Then came the approach of the college season. Several cottages on the island were closed. The girls said farewell to Madge, for they must spend some time with their own folks, and one day Tom remarked:
"Say, fellows, let's break camp. It's no fun here without the girls."
"That's right," agreed Sid, and so the tents were struck, and our heroes went their several ways to enjoy what was left of their vacation before again gathering at Randall. And in that time nothing new developed about the missing cups and jewelry. Nor was any word heard of the pawnbroker or Mendez.
"Hello, there's Dutch Housenlager, bigger than ever!"
"Yes, and there's Bricktop redder than ever. I say, Brick!"
"Hello, Parsons, you look as brown as a berry. What have you been doing with yourself?"
"You look it. I was at the shore--beastly hot, too!"
"Nothing like it. Oh, it's going to be great at Randall this Fall."
"Over this way, Henderson! Where's Phil and Frank?" cried Tom.
"I don't know. I just got in. Have you been up to the room?"
"No, I just landed, too. Have you fed your face?"
"Not since I got here. Let's grub and then we'll open up the place. Hi, there, Snail! How's the night work?"
"Oh, so-so," replied Sam Looper, re-christened "Snail," because of his slowness, and his propensity for night prowling.
"That's right. I hope Jerry makes a good coxswain in the varsity eight," went on Tom. "We need him."
"Hear you did some practicing this Summer," remarked Dutch, as he playfully dug his elbow into Tom's ribs.
"We did. I'm anxious to get hold of an oar again. Have the new shells come?"
"I haven't heard. We'll inquire. I saw Mr. Lighton a bit ago."
It was the opening of Randall College for the Fall term, and our friends, as well as their chums, had returned not only to lessons but to sports as well--cross-country running, football--ever glorious football--and now and chiefly, rowing, for the regatta was to be held before the big battles of the gridiron took place.
"Come on!" cried Tom, as he spied his three chums. "Let's slip up to our room and talk things over."
This was after a more or less hurried meal had been eaten.
"And we sure have lots to talk about," remarked Sid. "But let's get through with it and take a run up to Fairview. I guess----"