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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/27984-8.txt b/27984-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..8a2cdde --- /dev/null +++ b/27984-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,8827 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Ralph Gurney's Oil Speculation, by James Otis + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Ralph Gurney's Oil Speculation + +Author: James Otis + +Release Date: February 4, 2009 [EBook #27984] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK RALPH GURNEY'S OIL SPECULATION *** + + + + +Produced by Roger Frank, Suzanne Shell and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + + + + + RALPH GURNEY'S OIL + SPECULATION + + By JAMES OTIS + + Author of "The Cruise of the Sprite," "The Clown's Protege," + "Roy Barton's Adventures on the Mexican Border," Etc. + + [Illustration] + + A. L. BURT COMPANY + + PUBLISHERS NEW YORK + + + Copyright 1883 + BY JAMES ELVERSON + + RALPH GURNEY'S OIL SPECULATION + + Renewal Granted to JAMES OTIS KALER, 1911 + + + + +RALPH GURNEY'S OIL SPECULATION. + + + + +CHAPTER I. + +THE "CHUMS." + + +The puffing, panting engine that dragged the long train of heavy cars +into the busy little city of Bradford, in the State of Pennsylvania, one +day last summer, witnessed through its one white, staring eye, sometimes +called the head-light, many happy meetings between waiting and coming +friends; but none was more hearty than that between two college +mates--one who had graduated the year previous, and the other who hoped +to carry off the honors at the close of the next term. + +"Here at last!" exclaimed George Harnett, as he met his old chum with a +hearty clasp of the hand. "In this case, if the hope had been much +longer deferred, the heart would indeed have been sick." + +"It was thoughtless in me, old fellow, not to have sent you word when I +concluded to remain at home two days longer, but the fact of the matter +is that I did not think you would be at the depot to meet me, but would +let me hunt you up, for I suppose you do have some kind of an office." + +"Yes," laughed the young man, "I have an office; but since my work just +now is several miles from here, I am seldom at home, and was obliged to +come for you, or run the chance of having you spend a good portion of +your vacation hunting for me." + +"And are you sorry yet that you chose civil engineering for a +profession?" + +"Sorry! Not a bit of it! Up here there is more excitement to it than you +are aware of, and before you have finished your vacation, you will say +that the life of a civil engineer in the oil fields of Pennsylvania is +not by any means monotonous. But come this way. My team is here, and +while we are talking we may as well be riding, for we have quite a +little journey yet before us, over roads so bad, that you can form no +idea of them by even the most vivid description." + +"But I thought you lived here in Bradford." + +"I live where my work is, my boy, and since it happens just now to be +out of town, my home, for the time being, is in as old and comfortable a +farm-house as city-weary mortals could ask for." + +"Well, I can't say that I shall be sorry to live in the country--for +awhile, at least." + +"Sorry! Well, I hardly think you will be, when you learn what I have to +offer you in the way of enjoyment. I am locating some oil-producing +lands, in a valley where game is abundant, where the fish prefer an +artificial fly to a natural one, and where the moonlighter revels with +his harmless-looking but decidedly dangerous nitro-glycerine +cartridge." + +"What do you mean by moonlighter?" asked Ralph, as he seated himself in +the mud-bespattered carriage which George pointed out as his. + +"A moonlighter is one who shoots an oil well regardless of patent rights +or those owning them, save when, by chance, he finds himself gathered in +by the strong arm of the law." + +"I thank you, Brother Harnett, for your decidedly clear explanation. I +almost fancy that I know as much about moonlighters now as when I asked +the question, which is saying a good deal, for you very often contrive, +in explaining anything, to leave one even more ignorant than when he +consulted you." + +"If you are willing to listen to as long and as dry a dissertation on +oil wells in general, and illegally-opened ones in particular, as ever +Professor Gardner favored us with on topics in which we were not much +interested, I will begin, stopping now and then only to prevent my teeth +from being shaken out of my head as we ride over this road." + +The two had hardly got out of the "city," and the thoroughly bad +character of the road was already apparent. Riding over it was very much +like sailing in a small boat on rough water--always down by the head or +up by the stern, but seldom on an even keel. + +"Go on with the lecture," said Ralph, "and while I try to hold myself in +the carriage, I will listen." + +"Because of my friendship for you, I will make it as brief as +possible. In the first place, you must know that before oil is struck, +the operator finds either a rock formed of sand or of gravel. This is +the strata just above the deposit of petroleum. + +"Of course this must be bored through, if possible, and in the pebbly +rock there is no trouble about it. The drills will go through, and the +gravel will be forced to the surface without much difficulty. But when +the sand-rock is met, it clogs the drills, making it almost impossible +to bore through. A heavy charge of nitro-glycerine makes short work of +this rock, and out comes the oil. + +"Now, this method of blasting in oil wells has been patented, or, at +least, the cases for the glycerine and the manner of exploding it has, +and the company, which has its office in Bradford, use every effort to +discover infringements of their patent. Like all owners of patent +rights, they charge an extra price for their wares, and the result is +that there are parties who will, for a much smaller amount of money, +shoot a well and infringe the patent at the same time. These people are +called moonlighters, and the risk they run of losing their lives or +their liberty is, to say the least, very great. The lecture-hour has now +been fully, and I hope I may say profitably, employed." + +"If it profits one to learn of your friends, the moonlighters, then your +lecture has been a success. But how do you find excitement in anything +they do? Surely they do not make public their unlawful doings." + +"Oh, everything save the shooting of the well is done legally, and with +many even that is questionable! The cases are to be tried, and many +believe that the owners of the patent have really no rights in the +premises. The owners or prospective owners of the land whereon the wells +are to be sunk, employ me to survey their tracts, and by that means I +frequently make the acquaintance of those people who, for the almighty +dollar, will peril their lives driving around the country with +nitro-glycerine enough to blow an entire town up." + +"Let me trespass once more on you for dry detail, and then I will learn +anything else I may want to know from observation. What is +nitro-glycerine?" + +"I will answer your question by quoting as nearly as I can from what I +read the other day. It is composed of: + + Aqueous vapor 20 parts. + Carbonic acid 58 " + Oxygen 3.5 " + Nitrogen 18.5 " + +"Until 1864 it found no practical application, except as a homeopathic +remedy for headache, similar to those which it causes. In that year, +Alfred Nobel, a Swede, of Hamburg, began its manufacture on a large +scale, and, though he sacrificed a brother to the terrible agent he +had created, he persevered until in its later and safer forms +nitro-glycerine has come into wide use and popularity. It is a clear, +oily, colorless, odorless, and slightly sweet liquid, and can, with +safety, only be poured into some running stream if one wishes to be rid +of it. Through the pores of the skin, or in the stomach, even in small +quantities, this oil causes a terrible headache and colic, while +headaches also result from inhaling the gases of its combustion. It has +thirteen times the force of gunpowder, exploding so much more suddenly +than that agent does, that in reality it is much more powerful, and it +is this same rapid explosive power that prevents it from being used in +fire-arms." + +"You would make a first-rate professor, George," said Ralph, laughing, +"and you may refer to me in case you should desire to procure such a +position. Now I think I am armed with sufficient knowledge to be able to +meet your oily friends, the moonlighters, and have some idea of what +they mean when they speak." + +"If I am not mistaken we shall meet some of them very soon, without +trying hard; but if we do not, I will take you to one of their cabins as +soon as we may both feel inclined to go." + +"Don't think that I have come here to spend my vacation simply with the +idea that I am at liberty to make drafts at sight on your time," replied +Ralph, as an unusually rough portion of the road necessitated his +exerting all his strength to prevent being thrown out of the wagon. "I +intend to be of every possible assistance to you, and when I cannot do +that, if you are still obliged to labor, I will extract no small amount +of enjoyment out of your farm-house and its surroundings. But at any +time that you have a few hours to spare, I will be only too well pleased +to meet with any adventure, from nitro-glycerine blasts to the perils of +trout-fishing." + +By this time the conversation ceased, owing to Ralph's interest in the +scenery around him, and the curious combination of oil-tanks and +derricks with which the landscape was profusely dotted. From Bradford to +Sawyer the road winds along at the base of the hills through a lovely +valley, that seems entirely given over to machinery for the production +and storage of oil. On every hand are the tall, unsightly constructions +of timber that form the derricks, looking not unlike enormous spiders, +as they stand on the sides of the mountains or in the ravines, while the +network of iron pipes, through which the oil is forced by steam-pumps +from the wells to Jersey City, are fitting webs for such spiders. + +Huge iron tanks, capable of holding from twenty to forty thousand +barrels of oil, dot the valley quite as thickly as do the blots of ink +on a school-boy's first composition, and form storage places for this +strange product of earth, when the supply is greater than the demand. It +is truly a singular scene, and he who visits this portion of the country +for the first time cannot rid himself of the impression that he has, by +some mysterious combination of circumstances, been transported to some +remote and unknown portion of the globe. + +George, to whom this scene was perfectly familiar, did not seem inclined +to allow his friend to remain in silent wonder, for he persisted in +supplying him with a fund of dry detail, which effectually prevented any +indulgence of day-dreams. + +Although Ralph would have preferred to gaze about him in silence, +George told him of the Pipe-Line Company, who owned the greater portion +of the huge iron receptacles for oil; who also owned the network of iron +pipes, through which they forced the oil to the market at a charge of +twenty-five cents per barrel. + +He also told him that this company connected the main line of pipes with +each tank owned by the oil producers, supplying a small steam-pump at +each connection, and, at stated times, drew off from private tanks the +oil. He even went into the particulars of the work, explaining how each +man could tell exactly the number of barrels the company had taken from +his tank by measuring the depth of the oil before and after the +drawing-off process. + +Then he described how these huge receptacles were frequently struck by +lightning, setting fire to the inflammable liquid, and causing +consternation everywhere in the valley; of the firing of solid shot into +the base of the tanks to make a perforation that would allow the oil to +run off, and of the loss of property and danger of life attending such +catastrophes. + +So much of dry detail or interesting particulars of the oil business had +the young engineer to tell, that he had hardly finished when the horses +turned sharply into a narrow road, over which the trees formed a perfect +archway, that led to just such a farm-house as suggests by outside +appearance all the good things and comforts of life. + +"This is to be home to you for a while," said George, breaking off +abruptly in his dissertation on the price and quality of oil, in which +Ralph was not very much interested, "and I can safely guarantee it to be +a place which you will be sorry to leave after once knowing it." + +"It certainly does not seem to be a place around which anything exciting +can be found," thought Ralph; but, since it was only rest from study he +was in search of, he was content with that which he saw. + + + + +CHAPTER II. + +A NEW ACQUAINTANCE. + + +Ralph Gurney was one who thoroughly enjoyed everything in which pleasure +could be found, and even while George was caring for his horses, of +which he was very fond, Ralph had already begun a survey of the farm on +which he was to spend his vacation. + +The cattle, poultry, horses, dogs, and even the cat, had received some +attention from him, and he was on his way to the sheep-pasture near by +to make the acquaintance of the woolly members of the flock, when the +sharp ping of a bullet was heard as it whistled by his head, while, a +second later, the report of a rifle rang out sharply. + +There was something so entirely unexpected and so thoroughly startling +in this mode of salutation in so peaceful a place, that Ralph leaped two +or three feet in his fright, and at the same time saw the hole in the +brim of his hat, which showed how near the deadly missile had come to +him. + +Almost any one would be alarmed at such a visitor, even though he might +have been expecting this attention, and Ralph came very near trembling +with fear as he realized how narrow had been his escape from death. + +He looked quickly around to see who was using him as a target; but no +one was in sight. The sheep had been quite as much startled by the +report as he had by the proximity of the bullet; therefore, there was no +reason to suspect that they had had anything to do with this decided +frightening of the new boarder. + +Ralph was on the point of calling out to George for an explanation of +this apparently reckless shooting, when a voice from amid a small clump +of trees shouted: + +"Hold out your hat and I will put a bullet through the center of it." + +Even if Ralph had not been angry because of the danger he had been +forced to run, he would not have accepted any such cheerful invitation, +and, instead of replying, he looked carefully around in search of the +speaker. + +"Hold out your hat, and I will show you what I can do," continued the +voice, while its owner persistently remained hidden. + +"I don't know who you are," said Ralph, speaking sharply; "but from what +I have already seen of your reckless shooting, I consider it to be some +one's duty to teach you how to handle fire-arms." + +"And you propose to do it, eh?" was the question, as a boy eighteen or +nineteen years of age, with a face that was the perfect picture of good +humor, walked out of the thicket. On his shoulder he carried a rifle, +and in his left hand some partridges and a fox-skin. "That was a nasty +shave for you," he continued, in a half-apologetic tone; "but, you see, +I hadn't any idea there was any one around. Farmer Kenniston is down on +the meadow, and Harnett went to town this morning; so you see that, by +rights, you ought not have been here." + +"And because, in your opinion, I should have been somewhere else, you +concluded to send me away by the most certain and effectual method?" +asked Ralph, having by no means subdued his anger, although it was +vanishing quite rapidly before the pleasant tone and face of the boy +who had come so near killing him. + +"Well, you see, I didn't know you or any one else was within a mile of +the place. I had a charge left in my rifle, and I wanted to see if I +could knock a knot out of that second board in the barn. Just as I +pulled the trigger, you came from behind the shed, and then I couldn't +call the bullet back. I am sorry that I startled you so, and I was in +hopes you would hold out your hat, so that you could have seen how handy +I am with a rifle, which would have made you feel easier." + +"I must confess that I can't understand how I could be soothed by any +proof of your skill as a marksman," replied Ralph, with a smile, his +anger now almost completely gone. "Of course, I know that you didn't +intend to shoot so near me; but in the future I advise you to empty your +rifle before you come so near to a house." + +"But I have wanted to put a bullet into that knot from the trees back +there ever since I have been here, and now let's see if I struck it +fairly." + +As if he considered that he had made all necessary apologies for the +shot which had startled Ralph, the boy started towards the barn, and in +another instant he was pointing triumphantly to the offending knot in +the board, which had been completely shattered by the bullet. + +"There!" he cried. "Harnett said I couldn't hit it from that dead pine +tree, and that even if I did succeed in hitting it, I couldn't split it. +Now we'll see what he has got to say to that." + +Ralph had nothing to say as to the argument between his friend and the +stranger, and in the absence of anything else to say, he asked: + +"Do you live here?" + +"I am living here just now, and shall for some weeks longer, I suppose. +You are Ralph Gurney, whom Harnett has been expecting, I fancy?" + +"Yes; but if George has told you who I am in advance of my coming, he +has not been so liberal to me in regard to yourself." + +"That probably arose from the fact that I am no one in particular, +while, on the contrary, you are to become one of the particularly bright +and shining lights in the medical world. I am only Bob Hubbard." + +Who Bob Hubbard might be Ralph had no idea; but even though the young +gentleman spoke of himself in such a deprecating way, it was easy to see +that he did not consider himself of slight consequence in the world. He +was a bright, jovial, generous looking boy, with a certain air about +him which made the shot, fired so dangerously near Ralph, seem just such +a reckless act as might be expected of him. + +"Do you like hunting and fishing?" he asked, after he found that Ralph +was not disposed to say anything about the profession of medicine he had +chosen, and which George had evidently spoken of. + +"Indeed I do," was the decided reply. "Is there much sport around here?" + +"All you want. I have only been out about two hours, and I have got +these," he said, as he held up his game. "And as for fishing, you can +catch trout until your arms ache--providing they bite rapidly enough." + +"Indeed!" replied Ralph, dryly. "I fancy I have seen as good almost +anywhere. Do you go fishing very often?" + +"Nearly every day." + +"Then, if George has any business to attend to this afternoon, suppose +you and I see if the fish will bite fast enough to make our arms ache +pulling them in." + +Bob hesitated in what Ralph thought a very peculiar way, and said, after +a pause of some moments: + +"I'd like to, but I have an important engagement this afternoon, and I +hardly see how I can arrange it." + +There was certainly nothing singular in his not being at liberty to +accept the proposition made so suddenly, and Ralph would have thought +his refusal the most natural thing in the world had it not been for his +evident embarrassment when none seemed reasonable. However, the young +pleasure-seeker attached no importance to what seemed like singular +behavior on the part of this newly-made acquaintance, and was about to +make another proposition for a fishing excursion, when Harnett suddenly +made his appearance. + +"Hello, Bob!" he cried, "you've been making the acquaintance of my chum, +have you?" + +"Yes, after a fashion. I fired at that knot in the barn you said I +couldn't hit from the pine tree, and came near putting a bullet through +his head. But I hit the knot, and what's more, I split it." + +"And here is a hole in the brim of my hat, to prove that he did fire at +it," said Ralph, laughing, as he held up his perforated hat to display +the mark of the bullet. + +Harnett looked with no small degree of alarm at the evidence of Bob's +shooting, and said, sternly: + +"I think it is quite time that you became a trifle more careful with +your fire-arms, Bob. You have already had several narrow escapes, and +will end by killing some one, if you don't stop shooting at every +promising mark you see." + +"I'm not half as careless as I might be," said Bob, earnestly. "This is +the first time that I have ever really come near hurting any one." + +"What about the time when you came near hitting Farmer Kenniston, and +killed a lamb? Have you forgotten the untimely death of Mrs. +Kenniston's favorite duck, or your adventure with the red calf in the +pasture?" + +"Oh, those don't count--at least none except the lamb scrape are worth +talking about, Harnett, so don't read me one of your long-winded +lectures; and, now that I have hit the knot in the barn, I promise not +to shoot at anything within half a mile of the place. I'm going down to +town for a while, and when I get through with what I have on hand, we'll +make some arrangement to show your friend the oil region." + +As he spoke Bob went into the stables, and when the two friends were +alone again, George asked: + +"Well, Ralph, how do you like what you have seen of the moonlighters? +Not very ferocious, eh?" + +"What do you mean? I haven't seen any moonlighters yet." + +"Indeed! You have been talking for the last ten minutes with the most +successful of them. Bob Hubbard enjoys the rather questionable +distinction of being the most noted one in this section of the country." + +Ralph looked at his friend in speechless astonishment for several +minutes; this careless, good-natured boy was very far from being the +famous moonlighter his fancy had conjured up, and it is barely possible +that he was disappointed at not having seen some more savage looking +party, for he had speculated considerably about these people who explode +nitro-glycerine in an illegal manner. + +"If I am not mistaken," continued Harnett, "he is going to shoot a well +to-night, and I guess there will be no difficulty in getting his consent +for you to be present. Wait here, and I will talk with him." + +George hurried away toward the stables, leaving Ralph in a curious +condition of mingled wonder and surprise that in this very +peaceful-looking place there could be found such an evident fund for +adventure. + +The gaining of Bob's consent for Ralph to be present at the shooting of +the well was not such a difficult matter, judging from the very short +time George found it necessary to talk with him. When Harnett came from +the stable, he told Ralph that the necessary permission had been given, +and that they would start for the cabin of the moonlighters at once, in +order that none of the details of the work might be lost. + +While they were speaking, Bob drove out of the stable behind a pair of +small gray horses, which were so spirited that their driver could pay no +attention to anything but them. + +"I'll see you again very soon," he shouted; and hardly had he uttered +the words before he was tearing along the rough road at a rate of speed +that threatened a rapid dissolution of the light carriage. + +If George had any business to attend to on that day, he evidently made +up his mind to neglect it, for he began to make his arrangements for the +journey with quite as much eagerness and zest as displayed by Ralph. + +Since it was by no means certain that the well would be opened that +night, owing to the vigilance of the owners of the torpedo patent, +George made preparations to remain away from Farmer Kenniston's all +night, taking blankets, food, fishing-tackle and rifles, as if their +excursion was to be one simply of a sporting nature. + +"It wouldn't do for us to drive out to the moonlighters' cabin as if we +were going to see a well shot," he said, in reply to Ralph's questions +of what he proposed doing with rifles and fishing-rods; "for, if we were +seen, it would be quickly reported in town, and Bob would have the whole +posse of Roberts Brothers' force upon him. Now, there would be nothing +thought of our going out fishing, which fully accounts for my +preparations. I have known Bob to wait for a week before he dared +explode a charge, and I don't care to get mixed up in any encounter +between these two sets of torpedo men." + +"I don't want any harm to come to him through me," replied Ralph, +gleefully, "but I should not be at all sorry to see just a little +excitement in the way of a chase of the moonlighters." + +"There is every chance that you will be fully satisfied before you leave +this portion of the country," said George, grimly; and then, as his +horses were ready for the road once more, he added: "Get in, and, if +nothing happens, I will show you the cabin of the moonlighters in less +than an hour." + + + + +CHAPTER III. + +THE CABIN OF THE MOONLIGHTERS. + + +Bob Hubbard had been away from the Kenniston farm-house nearly half an +hour when Ralph and George left it, but the latter was so well +acquainted with the country that he did not need any guide to the cabin, +and could not have had one, had he so desired, for Bob was far too +cautious to be seen leading any one to his base of operations. + +It was well known by the owners of the torpedo patents that Robert +Hubbard was the most skillful of all the moonlighters, and whenever he +was seen traveling toward any of the wells that were being bored, he was +followed, but, thanks to the fleetness of his horses, he had never been +seen at his work by any one who would inform on him. + +Bob believed, as did a great many, that the firm holding the patent had +no legal right to prevent any one from exploding nitro-glycerine by the +means of a percussion cap placed in the top of a tin shell or cartridge. +Several cases were before the courts undecided, and until a decision was +reached, the owners of the patent would do all in their power to prevent +any one from interfering in the business which they proposed to make a +monopoly. Therefore, when Bob went about his work, he did so with quite +as much mystery as if he had been engaged in some decidedly unlawful +act. + +The ride from Sawyer, among the mountains, was quite as rough a one as +that from Bradford, and Ralph found that he had about as much as he +could attend to in keeping the guns, fishing-rods and himself in the +carriage, without attempting to carry on any extended conversation with +his friend. It was, therefore, almost in silence that the two rode along +until George turned the horses abruptly from the main road into the +woods, saying, as he did so: + +"If I am not mistaken, this path will lead us directly to Bob's +headquarters." + +He was not mistaken, for before they had ridden a mile into the woods, +they emerged into a clearing, in the midst of which stood a small +log-house and stable. + +Instead of windows, the hut had stout plank shutters, which prevented +any one from looking in, even if they did prevent the occupants from +gazing out, and the door had more the appearance of having been made to +resist an attack than simply to keep the wind or cold out. + +The stable was in keeping with the hut, so far as an appearance of +solidity went; and as its one door was closely shut, with no bars or +locks on the outside, one could fancy that when it was occupied, a guard +remained on the inside, where the fastenings of the door evidently were. + +"I guess we have got here too soon," said Ralph, as George stopped the +horses in front of the hut, without any signs of life having been seen. + +"There is a smoke from the chimney," said George, as he pointed to the +clumsy affair of mud and sticks from which a thin, blue curl of smoke +could be dimly seen, "and if they are ready to let us in, we shall soon +see some one." + +The two sat patiently in the carriage several moments, and at the end of +that time the door of the hut was opened by a young man standing in the +doorway, to whom George said: + +"Well, Dick, hasn't Bob got here yet?" + +"Yes, he's here; but we didn't open the door at first because we were +not sure but that you had been followed." Then turning toward the barn, +the young man shouted, "Come out here, Pete, and take care of these +horses!" + +In response to this demand the stable door was opened as cautiously as +if the man behind it feared a dozen were ready to pounce upon him, and +then, much as if he were unfolding himself, a tall negro came out, +leading the horses away without speaking, almost before Ralph and George +had time to leap to the ground. + +"Get into the hut as quickly as possible," George said to Ralph; and as +the three entered, the door was securely barred behind them with two +heavy beams that would have resisted almost any ordinary force that +might have been used against them. + +The hut boasted of but one room, in which were to be seen piles of +blankets that had evidently been used as beds, cooking utensils, +provisions, sheets of tin, tools such as are used by tinsmiths, and, in +fact, as varied an assortment of goods as could well have been gathered +into so small a compass. + +In one corner of the room the floor of earth had been excavated, until a +space about six feet square and four deep had been formed, and into this +excavation was packed a number of square tin cans, which Ralph felt +certain contained that powerful agent, nitro-glycerine. + +Bob was at work soldering together a long tin shell, about six inches in +diameter and fully ten feet long, and he called out, as his friends +entered: + +"Come right in. Don't be afraid that you will be shot at, for we drop +all that kind of business here for fear we might all go up together. +This, Mr. Gurney, is the moonlighters' cabin, and I am free to confess +that it is not the most cheerful place in the world." + +"I don't find as much fault with the cabin as I do with what you keep +stored in those innocent-looking tin cans," replied Ralph, as he seated +himself on a pile of blankets at a respectful distance from the +glycerine. + +"Oh, that's harmless enough so long as you leave it alone!" replied Bob, +carelessly, and then as he resumed his work of soldering, he asked: "Did +you see anything of Jim as you came in?" + +"No; where is he?" + +"Out by the road somewhere. We heard that our particular friends in town +had got wind of the fact that we were going to put in a charge to-night, +so Jim is doing guard duty outside, leaving Dick Norton and I to do the +tinker's work. We expected to have gotten our shells all made in town; +but they are looking out so sharp for us just now that it was entirely +too much of a risk to bring them out here." + +"How did they learn that you were going to work to-night?" asked George. + +"That's more than I can say, unless old Hoxie was fool enough to let it +out that we were going to shoot his well for him," replied Bob, working +savagely with the soldering iron, much as if he would have been pleased +had he been using it on Mr. Hoxie's too ready tongue. + +"Do you anticipate _much_ trouble?" asked Ralph, with just a shade of +anxiety, beginning to realize that it would not be the most pleasant +thing in the world to commence his vacation by being arrested as a +moonlighter. + +"That's just what I can't say. We may have it, and we may not; but +there's one thing certain, and that is that I'll shoot that well if I +don't get back to the Kenniston farm for three months." + +"I don't believe that they are even looking for us. They think we went +out of the business two weeks ago," said Dick Norton, as he, in a very +unworkmanlike manner, attempted to aid Bob. "You see, Jim is nervous, +and the least thing frightens him." + +"Something has startled him, at all events!" exclaimed Bob, running to +the door as a low, quick whistle was heard from the outside. + +Dick, despite the rather contemptuous way in which he had spoken, also +appeared to think something serious had happened, for he joined Bob at +the door, looking very serious as both of them quickly unfastened the +bars, opening the door just as a young man ran in from the woods, +breathless and excited. + +"What is it, Jim? What has happened?" asked Bob, replacing the heavy +bars instantly the newcomer was inside the building. + +"Newcombe and five men have just turned into the path, coming down here +as if they knew just what they should find." + +For a moment Bob and Dick were silent, and Ralph had an opportunity to +ask George: + +"Who is Newcombe?" + +"A man in the employ of the owners of the patent, and one who has +threatened several times to secure the arrest of Bob." + +Dick's first act, after he fully realized what Jim had said, was to +cover the fire, at which they had been soldering, with ashes, in order +to prevent any smoke from escaping through the chimney, and by that time +Bob had recovered all his presence of mind. + +"Even if they have at last found the hut, they will be puzzled to get +into it, or to get us out," he said, as he noted the fastenings of the +window-shutters, and uncovered a small aperture which served as a +loop-hole through which everything that occurred outside could be seen. + +"You ought to have warned Pete," said George, not feeling remarkably +well pleased at the chance of being besieged as a moonlighter, but yet +anxious that his friends should elude arrest where the cartridges and +explosive fluid would be sufficient proof against them. + +"There is no need of that," replied Bob. "He wouldn't show himself under +any circumstances unless we called him, and from the loft of the stable +he can see all that is going on." + +Ralph was the most uncomfortable of the party. Not being so familiar +with the doings of the moonlighters, nor acquainted with the general +feeling of the public against them, the idea of being thus hunted like a +criminal was very repugnant to him. + +It was as if his companions were engaged in some crime, instead of +simply infringing a patent, the legality of which had not been fully +tested, and, if he could have had his choice, he would have been miles +away from that spot just then. + +"There they come!" exclaimed Bob from his post of observation, and, +looking out for a moment, Ralph saw six men riding into the clearing +directly toward the house. + +Almost before he had time to regain his seat, and just as Bob held up +his hand as a signal for silence, a knock was heard at the door, as if +some one was pounding with the butt-end of a whip. + +No one made any reply, and it seemed to Ralph as if he could hear the +pulsations of his own heart, so oppressive was the silence. + +Again the summons was repeated, and a gruff voice cried: + +"Open the door a moment. I wish to speak with Mr. Robert Hubbard." + +Then there was a long silence, and, seeing the look of anxiety on +Ralph's face, George said, in a low whisper: + +"Don't look so distressed, my boy. Those men have got no more right to +enter here than you have to go into another man's dwelling. If they +should succeed in getting in, however, they would find sufficient to +prove that Bob was about to infringe their patent; but, as it is, they +have no authority to do anything, although Bob will hardly get a chance +to shoot the Hoxie well to-night." + +"That's just what I will do," whispered Bob, who had heard George's +remark. "I will put in that charge if they camp where they are all +night." + +The men on the outside waited some moments in silence, and then the +request was repeated, while at the same time footsteps could be heard as +if some of them had gone toward the stable. + +"They might easily batter in one of the windows," said Ralph, as the +pounding at the door was continued. + +"They would hardly try that plan," replied George, with a meaning smile. +"There are a hundred or two quarts of nitro-glycerine stored here, +needing only the necessary concussion to explode them. Those men know +quite as well as we do how unpleasant such liquid may become, and I +assure you that they will strike no very heavy blows on the building." + +It was a singular position for any one to be in, and Ralph was far from +being comfortable in his mind, as he awaited the result of this visit to +the cabin of the moonlighters. + + + + +CHAPTER IV. + +A REGULAR SIEGE. + + +Ralph, simply a visitor to the cabin of the moonlighters, felt far more +uncomfortable than did his hosts, to whom alone there was any danger. + +As the party waited silently for any move by those outside, Ralph had +plenty of time to review his own position, and this review was far from +pleasant or reassuring. + +In that section of the country the fact of being arrested as a +moonlighter did not imply either disgrace or crime; but in Ralph's home, +where nothing was known of such an industry, save when occasionally a +newspaper item was read but not understood, the news of his arrest while +trying illegally to "shoot" a well, would cause as much consternation +and sorrow as if he had attempted to shoot a man. It was far from being +a pleasant beginning to his vacation, and he would have been much better +satisfied with himself if he had not made any attempt to penetrate the +mysteries of the moonlighters' dangerous calling. + +While these uncomfortable thoughts were presenting themselves to Ralph, +Bob Hubbard was standing on a rudely-constructed table, in order that +he might keep a watch upon Newcombe and his men, and from time to time +he whispered to his companions of that which he saw. + +"They've got tired trying to find out anything at the stable, and now +they're coming this way. If we keep perfectly quiet they will begin soon +to believe that no one is here, and then, very likely, they will go +away." + +It was in the highest degree necessary that these men should be thrown +off the scent if possible, and each one in the hut remained motionless +as statues, but, as was shown a moment later, their silence was +fruitless, owing to the defective construction of their furniture. + +"Now they are gathering close around the door," continued Bob, from his +post of observation; and then, fearing he might betray himself even +through the loop-hole, he began cautiously to descend. + +It was as if his very efforts to move without noise hastened the +catastrophe he was trying to avert, for as he started to lower himself +from the table, the entire structure gave way, and he came to the floor +with such a crash as could have been heard many yards away. + +There was no need of question as to whether Bob's downfall had been +heard by those outside, for at the moment a low, involuntary cry of +triumph was heard, which did not detract from the unfortunate +moonlighter's discomfiture. Had Bob cried out his name he could not have +proclaimed his presence any more plainly, and as he disentangled himself +from amid the wreck of the table, his face spoke eloquently the anger +he felt, either at his own carelessness or the weakness of the table. + +"It's all up now," said Jim, despondently. "There was a chance that they +might get tired in time, and go away; but now they will stay here until +they see us leave." + +"Well, let them stay," said Bob, savagely. "I have come here to get +ready to shoot the Hoxie well, and I'll do it before I go home again." + +"Perhaps you will, and perhaps you won't," said Jim, doubtingly; "but if +my opinion's worth anything, you won't." + +Bob made no reply to this; but attacked the tin cartridges on which he +had been working with an energy that told plainly of his determination; +although how it might be possible for him to do more than to get ready +for the work, no one could imagine. He no longer tried to be silent, but +made so much bustle with his work that George said: + +"What makes you so careless, Bob? Even if they did hear you when you +fell, there is no reason why you should advertise the fact that you are +making cartridges." + +"What difference does it make what they hear now?" asked Bob, not even +looking up from his work as he spoke. "Do you fancy that Newcombe, +finding us here, does not know just as well as we do what there is +inside here? If we remain quiet, he will say to himself that we are all +ready for the shot, and only waiting for him to get out of the way +before we let it off. If we work, he will know no more, and we may as +well take things comfortable." + +"It isn't any use for us to try to do anything," said Dick, +disconsolately. "Newcombe will stay right where he is until we go out, +and the best thing we can do is give the thing up for a while." + +"Yes," interrupted Jim, "let's go home, and wait until we can give him +the slip and get out again." + +"I'll do nothing of the kind," replied Bob, doggedly. "I agreed to shoot +Hoxie's well to-night, and I'm going to do it." + +"You can't without Newcombe's seeing you, and you know that your arrest +would follow as soon after that as he could get out a warrant," said +George, thinking it was high time for him to interfere with advice. +"They have never been able to get any proof against you yet, and you +don't want to give them the chance now just through spite." + +"I'm not going to give them the chance," said Bob, calmly. "I am going +to take what I need out of this place while they are guarding it, and +without their seeing me. If any of you fellows are afraid, and want to +go home, you know how to get there; but I am going to stay, and do just +as I have said." + +Bob could have used no better argument, if he had been anxious to have +his companions remain with him, than when he proposed they should go +home if they were afraid. Much as Ralph would have liked to, he did not +think of leaving, when to do so was to be considered proof that he was +afraid, and he, as well as the others, settled themselves down to await +the result of Bob's plan, whatever it might be. + +Those on the outside, however, were not as contented in their waiting, +as they showed in a short time, when Newcombe's voice could be heard +addressing those whom he believed he had "run to earth." + +"Say, boys!" he cried, "you know very well that I shall stay here until +you come out, and the best thing you can do is to give the job up for a +while, for I promise you that you will get no chance to do the work this +time." + +It was quite evident that Mr. Newcombe had no more desire to remain +outside of the hut on guard than Ralph and George had to remain inside, +and that he was anxious to put a speedy end to what had every appearance +of being a long job. It was plain to be seen that he neither understood +nor relished this singular behavior on the part of those whom he had no +authority to arrest until they had committed some overt act, and that he +was anxious to bring the case to an issue at once. + +The others looked at Bob, expecting he would make some reply to the +proposition, but he made no sign that he had even heard what had been +said. He worked industriously at the long tin tubes, neither speaking +nor looking up. + +"You know that I have got wind of what you are going to do to-night," +continued Newcombe, from the outside, "and you know that I shall stay +right here until you leave; so what's the use of acting so childishly +about it? Come right out like men, and begin the thing over at some +other time." + +Even Ralph could understand that, in his eagerness to be away, Mr. +Newcombe was making a great mistake in thus pleading with those over +whom he could have no control until after their work was done, and +Dick's face lightened wonderfully as he began to hope the "torpedo +detective," as Newcombe was called, might tire of his watching and go +away. + +All the inmates of the hut appeared to share the same hope, and Jim at +once began to replace the broken table with some empty boxes, in order +that he might have access