Then they all sat down to supper and talked over what had happened during the day. There was plenty about which to talk, from the picnic early in the day, to the sighting of the tramps by Rose, the chase after them and the finding of the captain's watch. As he had promised, Captain Ben divided the five dollars reward between Rose and Russ.
But all days must come to an end, and this one finally did. The six little Bunkers went up to bed and soon were sleeping, tired out with the many adventures.
It was just after breakfast the next morning when Russ, who was bringing in some wood for the kitchen fire, heard some one coming up the front walk and looked to see who it was.
"Why—why!" Russ exclaimed. "It's Tad—Tad Munson!"
"Yes, that's who I am," was the answer. "And I've a lot of news for you. Where's your father and Captain Ben?"
"They're in the house," said Russ. "But what's the matter? What news have you to tell?"
"You wait and you'll hear!" promised Tad, for it was, indeed, he. But he was much changed. He was clean and well dressed. Instead of old, torn shoes he had on nice, shiny ones.
Just then Captain Ben and Daddy Bunker came out on the porch. They seemed surprised at the sight of the former runaway boy.
"He's got news for us, Daddy!" cried Russ, dropping his armful of wood.