The Rover Boys on Treasure Isle | Page 5

he wants us to go along?" queried the youngest Rover.
"I believe so, Samuel."
"Hurrah! I'd like a sea trip first-rate."
"Yes, but----" Mr. Rover lowered his voice. "He doesn't want anybody
to know where to. It's some kind of a secret--very important, I
imagine--something to do with a gold mine, or something of the sort.
He did not give me any particulars."
"He said he was going to let us know about it when we got home from
the Hall," said Dick. "I hope he catches his man."
"Wonder who it can be?" came from Tom.
Nobody could answer that question, and in a thoughtful mood the three
Rover boys followed their uncle to the carriage and got in. Then the
team was touched up and away they whirled, out of the village, across
Swift River, and in the direction of Valley Brook farm.
It was a beautiful day in June and never had the country looked finer.
As they swept along the well-kept road Dick drew a deep breath of

satisfaction.
"This air makes a fellow feel new all over!" he declared.
"I suppose you are going to plant and grow some wonderful things this
summer, Uncle Randolph," said Tom. His uncle had studied scientific
farming for years, but had never made any tremendous success of it--in
fact his experiments usually cost him considerably more than they
brought in.
"Well--er--I am trying my hand this year on some Mexican melons said
to be very fine, Thomas," was the reply.
"Mexican melons?" said the fun-loving Tom, innocently. "That puts me
in mind--when I was over to Albany last I saw a pumpkin in a
restaurant window eight feet high and at least ten feet across."
"Is it possible!" ejaculated Randolph Rover, gazing at his nephew
incredulously.
"Sure thing. The pumpkin looked to be good, too. They had a lot of
pumpkin pies set around it, just for an advertisement."
"Thomas, did you measure that pumpkin?"
"No; why should I?"
"Then how do you know it was eight feet high and ten feet across?"
"Why, Uncle Randolph, I didn't say the pumpkin was eight feet high
and ten feet across. I said I saw it in a restaurant window eight feet high
and ten feet across," and Tom drew down the corners of his mouth
soberly.
"Oh, Tom, that's the worst ever!" cried Sam.
"You ought to be made to walk home for that," added Dick.
"Thomas! Thomas! you are as bad as ever!" said Mr. Rover, with a sigh.

"But I might have been on my guard. I know there are no pumpkins of
that size."
"Uncle Randolph, you'll have to forgive me," said Tom, putting his
hand affectionately on his relative's shoulder. "I really couldn't help
it--I am just bubbling over to think that school days are over and I won't
have to do any studying for several months to come."
"I fancy we'll have to tie you down to keep you out of mischief."
"You won't have to tie me down if I go on a sea trip with dad."
"Haven't you had sea trips enough--with being cast away in the middle
of the Pacific, and being wrecked in the Gulf of Mexico? It seems to
me every time you and the others leave home something serious
happens to you."
"True--but we always come back right side up with care and all charges
paid," answered the fun-loving Rover airily.
They soon made a turn in the road which brought them in sight of the
big farmhouse, nestling comfortably in a group of stately trees. As they
turned into the lane their Aunt Martha came to the front piazza and
waved her hand. Down in the roadway stood Jack Ness, the hired man,
grinning broadly, and behind Mrs. Rover stood Alexander Pop, the
colored helper, his mouth open from ear to ear. At once Tom began to
sing:
"Home again! home again! Safe from Putnam Hall."
And then he made a flying leap from the carriage, rushed up the steps
and gave his aunt such a hug as made her gasp for breath.
"Oh, Tom, you bear! Do let up!" she cried. "Now, there's a kiss for you,
and there's another! How do you do, Sam, and how are you, Dick?"
And she kissed them also. "I am glad you are back at last." She turned
to her husband. "What of Anderson, did you hear anything?"

"Yes, he will be back in a few days."
"I'se jess too pleased fo' anything to see yo' boys back heah!" came
from Aleck Pop. "It's dun been mighty lonely since yo' went away."
"Don't worry, Aleck, we'll cheer you up," answered Tom.
"Oh, I know dat, Massa Tom--yo'll turn dis place upside down in two
days suah!"
"Why, Aleck, you know I'd never do