to the loop-hole. + +"What will be the result of all this?" Ralph asked of George, as the two +seated themselves comfortably in one corner of the room, where they +would at the same time be out of Bob's way, and see all that was going +on. + +"That I can't say. It may be forty-eight hours before Bob gives up the +scheme he has evidently formed, and in the meanwhile here we are +prisoners, for we cannot ask to leave the hut until the others do. It +promises to be a tedious thing for us; but you remember that you wished +there might be some excitement other than the mere shooting of the +well." + +"Yes," replied Ralph, with a laugh, "I remember that I was foolish +enough to make some such remark, and I am in a fair way to get all I +wanted." + +By this time Jim had built up a shaky sort of a platform, by which he +was enabled to climb to the loop-hole, and he at once gave the result +of his outlook to his companions. + +"They are unharnessing the horses," he cried, in a tone of +disappointment; for he had almost persuaded himself that they would +leave the place at once. "Newcombe's team is directly in front, and the +other two are drawn up on either side, about fifty yards from it. They +are preparing for a regular siege." + +"Which is the most fortunate thing for us that could have happened," +said Bob, contentedly. + +"Why? I don't see how we can do anything when they are all ready to +follow us the moment we show ourselves out of doors," said Dick. + +"If you can't, I can," replied Bob, working leisurely at his cartridges, +and with as much precision as if the "torpedo detectives" were miles +away. + +"Tell me what you intend to do." + +"I'll show you when everything is ready, Dick, and not before. You have +said that we couldn't do anything while they were here; therefore, +whatever my plan may be, it is better than giving the whole thing up. +Now, if your fears will permit, suppose you take hold and help me while +Jim watches our friends outside." + +It was as if Dick understood for the first time that while they were +bewailing their fate that Newcombe should have found their hiding-place, +Bob was working industriously at the task on hand, and he began to help +him at once, which employment had the effect of dispelling his fears in +a wonderful degree. + +"Three of the men are watching the house from the front, while Newcombe +and the other two are going towards the stable," said Jim; and then he +added, excitedly: "I believe that rascal Pete is talking with them, for +they are standing there now, looking up towards the roof as if they saw +or heard some one." + +Dick was disposed to leave his work at this startling announcement but +Bob's industry had a quieting effect upon him, and he continued in his +office of helper, although with evident mental anxiety. + +"Now they have called one of the other men over, and all four of them +are going through the motions of a conversation. Now Newcombe has taken +some money out of his pocket, and is holding it up in his hand." + +There was a moment of silence in the hut, during which all the boys, +even including Bob, awaited in anxiety the result of this evident bribe, +and then Jim said, excitedly: + +"Pete has shown himself, and is reaching out with the pitch-fork for the +money. He is selling us to Newcombe, who will know now exactly what we +were going to do." + + + + +CHAPTER V. + +BOB'S SCHEME. + + +From what Jim could see from the loop-hole, there was every reason for +the young moonlighters to believe that the negro Pete, whom they hired, +was betraying them to Newcombe, and each one felt more than uneasy when +Jim reported that the detective had fastened some money on one of the +prongs of the hay-fork. But they were somewhat relieved when Bob said: + +"If you weren't all a good deal frightened, you would remember that Pete +hasn't been told where we were going. He doesn't know anything more than +Newcombe himself does, and if he can make a few dollars for nothing, why +let him." + +"But what are they giving him money for?" asked Jim, who was even more +disturbed by this apparent treachery on the part of their servant than +were the others. + +"For an answer to that question, I shall be obliged to refer you to the +worthy Pete himself. At all events, the only harm he could do us would +be to let Newcombe know when we leave here--in case he don't want to +wait--and that is just what I fancy Pete himself won't know." + +As soon as the boys realized that Pete had no secrets of theirs worth +the purchasing, they grew more easy in their minds, and were inclined to +look upon this giving of money by Newcombe as a very good joke. + +Jim had nothing of interest to report for nearly ten minutes after this, +during all of which time the detective and his men had been engaged in +earnest conversation with the negro, and then he announced that they +were returning to their wagons. + +They had not unharnessed their horses, but had slipped the bridles from +them that they might make a dinner from the rich grass, and yet be ready +for a start at a moment's notice. + +After their return to the front of the house, one of the men drove away +with one of the teams, after having received some instructions from +Newcombe, and as it was nearly dark, the boys believed that the +detective had sent for food, since there was no longer any doubt about +his having regularly besieged the house. + +All this time Bob had continued his work, assisted by Dick, and it was +not until the setting sun had distorted the shadows of the trees into +dark images of giants that he announced its completion. + +"There!" he cried, triumphantly, as he laid the last tin tube by the +side of the other two, "we are all ready, and in two hours more we will +start." + +"In two hours Newcombe and his men will be there just as they are now," +said Jim, rather impatiently, for he thought Bob was assuming to be able +to do very much more than was possible. + +"I suppose they will," was the quiet reply, "and I should not be very +much surprised if we should see them there twenty-four hours later." + +"What is it you propose doing, Bob?" asked George, who, thoroughly tired +of the inactivity as was Ralph, was only anxious to know when their +irksome captivity would come to an end. + +"I'll tell you. In the first place, how far is Hoxie's well from here in +a straight line?" + +"Directly through the woods, I suppose it is not more than half a mile. +I surveyed the next tract to it, and I fancy that is about the +distance." + +"And if we should start from the back of the hut, traveling in a +straight line, we should come to it?" + +"Yes; there would be no difficulty about that." + +"Then I propose that we simply go out through the back window, unless +Newcombe has sufficient wits about him to station one of his men there. +We can, by making two trips, carry enough glycerine to shoot the well in +good style, and by midnight we should be all ready for the work." + +The plan was so simple, and with so many elements of success about it, +that Bob's audience testified to their appreciation of it by vigorous +applause, which must have mystified the worthy Mr. Newcombe +considerably. + +"In an hour from now we can begin work. Ralph, who might possibly have +some compunctions about carrying a couple of cans of glycerine through +the woods, where to strike one against a tree might result in his +immediate departure from the world, shall carry the cartridges. Then +there will be four of us, each of whom can carry eight quarts. Two trips +will give us sixty-four quarts, and that will be enough to start the oil +from Mr. Hoxie's well, if there is any there." + +Bob's plan was quite as dangerous as it was simple. To carry eight +quarts of glycerine through the woods when a mis-step might explode it, +was such a task as any one might well fear to undertake. But the desire +to leave the detective on a weary vigil while they pursued their work +unmolested was such an inducement, as caused each one, even Ralph, to be +anxious to try it. + +The night was not as favorable for the scheme as it might have been, for +the moon was nearly full, and objects could be distinguished almost as +readily as at noonday, save when under the veil cast by the shadows. + +This moonlight, Bob thought, would not interfere with their plan, since +from the back of the house to the forest was but a few yards, and unless +Newcombe should station one of his men there, the building would screen +them from view. + +In case they got safely away from the house, the light would aid them, +both in their journey through the woods and in their work after they +arrived at the well. + +For some time the boys enjoyed thoroughly the anticipation of fooling +Mr. Newcombe, and they might have continued to do so until it would have +been too late to accomplish the work, had not Bob reminded them that +they had no time to lose. + +Then they made their preparations for the journey or flight, whichever +it might be called. The long, tin cartridges were tied together +securely, with wads of paper between to prevent them from rattling; the +cans of nitro-glycerine were placed by the window, where they could be +gotten at readily, and Bob produced a three-cornered piece of iron, +about four feet long, which weighed twenty or thirty pounds. + +"It will be quite an addition to your load; but I fancy you will feel +safer carrying it than you would one of the cans," he said to Ralph. + +"What is it?" + +And the tone in which the question was asked showed that the newcomer to +the oil fields looked upon this carrying a useless piece of iron through +the woods as very unnecessary work. + +"That's the go-devil," replied Bob; and then, as he saw that Ralph did +not understand, he added: "It is to drop through the hole to explode the +cartridges after they are placed in position." + +Still Ralph could not fully understand its importance; but he stationed +himself by the window, resolved to carry the go-devil and the cartridges +any distance, rather than take the chances of being obliged to burden +himself with the dangerous oil which the others appeared to regard with +so little fear. + +Everything was in readiness for the start, and Bob clambered up to the +peep-hole that he might be sure the enemy were yet in their position, +which was so favorable to the plans of the moonlighters. + +"They are all there except the one who drove away some time ago, +and--here comes the other now. He had been for food, and they are +pitching into it as if they were hungry. Now is our time to start. They +will be at their supper for the next half hour, and by the end of that +time we shall be ready to come back for a second load." + +Bob looked once more to the fastenings of the doors and windows to be +certain that they could not be loosened by any one from the outside, and +then he cautiously unbarred the window at the back of the house. + +Knowing that the detective and all his force were in front, he spent no +time in looking around; but, leaping out, was soon busily engaged in +taking out the cans of glycerine which Jim and Dick handed him. + +Less than ten minutes sufficed for this work, and then each member of +the party was out of doors, Ralph with the cartridges over his shoulder +and the go-devil under his arm, while the others carried a can of the +dangerous liquid in each hand. + +It had been decided that George, being accustomed to traveling through +the woods in straight lines by his work as engineer, should lead the +party, as the one most likely to keep a direct course, and Ralph had +decided that he would remain as far in the rear as possible; for, when +he saw the boys swinging the terrible explosive around so carelessly, he +felt that the further away one could get from that party the safer they +were. + +George was not as much at his ease as he might have been, for he had not +grown familiar with the explosive, as the others had, and he uttered +many a word of caution when they came to those portions of the woods +where the trees stood more thickly together. + +Their progress was necessarily slow, owing to the care they were obliged +to use in walking; but before Mr. Newcombe and his friends had finished +their supper, the moonlighters were at Mr. Hoxie's well, where they +found their arrival had long been expected. + +Mr. Hoxie could understand, from the manner in which the moonlighters +had come, that they had run some risk of detection in getting there, and +when he learned that they were obliged to make a second trip for more +glycerine, he offered either to accompany them or send some of his men +with them, as they should prefer. + +Bob refused all these offers of assistance, however, for he believed +that it was owing to Mr. Hoxie's incautious remarks that the detectives +had paid them a visit, and he did not propose to run any more risks than +were absolutely necessary. + +Since four of them could carry all the glycerine needed to make up the +charge, and since Ralph had such a wholesome fear of the dangerous +compound, Bob insisted that Ralph remain at the well, while the others +paid a second visit to the hut in the forest, a proposition which Ralph +eagerly accepted, for carrying nitro-glycerine through the woods in the +night was a task he was not at all anxious to perform. + +The return through the woods was made in a very short time, the boys +walking on at full speed until they were near the hut, when the utmost +caution was used. By making quite a detour through the woods, Bob was +able to get a full view of the watchful detectives, all of whom were +seated on the grass in front of the hut, gazing at it so intently that +there was no question that any suspicion had been aroused in their +minds. + +Before they had left the hut Bob had placed the glycerine near the +window, so that it could be reached from the outside, and, after it was +learned that the enemy were still in blissful ignorance, but little time +was lost in getting ready to return to Mr. Hoxie's well. + +Perhaps the boys were no more careless in carrying the glycerine this +second time than they were the first, but they certainly walked faster, +and when they arrived at their destination, they had been away such a +short time that Ralph could hardly believe they had been to the hut in +the woods and back. + +Everything was now in readiness for the important work, and the question +that troubled the young moonlighters was whether the worthy Mr. Newcombe +and his assistants would remain looking at the empty hut until the +charge was exploded. + + + + +CHAPTER VI + +TORPEDOING AN OIL-WELL. + + +It is safe to say that Ralph, who was interested in the shooting of the +well only as a spectator, was the most nervous one of all that party who +were about to show Mr. Hoxie whether he had "struck oil" or not. + +Bob set about the work with the air of one perfectly familiar with what +he was doing, and the others aided him whenever it was possible, George +alone remaining inactive, since he considered himself entitled to a seat +with the spectator. + +The well had, of course, been bored down as far as the bed-rock, leaving +an opening from eight to ten inches in diameter and quite twelve hundred +feet deep, which was nearly filled with the water that had flowed in and +the oil that had been poured in to give some slight resistance at the +top of the cartridge. + +Over this, grim and weird-looking in the moonlight, rose the framework +of the derrick, formed of heavy timbers, and apparently solid enough to +resist any pressure that might be brought to bear upon it. Near by were +scattered pieces of machinery, tools and such debris as would naturally +accumulate around a place of the kind. + +A large reel, wound with heavy cord, capable of sustaining a hundred +pounds' weight, and with a shallow hook, which would easily become +detached when the pressure was removed, was fastened at one of the +uprights of the derrick, while directly over the well was a block for +the cord to pass through. This was to be used to lower the cartridges +into the well. + +After this portion of the work had been completed--and all three of the +moonlighters moved as rapidly as possible, lest Mr. Newcombe should put +in an appearance--the task of filling the shells was begun. The tops of +the long tin tubes were removed, and into these rather frail shells the +glycerine was poured, Bob handling it as if it was no more dangerous +than the petroleum they hoped to find. + +As fast as each tube or cartridge was filled it was lowered into the +well by the stout wire bail that was fastened to the top, and just under +the cover was the hammer which would explode the percussion cap when +struck. These cartridges were pointed at the head, and since the point +of the second would rest on the top of the first, and the third on the +second, the blow which exploded the first would naturally be +communicated to the other two. + +It was in lowering these cartridges into the well that Bob showed his +first signs of caution in handling the explosive liquid, for the least +jar or concussion, as the tin tubes were being let down into the well, +would have resulted in a premature explosion, which might have had the +most deplorable results. + +Ralph, seeing that at this point even Bob was willing to admit that +there might be some danger in the work he was doing, proposed to George +that they move a short distance further away, lest there should be an +accident, and the reply he received was not well calculated to soothe +his nervousness. + +"If one of those tubes should explode on the surface here, we should +stand as good a chance of being killed a quarter of a mile away, as +here. So we might just as well stay where we are." + +And Ralph remained, although he was far from feeling as comfortable as +he would have felt at a more respectful distance. + +"All ready, now," said Bob, as the last cartridge was lowered into +position, and the reel removed from the derrick. "Now in order to honor +Harnett's guest, I am going to allow him the distinction of exploding +the charge." + +For a moment Ralph thought of what an experience it would be, to explode +sixty-four quarts of nitro-glycerine, and what an adventure would be his +to relate when he returned to college; therefore he marched boldly up to +the well, at the bottom of which was such a dangerous agent ready to do +its work. But when he saw the others seeking places of safety from the +gases, and possibly fragments that would follow the explosion, and when +he stood upon the platform of the derrick which afforded so insecure a +foot-hold, because of the oil upon it, his courage failed him. + +"It may be a big thing," he said to Bob, "to drop this piece of iron +through the hole, and be the remote cause of such a powerful effect. But +if, when I attempt to get out of the way, my foot should slip, I should +hardly be in a condition to care for glory. I am greatly obliged to you +for the proposed honor; but think I had better decline it." + +"Just as you please, my dear boy," replied Bob, carelessly. "Just find a +good place where you can see her when she shoots, and I'll drop the +go-devil." + +Ralph lost no time in obeying the young moonlighter's instructions, +seeking a refuge near the corner of a small tool-house to the windward +of the well, and about a hundred yards from it. + +"Look out for your mouth and nose just after the explosion," cautioned +George, "for the gases which will come first to the surface are very +poisonous." + +"All ready!" shouted Bob, as he looked around to see that every one was +in a safe position, and then approached the well with the go-devil in +his hands. + +There was an instant's pause as the boy stood with the heavy iron poised +over the aperture, and then dropping it, he sought shelter by the side +of Ralph and George. + +Perfect silence reigned for what seemed a long time while the go-devil +was falling through twelve hundred feet of oil and water; but the time +was hardly more than a minute, and then Ralph, who had expected to hear +a deafening noise, simply heard a crackling sound, much as if two small +fire-crackers had been exploded. It had not occurred to him that but +little could be heard from such a distance beneath the surface. + +"Look out for the gases!" cried George. + +And as Ralph covered his nose and mouth with his handkerchief, he could +see a black vapor, almost like smoke, arising from the mouth of the +well. + +"There is no oil there," he said to himself, as second after second went +by and there was no appearance of anything save the gases of combustion. +He was almost as disappointed as Mr. Hoxie would have been at finding a +"dry well;" for after all his tedious waiting he hoped to have been +rewarded by seeing the "shoot" of the oil. + +He was rather surprised that Bob's face showed no signs of +disappointment, for he surely must have wanted to see oil after his +dangerous work. But Bob simply looked expectant, with his gaze fixed on +the mouth of the well, and Ralph turned again just in time to see a most +wonderful sight. + +From out of the mouth of the well arose what appeared to be a solid +column of greenish yellow, rising slowly in the air like one of the +pillars of Aladdin's palace as it was formed by the genii. The top was +rounded, and the sides of this marvelous column, held together only by +some mighty force, shone in the moonlight like a polished surface of +marble, while all the time it arose inch by inch without fret or check, +until the top wavered in the night wind. Then one or two drops could be +seen rolling off from the summit, and in an instant the entire +appearance changed. + +With a mighty bound the oil leaped into the air, tearing asunder the +summit of the derrick as if it had been of veriest gossamer, dashing the +heavy timbers aside like feathers, and spouting in the pale light drops +as of molten gold. + +For a radius of twenty feet around the well the air seemed filled with +this liquid gold that was coming from the very bowels of the earth. + +The oil poured out in torrents with a sharp, hissing noise that told how +great was the volume of gas imprisoned beneath the rock, which was +sending this oily deluge out, and the question of the value of the well +was decided. + +"It's good for two hundred barrels a day!" cried Bob. + +And Mr. Hoxie, who would reap this rich harvest, insisted that it would +produce very much more than that. + +The damage done to the derrick was not heeded by the owner since the +destructive agent was worth just so much money per barrel to him. + +After spouting to a height of fully two hundred feet, for nearly ten +minutes, the volume of oil, or, rather, of the gas that was forcing it +to the surface, appeared to be exhausted, and lower and lower sank the +torrent, spreading out in a fan-shape as it lessened, until finally it +ceased entirely. + +"What is the matter?" asked Ralph, who fancied that oil-wells flowed +incessantly. "Your two-hundred-barrel well will hardly produce as much +as you thought." + +"Indeed it will," replied Bob. "You don't think wells go on flowing like +that all the time, do you? They have breathing spells, like men. They +spout anywhere from five to fifteen minutes, and then remain quiet +about the same time, or longer. You see the gas in the reservoir of oil +forces it to the surface; the escape of the oil lessens the pressure +under the rock, and it remains inactive until sufficient gas has +gathered again to force more up. This well is as good a one as I have +ever shot." + +Then Bob and his partners began to make their preparations for +departure, since, for them to be found with their tools near a +newly-opened well, would have been almost as dangerous as to have been +caught in the very act of "shooting it." + +Ralph would have been only too well pleased if he could have waited long +enough to see the second spout, but being a guest of the moonlighters, +he could not offer any objection to their movements, and he also made +ready for the journey back to the hut. + +Bob had settled his business with Mr. Hoxie, which was simply to get the +agreed amount for the work performed, and was just getting the reel into +shape to carry, when the clatter of hoofs was heard far down the road. + +"The detectives!" shouted Mr. Hoxie, as he started toward the +tool-house, where, in a very few seconds, he would be counterfeiting the +most profound slumber. + +"The detectives!" shouted the workmen, as they sought convenient places +for hiding; and the moonlighters were left to dispose of themselves as +best they could. + +"Come this way!" cried Bob, as he caught up the reel, which might be +recognized as his, regardless of how he carried it, and dashed off into +the woods at full speed, followed by his partners and guests. + +It was a flight which would be presumptive guilt, if they were +overtaken, but, under the circumstances, it was the only course the +moonlighters could pursue. + + + + +CHAPTER VII. + +MR. NEWCOMBE'S CERTAINTY. + + +Varied and many were Ralph's thoughts, as he followed his friends at +full speed through the woods, and none of them were complimentary to the +business of the moonlighters. He had hoped there would be some +excitement attending the shooting of the well, other than that incident +to the regular work, and he had every reason to be satisfied; but he had +seen a trifle more than was necessary to his comfort or happiness, and +this race through the woods was quite sufficient to take the last bit of +romance from the business. The work had been done; but if those who had +been heard on the road were the officers, the chances were that they +might succeed in finding sufficient proof as to who had done the job. + +Ralph understood fully that by aiding the moonlighters, even in the +slight way he had, he was, for the time being, one of them, and this +thought was far from reassuring. Without any reason, other than to see +the sport, he had, perhaps, infringed the rights of those who were using +every effort to protect them, and what the result might be perplexed him +in no slight degree. + +But one thing was certain, and that was, now that he had become involved +with his new acquaintances to a certain extent, it was necessary for him +to continue with them until he could leave without either compromising +himself or injuring them. + +Of course, every one believed that the noise made on the road +immediately after the well was shot was occasioned by Newcombe's men, +who, having discovered that the hut was empty, had started at once for +the probable scene of operations. + +Under this belief, Bob dashed on toward the hut at full speed, never +thinking of making any investigations to learn whether they were correct +in their surmises, until, when they were but a short distance from the +clearing in the woods, George called out: + +"Before we show ourselves, it would be well to find out whether Newcombe +has really left." + +"That would be only a waste of time," objected Jim, "for, of course, it +was he whom we heard." + +"I believe it was," replied George; "but, at the same time, it is well +to be sure. It will only take a few moments longer, and, since Ralph and +I have got mixed up in this thing, I insist that you find out whether +any one is there before you attempt to go into the hut." + +Bob thought, as did both Dick and Jim, that Harnett was foolishly +particular; but, since the young engineer was so decided about the +matter, he thought it best to do as he was requested. + +When, therefore, they arrived at the edge of the clearing, the party +waited within the shadow of the trees, while Bob stole cautiously +around as before, with no idea that he should see any one in front of +the hut. + +While he was absent, Dick and Jim were disposed to make sport of what +they termed George's caution, and this merriment caused so much noise +that Harnett found it necessary to remind them very sharply that both he +and Ralph, without any interest, other than curiosity in the matter, and +after they had been of no slight service, might be obliged to pay +dearly for the part they had taken; in consideration of which, the least +that could be done would be to follow out this very reasonable request. + +After this, the boys quieted down considerably, and when Bob returned, +they were thankful that they had done so. + +Bob startled them all, even George and Ralph, by the information that +Newcombe and his men were still on guard in front of the hut, and that, +to all appearances, they had not left the stations they were occupying +when the party started out to shoot Mr. Hoxie's well. + +If this was the case, who, then, was the party that had disturbed them +at the completion of their work? This was the question that agitated +them decidedly, and they were beginning a very animated discussion on +the subject, when George said: + +"It can make no particular difference just at this moment who they were. +Some one was coming, probably other torpedo detectives, and we ran away. +Newcombe and his men are still here on guard. Now the most important +thing for us to do is to get into the hut as quickly and silently as +possible, and if those others were detectives, perhaps our friend, Mr. +Newcombe, will be able to swear that we have not been outside during the +night." + +There could be no answer to such an argument as this, save in action, +and each one started for the hut, Dick and Jim feeling decidedly ashamed +of the sport they had made of George's excess of caution. + +To enter the building silently was as easy as to leave it, and in five +minutes more the party were inside, with the shutters of the back window +carefully barred. + +Then they gave way without restraint to their mirth at having +accomplished their work, while Newcombe watched their hut for them, and +they might have continued at this amusing occupation during the +remainder of the night, if sounds from the outside had not told them +that other visitors were arriving. + +"Now we shall find out who it was that disturbed us," said Bob, +gleefully, as he clambered upon the improvised platform, that he might +see what was going on outside from the peep-hole. + +The boys, believing as Bob did, that these newcomers were the same ones +whose arrival at Mr. Hoxie's lately-opened well was the cause of their +hasty flight, awaited expectantly the result of Bob's survey. + +"Three men are riding up," said Bob, "and now they are stopping their +horses as Newcombe goes toward them. They all appear to be talking +excitedly, and every few seconds Newcombe points this way. Now they are +coming right toward the door." + +There was no longer any need for Bob to describe the proceedings, for +the noise made by the carriage could be plainly heard by all as it came +toward the house, and in a very few moments even the conversation of the +men could be distinguished. + +"The well had just been shot as we got there," one of the newcomers +could be heard to say, "and you know that Bob Hubbard was to do the +work. You have allowed the boy to fool you, Newcombe, and while you have +been here, he has been working at Hoxie's." + +"But I tell you that I heard him in here early in the afternoon, and the +darkey told me his team was in the stable. Now, how could he have gotten +the glycerine or cartridges out of here while six of us have been on +duty all the time?" + +And from the tone of Newcombe's voice it was easy to understand that he +was very angry with these colleagues of his for doubting his ability to +watch three boys. + +"Are you certain it was Bob whom you heard?" asked the first speaker. +"He may have left some one here, and been at Hoxie's before you +arrived." + +"I am certain there was some one here," said Newcombe, speaking less +decidedly than before, "and I would be willing to bet everything I own +that it was Bob Hubbard." + +"Betting is a very bad way to settle disputes, Mr. Newcombe," said Bob, +laughingly, shouting so that every one outside could hear his voice, +"and I would advise you to give it up in the future; but in this +particular case you would win the money." + +"There! What did I tell you?" cried the detective to his visitors; and +it is very probable that just at that moment he looked upon Bob as a +true friend. + +"Yes, Bob is there," said the man, reluctantly; "but Jim and Dick were +at the well." + +"Here's Dick!" shouted that young gentleman; "and when you two want to +hold an animated conversation about either one of us, try not to start +it at night, nor so near the door of a sleeping-room as to disturb those +who may need a little rest." + +"And here is Jim!" shouted that young moonlighter. "So now that you know +we are here, where Brother Newcombe has been watching for the last dozen +hours, suppose the whole posse of you drive back to Bradford, where you +belong." + +For a moment there was a profound silence outside, as if this last +astute detective was too much surprised to be able to speak, and then +Mr. Newcombe burst into an uncontrollable fit of triumphant laughter. He +knew that it was impossible for any number of boys to fool him, and very +likely he almost pitied his brother-detective for being so simple. + +From the sounds, the boys judged that the men were moving away from the +hut, and Bob once more had access to the peep-hole as a point of +observation. + +"They are harnessing their horses now," he said, after he had looked out +a few moments, "and I guess Newcombe has convinced his friend that we +must have been innocent of the shooting of Hoxie's well." + +"The question among them now will be as to who the other moonlighters +are," laughed Dick. + +And all of them found no little cause for merriment in the idea of +Newcombe and his friends pursuing these imaginary moonlighters. + +"They have started for the stable again," continued Bob. "I suppose they +want to make sure that there is no chance for us to get the horses out +by any way other than the front door. What muffs they are not to think +how easy it would be for us to do just as we did! They have walked +entirely around the stable, and are now coming back again." + +It was evident that Mr. Newcombe's friend needed some further proof to +assure himself that it was not the boys whom he had disturbed, for +Newcombe said, as he came near the hut: + +"Bob, I don't suppose you have any especial love for any of us, but you +know that what we are doing is all fair in the way of business, and +nothing as especially against you. Now, just as a favor to me, I want +you to tell us what we have done since we came here." + +It was apparent to Bob, as it was to all in the hut, that the question +was asked simply to convince the newcomers that the boys could not have +left the hut during the night, and Bob, after having descended from his +perch, in order that his voice might not betray the fact that he had +been on the lookout, answered, readily: + +"I didn't know that you had been doing much of anything. You paid Pete +for some information which could hardly have been worth the money, and +passed it up to him on the hay-fork, for he wouldn't open the door to +you. Then you sent one of your party somewhere for food, and since you +had your supper, you have amused us by sitting in front of the hut. Is +that enough?" + +"Plenty, and thank you!" was the reply, made in such a cheery tone that +there was no question but that it had been sufficiently convincing. + +Then Bob scrambled upon his rather shaky perch once more, in order to +give full information to his companions of the movements of those +outside. + +He reported from time to time as to what they were doing in the way +getting their teams ready, looking around the premises, but without +taking more than a casual glance at the rear of the house, however, and +then he said: + +"Now they are getting into their wagons. Now they are driving out on the +road, and now," he added, as he leaped down with a loud shout, "they +have disappeared to find the parties who shot the Hoxie well, perfectly +content that we could have had no hand in the business, since it is a +certainty in Newcombe's mind that we have not left the hut since he +drove up here. Hurrah for Bob Hubbard's scheme, and Newcombe's belief in +his own ability as a detective!" + + + + +CHAPTER VIII. + +NEW QUARTERS. + + +Until nearly daylight the boys remained awake, laughing over Newcombe's +credulity, or congratulating each other on the success of that night's +work, and then Bob, who for half an hour had been studying some plan, +said: + +"It isn't best for us to spend all our time laughing at Newcombe, or we +may find out that he's smarter than we give him credit of being. If we +expect to shoot any more wells in this vicinity, we must change our +quarters, for we can safely count on this being watched." + +"What if it is?" cried Dick, their success having made him very bold. +"Wasn't it watched to-night, and didn't we shoot the Hoxie well in spite +of them all?" + +"Yes, we fooled Newcombe well; but we might find it difficult to do so +the second time. Then again, all our work would not be as convenient to +the hut as this was, and if it had been necessary for us to get our +horses out, you must admit that Newcombe had us very foul." + +And Bob, while he felt thoroughly elated by their victory, did not want +that his partners should come to believe that all difficulties could be +surmounted as readily. + +"But what do you mean about changing our quarters?" asked Jim, who +looked upon their hut as something particularly convenient and well +located. + +"I mean that we have got to build another shanty somewhere, if we can't +find one ready-made." + +"Nonsense! there's no more use of our leaving this place than there is +of our trying to fly!" said Dick. "I ain't afraid that Newcombe will +come here again very soon." + +"But I _know_ he will," persisted Bob. "Just as soon as he suspects that +we are about to do any work, he will have so many men around here that +we can't show our noses out of doors without being seen. You think I'm +right, don't you, Harnett?" + +"Well, now, see here," replied George, with a laugh, "I think Ralph and +I have had all the moonlighting that is good for us, without going still +further by aiding and abetting you with advice." + +"But you can tell us what you think," persisted Bob. + +"Well, I suppose I may venture that far, after having participated in +the shooting of the Hoxie well. I don't think that this place is safe +for you any longer, and if I was a member of this firm, I should move +everything from here as soon as possible." + +It was plain to be seen that Dick and Jim had great faith in Harnett's +advice on any subject, for as soon as he had spoken all argument was at +an end, and, after a brief pause, Dick asked: + +"But where could we go?" + +"I think I know of a place as good as this, about five miles up the +valley, where by working a couple of days we could fix things up as well +as we have them here." + +"Then let's see to it at once," said Jim, who thought, if they were +obliged to move, the sooner the disagreeable job was over the better. + +"I'm ready to start now, if George and Gurney will help us," replied +Bob, quietly. + +"If we will help you!" echoed George. "You believe in using your friends +for your benefit, don't you?" + +"Well, in this case, it seems as if you might be of great assistance to +us, and yet not do very much violence to your own feelings. You know as +well as I do that the chances are Newcombe or his men are or will be +scouring the country to-day for those who shot Hoxie's well. Now, if +Dick, Jim and I start out alone, and they see us driving about the +country where we presumably have no business, they will follow us, and +good-by to our chances of getting settled very soon. But if you and +Gurney will take your fishing-tackle, Pete and I will go with you in our +double wagon, and while he and I are attending to work, I will show you +as good trout fishing as you ever saw." + +It was a skillfully-prepared bait, as he intended it should be, for he +knew that the two friends were fond of fishing, and they knew that he +was an authority on the subject of trout streams. + +At first George attempted to excuse himself on the score of having +business to attend to, but it was easy to see that he wanted to go, and +equally plain that Ralph had forgotten all the unpleasant experiences of +the night, in his desire for sport. + +"You see, you won't be doing anything in the way of moonlighting," said +Bob, persuasively, "for you will honestly be going out fishing. You need +know nothing whatever about what Pete and I are doing, and since we have +a supply of food sufficient to last at least two days longer, you will +have no better chance than this." + +Whether George really had any work to which he should have attended or +not, he evidently put all consideration of everything save sport aside, +for he asked: + +"Well, what do you think of it, Ralph?" + +"I think it is just as Bob says. We shan't be doing anything but that +which we have a perfect right to do, and if you can remain away from +your business so long, I say let's go." + +Bob waited only long enough to hear this decision, and then he went at +once to the stable, where he ordered Pete to harness his horses into the +double wagon, in which they carried their materials when out on +professional business. + +The old negro did not hesitate to tell his employer all that Newcombe +had said to him. The detective had offered him ten dollars if he would +answer certain questions, and, understanding that he did not know +anything which could compromise those who hired him, had not thought it +a breach of confidence to take the money. + +Newcombe had asked who were in the hut, and Pete had told him, for he +knew the detective was quite as well informed as he was; but when +Newcombe questioned him as to what the boys were about to do, where or +when they were going, he was truly unable to give the desired +information. + +This was all the detective had received for his expenditure of ten +dollars, and the old darkey chuckled greatly over the ease with which he +had earned the money. + +When the team was ready, Dick and Jim started out for the purpose of +having their horses harnessed, since they had no idea but that they were +to accompany the expedition, but such was not a portion of Bob's plan. + +"You must stay here and get the traps ready to be moved," he said, "for +if we should all go, it would be quite as bad, if we were seen, as if we +hadn't George and Ralph with us. Besides, your horses must be fresh for +to-night, for we will hitch them into the torpedo wagon, and it is +necessary that they should be able to get away from anything on the +road, in case Newcombe should take it into his head to chase us." + +Both the boys knew Bob was right, and, much as they disliked remaining +at the hut while the others were enjoying themselves fishing, they +quietly submitted to what could not be avoided. + +Pete put a few tools into the wagon, Bob added enough in the way of +eatables to last the party twenty-four hours, and, just as the sun was +rising, the real and pretended fishermen started. + +The road led directly back through Sawyer, and on the opposite side of +the creek, a fact which showed how necessary it was for Bob to have some +one with him who would give to the journey the semblance of sport, +rather than business. + +The horses were driven at a brisk trot, despite the roughness of the +roads, and in less than an hour from the time of leaving the hut Bob +turned his horse into what apparently was the thick woods, but in which +a road, that was hardly more than a path, could just be discerned after +the thicket by the side of the highway had been passed through. + +Over logs, stumps and brushwood Bob drove, with a calm disregard to the +difficulties of the way, or to the comfort of himself and his +companions, until a small hut, or, rather, shanty, was reached, when he +announced that they were at the end of their journey. + +"Well," said George, as he alighted from the wagon, "so far as being +hidden from view goes, this is a good place; but I fancy it will be +quite a different matter when you try to bring a load of glycerine here. +It would be a job that I should hesitate to undertake." + +"We can make the road all right with a few hours' work, and