“Sure thing.  The pumpkin looked to be good, too.  They had a lot of pumpkin pies set around it, just for an advertisement.”

“Thomas, did you measure that pumpkin?”

“No; why should I?”

“Then how do you know it was eight feet high and ten feet across?”

“Why, Uncle Randolph, I didn’t say the pumpkin was eight feet high and ten feet across.  I said I saw it in a restaurant window eight feet high and ten feet across,” and Tom drew down the corners of his mouth soberly.

“Tom, that’s the worst ever!” cried Sam.

“You ought to be made to walk home for that,” added Dick.

“Thomas!  Thomas! you are as bad as ever!” said Mr. Rover, with a sigh.  “But I might have been on my guard.  I know there are no pumpkins of that size.”

“Uncle Randolph, you’ll have to forgive me,” said Tom, putting his hand affectionately on his relative’s shoulder.  “I really couldn’t help it—­I am just bubbling over to think that school days are over and I won’t have to do any studying for several months to come.”

“I fancy we’ll have to tie you down to keep you out of mischief.”

“You won’t have to tie me down if I go on a sea trip with dad.”

“Haven’t you had sea trips enough with being cast away in the middle of the Pacific, and being wrecked in the Gulf of Mexico?  It seems to me every time you and the others leave home something serious happens to you.”

“True but we always come back right side up with care and all charges paid,” answered the fun-loving Rover airily.

They soon made a turn in the road which brought them in sight of the big farmhouse, nestling comfortably in a group of stately trees.  As they turned into the lane their Aunt Martha came to the front piazza and waved her hand.  Down in the roadway stood Jack Ness; the hired man, grinning broadly, and behind Mrs. Rover stood Alexander Pop, the colored helper, his mouth open from ear to ear.  At once Tom began to sing: 

“Home again! home again!  Safe from Putnam Hall.”

And then he made a flying leap from the carriage, rushed up the steps and gave his aunt such a hug as made her gasp for breath.

“Oh, Tom, you bear!  Do let up!” she cried.  “Now, there’s a kiss for you, and there’s another!  How do you do, Sam, and how are you, Dick?” And she kissed them also.  “I am glad you are back at last.”  She turned to her husband “What of Anderson, did you hear anything?”

“Yes, he will be back in a few days.”

“I’se jess too pleased fo’ anything to see yo’ boys back heah!” came from Aleck Pop.  “It’s dun been mighty lonely since yo’ went away.”

“Don’t worry, Aleck, we’ll cheer you up,” answered Tom.

“Oh, I know dat, Massa Tom yo’ll turn dis place upside down in two days suah!”

“Why, Aleck, you know I’d never do anything so rash,” answered Tom, meekly.

“Going to uncover some more freight thieves?” asked Jack Ness, as he took charge of the team and started for the barn.