But Tom Rover had managed to keep seats for all, and they sat "in a bunch," much to their satisfaction.

Then the train rolled out of the station, and the journey homeward was begun.
The term at Putnam Hall Military Academy was at an end, and the school days of the three Rover boys at that institution were now a thing of the past.

Each had graduated with honors, yet all were a trifle sad to think that there would be no going back to a place where they had made so many friends.
"It's almost like giving up your home," Dick had said, several times, while at the actual parting Sam had had to do his best to keep back the tears which welled up in his eyes.

Even fun-loving Tom had stopped a good deal of his whistling and had looked unusually sober.
"We'll never have such good times as we've had at Putnam Hall," Sam had said, but he was mistaken, as later events proved.
The three Rover boys did not wish to part from their many school chums, yet they were, more than anxious to get home, and for this there was a very good reason.

Their father had told them that he had a very important communication to make to them one regarding how the summer was to be spent.