"They'll have to believe it." Sam hopped down to the depot platform,
followed by the others. "Wonder if the folks got that telegram I
forwarded from Buffalo?"

"They must have, for there is Jack with the big carriage," said Tom,
and walked over to the turnout he mentioned. "Hullo, Jack!" he called
out. "How is everybody?"

"Master Tom!" ejaculated Jack Ness, the Rovers' hired man. "Back at
last, are you, an' safe an' sound?"

"Sound as a dollar, Jack. How are the folks?"

"Your father is putty well, and so is your Uncle Randolph. Your Aunt
Martha got so excited a-thinkin' you was coming hum she got a
headache."

"Dear Aunt Martha!" murmured Tom. "I'll soon cure her of that." He
turned to his brothers. "What shall we do about the trunks? We can't
take 'em in the carriage."

"Aleck is comin' for them boxes," said the hired man. "There's his
wagon now."

A box wagon came dashing up to the depot platform, with a tall,
good-looking colored man on the seat. The eyes of the colored man lit
up with pleasure when he caught sight of the boys.

"Well! well! well!" he ejaculated, leaping down and rushing forward.
"Heah yo' are at las', bless you! I'se been dat worried 'bout yo' I