they were will be related in the next volume of this series, to be entitled, "Dave Porter and the Runaways; or, Last Days at Oak Hall," in which we shall meet our hero and his chums and enemies once more.
"If we are to go back to Oak Hall so soon, let us have all the fun we can," said Dave, after the matter of the jewels had been settled; and the next day he and his chums and the girls went out for a grand sleighride, for it was still winter at home, even though it had been like summer on Cave Island.
"Dave, are you glad to be back?" asked Jessie, while they were gliding over the snow.
"Yes, I am," he answered. "And doubly glad to be here, at your side," he added, in a lower voice.
"Oh, Dave, I was so afraid while you were away!"
"Of what?"
"That those bad boys would harm you! Oh, please be careful in the future, for my sake."
"All right, Jessie, I'll be careful," he answered, and then, under the big robe, he gave her little hand a tight squeeze, and I don't know but that Jessie gave him a squeeze in return. To her Dave was the finest boy in all the world.
"Let's have a song!" cried out Phil, from the seat in front.
