“He’s certainly got something on his mind,” was Fred’s comment. “I must say I’d like to know what it can be.”
“Maybe we’ll never know,” answered Jack. “But because of what Colonel Colby said I’m certainly going to be careful how I treat him. He may have more of a load on his mind and heart than any of us imagine.”
It now lacked but ten days to the end of the term, and the boys were busy finishing up with the examinations in the various classes and also in writing the final essays to be handed in. All had worked hard to make a showing.
“Just think! Only ten days more!” exclaimed Andy, throwing a grammar across his room at Randy. “Doesn’t it make you feel fine?”
“It sure does!” answered his twin, catching the book and sending it back so quickly that his brother was hit in the stomach. “And that puts me in mind, Andy. Why not get at Spouter and make him tell us what he’s got in mind about our vacation this summer?”
“Let’s do it! Come on! We’ll get Fred and Jack and Gif and go and pound it out of him.”
All alive with their scheme, the twins burst in upon the other Rovers while they were busy writing their essays and broached the subject. The others agreed, and Fred ran off to get Gif. Then the whole crowd rounded up Spouter, and grabbing him by the arms fairly forced him along the corridor and into the Rover boys’ sitting room.
“Now, Spouter, you’ve got to tell us!” declared Randy. “No more secrets!”
“Oh, gee! Is that it?” was Spouter’s reply. “I thought you wanted to borrow a nickel from me, or something like that,” and he smiled feebly.
“Come on now, Spouter! Give it to us straight,” demanded Fred.