Part 18 (1/2)

”Not just now. Dad is going to Chicago about it next week again.”

”Does he and uncle stand to lose much?” questioned Sam.

”Yes, a good deal--more in fact than they can afford.”

”Phew! That's too bad!” murmured the youngest Rover, and Tom shook his head soberly, and forgot all about the parting jokes he had intended to play on Aleck Pop and Jack Ness.

At last came the time for the three Rover boys to leave home. The biplane had been s.h.i.+pped to Ashton by express and their trunks and suit cases had been forwarded on their railroad tickets. They were going a day ahead of time, and Mr. Sanderson had agreed to meet them and take them to his home.

”Good bye, my boys,” said the fond father, on parting. ”Take good care of yourselves.”

”We will,” they answered as they shook hands.

”Learn all you can,” put in Randolph Rover.

”Take care and don't get into trouble,” admonished Mrs. Rover, and then she kissed them tenderly.

”Don't forget to let me know how matters go in Chicago, dad,” whispered d.i.c.k, to his parent.

”I'll remember, my son.”

”And if I can aid you in any way, let me do it,--even if I have to leave Brill,” went on d.i.c.k.

”There is nothing to do at present, d.i.c.k. I must wait for that report.”

Soon the boys were in the touring car, with Jack Ness to bring the automobile back from the railroad station, he now being able to run the machine. d.i.c.k was at the wheel. Tom had cranked up, and off they sped, with a merry shout and with those left behind waving their hands.

”Let her go, d.i.c.k!” sang out Tom.

”Good bye!” yelled Sam.

”Good bye!” came back faintly from the homestead.

Then a turn of the road shut out the house from view. Once again the Rover boys were off for college. Little did they dream of the strange adventures in store for them.

CHAPTER XII

A GRAND ARRIVAL

”Glad to see you, boys! You're looking prime!”

It was the greeting of Mr. Sanderson, as the Rovers stepped from the train at Ashton. The farmer was waiting at the platform with a two-seated carriage to take them to his farm.

”How are you, Mr. Sanderson!” came from the three, and then all continued in a chorus: ”Did the biplane get here?”

”Something got here--two boxes an' several big bundles,” answered the farmer. ”I had everything carted over to my place.”

”Two boxes and four bundles,” said d.i.c.k.