then we will +put up some kind of a shelter for a stable. But just now fishing, not a +roadway for torpedo wagons, is your aim, and, if you and Ralph will +follow right up on this path, you will come to a stream, from which you +can catch as many trout as you want." + +Taking a generous lunch with them, and wishing Bob success in his work, +George and Ralph set out for a day's fishing, believing that their +connection with the moonlighters was very nearly at an end. + +After leaving Bob, neither of the boys had very much to say about their +adventure of the previous night, for it had terminated so happily that +it no longer worried them, and the thought of the enjoyment they were to +have drove everything else from their minds. + +The stream was as promising a one as the most ardent disciple of Walton +could have desired, and but little time was spent, after they arrived at +its banks, before they had made their first cast. + +The fish were as plenty as Bob had promised, and, when the time came for +their noon-day lunch, they had nearly full baskets of speckled beauties, +that would weigh from a quarter to three-quarters of a pound each. + +During the forenoon they had fished up stream, and, when their lunch was +finished, they started down with the idea that they would reach the path +they had started from just about the time Bob would be ready to return +to the other hut. + +On the way down, there was no necessity that they should fish in +company; therefore, each went along as he chose, with the understanding +that the one who reached the path first should wait for the other. + +Ralph walked on ahead of George, dropping his line at every +promising-looking place in the stream, but meeting with very poor luck, +as compared with the forenoon's work. He only succeeded in catching +four while returning, when he had captured fully thirty on the way up, +and, owing to the absence of fish, or their disinclination to bite at +his hook, he arrived at the point from which he had started, fully two +hours before he had expected to be there. + +But early as he was, he found Bob impatiently awaiting his arrival, and +the moonlighter's first inquiry was for the absent engineer. + +"We agreed to fish leisurely down stream, expecting to be here about +sunset," replied Ralph. "I fancy he is meeting with better luck than I +did, and that it will be some time before he gets here." + +"Well, we can't wait for him," said Bob, quickly. "We have got +everything so that we can move in to-night, and I want to be off. It +won't do for me to show myself without at least one of you, so we will +send Pete back here to wait for George, and you and I will go on." + +"But how shall I meet him?" asked Ralph, not by any means pleased at +this idea of leaving his friend. + +"That's easy enough to manage. Go back with me, get Harnett's team, come +back here behind us, get him and drive home to Kenniston's. You will be +there by ten o'clock, and we shall see you at breakfast time." + +"But I don't like to leave George, for I promised him I would wait for +him here." + +"Ah, that will be all right, for Pete will explain matters to him." + +And, as he spoke, Bob dragged Ralph along, regardless alike of his +remonstrances or his struggles. + +On arriving at the shanty the old negro was given his instructions, and +without further delay the two started, Ralph feeling decidedly +uncomfortable, for it seemed to him that, in some way, he had no idea +how, he was being forced to take part in another of Bob's schemes. + + + + +CHAPTER IX. + +THE NIGHT DRIVE OF THE TORPEDO WAGON. + + +Bob was in such good spirits as he drove along toward the hut he was +about to abandon, that if Ralph had been in the least degree suspicious, +he would have believed that it was a portion of the young moonlighter's +plan to separate him from his friend. Although, if such an idea had +presented itself to Ralph, he would have been at a loss to understand +how such a separation could have affected Bob's interest. + +Had the young student been more acquainted with the work of the +moonlighters, however, he would have understood that another wagon +behind the one containing the tools and materials for well-shooting +would aid very decidedly in allowing the first team to escape, in case +it was pursued. + +Then again, Ralph did not know that it was against the laws of any town +to convey nitro-glycerine through its streets, and that, in thus moving +his quarters, Bob not only ran the chance of being pursued by the +torpedo detectives, but also by the authorities of the town through +which he must pass in order to get to his new camp. + +Had George been with Ralph, the two would simply have driven back to +the hut in the woods, and from there to Farmer Kenniston's home. But, in +his absence, it would be necessary for Ralph to follow Bob back in +Harnett's team for the purpose of taking his friend home. + +However earnestly the young student had resolved not to have anything +more to do with the moonlighters, either actively or as a spectator, he +was, by chance and Bob's scheming, aiding them in a more active and more +dangerous way than ever before. + +"We shall come right back," said Bob, in a reassuring tone, as he saw +how ill at ease Ralph felt, "and George won't have any longer time to +wait than will be pleasant, because of his weariness." + +"Still I had much rather waited for him," replied Ralph. + +And then, when it was too late, he began to blame himself for not having +insisted on staying behind as George proposed. + +"It is much better this way, because it will be a saving of time for +him," replied Bob. + +And then he began to tell stories and make himself generally agreeable, +in order to allay any suspicions that might arise in his companion's +mind. + +In this, Bob was so far successful that when they arrived at the hut +where Jim and Dick were waiting, Ralph had nearly forgotten his vexation +at having left George, and believed that no better fellow or more +agreeable companion than Bob Hubbard could be found in all the oil +region. + +Dick and Jim had not been idle while the others had been away, and +everything in the hut was made ready for immediate removal. + +Bob told them briefly of the hiding-place he had found, and then the +work of loading the wagons was begun, Ralph noting with a slight feeling +of resentment, that George's team was to be loaded as well as the +others. + +The torpedo wagon was already laden with its dangerous load, and Bob +showed it to him as a new feature of the oil business which he had not +seen in operation the night previous because of Newcombe's vigilance. + +To all outward appearance it was a long-bodied box buggy, with a much +deeper seat than is usually seen, and with a double set of +finely-tempered springs to prevent, as much as possible, any jolting of +the load. When the seat was turned over, working on hinges placed in +front, the peculiar formation of the vehicle was seen. That portion of +the carriage usually covered by the seat, was divided into sixteen +compartments, each padded over springs, and formed with as much care as +a jewel casket. In each of these compartments was a can of +nitro-glycerine, protected from any undue-concussion or jolting by the +springs within as well as without. + +At each end, on the left side of the wagon, rose a slender iron rod, +fashioned at the top like the letter U, which was used as a +resting-place for the tin cartridges, and rising high enough to be out +of the way of the driver. + +"There are one hundred and twenty-eight quarts of glycerine in that +little cart," said Bob, as he gazed at it admiringly, "and if any one +chooses to chase us through Sawyer, they'll take precious good care that +they don't get very near. You see, the officers must keep up a show of +activity in trying to prevent us from driving through the town; but they +are careful not to run us down too sharply." + +Ralph had not the slightest idea of what Bob meant when he spoke of +officers in the town chasing them, and would have asked for an +explanation then had not the moonlighter hurried away to get the other +teams ready. + +It was then dark, and the boys were anxious to make the journey as +quickly as possible, for it was a task about which even they did not +feel wholly at ease. + +In the carriage Bob and Ralph had just come in, were packed the tools, +provisions, sheet-tin, and such material as made a heavy load, while in +George's buggy, was the bedding and other light articles, which made up +a bulky load, but one in which there was but little weight. + +After the three teams had been loaded, the house locked and barred as +carefully as if the inmates were yet within, and the stable door secured +by Jim, who barred it from the interior and then clambered out of the +window in the loft, Bob called his two partners one side for a private +consultation. + +Without knowing why, Ralph felt decidedly uncomfortable at this secrecy. +It was true that he had no desire to be told all the details of this +somewhat questionable business, but it seemed to him as if he was in +some way the subject of their conversation--as if he had been and was +again to be duped, and Bob was explaining the scheme to his partners. + +It was some time before the private portion of their consultation was +over, and then Bob said, sufficiently loud for Ralph to hear, much as if +that had been all they were talking of: + +"Now remember. We are to keep close together until we get through +Sawyer. Then, if we are followed, you are to give me a chance to get +ahead, and you will keep straight on until you tire them out, if you +drive all night. Ralph," he added, "Jim knows the road and you don't, so +I am going to let him drive for you." + +Then Bob got into the torpedo-wagon, Dick mounted the one that had come +from the new camp, Jim and Ralph clambered into George's team, and in +that order they started toward the highway, Bob driving leisurely, as if +to keep his horses fresh, in case they were called upon for any unusual +exertion. + +The orders Bob had given aroused in Ralph's mind, now that it was too +late to make any objection, the suspicions that his pleasing manner had +lulled. He began to see why it was he had been hurried away before +George came. + +The torpedo-wagon was the one that the authorities would attempt to +capture, if they saw it, and George's team, being in the rear, would be +the one that would most likely stand the brunt of the pursuit, in case +one was made. The other two teams being ahead, could turn from the road +into the woods, at a favorable opportunity, while George's horses would +lure the officers away from the tell-tale loads. + +Ralph knew perfectly well that had Harnett come from the stream at the +same time he did, his team would not have been used as a "cover," for he +had no desire to implicate himself with the moonlighters, even if they +were his friends, and would possibly have refused to act, or allow his +team to act, any such part. + +But while all these ideas passed through Ralph's mind, he was not +certain he was correct in his suppositions, and it was, so he thought, +not advisable for him to say anything until the time came when Bob's +plans were made apparent. Besides, he hoped that the officers would not +see them, that there would be no necessity for flight, and that George's +horses would be restored to their owner, fresh and in good condition. + +During the first two miles of their journey, there was nothing to which +the most careful person could have taken objection, unless, indeed, it +was the fact of riding behind a carriage loaded with nitro-glycerine, +which was by no means a pleasant thing to do, and then the little town +of Sawyer was reached. + +Up to this time the horses had trotted slowly; but on entering the town, +Bob set the example of driving faster, and all three teams were urged +along at full speed. + +It surely seemed as if the moving of the moonlighters' property was to +be accomplished without difficulty, for the outskirts of Sawyer had +nearly been passed before any sign was made that they had been +observed, and then the clattering of horses' hoofs was heard, at the +same time that a voice cried: + +"Halt!" + +The time had come when Ralph was to learn whether Bob was making a +cat's-paw of him or not, and the suspicions he had had fast became +certainties. + +No reply was made by the moonlighters; but the horses were urged to +still greater speed, and the race had begun. + +"Don't drive so fast!" said Ralph, believing the time had come for him +to act in George's behalf. + +"Why not?" asked Jim, coolly. "They'll overhaul us if we don't put on +all steam." + +"And what if they do? This is Harnett's team, and there is no reason why +we should run away." + +"What about all these things that are in here?" + +"There is nothing here but what we have a perfect right to carry, and I +know that George will be angry by running away from the officers with +his team, which is probably well known. We seem to be doing something +which we have no right to do," said Ralph, sternly, at the same time +that he endeavored to get possession of the reins. + +"Look out! Don't make a fool of yourself!" cried Jim, sharply. + +And he urged the horses on until he had worked them up into such a state +that it required all his strength to hold them. + +To have attempted to seize the reins then would simply have been to +capsize the buggy, for the road was so rough that the least deviation +from the beaten track, at the pace the horses were then going, would +have been fatal, and Ralph was obliged to acquiesce in the flight by +remaining perfectly quiet. + +On the horses dashed as if bent on the destruction of the carriage. +Behind could be heard the clatter of hoofs, as the pursuers did their +best to overtake the violators of the law, and in the advance was the +carriage, with its deadly load, that the least concussion would liberate +in all its dreadful power. + + + + +CHAPTER X. + +THE RETURN. + + +In the excitement of the flight, and the sorrow caused by the thought of +the injury which was being done his friend, in which he was forced, +unwillingly, to take part, Ralph almost entirely forgot the dangerous +load in advance, until an exclamation of triumph from Jim caused him to +look ahead, when he discovered that Bob was no longer in sight. + +Ralph was almost certain that they had just passed the road that led to +the new camp, and equally positive that Bob had driven in at that point, +but there was nothing to show that the torpedo-wagon had been driven in +there, and Jim was too much occupied with his efforts to keep in advance +of his pursuers to answer a question, or even to speak. + +George's horses, of whom he was so fond that he would never allow them +to be forced to full speed, were urged by both whip and word until they +could no longer trot, but were running madly on, while the light +carriage swayed from one side of the road to the other, until it seemed +certain it would be overturned. + +Ralph was powerless to prevent such use of his friend's property, but +he entered his protest against it by saying: + +"This matter of using George's team to permit your own to escape is +something on which I have not been consulted, nor have I been permitted +to say anything about it. I think I understand why Hubbard got me away +from the stream before George came down, and I say to you now, as I +shall say to both of your friends, that it is a mean piece of business, +and one which I would do all in my power to prevent if it was possible +for me to do so without running the risk of doing more harm than good." + +"Oh, that's all right," replied Jim, as he tried to urge the already +nearly-exhausted horses to still greater exertions. + +But Ralph had no idea as to what he meant by "all right." If he meant +that there was no harm in driving at such a mad pace, Ralph was certain +he was wrong, and if he wished to convey the impression that Harnett +would not be angry, the young student was equally certain he was +mistaken. + +The sounds made by the pursuers seemed to be dying away in the distance, +as if the pace was too fast for them, and as Dick guided his team +skillfully into the woods, two miles beyond where Bob had disappeared; +Jim gave vent to another yell of triumph. + +The moonlighters' property was safe, and it only remained to be seen how +much Harnett was to suffer by the flight. + +The now thoroughly maddened horses were dashing along the rough road at +a most reckless pace, and Ralph shuddered at the thought of what the +result might be if they should meet any teams either coming or going. +But, fortunately, it was so late in the night that thus far they had +seen no travelers, and the only hope was that they would be equally +successful until the wild flight was ended. + +On and on Jim urged the horses, with no signs of checking their speed, +until finally, when it was no longer possible to hear any sounds from +the rear, Ralph said: + +"I don't hear any one behind, and if you do not pull the horses up soon, +you will ruin them, if, indeed, you have not done so already." + +As near as Ralph could judge, they were fully ten miles beyond the place +where Bob had left the road, when Jim began to quiet the frightened +animals, and before another mile had been traveled, he had succeeded so +far as to make them sober down to a walk. + +Guiding them to one side of the road, where it chanced to be very broad, +Jim brought them to a full stop, and Ralph leaped out to examine them. + +The glossy coats of the beautiful animals were wet with perspiration, +and covered with foam until they looked like white horses marked with +small patches of black; their red, dilating nostrils and heaving flanks +told of the effect the mad pace had had upon them, and they looked as if +it would have been impossible for them to have run another mile. + +Ralph even believed that they were already exhausted, and that they were +utterly ruined; but Jim treated his fears as childish, being hardly +willing to follow out the suggestions made. + +"If they are not foundered already they will be unless we do something +for them at once. Let's rub them down thoroughly, and then start them +back at a walk." + +Jim objected to doing what he considered useless work, and would have +started the exhausted animals on the return at once, if Ralph had not +assumed a tone that startled him. + +"During the ride I held my peace, because I could do no good; but now I +want you distinctly to understand that you will do as I say in regard to +caring for these horses, or there will be trouble between us. I should +not hesitate for a moment, after what you have done, to leave you here +and drive back alone." + +"You might not hesitate, providing you could get me out of the +carriage," replied Jim, pertly; "but I might have something to say if +you should attempt any interference." + +"Look here, Mr. James Lansel," said Ralph, decidedly, trying not to +betray by his voice the anger he felt, "you will please understand now +that I have interfered, and that I shall do exactly what I say. You will +come out here and help me to care for these horses you have abused, or I +shall endeavor to prove to your entire satisfaction which one of us is +master." + +While Ralph had been speaking he had unfastened the traces of the +horses, and by the time he concluded, one of the animals was clear from +the carriage. Had he not done so it is extremely probable that Jim +might have tried to run away and leave him, instead of being left. As it +was, however, he apparently did not think it either a pleasant or a safe +operation to measure strength with a boy fresh from school, and after a +moment's hesitation, in a very sulky sort of way he alighted, doing as +Ralph had commanded. + +The gallant little steeds were rubbed down well with dried grass; Ralph +rinsed their mouths out as cleanly as possible with water from the side +of the road, but taking good care not to allow them any to drink, and +for an hour the two boys--one through fear, and the other because of his +care for his friend's property--did all they could for the comfort of +the animals. + +During all this time Jim had not spoken once, and Ralph was quite +content to let him sulk as much as he wished; he felt as though Jim and +his partners had done him a grievous wrong in placing him in such a +position as made it seem that he had aided in the abusing and temporary +theft of George's horses, and if the entire party of moonlighters chose +to be angry with him he did not care. + +At the end of the hour Ralph said to the still angry, injured Jim: + +"We will harness them now, and I will drive on the way back." + +"You can do just as you please," replied Jim, "I've got nothing to do +with it, and I wash my hands of the whole affair." + +"You may wash your hands of this portion of the affair as much as you +please; but you'll take the full share of responsibility for having +driven out here." + +Jim made no reply, which was a matter of but little moment, so Ralph +thought; but he assisted in harnessing the horses, and when that was +done, he took his seat in the carriage like a martyr. + +Ralph followed him, and, gathering up the reins, he allowed the horses +to choose their own gait going back, a tenderness towards animals that +Jim looked upon with the most supreme contempt. + +As a matter of course, their progress was very slow, for the animals +were so weary that they had no desire to go faster than a walk; and +still, without speaking, the two boys rode on, occupying three hours in +returning over the same distance they had come in one. + +To find in the night the place into which Bob had driven was an +extremely difficult task, and more than once did Ralph stop the horses +by the side of the road, calling vigorously to George, in the belief +that they had reached the new quarters of the moonlighters. + +It was not until after they had made four such mistakes that they heard +George's voice in reply, and then he and Pete came out to lead the +horses in through the thicket of bushes that screened the entrance of +the road. + +Ralph saw at once by the look on his friend's face, and the solicitude +with which he examined his horses, that Bob had told the first portion +of the story, which had been more than displeasing to him. + +"Did you drive all the way, Ralph?" he asked. + +And his tone was far from being as friendly as usual. + +"I had nothing whatever to do with the horses or the trip, except to +help rub them down when we stopped, and to drive home," replied Ralph, +almost indignant that George should think even for a moment that he +would have countenanced such a thing. + +Harnett said no more then, but busied himself in caring for the animals +by unharnessing and feeding them. + +Jim soon joined his partners in the hut, and after he had gone, George +asked Ralph for the particulars of the chase, which were given minutely. + +After he had finished the story, not without several interruptions from +George, he asked: + +"How long are you going to stay here?" + +"Only until morning. I would have gone home to-night if the horses had +not had such a long and hard drive; but as it is, we can do no better +than to stay here a while, and early in the morning we will say good-by +to Mr. Bob Hubbard and his partners, trying to get out of the trouble +they have placed us in as cheaply as possible." + +"Why, is there anything new?" asked Ralph, anxiously. + +"Nothing save this last scheme of Bob's, and that is quite enough. I +don't consider shooting wells as anything really illegal, for I do not +believe that the patent can be held. But when it comes to violating a +town ordinance by carrying a large quantity of nitro-glycerine through +it in the manner Bob did, I consider a great wrong has been done, for +it endangers the lives of every one living there. We shall probably hear +from it very soon, for my team is well known in Sawyer. Then again, Bob +knew that such a thing would injure me seriously in my business. I set +myself up as civil engineer, and thereby ask people to employ me. That +they will have every reason to refuse to do when they see me mixed up +with Bob Hubbard's mad actions." + +Ralph had thought the matter serious enough before; but now he +understood from what George had said just how much trouble might grow +out of it, and all the anger he had felt during the ride was revived. + +"I wish I had stopped the horses, as I had a mind to do during the +drive, regardless of whether I smashed the carriage or not," he said, +bitterly. "I felt that things were going wrong in some way when I first +left here with Bob, but I didn't know in what way, and what he said was +so practical that I couldn't give a single good reason as to why I +should not do as he said." + +"I'm not blaming you, Ralph, for I know as well as you do that it was +not your fault. It was a portion of one of Bob's schemes, and, without +caring how much he has injured us, he is probably congratulating himself +on its perfect success. But come, let's go and lie down for a little +while, and when we do get away from here in the morning, we will be +careful not to place ourselves where Bob can use us again." + + + + +CHAPTER XI. + +THE STORM IN THE VALLEY. + + +Judging from appearances, when they entered the new cabin of the +moonlighters, Ralph concluded that George had said some hard things to +Bob because of the part he had obliged him to play. When the two went in +to get the few hours of sleep they needed so sadly, for they had been +awake during all of the previous night, no one spoke. They were all +having what Ralph afterward described as a grand sulking match; but +neither one of their guests paid the slightest attention to their ill +humor. + +It was then very late in the night, and, tired as each one was, it was +but a few moments before the camp was in a state of complete repose, +from which neither moonlighter, engineer nor student awakened until the +sun had been looking in upon them nearly an hour. + +If Bob had been cross the previous evening, his sleep had restored him +to his usual good humor, and he greeted Ralph and George with the +cheeriest of smiles. + +"I say, old fellow," he began, when Harnett returned from making his +toilet at the brook-side, "I realize that we played you a dirty kind of +a trick in using your team as we did last night; but at the time I was +so anxious to get everything over here all right that I did not stop to +think about it. Of course, I can't undo what has been done, but if any +money trouble comes to you because of last night's work, neither you nor +Gurney shall lose a cent. Try to forget it, won't you, George? Shake +hands with me, and say that you will." + +Very few could withstand Bob Hubbard when he spoke as he did then, and +Harnett's anger began to vanish immediately his moonlighting friend +spoke. + +"We'll say no more about it, Bob; and I'll believe you wouldn't have +done such a thing to me if you had taken time to think it over," replied +George, as he shook hands not only with Bob, but with the other two. + +"Now, Gurney, come right up, and say that you bear no grudge against +Jim. He knows that you were in the right when you insisted on having the +horses cared for, and he would have known it last night if he hadn't got +excited, as he always does when anything is up." + +Jim came up with outstretched hand as Bob spoke, and in a few moments +the party were friendly once more, although the determination which +Ralph and George had formed, relative to not visiting the moonlighters +in their haunts again, was still as strong as ever. + +With the provisions they had on hand, and the fish that had been caught +the day before, Pete served up such a breakfast as would have tempted +an epicure, and it may be imagined with what zest these hungry boys +attacked it. + +Bob and his party intended to remain where they were during that day, at +least, for it would be necessary to do many things to the shanty before +it would be even a secure hiding-place for their goods, and although +they urged that their visitors remain with them, George was still firm +in his determination to return to the Kenniston farm as soon as he had +finished breakfast. + +It was not until after Bob had exhausted every other argument in vain +that he said: + +"I think it would be much better, George, if you should stay here +to-day, and give the people a chance to cool off in regard to last +night's proceedings. If you go through Sawyer this morning, they +may make it disagreeable for you." + +"That is one reason why I am determined to go at once. If any trouble is +to come of your drive, I want it over as soon as possible, and the +sooner I show myself in Sawyer, the more satisfied I shall feel." + +"But the chances are that the matter will drop through if you keep out +of sight for a day or two," persisted Bob, almost entreatingly. + +"And I don't want it to drop through. If they propose to make any +trouble, I prefer to meet them rather than wait around in the hope that +it will be forgotten. I am obliged to earn my living, and from these +people here, for the time being. Therefore, they will be doing me a very +great favor if they find out exactly how far I am responsible for last +night's work." + +It was useless to attempt to persuade George to do other than that which +he had decided upon, and Bob recognized that fact. He said nothing more +against the departure of his guests, but did all in his power to aid +them in getting ready for the journey. + +The horses did not appear to be affected in the least by their hard +drive on the previous night, and this, more than anything else, caused +George to feel less hard toward his friends, the moonlighters. + +It was nine o'clock in the morning before Ralph and George were ready to +set out, and as they were starting, Bob called out: + +"Remember, we shall stand whatever my drive may cost you, and this +evening we will meet you at home." + +There was a feeling of positive relief in Ralph's heart when they drove +out into the road, the trees behind shutting out the moonlighters from +view. It was as if he had been suffering from some disagreeable +nightmare, and he would have been thankful it was ended if it was not +for the awakening in the form of driving through Sawyer, liable to be +arrested at any moment. + +"George," he asked, at length, "do you really think that what was done +last night will injure your business prospects?" + +"I feel so certain of it that I shall begin to make preparations to +leave here as soon as I finish what I have on hand. I certainly know +that I would not employ a man who would deliberately assist in carrying +a large quantity of glycerine through a town, and at the same time drive +in the most reckless manner." + +"But you can prove that you were not with the party, and that you knew +nothing of what was being done." + +"Yes, I can prove that, if they give me the opportunity, and I am now in +the position of a man who longs most ardently to be arrested, but yet +who does not dare to appear too eager about it." + +"I can't say that I want to be arrested," said Ralph, dubiously, "for +father and mother would think I had been doing something terrible; but I +would be perfectly willing to stand it if it would do you any good." + +"It is about the only thing that can do me any good," replied George, +decidedly; and then he added, quickly: "But we won't talk any more about +it. Let us enjoy this ride thoroughly, for we have just escaped from the +moonlighters' den. I can't say, however, that our troubles are entirely +over; for, by the looks of those black clouds, we shall stand a chance +of getting a drenching." + +It was as George had said. The sky, which had been cloudless when they +started, was now being obscured by black, angry-looking clouds, which +threatened at any moment to break and pour their burden of water upon +the parched earth. + +Had they been riding where no shelter could be found, both the boys +would have been alarmed, for there was every indication of a heavy +shower; but since there were houses along the road in which they could +take shelter at almost any moment, they rode on, determined to get as +near as possible to their destination before the storm burst. + +George urged the horses along, hoping that they might reach the town of +Sawyer before the rain came; but in this he was mistaken, for, before +they had ridden five minutes from the time he first spoke, the great +drops that acted as _avant couriers_ to the large body of water, +descended, and the boys had just time to drive under a rude shed before +the storm was upon them. + +A vivid flash of lightning, followed immediately by a deafening peal of +thunder, was the prelude to as terrific a thunder-storm as the boys had +ever seen, and, as the rain descended in what seemed to be sheets of +water rather than drops, the lightning flashed almost incessantly, while +the thunder roared until it seemed as if the very earth was shaken. + +Even George had never passed a summer in this section of the country +before, and he knew no more than did Ralph the destruction often caused +by the electric current where so much inflammable material is stored. + +Without a thought of the possible catastrophe that might occur, they +remained under their apology for a shelter, through which the water +poured in anything but tiny streams, looking out at the majestic +spectacle, fearing only that the wind might throw the frail shed down +upon them. + +"Look there!" cried Ralph, as an unusually brilliant flash was seen. "It +almost appeared as if the lightning ran entirely around that oil-tank. +I wonder if those are ever struck?" + +"It must make sad work if they are," replied George, thinking for the +first time of such a possibility. "In that tank alone there must be +fully thirty-five thousand barrels of oil, and the conflagration would +be something terrible." + +He had hardly ceased speaking, when there came a flash that almost +blinded them as it descended directly on the top of a huge derrick, +crackling and hissing as it came, and in what seemed to be the slightest +possible fraction of time, the air was filled with fragments of the +heavy timbers, while, despite the pouring rain, a sulphurous odor was +perceptible. + +The derrick had been struck, and its thousand fragments strewed the +earth in every direction. + +"How terrible!" cried Ralph, as he covered his face with is hands in +affright, for never before had he witnessed the terrific force of the +lightning's bolt. + +George stood at the door of the shed, restless, regardless alike of the +deluge of water that fell upon him, and of the neighing and stamping of +the frightened horses; he was like one fascinated by the awful majesty +of that which he saw everywhere around him. + +His gaze was directed toward the largest oil tank in the valley, while +it seemed as if some will stronger than his own impelled him to look at +this enormous construction of iron, filled with its easily ignited +contents; and as he thus stood, awed into silence, it seemed to him that +the largest cloud was rent entirely asunder, while from its very center +a torrent of fire was poured on to the tank, from which the flames +appeared to leap to meet the shaft from heaven. + +In an instant the entire body of oil was a seething mass of flames, +while the very rain seemed to add to their fury. One of the largest +tanks in the valley had been struck, and the destruction threatened +every living thing that could not flee to the mountains from the river +of fire that poured out over the shattered iron sides of the tank. + + + + +CHAPTER XII. + +THE CONFLAGRATION. + + +The grandeur of the scene upon which George and Ralph looked was +indescribable, the slightest detail of which once seen could never be +forgotten. + +The lurid flames, surmounted by the thick, black smoke, towered upward +as if to meet the lightning's flash, and then, as the wind and rain beat +it down for a moment, the heavy clouds of smoke rolled down the valley +like some funereal pall sent in advance of the death and destruction +that was to come. + +"What can we do?" cried Ralph, when the awe which the scene had brought +with it gave place to fear for others, and a desire to avert suffering +and destruction. + +"We can do nothing," replied George, in a low tone. "We do not even know +how to fight the burning oil, and are powerless to do anything, at least +until others shall come to direct the work." + +"But we can surely give the alarm and arouse the people," cried Ralph, +as he attempted to rush out of the shed, but was prevented by George. + +"Do you think there is any one within two miles of here who cannot see +that blaze?" asked George, as he pointed to the mountain of flame. "We +can accomplish nothing, therefore we will remain here quiet until those +who are familiar with such scenes shall come." + +Ralph recognized the common sense of George's suggestion even when it +seemed impossible that he could remain idle, and while the two stood +outside the shed, regardless of the furious rain, waiting for those to +come who could direct their labor, they witnessed another scene, fitting +companion to the one already pictured. + +The lightning flashes were as vivid and rapid as ever, save that the +glare may have seemed a trifle less blinding because of the flames, and +there was no sign that the storm was decreasing. Suddenly, even while it +appeared as if a small whirlwind enveloped a derrick that stood on the +hill on the opposite side of the valley, another storm of fire descended +from the sky, wrapping the heavy timbers in flames without shattering +them, and flinging angry tongues of fire on nearly every timber in the +towering pile. + +For a few moments this lofty beacon burned as if trying to outshine the +larger conflagration, and then, as the heat grew more intense, the small +tank at its base became a receptacle for flames, which, overflowing, +poured an angry stream of fire down the side of the mountain, igniting +the various deposits of oil in its course. + +In an incredibly short space of time, the valley, which had but a few +moments before been deluged with water, was covered with flames and +burning streams, which the rain appeared to feed rather than +extinguish. + +Then, as rapidly as they had come, the storm-clouds cleared away, the +rain ceased, and the sun came out, clear and hot, but unable to send its +rays through the impenetrable clouds of smoke which overhung the +lowland, and wrapped the hills with a sable shroud. + +Others besides Ralph and George had seen the first damage done by the +lightning, for, living where such scenes were not infrequent, they +feared, at each threatened storm, just that catastrophe which had +occurred, and a small army of men were already on the scene by the time +the two boys had recovered from the awe which had come upon them with +this second danger that was pouring down upon the valley from the +mountain-side. + +It seemed a useless, because impossible, task to attempt to check the +progress of or extinguish the burning oil, and yet the assembled +multitude attacked it with a will that seemed all the more heroic +because of the well-nigh hopelessness of the labor. + +Fastening the now thoroughly frightened horses so that they could not +release themselves from the shed, which was situated on ground +sufficiently high to prevent the burning torrent from flowing around it, +Ralph and George threw off their coats and vests, preparatory to doing +what they could to check the course of this servant of man, now become +master. + +Quantities of shovels and pickaxes had been brought at the first alarm, +and, armed with one of these, Ralph and George joined the others in +throwing up embankments to check the course of the streams of burning +oil, in order to hold them confined until the liquid should be consumed. + +Then women and children were aiding in the work, for it was to save +their homes from destruction that they labored, and foremost among them +ever was George, struggling against the fire-fiend, as if everything the +world held dear to him was in danger of destruction. + +Then came the call for volunteers to get the cannon, which were nearly +two miles away, that solid shot might be fired into the tank to open a +passage for the oil not yet ignited, and Ralph was the first to offer +his services. + +He had already had some considerable experience in artillery practice, +and when George explained this to some of those who were directing the +work, Ralph was gladly accepted to take charge of the guns. + +He was a gunner without any artillery, but twice as many men as were +necessary started at full speed toward the town, and in a short time the +only two cannon that could be procured, without going to Bradford, were +on the ground, while Ralph was hastily preparing the charges of powder. + +It may be thought that it would not require much skill to hit, at short +range, such a large object as an oil-tank capable of holding thirty-five +thousand barrels; but since, in order to send the ball through the iron +plates it was necessary to hit it full at the place aimed for, otherwise +the projectile would glance off, it can be seen that Ralph was obliged +to exhibit considerable skill. + +While this was being done, the others were throwing up earthworks to +divert the course of the blazing streams, or to dam the oil in such +places as it could burn without damage to other property; and it can +safely be imagined that but little time was spent in watching what the +others were doing. + +After George had announced that Ralph had had experience in the use of +artillery pieces, and after the cannon had been brought from the town, +he was left to superintend the work, a sufficient number of men +remaining near to follow his instructions. + +The day was a hot one, and the heat from the fire, together with that +from the sun, was almost insupportable; but, stripped of all clothing +that could conveniently be cast aside, each one continued at his +self-imposed task of averting the threatened destruction from the town. + +Each moment, despite all that was being done, the flames were creeping +closer and closer to the town, which seemed doomed, and, as the time +passed, every one saw how useless their efforts would be unless the iron +tank could be pierced, allowing a portion of the oil to run off before +it could be ignited. + +Many were the entreaties to Ralph to hurry with his work; but, fully +believing the old adage that "haste makes waste," he completed his +operations with deliberation, only hurrying when he could do so without +running any risk of a failure. + +"Be quick, Ralph," cried George, as he came up, smoke begrimed, and +bearing many traces of his severe work. "Every moment is more than +precious now; and, even after you begin, you may have to fire several +shots." + +"I shall fire only one at each tank," replied Ralph, calmly. "The pieces +were dirty and rusty, and it would have been a waste of both time and +ammunition to have shot with them before they were cleaned. I am ready +now. Both pieces are loaded, and you shall see both balls count." + +Ralph had been working as near the blazing tanks as the heat would +permit, and as he finished speaking with George, he shouted for those +near by to stand back. Already had the weapons been aimed, and, with a +blazing stick in his hand, he stood ready to show either his skill or +his ignorance. + +Quickly the crowd separated, knowing only too well the value of time, +and Ralph applied the torch. + +The explosion was almost deadened by the roar of the flames and the +sharp reports of the iron plates, as they were broken by the heat, but +above all could be heard the crashing of the iron, as the ball, aimed +perfectly true to the mark, made its way into the oil, allowing it to +spout forth in torrents. + +"Hurrah! hurrah!" burst from the crowd, as they realized that the boy, +whose skill a moment before they had doubted, had done that which would +have required hours for them to do so successfully, and then on every +side arose the demand that another outlet be opened. + +Ralph was perplexed for a moment, since the other cannon was aimed at +the smaller tank, and he had believed that one opening would