Friday noon
Nancy the Pathfinder would have packed a bag and gone to Beulah on an hour 's notice ; found the real-estate dealer , in case there was such a metropolitan article in the village ; looked up her father 's old friend the Colonel with the forgotten surname ; discovered the owner of the charming house , rented it , and brought back the key in triumph ! But Nancy was a girl rich in courage and enterprise , while Gilbert 's manliness and leadership and discretion and consideration for others needed a vigorous , decisive , continued push . If Nancy 's idea was good , Mother Carey 's idea matched it ! To see Gilbert , valise in hand , eight dollars in pocket , leaving Charlestown on a Friday noon after school , was equal to watching Columbus depart for an unknown land . Thrilling is the only word that will properly describe it , and the group that followed his departure from the upper windows used it freely and generously . He had gone gayly downstairs and Nancy flung after him a small packet in an envelope , just as he reached the door . `` There 's a photograph of your mother and sisters ! ''