"Hi, you folks!" came in a cry from Tom. "What are you steering for the smoking room for? We are bound for the dining room."
"Well, I never!" murmured Dora. "Dick, we had better watch out where we are going."
"That's right." They turned toward the dining room. "Dora, you know, as
I was saying, that—"
"Dick Rover, I thought we were going to dinner! Just see the folks!
What a crowd! You musn't talk like that here."
"Yes, that's true, but—"
"You really must mind, Dick." She gave him a bright smile. "I—I—guess I understand you!"
And then all went in to dinner.
CHAPTER IX
THE ROVER BOYS AT HOME
There was a great deal to tell on all sides, and the dinner lasted over an hour. The Stanhopes and the Lanings had had a grand time while at Santa Barbara and the widow was much improved in health, so much so, in fact, that she was now practically a well woman. Those who had been in the Far West listened with interest to the boys' doings at the Hall and during the encampment, and were amazed to think that Dan Baxter and his father had turned up once more, and that Arnold Baxter was trying to turn over a new leaf.