be +sufficient. + +"You will have to put another shot in," cried George. "It will take too +long for the oil to run out of that one hole." + +While the crowd were engaged in digging a ditch for the oil that Ralph's +shot had let out, in order that it should not be set on fire by that +which was already blazing, the young student aimed the second cannon. + +Again the word was passed for the people to stand back, and a second +ball was sent crashing into the tank with as true an aim as the first. + +Then, while all save those who were at work on the dam or helping at the +cannon worked at ditches to carry off the unlighted oil, Ralph made +ready for another volley. + +Two perforations were made in the small tank, and two more in the large +one, which admitted of such a discharge of the contents, that all hands +could hasten to the relief of those who were working at the dams. + +Already was the day nearly spent, and yet the fire-fiend was raging with +fury hardly abated. The trees had long since fallen before the fiery +blast; the derricks and buildings of the adjacent wells were consumed, +while inch by inch the oil-fed fire crept nearer the town. + +George had paid no attention to his horses all this time; in fact, he +had hardly thought of them until, almost exhausted, he was obliged to +rest a few moments, or be entirely overcome by the heat. + +Then the recollection of his team, in which he took so much pride, came +to him, and he started towards the shed where he had left them. + +One glance back at the fiery torrent, which even the children were +trying to turn from the town, and he realized how important was even one +man's labor in this battle with the flames. + +A man on crutches was standing near him as he paused irresolutely, and +to him George said, hurriedly: + +"I left a pair of horses in a light carriage in that shed up yonder when +the fire first broke out. Not even one man can be spared from here now, +and yet my team must be attended to. Crippled as you are, you can be of +no service here; therefore, if you will go there and get them, and then +drive them to some stable in town, I will pay you well for your +trouble." + +"I'll see that they are well taken care of, and come back here to tell +you where they are," said the cripple, as he started towards the shed. + +And George returned to the fight once more. + +Had the men been working where it was cool, by their very numbers they +could have checked the advance of the flames; but hot as it was, fully +half who entered the conflict were overpowered by the heat in a very +short time, or obliged to cease their exertions for a while, as George +had done. Therefore, although fresh recruits were arriving each hour, +not one-third of all the force there could be counted upon as able +workers. + +It was an hour after George had cared for his horses, as he supposed, +that the cripple whom he had engaged to do the work, approached where he +was, by the side of Ralph, strengthening the banks of the ditch that +carried off the escaping oil. + +"I went up to the shed," shouted the man, "but there wasn't any horses +there, nor carriage either." + +"Where are they?" asked George, in bewilderment. + +"How should I know?" was the reply, in an angry tone. + +And then, before anything more could be said, a shout, almost of +despair, arose from those who were working nearer the town-- + +"The waste oil has caught fire!" + +The oil which had been drawn off from the tanks, through the +perforations made by the cannon balls, had been set on fire by the heat +of the blazing stream by its side, and the flames were moving rapidly +toward the two other large tanks in the immediate vicinity. + + + + +CHAPTER XIII. + +A FRUITLESS SEARCH. + + +Many conflagrations, caused by the lightning striking an oil-tank, have +been known since the discovery of petroleum; but none had ever been so +disastrous as the one of which the reader has had but an imperfect +account. + +Forty-five thousand barrels of oil had been consumed or wasted up to the +time as narrated in the previous chapter, and fully as much more was now +threatened by the overflow, which had taken fire, and was shooting forth +flames most dangerously near the other two large tanks. + +At the first alarm the entire force present left whatever they were +working at to combat the new danger, when George and several of those +who, with him, were directing the work, saw at once the peril to which +the town was exposed by this sudden abandonment of the labor which had +been performed for the purpose of presenting an impassable barrier to +the angry flames. + +It was impossible that the now nearly exhausted workers could prevent +the flames from attacking the two tanks upon which they were sweeping, +and if vain labor was spent upon that quarter, the enemy would, beyond +a doubt, gain possession of the town. + +To keep the men from neglecting the safety of their homes to try +uselessly to save property which could easily be replaced, was +absolutely necessary, and the length of time required to persuade them +to return to the work they had first been engaged in would decide the +fate of the village. + +Leaping directly in front of what had almost become an unreasoning mob, +George and Ralph tried by their strength to resist the impulsive dash +forward, at the same time that they shouted at the full strength of +their lungs the reason why the work nearer the town should not be +neglected. + +For some moments it seemed as if they would be trampled under the feet +of the frightened multitude, and then their coolness won the victory +over unreasoning fear, as it always will whenever displayed. + +The people returned to the more important labor the moment they +understood how fruitless would have been their work in the other +direction, and George aided them by his efforts and advice, while Ralph, +with a dozen assistants, began a cannonading of the other two tanks that +were just beginning to add their fuel to the fearful blaze. + +The breeze, which, caused by the heated air, always springs up during a +conflagration, now rolled the thick, black smoke first in one direction +and then in another, until those who had not already succumbed to the +heat were nearly suffocated, and it seemed impossible that any one could +continue at his work. + +The sun had set, although that fact was hardly noticed, since for +several hours the heavy smoke had veiled the scene as with the mantle of +night, through which the flames glowed and flashed luridly. + +In the struggle between the men and the flames, first one and then the +other gained a victory; but neither had made any progress. + +Ralph and his assistants had opened vent-holes for the oil in the +last-attacked tanks, thereby preventing fully half the oil from +combustion, although it was entirely lost. + +The female portion of the workers had long since desisted from any +effort to check the flames, and had continued their work by preparing +food for the laborers, carrying it to them that they might not be +obliged to spend any more time than was absolutely necessary in getting +it. + +During all that long night the people worked in relays, that each might +have an opportunity for rest, and when morning came the flames were +well-nigh subdued--not so much through the exertions of those who fought +against them, as because of the fact that there was nothing more +remaining for them to feed upon. + +By that time a small body of watchers, in order to see that the +remaining flames did not overleap the boundaries set, was all that was +necessary at the place where ninety thousand barrels of oil had been +consumed or wasted, and for the first time since the thunderstorm had +cleared away, Ralph and George felt that they were at liberty to go +where they chose. Both were begrimed by the smoke until it would have +puzzled their best friends to tell whether they were white men or +negroes, and both were in a very dilapidated condition, so far as +clothing was concerned. + +The garments they had cast off when the work of fighting fire was begun, +had been tossed about, trampled on, or scorched until they could no +longer be called serviceable, and, half-clothed, dirty and +disreputable-looking generally as they were, they started wearily for +the town in search of rest, and, what was quite as important, a bath. + +Many times during the night had George thought about his missing horses; +but it was not until he was relieved from all care which the +conflagration had caused, that he began to grow seriously alarmed. It +did not seem possible that any one could have stolen them, and he +cheered himself with the thought that they had simply broken loose and +run away, or that some one living near by had cared for them. + +A visit to the shed where the team had been left dissipated this first +supposition, for there was every indication that the horses had been +taken by some one, since no broken harness was there to tell of flight, +and the door was carefully closed behind them, showing an excess of +precaution on the part of some one, since both doors had been left wide +open when George drove in. + +"Some one must have recognized them as yours, and taken them away +thinking they were not safe while the fire was raging so furiously," +said Ralph, after the survey of the shed was completed, and George +believed such was the case. + +"At all events, we will get a bath and borrow some clothes first; then +we can soon find out where they are," said George. + +And in pursuance of this plan the boys started towards Sawyer, so weary +that it seemed almost impossible for them to walk. + +It was not a difficult matter for two who had worked as hard and done as +much service as George and Ralph, to get all they required at the town, +once they arrived there, and the bath had revived them so much that both +were in favor of finding the team at once, in order that they might get +what else they required at the Kenniston farm. + +Under ordinary circumstances they could have hired a team with which to +search for their own; but now, with every one in that state of +excitement or prostration which follows such scenes as the inhabitants +of Sawyer had just passed through, it was almost impossible to find any +one sufficiently calm to transact the most ordinary business. + +Twice George made the attempt to hire a horse, and then he gave up what +promised to be a useless effort, both he and Ralph thinking it better to +pursue their inquiries on foot than waste their time by trying to hire a +team, and being obliged to walk after all. + +They began the search by making inquiries in town, of any one whom they +met, and by going to each stable or even barn, looking in each place +large enough to shelter the team; but without seeing any signs of it +whatever. + +Then they started up the road in the direction from which they had just +come, and at the dwelling nearest the shed where the team had been +left, they heard the first tidings. + +The lady living in this house knew George's team, and said that while +the fire was at its height, when she had come to her house for the +purpose of getting food to carry to her husband, she had seen two men +drive toward Sawyer in it. The men were entire strangers to her, she +said, and they were driving at full speed, but whether that was due to +the fear the horses had of the flames, or to a liberal use of the whip, +she was unable to say. She described the men as being young and well +dressed, and was quite positive that she had never seen them before. + +George's first thought was that his friends, the moonlighters, had taken +the horses away, as a favor to him, and this belief was strengthened +when, on questioning the woman closely, he learned that she did not know +either Jim or Dick even by sight. + +"They probably came down when they saw the smoke," said George, +confidently, to Ralph, "and on finding the team here, knowing we were at +work, have carried it to Farmer Kenniston's." + +"I should have thought they would have tried to find us first, so as to +let us know what they were going to do," said Ralph. + +"In order to have found us, they would have been obliged to meet some of +the people here, and they probably did not think that safe, even though +everyone had so much to attend to." + +"But they would have left word with someone," insisted Ralph. + +"That would have been as bad as to show themselves. Bob probably wants +to make it appear that he hasn't even been in this section of the +country, and if any trouble comes of carrying the glycerine through the +town, he will insist that he hasn't been here." + +Ralph was far from being as positive that they would find the horses at +the Kenniston farm as his friend was, but he contented himself with +waiting until it could be proven, rather than to provoke an argument +when it seemed that, under any circumstances, they had better return +there. + +After some considerable difficulty, the boys found a man who, for a +generous consideration, would carry them to the farm in his wagon, drawn +by a slow, methodical-moving horse, and they set out, George's fears for +the safety of his team entirely allayed, and Ralph's increasing each +moment. + +In order to make sure that the horses had been driven toward the farm, +and not in the direction of Jim's home, George made inquiries of all he +met on the road, as well as at several of the houses. + +Quite a number of people had seen the team, driven along at full speed +by two young men, and had noticed it particularly because they believed +it had been sent to Bradford to get assistance in extinguishing the +fire. + +This continued news caused George to be positive that his horses were +safe at the farm, and in the rapid driving he recognized, or thought he +did, Jim's presence, for that young gentleman was always anxious to get +over the road as fast as possible. + +But when they had arrived within a mile of Farmer Kenniston's home, +they received information of the team which had the effect of arousing +George from his dream of fancied security, so far as his horses were +concerned. + +A farmer who was well acquainted with all three of the moonlighters, had +seen the horses as they were driven past his home on the afternoon of +the previous day, and he was positive that neither Bob, Jim nor Dick was +in the carriage. The men were young, well dressed, and strangers, so far +as George's informant knew, and he was certain that they had not been in +Sawyer, nor in the vicinity, any length of time. + +This aroused all of George's fears, and it was with the greatest +difficulty that he could restrain his impatience until the farm-house +was reached, when the first question asked was as to whether the horses +were there. + +Farmer Kenniston was surprised that such a question should be asked, for +he had seen the team going toward Bradford the day previous, and, as it +was in advance of him at the time, he had no doubt but that it was +George who was driving. + +That the horses had been stolen there could no longer be any doubt, and +how they could be recovered was just what neither of the boys could +decide. + + + + +CHAPTER XIV. + +THE PURSUIT. + + +It was some time before the boys, even with the aid of Farmer +Kenniston's not very valuable advice, could decide upon what course to +pursue for the recovery of the stolen property. The plan which met with +the most favor, however, was that they should take one of the farmer's +teams, and follow in the direction the men had been seen to drive, which +was evidently through Bradford. By making inquiries on the road, they +might be able to track the thieves and overtake them, although this +seemed hardly probable, because of the start of nearly twenty-four hours +which the men had. + +If the trail led through Bradford, they could there notify the +authorities, and also telegraph to the different towns near by; and if +it did not, it was decided that Ralph should leave George, going by +himself to try to intercept the thieves by the aid of the electric +current. + +Farmer Kenniston's best horse, which, by-the-way, was not a very +valuable animal, was soon harnessed into a stout wagon, and the boys set +out, having but little faith in the success of their journey. + +George had taken with him all the money he had, which was a trifle over +two hundred dollars, since they might not only be gone a long while, but +it was quite possible that if they did recover the team, they would be +obliged to incur some heavy expenses. + +Ralph had one hundred dollars, which his father had given him for the +necessary bills while on his vacation, and this he offered to George, in +case he should need on the journey any more than he had. Thus the boys +were, as they believed, amply provided with money, and they intended to +follow the thieves just as long as they could track them. + +On the road to Bradford, George met two men who had seen the team the +day before, and they drove into the town, confident that the men they +were in pursuit of had entered there the day previous. + +Before trying to learn who had seen the horses, George went directly to +the chief of police, told his story, and was assured that before morning +at least the direction in which the men had gone should be made known. + +Under the officer's direction, telegrams were sent to different points +where it was thought probable the thieves might go, and, so far as the +boys were concerned, nothing more could be done until the officers, who +had been sent out to find some news of the team during the time it had +been in Bradford, should return. + +George was not by any means in the mood to remain idle while waiting for +the policemen's report; for the loss of his team, in which he had taken +so much pride, weighed heavily upon him. Instead of waiting in the +police office for some news, he insisted on going out to make inquiries +on his own account, and, as a matter of course, Ralph accompanied him. + +It is an easy matter in the country to stop at each house and inquire if +the occupants have seen a team pass; but the boys found that such a +system could hardly be pursued in the city, since a gentleman might feel +insulted if any one should stop him in the street to ask if he had seen +a pair of horses, attached to a light wagon, pass there twenty-four +hours before. + +This difficulty had not presented itself either to George or Ralph, +until they were on the street, ready to pursue their investigations, and +then they were sadly puzzled to know what to do. + +While they were standing irresolutely in front of the police quarters, +trying to make up their minds how they should proceed, George was +accosted by a rough, but pleasant-looking old gentleman, who appeared +very glad to see him, and at the same time acted as if he was in deep +trouble about something. + +"I am powerful glad to see yer, Mr. Harnett; for I conclude that you've +forgotten all about the promise you made to drive out an' see us every +time you had the chance." + +"And I'm glad to see you, Mr. Simpson," replied George, as he introduced +Ralph to Mr. David Simpson. "I have by no means forgotten my promise to +call upon you, for I spent too many happy hours while I was boarding +with you, when I was surveying the Walters' property, to ever forget +that I should like to go again. I have been at work near Farmer +Kenniston's, and have not had the time to pay you a visit. But now that +I shall have more leisure, I will drive out some day and bring Ralph +with me." + +"I would be powerful glad to see you, Mr. Harnett," said the old man, +sadly; "but it won't be in the old home, and the good Lord only knows +where the remainder of my old life will be spent." + +"What do you mean, Mr. Simpson?" asked George, in surprise; for the +sadness visible on the old man's face astonished him quite as much as +the singular words did. + +"It means, Mr. Harnett, that I've lost the old place I was raised on, +and all for the lack of a little money. You know that I helped poor Tom +set himself up in business by mortgaging the farm. If the poor boy had +lived, he would have paid it all; but jest when we thought he was +gettin' along so famously, he died. I've walked the streets of this town +all day, hopin' I could find some one who would help me make up the +balance I owe; but the fire yesterday makes everybody feel poor, I +s'pose, an' I couldn't borrow a dollar; so I'm goin' home now to tell +mother that we've got to leave the home where all our babies were born, +and where they all died." + +The old man could not prevent the tears from gathering in his eyes as he +spoke, and both the boys felt an uncomfortably hard lump rise in their +throats as he finished. + +"Can't you persuade your creditor to give you longer time?" asked +George. + +"I've just come from his office, where I begged harder of him than I +ever begged of man before to take what money I had and wait a year +longer; but he wants my back pasture to piece on to his own, and says he +will foreclose to-morrow," replied the old man. + +And then, as if conscious that he was obtruding his own sorrows on one +whom he had no right to burden with them, he would have changed the +conversation; but George prevented him by asking: + +"How much did you owe him, Mr. Simpson?" + +"Well, you see, I'd kept the interest paid up reg'lar, an' it come to +jest the face of the mortgage, five hundred dollars. I'd managed to +scrape up two hundred an' twenty-five, an' up to this mornin' I'd +reckoned on sellin' the wood lot for enough to make up the balance. But +when the fire come yesterday, the man who was to buy it--'Siah Rich--had +lost so much that he couldn't take it." + +"Was you to sell him the wood-lot for two hundred and seventy-five +dollars?" + +"Yes, an' I think it was well worth that. I didn't really need it, an' +if I could only have sold it I'd been all right, but now the whole +thing's got to go. I don't care so much for myself, but it'll come +powerful hard on the wife, for she does set a store by the old place, if +it is rough-lookin'." + +George beckoned to Ralph to step aside with him, but there was no need +of any consultation just then, for the latter said, quickly: + +"I know what you mean, George, and here is all I have got." + +As he spoke Ralph handed his friend the roll of bills which was to +enable him to spend a long vacation, and then turned away, as if not +wanting to embarrass the old gentleman by his presence. + +"Mr. Simpson," said George, as he added his own money to that which +Ralph had given him, "between the two of us we have got enough to buy +your wood-lot, and here is the money. Pay the mortgage this afternoon, +and then you can make out a deed to these two names." + +George wrote his own and Ralph's name on a slip of paper, which he +handed to the old man at the same time he gave him the money. + +"But I can't take this, Mr. Harnett," he said, while at the same time +his face showed how delighted he would be to keep it. "You and your +friend don't want my wood-lot, an' you only offer me this money because +I have been tellin' you of my troubles, like a beggar, an' an old fool +that I am. Take it back, Mr Harnett, an' mother an' I won't feel half so +bad about goin' away when we've once left." + +"But suppose I tell you that we want to buy the land on a speculation?" +said George, with a smile. "There may be oil there, and we may want to +sink a well." + +"You wouldn't buy that land if it was oil you were after. One time I did +think we might strike it, but those as know told me there wasn't any +there, after they'd looked the property over," replied the old man, as +with trembling hand he held the money toward George. + +"Well, we'll buy the land, anyway," said the young engineer, with a +smile. "You have said that it was worth that amount of money, and we may +be able to sell it for more than we paid you, even if there isn't any +oil. So have the deed made out, and leave it for me at Farmer +Kenniston's." + +Then, before the old man could make any further reply, George walked +swiftly on, followed by Ralph, and Mr. Simpson was left to enjoy the +generosity which enabled him still to retain the home that was made dear +both to him and his wife by so many pleasant, and at the same time sad, +recollections. + +"Well?" he said, inquiringly, when he and Ralph had left Mr. Simpson +some distance behind, wondering if the good fortune which had come to +him was real or not. + +"Well?" repeated Ralph, laughing. "I suppose you mean to ask if I am +sorry for what I have done? Not a bit of it, for I can get father to +give me money enough to pay for my ticket home, while, simply at the +expense of a little enjoyment, we have made that old man happy. But how +will it affect you, George? How can you search for your horses if you +have no money?" + +"From the united funds we have twenty-three dollars left, and if that is +not enough then the horses must remain lost, for I would willingly have +given them up rather than that Mr. Simpson and his wife should have been +turned homeless into the world." + +"If you think that way, then I think we have done a good thing, and we +certainly ought to feel that we are of considerably more importance in +the world, since we are landed proprietors. But we must look at the +property before I go home, for I want to see it; and now come with me +where I can write a letter to father, for the longer I stay now, the +more deeply in debt shall I be." + +"You're not going to shorten your vacation because of lending this +money, Ralph, for you shall live with me, and the only inconvenience you +will suffer will be the lack of money to spend." + +Ralph was not so certain that he would become a burden on George simply +because he had expended some money in charity; but just at that moment +there was no need of discussing it; and he proposed that they return to +the police head-quarters in order to find out if the detectives had +learned anything about the team. + +Greater good fortune awaited them here than they had thought possible, +for when they returned the officers furnished them with the complete +description of the men, and reported that they had, indeed, driven into +Bradford the afternoon before, but, during the night, had returned by +the same road they had come, stating that they were going to Babcock. + + + + +CHAPTER XV. + +THE ARREST. + + +It was evident, from the information brought by the police, that the men +who had stolen Harnett's team had driven to Bradford simply for the +purpose of deceiving any one who might search for them, and that they +would push on into New York State, where they might find a better +opportunity of disposing of their ill-gotten property. + +Under the circumstances there was nothing the boys could do save return +by the road they had come, and, since it was necessary to do this, it +was as well that they should sleep that night in the Kenniston +farm-house as in Bradford, where they would be obliged to spend some of +their small store of money for lodging and breakfast. + +As soon, therefore, as they had received from the chief of police all +the information he could impart, they started toward home, neither +nearer nor further from the object of their search. + +All that they had done on the way down would have necessarily to be done +over again, in the hope of learning of the thieves on their return, and +no time was to be lost in this second search. + +Of course, if the men had started from Bradford in the night, there +would be no use in inquiring for them anywhere between there and some +distance from Sawyer; therefore, the boys decided that they would sleep +at the Kenniston farm that night, recommencing the pursuit at an early +hour next morning. + +When they reached the farm-house they found Bob Hubbard awaiting their +arrival; he had come there two hours before, and when, on asking for +George, he was told that the engineer had gone in search of his horses, +had told the farmer that, while he did not intend to remain there during +the night, he would wait for George's arrival, which he was certain +would not be long delayed. + +Not knowing Bob's reason for expecting George's return, when it seemed +certain he would be away some time, Farmer Kenniston was considerably +mystified by his guest's manner; but the reason for his thus speaking +was soon explained when, at a late hour in the evening, George and Ralph +did arrive. + +"I knew you would come back to-night," said Bob, as he rushed out to +meet the friends whom he had not treated exactly as it would seem +friendship demanded, "for I knew, if you learned anything at all, you +would find it necessary to come back this way." + +"Why, what do you know?" asked George, quickly. + +"When I tell you that I knew your team had been stolen even before you +did, you must admit that I know something about it," replied Bob, +feeling fully how important he was just then. + +"Don't be long-winded now, Bob," said George, sharply; "for you know how +anxious I am." + +"I'll tell you all I know, and I think I may be able to make amends for +the trick we played upon you in using your team the other night, unless +you think it was because of that that you had your horses where they +could be stolen." + +"Tell me what you have heard of my team!" exclaimed George, impatiently. + +"Jack Roberts told me, this afternoon, that he saw two fellows in your +carriage about midnight, and that they stopped all night, or at least +the remainder of it, in the woods just above our camp. I went up there +with him about five o'clock, and it didn't seem as if they could have +been gone more than an hour before we got there." + +"Did you find out which way they went?" + +"As near as could be told by the tracks, they kept straight on toward +Babcock." + +"That's where they said they were going," said Ralph, excitedly, +delighted at this confirmation of the policeman's story. + +"From the looks of the place where they stayed last night, I should say +that they don't know very much about camping out," continued Bob. "They +just hitched the horses to a tree, and laid down on the ground, with a +few boughs under them, instead of putting up a shelter, which wouldn't +have taken ten minutes. I found pieces of newspaper, in which had been +food, scattered around. So I fancy their arrangements for the journey +were made very hurriedly and incompletely. I don't think they had hay +or grain for the horses, for I couldn't find any signs of either." + +It was evident that Bob had examined the ground thoroughly in +expectation of a chase, and as he gave what was really valuable +information, gathered simply from a desire to aid his friend, George was +perfectly willing to forgive him for any and everything he had ever done +against him. + +"Then we won't stop here to-night," said the owner of the stolen horses, +hurriedly. "If they left there this afternoon, we may stand a chance of +overtaking them to-night. You needn't take the horse out, Mr. Kenniston, +for we will start right off again." + +"Do you think there is any chance of overtaking your horses, even if +they haven't had any grain, with this poor old nag of the farmer's, +whose greatest speed has been shown in front of a plow?" + +And Bob laughed gleefully at the idea. + +"It is the best horse I can get just now," said George, fretfully; for +he could not see anything very comical in the fact of being thus +hampered in the pursuit. + +"There's where you are mistaken, my dear boy," replied Bob, in his old, +lofty way. "My horses are as fast, and I'm inclined to think a little +faster, than yours. When Jack told me what he had seen, I thought there +was a chance to pay off old scores. So I harnessed into the light double +wagon, put in some blankets, and come here. While I have been waiting +for you, I have got a good-sized lunch from Mrs. Kenniston, a bag of +grain from the farmer, and now we are ready to start, even if we drive +to the lake." + +"Bob, you are a good fellow," exclaimed George, as he grasped the +moonlighter by the hand, and made a mental vow that he would never speak +harshly to him again. + +While they had been talking, Farmer Kenniston had backed Bob's horses +out of the shed, where their master had left them, that the journey +might be commenced as quickly as possible, and the boys got into the +wagon at once, George and Ralph on the back seat, and Bob in front. + +That the chase would be an exciting one, in case they should get within +sight of the thieves, was shown by the way Bob's horses started off, +and, for the first time since he was convinced of his loss, George began +to have some hopes of regaining his property. + +"There is one danger in our chasing those fellows in the night," said +Bob, after they had started, "and as to whether you will take the risk, +you must decide. They will probably spend this night as they did last +night--in the woods. Of course, we could not see in the dark if an +ox-cart had driven into the woods, and we run every chance of driving +past them. Then again, if we wait until morning, we are just so much +further behind. Now, what will you do?" + +"I hardly know," replied George, after considerable thought. "What is +your advice?" + +"Well," and Bob spoke like one who has already decided the matter in his +own mind, "my idea is that they won't stop this side of Babcock, and I +am certain they won't stop in the town. So I think we shall be safe to +drive as far as there. The chances are that the thieves will drive +through the town in the night, and stop in the first likely place they +come to on the other side. We can start in the morning again, about as +early as they can." + +"Then that is what we will do," said George, satisfied that Bob had +deliberated upon this plan until he was convinced it was the best that +could be done. + +"Do you believe we shall catch them?" asked Ralph, speaking for the +first time since he had met Bob. + +"Catch them!" echoed the moonlighter. "I wish I was as sure of striking +a thousand-barrel well as I am that we shall be interviewing the young +gentlemen before to-morrow night." + +But if Bob's hopes of striking a big well had been dependent upon +catching the thieves before the next night, he would never have made a +success in the oil region, save as a moonlighter. + +"There is our wood-lot," said George, as he pointed to a grove on the +opposite side of the creek, near which a very old and a very dilapidated +house could be seen. + +Bob was curious, of course, to know what George meant, and, after the +story had been told him, he said: + +"It was a big thing for you to do, boys, and Simpson probably +appreciates it as much as any man could; but I tell you for a fact that +you will get your reward for that good deed sooner than you expect. +There's oil in that same wood-lot, and I've sort of reckoned on buying +it myself some day. If I had known how Simpson was fixed, it would have +been mine before now, for two hundred and seventy-five dollars is cheap +for ten acres, even if there is nothing there but rocks." + +"But Simpson says he has had oil men examine the place, and there's +nothing there," said George, half believing Bob had some good reason for +speaking as he did. + +"Yes, he had a lot of old fogies there who couldn't tell the difference +between oil and a tallow candle. They walked around ten minutes, +collected twenty-five dollars from the old man, and then walked away. +Simpson was probably paying ten per cent to old Massie, for I've heard +he was the one who held the mortgage, and if he could have got half the +amount loaned, don't you suppose he would have waited any length of time +if he hadn't seen a chance to make more? Massie knows the oil is there +as well as I do, and the old miser thought he was going to get the whole +farm for his five hundred dollars. Why, the old fellow would choke both +of you boys if he could get hold of you just now." + +Bob laughed long and loud at the way in which the money-lender had +over-reached himself, and it is hard to say just how long his merriment +would have lasted, since it received a sudden check. + +They were then just entering the town of Sawyer, and a man had stepped +into the road, as if to speak to the party, seizing one of the horses +by the bridle as they approached him, to make sure of being heard. + +"Hello! What's the matter now?" asked Bob, who had not noticed the man, +and was surprised at the sudden stopping of his team. + +"I wished to speak with you for a moment," said the man, as he fumbled +in his pocket with his disengaged hand, and then as he produced some +papers, he said: "I arrest you, Mr. Robert Hubbard, and you, Mr. George +Harnett, for violating a town ordinance by carrying nitro-glycerine +through the streets." + +George had said he hoped he would be arrested, in order that he might +show he had not been guilty of such a violation, but when he expressed +the wish, he could have had no idea that the arrest would be made just +at the moment when, in order to recover his team, it was necessary for +him to be free. + + + + +CHAPTER XVI. + +PLEADING FOR LIBERTY. + + +This arrest, coming just when it did, was a complete surprise to George. +He had hoped a few hours before that it would come, in order that he +might have an opportunity of showing that he was innocent of that which +was charged against him, simply because his team had been the one the +officers had chased. But to be deprived of his liberty now, when every +moment was precious, seemed to be doubly disastrous. + +To be prevented from chasing the thieves when he was at last on the +track of them, was to lose his horses beyond any probable chance of +recovery, while to have forty-eight hours of liberty just then, was, as +he thought, almost a guarantee that he could recover his stolen team. + +Bob was even more excited by the arrest than George. He had the pleasing +thought that he was guilty of the offense charged, added to the +disappointment at not being able to aid his friend in recovering the +property which he was the remote cause of being lost. + +He knew, as well as did George, that at the worst they would only be +fined for violating the town ordinance; but it was the loss of time +just then that made the matter a serious one, and he resolved to do his +best to secure their liberty for a short while longer, at all events. + +"I won't say anything about myself," said Bob, with a laugh, "for I +don't suppose my reputation as a steady young man is first-class; but +you, Mr. Constable, as well as nearly every one in Sawyer, know Harnett, +and you know he will keep his word. While he was helping extinguish the +fire yesterday, his pair of horses and carriage were stolen. We have +just got on the track of the thieves, and if we are obliged to remain +here now, there will be no chance of recovering the property. Now, if +you will give us our liberty, Harnett will give you his word that we +will return here at any time you shall set." + +"That is hardly a regular way of doing business, Mr. Hubbard," said the +man, with a smile, that showed he had no hard feelings against those +whom he was obliged to arrest; "and if it was your word alone that I was +asked to take, I am afraid I should be obliged to refuse. I'm doubtful +as to whether I ought to even consider the matter." + +"Of course you ought," said Bob, quickly. "Now, if we should be +convicted, the penalty is only a fine, and we can leave you as much +money as would be required to pay those as security that we will +return." + +"I suppose in that case, and if Mr. Harnett promises that both you and +he will come here a week from to-day, I might take the risk of any +accident that would prevent you from appearing." + +"Now that's what I call acting squarely," said Bob, in a satisfied way; +and George asked: + +"How much money will be necessary to satisfy you that we will appear for +trial?" + +"Well, I don't suppose the fines will be over fifty dollars. So, if you +leave that amount with me, you can keep on in search of the thieves, +whom I hope you will catch." + +Ralph's heart, which had been very light when he saw that there was a +chance they might continue their journey, sank again when the officer +mentioned the amount of security he demanded, for he knew that the +united funds of his and George's fell far short of the sum, and what +little they had would be actually necessary for their expenses on the +road. + +"How much money have you got, Bob?" asked George, speaking in a low, +determined tone, that told plainly how anxious he was to be in pursuit +once more, and of the sacrifice he would be willing to make in order to +be released from the meshes of the law, even if it was only for a few +days. + +"I can't say exactly, but I'll promise you it isn't very much," replied +Bob, carelessly, as if he did not think the amount of any great +importance. + +And, after rummaging in all his pockets, he succeeded in producing one +very ragged-looking twenty-dollar bill. + +"That's the size of my fortune," he said, as he handed the money to +George, as if the matter was already ended. + +George had twenty-three dollars, all of which he would undoubtedly need +before he returned; but, willing to run any risk rather than be longer +delayed, he said to the officer: + +"It happens very unfortunately, but we have not got fifty dollars +between us. If you will take my solemn promise that both Bob and myself +will meet you here a week from to-day, and also that I will report to +you on our return, together with this forty dollars, you will be doing +us a favor which shall not be forgotten." + +The man hesitated for a moment, and Bob said, impatiently: + +"Oh, take the money, and let us go. You have got really more than the +fine will amount to, for I promise you that Harnett can prove by us all +that he had nothing to do with violating the ordinance. I simply got +possession of his team to deceive you." + +"I shall be here when the case is called," said George, quietly; "for I +am very anxious to show that I had nothing whatever to do with the +matter; so please let us get on." + +"Well, I guess there's no trouble about it, and I don't believe any one +will blame me for accommodating you, in view of all the circumstances," +said the officer, as he stepped back from the wagon in order that they +might drive on. "I hope you will succeed in getting your team, Mr. +Harnett. Good-night, gentlemen!" + +"Good-night!" cried Bob, as he started the horses with a jerk that +nearly threw his passengers from their seats. + +And in another instant they were riding at full speed in the direction +of Babcock. + +"I hardly know what we had better do," said George, thoughtfully. "Here +we are starting out on what may be a long journey, with only three +dollars in our pockets, and I am not sure but that we ought to go back +to town to try to get some more." + +"That would never do," replied Bob, decidedly. "If we should do that we +could not get to Babcock to-night, and that we must do, if we expect to +catch the thieves. We have got food and grain enough to last a day and a +half or two days, and we can rough it in the woods, as the men we are +chasing are doing." + +George would have preferred decidedly to be able to go to a hotel at +night, rather than to camp in the woods; but Bob and Ralph were only too +well pleased at the idea of living a gipsy life, therefore it was +decided to keep on, or, more properly speaking, since no one made any +objection to the plan, Bob continued to urge the horses on in the +direction the thieves were supposed to have gone. + +The night was not so dark but that they could drive a good pace, but had +it been daylight there is no question but that Bob's horses would have +shown considerably better speed, for their driver was anxious to reach +Babcock early, in order that the animals might have as long a rest as +possible, before starting on their journey next day, which would likely +be a hard one. + +Bob sang, laughed, and acted generally as if he was in the best of +spirits, while Ralph joined in with him, for he enjoyed this night-drive +immensely; but George remained silent, his great desire to get on faster +causing the speed at which they were traveling to seem very slow. + +It was some time past midnight when they arrived at Babcock, and much as +they liked to camp out, both Ralph and Bob