Part 25 (1/2)

”Yes,” went on Tom innocently. ”You see, he has an idea that folks are smelling things. So if you keep your hand to your nose he will know you are not smelling anything, so he'll keep quiet.”

”I don't--ah--know as I like that,” stammered William Philander.

”Carriage for the college!” called the driver, approaching, and before he could say anything the Rovers had Tubbs in the turnout.

”Mr. Smith, Mr. Tubbs,” said d.i.c.k, introducing the students. Smith bowed, and so did Tubbs. Then the hand of the dude went up to his nose and stayed there.

”Good-by! See you later!” cried Tom.

”Be careful,” warned Sam, and tapped his nose.

”I--I think I'd--ah--rather walk,” groaned Tubbs.

”It's too far,” answered d.i.c.k. Then the carriage rolled away. As it pa.s.sed out of sight they saw William Philander with his hand still tight on his olfactory organ.

”Wonder what Smith will think?” remarked d.i.c.k after the three brothers had had a good laugh over the sight.

”He'll certainly think Tubblets queer,” answered Sam.

”Tubby will be a barrel of fun,” said Tom. ”I'm mighty glad he's come.

It will aid to brighten up our existence considerably.”

The Rover boys were soon on their way to where they were to meet the girls, at a point on the road some distance from Hope Seminary. Soon the whole crowd was in the big touring car, and away they skimmed over a road which, if it was not particularly good, was likewise by no means bad.

”And where are we going?” asked Dora, for that had been kept a secret.

”To a town about twenty miles from here,” said d.i.c.k. ”We are to have supper there, at the hotel.”

”How nice!” came in a chorus from the girls

”I just love automobiling,” said Nellie. ”I wish I had a car.”

”I'll get you one,” said Tom, and added in a whisper, ”Just wait till we are settled down We'll have the finest auto rides that--”

”Tom Rover!” cried Nellie, and then blushed and giggled. ”Oh, look at the beautiful autumn leaves!” she added, to change the subject. But a second later she gave Tom an arch look that meant a good deal. They seemed to understand each other fully as well as did d.i.c.k and Dora.

The ride to Toddville was one long to be remembered. They talked and sang, and the boys told of the meeting with Tubbs and the joke played, and this set the girls almost in hysterics, for they were acquainted with the dude, and knew his peculiarities.

When they arrived at the hotel the spread was almost ready for them, and by the time they had washed and brushed up all felt rather hungry.

There was a fine bouquet on the table, and in addition a tiny one at each plate.

”Oh, how nice!” cried Grace.

”Let me pin this on you,” said Dora to d.i.c.k, and fastened the small bouquet in his b.u.t.tonhole. The other girls performed a like service for Tom and Sam.

The meal was served in a private dining-room, so all felt free to act as if they were at home. They talked and cracked jokes to their hearts' content, and the boys told their best stories. They also grew serious at times, talking of home and their folks.

”Mamma hasn't heard another word from Tad Sobber,” said Dora to d.i.c.k.

”And I hope he never appears again,” answered the oldest Rover.