He looked ten years younger . Ma 's keen eyes softened a little as she watched them . A prompt answer came to her letter . Teddy 's uncle wrote that he had six children of his own , but was nevertheless willing and glad to give his little nephew a home . But he could not come after him . Josiah Spencer , of White Sands , was going out to Manitoba in the spring . If Mr. and Mrs. Sloane could only keep the baby till then he could be sent out with the Spencers . Perhaps they would see a chance sooner . `` There 'll be no chance sooner , '' said Pa Sloane in a tone of satisfaction . `` No , worse luck ! '' retorted Ma crisply . The winter passed by . Little Teddy grew and throve , and Pa Sloane worshipped him . Ma was very good to him , too , and Teddy was just as fond of her as of Pa. . Nevertheless , as the spring drew near , Pa became depressed . Sometimes he sighed heavily , especially when he heard casual references to the Josiah Spencer emigration . One warm afternoon in early May Josiah Spencer arrived . He found Ma knitting placidly in the kitchen , while Pa nodded over his newspaper and the baby played with the cat on the floor . `` Good afternoon , Mrs. Sloane , '' said Josiah with a flourish . `` I just dropped in to see about this young man here .
We are going to leave next Wednesday ; so you 'd better send him down XXXXX our place Monday or Tuesday , so that he can get used to us , and -- '' `` Oh , Ma , '' began Pa , rising imploringly to his feet .
If after as by in of that till to with