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THE ROVER BOYS DOWN EAST

"Yes, we'll have to celebrate in fine style," answered Dick.

They went on, and soon a turn of the road brought them in sight of the farmhouse nestling so cozily among the hills.

"Home again!" sang out Tom. "Let's give them a call!" And he set up a cheer, in which the others readily joined.

"I see dad!" cried Sam, a moment later, as his father appeared around a corner of the house and waved his hand.

"And there is Uncle Randolph, down among his bee hives," added Dick.

"And Aunt Martha is on the piazza?" came from Sam "And there is Aleck Pop?" he continued, as the ebony face of a smiling negro showed itself from between the trees.

"Boys, I am glad to welcome you home again!" cried Anderson Rover, as the carriage rolled up and the lads leaped out in a bunch.

"And we are glad to see you, dad!" they answered in a chorus, and shook hands. Then Tom made one leap for the piazza, and fairly lifted his aunt from her feet. "How are you, Aunt Martha!"

"Oh, Tom, yo—you bear!" gasped Mrs. Rover, but with a beaming face. "My boy, how big you