel viaggio". "Well, please leave enough pieces of me so I can eat an orange or two when we get to Florida," laughed Amy. "Also enough to catch a few alligators," added Betty. "Don't you mention the horrid things!" "Non nominare le cose orribili!". cried Grace with a nervous shiver. gridò Grace con un brivido nervoso. "Are there really any there, Amy? "Ce ne sono davvero, Amy? Say no, my dear, and I'll give you two chocolates." Dì di no, mia cara, e ti darò due cioccolatini". "Well, there are some," said Amy, who never could seem to dissimulate. "Beh, ce ne sono", disse Amy, che non riusciva mai a dissimulare. "But Uncle Stonington says they are small—at least, near where we are going. Some people have them for pets." Alcuni li hanno come animali domestici". "Mercy!" "Misericordia!" cried Grace. "I'd as soon have a pet snake." "Preferirei avere un serpente domestico". "Well, we won't worry about them until we get bitten," suggested Mollie. "Beh, non ci preoccuperemo di loro finché non ci mordono", suggerì Mollie. "And perhaps their bark is worse than their bite. "E forse il loro abbaiare è peggiore del loro morso. Do they bark, Amy?" Abbaiano, Amy?" "I'm sure I don't know." "No, they cry—like babies," said Grace. "Don't you remember 'alligator tears?'" "She's thinking of crocodiles," said Betty. "Sta pensando ai coccodrilli", disse Betty. "Or else alligator pears." "Oppure pere alligatore". "Worse and worse," protested Mollie. "Sempre peggio", protestò Mollie. "We'll have the fauna and flora of Florida hopelessly mixed before we get through. "La fauna e la flora della Florida si mescoleranno irrimediabilmente prima di arrivare a destinazione. Now let's see if we have everything packed," and they went over their list of belongings for the tenth time. Ora vediamo se abbiamo preparato tutto", e ripassarono per la decima volta la lista delle loro cose. But all things must have an end, and so did their preparations. The day of the start came, final good-byes were said, and with Mr. and Mrs. Stonington the four outdoor girls took the train for the Sunny South.