That evening at the table the guests were able to read a new meaning into Mrs. Sherwood's anxious glances toward the door and in the conscious effort that Mr. Sherwood made to be companionable and cheerful. "They are hoping Frank will come home to supper," thought Garry. "I suppose he's having eats with some of the gang and planning a full evening at the poolroom." Rooster, thinking on the subject, wondered how he could ever have felt a liking for Jerry Cox. Two days later the visit at the bungalow came to an end. "Hate to leave, Bill," said Garry. "We've had a mighty slick time while we've been here." The other boys expressed themselves in similar fashion. "I hate just as much to have you go," replied Bill. "But I sha'n't be long behind you. The folks are going to close the bungalow earlier this year than usual." He did not say why, but Garry surmised that this was because they wanted to get back to town so as the better to keep their eye on Frank and try to get him under control. With warm thanks to their host and hostess, the boys made their way back to their homes at Lenox, hiking it by preference, though Mr. Sherwood offered to send them in the car. At the corner of Maple and Cherry Streets, they met Dick Randolph and Con Riley, who greeted them like long lost brothers. "You old deserters!" exclaimed Dick. "We thought you weren't coming back till the first day of school." "We've been having some fine practice in that open lot back of your house, Garry," said Con. "Dick's developed a great punt, and our forward passing hasn't been so worse." "I'll have to get in with you," replied Garry. "My hands are itching for the feel of the good old pigskin." As they reached the front of Garry's home, Mrs. Grayson came hurrying out to meet her son. After a warm greeting to the wanderer, she turned to his chums. "Come in with Garry, boys," she said smilingly. "Hannah's just putting lunch on the table." The lads made some objections as a matter of form, but they did not require much urging. Mrs. Grayson was used to having Garry's friends in her house at all hours of the day and at any meal. She liked to have them, and it might be observed that Hannah, the maid, though she often grumbled over the necessity of setting extra plates at the table, always served the boys with the best there was and looked on with beaming approval as the fruits of her labors disappeared. The boys' appetites were keen after their hike, and they did full justice to the appetizing lunch spread before them. While they ate they recurred to the ever fascinating topic of their chances to play football at Lenox High during the coming fall. "You knew, of course; that Pete Maddern and Tom Allison were entering high, didn't you?" Dick asked Garry. "Yes," replied Garry, as he passed his plate for a second piece of pie. "I'm glad of it, too. They're both of them good fellows and mighty fine football players."