would have been better +satisfied, just then, if they could have remained all night at the +hotel, for they were so tired that sleeping in the open air had not as +many charms for them as usual. + +"Here's where we would have stopped if we had not been obliged to give +up all our money," said Bob, as they drove past the hotel. "But now that +we are nothing more nor less than three-dollar paupers, we shall be +obliged to do as the thieves are probably doing--make up our bed under +the greenwood, or some other kind of a tree." + +"It might be worse," said George, who was beginning to recover some of +his cheerfulness as his companions lost theirs, "and we will stop at the +next clump of trees." + +"There will be no doubt about our finding accommodations," laughed Bob, +"unless our friends who are the cause of this excursion have engaged all +the promising-looking groves." + +Above half a mile from the town the road ran through a piece of dense +woods, which shut out even the faint rays of the moon, and Bob stopped +the horses, while George and Ralph explored, as well as possible in the +darkness, for a chance to make a camp. + +A small, open space, surrounded by bushes, about ten yards from the +road, was the best place they could find, and preparations for the night +began at once. + +The horses were unharnessed and the carriage backed in among the trees, +where it would not be seen by any one who might pass during the night. + +The horses were fastened to a couple of trees, where they could feed +without danger of getting their halters entangled among the bushes, and +each was given a generous supply of grain. + +Among other things which Bob had placed into the carriage while waiting +at the Kenniston farm was a water-pail, and with this on his arm he +started out in search of water for the horses, while George and Ralph +attended to the making of what could only be an apology for a camp. + +The blankets, cushions and rug were taken from the carriage, and were +spread on the ground over a small pile of brush, for the boys were too +tired to make any elaborate arrangements for the night. + +The carriage cushions formed the pillow to this one bed which was to +serve for all three, and with the rug and one blanket under them, and +the other blanket over them, George thought they would get along very +comfortably. + +Bob was not long in finding plenty of water for the horses, and when he +returned with it, after it was decided to go supperless to bed, in order +to save the provisions, all three lay down on the hastily-improvised +bed, little dreaming that they were within but a few rods of those whom +they were pursuing. + + + + +CHAPTER XVII. + +NEAR NEIGHBORS. + + +As may be imagined, the sleep which visited the three boys was not as +profound as it would have been had they been in bed at Kenniston farm. +In the first place, the bed of brush, which had seemed so soft when they +first lay down, seemed suddenly to have developed a great number of hard +places, while the ends of the boughs, which had seemed so small when +they were cut, apparently increased in size after they had served as a +bed for an hour. + +Many times during the night did Bob get up to see if the horses were all +right, and, while he would not admit that the bed had anything to do +with his wakefulness, he knew, as well as did his companions, that when +sleeping at home, he hardly opened his eyes once during the entire +night. + +It was at a very early hour, therefore, that the boys were up, and ready +to continue the chase. As a matter of course, after having gone to bed +supperless, they were ready for a hearty breakfast, and, since they +would have plenty of time to eat it before sunrise, they at once made +preparations for breaking their fast. + +Thanks to the cooked food they had with them, these preparations did +not consume very much time, since they were only obliged to take the +paper packages from the carriage, and eat such portions of Mrs. +Kenniston's samples of cookery as they desired. + +Bob gave his horses food and water before he satisfied his own hunger, +and, just as he finished this work, he cried, as he held his hand up, +warningly: + +"Hark! what was that?" + +The boys listened intently several moments, but nothing could be heard +save the rustling of the leaves, as they were moved back and forth by +the morning breeze, or the twitter of birds, as they started out in +search of breakfast, and George said, with a laugh: + +"This is the first time I ever knew you to betray any caution, my dear +boy, and you should be commended for it; but just now I think it is +thrown away, for I hardly believe there is any one within half a mile of +us who is awake so early." + +"I thought I heard some one coming through the bushes," replied Bob, as +he began a vigorous attack on the food; "but I guess it was nothing but +the wind." + +Five minutes passed, during which each one was so busy with his +breakfast that he had no time for conversation, and then George motioned +his companions to be silent. The warning was useless, for all had heard +a sound in the bushes, as if some heavy body was moving through the +underbrush, and all paused to listen. + +There was evidently some person or animal near by, and moving directly +away from them; but it seemed so reasonable to suppose that it was a +cow, or some other domestic animal, who had slept out of doors all +night, that it was some moments before any one of the three thought of +learning the cause of the noise. + +Even though they had every reason to believe that those whom they were +pursuing would spend the night as they had spent it, each one of that +party was so certain the thieves were a long distance away, that the +thought that it might be those they were in pursuit of which were making +the noise never occurred to them. + +It was not until some time after the sounds had died away that George +realized how important it was that he should know what had caused them, +and then he started up at once, dashing through the underbrush toward +the direction from which the noise had come. + +Ralph and Bob started impulsively to follow him, and then the latter +said, as he pulled his companion back: + +"One is enough to find the cow, for that is probably what we have been +hearing, and we might as well be eating our breakfast while he is +hunting." + +Ralph thought, as did Bob, that they had no occasion to disturb +themselves simply at a rustling of leaves in the woods, and he willingly +followed his companion's suggestion. + +But, before either of them could begin their breakfast again, a loud +shout was heard from George, which caused them to start to their feet +in dismay, for they understood that something serious had caused it. + +"Harness the horses quickly!" George shouted again. + +And without trying to understand the reason for this peremptory command, +Bob and Ralph sprang toward the animals. + +It was not an order that could be obeyed very quickly, owing to the lack +of facilities in their stable. + +The horses were quietly eating their breakfast; the harness was hanging +on a tree some distance away, and the carriage had been pulled into the +woods so far that it would require at least ten minutes before it could +be gotten on to the road. + +Bob began to harness one horse, while Ralph attended to the other, and +while they were thus employed, George came out of the woods in a very +excited condition. + +"We have been camping within five rods of the thieves!" he cried. "The +noise we heard was probably made by the horses as they led them out into +the road, and I got there just in time to see them drive away." + +Haste surely made waste then, for all the party were so excited by what +they had seen and heard, and so anxious to start in pursuit quickly, +that they retarded their own progress by the bungling manner in which +they went to work. + +Ralph, in his eagerness, got the harness so mixed up that he was obliged +to undo all he had done and begin all over again before he could +accomplish anything, while Bob searched five minutes for the bridle, +which, in the first excitement, he had flung some distance from him +among the bushes. + +So far as coolness and presence of mind was concerned, George was no +better off than his companions. He attempted to pull the carriage into +the road, and got it so fastened among the small trees that Ralph was +obliged to come to his assistance, lifting it bodily out before it could +be extricated. + +In this confused way of doing things fully ten minutes of time was +wasted, and the thieves had a start of nearly twenty minutes before +their pursuers were ready for the chase. + +It was useless for them now to reproach themselves with carelessness in +not examining the woods when they first awoke, as they should have done, +since they knew the thieves would spend the night in some such place, +and quite as useless to complain, because they did not attempt to +discover the cause of the noise when they first heard it. Had they done +either one of these things, which it seemed the most inexperienced in +this kind of work would have done, they would have discovered the team +and had it then in their possession. + +As it was, however, they could only try to atone for their carelessness +by being more cautious in the future, which each mentally resolved to be +as he clambered into the carriage as soon as the horses were harnessed. +This time George sat on the front seat with Bob, where he could more +readily leap from the wagon if necessary. + +Bob started his horses at full speed, and George was satisfied that +there would be no necessity of urging him to drive faster, for he held +his steeds well in hand, requiring of them the best possible gait. + +"They have got quite a start of us," Bob said, after they had been on +the road a few moments, and while Ralph was regretting the absence of a +comb, which would enable him to feel so much more comfortable, "but I do +not think your horses have had any grain since they stole them, and if +that is so, I don't think we shall have any trouble in overtaking them +within an hour." + +Perhaps, if Bob had spoken exactly as he thought, he would have insisted +that his horses were so much faster, that the twenty minutes' advantage +which the thieves had could be more than compensated for in speed; but +just then he refrained from saying anything which might make his +troubled friend feel uncomfortable or disagreeable. + +"Did you see the place where they slept last night?" Ralph asked of +George, for as yet he had not told them of what he had seen when he ran +through the woods. + +"Yes; I came right upon it when I first left you. They had made a sort +of hut of boughs near a clearing, in which I should judge the horses had +been feeding. The instant I saw the camp, and so near ours that a stone +could have been thrown from one to the other, I thought it had been made +by the thieves, and I ran at full speed for the road, following a trail +that looked as if a carriage had but just passed that way. I got out of +the woods just as they turned the bend in the road, and simply had the +satisfaction of seeing my team driven away at a gallop, when, if I had +done what almost any child would have thought of doing, it would have +been in my possession." + +"Could you see the men?" + +"No; the top of the carriage was up, and I could see no one. They were +probably looking out through the window and saw me, for if they stayed +so near us since we stopped last night, they must know who we are, and +will try to escape, even if they kill the horses." + +"I'm not so sure that they could have known who we were," said Bob, "for +I have been trying to think if we said anything about the team, or what +we were there for, and I do not believe we did." + +If the men whom they were pursuing did not know that this party who had +encamped so near them were the ones in search of the team, it would be a +great point in favor of our boys, for the others would not be likely to +push their horses so hard. Therefore, each one tried to recall the +conversation, and the result of this thought relieved George's mind +somewhat, for no one could remember that a thing had been said which +might betray their errand. + +The road over which they were traveling was a good one, and the horses +were urged along by Bob at a lively rate, save on ascending ground, when +they were allowed to choose their own pace, in order that they might not +become "blown." + +At no one place, owing to the trees on each side, could they see very +far ahead on the road, which prevented them from knowing whether they +were gaining on the fugitives or not, although Bob firmly believed they +were, for his horses had never shown better speed, nor been more in the +humor for traveling. + +"We shall be on our way home in less than two hours," he said, +triumphantly, as the horses dashed down a long hill at a pace that would +be hard to beat; and then, as they began the ascent of the next hill, +all their hopes were dashed. + +During the last ten minutes, it had seemed to Ralph that the +easy-running carriage dragged, and as the horses neared the top of the +hill, he discovered the trouble. + +"The hind axle is heated," he shouted, "and the wheel no longer turns." + +It surely seemed as if everything was conspiring in favor of the +thieves, for the pursuers were now seriously crippled by a "hot box." + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII. + +IN A TRAP. + + +It seemed so impossible to Bob that such a misfortune could overtake +them just when success appeared certain, that he could not believe what +Ralph had said was true until he had jumped out and examined the axle. + +There was no doubt then but that they would be delayed for a long time, +for the axle was already so hot that it was smoking, and they had +neither oil nor water with which to cool it. + +In the valley or ravine through which they had just ridden there was no +stream, and the only thing which could be done was to look for one +further ahead, since they had passed the last house fully three miles +behind. + +"It's no use crying about it," said Bob, with an assumption of +cheerfulness he was far from feeling, "for here we are, and the sooner +we mend matters the sooner we shall be riding on again." + +"But what can we do?" asked Ralph, feeling thoroughly discouraged at +this accident, which, however quickly it might be repaired, would give +the thieves a chance of making good their escape. "Even if we had a +whole ocean of water, you haven't got any oil after the axle is cool, +nor even a wrench with which to take the wheel off." + +"One of us must walk on ahead until he comes to some house, where oil +and a wrench can be borrowed. Bob must drive his horses on at a walk, +and halt at the first water he sees. It's an unlucky accident for us, +and it seems strange that it should have happened just when it did." + +"It isn't so very strange," said Bob, as he started his team along at a +walk, "and, as usual, it's all my fault. When we moved the other day, we +left our oil behind in the stable, and I knew the wagon needed oiling +when I got down to Kenniston's. I was just going to do it when you drove +up, and then, like an idiot, I forgot it." + +It would do no good to discuss the causes of the accident after it had +occurred. The only question was as to how the damage could be repaired, +and, after that was decided, to set about doing it at once. + +"I will go on ahead for the oil," said Ralph, starting out at a run as +he spoke, and in few moments he was lost to view, as he disappeared +behind the trees, where the road made a decided curve. + +Bob and George walked, while the horses dragged the carriage with its +one useless wheel, and in this fashion the boys, who a few moments +before had believed that in two hours they would have overtaken the +thieves and recovered the property, continued on their journey, as sad +and dispirited as before they had been happy and confident. + +"If this hadn't happened," said Bob, bitterly, "we should have caught +the men before noon; but now it is an open question as to whether they +won't get away." + +"It will be strange if they don't escape," and George's voice sounded no +more cheerful than did Bob's; "for even if they were not sure who their +neighbors were last night, they must have been suspicious, and will do +all they can to throw us off the scent. But there," he added, with a +shrug of the shoulder indicative of resolution; "what's the use of +mourning over what can't be helped? All we can say or do won't change +matters, and we might as well look cheerful as cry." + +"I know that," replied Bob, with a grimace; "but when a fellow is +disabled, in the woods, and probably two or three miles from any house, +the most appropriate thing is to cry, even if the tears don't do any +good." + +At this moment, as if in answer to Bob's assertion that they were +probably a long distance from any house, and very much to their +surprise, Ralph was seen coming down the road waving his hands +triumphantly. + +"What is the matter?" cried George, not daring to believe that Ralph had +already seen a house. + +"There's a farm-house just around the bend here, with everything we need +in the stable," shouted Ralph, while he was yet some distance away. "I +told the owner that we had a hot axle, and were anxious to get on as +quickly as possible, and he says we can borrow one of his wagons, or +take anything we need to fix ours." + +It is needless to say how delighted George and Bob were by the +information Ralph had brought. Instead of losing nearly the whole of +that day, as they had feared they should, by walking several miles +before finding a stable, they could repair damages in a comparatively +short time, and could, perhaps, yet overtake the men before night. + +"Hurrah!" shouted Bob, as he urged his horses into a trot, the party +running behind. + +And in a few moments they were in the stable-yard of a large farm, where +the proprietor was awaiting their arrival, ready to lend them any +assistance in his power. + +Both he, as well as they, knew exactly what to do for this outgrowth of +carelessness, and pail after pail of water was dashed on to the hub of +the wheel to cool it off, even while he was yet repeating his offer to +loan them one of his wagons if they were in a hurry to be on their +journey again. + +Leaving Bob and Ralph to continue the cold-water application, since not +more than two could work at a time advantageously, George went with the +farmer to see what sort of a vehicle they could borrow in exchange for +their own. + +He returned very shortly, however, with the word that he thought it best +for them to get their own carriage into working order, since those +belonging to the farmer were all so heavy that they would probably gain +in speed, if they waited for their own, more than they would lose in +time. + +This decision was about what Bob had expected, and he continued his +work, which had not been delayed during George's absence, until it was +thought that they could remove the wheel. + +It was a hard, and quite a long job; but it was accomplished finally, +and then, when the iron was nearly cold, a plentiful amount of oil was +applied; the other wheels were lubricated, and the boys were ready to +continue their journey again, having lost by this accident not more than +an hour's time. + +"You are all right now," said the farmer, after he had positively +refused to take any payment for his own time or for the use of his +tools, "an' I reckon the waiting here won't make much of any difference +to you." + +"It wouldn't have been of any account if we hadn't been chasing a pair +of horses of mine that were stolen at Sawyer. We were close behind them, +and should have overtaken them by this time if it hadn't been for this +delay." + +"What is the color of your horses?" asked the man, evincing such a +sudden interest that it seemed certain he knew something about the +missing property. + +"A pair of small, dark chestnut horses, in a box buggy, driven by two +young men," replied Bob, quickly, confident that they were about to hear +some good news, and answering all possible questions at once, in order +that they might not be delayed any longer than necessary. + +"Then it is fortunate for you that you had trouble which made you stop +here, or else you would have gone on and missed them," replied the man, +speaking slowly, as if there was no possible reason why the boys should +hurry on in pursuit. + +"When did you see them?" asked George, hurriedly. "Tell us at once, so +that we needn't lose any more time." + +"There's no need for you to rush," drawled the man, much as if he +enjoyed keeping the boys in suspense, "for if you stay right where you +are, you will see them. They've got to come back this way, sure." + +The boys looked around as if they expected to see the thieves pop out +from some hiding-place near by, and after waiting a moment to enjoy the +effect his words had produced, the farmer asked, as he pointed nearly +opposite the house to where a road branched off from the highway, +leading, apparently, into the woods: + +"Do you see that road?" And then, as if realizing how useless such a +question was when the road was so well defined, he continued: "Wa-al, I +reckon that the same team you are huntin' after was driv up that road +about an hour or so ago. It was a small pair of dark chestnut hosses, +an' good ones, with a fancy buggy, an' two young fellers drivin'." + +"Where does that road lead to?" asked Bob, excitedly. + +"That's the joke of it," said the farmer, with a laugh. "It don't lead +nowhere 'cept inter my wood-lot, an' that's what made me notice ther +team so perticularly, 'cause I couldn't make out what they wanted up +there. I tell you what it is, boys, you've got your hoss-thieves in a +trap, an' you kin pull 'em out whenever you want to." + +"Are you sure that there isn't any way out of that? Can't they strike +the main road by driving across some field?" asked George. + +"Wa-al, I've driv over that road as many as forty times every year for +the last thirty, haulin' down wood, an' I wouldn't undertake to git a +wheel-barrer out any other way than I went in. You kin stay here an' +ketch 'em when they come out, or go in after 'em--_they'll be there_!" + + + + +CHAPTER XIX. + +CLOSE QUARTERS. + + +It hardly seemed possible to the boys that, after the mishap which it +seemed would give the thieves all the time they needed to make good +their escape, they could be so near to them that their capture seemed +certain. + +But the farmer insisted that there was no outlet to the road; that a +team answering to the description of the one George had lost had been +driven in there, and that it had not come out. Therefore, there could be +no question but that they had the thieves in a trap, as the farmer had +said, and all that was necessary was to go and get them or the team. + +At first they were about to start out without any plan whatever, intent +only on getting the horses as quickly as possible; but George realized +in time that, secure as the thieves appeared to be against escape, all +might be changed by too much precipitation. + +If they should rush in recklessly, the men might get past them by +concealing the team in the bushes until they had passed that particular +point, and then the road would be clear before them, unless the farmer +could succeed in stopping them. + +It was necessary, therefore, that, in going up this road, which they +were told was about two miles long, they should not only see where the +thieves had gone in, but where it would be possible for them to come +out, in case they should succeed in making a detour through the woods. + +The farmer, after listening to the discussion which the boys were +having, suggested that they block up the road near its entrance with his +heavy carts, and then, if the thieves should get past them, they would +be obliged to leave the team at the obstruction in order to make good +their own escape. + +This suggestion was so good that they followed it at once. Bob using his +horses to haul a hay-rack, a heavy ox-cart and two dump-carts into the +road, about two hundred yards from the highway, overturning and wedging +them in in such a way that a passage through could not be made in less +than half an hour. + +The farmer, having work that forenoon, which kept him near the house, +promised to keep a sharp lookout while the boys went after the team, and +to give the alarm in case the men should come down towards the +barricade. + +Then, all the preparations having been completed, there was nothing to +prevent them from going into the trap the thieves had voluntarily +entered. + +Bob thought they ought to have weapons in case the men should attempt to +fight for the possession of their ill-gotten booty; but George refused +to consider the idea even for a moment. He had no thought that the men +would do anything of the kind, and, even though he was going after his +own property, he was not willing to go in such a way as might endanger +the life of any one. + +"If you want any weapons, take a good stout club," he said, "and I think +you will find even that unnecessary, for as soon as the men see us, they +will do their best to get away." + +Bob was by no means satisfied to start up the road unarmed; but since it +was George's property they were in search of, he thought his orders +should be obeyed, even though the attempt should be unsuccessful because +of it. + +"If I was in your place, I should make sure of the men as well as the +team," the farmer called out, as they started, "for there's a good many +more horse-thieves in the country than are needed, an' it's doin' a good +turn to honest people to put 'em where they can't run off other people's +property." + +George made no reply, but at the same time he did not propose to make an +amateur detective of himself, unless the men should attempt to prevent +him from taking his own, and then he would have no hesitation about +causing their arrest. + +There was no difficulty in following the track of the carriage, for +there had been so little travel on the road that the impress of the +wheels was distinctly seen, and there could be no question but that it +would be an easy matter to see where it was taken into the woods in case +the men should attempt to hide. + +"I guess we had our labor for nothing in blocking up the road," said +Bob, as they walked along, "for there is no chance of our passing the +team so long as we can see the tracks as plain as this." + +"We certainly didn't hurt ourselves piling up the carts, and the time +was well spent, if only for the sake of the precaution," said George; +and then, stopping suddenly, after they had walked nearly a mile, he +pointed to a second track, which led directly into the woods a few yards +ahead of them. "They have been to the end of the road, and come back," +he whispered. "Perhaps they have just turned in here after hearing us." + +For a moment the three boys stood looking at the trail made by those +they had been so anxious to meet, and then George said, in a low tone: + +"We mustn't lose any time here, and when we do start it must be quickly. +We will follow this track in, and keep right on in it; for we shall +either find the team now in the bushes, or else the men will have done +as I feared--passed us while we were on the road." + +There was still a chance that the men might get away with the team if +they had succeeded in reaching the road in the rear of the boys, for it +might be possible for them to clear away the obstructions near the main +road before the boys could run a mile, unless the farmer could prevent +them. + +George dashed into the bushes, followed closely by Ralph and Bob, and +before they had gone very far, it was evident to all that the men were +trying to do just as George had suggested. + +The track made by the carriage could be followed very readily, and there +was no longer any question, after the boys had run a hundred yards, but +that they were traveling in a half circle, the end of which would be at +the road. + +"Come on as fast as you can," shouted George, when he thus saw his +suspicions verified; and, regardless of whether he was followed or not, +he dashed ahead at full speed, perfectly satisfied that when he saw his +team again it would be at the barricade. + +When he reached the road up which they had just come, the second track +of wheels could be seen, and he half expected to hear the farmer's +warning cry, forgetting for the time that any ordinary pair of lungs +could hardly be heard a mile away. + +Close behind George came Ralph and Bob, both excited by the thought that +there was yet a possibility the men might escape with the team, and both +running as fast as they could. + +"They've come this way!" shouted George, "and now it only remains to be +seen whether we can get there in time." + +There was no need to say anything to urge either of the boys on to +greater speed, for they were making every effort, and George himself was +really the one who would be left behind if the race was continued very +long. + +Bent only on reaching a given point as quickly as possible, the boys +paid no attention to anything else save getting over the ground rapidly, +and the farmer's voice rang out long and loud before they realized that +they heard it. + +"Hello! Hello-o-o! Hello-o-o-o!" was the cry. + +And when finally the boys did hear it, they understood by the tone that +there was urgent reason for them to make haste, for now, beyond a doubt, +the thieves were trying hard to remove the barricade. + +Panting, almost breathless, but not realizing how nearly exhausted they +were, the boys rushed on, intent only on noting the way, that they might +lose no time or vantage by a misstep, until they emerged from the woods +at a point where they could see that which was causing such an outcry +from the farmer, who was taking quite as much interest in the saving of +their property as he would have done in his own. + +George could see his team halted in front of the barricade they had +piled up with so much, and what at the time Bob had thought useless, +labor, while the men were straining every nerve to remove it, the farmer +standing at a safe distance, screaming at the top of his voice, even +though he must have seen the boys coming towards him as rapidly as they +could run. + +Already had the two men succeeded in removing the two dump-carts, and +were now at work upon the hay-rack, with every prospect of pulling it +sufficiently out of the way to admit of their driving past; but when +they saw the three boys coming down the road, they evidently concluded +that they had worked quite as long as was safe, for they began to look +out for their own welfare, instead of trying longer to get away with the +team. + +After one look at the boys, probably to make sure they were the same +ones whom they had seen coming up the road, the thieves ceased their +efforts to move the hay-rack, and sought safety in flight, running down +the road towards Babcock, instead of trying to escape in the opposite +direction. + +The farmer, who was anxious that all horse-thieves should be placed +beyond the possibility of carrying on their business, at once started in +pursuit, probably without thought as to how he could make prisoners of +two men whom he had not dared to grapple with when they were trying to +tear down the barrier which prevented them from getting away with their +booty. + +George, who still continued to lead the party, stopped when he reached +the side of the carriage. He had gained possession of his team once +more, and he was content. + + + + +CHAPTER XX. + +A SOUVENIR OF THE THIEVES. + + +Even had they been so disposed, neither Bob nor Ralph could have joined +the farmer in the pursuit of the men, because by the time they arrived +at the carriage they were so nearly exhausted that it would have been a +matter of impossibility for them to run fifty yards further, whatever +the inducement. + +All three stood by the side of the recovered property, panting and +breathless, but watching eagerly the unequal race, where the two men +could run a trifle more than twice as fast as their pursuer. + +The farmer, seeing how sadly he was being distanced, looked behind for +an instant, to see if any of the boys were going to aid him, and then, +seeing that they had all halted, gave up the contest by hobbling back to +his stable, looking quite as red in the face and panting quite as hard +as if he had run a thousand yards instead of twenty. + +"If you'd only followed me we could have caught 'em all," he said, in a +half-reproachful tone, as he came up to the boys. + +"I don't believe you could have overtaken them if all of us had been +close at your heels," replied George, speaking with considerable +difficulty because of the shortness of his breath. "But, as a matter of +fact, I don't think we could have followed those men even if the team +itself had been ours only in consideration of our catching them. You +see, we have run a mile at full speed, and we're about used up." + +"Wall, it's a pity to let 'em go, for they'll be lookin' 'round for some +other team, now they've lost your'n, an' jest as likely as not I'll be +the one that'll have to furnish it for 'em," said the farmer, +mournfully, as he fanned himself vigorously with his broad-brimmed straw +hat. "But I've seen them chaps before, I'm pretty sure. I b'lieve +they're the same ones that was nosin' 'round here four or five weeks +ago, lookin' for oil signs over my pasture." + +"Oh, we'll hope not!" exclaimed Bob, with a laugh. "For the sake of +those who are really engaged in the oil business, we'll hope they do not +number horse-thieves among them." + +"But I'm sure they're the same ones," persisted the farmer, "an' they +talked as if they knowed all about the business." + +As soon as the boys had recovered somewhat from the effects of their +exertions they began to think of returning, and Bob started to get his +team, which had been left in the stable-yard, when an exclamation from +George caused him to pause. + +The obstructions had not been cleared away from the road, and Harnett +was fastening his horses to the fence, in order to help remove that +which had been of so much service in stopping the flight of the +horse-thieves, when some papers in the buggy arrested his attention. + +Taking them up carelessly he glanced over two or three quickly when +something caught his eye which caused the cry of surprise that had +stopped Bob. + +"They were oil prospectors, after a fashion," said George, "and if they +knew what they professed to, they have left us a valuable souvenir." + +"A souvenir!" repeated Bob. "What have they done--left an empty +pocket-book?" + +"It may prove to be quite as valueless as one, and probably will; but it +looks queer, for it is made out in proper form, and only verifies what +Bob said last night." + +"What I said last night!" repeated Bob, now thoroughly mystified. "In +mercy to me tell me what you mean, and don't stand there mooning away +like that." + +"Well," said George, who had glanced over the contents of the particular +paper which had caused him so much surprise, "listen to me. In the first +place, here is what I should judge to be an accurate survey of the +wood-lot Ralph and I bought of Simpson. It states the price for which +the land was mortgaged, and the probable price for which it could be +bonded or purchased. Here is a description of the entire property, and +here is given the exact spot, by measurement, where they have found +satisfactory evidences of oil. It would be singular if, in helping Mr. +Simpson, we had helped ourselves, and still more singular that we should +learn of it through those who stole my team, and put us to so much +trouble." + +"The only thing singular about it would be that there wasn't any oil +there," replied Bob, quickly. "I've looked over that place some, and I +know it's there; but other people haven't seen fit to believe me when I +said so." + +"We didn't say whether we doubted you or not," said Ralph, who was +inclined to believe fully the information contained in the paper George +had found. "When you made the statement, we said nothing, one way nor +the other." + +"Then why were you surprised when you found the same thing written +there?" asked Bob, somewhat sulkily, as he pointed to the paper George +held. + +"We were surprised to find it in the possession of such men," replied +Harnett, with a laugh, "and perhaps also a little surprised to learn +that we could have put so much faith in any one of your assertions. But +now, with such eminent authority on the subject, I am anxious to get +back, and look at the land for myself." + +"What are the other papers?" asked Bob. + +"They refer to land near Simpson's, which the men have examined and +reported upon carefully, but without finding so many favorable evidences +that a well should be sunk. What puzzles me is, how these men could be +oil prospectors, and at the same time steal a team." + +"I think that is simple enough," said Bob, carelessly. "They were +probably prospecting on their own account, expecting to sell their +information after they obtained it. They hadn't any capital of their +own, but when they saw a fine team alone in a shed, at a time when there +was a terrible fire raging, they thought they could steal it without +running any risk. If they had got away with your horses, they could have +raised money enough on them to buy the Simpson property, and once they +struck oil, they would become honest men." + +"That's nigh enough to the truth of it," said the farmer, solemnly; and +all the party agreed to accept that as the explanation of what otherwise +would have seemed very singular. + +All three of the boys were now more than anxious to return to Sawyer, +that they might learn whether the statement contained in the paper they +had found was true or not. + +Considerable labor had to be done, however, in the way of clearing the +farmer's carts from the road, and all the boys went to work at once, +while the owner sat on a rock near by, bemoaning his misfortune in not +having caught the thieves, and in not having signs of oil on his +wood-lot. + +By the time the boys had replaced his carts as they had found them, he +came out of his sorrow sufficiently to invite them to remain to dinner, +and he urged the invitation so strongly that they concluded to accept +it, especially since the horses, more particularly George's, needed +dinner even more than they did. + +It was a real country dinner they sat down to in the farm-house, half an +hour later, while the horses stood before mangers, in which was a +plentiful supply of grain, and the boys did full justice to it, eating +until their hostess could have no cause for complaining that her food +had not been duly appreciated. + +During dinner, Mr. Folsom, the host, learned that George and Bob were +indirectly concerned in the oil business, and also heard some of the +moonlighter's wonderful stories as to the famous wells he had discovered +when others had said there was no oil in the vicinity. This was +sufficient to revive all the farmer's hopes, which had been slumbering +for a while, that he might be one of the lucky ones who are made rich by +the discovery of oil on their lands, and he urged the boys to remain +with him several days, or, at least, long enough to locate a well on his +farm. + +It seemed all in vain for the boys to urge that they did not know enough +about prospecting to make a thorough examination of the farmer's lands, +or if they did, that it would be impossible for them to remain because +of business. + +The old gentleman insisted so strongly, basing his claims to receive +them as guests on what he had done to aid them in recovering George's +property, that they were obliged to promise that they would return very +soon, and examine, as far as they were able, his entire farm, which he +was now very certain was situated directly on the oil-belt, even though +wells had been sunk near him unsuccessfully. + +It was quite late in the afternoon when the boys did finally succeed in +getting away from the too hospitably inclined farmer, and then they +started down the road leisurely, for they had a long journey before +them if they expected to reach the Kenniston farm that night. + +Bob rode alone and in advance, while Ralph rode with George, the two +teams driving along side by side whenever the width of the road would +permit, in order that the occupants might talk over and over again the +prospects of finding oil on the Simpson wood-lot. + +And this conversation was continued by Ralph and George when Bob was +obliged to drive ahead, both very much excited about it, and both +building air-castles on the strength of the idea, even until the weary +horses trotted up the lane to the Kenniston farm-house. + + + + +CHAPTER XXI. + +PROSPECTING. + + +It was not until a late hour on the morning after the boys arrived at +the Kenniston farm after their pursuit of the horse-thieves that any one +of the three made their appearance, and even then they would not have +gotten up so early as they did, had not Jim and Dick paid them a visit +for the purpose of hearing the particulars of the chase. + +Bob's partners paid no attention to Farmer Kenniston when he proposed +that they wait until the boys should awaken, since the chances were that +they needed a considerable amount of sleep; but insisted on paying a +visit to their partner in bed, which effectually prevented him from +enjoying another morning nap. + +When Ralph and George made their appearance half an hour later, Bob had +told his friends all the particulars of the chase, including the finding +of the report on the Simpson property, and the moonlighters were quite +as much excited about it as if they had been the owners of the land. +They insisted that George and Ralph should verify the truth of the +statement at once, and, without waiting for an invitation, proposed to +accompany them. + +Just then, owing to the unusual vigilance of the torpedo detective, the +moonlighter's business was virtually at a standstill, and they had +plenty of spare time in which to prospect for oil, or to prove the truth +of the statement that had so singularly come into George's possession. + +Both the owners of the Simpson wood-lot would have much preferred to +make their investigations alone; but since they could give no good +reason as to why the boys should not be allowed to accompany them, nor +none as to why the work should not be begun at once, they were obliged +once more to start out with the moonlighters. + +During the ride home the night before, George and Ralph had discussed +the question of what they should do in case oil was found on the +property, and they both felt that in such case they should consider that +Mr. Simpson still had a claim upon the land, even though they had paid +him all he had said he considered it worth. + +They would have willingly loaned him the money to pay off the mortgage +if it could have been done as well; but that they thought at the time he +would not accept, and George had purchased the wood-lot. Now, however, +if it should be found that the land was very valuable, neither of the +boys thought it right that they should reap the entire benefit, although +they were legally entitled to do so. + +They had feared that, by advancing the money to pay for the land, they +would be seriously hampered in the search for the horses, and when they +were obliged to give up the small amount which they had left, to the +constable at Sawyer, it seemed certain that they would travel under many +disadvantages. But this very lack of money had aided them. If they had +had sufficient to pay for their lodging at the hotel at Babcock, the +chances are that Bob would have remembered that the carriage needed +oiling; they would not have been able to follow the men so closely next +morning, nor would they have stopped at Mr. Folsom's, the only place +where they could have learned of the whereabouts of those whom they were +pursuing. + +The purchase of this land, made as it was in pure charity, had been a +great advantage to them, and if it should prove a valuable piece of +property, they intended that Mr. Simpson should be equally benefited. + +The