They learned when the girls would arrive at Ashton, and got permission to go to town to meet them.  It must be confessed that all of them were a trifle nervous, in spite of the warm letters that had been sent.

When the train came in they rushed for the parlor car, and then what a handshaking and greeting followed all around!  Everybody was talking at once, and after the first minute or two there was nothing but smiles and laughter.

“I am so sorry that—­you know,” whispered Dick to Dora.

“So am I,” she answered, “What geese we are, aren’t we?”

“Well, we won’t have any more misunderstandings, will we?” he went on, squeezing her hand.

“Never!” she declared, and gave him an arch look.  “And you say Songbird is—­is—­”

“Going with Miss Sanderson?  Yes; and they are as thick as two peas.  But, Dora, I never was—­er—­very friendly with her.  I—­I—­”

“But you—­you talked to her at that football game, Dick.  And you didn’t meet me when Sam—­”

“I know.  But I had to find her a seat, after she about asked me to.  I wanted to be with you, I did really, dear.”

“Who said you could call me dear?” And now her eyes were as bright as stars.

“I said so, and I’m going to—­when we are alone.  The future Mrs. Dick Rover deserves it,” he went on boldly, but in a very low voice.

“Oh, Dick, you’re awful!” cried Dora, and blushed.  But somehow she appeared mightily pleased.

The boys drove the girls to the seminary, and by the time the boarding-school was reached all were on the best of terms once more.

“Mamma wanted us to come back,” explained Dora.  “She says, even if we do lose that fortune she wants me to have a better education, and she will pay the bill for Nellie and Grace, too.”

“It will make the Lanings quite poor, I am afraid, if the fortune is lost,” replied Dick gravely.

“I know it, Dick, but we’ll have to take what comes.”

“Have you heard from Sobber or his lawyer lately?”

“Nothing since he threatened to disgrace us.”

“You must watch out for him.  If he attempts to bother you while you are here let us know at once.”

“We will.”

“I hope the case in court is decided soon, and in your favor.”

“Say, stop!” cried Tom, as they were turning into the gate at the seminary.

“What’s up?” asked Sam, while Dick halted the team he was driving.

“Here comes a buggy along the side road.  Just look who is in it!”

All turned to look in the direction of the turnout which was approaching.  As it came closer the Rover boys recognized it as one belonging to Mr. Sanderson.  On the front seat sat Songbird, driving, with Minnie Sanderson beside him.  On the rear seat was William Philander Tubbs, in company with one of Minnie’s friends—­a girl the Rovers had met while nutting.

“There’s a happy crowd!” cried Tom after they had passed and bowed and smiled.