d put you--well, a little out of sorts, that's all."

"If I thought I was going crazy, I'd--I'd--well I guess I'd jump
overboard," said Tom, and he heaved a deep sigh. Then he very abruptly
turned to the table, got out one of his text books, and commenced to
study.

CHAPTER VI

BOYS AND GIRLS

"Hurrah, Tom! Here's good news!"

"From Dick and Dora?"

"Yes. They will be here at half-past two. Dick stopped to transact
that business first, so he and Dora can spend the rest of the time with
us and with the girls at Hope. Isn't that just fine?" And Sam's face
showed his pleasure.

"All to the merry," was Tom's comment. "Say, I guess we can all go
over to Hope together, can't we?" he asked anxiously.

"We'll make a try for it anyway," returned his brother.

It was the day after the events recorded in the last chapter, and Tom
had declared in the morning that he felt better than ever. He had even
gone out on the campus to joke with Songbird and William Philander
Tubbs, and speak a few words with Spud. Stanley had seen him and kept
out of his way, and that was the only cloud on the horizon.

"I've got nothing on to-day after two o'clock," went on Tom, with a
grin. "How about you?"

"I've got a physics lecture, but I guess I can cut it," answered Sam.
"I'll get Spud to tell me all about it afterwards. I wouldn't miss the
chance to go to Hope for anything."

They had heard from Dick early in the morning by telegram, and now had
come in a message over the long-distance telephone. The oldest Rover
brother and his bride were making the tour in the Rover family car,
doing this for the express purpose of giving the others a ride when
they stopped at Brill and Hope. Dick of course wanted to see all the
boys at the college and Dora was equally anxious to visit with the
girls at the seminary.

Promptly on time the shrill tone of an auto horn was heard, and Tom and
Sam ran across the campus to greet the new arrivals. Dick was at the
wheel and Dora sat beside him, smiling and blushing prettily. In the
tonneau of the big car rested several bags and wraps.

"Welcome to our city!" sang out Tom gaily. "And how is Mrs. Rover this
afternoon?" and he made a profound bow and swept the ground with his
cap.

"The same old Tom, I see!" cried Dora gaily. "Are you feeling all
right?" she asked, quickly.

"Sure," was the answer. Tom was the last one to put on a doleful face
in front of a lady.

"Talk about