title deeds had been left with Farmer Kenniston, while the boys were +away, and there could be no question as to their proprietorship. + +The only thing now was to learn whether there really was any oil on the +land, and this they were about to do, although it would have pleased +them much more if they were to go alone, rather than in company with the +moonlighters who had caused them so much trouble. + +Jim and Dick had their own team, and Bob proposed to use his horses in +the double wagon, so that in case he wanted to return home before George +and Ralph did, he could do so, and they could get Mr. Simpson to bring +them down. + +Since this was to be a regular prospecting trip, which might necessitate +their remaining out of doors all night, blankets and provisions were +packed into the wagon as before, while, in addition, George carried his +surveyor's instruments, that he might be able to locate exactly the spot +marked on the paper, in case they should have any difficulty in finding +it. + +On starting out, George insisted that they should first drive through +Sawyer, in order that he might report to the constable, as he had +promised; and, although the moonlighters did not fancy paying this +visit, they were obliged to do so if they wanted to accompany the +fortunate owners of the Simpson wood-lot on their prospecting trip. + +There was no difficulty in finding the man who had arrested them on the +night when time was of so much value to them, and by the reception which +he gave George it was easy to see that he had changed his mind somewhat +regarding his guilt, or had heard of the valuable assistance he had +rendered during the conflagration. + +"I will report to you at the time appointed," said George, after he had +told the story of finding his horses; "and then I shall have no +difficulty in proving that I knew nothing whatever about the +transportation of the glycerine." + +"And I believe that you will not, Mr. Harnett," replied the officer. +"Since it is uncertain as to whether the case will be heard on the day +set, you need not take the trouble to come here until I send you word. +But I should like to see Mr. Hubbard once in a while, for he is so apt +to fly off from one point to another that I shall never feel really +certain of him until he appears." + +"Now, see what it is to have a bad name," said Bob, with a grimace. "I +ought to be trusted as entirely as George is, and yet I am not. Don't +worry, Mr. Constable; I will be here in time for the examination, and I +will also call upon you whenever I am in town." + +Then Bob drove on toward the Simpson place, Jim and Dick having preceded +the others, for they had no desire to meet a constable even in a +friendly way. + +Mr. Simpson was at home when the boys arrived at his farm, and the +reception which both he and his wife gave Ralph and George was something +to be remembered with pleasure by them for many a day. + +Had he been allowed to do so, he would have placed everything he owned +at the disposal of the two who had so generously aided him to keep the +home he loved so well; but George stopped the show of gratitude, which +was really becoming embarrassing, by saying: + +"You will please us more, Mr. Simpson, by saying nothing about what we +did, for we are likely to be repaid in a very substantial way; and if we +are, you will get more for your wood-lot than you ever dreamed of." + +"Is it something in regard to those two men who just left here?" asked +Mr. Simpson, not in the least surprised by what George had said. + +"What men do you mean?" + +"There were two here when you first came in sight, but they left at once +on account of some business, as I understood. They told me that they +wanted to buy my wood-lot, and when I said that I had already sold it, +they offered to show good signs of oil if they could be paid for the +prospecting they had done." + +George, Ralph and Bob looked at each other in surprise. It seemed +certain that Mr. Simpson's visitors must have been the men who had +stolen the team, and yet it was hardly reasonable to suppose that they +would venture back there so soon after having committed the crime. + +"Can you describe them, Mr. Simpson?" asked George, feeling ill at ease +because of the coming of these strangers, and yet not understanding why +he did so. + +"I can't say I can," replied the old man, slowly; "for, you see, I +hain't much of a hand at that sort of thing, an' I didn't look at 'em +sharp enough. It seems to me that they were youngish, not much older +than you, an' they looked as if they had been havin' a pretty hard +tramp." + +"What time did they come here?" + +"About an hour ago. They said they had jest come from Babcock, an' got +mother to give 'em some breakfast." + +"It don't seem as if there could be any question but that they are the +same ones," said George, speaking slowly to his companions, and looking +worried. "I can't tell why, but it troubles me to have them come back +here." + +"Don't be foolish, George," said Bob, speaking rather sharply. "What +harm can they do you? Besides, if they should go to cutting up any +capers, it would be the easiest thing in the world to have them +arrested for stealing your team, and I fancy that would settle them." + +The boys had come, believing they should surprise Mr. Simpson by telling +him there was a chance that oil might be found on the land he had sold +so cheaply; but instead of doing so, the old man had startled them +considerably. + +"Well," said George, after a short pause, "we are going to leave our +teams here with you, Mr. Simpson, while we start out prospecting the +wood-lot. We believe those men who have just left are the ones who stole +my team, and if you still feel that you would like to do me a favor, you +will keep a sharp lookout over the stable while we are gone, for I do +not think they would hesitate to steal it again if they got the chance." + +Mr. Simpson promised to remain within sight of the stable-door all the +time the boys were away, and as proof that he was able to defend the +horses against any number of men, he brought out an old army musket, +minus almost everything save the stock, which he held carefully and +timidly in his hands, thereby causing his wife no little fear. + +"If we should find oil, Mr. Simpson," said Ralph, lingering behind after +the others had started, "George and I have agreed that you shall own an +equal share of the lot with us." + +Then he hurried away, joining the others quickly, in order that he might +not hear the old gentleman's thanks or expostulations. + +George, as well as Bob, believed they could find the place where the +men claimed to have seen signs of oil without any difficulty, and they +started out on what proved to be a vain search; for, after they had +walked several hours, they were no wiser than when they started. + +It was plainly of no use to search in this way, and George started back +to the house for his instruments, that he might locate the spot from the +directions on the paper, which he still held in his hand. + +The boys, glad of a rest, waited for his return, until, after he had +been absent nearly an hour, when he could easily walk the distance in +twenty minutes, Bob and Ralph started in search of him, leaving Jim and +Dick there in case he should return. + +Mr. Simpson both astonished and alarmed them by saying that George had +not been to the house since he first left it, and then they began a +hurried search, which resulted in nothing. They called him by name, +started Jim and Dick out even to the remote portions of the lot; but +without success. + +Strange as it seemed, it was nevertheless true that George had +mysteriously disappeared. + + + + +CHAPTER XXII. + +A CRUEL DEED. + + +When the boys met in the wood-lot at the spot where George had left +them, after they had made the first hurried survey of the place, +consternation was imprinted on every face. They knew that Harnett would +not voluntarily have gone away without telling them, and an undefined +but a very great fear took possession of them. + +Each looked at the other as if fearing to speak that which was in his +mind, and yet all were conscious that whatever was done to find their +missing friend should be done at once. + +It seemed so improbable that anything could have happened to him there +without their knowing it, that no one ventured to put his suspicions +into words, and each waited for the other to speak. + +"It can do no good for us to stand here," said Ralph, after he had +waited some time for a suggestion from Bob. "George is either not here, +or else some accident has happened which prevents him from answering. If +he had been here, and as he was when he left us, he must have heard us +when we called. Now, what shall we do?" + +All three of the moonlighters stood looking at him in silent dismay. +They were bewildered by the sudden disappearance, and Ralph understood +that whatever steps were taken toward finding George must be directed by +him, for his companions seemed incapable even of connected thought. + +"In the first place," he said, "let's make a thorough search of the +wood-lot, beginning from this point and working toward the house in the +direction he disappeared. If we don't find him here, we will try to make +up our minds what to do." + +There was no dissenting voice raised against this proposition, and Ralph +began the search by directing the boys to stand in a row, about ten feet +apart, and then walk straight down to the fence, carefully examining +every place in which George could have hidden. + +In this way a lane, at least forty feet wide, was examined thoroughly, +and as nothing was found by the time they reached the fence, the line +was formed again ten feet further on, the march continuing until they +reached a point abreast of the one they had started from. + +No one spoke during this search, for it seemed as though they were +hunting for the lifeless body of their friend, and when again they +arrived at the fence, they ranged along in a new line, silently, afraid +almost to look at the ground because of that which they might see. + +And at least a portion of their fears were to be realized, for as they +walked along on this third sad journey, they first found a place where +the bushes and ferns had been trampled down as if some desperate +struggle had taken place, and then, a few feet further on, almost hidden +in a pile of brushwood, they saw that for which they sought. + +It was the body of George, looking as if all life had departed, the face +beaten by cruel blows until it was nearly unrecognizable, the clothing +torn, and lying still as death. + +Even then no one spoke; no cry of alarm or of astonishment was given, +for this was what they had been expecting to find during all the search. + +Neither of the moonlighters had recovered from their first bewilderment, +and, as if this show of helplessness on the part of his companions +nerved him up, Ralph still preserved his presence of mind. + +Kneeling down by the apparently lifeless body, Ralph unfastened or tore +apart the clothing, until he could lay his hand over his friend's heart. +After an instant's silence, during which it seemed to each boy that he +could hear the pulsations of his own heart, Ralph said in a hard, +unnatural voice, which no one would have recognized as his: + +"He is not dead, for I can feel his heart beat feebly. One of you go for +a physician, while the others help me carry him to the house." + +"You take my horses, and drive first to Sawyer and then to Bradford for +three or four of the best doctors you can find, and drive faster than +you ever drove before," said Bob to Jim. + +The latter, finding actual relief in having something definite to do, +started off at full speed towards the farm-house, while Ralph began to +make a rude kind of a litter. + +Two fence-rails with limbs of trees laid across them, the whole covered +by the coats and vests of the boys, was the best that could be +improvised in a short time, and on this George was laid as tenderly as +possible. + +It seemed to all the boys as if he must be reviving somewhat, for they +fancied they could see him breathe as they moved him, and Bob was +certain he had lifted one of his hands as if to touch his head. + +It was a mournful procession they formed as they moved slowly towards +the farm-house, Ralph and Bob carrying the litter, while Dick stood +ready to help them whenever he might be needed. + +At the fence they were met by both Mr. and Mrs. Simpson, who had, of +course, learned the sad news from Jim, and had hurried out with almost +as much sorrow in their hearts as if he had been a son of theirs, for +they had learned to love George even before he had been the means of +saving their homestead to them. + +Thanks to the help which the old people were able to give, the wounded +boy was carried much more quickly and easily along, and in a short time, +which seemed very long to the anxious ones, he was lying on a bed in the +farm-house. + +Every effort was made to revive him as soon as he was placed in a +comfortable position on the bed in the room, sweet-scented with herbs, +and with such success that in a short time there was a movement of the +eyelids, followed by a low moan which, though piteous, was welcomed by +the boys gladly, for it told of life. + +From the time they had found him stricken down by some murderous hand, +Ralph had noticed that George still held tightly clutched in his left +hand a piece of paper. + +He had hoped from the first that it might afford some clue to the +murderous assailants, and had tried to remove it, but without success. + +Now, however, when it seemed as if consciousness was returning, the +hands unclasped from what had probably been a clutch at those who had +attacked him, and the paper fell to the floor. + +The first physician whom Jim had found entered at this moment, and, +picking the paper up, Ralph held it until he should hear the medical +man's decision. + +He was disappointed in getting this very speedily, however, for the +physician began a long and careful examination of the injured boy, in +which he was assisted by the second doctor, who arrived ten minutes +later. + +George was in good hands now, and since they could do nothing to aid +him, Ralph beckoned to Bob to leave the room, for he was anxious to +learn what was contained in the paper, and wished that some one should +share the secret with him. + +"This is what George had in his hand when we found him," he said, when +they were out of the house, "and I think it will, perhaps, explain who +it was who tried to murder him." + +Bob stood breathlessly waiting for Ralph to open the paper which was +crumpled tightly up in that almost death clutch, and as he saw it, he +uttered a cry of surprise and anger. + +It was a fragment of the description of the wood-lot which had been +found in the carriage when the thieves left it. + +"Those men have done this," cried Bob, as he clenched his hands in +impotent rage--"the ones whom George would not help catch after they had +stolen his team. They knew he had this paper, and when they saw him, +they either tried simply to get possession of it, George resisting, or +at the first attempted to kill him." + +"They can't be very far from here," said Ralph, as if wondering what +other crime they would attempt to commit before they left. + +"No, and they shan't get very far, either. I'll send Dick over to Sawyer +for the officers, and if it is possible, we'll have those fellows where +they can't do any more mischief." + +Dick was only too willing to go when he heard what Bob had to tell him, +and in the team he had driven over in he started at nearly as rapid a +pace as Jim had. + +Very shortly after he had gone, Jim returned. The first physician was +from Bradford, and he had met him on the road, while the second he had +found in Sawyer, having gone there to visit a patient. Both were said to +be very skillful, and Jim had sensibly concluded that there was no +necessity of getting any more. + +To him the boys told of the discovery they had made regarding the scrap +of paper, and had they followed his advice, they would have started in +search of the villains then and there, without waiting the tardy +movements of the officers. + +But both Ralph and Bob thought their place just then was with their +friend, rather than searching for those who had assaulted him, and they +persuaded Dick to forego his idea of making a personal search for the +men. + +It was not long that the boys were in suspense as to the report of the +physicians, for hardly had they finished discussing the discovery they +had made as to who had done the cruel deed, when one of the medical +gentlemen came from George's room. + +Unless, he said, there were internal injuries, of which they were then +unable to learn, George's condition was not one of imminent danger. That +he had been severely injured there could be no doubt; but there was +every reason to believe that he would recover, unless some more serious +wound than those already found had been given. + +He had not recovered consciousness yet, and there was hardly any chance +that he would for some time, while the physician barely intimated that +it was possible, owing to the wounds on his head, that he might never +fully recover his mental powers. + +It was just such a report as medical men often make--one which leaves +the anxious ones in quite as much suspense as before, and neither Ralph +nor Bob was just certain whether it was favorable to their friend or +not. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIII. + +THE TOWN ORDINANCE. + + +The news which Dick carried to Sawyer was sufficient to create a great +excitement in that naturally quiet little town. In addition to what +looked like an attempted murder, was the fact that George Harnett, whom +they had all respected before the conflagration, and admired after it, +was the intended victim. + +There was no need for Dick to urge that officers be sent to try to +effect the capture of the scoundrels, for almost before he had finished +telling the story, a large party of citizens started in search of the +men, determined that they should answer for their crime. + +Therefore, when Dick returned, it was with so large a following that the +physicians rushed out in the greatest haste to insist on their keeping +at a respectful distance from the house, lest the noise might affect +their patient. + +Bob and his partners were anxious to join in the search, and urged Ralph +to accompany them, since he could do no good to George by remaining; but +he refused to leave his friend, even though he could not aid him, and +the party started without him, a look of determination on their faces +that boded no good to the professed oil prospectors in case they should +be caught. + +During all of that night Ralph remained with George, listening to his +delirious ravings, as he supposed he was still battling for his life +with the men, and just at daybreak Bob returned alone. The search had +been even more successful than any of the party had dared to hope for +when they set out, for the men had been captured in the woods about four +miles from the place where the assault had been made and in the pocket +of one of them was the paper from which one corner had been left in +George's hand. + +They had evidently believed that they would be securely hidden in the +woods, for they had built a camp, and were in it asleep when they were +found. + +Bob had been one of the first to rush in upon them, and, seeing him, the +men had shown fight; but the sight of the crowd behind him prevented any +serious demonstrations, and after that their only fear had been that +some one would attempt to do them an injury, a fear for which, at one +time, it seemed as if there were very good grounds. + +When the prisoners had been carried back to Sawyer, Bob had left the +party, in order to report their success to Ralph, as well as to learn +George's condition. + +Until Harnett's friends could be informed of his situation, Ralph and +Bob were looked upon as the only ones having a right to dictate as to +what should be done for him, and Ralph was anxious to have the course +they should pursue decided. With this in view, he had a long discussion +with Bob as to what should be done, and the result of it was that he +started at once for Bradford, to telegraph to George's mother, and to +hire a nurse to take care of him. + +Mrs. Harnett, George's mother, lived in Maine, and it would necessarily +be quite a long time before she could reach her son, even if she got the +telegram as soon as it was sent. Therefore, it was important that a +nurse should be procured, at least until she could arrive, and decide +what should be done with the patient. + +After this was done, Ralph started to return, not wanting to be away any +longer from his friend than possible, and as he neared Sawyer, he met +the officer who had arrested George and Bob for violation of the town +ordinance. + +"Where is Mr. Hubbard?" asked the officer, after Ralph had given him all +the particulars of George's condition. + +"He is now at Mr. Simpson's, waiting there until I shall get back." + +"Is he particularly needed there?" + +"Oh, no. As for the matter of that, neither one of us will be actually +needed after this forenoon, for I have just been to Bradford to engage a +nurse for George until his mother shall get here. Why did you ask?" + +"Well, you see before this assault was committed, it was decided to +call the case one of carrying glycerine through the town, to-day. Now +it has been decided, in view of the service Harnett rendered at the +conflagration, to drop the case against him, and only proceed against +Hubbard. But if his presence was necessary to Harnett, we could postpone +it easily enough." + +"But George would feel very badly if the case against him was dropped," +said Ralph, earnestly. "Before the arrest was made, his only hope was +that it would be made, so that he might prove he had nothing to do with +it. Isn't it possible to proceed against him, even if he isn't there?" + +"And what if it is?" asked the officer, with a smile. + +"If it is I would urge you to call the case against George at the same +time as that against Bob, for I know, beyond a doubt, that he will be +proven not guilty." + +"I'll see what can be done; and if you and Hubbard can leave, come over +about two o'clock this afternoon." + +"We will be there," replied Ralph. + +And then he drove on, rejoiced at the thought that even while his friend +was sick, he could remove one cause of trouble from him. + +When Bob was told of the interview Ralph had had, he was by no means so +well pleased that the case was to be opened so soon. + +"Why didn't you tell the officer that I couldn't be spared from George's +side for a moment?" he asked. "That would have settled it, for just now +every one is sympathizing with him." + +"In the first place, it wouldn't have been true," replied Ralph, "and +then again, if it has got to come, the sooner it's over the better, I +should think." + +Bob made a wry face over the matter, for he had hoped that in the +excitement caused by the attack on George, both the cases would be +dropped, and since there could be no doubt about his conviction, that +would have been the most pleasant way out of it, so far as he was +concerned. + +Ralph used all the arguments he could think of to persuade Bob to look +at the matter in a philosophical light, and it was not until he urged +the satisfaction it would give George, when he recovered, to know that +he was cleared of the charge, that Bob would even admit that he was +willing to go, although he knew he must do so. + +As soon as the professional nurse arrived and began her duties, Bob and +Ralph harnessed the former's team, and started first for the +moonlighters' hut, where Jim had said he would be that day, for the +purpose of getting him to testify in George's behalf. + +This young moonlighter was quite as averse to appearing at court as his +partner had been, for he feared the charge might be altered to include +him, but Ralph persuaded him that such would hardly be probable, at the +same time that he urged him to accompany them, for George's sake. + +On arriving at Sawyer it was found that the authorities were willing to +call George's case in consideration of the fact that his innocence could +be easily proven, and the trial began. + +Of course, with Bob, Jim and Ralph to testify in George's behalf, there +was no doubt as to his innocence in the matter, and quite as naturally, +the testimony which cleared one convicted the other, for Bob had told +the story exactly as the matter had happened. + +George was found "not guilty," and public opinion being in favor just +then of any of the friends of the injured man, Bob was let off with a +reprimand and a fine of ten dollars. + +Bob was in high glee over this easy settlement of the matter, as was +Ralph, and when the constable handed them the forty dollars which he had +taken as security for their appearance, the young moonlighter insisted +on presenting him with five dollars of his twenty, as a "token of his +appreciation." + +During the ride back to the Simpson farm, and Jim accompanied them in +order to remain there over-night in case he should be needed, Bob +unfolded a scheme which he declared he had been maturing for some time, +although Ralph insisted that it had only occurred to him after his +fortunate escape from the clutches of the law. + +"We shall have no business for two or three weeks at least," he said; +"and while George is so sick there is really nothing we can do for him. +Now I propose that you and I find the signs of oil that those fellows +claim to have found, and when George gets well the work will be all done +for him." + +"But can we do it?" asked Ralph, thinking that he would be of but little +service, since his knowledge of the oil business was confined to what +he had seen of the moonlighters' operations. + +"Of course we can. I have done a good deal of prospecting, and, except +that I couldn't find the place they describe by measurements, I can do +the work better than George, for he has had no experience whatever." + +"I am willing to do it if I can," said Ralph, "for surely we can be +doing no harm in trying to prove whether the property is valuable or +not." + +"No harm! Of course there wouldn't be any!" cried Bob, growing +enthusiastic over his scheme. "And if we do find things as plain as I +believe we shall, there will be no trouble in borrowing money enough to +sink the well at once, so that when George gets out we could surprise +him with a little oil property that would make his eyes stick out." + +Ralph felt almost as if he was losing his breath at the "size" Bob's +scheme was assuming, and he said, faintly: + +"Oh, we wouldn't do that!" + +"Indeed, but we would, and I reckon Harnett wouldn't feel very badly +about it either." + +"If you were sure of striking oil, I'm not sure but that father would +advance the necessary money to do it," he said, falling in at once with +Bob's scheme, he was so dazzled by it. + +"That would be all the better," cried Bob, excitedly; "and I tell you +what it is, Gurney, if I don't show you a five-hundred-barrel well in +that same wood-lot, you shall have my head for a football." + +Ralph was hardly in need of such a plaything, but Bob's scheme had so +excited him that when he did finally succeed in getting to sleep that +night, it was only to dream of wonderful wells spouting wonderfully pure +oil. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIV. + +BOB'S INDUSTRY. + + +Bob Hubbard was not one to give up anything he had once decided upon +without a trial, and when he told Ralph that between them they would +find the oil and sink the well before George recovered, he intended to +do it if it was within the range of possibilities. + +Very many operators in the oil region looked upon Bob as one of the best +prospectors there, and while they fully understood his reckless manner, +and agreed that it could not be said that he was strictly truthful, they +had the most perfect confidence in his reports on land. + +Therefore, it was no vain boast when Bob said that if there were good +signs of oil on the Simpson wood-lot, he could easily borrow money +enough to sink a well, for almost any one of the capitalists of Bradford +would have been willing to make the loan upon his representations. + +This wood-lot of Simpson's had attracted Bob's attention some time +before, as the reader already knows, and, despite the assertions of some +oil prospectors to the contrary, he had always maintained that a good +paying well would be found there. + +It had been his intention to buy the land; but he had neglected to do +so, as he was in the habit of neglecting his own business until it was +too late. But he would be satisfied to prove that he had been correct in +his views by striking oil there, even if he was opening the property for +some one else, and just then he saw the opportunity of doing a favor for +his friend at the same time that he proved the truth of his own +statements. + +On the morning after he had spoken of his "scheme" to Ralph, he was up +some time before the sun was, even though he had watched by George's +side until midnight, and was only waiting for the professional nurse to +relieve Ralph from his duty of watcher, before beginning the work he had +proposed to do. + +During the night it had seemed as if George had recovered consciousness +for a few moments, although he had not spoken, and the physician, who +had remained at the farm-house, was called to the patient's side. + +This brief revival of consciousness, to be followed immediately by a +fever, was what the medical man had predicted, and he then said that +George would appear to be very much worse in the morning; but that it +was the turning of the fever which would show whether he was ever to +regain the full possession of all his faculties. + +Therefore, when the morning came, and George, in a high fever, seemed +to be very near death his friends were much less alarmed for his safety +than they would have been, had the change not been expected. + +It was unfortunate that he could not have been removed to the Kenniston +farm, where he would have been nearer medical aid in case he should need +it suddenly; but he could not have been taken where he would have +received more tender or devoted care then he did from Mr. Simpson and +his wife. + +The only possible aid which either Ralph or Bob could have given, after +they had relieved the nurse of the care of watching during the night, +would have been in case they were needed to go to town for anything +which the patient might require. Except for that, they might as well be +out prospecting as remaining at the farm-house. + +Therefore, in order that they might both be away, and feel perfectly at +ease, Bob had arranged with Dick to come over and remain during the day +with Jim, to act as messenger in case there was any necessity for it. + +Bob's horses were there, and after breakfast, when Jim had arrived, and +the nurse had resumed her duties, there was really nothing to prevent +them from going where they pleased. + +Much as he wanted to go with Bob, Ralph was uncertain as to whether he +should leave his friend until after he had spoken with the physician +regarding it, and then, learning that he could be of no possible +assistance by remaining, he announced that he was ready to begin the +work of prospecting again, which had been brought to such a sad end the +day previous. + +Bob started out excited by the thought of what they would accomplish, +and so intent upon his scheme that he rattled on with explanations of +how this or that might be accomplished, until Ralph began to look upon +sinking an oil well as mere child's play, and quite convinced that it +could easily be done, even without capital. + +Both the boys were satisfied that there were no signs of oil in such +localities as they had examined the day previous, therefore there was no +occasion for them to do that work over again, and Bob began his labors +by starting through the wood-lot in an entirely different direction, +which brought them to a small stream, or marsh, which ran directly +across the land. + +The water-course, if such it could be called, was nearly dried up, but +Bob showed every signs of delight at finding it so easily, and said to +Ralph, as he began to wade along its course, regardless alike of wet +feet or mud-plashed clothing: + +"Here is where we shall find the first signs, if there is any oil around +here. Follow me, and sing out when you see any greasy-looking water in +these little pools." + +It is quite probable that Ralph would have waded in streams which were +almost entirely covered with oil, and yet never have "sung out" once, +for he was at a loss to know how oil-covered water should look; but +before they had traveled twenty yards, Bob said, excitedly: + +"Why don't you say something? I thought you would like to be the first +one to discover signs on your own land, so I have held my tongue for the +last five minutes, expecting to hear you shout." + +"But what shall I say?" asked Ralph, in surprise. "I haven't seen any +oil yet." + +"Well, you're a fine prospector, you are!" and Bob looked at his +companion as if in the most perfect amazement that he did not understand +fully the business which he had had no experience in. "What do you call +_that_?" and Bob pointed to the water-pools that were covered with +something which showed different colors, not unlike a soap-bubble. + +"I've seen that queer-looking water for some time," replied Ralph, +innocently; "but that isn't oil." + +"You may think so," said Bob, with a laugh, "but you let some of these +oil operators from Bradford see that, and then it would do your heart +good to hear them offer you big prices for the land. That's oil, my boy, +and it shows up as plain as the nose on your face. We'll follow this +swale up until we find where the oil ceases, and then I'll show you a +place where you can sink a well without a possibility of losing any +money by the operation." + +Ralph was now quite as eager and excited as his companion was, and the +two splashed on through the mud and water, feeling much as gold-seekers +do when they believe they are following up the leads to that precious +metal. + +Up the marshy land they walked until they were very nearly in the +center of the lot, and then Bob stopped, with a gesture of satisfaction. + +At this point the difference in the water was very marked, the line of +oil, as it oozed out from a little bank, showing clearly, while above +the water was pure. + +"There's one thing certain," said Bob, triumphantly, as he stood upon +the sponge-like bank which afforded him so much satisfaction to see. +"Those who have laughed at me because I insisted that the oil belt +extended in this direction would feel kind of foolish if they could see +this, wouldn't they?" + +"But is it what you might call a good showing?" asked Ralph, still +incredulous that this land, which they had purchased only through +charity for Mr. Simpson, should prove so valuable. + +It seemed to him that Bob must be mistaken, or those living in the +vicinity would have discovered it some time before. + +"Well, I should say it was a good showing," cried Bob, excitedly. "Why, +Gurney, there isn't one well out of twenty that are sunk which looms up +like this. It will yield a thousand barrels if it yields a pint." + +The only question, then, as to whether it was really valuable property, +it would seem, was whether it would yield the pint; and, if one could +judge from Bob's face, there was no doubt about that. + +He was radiantly triumphant--not that he had discovered the oil, for +others had done that before him, but that his views on the location of +the oil belt had proved correct, and he was determined that by his +efforts the supply should be made to yield, even though he could have no +pecuniary interest in the matter. + +"We'll sink the well here, and I'll begin the work this very afternoon," +he said. "But first we must go back to the house, and we'll mark our +way, so that there'll be no difficulty about finding the spot again." + +Then Bob started toward the farm-house, walking rapidly, as if his feet +could hardly be made to keep pace with his thoughts, and breaking off +the tops of the bushes to mark the way. + +"But how are you going to work without money?" asked Ralph, almost +doubting if his companion was quite right in his mind. + +"Do you think that a sight of that place isn't as good as a big bank +account? Why, we only need about three thousand dollars to do it all." + +"Three--thousand--dollars!" echoed Ralph. + +"That's all. You write to your father, tell him what we have found, and +ask him to send the money right on," said Bob, in a matter-of-fact tone. + +"And do you suppose he would send such an amount of money simply for the +asking?" + +And Ralph's doubts in regard to the moonlighter's sanity increased each +moment. + +"It don't make much difference whether he does or not," was the careless +reply. "I can get everything we need to go to work with on the strength +of that showing, and I tell you that we'll have that well flowing just +as soon as possible. But you write to your father, ask him to come on +and see what we have got, and, after he has talked with those who are in +the business here, he won't hesitate about the money." + +"Yes, I can do that," said Ralph, slowly, but doubting very much whether +he could accomplish anything by it. "But it will take three or four days +at least before we can hear from him." + +"That don't make any difference, for it won't delay us. I'm going to +start right out to buy the engine, and by the time we hear from him, we +shall be at work." + +By this time they were at the stable, and Bob began harnessing his +horses, in proof of what he said. + +"I wouldn't do that," expostulated Ralph. "It may not be as good as you +think it is, and you may get into an awful lot of trouble about it." + +"Look here, Gurney," said Bob, impressively. "There's oil there--plenty +of it--and I know what I'm about. You just let me alone, and by the time +Harnett is able to understand anything, I'll be ready to prove to him +that both he and you are rich, all through your charitable idea of +buying Simpson's wood-lot." + + + + +CHAPTER XXV. + +THE WORK BEGUN. + + +After deciding in his own mind that he would sink a well in the place he +had found, taking the work and debts upon himself when it was all to be +for the pecuniary advantage of his friend, Bob was not one to lose any +time. + +As soon as he got back to the house and could harness his horses, he had +started for Bradford to make arrangements for the purchase, on credit, +of such machinery as was needed, and all this had been done so quickly +that Jim and Dick were not aware he had returned from prospecting until +they saw him driving away. + +As a matter of course they questioned Ralph as to why their partner had +left so hurriedly, and his reply excited them wonderfully. + +He told them of what Bob had found, and then he realized how good the +evidences of oil were, for the boys were in a perfect fever of delight +as he explained what they had seen. Then he told them of what he thought +was a mad scheme on Bob's part, his intention to begin sinking a well +even before he had any money to carry on the work, and instead of being +surprised at their partner's rashness, as he had expected they would be, +they seemed to think it a very natural course for him to pursue. + +They had quite as "wild" an attack as Bob had had, and although Ralph +was surprised at it then, he soon grew accustomed to such phases of the +"oil fever," after he had seen more of the business. + +Jim and Dick insisted on going out to see what their partner had +discovered, not satisfied with Ralph's description, and while they were +gone he tried to convince himself that this possibility of his becoming +rich, even before he had been obliged to struggle with the world, was +true, and not a dream. + +He was sitting on the wood-pile, arguing to himself as to whether Bob +might not be mistaken, when Mr. Simpson came out of the house with the +report that George was sleeping, and he decided to tell him the news, to +see if he would be as confident as the others. + +But before he could speak, Jim and Dick came up, panting, but +triumphant. + +"That's the biggest thing I ever saw!" said Jim, as he wiped the +perspiration from his face, and then turning to Mr. Simpson, he added, +"That wood-lot is worth about a thousand times as much as you got for +it." + +"Eh? What's that?" asked the old man, with his hand to his ear, as if +distrustful that it had performed its duty correctly. + +"Why, Bob has found the oil." + +"Yes," added Dick, "and it shows up better than anything I ever saw +around here." + +"It is true, Mr. Simpson," said Ralph, as the old man still looked +incredulous. "Bob found signs of oil this morning, which he says are +wonderfully good. I don't wonder that you can't believe it, for I +haven't succeeded yet, and I was with Bob when he found it." + +"Oil on the wood-lot!" repeated Mr. Simpson, in a dazed sort of way. + +"Yes, sir, and tanks of it!" replied Jim. + +"I am more glad than I can say," replied the old man, fervently, "for +now you and Mr. Harnett will be rewarded for your generosity to an old +man whom you hardly knew or cared for. It was not to be that I should +have it, and it wouldn't have done me much good if I had, for mother an' +I are most ready to leave this world, an' we haven't a child or a chick +to be gladdened by the money. Why, Mr. Gurney, I'm as pleased for you as +if it was all mine." + +And Mr. Simpson shook the boy by the hand in a hearty way that left no +doubt of the truth of what he said. + +"But if there is oil there, Mr. Simpson, you own as much as George and I +do, for we settled on that yesterday." + +"No, no!" and the old man shook his head decidedly. "When I sold the +land, I believed I was getting the full value for it, and you didn't +care whether it was worth what you paid or not. What you bought is +yours, and there's no gainsaying that. I suspected there was somethin' +more'n wood on that land when I went to pay Massie the money, for when +he found that I had the full amount, he offered to pay me my price for +the wood-lot, and when I told him I'd sold it, he offered to give me the +whole mortgage just for that piece of land." + +"There!" exclaimed Ralph, as if Mr. Simpson had just told him something +which it was to his advantage to hear. "Now you can see why we should +give you one-third of the land. If you had come to us then, and told us +that you had a better offer for it, we should have been only too well +pleased to give it up. Now, if what Bob says is true, you shall still +own a third of the lot." + +Mr. Simpson shook his head, to show he would not permit of such +generosity, and Ralph did not care to discuss the matter any further, +for he and George had already decided what to do. + +"If what Bob says is true!" cried Jim. "Why, there's no question about +it, for there the oil is where you can see it for yourself." + +"Still, it may not turn out as he expects," objected Ralph, as if +determined not to believe in his good fortune; and the moonlighters, +really angry at such obstinacy, refused to argue with him any longer. + +They insisted that Mr. Simpson should go with them to see the fortune +that had been his, without his being aware of the fact, and while they +were away Bob returned. + +He had two men with him, who appeared as intent on business as Bob did, +for all three walked past Ralph without speaking, going directly into +the wood-lot. + +During fully an hour, Ralph sat on the wood-pile, wondering if it could +be possible that he was wrong in refusing to believe what all the others +seemed so certain of, and then Bob and the men came back, accompanied by +Mr. Simpson and the two moonlighters, all looking as if they could +hardly contain themselves because of joy. + +"We will start the engine and lumber right up here, Mr. Hubbard," said +one of the men, as he passed Ralph, "and you can send for what you want, +with the understanding that the owners of the land will ratify all your +bargains." + +"Well, as