But the train was not missed; instead, they had to wait half an
hour for it. During this time they procured dinner, although Dick
felt so strange he could scarcely eat a mouthful.
"Uncle Randolph doesn't say much," he murmured to Tom. "He might
have said more."
"We'll know everything before we go to bed, Dick," answered his
brother. "I don't believe Uncle Randolph would telegraph unless
the news was good."
They indulged in all sorts of speculation, as the train sped on
its way to Oak Run. When the latter place was reached it was
dark, and they found Jack Ness, the hired man, waiting for them
with the carriage.
"There, I knowed it," grinned Jack. "Mr. Rover calculated that
only Dick would come, but I said we'd have 'em all."
"And what is this news of my father?" questioned Dick.
"It's a message as was picked up off the coast of Africky,"
replied Ness. "Mr. Rover didn't explain very clearly to me. He's
a good deal excited, and so is the missus."
"And so are we," remarked Sam. "Can it be that father is on his
way home?"
"I calculate not, Master Sam. Leas'wise, your uncle didn't say
so," concluded the hired man.
Never had the horses made better time than they did now, and yet
the boys urged Ness continually to drive faster. Swift River was
soon crossed -- that stream where Sam had once had such a stirring
adventure -- and they bowled along past the Fox and other farms.
"Here we are!" shouted Dick at last.
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