miled broadly.

"I live in California now. My father is interested in real estate in
Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara. Our home is in Santa Barbara."

"That is where we are going," came from Sam.

"What are you doing just traveling around?"

"Yes; we thought we'd put in time until the Hall opens again."

"I heard it had been closed. Too bad! If you are going to Santa
Barbara, you must call and see me by all means," went on Bob Sutter.

"To be sure we will," said Tom, and his brothers nodded.

"We were going down there now to call on the Stanhopes," said Dick.
"They have come here for the benefit of Mrs. Stanhope's health,
and Nellie and Grace Laning are with them. I guess you know them all."

"I know the Laning girls, and I think I did meet Miss Stanhope once--at
a football game. I'll be glad to meet them again. But tell me about
yourselves."

Bob Sutter sat down, and soon all were talking at a lively rate. The
newcomer was astonished to hear of the doings of Dan Baxter.

"The Baxters always were a hard crowd," he said. "I hope you'll get
back your stuff some time."

It was late at night when Santa Barbara was reached, yet many of the
hotels were a blaze of light from top to bottom. At the depot the
Rover boys parted with Bob Sutter, but promised to call upon him in
a day or two.

"I've got a fine yacht," said Bob Sutter. "Some time I want to take
you for a trip."

"Just what we were wishing for!" cried Tom. "Just name your time,
that's all."

"How will next Monday suit?"

"Will your yacht hold us?" asked Sam.

"The Old Glory will hold ten passengers on a pinch," answered Bob Sutter.

"Then you don't sail the craft alone."

"I can sail her in fair weather. But father makes me take an old
sailor named Jerry Tolman along with me. Jerry is a character--a
regular old salt, and I love to have his company. And that makes me
think! Why can't we make up a party and go out? You can bring the
three girls you are going to visit, and I can bring my cousin, Mary
Parloe."

"Now you are talking!" shouted Sam. "What a jolly trip it will be!"

The proposal met with immediate approval, and it was decided that
the boys should meet not later than Saturday afternoon to complete
arrangements.

The Rover boys had received word that Mrs. Stanhope had rented a
furnished cottage not far from one of the leading hotels. The lady
was very nervous, and did not like too much noise and confusion about
her. Meals were