Before long the pair were on their way to Ashton. About half way to the town they met two students who had been away from Brill for several days.
"Did you come from Ashton, Cabot?" asked Sam, of one of the boys.
"We did."
"See anything of my brother Tom?"
"No."
"I think I saw him," said the other student, a fellow named Lambert.
"Where?"
"Down at the depot. I was looking for my baggage. I think I saw him near the freight house."
"Was he alone?"
"Yes, so far as I know. Why, what's wrong, Rover?"