Part 22 (1/2)

”I told him not to shoot anybody unless it was necessary,” answered d.i.c.k. ”But he may shoot into the air, just to scare the intruder and raise an alarm.”

The next day was such a busy one for the Rover boys that they had no time to do more than look at the biplane and see that it was safe. Abner Filbury reported that he had slept in a hammock slung beside the machine and that nothing had happened to arouse him. n.o.body but the Rovers knew that he was on guard. The boys wanted to tell Bob Grimes, but that individual kept out of the way.

After having settled down in their rooms and to their studies, the three Rover boys made several flights in the biplane, including one to the Sanderson farm, where they discovered Songbird calling on Minnie. Both were seated in a hammock between the house and the barn, and both leaped up in confusion when the biplane, manipulated by Tom, sailed directly over their heads. When the Rovers came down in the big field, Minnie ran to greet them, and, later, she treated them to apple pie and some milk.

Then they set sail once more, leaving their college chum to finish his interrupted visit.

After this flight the boys ordered a new engine for the _Dartaway_, one which would make sailing safer, especially in a stiff wind. The makers said they would send the new engine immediately, and a machinist to install it, and they agreed to take the old engine back at cost price, since it was practically new.

It must not be supposed that the Rover boys neglected their studies. As my old readers know, whatever they tackled they went at with all their might, and this applied to their work as well as their play.

”Dad sent us here to get an education,” said d.i.c.k. ”And while I am here I am going to study all I can. There is no telling how long I'll be able to remain here anyway.”

”Thinking of dad's western affairs?” asked Sam.

”Yes; I may have to take hold and help him and Uncle Randolph out. Both of them are not as young as they used to be, you know.”

”That's true, d.i.c.k. I noticed dad's hair getting pretty gray, and uncle's is almost white.”

The boys had written home and also to the Stanhopes and the Lanings, and soon came letters in return. One, from Mr. Anderson Rover, was of special importance.

”I have news out of the ordinary,” wrote the parent. ”That man Crabtree and Tad Sobber have come back to the old mill. I got the word from Peter Marley. He says they act very suspiciously, and that a boy who works for him overheard Crabtree and Sobber talking about us. I have sent for a detective to come out from the city and watch them for a while. If anything new develops I will let you know.”

”Now what in the world can old Crabtree and Sobber be up to?” asked Sam, after all had read the communication.

”Up to some trick, I'll bet a new hat,” declared Tom. ”I am glad dad sent for the detective. I hope he catches them red-handed at something, and locks them up.”

”They certainly ought to be locked up,” was d.i.c.k's comment.

The boys studied hard that evening and by ten o'clock all were tired out and ready to go to bed. But, just as they were on the point of retiring, there came a knock on the door of the room occupied by Tom and Sam, and Stanley appeared.

”You are wanted in Room 14!” said the student, in a loud whisper. ”Come right along.”

”What's up?” asked both boys.

”Feast--ice-cream and cake. Max and Spud were down to the town and they brought the stuff along. Come on, before it's too late and the ice-cream melts.”

”Me for the ice-cream!” cried Tom, and did a handspring over his bed.

”Are the others invited?”

”Sure--a round dozen,” answered Stanley.

Room 14 was at the end of the corridor and occupied by two students named Lane and Parley, whole-souled fellows who were always ready for a good time. The room was so located that it had much more privacy than the other apartments.

Soon the boys had gathered,--as jolly a crowd as could be found at Brill. Max and Spud had spread themselves, it being the German-American lad's birthday.

”Say, this is certainly fine!” cried Sam, as he surveyed several big cakes, two hands of bananas, some grapes, and several bricks of ice-cream of various flavors.

”How are you going to serve the ice-cream?” asked d.i.c.k.

”Oh, we're all prepared!” cried Spud, and exhibited a ”nest” of paper saucers and another of paper plates, and then a handful of tin spoons.