“But he looks troubled,” answered Jack. “Ever since Colonel Colby spoke about him I’ve been watching him carefully. And, believe me, that man has something on his mind that’s far from pleasant.”
“He certainly comes and goes a good deal,” said Spouter. “He was away several hours last night and the night before. And I understand he’s going away to-morrow afternoon again.”
“Colonel Colby must know it’s all right. Otherwise he wouldn’t let him go away so much,” declared Gif.
On the following morning when the mail was distributed Spouter received a letter from his father that interested him greatly. He read the communication several times, and then, placing it in his pocket, ran off to where he had left Gif.
“Come on, Gif!” he cried gayly. “I’ve got great news! Come ahead and help find the Rovers.”
“What’s the news?” demanded the other, as they hurried on side by side.
“Just wait and I’ll tell you all about it—maybe.” And then Spouter stopped short, struck by a sudden idea. He thought for a few seconds and then his face broke into a broad smile.
The two boys found the Rovers up in Room 20, which the four cousins used as a sitting room. All were busy studying and looked up in surprise as Spouter dashed in with Gif at his heels.
“Glorious news, boys! Glorious news!” sang out Spouter, as he beamed at them.
“What is it?” they demanded in chorus.