A winter had passed since the events narrated above, and before and after the holidays the Rover boys had studied diligently, to make up for the time lost on that never-to-be-forgotten ocean chase.  Their efforts had not been in vain, and each lad had been promoted to the next higher class, much to Randolph Rover’s satisfaction and the joy of their tender-hearted Aunt Martha.

“The boys are all right, even if they do love to play pranks,” was Randolph Rover’s comment, when he heard of the promotions.  “I trust they improve their time during the term to come.”

“They are good boys, Randolph,” returned Mr. Rover.  “They would not be real boys if they did not cut up once in a while.  As to their daring —­ why, they simply take after their father.  Poor man.  If only we knew, what had become of him.”

“Yes, a great weight would be lifted from our shoulders, Martha, if we knew that.  But we do not know, and there seems to be no way of finding out.  I have written to the authorities at various places in Africa until I know not whom to address next.”

“He must be dead, otherwise he would write or come home, Randolph.  He was not one to keep us in the dark so long.”

“I cannot believe my brother dead, and the boys will not believe it either.  Do you know what Dick said to me before he left for school?  He said, that if we didn’t get word he was going to Africa some day to hunt his father up.”

“To Africa!  What will that boy do in such a jungle, and among such fierce natives?  He will be killed!”

“Perhaps not.  The boy is uncommonly shrewd, when it comes to dealing with his enemies.  Just look how nicely he and Tom and Sam served Arnold Baxter and those others.  It was wonderful doings —­ for, boys.”

“Yes, but they may not be so successful always, Randolph.  I should hate to see them run into any more, danger.”

“So should I, my dear.  But they will take care of themselves, I feel that more and more every day,” concluded Randolph Rover; and there, for the time being, the subject was dropped.

“I wonder what has become of old Josiah Crabtree?” remarked Dick Rover, as he and his brothers walked around the parade ground to inspect several improvement which Captain Putnam had caused to be made.

“I’m sure I can’t guess,” answered Tom.

“Like as not he became scared to death.  I suppose you’ll be satisfied if he keeps away from Dora and her mother in the future?”

“Yes; I never want to set eyes on him again, Tom.  He worried the widow half to death with his strange ways.”

“I wonder how the Baxters feel to be locked up?” put in Sam.  “I know Arnold Baxter is used to it, but it’s a new experience for Dan.”

“Dan is as bad as his father,” broke in Larry Colby, who had joined the brothers.  “I was glad to hear that Mumps had turned over a new leaf and cut the bully dead.”