"No use of worrying the others about it," he half whispered.
"But what is it?" demanded Tom, and now he showed that he was as impatient as was Dick.
"I got a letter from Grace Laning," went on Sam, slowly, and turned a bit red. "She told me a piece of news that is bound to upset you, Dick."
"Is it about the Stanhopes—about Dora?" questioned Dick, half rising from the couch on which he rested.
"Yes,—and about some others, too. But don't get excited. Nothing very bad has happened, yet."
"What did happen, Sam? Hurry up and tell us,—don't keep us in suspense!" cried Dick.
"Well; then, if you want it in a few words, here goes. Grace was visiting the Stanhopes a few days ago and she and Dora went to Ithaca to do some shopping. While in that town, coming along the street leading to the boat landing, they almost ran into Tad Sobber and old Josiah Crabtree."
"What! Those rascals in that town—so near to the Stanhope home!" exclaimed Dick. "And after what has happened! We must have them arrested!"
"I don't think you can do it, Dick—not from what Grace says in her letter."
"What does she say?"