"Yes. I have a telegram for you. I happened to stop in the village back there, and while I was making some inquiries in the post-office, which is also the telegraph station, a message came for you. The operator had no one he could send with it, and, as I happened to know where you were camping, I said I'd take it. He gave me a quarter for bringing it out, and so I've made some profit to-day."
"A telegram!" cried Dick. "Why didn't you say so at first? Give it here," and he held out his hand.
"I didn't want to scare you," said Henry. "I was breaking the news gently."
He handed over the yellow envelope. Dick tore it open, and, as he read the short message, he gave a start.
"No bad news I hope," remarked Walter.
"No, I guess not," replied Dick slowly. "But I've got to leave for home at once."
"Leave for home!" cried his chums.
"Yes. This is from dad. It says: 'Dear Dick. Come home as soon as you get this. Important.'"