“I think he has something on his mind,” Martha said, over the wire. “But what it is I, of course, don’t know. Nor did I care to question Ruth. Perhaps she will tell you something about it herself.”
Because of this, Jack was quite concerned when he and his four cousins got a chance to ride down to Haven Point in one of the school automobiles. The chauffeur of the car, Bob Nixon, said he was going to stay in town two hours, which would give the boys a chance to run up to the girls’ school and see their relatives and friends.
As a usual thing, outsiders were not permitted at Clearwater Hall except upon special occasions. But there was an understanding between Colonel Colby and Miss Garwood, the head of the girls’ school, whereby the Rovers could visit their relatives almost any time. And this, of course, usually gave them a chance to see Ruth Stevenson and May Powell, Spouter’s cousin. Spouter often came also, bringing Gif with him.
The young folks met in the lower hall of the institution and then strolled out under the big trees of the campus. They talked about matters in general and also about Mr. Stevenson’s condition.
“I think he’ll get over his injuries in a week or two,” declared Ruth. “He certainly got bumped most dreadfully.”
Presently, as had happened before, Jack and Ruth walked off a little by themselves, and then the young major questioned the girl regarding her father’s troubles.
“Of course you haven’t got to say anything if you don’t want to, Ruth,” he added. “But if there is anything I could do to help I’d like to know it.”
“I don’t know how you can help us, Jack,” answered the girl soberly. “But daddy certainly has trouble—and of a most unexpected sort.”
“Something to do with his business, I suppose?”
“Yes and no, Jack. He has had a very valuable book of formulas stolen,” answered the girl.