"

"It seems I'd never want to leave the dear old school," murmured Tom.
"Why, it's like a second home to us. Think of all the jolly times we've
had there--and the host of friends we've made."

"And the enemies," added Sam. "Don't forget them, or they may feel
slighted."

"Dan Baxter was our worst enemy in that school, and he is going to
reform, Sam."

"Perhaps. I won't feel sure of it until I really see it," answered the
youngest Rover.

"By the way, I got a postal from Dan to-day," said Dick. "He is in
Philadelphia, and working for a carpet manufacturer."

"Well, if he's gone to work, that's a good sign," said Tom.

On their arrival at the farm the boys had been met by their father, but
now Anderson Rover had gone away on a business trip which was to last
for several days. As usual, he left the lads in charge of his brother
and the boys' aunt.

"Now just take it easy for awhile," was Mr. Rover's advice, on leaving.
"Rest up all you can, and then, when you go back to the school, you'll
feel as bright as a dollar."

"Silver or paper, dad?" asked Tom, mischievously.

"Now, Tom----"

"Oh, I know what you mean, dad, and I'll be as quiet as a mule with a
sandbag tied to his tail," answered the fun-loving offspring.

The day after Anderson Rover's departure from the farm was quiet enough,
but on the morning following the boys' uncle received a letter in the
mail which seemed to trouble him not a little.

"I must attend to this matter without delay," said Randolph Rover to his
wife.

"What is wrong, Randolph?"

"I don't think I can explain to you, Martha. It's about those traction
company bonds I purchased a few months ago."

"Those you paid ten thousand dollars for?"

"Yes."

"What about them?"

"As I said before, I can't explain--it is rather a complicated affair."

"They are yours, aren't they, Randolph?"

"Oh, yes. But----"

"Aren't they worth what you gave for them?"

"I hope so."

"Can't you find out and make sure?"

"That is what I am going to do," replied Randolph Rover, and heaved a
deep sigh. As my old readers know, he was a very retired individual,
given to scientific research, especially in regard to farming, and knew
little about business.

"If you've been swindled in any way, you must go after the men who sold
you the bonds," said Mrs. Rover. "We cannot afford to lose so much
money."

"I don't believe I've been swindled--at least, if I have, I think the
party who sold me th