Part 13 (1/2)

”I'll do it this afternoon,” said Mr. Clinger, ”and you can have a dozen or more copies by to-morrow morning. I'll make the head of the fellow about as large as a half dollar, and that ought to make a picture for any policeman or detective to go by;” and so it was arranged.

While the youths were at the photographer's an express train had come into Ashton and now quite a few people were coming away from the railroad station. As the boys walked towards the automobile, Songbird suddenly uttered a cry.

”Look, Sam! Look who's here!”

”Why, it's Tom! My brother, Tom!” exclaimed Sam, as he rushed forward.

”What in the world brought him here to-day?”

CHAPTER IX

IN WHICH TOM ARRIVES

Tom Rover, tall and broad-shouldered, looked the picture of health as he came toward his younger brother and Songbird. He smiled broadly as he shook hands with them.

”Why, Tom! What brings you here?” remarked Sam. ”You didn't write about coming on.”

”Oh, I thought I'd just drop in and surprise you,” returned Tom. ”You know I can't quite get used to being away from Brill,” he continued, with a grin.

”Want to get back to your studies, I suppose,” was his brother's dry comment. ”Well, come ahead; you can help me on a theme I am writing on 'Civilization in Ancient Central America.'”

”Wow! that sounds as interesting as a Greek dictionary!” cried Tom.

”Thank goodness! I don't have to worry my head about themes any more.

But just the same, Sam, don't make any mistake. I am as busy these days as I ever was in my life, trying to help d.i.c.k and dad to put our new organization on its feet.”

”And how is that getting along?”

”Fine. We incorporated this week and have our papers, and now I am the secretary of The Rover Company,” and Tom strutted around with his thumbs under his arms. ”Some cla.s.s to me, eh?”

”And what is d.i.c.k?” questioned Songbird, curiously.

”Oh, d.i.c.k is treasurer,” answered Tom. ”Dad, of course, is president, but he expects to hold that position only until Sam comes in. Then d.i.c.k is to become president; myself, treasurer; and Sam, secretary.”

”Say! that's all right,” responded the youngest Rover, his face showing his satisfaction.

”That is, provided you want to come in, Sam. Dad doesn't want you to give up your idea of becoming a lawyer unless you want to.”

”Oh, I might become a lawyer and remain secretary of the company too,”

was the answer. ”One thing is sure, if you and d.i.c.k are going to remain in that company you'll have to take me in.”

”Well, what's the news?” went on Tom. ”Had any fun lately? How is Grace?” and he looked rather sharply at his brother.

”Oh, Grace is all right,” answered Sam. He hesitated a moment. ”I suppose you didn't get the letter I sent to you and d.i.c.k yesterday--the letter about Songbird here?”

”Why no. I left the office night before last.”

”Songbird is in trouble, Tom,” returned the brother. ”Are you going up to the college? If you are you can go with us in the automobile and we'll tell you all about it on the way.”