The meal was served in a private dining-room, so all felt free to act as if they were at home. They talked and cracked jokes to their hearts' content, and the boys told their best stories. They also grew serious at times, talking of home and their folks.
"Mamma hasn't heard another word from Tad Sobber," said Dora to Dick.
"And I hope he never appears again," answered the oldest Rover.
The meal was about half finished when one of the waiters came to Dick and said the chauffeur would like to speak to him.
"Very well," answered the oldest Rover, and excusing himself to the others, he went out into the hallway.
"I've just got a telephone message from Raytown," said the chauffeur. "My brother has been hurt at a fire there, and they want me. I don't know what to do. I might send for another man to run the car, but you'll have to wait until he comes. Would you be willing to do that?"
"I might run the car myself," answered Dick. He could see that the chauffeur was much worried over the news he had received.
"Could you do that, sir? If you could it would help me out a whole lot. My brother has
