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130 mystery. He did not even know as much as the boys did about the affair, and, for their own reasons, the students kept silent.

Our four heroes dispersed to their homes, to meet warm welcomes there. Then came preparations for going camping on Crest Island. The Tyler cottage was opened by some of the servants and put in shape for Summer occupancy. Madge wrote to Ruth, Mabel and Helen, bidding them get ready to come when she sent word.

Tom spent a week or two at the shore, "recuperating," as he put it, from the hard study incidental to the examinations.

"I guess, more than likely, it's to rest from the hard work of pulling in that shell," said his father, grimly.

Frank Simpson went on a short trip to his beloved California, and Phil and Sid put in two weeks at various Summer resorts.

Finally the time came to go to camp. Tom, who was in charge of most of the arrangements, sent out letters to his chums bidding them assemble at his home, as he was nearest to Randall College.

And, one fine morning, with their baggage gathered, and with their camping paraphernalia sent on ahead, they departed.

"Off for Crest Island, and the mystery!" exclaimed Tom.