"I fancy we'll have to tie you down to keep you out of mischief."
"You won't have to tie me down if I go on a sea trip with dad."
"Haven't you had sea trips enough—with being cast away in the middle of the Pacific, and being wrecked in the Gulf of Mexico? It seems to me every time you and the others leave home something serious happens to you."
"True—but we always come back tight side up with care and all charges paid," answered the fun-lovirrg Rover airily.
They soon made a turn in the road which brought them in sight of the big farmhouse, nestling comfortably in a group of stately trees. As they turned into the lane their Aunt Martha came to the front piazza, and waved her hand. Down in the roadway stood Jack Ness, the hired man, grinning broadly, and behind Mrs. Rover stood Alexander Pop, the colored helper, his mouth open from ear to ear. At once Tom began to sing:
"Home again! home again!
Safe from Putnam Hall."
And then he made a flying leap from the carriage, rushed up the steps and gave his aunt such a hug as made her gasp for breath.
