“Yours,

“Dora.”

This note disturbed Dick and Sam greatly, for they could understand how the evil report concerning them had been circulated at Hope Seminary, and how the girls had suffered in consequence.

“I am glad they think we are innocent,” said Sam.

“They couldn’t do anything else, knowing us as they do,” returned his brother.  And then he sent a note back stating that the reports were all falsehoods, and asking them to meet Tom and themselves on the following Saturday at Ashton.

“Perhaps Tom will have something to report by that time,” said Dick.

The time to Saturday dragged miserably.  The boys could not set their minds on their lessons, and as a consequence got some poor marks.  For this Professor Blackie gave them a lecture.

“You ought to show your appreciation of what Doctor Wellington has done in your case,” said the instructor.

“We can’t settle down to lessons with this cloud hanging over us,” answered Dick frankly.  “It has got to be cleared away, or—­” he did not finish.

“Or what, Rover?”

“Or I’m afraid we’ll have to leave, even if we are not dismissed,” was the slow answer, and Dick breathed a deep sigh.

CHAPTER XXIX

WHAT THE GIRLS DISCOVERED

The Rover boys sent letters to their father, and on Saturday morning came replies from Mr. Rover.  He said he was both surprised and shocked at what had occurred, and added that if they needed his aid he would come on at once.  He showed that he believed them innocent, for which they were thankful.

“Here is more news,” said Dick.  “The case of Tad Sobber against the Stanhopes and the Lanings comes up in court next Tuesday; that is, they are going to argue the question of the injunction on that day.”

“That will make Mrs. Stanhope and Mrs. Laning very anxious.”

“Yes, and the girls, too, Sam.”

“Well, we are anxious, too.  Oh, I do hope our side wins!” cried Sam wistfully.  “It would set me wild to see Tad Sobber get all that money!”

Dick and Sam were to meet Tom in Ashton at three o’clock, and all hoped that the girls would come later.  Stanley could not go, for he had a Latin composition to write.

When the Rovers reached the hotel in Ashton they found Tom impatiently awaiting them By the look on his face they knew he had something to tell.

“Come up to my room,” he said, and led the way to the apartment, located on the second floor, front.

“You can sit by the window, Dick, and keep a lookout for the girls,” said Sam.

“Yes, they’ll be here in about an hour,” said Tom.  “They telephoned this morning.”

“Well, what have you discovered—­anything?” demanded Dick impatiently.

“I think I am on the right track,” answered Tom.  “Let me tell you what I’ve done.  In the first place, I visited the haunted house yesterday morning, and went through it from cellar to garret.”