me.
Years ago I bought some stocks like that and they proved to be utterly
worthless. It certainly won't do any harm to tell old Mr. Fordham what
you know about this man Haskers."

"I'd hate to get into a row----" commenced Roger.

"I wouldn't--not if I was going to save that old gentleman's money for
him," interrupted Dave. "Job Haskers sha'n't pull the wool over
anybody's eyes if I can prevent it!"

"Oh, I am with you there, Dave!" cried the senator's son, quickly. "I
was thinking that perhaps we would warn this Mr. Fordham without Haskers
knowing anything about it."

"Better not try to do anything to-night," said Mr. Passmore. "You can
see Mr. Fordham in the morning, and I'll be present, if you wish it."

A little later the two boys found Phil and Bert coming from the dance,
and told their old school chum of what they had witnessed.

"Of course, we ought to expose Haskers!" declared the shipowner's son,
who was not likely to forget how he had suffered at the hands of the
former teacher of Oak Hall. "We'll go to this Mr. Fordham and tell him
just what a rascal Haskers is!"

The doings of the day had made all the boys tired, and they slept
soundly. Dave was the first astir in the morning, but the others,
including Bert, soon followed. The storm had passed and the sun was
shining brightly.

"I'd like you fellows to stay here over the Fourth," said Bert, when
they went below for breakfast. "Maybe we could have a dandy time."

"Can't do it," declared Roger. "I am expecting company at the
house--some more Oak Hall fellows. But you might come there, if you care
to, Bert," he added.

"All right, I'll see about it."

Dave and the others had already made up their minds what to do about Mr.
Fordham. About nine o'clock they sent a message to the elderly
gentleman's room, stating they wished to see him on a matter of
importance to himself, and adding that Mr. Passmore would be with them.

"He says for you to come right up," said the bell-boy, who had delivered
the message.

"Is he up yet?" questioned Dave.

"Yes, sir."

The bell-boy led the way to the room, which was in a wing on the second
floor. All the boys but Bert went up, and Mr. Passmore accompanied them.
They found Mr. Fordham seated in an easy chair. He looked quite
bewildered at the entrance of so many visitors.

"Good-morning, Mr. Fordham," said Mr. Passmore. "I suppose you are quite
surprised to see me at this time in the morning, and with so man