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 Mrs. Rover giving the
boys final instructions about taking care of themselves.

"I shall miss you very much," she said, with tears in her eyes. Her
lively nephews were as dear to her as if they were her own sons.

"You'd better go along, Aunt Martha," said Dick.

"We'd lik