for that, you can judge for yourselves, so far as one of the +owners is concerned; the other is not able to transact any business," +said Bob, turning suddenly toward Ralph, and, greatly to that young +gentleman's surprise, saying, "Gentlemen, this is Mr. Ralph Gurney, who +owns one-half the property, as Mr. Simpson has told you." + +"You are a very fortunate young man," said the gentleman who had been +speaking with Bob. "You authorize Mr. Hubbard to act for you, I +suppose?" + +"Yes, sir," replied Ralph, too much dazed to know exactly what he was +saying. + +"There! what did I tell you?" cried Bob, as Jim drove away with the men, +in order to bring the team back. "They will supply everything we need to +open the well, and simply because they have seen what you did not think +was of very much account. I have hired the men to build the derrick, and +before you go to bed to-night you will have seen the work begun on your +oil well." + +"But, Bob," asked Ralph, in a tone that was almost piteous, and which +sounded so comical, under the circumstances, that even Mr. Simpson +laughed heartily at it, "do they think the same about it that you do?" + +"Well, you heard what was said about supplying anything we needed, and +people don't say such things, even up this way, unless they mean them. +Now we shall need some considerable money, and I advise you to write to +your father, telling him of what you own, and asking him to come on here +prepared to help you. If he won't do it I can get all the money we need; +but we shall have to pay considerable for the use of it." + +Ralph made no objection, nor advanced any further argument; he was in +that condition of mind when he was not capable of any resistance, and he +obeyed Bob's orders as meekly as if there was no way by which he could +refuse. + +Ralph's letter was by no means one of such glowing description as Bob +would have written. It was a plain statement of facts, begun by an +account of how he and George came to buy the property, of the chase for +the thieves, when they had their first intimation of the value of the +property, of the accident to George, of Bob's discovery, and lastly of +the opinion of the Bradford merchants, who were ready to supply, on +credit, everything which was necessary for the opening of the well. + +When the letter was read to Bob in its entirety, he did not disapprove +of it, nor was he very much pleased. All he ventured to say was: + +"It is lucky for you, Gurney, that the oil showed up so plainly that +those who know a gold dollar when they see it were not so frightened +about giving credit as you are about stating facts." + +Then Dick was sent to Sawyer to post the letter, and while he was away +the workmen whom Bob had engaged had arrived. + +Ralph went with him when he directed them to clear away for the erection +of the derrick and engine-house, and by the time the first load of +lumber had arrived, he had begun to feel the effects of the oil fever. + +The preparations going on everywhere around, the comments of the workmen +as they saw the show of oil, the ringing blows of axes, and shouts of +the teamsters, all lent an air of realism to Bob's words which Ralph had +failed to see or feel before. + +It was for him, even though it had been against his wishes, that all +these men were working, and for him would accrue the profits, if indeed +there were any. + +Bob had been as good as his word; before Ralph went to bed that night he +had seen the work begun, and already was he beginning to feel that +perhaps all Bob's predictions might be verified. + + + + +CHAPTER XXVI. + +DRILLING AN OIL WELL. + + +There was no material change in George's condition on the morning after +work had been begun on the oil well. The physicians declared that he was +getting along as well as could be hoped for, and the nurse gave it as +her opinion that he would recover much sooner than any one had believed. +Therefore, the boys were not troubled about their friend more than might +be expected. + +On this day, work was begun on the derrick, and, as may be imagined, all +the boys were on the spot to see it, Ralph's belief in the success of +the venture growing stronger and stronger as the framework arose in the +air. + +On the third day George's mother arrived, and the boys were thus +relieved of all responsibility, so far as the care of their friend was +concerned. + +It was on the evening of the same day that Mrs. Harnett came that +Ralph's father arrived. + +After receiving his son's letter, he had thought the matter of +sufficient importance, somewhat to Ralph's surprise, to warrant his +paying a visit to the oil fields, and had written to Ralph to meet him +at Bradford. + +Despite the fact that Bob could borrow on the strength of the property +as much money as he needed to carry on the work, he was very anxious to +convince Mr. Gurney of the value of his scheme, and on the day when that +gentleman was to arrive, insisted that Ralph should go to Bradford with +him early in the afternoon, in order that he might be able to arrange +with the gentlemen of whom they were purchasing their supplies to meet +Mr. Gurney, and tell him exactly what they thought of the proposed well. + +Thanks to Bob's activity, Mr. Gurney was able to see all those who had +inspected the property on that same evening, and was considerably +surprised by these interviews. + +After receiving Ralph's letter, he had thought that possibly the boys +might have a site for a well which would pay to open, and he had come on +believing that it was not a matter of very great importance. + +When he had been introduced to Bob, and had heard that young gentleman's +flowery description of the vast amount of wealth which was only waiting +to be brought to the surface of the earth, he was disposed to look upon +it as a visionary scheme, the value of which only existed in the +moonlighter's mind. + +Bob had been accustomed to have his statements received in that same +way, and for that reason had arranged for Mr. Gurney to meet those whose +judgment he could fully rely upon. + +These gentlemen assured him that the well promised to be a rich one; +that the signs of oil were remarkably good, and that they had no +hesitation in agreeing with Bob, as they had done, to supply anything +which might be needed to open the well. + +Thus, even before he had seen the property, Mr. Gurney believed that his +son was in a fair way to enrich himself through his deed of charity. + +In the present crowded condition of the Simpson farm-house Mr. Gurney +could find no accommodations for living there, and, since he was to +remain in Bradford, the boys had made their arrangements to remain there +also over night, in order that they might take him out to the oil-well +early in the morning. + +On the following day, Mr. Gurney drove out to look at the property. He +saw that the work was well under way, and heard sufficient from the +workmen to convince him of the fact that every one who had seen the +place believed a well would yield plentifully. + +Mr. Gurney's business would not permit of his remaining in the oil +region but one day, and when Ralph drove him to the depot that night, he +gave him formal permission to draw on him at sight for all necessary +expenses. + +After this, had it been possible, Bob would have hurried the work still +faster along, but he had already urged matters on as fast as possible, +and all he could do was to insist on Ralph, Jim and Dick doing as much +work as one of the laborers, he setting the example. + +The days went on all too short for the work that each one wanted to see +done, and wearily for the invalid, who was beginning slowly to recover. +The fever had abated, and with the doctor's permission, the boys had an +interview with their friend, who had descended within the shadows of the +Valley of Death. + +On the night when the derrick was completed, the engine placed and +housed, and the drills in position, ready for work, Bob and Ralph had a +long and heated discussion as to whether George should be told of what +was being done. + +Bob insisted that he should know nothing about it until the day on which +they struck oil, while Ralph argued that if it was such a certainty that +oil would be found, George should be allowed to share in the pleasure of +digging for it. + +Already had the young engineer begun to worry about the loss his +business would sustain because of his illness, and although he had not +spoken of it, Ralph fancied he could see that he was also troubled about +the expense which he must necessarily be under. + +All this, Ralph argued, would be taken from George's mind if he was told +of what was being done, and after a long discussion, Bob agreed that the +important news should be told on the following day, provided the +physician agreed that the patient would not suffer from the excitement. + +On the following morning, all the boys were at the proposed well before +any of the workmen arrived, in order that they might see the drills +enter the ground, and by the time that important ceremony was over, it +was time for the physician to make his morning call. + +When he did come, Ralph told him just what he thought George had on his +mind, in the way of trouble, and then stated what it was he proposed +doing, in case there was no objection to it. + +"Not the slightest objection, my boy," said the medical gentleman, +heartily. "Good news seldom kills, and from what I learn, it is only +that which you have to tell. I think, as you do, that it will benefit +the patient, and you have my permission to unfold your budget of news +after I have dressed his wounds." + +Half an hour later, the doctor had left the house, and Ralph and Bob +entered the invalid's room, as they had every morning since he had been +able to recognize them. + +In reply to their usual inquiry as to how he felt, George said, +gloomily: + +"I should feel all right if I only had a little more strength. It is +hard to know that I shall have to lie here a long time, simply waiting +to get strong, and all the business I had succeeded in getting, done by +some one else. But perhaps I couldn't have kept what I had after that +scrape about the glycerine." + +"All that is settled, George," said Ralph. "I persuaded them to call +your case the next day after you were hurt, when Bob's case came on. He +and Jim and I told the story exactly as it was, and you were acquitted, +while he was fined ten dollars. I should have told you before, but that +we were afraid of exciting you." + +"Such excitement would do me good rather than harm," said George, with a +smile, "for I have worried about that every day I have been here." + +"Then I will give you more of the same sort, only better," replied +Ralph, with a meaning look at Bob. "The day after you were hurt, we +hunted for the oil, and Bob found it just----" + +"I should say we did find it," interrupted Bob, excitedly, and despite +Ralph's warning looks. "It is the richest spot you ever saw, and there's +a thousand-barrel well there, if there's a drop." + +George opened his eyes wide with astonishment, and then closing them +wearily, he said: + +"I'm willing to take your word for it that you found signs of oil; but I +would rather hear what some one else thought as to the size of the +well." + +"You shall hear," cried Bob, growing more excited, and forgetting all +caution. "I brought Dodd and Mapleson out here, and after they had +looked at it, they said they were willing to advance everything for the +opening. Then we commenced work----" + +"You commenced work?" cried George, attempting to raise himself in the +bed, and falling back from sheer exhaustion. + +"Yes, George," said Ralph, as he motioned Bob to remain quiet. "Every +one said we'd be sure to strike oil, and Bob has started it for you. He +had nothing to do for a while, and he wanted to surprise you. I sent for +father, and after he had talked with some of the men, he told us we +might draw on him for what money we needed." + +George lay perfectly still and looked at Ralph as if he could not +believe that which he heard, and Bob, forgetting himself again, cried +out: + +"The derrick's already built, the engine's up, and we commenced drilling +this morning. I tell you what it is, Harnett, before you're able to get +around again, we'll have a thousand-barrel well flowing that you can +call your own; and, as for engineering, why, you needn't worry your head +about that any more, for you'll have all the money you want." + + + + +CHAPTER XXVII. + +"THE HARNETT." + + +It surely seemed as if the good news which Ralph and Bob had imparted to +him was all that was needed to cause George's rapid improvement. From +the day when they had told him of what they had done and were doing, his +recovery was so rapid that at the end of a week he was sufficiently +strong to sit up a short time each day, and the physician predicted that +in another week he would be able to take a walk out of doors. + +Meantime, the work at the well had progressed most favorably. There had +been no serious breakages, no vexatious delays, no trouble of any +important character. In fact, the workmen expressed it as their +conviction that it would be a "lucky well," because of the singular +freedom from accidents with which the entire work had been attended. Bob +was in the highest possible state of excitement all the time. Each +morning he anticipated that they would have some trouble which would +delay them, when he was anxious to have the work completed as soon as +possible, and each night, after matters had gone on smoothly, he held +forth to George and Ralph of the wonderful "luck" they had had, which +must be taken as an augury of that which was to come. + +Ralph divided his time equally between George and the scene of +operations. In the early morning, he would walk out to the well, stay +there an hour, and then return to report progress, continuing his +alternate visits to the well and the invalid, until George knew as much +of what was going on as if he had superintended it. + +Now, every oil well is christened with some name, which is supposed to +be suggestive of the manner in which it has been discovered, or to do +honor to some person who may or may not be interested in it; therefore, +it is not to be supposed that a name for this pet of Bob's had not been +discussed even before work had been begun on it. + +Each one of the boys had proposed some appellation, Bob's favorite being +"The Invalid," in honor of George, and because, as he said, it had +really had a chance of an existence through Harnett's illness, for he +stoutly contended that had the senior owner been well, he would have +been so cautious about opening it on credit, that all of them would have +grown gray-headed before they saw it flowing. + +Jim and Dick thought that, since Bob had really been the one to open it, +in case oil was struck, it should be called "The Moonlighter," in honor +of the one who had done all the work, when there was no chance that he +could be benefited by its success. + +George wanted to call it "The Gurney," and his suggestion gave to Bob +and Ralph just the name the well should bear in case it answered their +expectations in regard to its yield. + +"We will call it 'The Harnett,'" said Ralph, more decidedly than he had +yet said anything in regard to the "scheme," and since Bob was in favor +of this, it came to be considered a settled fact that that should be the +name. After that conversation, old Mr. Simpson never spoke of it save as +"The Harnett," and the boys soon learned to follow his example, until +even George gave it that title. + +Work went on rapidly, until the drills were boring eight hundred feet +below the surface, and it was hourly expected that bed-rock would be +struck, when George broached to Ralph a matter he had had on his mind +from the hour he first learned that "The Harnett" was being opened. + +"Do you remember, Ralph, what we said about giving Mr. Simpson a share +in the land if oil was found there?" he asked, when Ralph came in to +tell him that the rock had not been struck, but that Bob believed it +would be before night. + +"Yes, and I still think we ought to do so," replied the junior partner, +quickly. "After he had taken our money, Massie offered to give up the +whole of the mortgage for a deed of the wood-lot, and he refused, for he +considered himself bound to us, even though he knew we only bought it to +help him along." + +"And what about Bob?" asked George, meaningly. "What he says about our +hesitating to begin work before we had money of our own to carry it +through, is nearly true, and if oil is struck there we shall have him to +thank for it." + +"I know that, and I have been meaning to talk with you about it. Why +can't we give Mr. Simpson and him an equal share with us? I think they +really ought to have it." + +"So do I, and my proposition is that we give to each of them an +undivided fourth of the entire property, they to share equally with us +in everything." + +"And I agree to that fully," replied Ralph, quickly. "I have wanted to +propose something of the kind, but was afraid you wouldn't agree to it, +because of Bob's being a moonlighter, and having given you so much +trouble." + +"But if 'The Harnett' is a success, we must attribute it all to the +trouble Bob made for us. If the team hadn't been stolen we should not +have been in Bradford to meet Mr. Simpson, and if it hadn't been for the +theft we never should have imagined that there was any oil on the +property. Besides, if Bob owns an interest here, you'll find that he +won't do any more moonlighting." + +"Well," said Ralph, anxious that their good intentions should be carried +into effect as soon as possible, "when shall we give them their share? +Now, or after we find whether there is oil in 'The Harnett?'" + +"Now. You drive right into town, have the deeds made out, and bring them +here so that I can sign them with you." + +It was early in the day, and Ralph would have plenty of time to make all +the arrangements and yet be back before the drilling ceased, unless, of +course, the rock was struck almost immediately. Therefore he started at +once, refusing to answer any of the questions which Mr. Simpson and Bob +put to him as to what had called him in town so suddenly. + +Of course neither of those whom he had left in an aggravated suspense +could have any idea of his errand, and his sudden reticence after he had +been in the habit of telling them all he was going to do, mystified them +considerably, Bob in particular being greatly exercised over it. + +"I hope Gurney hasn't got on his ear about anything," he said, to +George, after he had watched Ralph drive away. "He's gone into town as +glum as a judge, and won't say a word." + +"What makes you think there is anything the matter?" asked George, with +a smile. "Have you and he been having any trouble?" + +"Not that I know of, except that he might have got cross when he was at +the well, and thought I ought to have treated one of the proprietors +with a little more deference. I was helping set the drills when he came +out last, and I'm not sure but that I spoke sharply when I answered his +questions; but I didn't intend to." + +"I guess there's nothing the matter with him," said George, rather +enjoying the moonlighter's perplexity, knowing how soon it would be +ended. "You probably were a trifle cross, when he was there, and, being +guilty, fancied that he spoke or acted differently from usual." + +"I didn't fancy it, for he was queer. I asked him where he was going, +and so did Mr. Simpson; but he wouldn't answer either of us." + +"I'll find out what the trouble is when he comes back, and let you +know," replied George. + +And with this answer, Bob went back to his work, thinking it very +singular that Ralph, who had always been so good-natured, should have +suddenly become so crusty. + +Twice during the remainder of the forenoon, Bob came to the house with +some trifling excuse for so doing, but really to learn if Ralph had +returned; and while he was there the last time, talking with George +about the probabilities of striking sand or gravel rock, the junior +partner returned. + +He had with him some official-looking documents, and, as he entered the +house, he said to Bob, speaking quite sharply without any intention of +so doing, and yet resolving all the moonlighter's suspicions into +certainties: + +"I want some witnesses to George's signature. Will you bring Mr. +Simpson, Jim and Dick here?" + +Bob arose silently to comply with the request, looked at Ralph +wonderingly and reproachfully an instant, and then left the room. + +While he was absent, George told his friend of the moonlighter's +trouble, and the two were making merry over it, when he returned with +the witnesses Ralph had asked for. + +The papers were handed to George, who signed both of them, and then +asked Jim and Dick to sign their names as witnesses to his signature. +Ralph had already signed them while in town. + +Then, purposely taking considerable time about it, Ralph examined the +documents as if to make sure that all was correct, and said: + +"Mr. Simpson, after George and I learned there was a chance that oil +would be found on your wood-lot, we agreed that you should share equally +with us in whatever might come of it. For that purpose I went into town, +and have had a deed drawn up, giving you an equal share with us." + +"But I don't want none of it," said the old man, in a trembling voice, +while there was a suspicious moisture in his eyes. "I sold the land to +you as I'd a' sold it to anybody else, and whatever's there you own." + +"But the deed is made out now, and there is no use for you to protest +against it," said George; and, without giving the old man time to reply, +he added, as he turned to Ralph: "Now I understand that there has been +some trouble between you and Bob, or he fancies there has." + +Bob motioned to George to be silent; but it was too late, and Ralph +said: + +"The only trouble is that I chose to go away this morning without +telling him where I was going. Then I owned one-half of the wood-lot, +with all there is or may be on it, and since it was the last time I +should have the right to do anything regarding it without his knowledge, +I refused to tell him where I was going. But now that he owns an equal +share with you, Mr. Simpson and me, he will have a perfect right to +question me." + +Bob looked up in blank amazement, but made no attempt to speak, and +after waiting several moments, during which no one save the two original +partners seemed to understand the situation, Ralph said, as he handed +Bob one of the documents: + +"Believing that but for you 'The Harnett' would not have been opened, at +least for some time, we have thought it best to divide the property into +fourths, one of which belongs to you." + +Perhaps for the first time in his life, Bob was unable to make any +reply, and he walked quickly out of the room to the wood-pile, where he +sat for some time as if trying to make himself believe that what Ralph +had said was true. + + + + +CHAPTER XXVIII. + +RED ROCK. + + +The idea that Ralph and George would voluntarily give him a portion of +what he considered to be very valuable property, was the farthest +thought from Bob's mind. He had gone to work to open the well simply +because he was anxious to prove to those who had declared he knew +nothing about it, that there was a large deposit of oil where he had +always insisted there must be. If any one had said to him that he was +entitled to any considerable reward because he had given up his own +business to improve the value of his friend's property, he would have +said truly that he had not neglected his own business, since just at +that time there was no work for moonlighters to do. + +He had started in on the work with no idea of being paid for his +services, although if oil was found, and he had needed any small amount +of money, he would not have hesitated to ask for it. The work had been +begun by him upon the impulse of the moment, and this making him an +equal owner in the well, simply because of what he had done, surprised +him even more than it did any one else. + +It was after he had been sitting on the wood-pile long enough to +understand why this property had been given him, reading first the deed, +and then looking toward the wood-lot, where he could hear the sounds of +activity, that he entered the house, where both his old and his new +partners were discussing, as they had ever since the work had begun, the +probabilities of finding oil. + +"I tell you what it is, boys," he said to George and Ralph, "this thing +ain't just straight. You've got no right, in the first place, to give +away a quarter of that property before you know what it's worth, and +then, again, if you paid me ten times over for what I've done, it +wouldn't amount to this. Now, if you think you'd feel better to pay me +for my work, take back this deed, and so long as I have charge of 'The +Harnett,' give me one barrel in every twenty you take out. That will be +mighty big pay, and a good deal more than I am worth." + +"But I suppose you'd be glad to own a portion of a well, Bob, and +especially as big a one as you insist this is going to be," said George. + +"So I would like to own one, and I'd rather have this one quarter, so +far as money goes, than half of any well I know of. But you see this +don't belong to me, for I haven't earned it, and you haven't the right +to give away so much." + +"But we have given it away, and you can't insist upon the size of the +gift, because none of us know whether, instead of being a benefit, it +will not saddle a debt on you of one quarter of the expense of sinking +the well," said Ralph. + +"I know that it won't!" cried Bob, earnestly, "and so do we all, for +we're sure of striking a big flow." + +"Well, Bob, you've got the deed," interrupted George, "and since we want +to make you one of the owners of 'The Harnett,' we'll say to you as we +did to Mr. Simpson--you've got the deed, and you can't help yourself." + +Bob made no further reply; but five minutes later the boys saw him and +Mr. Simpson perched high up on the wood-pile, talking very earnestly +about something, which they quite naturally concluded was the gift they +had just received, and on commenting upon it, Mrs. Harnett, although she +knew there was very little necessity for it, advised the boys to insist +upon the acceptance of the gift, for she believed both the recipients +deserved what they considered such good fortune. + +Both Ralph and George were perfectly satisfied with what they had done, +and in an hour after the presentation, all the partners were discussing +the chances of striking oil, much as they had every day before when two +of them had no idea they were to become part owners. + +The doctor's visits had grown less frequent since George had begun to +recover so rapidly, and it had been three days since he had seen the +patient. + +George had insisted that he was perfectly able to walk as far as "The +Harnett," and would have done so had not his mother and his friends +urged so strongly for him to wait until he should see the doctor again. + +It was on this day, just after George had eaten what any one would +consider a hearty dinner for an invalid, that the physician called, and +almost as soon as he appeared, George asked his opinion about his taking +a little out-door exercise. + +"I see no reason why you should not do so," replied the doctor, +"providing you may be trusted to act as your own physician, and come in +before you get tired." + +This George was positive he would be able to do, and almost before the +doctor had left the house, he was planning a visit to "The Harnett," but +that his mother objected to at once, since it would be impossible for +him to ride, and it would be much too long a walk. + +He was anxious to see the work, but, under the pressure of advice from +all his friends, he consented to defer seeing "The Harnett" until later, +and take a ride with Ralph instead. The horses were harnessed into his +own carriage, which was made even more comfortable than ever by a +profusion of Mrs. Simpson's pillows, and, assisted by all, the invalid +started for his first out-door exercise since the murderous assault upon +him. + +George wanted to drive through Sawyer, for since he had been cleared of +the charge against him, he was anxious to meet his friends there, and +Ralph willingly drove in that direction. + +Upon arriving at the town, there was every reason to fear that he would +not get as his own physician, as the doctor advised, for he was warmly +welcomed by every one, whether stranger or friend, until his reception +was a perfect ovation. Over and over again was he thanked for the +assistance he had rendered during the conflagration, and the +congratulations on his recovery poured in on every side. + +Among the cordial welcomes he received, none was more hearty than that +from the officer who had arrested him the night he was starting in +pursuit of the horse-thieves, and from him Ralph and George heard some +news which interested them. + +The men who had committed the assault were in the jail at Bradford, +awaiting their examination, which was to take place as soon as their +victim's recovery was certain, and the officer asked when George would +be able to appear as a witness. + +The senior owner of "The Harnett" had no desire, even then, that these +men should be punished, but since the matter was one in which he could +have no choice, and since he would be obliged to attend the examination, +he declared that he could go at as early a date as might be set. + +Evidently anxious to have the matter off his hands as soon as possible, +the officer said: + +"Then if you feel able to drive into town to-morrow, we will hold the +examination. It will not take very much of your time, and if in the +morning you do not feel able to attempt it, don't hesitate to send me +word, and it shall be postponed." + +"I don't think there is any doubt but that I shall be here," said +George. + +And then, after bidding the kindly-disposed officer good-by, he +confessed to Ralph that he should be obliged to return home. + +The meeting with so many in town had tired him more than the ride of two +hours could have done, and Ralph began to blame himself for having +permitted him to stay so long, even though he could hardly have +prevented it if he had tried. + +But during the ride back, the weary look on the invalid's face +disappeared under the refreshing influence of the quiet drive, and by +the time they turned into the lane which led to the Simpson farm-house, +he looked quite as bright as when he started. + +The lane was nearly a quarter of a mile long, and when they first +entered it, Ralph was aware that something unusual had occurred, and he +trembled lest some accident had happened, but as soon as he could +distinguish them more plainly, he understood that the gathering was +caused by joy more than sorrow. + +Bob, Jim and Dick were standing in front of the house, surrounded by +some of the workmen from the well, and Mr. and Mrs. Simpson were +hurrying from one to the other, much as if they were serving out +refreshments. + +"What can be the matter?" asked Ralph, anxiously, as he hurried the +horses along. "Do you suppose they have struck oil already?" + +"No, that couldn't be possible," replied George. "I rather fancy that +Bob and Mr. Simpson are celebrating the happy event of being admitted to +the ownership of the well." + +Ralph was satisfied that such was the case, and he pulled the horses in, +unwilling to arrive at a scene where he feared he might be obliged to +listen to thanks for what they had done. + +Before many minutes, however, the boys could see that those at the house +were shouting to them, and when they arrived within hearing distance, +they recognized Bob's voice, as he shouted: + +"Bed-rock! bed-rock!" + +And then went up a shout from all that was nearly deafening. + +"They have got through to the rock," cried George, his pale face +flushing with excitement. + +And in a moment the carriage was surrounded by partners and workmen, as +each one tried to tell the good news that the drills had struck the rock +at a depth of eight hundred and forty feet. + +"What have you found?" asked George, as soon as he could make himself +heard. + +"Sandstone," replied Bob, "and we shall be obliged to try glycerine." + +"The moonlighters will open the moonlighter's well!" cried Dick, as if +an immense amount of sport was to be had from such an operation. + +"Indeed the moonlighters shall have nothing to do with it," replied Bob, +with no small show of dignity, and to the great surprise of all. +"There'll be no sneaking around to shoot this well, I can promise you +that, for we'll have her opened in the daylight, squarely, or not at +all." + +Jim and Dick could hardly believe that which they heard. That their old +partner, one of the most successful moonlighters in the oil regions, +should object to having a well, in which he had a quarter interest, +opened as he had opened wells for others, was something too incredible +to be true. There must have been some mistake about it, they thought, +and they would shoot the well by moonlight as soon as Bob should +consider the matter more fully. + +But all this time George was still in the carriage, and as soon as the +boys realized this, they began to make arrangements for helping him out, +content to wait to tell the good news more fully after he should be in +his room once more. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIX. + +THE EXAMINATION. + + +Beyond the fact that the drills had struck the rock, and that it was of +such a nature that they could not work in it, but would necessitate the +use of glycerine, but little more remained to be told after that first +announcement. + +But yet all the boys crowded into George's room and insisted on trying +to tell him something new regarding the important fact. + +The drills had struck the rock very shortly after Ralph and George had +started out, and in their rejoicing that the work was so nearly over, +Mr. and Mrs. Simpson had insisted that all hands should come to the +house, where a generous luncheon of preserves and bread and butter was +passed around in honor of the happy event. + +That was all any of them could tell, and then came the question of +shooting the well, Jim and Dick looking anxiously at their former +partner to hear him retract those words so traitorous to moonlighting +generally. + +Both Ralph and George were as glad as they were surprised to hear Bob +exclaim against having moonlighters open "The Harnett." They would have +opposed any such proposition had he made it; but since he himself +objected to it, the matter was simple enough. + +"I will drive down to town to-night and arrange with Roberts Brothers to +send a man up here to-morrow," said Bob, "and before to-morrow night we +will know just what 'The Harnett' is worth." + +"But, Bob," cried Dick, "you don't mean to say that after we have shot +the well that you're goin' to pay them more than it's worth for doin' it +no better than any of them can." + +"That's just what I do mean to tell them, my son," replied Bob, with a +mingled air of authority and patronage. + +"Why?" + +"Well, in the first place, it will avoid any trouble. In the second +place, it don't look well to be sneakin' 'round as moonlighters have to +do, and in the third place, we want 'The Harnett' opened square." + +"But you always said moonlighting was square, and that you wouldn't even +let the regular men come near a well of yours," urged Jim. + +And from his tone it was easy to understand that this opening of "The +Harnett" was a matter upon which he and Dick had quite set their hearts. + +"That was before I owned an interest in a well myself, boys," replied +Bob. "Mind you, I don't say now that moonlightin' isn't square, for I +believe it is; but when it's such a stunner of a well as this that's to +be shot, I say that it hain't best to give anybody a chance to raise a +question about it." + +It was evident to all from that moment that Bob Hubbard, the oil +producer, was to be a very different sort of a party from Bob Hubbard, +the moonlighter, and all save his old partners were delighted at the +change. + +"Then have you given up moonlightin' entirely, Bob?" asked Dick, with a +world of reproach in his voice. + +"Indeed I have," was the emphatic reply. "I'm still ready to say that +it's all right and legitimate; but I'm through with it." + +"Then, just for the sake of old times, Bob, an' seein's how we haven't +come into possession of quarter of an oil-well, let us open your well +for you," pleaded Jim. + +And all present understood that he and Dick, having been interested in +the well from the time it was first discovered, were anxious to do +something toward opening it. + +"I'll tell you how it can be done," said George, desirous of granting +Jim and Dick the very slight favor which they asked, and yet quite as +unwilling as was Bob that the work should be done in any way which could +be called illegal. "Bob can go to the torpedo people, pay them for the +charge, get the cartridges and glycerine, with the express understanding +that he is to do the work himself. That would make matters right all +around, and you can fancy that you are moonlighting again." + +It was a happy thought, this one of George's, and every one present, +even including Mr. Simpson, hailed it with joy. It was an arrangement +which would please all of them very much better than to have any +strangers doing the work, and Bob would have started at once to attend +to it, if Ralph had not stopped him by telling him of the examination +which he would be obliged to attend next day. + +"Since you will be obliged to go with us, you had better wait until +to-morrow. You can have the tubing started on the road at the same time, +and on the next day we can shoot the well," suggested George. + +Bob was not at all inclined to wait forty-eight hours when half that +time would suffice to decide whether "The Harnett" was a wonderful +success or a dismal failure; but since he would be obliged to be present +at the examination, which would occupy a portion of the day, he tried to +content himself as best he could. + +The remainder of that day was spent in discussing plans for the future, +Bob entering into a profound calculation of the amount of material they +would need to build a tank, for he was so certain they would strike oil, +that he would have had no hesitation in beginning work on the tank even +before the well was opened. + +On the following morning, George was feeling so well and looking so +bright that there could no longer be any fear he had over-exerted +himself the day before, and preparations were begun at once for the ride +into town. + +Ralph and George were to drive in with the latter's team, while the old +firm of moonlighters, with Mr. Simpson, were to go in Bob's +double-seated wagon. Everything was taken which it was thought the +invalid might need, and the party started, all of them wishing the +journey had some other motive than that of assuring punishment to +others, even though they were guilty. + +On arriving in town, they were met by the officer whom they had spoken +with the day before, and he told them, after they had found a +comfortable seat in the court-room, of all that had been learned of the +prisoners. + +Their names were William Dean and Henry Ramsdell, and they had worked +for some time in Oil City for a civil engineer there. By this means they +had learned the oil business, and had shown an especial aptitude for +prospecting. There they committed what may or may not have been their +first crime, for no one knew where they had lived before they appeared +in Oil City. They robbed their employer of nearly two hundred dollars, +and it is probable that it was after that money was spent that they had +stolen George's team. + +The examination did not last very long. George told of the theft of his +team, of his pursuing the thieves, in company with Ralph and Bob, and of +all that occurred up to the time he left his companions to go to Mr. +Simpson's for his instruments. + +"Then," he said, "when I had got nearly half way from where I had left +my friends at the house, these men stepped from among the bushes +directly in front of me, and one demanded the paper which I held in my +hand. I refused to give it to him, and as I did so, before I had time to +act on the defensive, the elder of the men struck me full in the face. +I at once began to defend myself, but it was two to one, and in a very +short time a blow on the head from some hard substance felled me to the +ground, unconscious." + +That was all George could tell, and Ralph and Bob were both called to +the stand to testify to what they knew, both of the theft of the team +and of the finding of George. + +Mr. Simpson, Jim and Dick were also ready to testify as to the condition +of George when they found him and when they carried him into the house, +but their evidence was not needed then, nor was the doctor's, who had +examined and attended the wounded youth. + +Beyond asking one or two unimportant questions of each witness, the +accused had nothing to say for themselves, or in contradiction of what +had been testified to, and the judge committed them without bail for +trial at the next term of court. + +As soon as the examination was over, Bob went to the office of the +torpedo works, and there contracted for the necessary amount of material +to "shoot" the well, and also stipulated that he be given permission to +do the work. + +At first this was refused peremptorily, on the ground that it was a +dangerous operation, and that he would probably succeed only in killing +himself. + +Bob understood at once that he was not recognized, and he asked if Mr. +Newcombe was in the building. That gentleman was in, and appeared very +shortly after he was sent for, greeting Bob as heartily as if they had +always been the best of friends rather than enemies. + +"Mr. Newcombe, I have come for an eighty-quart charge, with the +stipulation that I can work it myself in the well on the Simpson farm, +of which I own one quarter. This gentleman refuses, because he is afraid +I may kill myself. Won't you vouch for my skill in the matter?" + +"Indeed I will," was the hearty reply; "and if you will buy all your +charges in the same manner, I shall have very much less work to do." + +"I've stopped all that work now," said Bob, solemnly, "and so far as I +am concerned, you won't have another night's drive for moonlighters." + +Of course, after Mr. Newcombe's introduction, Bob had no difficulty in +gaining the desired permission, and he joined those who were waiting for +him outside, happy in the thought that, as he expressed it, "'The +Harnett' would have a chance next day to show what she could do." + + + + +CHAPTER XXX. + +LEGAL MOONLIGHTERS. + + +When the boys arrived at the Simpson farm-house, after the close of the +examination, there was very little they could do save talk over that +which was to be done on the morrow, when the value of "The Harnett" was +to be decided. + +A portion of the tubing to be used in case there was any flow of oil, +was already on the ground, and the remainder would be hauled by noon of +the next day at the latest. There were no cartridges to prepare, for the +Torpedo Company's workmen would attend to all that, delivering both the +tin cases and the glycerine ready for use. + +Everything was done that could be, and in a few hours more the casing of +rock, which might or might not cover a large deposit of oil, would be +blown out. + +As sanguine as Bob had been from the first that a large yield of oil +would be found, he was exceedingly nervous now that the time for the +question to be settled was near at hand. Not but that he was still as +positive as ever that they should strike oil, but he began to fear that +it might not be found in such quantity as he had imagined. + +He would talk for a few moments with the boys, then find some pretext +for going to the well, over which a guard had been set to prevent any +evil-disposed parties from tampering with it, and once there he was +quite as eager to get back to his partners as he had been to leave them. +In fact, he was