"Ruth is such a splendid girl, and so fine looking, it would be a shame if her eyes were hurt," continued Mrs. Rover. And this remark about Ruth caused Jack to think more of his mother than ever.
Two days passed quickly, the boys and girls spending their time in getting settled and renewing old acquaintances. The girls went shopping with their mothers, while the lads visited the offices of The Rover Company in Wall Street to see with their own eyes how matters were going.
"Everything seems to be moving along swimmingly," remarked Jack, when he and his cousins came away.
"I'll bet it will seem strange to our dads to settle down to the grind once more after seeing so much fighting," remarked Fred.
"It will be hard for all of the soldiers and sailors to settle down, I'm thinking," added Randy. "A fellow can't knock around here, there, and everywhere for months and then come down to a regular routine all in a minute."
That night the young folks retired rather early. Andy and Randy were indulging in some horseplay in their bedroom when they heard the door-bell ring.
"I'll bet it's a telegram from dad!" burst out Andy.
"Maybe it's dad himself!" answered his twin. "Come on down and see."
As they hurried down the stairs they heard their mother's room door open and heard one of the servants going to the front door. The next instant there was a cry from below.
"Mr. Rover! Is it really you!"