`` Where is Bob now ? I do n't hear much about him lately , '' said Jill , who was constantly on the lookout for `` the other fellow , '' since it was not Joe . `` Oh , he went to Captain Skinner 's the first of March , chores round , and goes to school up there . Captain is strict , and wo n't let Bob come to town , except Sundays ; but he do n't mind it much , for he likes horses , has nice grub , and the Hill fellows are good chaps for him to be with . So he 's all right , if he only behaves . '' `` How far is it to Captain Skinner 's ? '' asked Jill suddenly , having listened , with her sharp eyes on Frank , as he tinkered away at his model , since he was forbidden all other indulgence in his beloved pastime . `` It 's four miles to Hill District , but the Captain lives this side of the school-house . About three from here , I should say . '' `` How long would it take a boy to walk up there ? '' went on the questioner , with a new idea in her head . `` Depends on how much of a walkist he is . '' `` Suppose he was lame and it was sloshy , and he made a call and came back . How long would that take ? '' asked Jill impatiently . `` Well , in that case , I should say two or three hours . But it 's impossible to tell exactly , unless you know how lame the fellow was , and how long a call he made , '' said Frank , who liked to be accurate . `` Jack could n't do it in less , could he ? '' `` He used to run up that hilly road for a breather , and think nothing of it . It would be a long job for him now , poor little chap , for his leg often troubles him , though he hates to own it . ''
Jill lay back and laughed , a happy little laugh , as if she was pleased about something , and XXXXX looked over his shoulder to ask questions in his turn .
Bob Captain District Frank Jack Jill Joe Skinner hours walkist