"We'll hope for the best," returned Sam.

During those days came another letter from Dick, in which he stated
that he had moved into the offices vacated by Pelter, Japson &
Company, and was doing his best to get everything into working order.
He added that, on the request of their father, he had disposed of some
stocks, and in their stead, had purchased sixty-four thousand dollars'
worth of bonds.

"My, that's some bonds!" remarked Sam, on reading the letter.

"Well, bonds are usually much safer than stocks, even if they don't
pay so well," answered Tom.

There was a letter from their Aunt Martha, who stated that their
father did not seem to be quite as well as he had been the week
previous. She added that they had called in another doctor, who had
stated, after an examination, that there was no cause for alarm-- that
Mr. Rover must be kept quiet and not worried, and probably, he would
be his old self in another month or two.

"I am glad that the college is to shut down soon," said Sam, when he
and his brother were discussing this communication. "I want to see dad
and make sure things are not worse than Aunt Martha pictures them."

"Exactly the way I feel about it, Sam. They may be holding back
something on us just so we won't be worried."

Two days later came the final examination for, both the Rovers, and
they felt much relieved. Songbird was also "out of the woods," as he