Question

in \the land of laughter,\ suspense builds each time the boys are asked where they are going, because:
readers have heard the same question and realize that the other lands are better.
readers understand that the old men are trying to convince them that their lands are better.
readers have heard the same question and think one of the boys is going to take a different path.
readers understand that the boys will eventually listen to a stranger and forget about the land of laughter.

Explanation:

Answer:

readers understand that the old men are trying to convince them that their lands are better.