around."

While talking, the boys had thrown their belongings into the car. Tom
took the wheel, with Sam beside him, leaving the hired man to get in
among the baggage. Then away they rolled, over the little bridge that
spanned the river and connected the railroad station with the village
of Dexter's Corners. Then, with a swerve that sent Jack Ness up
against the side of the car, they struck into the country road leading
to Valley Brook Farm, their home.

"Looks good, doesn't it?" remarked Sam, as they rolled along, past
well-kept farms and through a pleasant stretch of woodland.

"Yes, it looks good and is good," returned Tom, with satisfaction.
"The college and the city are all right enough, Sam, but I don't go
back on dear old Valley Brook!"

"How the country around here has changed since the time when we moved
here," went on Sam. "Do you remember those days, Tom?"

"Do I remember them? Well, I guess! And how Uncle Randolph used to be
annoyed at what we did." And Tom smiled grimly.

Another turn or two, and they came in sight of the first of the farm
fields. Then they reached the long lane leading to the commodious
farmhouse, and Tom began to sound the automobile horn.

"There is Uncle Randolph!" cried Sam, pointing to the upper end of the
lane.