Part 35 (1/2)

”Most likely they won't want to see us,” was d.i.c.k's opinion.

”If they don't want to see us, really and truly, I want to know it,”

answered Tom bluntly. ”I don't believe in this dodging around the bush. There is no sense in it.” It had angered him to think Nellie had been seen in the company of Flockley and his cronies, and he was for ”having it out” without delay.

”Well, you'll have to lead the way,” said d.i.c.k. ”I'm not going to make a call and have Dora send down word that she can't see me.”

”She won't do that,” said Tom. ”I know her too well.”

”Well, you call on Nellie first.”

”I'm not afraid,” retorted Tom. He was so ”worked up” he was willing to do almost anything.

The nearer the three students got to the seminary the slower they walked. Even Tom began to realize that he had undertaken what might prove a very delicate mission.

”I think it would have been better to have sent a letter,” suggested Sam. ”Let's go back and write it before we go to bed.”

”And put down something in black and white that you'd be sorry for afterward,” grumbled d.i.c.k.

At the entrance to the seminary grounds they halted again, but then Tom caught each brother by the arm and marched them up to the front door and rang the bell.

A maid answered their summons and led them to a reception-room. A minute later one of the teachers appeared.

”Why, I thought you young gentlemen knew the young ladies had gone away,” said the teacher after they had mentioned the object of their visit. ”They said they were going to send you a note.”

”Gone away!” echoed d.i.c.k.

”Yes. The three left for home on the late afternoon train. Mrs.

Stanhope and Mrs. Laning said it was a matter of business. Then you didn't get their note?”

”We did not,” answered Tom.

”That is too bad. I am sure they spoke of sending it. Wait, I will ask Parks, our messenger, about it.”

The teacher left the room, and the Rover boys looked speculatively at each other.

”They must have been getting ready to leave when Tubbs saw them,” said d.i.c.k.

”And we never knew they were going,” added Sam bitterly.

”The matter of business must refer to that Sobber case,” said Tom. ”I don't know what else could take them home.”

”Maybe they have lost the case and must give the treasure up,” said Sam. ”In that case, Mr. Laning would have to take the girls away from such an expensive place as this.”

In a few minutes the lady teacher came back.

”Parks says he took three notes, addressed to Richard, Thomas and Samuel Rover. He says he went over to Brill this morning with them and gave them to a man named Filbury.”

”Filbury, eh?” said d.i.c.k, naming an old man who worked around the dormitories. ”Well, we didn't get them, and I am very sorry.”