"He has something to do with this matter father was going to tell us about," returned Sam. "It's certainly a mystery."
"Well, this relieves our anxiety," said Randolph Rover. "So long as I know nothing has happened, your father can stay away as long as he pleases."
"But I am dying to know what it is all about," burst out Tom, who was always impatient to get at the bottom of things. "Uncle Randolph, do you know what father has in mind to do this summer?"
"He talks about taking a sea trip, but where to I don't know."
"And he wants us to go along?" queried the youngest Rover.
"I believe so, Samuel."
"Hurrah! I'd like a sea trip first-rate."
"Yes, but" Mr. Rover lowered his voice. "He doesn't want anybody to know where to. It's some kind of a secret—very important, I imagine something to do with a gold mine, or something of the sort. He did not give me any particulars."
"He said he was going to let us know about it when we got home from the Hall," said Dick. "I hope he catches his man."
"Wonder who it can be?" came from Tom.
