The Rover Boys at College | Page 9

risk it."
"So would I," added Tom.
"We'll pay the haunted house a visit some day when there is no session
at the college," said Dick "It will give us something to do."
"Hum!" mused the farmer. "Well, if you do it you've got backbone,
that's all I've got to say. The folks around here won't go near that
Jamison place nohow."
The road now became hilly, with many twists and turns, and the farmer
had to give his entire attention to his team. The carriage bounced up
and down and once Sam came close to being pitched out.
"Say, this is fierce!" he cried. "How much more of it?"
"Not more'n a quarter of a mile," answered Mr. Sanderson. "It is kinder

rough, ain't it? The roadmaster ought to have it fixed. Some of the
bumps is pretty bad."
There was one more small hill to cross, and then they came to a level
stretch. Here the horses made good time and the farmer "let them out"
in a fashion that pleased the boys very much.
"A fine team and no mistake," said Dick, and this pleased Mr.
Sanderson very much, for he was proud of but two things--his daughter
Minnie and his horses.
"There is Hope Seminary," said Mr. Sanderson presently and pointed to
a group of buildings set in among some large trees. "That's a good
school, I've been thinking of sending my daughter there, only it's a
pretty long drive, and I need her at home. You see," he explained,
"Minnie keeps house for me--has ever since my wife died, three years
ago."
The boys gazed at the distant seminary buildings with interest, and as
they did so Dick thought of Dora Stanhope and Tom and Sam
remembered the Lanings. All thought how jolly it would be to live so
close together during the college term.
"Now we've got only two miles more," said Mr. Sanderson as he set his
team on a trot again. "I'll land you at Brill inside of fifteen minutes,
even if the road ain't none of the best."
The country road ran directly into the town of Ashton, but there was a
short cut to the college and they turned into this. Soon the lads caught
sight of the pile of buildings in the distance. They were set in a sort of
park, with the road running in front and a river in the rear. Out on the
grounds and down by the stream the Rover boys saw a number of
students walking around and standing in groups talking.
With a crack of his whip Mr. Sanderson whirled from the road into the
grounds and drove up to the steps of the main building.
"This is the place where new students report," he said with a smile. "I'll

take your grips over to the dormitory."
"Thank you, Mr. Sanderson," said Dick. "And here are your two
dollars," and he handed the money over.
While Dick was paying the farmer Sam turned to the back of the
carriage to look at the dress-suit cases. He gave an exclamation.
"What's the matter?" asked Tom.
"Didn't you have a suit case, Tom?"
"Certainly."
"Well, it's gone."
CHAPTER IV
WHAT HAPPENED AT THE CAMPUS FENCE
"Gone?"
"Yes, gone Are you sure you put it in the carriage?"
"Positive," was Tom's answer. "I put it on top of yours and Dick's."
"Then it must have jounced out somewhere on the road."
"What's up?" asked Dick, catching a little of the talk.
"Tom's case is gone. He put it on top of ours, and I suppose coming
over that rough road jounced it out."
"One of the satchels gone, eh?" came from Mr. Sanderson. "Sure you
put it in?"
"Yes, I am positive."
"Too bad. Reckon I'd better go back at once and pick it up."

"I'll go with you," said Tom.
The matter was talked over for a minute and then Tom and the farmer
reëntered the carriage and drove off. As they did this a man came out to
meet Dick and Sam.
"New students?" he asked shortly.
"Yes," replied Dick.
"Please step this way."
The doorman led them along a broad hall and into a large office. Here
they signed a register and were then introduced by an under teacher to
Dr. Wallington, a gray-haired man of sixty, tall and thin, with a
scholarly aspect. The president of Brill shook hands cordially.
"I feel that I know you young gentlemen," he said. "Your father and I
were old school chums. I hope you like it here and that your coming
will do you much good."
"Thank you, I hope so too," answered Dick, and Sam said about the
same. The two boys felt at once that the doctor would prove their friend
so long as they conducted