Part 40 (2/2)
”Who said you could call me dear?” And now her eyes were as bright as stars.
”I said so, and I'm going to--when we are alone. The future Mrs. d.i.c.k Rover deserves it,” he went on boldly, but in a very low voice.
”Oh, d.i.c.k, you're awful!” cried Dora, and blushed. But somehow she appeared mightily pleased.
The boys drove the girls to the seminary, and by the time the boarding-school was reached all were on the best of terms once more.
”Mamma wanted us to come back,” explained Dora. ”She says, even if we do lose that fortune she wants me to have a better education, and she will pay the bill for Nellie and Grace, too.”
”It will make the Lanings quite poor, I am afraid, if the fortune is lost,” replied d.i.c.k gravely.
”I know it, d.i.c.k, but we'll have to take what comes.”
”Have you heard from Sobber or his lawyer lately?”
”Nothing since he threatened to disgrace us.”
”You must watch out for him. If he attempts to bother you while you are here let us know at once.”
”We will.”
”I hope the case in court is decided soon, and in your favor.”
”Say, stop!” cried Tom, as they were turning into the gate at the seminary.
”What's up?” asked Sam, while d.i.c.k halted the team he was driving.
”Here comes a buggy along the side road. Just look who is in it!”
All turned to look in the direction of the turnout which was approaching. As it came closer the Rover boys recognized it as one belonging to Mr. Sanderson. On the front seat sat Songbird, driving, with Minnie Sanderson beside him. On the rear seat was William Philander Tubbs, in company with one of Minnie's friends--a girl the Rovers had met while nutting.
”There's a happy crowd!” cried Tom after they had pa.s.sed and bowed and smiled.
”No happier than we are,” said d.i.c.k as he looked meaningly at Dora.
”You are right, d.i.c.k,” she answered very earnestly.
CHAPTER XXIV
AT THE HAUNTED HOUSE
”Boys, I've got a proposition to make,” said d.i.c.k, one Friday afternoon, as he and his brothers, with Songbird and Stanley, were strolling along the river bank.
”All right. We'll accept it for twenty-five cents on the dollar,”
returned Tom gaily.
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