"I promised to do so, and have ever since retained the paper in my possession for the purpose of deciphering it."
"But what became of Dove?" asked the Professor.
"I must tell you," said Toney. "When I retired I could not sleep. I thought about Rosabel, and then about Dove in the apple-tree, and then I would roar with laughter; and Rosabel and her mother must have heard me, for I could hear explosions of mirth in an adjoining apartment. Towards morning I got into a doze and was dreaming that I had a hundred thousand dollars, and had purchased a diamond ring for Rosabel, who had ordered her bridal attire, when I was awakened by hearing voices in the garden. I jumped out of bed and ran to the window. It was daylight, and under the apple-tree I beheld Juba walking to and fro with the steady pace of a Roman sentinel. Dove was perched on a bough over his head, and I could hear him in piteous tones begging the negro to tie up the dogs. For a long while his supplications made no impression on the obdurate African. Finally he drew a coin of glittering gold from the pocket of his vest, and the tempting bribe produced the desired effect. The dogs were tied up, and Dove dropped from the tree, and leaped over the fence and vanished."
Just then the loud sound of a gong, announcing the arrival of the hour for dinner, was heard, and Toney and his friends arose from their seats and walked toward the hotel.
CHAPTER XV.
In the afternoon, as the sun was descending towards the western horizon, and the balmy breezes were gently stirring the leaves of the silver maples which shaded the main avenue leading from the hotel, Toney, in company with Tom and the Professor, proceeded on a promenade. They had not gone far before they perceived Harry Vincent and Clarence Hastings just in advance of them, walking slowly and apparently engaged in earnest conversation. They overheard Harry say, "I tell you my mind is made up. I am off for Mexico, and I want you to go with me."
Clarence shook his head. His mind was not yet made up.
"Did you hear that?" said Toney.