e, until, as Tom expressed it, they were "simply
boiling over with enthusiasm."

"It will be a grand thing for the Stanhopes and the Lanings if we do
locate that treasure," said Sam. "Mr. Laning has some money, but I know
he'd like more, so he wouldn't have to farm quite so hard."

"And Dick wants to get all he can for Dora, I'm certain of that," said
Tom, with a merry glance at his elder brother.

"How about you getting the Laning share for Nellie's benefit?" retorted
Dick, his face growing red. "I reckon the boot is as long as the shoe."

As the Rovers had plenty of money it was an easy matter to arrange for
the expenses of the trip. Mrs. Stanhope wanted to pay a share, but
Anderson Rover said she had better wait until the treasure was found.

Inside of three days word was received from all those who had been
asked to participate in the search. Mr. Laning said that he could not
leave his farm very well, but that his wife and two daughters would go.
Mrs. Stanhope and Dora said they would pack immediately. Fred Garrison
was visiting Hans Mueller and the two sent a telegram as follows:

"You couldn't hold us back if you tried. Where shall we meet you?"

"That's like Fred," said Dick. "I am awfully glad he is to be with
us--and glad Hans will come, too."

The last telegram to come in was from Songbird Powell. The reply of the
would-be poet of Putnam Hall was characteristic:

"Tell me where
And I'll be there,
On the run
For lots of fun."

"If that isn't Songbird!" exclaimed Sam, laughing, as he read the
telegram. "Had to talk in rhyme even over the telegraph wire!"

It was finally decided that the whole party should meet in Philadelphia
about the Fourth of July, which was now less than a week off. They
should go directly to the steam yacht, and the voyage was to begin as
soon as all arrangements were completed.

"I wish to stop off at New York for a day," said Anderson Rover. "If
you boys want to go with me you may do so."

"That will suit me," answered Dick, and his brothers said the same.

It had been agreed that no outsiders should be told of the treasure
hunt, so nothing was mentioned but a summer trip on a steam yacht. The
day the Rovers and Aleck Pop left the farm was a clear one, and all
were in the best of spirits. The colored man drove to the depot with
Jack Ness and the trunks and dress-suit cases, and all of the others
went in the carryall, Randolph Rover driving and