A trip of a quarter of a million miles only a little outing! But then
what can be expected of lads who had gone to Mars and back again?

Jack lost no time in reaching the telegraph office, where he left the
message to be sent, urging the operator to "rush" it, which that
official promised to do.

"'Twon't be no great hardship on me, neither," he said with a cheerful
grin, "seein' as how this is the only one I've had to send to-day. I'll
get it right off for you, Jack."

Jack meant to hurry back, but, just as he was turning out of the main
village street, to cut across lots, and join Mark at the place agreed
upon, Jack saw two dogs fighting. It was with the best intentions in
the world that he ran toward them, for he wanted to separate them.
However a man was ahead of him, and soon had the two beasts apart. But
Jack lingered several moments to see if there would be a renewal of the
hostilities. There wasn't, and he hurried on. In a short time he was
within sight of the barn, where his chum had agreed to meet him.

"Mark!" cried Jack, when he came within hailing distance.

There was no response.

"Maybe he's hiding to fool me," thought the lad, "I'll give him another
call."

Neither was there a reply to this shout, and Jack, with a vague feeling
of fear in his heart, hurried forward, climbed the fence that separated