in the highest degree nervous, and had not the others +been afflicted in a similar way, they would have noticed his condition. + +Mr. Simpson was in such a disturbed mental condition that he went about +his work in a dazed sort of way, until his wife insisted on his sitting +on the wood-pile, where if he did no good he could at least do no harm, +while she did the chores for him. + +On hearing Bob say, for at least the tenth time since he returned from +town, that everything was all right at the well, the old man did "pull +himself together" sufficiently to do the milking, and then no sooner had +he performed that task than he forgot what he had done, and tried to do +the whole work over again, remembering his previous accomplishment only +when one of the cows kicked the empty pail over, and very nearly served +him in the same way. + +Jim and Dick were not as anxious regarding the yield of the well; +therefore, they were in a state of excitement only because they were to +be at what would be very nearly their old moonlighting tricks again, and +were simply impatient for the time to come when they could be at work. + +They spent their time sitting on a rather sharp rail of the fence, +bemoaning Bob's obstinacy in not having the well shot in regular +moonlighter's fashion, without being so weak-kneed as to buy the right +to do simply what no one ought to be allowed to prevent him from doing. + +Ralph and George were inwardly as excited as any one else, but outwardly +very much more calm. They sat in the latter's room, talking over the +prospects of striking a goodly quantity of oil, while, despite all they +could do, the conversation would come around to what the result would be +in case "The Harnett" proved to be a dry well. They knew that all the +bills had been contracted in their names, since they were the sole +owners at the time the work was commenced, and in case of a failure, +they would find themselves burdened with such a load of debt that it +would take them a very long time to clear it off. + +Even at that late hour they regretted that Bob had commenced to sink the +well, and it is extremely probable that if it had been possible to undo +all that had been done, leaving the land exactly as it was before the +signs of oil were discovered, they would gladly have agreed to forego +all their dream of wealth. + +Whether Mrs. Harnett and Mrs. Simpson also suffered from suspense that +evening it is hard to say; but certain it is that they were more silent +than usual, and the former sewed remarkably fast, while the latter's +knitting-needles clicked with unusual force. + +It was a trying time for all in that house. Had it been daylight, when +they could have been at work, the hours would not have seemed nearly as +long; but, in the evening, the time passed so slowly that it almost +seemed as if there was a conspiracy of the clocks, and that their hands +were only moving about half as fast as they should have done. + +Then came the night, when every one went to bed and tried to sleep; but +three in that household succeeded very badly, and who those three were +may be very easily imagined. + +Next morning, every one was up so early that the hens were frightened +from their roosts half an hour before their regular time, and the +breakfast had been eaten fully an hour before it was customary to begin +to prepare it. + +George showed the effects of his anxiety very plainly, and had his +mother not feared the suspense would be worse for him than the fatigue, +she would have tried to induce him to remain in the house instead of +going to the well as had been agreed upon. + +Bob, who had visited the scene of operations before breakfast, again +announced that "everything was all right," and that one more load of +tubing would give them sufficient. + +Under the pretext that there were a great many things which it was +necessary for him to attend to, while everyone knew he was simply +inventing work for the purpose of hiding his anxiety, he insisted that +Ralph, Jim and Dick should help George out to the well when he was ready +to come, and then he hurried away. + +The charge would not be exploded until nearly noon, and on the night +before it had been agreed that George should not venture out until a +short time before the decisive moment; but now that the time was so near +at hand, he could not remain in the house, and the result was that his +mother and Ralph agreed he should go at once. + +An easy chair was carried out in the grove, and placed at a safe +distance from the well, but where he could have a good view of what was +going on. Then, with Ralph at one side, Dick at the other, Mrs. Simpson +ahead, carrying a foot-stool and a fan, and his mother in the rear, with +a bottle of salts and an umbrella, the cortege started, its general +dignity sadly marred when the party were obliged to climb the fence. + +Bob was nowhere to be seen when the invalid and his attendants arrived +at the reserved seat, but before he was comfortably seated the +superintendent came up with another announcement that "everything was +all right," and aided them in disposing of George. + +He was comfortably seated under a large tree, with Mrs. Harnett and Mrs. +Simpson on either side of him, and, so far as could be judged, was quite +as well off there as he would have been in the house. Once he was where +he could see what was going on, and viewing the works for the first +time, the haggard look left his face, thus showing the wisdom of his +friends in not preventing him from coming when he wanted to. + +The first arrival, after the spectators had assembled, was the last load +of tubing, and Bob's only trouble was, or he professed that it was, that +they would lose so much oil before they could make arrangements for +storing it. + +As the time went on, Bob was the only one who had anything to do, and +those who watched him insisted that he simply did the same work over and +over again. + +Finally, when every one began to fear that the Torpedo Company had +entirely forgotten their contract, a wagon, similar to the one owned by +Bob, drove up with the long tin tubes on the uprights, and the box +evidently stored with the dangerous liquid. + +In an instant the moonlighters were changed boys. All their nervousness +or listlessness was gone, and in its place a bustling, consequential air +that was almost ludicrous. + +All three of the boys helped unload the wagon, and when the driver +attempted to do his share, they plainly told him that all he would be +allowed to do was to fasten his horses, if he wanted to see the +operation, or to drive away if he was not interested in it. He chose the +latter course, and, save for the workmen, the party most interested in +"The Harnett" were left alone. + +Bob critically examined the cartridges, making many unfavorable +comparisons between them and the ones he had been in the habit of +making, and then began the work of fastening the reel to the derrick, as +well as setting the upright in position, which served as a guide to the +rope that was to lower the cartridges in position. + +When that was done--and the moonlighters did not hurry in their work, +anxious as they had been before, for they were determined that this last +shot of theirs should be a perfect success--the more delicate task of +filling the cartridges was begun. + +There were four of these, each capable of holding twenty quarts, and the +spectators were not wholly at their ease, as can after can of the +explosive fluid was poured into these frail-looking vessels, even though +the moonlighters handled it much more carefully than Ralph had seen them +handle that which had been used at the Hoxie well, on the famous night +when Mr. Newcombe guarded their hut for them. + +As each tube was filled, the boys lowered it into position in the well, +and the nervous anxiety which had assailed them the night before again +took possession of Ralph and George. + +At last everything was ready for the launching of the iron bolt, which +was to call into activity the explosive mass, that was to shatter the +rock under which it was hoped the oil was concealed. The moment had come +when the value or worthlessness of "The Harnett" was to be decided. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXI. + +THE SHOT. + + +It is barely possible that when Bob stood over the aperture with the +iron poised in his hands which was to be the means of opening to them +the mystery of the well, there was just a shade of fear at his heart +that he had been mistaken in the signs, and that an upward rush of +water, would be all that would follow the explosion. + +His partners noted a look of almost painful hesitation on his face for +an instant, and, then, as it vanished, he dropped the go-devil, +retreating to where the group of anxious watchers were gathered around +George's chair. + +The seconds that followed the dropping of the iron were wonderfully long +ones, and it seemed as if each one present ceased to breathe, as the +time had come when the value or worthlessness of the well was to be +decided. + +Then was heard three distinct reports, somewhat louder than had been +heard at the Hoxie well, because of the charge being nearer the surface +of the earth, and this was followed by the black, noisome vapor that +wreathed slowly around the aperture as if sent by the demons of the +earth to keep back those venturesome mortals who would seek to penetrate +their secrets. + +No one spoke, and each eye was riveted upon the mouth of the well, to +read there the story which was soon told. First came a shower of water, +breaking into drops as it reached the surface, sparkling in the sun like +diamonds, and then uprose, not slowly and waveringly as Ralph had seen +it once before, but shooting quickly in the air, a transparent, greenish +column of oil, that broke amid the timbers of the derrick, shattering +into splinters the smaller joists and scattering them in every +direction. + +It was clearly and unmistakably oil, not in any small quantity, or sent +with any slight force; but a discharge which, from its volume and +intensity, showed how vast was the reservoir from which it had come, how +great the strength of confined gas that sent it heavenward. + +For nearly five minutes the spectators sat watching the flow of oil +which told of the value of "The Harnett," until Bob broke the spell that +bound them, by shouting: + +"Hurrah for 'The Harnett!' Hurrah for petroleum!" + +In an instant all present, even including George, burst into loud shouts +of welcome to the long-confined and valuable product of the earth which +was theirs. + +During the thirty minutes that the new well spouted, congratulations +were poured in on Bob from all sides, for through his efforts had this +work been done, and without him it might have been many years before +such a scene would have been witnessed on the Simpson wood-lot. + +The partners hardly knew how to express their joy. George was quietly +happy; but the unusual brilliancy of his eyes and the flush on his +cheeks told of the deep but suppressed excitement under which he was +laboring. In that steady upward flow of oil he saw a competency for +himself and his mother, which he had not dreamed he should secure during +many long years of toil, and as he clasped her fervently by the hand, +she knew that it was of the many things this well would produce which +would add to her comfort that he was thinking. + +Old Mr. Simpson and his wife stood with clasped hands, looking at the +representation of wealth which was pouring out before them, and in their +eyes, even as they gazed, was a far-away look, as if they were thinking +of their loved ones who, when on this earth, had been deprived of many +of the necessaries of life, while wealth beyond their wildest imaginings +lay beneath their very feet. + +Ralph was laboring under the most intense excitement, which he strove +vainly to suppress. He had not, like George, been obliged to battle with +the world for those things which money can buy; but he saw before him a +course already marked out, which he had believed he would be obliged to +struggle very hard to reach. + +Now he was rich, and all those things he had desired could be his. + +Jim and Dick were loud in their demonstrations of joy that their last +shot had produced such magnificent results; but their old partner, Bob, +outstripped them all in loud rejoicings. He had demonstrated beyond the +possibility of an argument that his location of the oil belt in the +vicinity was correct, and he had done so even as against the theories of +those older and more experienced in the business than himself. + +In addition, one-quarter of all this was his, and he was what he had +long dreamed of being--an oil producer. + +The length of time which the well flowed demonstrated the fact that, if +it would not produce a thousand barrels of oil per day, the yield would +not fall far short of that, and when it finally ceased flowing, Bob was +transformed into the steady, hard-working superintendent he had been +since the work was first commenced. + +It was necessary that something be done at once to save all this oil +which was now going to waste, and he directed the workmen at once how +they should begin. + +Unknown to his partners, Bob had already made arrangements for the +building of a tank, and, as soon as the workmen were engaged with the +tubing, he started Jim off to town with a message to the contractors +that no time might be lost in getting at the work. + +Before Jim left, Ralph gave him a message which he wanted him to send to +his father. It was short, containing only these words: + + "Well just opened. Good for eight hundred barrels per day." + +On reading it, Bob insisted that the eight hundred should be changed to +one thousand, since that would probably be nearer the actual yield; but +Ralph let it remain as it was, preferring to be two hundred barrels +short of the actual yield rather than two hundred barrels over. + +Mrs. Harnett persuaded George to return to the house as soon as the +first flow had ceased; and, aided by Ralph and Mr. Simpson--for the +others were too busy to be able to help him--he went back, fancying, as +soon as he was away from the well, that he had dreamed of the wonderful +things he had seen, and that it could not be a reality. + +His friends were not certain whether he had been injured or benefited by +the excitement; but he was so thoroughly tired out when he reached his +room that he was obliged to go to bed at once, and there he fell into a +long, sweet sleep, from which he did not awaken until evening. + +As may be imagined, everything was in the greatest state of activity +around "The Harnett" during the remainder of that day and all the night, +making ready to save the oil which then was being lost, and before the +morning came, those who were working at the well decided that even Bob's +estimate of a thousand barrels was too small. + +"The Harnett" was flowing at the rate of twelve hundred barrels of oil +per day, and that represented at least as many dollars, although the +price of oil might fall much lower than it then was, when the supply +exceeded the demand. + +"If there is anybody that thinks now that the oil-belt don't extend up +this way, I should like to have them come up and take a squint at 'The +Harnett.' She's spouting like a daisy, and I knew she would, from the +first," said Bob, as he came in to breakfast next morning, after having +worked all night, his joy so great that he did not even feel the +fatigue. + +George seemed almost well on this morning, and he took his seat with the +others at the breakfast-table, much as if he was as strong as any of +them, while his looks did not belie his actions. + +"I knew you'd be well this morning," said Bob, gleefully, "for no matter +how weak you were, such a sight as you saw yesterday would put the +strength into you." + +And then the ex-moonlighter's tongue rattled on as if it had, as motive +power, a greater force than that which sent the oil up through "The +Harnett." + +Bob was as full of business as ever on this morning. By common consent, +and without the necessity of any conversation on the matter, he had been +tacitly accepted as superintendent, and it was not possible for him, +just then, to spend many idle moments. + +Already had the work on the tank been begun, and until it was finished, +"The Harnett" would be connected with an empty one, about two miles +away, the tubing being already nearly in position. + +Bob had sent, the night before, for more workmen, and he confidently +expected that by night all the product of "The Harnett" could be saved. + +Old Pete, who had acted as a sort of watchman and guard for Bob when he +was a moonlighter, had been sent for to fill a similar position at the +well, and very many schemes were in progress. + +A house was to be built for the accommodation of the workmen, and this +Bob insisted Ralph should attend to at once, as it was needed sadly. + +Mr. Simpson was charged with making a road to lead from the highway to +the well, and since George was not strong enough to do any other work, +he was made book-keeper and cashier, as well as general financier. + +Jim and Dick were both hired by the owners of "The Harnett," one to act +as general messenger and clerk to George, and the other for such +important duties as the partners might not be able to attend to. + +In fact, before sunset of the day after the well had been opened, each +one of the owners was hard at work, and when they had ceased their +labors for the day, gathering in George's room, now turned office, for a +chat, Bob rather startled them by the information that it was his +purpose to sink another well close by the house, as soon as he should +get matters straightened out at "The Harnett." + + + + +CHAPTER XXXII. + +MASSIE'S SCHEME. + + +During the following week, matters went on very smoothly at the well +newly opened on Mr. Simpson's wood-lot. + +George had continued steadily to improve, and looked quite like his old +self, so much good had prosperity done for him. His mother, recognizing +the fact that she could no longer be of service to him, and feeling not +exactly at home in the rather limited accommodations which the Simpson +house afforded, had gone home, while the three boys had settled down as +regular boarders, or, rather, guests at the Simpson farm. + +The road had been built, the house for the workmen was well under way, +and the tank completed. By having this storage place near at hand, the +value of "The Harnett" could be definitely settled, and it was found +that the well was producing a trifle over twelve hundred barrels of oil +every twenty-four hours. + +The money which Mr. Gurney had advanced had already been repaid, and it +was George's intention to settle for the machinery and tools in a few +days more, for they were all anxious to be free from debt. + +Ralph's father had replied to the telegram by a letter of +congratulation, and had promised to come up there to see the property +before Ralph's vacation had expired, for it was by no means the young +oil producer's intention to neglect his studies. While the other +partners attended to the work at the well, it was his purpose to return +to college to finish the regular course he had started on. + +It did not seem possible that, now the well was open and flowing so +freely, anything could happen to prevent them from becoming wealthy, and +that in a comparatively short time; but from this dream of fancied +security they were destined to be rather rudely awakened. + +One morning, when they were all at the well, while Bob was trying, as he +had every day since he first saw oil from "The Harnett," to convince +them of the wisdom of boring another well just outside the limits of +their own property, but on that of Mr. Simpson's, which was entirely at +their service, two men drove up directly in front of them. + +Visitors had been so plenty at the well, that neither of the partners +paid much attention to these new arrivals. Every one near there had +heard Bob Hubbard's predictions that the oil belt embraced Mr. Simpson's +property, but without believing him, and when the news went out that he +had struck a twelve-hundred-barrel well just where every one believed +there was no oil, it seemed as if the people must see it before they +could be convinced it was really there. + +Almost a constant stream of visitors had been at the well from the day +it was opened, and Bob, believing these two men had come simply to +assure themselves that what others had said was true, paid no attention +to them, but continued his argument with George, as showing how they +could open another well further down the gully that should pay as well +as this one. + +"Can we see Mr. George Harnett and Mr. Ralph Gurney?" asked one of the +men, as both advanced toward the lucky owners of "The Harnett." + +"Those are the gentlemen," said Bob, carelessly, as he pointed to George +and Ralph, and then turned away to attend to some work, believing the +visitors had only idle questions to ask. + +"And are you Robert Hubbard?" asked the second man, stepping in front of +Bob in such a manner as to prevent his leaving the place. + +"I am." + +"And this, I presume, is Mr. Daniel Simpson?" continued the man, as he +pointed to the fourth partner, who had not yet gotten over his surprise +at seeing oil flow on his land. + +"It is," said Bob, sharply. "Is there any one else around here you wish +to see? If there is, call the roll now, for we have nothing else to do +but stand up for inspection." + +"You four are all we have any business with just now, although in a few +moments we shall want to see all who are at work here," said the man who +had first spoken; and then, as he produced an official-looking document +from his pocket, he added, "Here is an injunction from the court, +restraining you from trespassing any further on this property, and from +removing anything from it. Here, also, are summonses for you to appear +in a suit for ten thousand dollars damages, brought against you by +Marcus Massie." + +"Massie!" exclaimed Bob, while the others looked at the documents in +speechless astonishment. "What have we got to do with him? We don't owe +him any money." + +"He claims that you have damaged him to the amount named by opening this +well without his knowledge or consent," replied the man. + +"Well, I like that!" cried Bob, angrily. "Of course we opened it without +his knowledge or consent, and perhaps you can tell us why it would have +been necessary to consult him about it. What has he got to do with us?" + +"Since the well is on his land, and since you have been converting the +oil to your own use, he thinks he has a great deal to do with it," +replied the second man, who looked very much like a lawyer, while the +other was evidently an officer of some kind. + +"His land!" cried George; and then all four of the partners looked at +each other in a dazed way, as if they had suddenly been deprived of the +power of speech. + +"Yes, his land," replied the lawyer. "He had a mortgage on all this +property, which he foreclosed, and he proposes to take possession of +the house at once." + +"But--but I paid that mortgage!" cried Mr. Simpson, in a trembling +voice. "I paid that mortgage, and have got it now." + +"Yes," was the quiet reply. "I understand that by some means you have +got the instrument itself in your possession, but if you had got it +because you had paid the amount due, you would have received and had +recorded a release from Mr. Massie. Have you got that?" + +"A release!" repeated the old man, in bewilderment. "I don't rightly +understand you. I paid my money and got the mortgage. Wasn't that +enough?" + +"_If_ you had paid the money," replied the lawyer, with a decided +emphasis on the first word, "you would have received a release, and that +would have been recorded with the mortgage, otherwise that instrument is +in full force." + +"But I paid it! I paid it!" wailed the old man. + +"I know you did, Mr. Simpson," said George, sternly, "and so does +Massie. This is a sharp trick on his part to force us into buying his +imaginary claim off, for he tried very hard to get hold of this property +in the first place, and would have succeeded if he had not tried to get +too much. We will consult a lawyer at once." + +"In the meantime, gentlemen," said the lawyer, "I warn you against +removing any more oil, or interfering in any way with my client's +property." + +"I don't suppose you have got an order of the court to prevent the well +from flowing, have you?" asked Bob, angrily, making what seemed such +unnecessary movements with his hands, that the lawyer stepped several +paces backward very quickly. + +"This officer will remain in charge of such property as you may own +here, since it is attached by Mr. Massie," said the lawyer, evidently +thinking it best for him to depart, and getting into the carriage with a +celerity that hardly seemed possible in one of his age. + +"Oh, he will, will he?" cried Bob, savagely. "Well, I shall stay here in +charge of him, and I promise you he won't do anything more here than the +law permits him to." + +"What _can_ we do?" asked Ralph, as the lawyer drove away, and the +officer sauntered around the premises like one who already owned them. + +"I don't know what we can do now, except to go into town and consult a +lawyer. There is no question but that Massie is trying a little sharp +practice, and if it is a possible thing, he will get the best of us," +said George. "Ralph, you and I will go into town, while Bob stays here. +I suppose we had better take Mr. Simpson with us, so that he can tell +all the particulars of paying the money." + +"We will telegraph for father," cried Ralph, as if the thought has just +occurred to him. "He is a lawyer, and he will help us through with it." + +"That's a good idea," replied George; "but we will also see a lawyer in +town, so as to know exactly what we ought to do now." + +Mr. Simpson followed Ralph and George as they went to the stable, and +from time to time he repeated half to himself, as he passed his hand +over his forehead, as if to collect his scattered senses: + +"I paid the mortgage--I paid the mortgage." + +"We know you did, Mr. Simpson, and it will be hard if we can't prove it. +At all events, he has not got possession of the property yet, and I do +not believe he ever will." + + + + +CHAPTER XXXIII. + +HOLDING POSSESSION. + + +It was a mournful-looking superintendent Bob made when his partners had +left him alone with the officer who was acting as keeper of the property +Massie had attached in pursuance of his swindling scheme. + +Bob had a wholesome dread of openly defying the law. In a case like +moonlighting, where the question of legality had never been definitely +settled, he had been prompt enough to take his chances as to whether he +was proceeding in strict accordance with, or directly against, the law; +but in the present case, where the man whom he would have been most +pleased to forcibly eject from the premises was armed with all the +powers of the court, Bob was obliged to content himself with thinking +what he would like to do. + +As the officer sat there near the engine-house, doing no more than was +absolutely his duty, Bob looked upon him as simply Mr. Massie's +representative, and the temptation to vent his anger by some act of +violence was very great. + +He restrained himself, however, from saying or doing anything that +would entangle him in the meshes of the law; but in order to preserve +this outward tranquility, he was obliged to ease his mind in some way, +which he did by actually glowering at the innocent officer as though he +would "wither him with a glance." + +Of course there was a certain amount of work which it was absolutely +necessary to do, such as caring for the oil, attending to the engine +which forced the oil into the tank, and such things as even the law +might not be able to restrain. But the work on the buildings, the +sinking of pipes in order to get a supply of gas for illuminating +purposes, extending the road from the well to the house, and all that +labor which was for the purpose of improvement of the property, was +necessarily at an end. + +Had George remained, his prudence would have dictated the discharge of +all their force of workmen who were not employed exclusively on the +well, until the question at law had been settled. But to Bob such a +course seemed too much like submitting to what was a deliberate wrong, +perpetrated under the guise of justice, and he preferred the expense, +rather than even the semblance of "backing down." + +The officer may or may not have had a disagreeable time in the pursuance +of his duty while Ralph and George were in town; but to Bob it was +certainly anything but pleasant, since he had great difficulty in not +coming to an open conflict with this personification of law, brought in +to aid fraud. + +It seemed to the ex-moonlighter as if his companions would never return, +and once at least during every ten minutes he walked toward the house, +in the hope of seeing them as they came up the lane. + +It was not until quite two hours past noon that his vigil was rewarded, +and then he saw them coming toward the house with a fourth party in the +wagon, whom he rightly conjectured was the lawyer whom they had been to +consult. + +"Well," he cried, even before they had had time to alight from the +wagon; "how have you made out?" + +"I haven't got time to tell you now," said George, hurriedly; "but you +will hear it all when we are through with what we have to do. Mr. +Hillman, the lawyer whom we consulted, and who has come out with us, +says that the first and main thing to do is to hold possession, not only +of the wood-lot, but of the farm. Massie will attempt this very +afternoon to get his men in here, as his lawyer threatened, and if he +succeeds we shall be the ones who will have to sue him, instead of his +being the outside party, as he is now." + +"Can we prevent any one from coming here?" asked Bob, quickly. + +"Certainly you can, and must," replied the lawyer. "No one can come here +without your permission until after the matter has been decided in +court, and you must be careful that no one does." + +"That settles it, then," said Bob, gleefully, as he started towards the +well. "The first thing I'll do will be to fire out that fellow Massie +has got here, and he won't be handled very tenderly either." + +"Stop!" cried the lawyer, obliged to speak very loudly, for Bob was some +distance away before he had ceased speaking. "That man has a perfect +right to be here, for he represents the court in the matter of holding +certain movable property until the suit can be decided. What you are to +do is simply to prevent unauthorized persons from gaining admittance." + +"But how is that going to help matters?" + +And Bob was again disconsolate because this revenge had been denied him. + +"I prefer to wait until Mr. Gurney can get here before I decide fully on +just what shall be done," replied Mr. Hillman. "He stands very high as a +lawyer, and his advice in the matter will be worth much more than mine." + +"Well," asked the moonlighter, impatiently, "how are we going to prevent +any one from coming on the land?" + +"That is a very easy matter. With your workmen and yourselves, you ought +to form a regular patrol at those few points at which a person could +enter, and the law will sustain you in keeping any one away, who does +not come armed with an order from the court, even though you use force." + +That was sufficient for Bob. Legally entitled to act on the offensive, +under certain circumstances, and to defend his and Mr. Simpson's +property against all save those coming in the name of the law, there was +an opportunity for him to work off some of the anger which he had found +so difficult to restrain during the forenoon. + +George and Ralph were perfectly willing to let him attend to the +defenses, they acting under his orders, and Bob set to work with a +feverish energy that boded ill for the perfecting of Mr. Massie's +scheme. + +Pete was ordered to take up his position at the entrance of the lane +which led to the Simpson house, and Mr. Simpson was detailed to see that +the negro did his duty. A stout club was all he was allowed as a weapon; +but this would be sufficient, it was thought. + +Four of the workmen, under the immediate supervision of Jim, were +stationed at the road leading to the well, and their orders were +peremptory against allowing any one to enter unless with the express +permission of Mr. Hillman, who, if any papers purporting to be orders +from the court were presented, would first examine them to learn if they +were correct. + +Four more men, under Dick, were stationed along the front of the +property, with orders to patrol the entire line, and three others were +stationed around the house, under Ralph's charge. + +Bob intended to have a personal supervision of all the points of +defense, and in order that he might move about more readily, he had one +of his horses saddled, by which means of locomotion he could visit each +of his sentries at least once every half hour. + +The officer who had been stationed at the works as keeper of the +property Massie had attached, was informed that he would be considered a +trespasser, and treated as such, if he attempted to go anywhere except +just where those articles were which he was expected to guard. + +George and the lawyer were thus left free from any duty of guarding the +place, and this Bob very wisely concluded was necessary, since they +might be obliged to go to town at any moment. + +Mrs. Simpson was set at work cooking up a quantity of food for the +defenders of the castle, and this Bob proposed to carry to them himself, +for he did not intend that one of his men should leave his post, even +for a moment. + +After all this was done, Bob had time to talk with George and Mr. +Hillman relative to the interview that had been held in town. + +Mr. Simpson had remained in the same dazed condition he had fallen into +when Massie's attorney first appeared, and had been unable to repeat a +single word of the interview he had had with the money-lender when he +paid off the mortgage, or to remember what had been done at the time. + +The records had been searched, however, and no release had been found; +therefore, it was plain that Mr. Simpson's ignorance of such matters had +caused him to neglect to ask for one. + +The probabilities were that Mr. Massie, after learning of the valuable +well which had been found on this property which might have been his had +he not tried to gain possession of the whole farm, had taken advantage +of this oversight on the part of his debtor, and, although he had been +repaid the borrowed money, intended to deny that he had ever received +it. + +That Mr. Hillman had fears of the ultimate result was shown by his +desire to consult with Mr. Gurney before taking any steps in the matter, +other than to hold possession of the property, and all the partners save +Mr. Simpson, who did not seem to be able to understand anything just +then, felt that there was a possibility that they might lose "The +Harnett" after all their labor and rejoicing. + +Bob was by no means easy in his mind when he left Mr. Hillman and George +to begin his rounds of the outposts; but he was determined that, since +all they could do was to hold possession, no one not legally entitled to +it should gain admittance to the place. + +For two hours, during which Bob had made his rounds four times, nothing +had been seen to indicate that any one had even a desire to enter the +Simpson farm, and then, while Bob was talking with the old man, trying +to force him to remember all he had done while at Mr. Massie's office, +three wagons filled with men were seen down the road coming directly +toward the place. + +There could be no question but that this was the money-lender's party +coming to take possession, and they were in larger force than any one +had anticipated. + +Riding quickly to the house, Bob ordered Ralph and his men to join Pete +and Mr. Simpson, and then he called in Dick and his men, giving these +last orders to proceed at once to support Jim, in case any of the +newcomers attempted to go that way. + +He thought, however, that the greatest trouble would be had at the lane, +and he believed he was fully prepared for it. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXIV. + +THE MISSING WITNESS. + + +Bob had hardly called the main portion of his men to the point which was +threatened by the money-lender's party, when the wagons reached the +entrance to the lane, and the occupants began to get out. + +"You cannot enter here!" cried Bob, as the first man started toward the +lane, as if he would force his way past those who were guarding the +entrance. + +"I am sent here by the owner of the property, and it is my intention not +only to go in, but to drive away those who are intruding here," replied +the man, in an offensive tone. + +"Well," cried Bob, the anger which he had kept under control with +greatest difficulty during the day now gaining the ascendancy, "it may +first be necessary for you to get in before you drive any one out, and I +warn you that you attempt to enter at your peril. I am here by the +orders of the true owner of the property, and it will be a mighty hard +show for you to get in, since my instructions are to keep every one +out." + +By this time Mr. Hillman had arrived at the scene of the threatened +trouble, and he said, loudly, so that all might hear him: + +"Gentlemen, the owner of this property is Mr. Daniel Simpson, my client. +Acting under my advice, he refuses to allow any one to enter on his +farm, and for that purpose has a body of men here to defend his rights. +I warn you that you will be rendering yourselves liable to prosecution +if you attempt to enter here against his express orders to the +contrary." + +For a moment those who had been sent by Massie retreated to the wagons, +as if unwilling to do anything which might bring them in conflict with +the majesty of the law, and it seemed very much as if they were going to +leave the place, when the lawyer who had first visited the well, and who +had accompanied them, called out: + +"You know very well that this is Mr. Massie's property, since he has +foreclosed the mortgage he held upon it, and if, in obeying his orders, +you do anything which renders you liable to the law, it will be him, not +you, who will be obliged to answer for your actions. I insist upon your +going into the lane." + +"It will be their heads which will get cracked, at all events, if they +attempt to come in here!" cried Bob, almost beside himself with rage; +"and if you think we haven't the right or the inclination to knock down +the first man who tries to come in, why don't you lead the way, to shew +that you are not frightened?" + +Although Mr. Hillman would have prevented Bob from speaking, if he had +been able to do so, the speech had had its effect, for the men cried out +to the lawyer: + +"Yes, you lead the way, and we will follow you!" + +Leaping from his horse and seizing Pete's club, Bob cried out: + +"Show your men that you have a right to come in here, and I will show +them what they may expect if they try to follow, by an example on your +own head." + +The legal gentleman was not as eager to lead the way as he was to urge +the men on, and instead of going boldly up to Bob, he tried to induce +his men to go in. But none of them would make the attempt, because of +the formidable array before them, and seeing how useless his efforts +would be in this direction, the lawyer called one of the men to him, +talking to him in a low tone. + +Bob, divining just what was being said, and fearful lest he should be +outwitted finally, went to each one of his men, and ordered them to +start for the road that led to the well the instant they should see the +intruders get into their wagons. + +This order was given none too quickly, for almost before Bob had given +his directions to the last man, Massie's party clambered into their +wagons, and started down the road at a sharp gallop. + +"Come on, every one of you!" shouted Bob, as he forced his horse to leap +the fence. + +By, riding at full speed, he succeeded in getting ahead of those who +would take possession of that to which their employer had no rights. + +Of course, it was not possible for Bob's force to get over the ground as +quickly as he did; but they ran as fast as possible, leaving only Mr. +Hillman, Mr. Simpson, George and Pete to guard the entrance to the lane. + +Bob arrived at the place where Jim and his men were stationed a few +seconds before the would-be invaders did, and in as few words as +possible, told them what had occurred at the lane. + +"Strike the first man who attempts to enter," he shouted, "and strike +him hard!" + +By that time the lawyer and his party had alighted and were marching in +a solid body up to the road, evidently believing they could force their +way through before the others could arrive. + +Instead of dismounting from his horse this time, Bob grasped a club that +was being raised by one of the men, and urged his horse at full speed +among those who were attempting to force an entrance. + +They had come out there in Mr. Massie's employ, believing that there +might be some little difficulty about entering, which their very numbers +would dispel at once, but by no means anticipating such a vigorous +resistance. It did not suit them to measure strength with these who at +last _appeared_ to have right on their side, and they fled before Bob's +charge with the greatest precipitation. + +Bob was careful not to follow them into the highway; for, though he had +no very extensive acquaintance with the law, he rightly conjectured that +if he did this, he might be exceeding the powers Mr. Hillman had said +were his; but he stood on the very line of his property, swinging his +club in a fashion that would make it uncomfortable for anyone who might +get within its reach. + +"You should be ashamed of yourselves," he cried, anxious to hold them in +check by any means until the remainder of his army could arrive upon the +scene, "to attempt even to aid Massie in depriving an old man of his +hard-earned rights. Mr. Simpson paid the money-lender all the money he +had borrowed; but not knowing anything of the beautiful intricacies of +the law, which gives a semblance of legality to such a theft as this, +neglected to ask for a release of the property. After oil was discovered +here, Massie saw a chance to steal the property, and he has hired you to +do what he doesn't dare to do himself. If I so much as thought I was as +contemptible as you show yourselves to be by trying to do this dirty +work, I would go and drown myself in the most stagnant pool I could +find." + +Bob's speech had quite as much effect upon the men as the sight of the +clubs had had, and they retreated toward their teams, protesting that +they did not know the facts of the case when they started out. + +It was in vain that the lawyer who had accompanied them insisted that +they were only doing what his client had a legal right to ask them to +do; in vain that he urged them to enter on the property regardless of +those who tried to prevent them. + +Bob had made them feel ashamed of the part they were playing, and +before Ralph, who had outstripped the others in the race, arrived, they +were in their wagons, insisting that they would have nothing more to do +with the matter. + +The lawyer scolded and shouted himself hoarse, trying to oblige them to +do as he coaxed and commanded, but all to no purpose. They were +determined to return, and they plainly told him that unless he came with +them, they should drive away without him. + +Under this pressure, which he could not control, the lawyer was obliged +to obey those whom he had vainly attempted to command, and the party +drove away, leaving Bob the well-earned title of conqueror in this first +battle of Mr. Massie's. + +But after all danger, so far as this party was concerned, had +disappeared, Bob was by no means inclined to relax his vigilance. He +stationed his men in the positions he had originally intended they +should occupy, supplied each of them with a generous lunch, with the +addition of hot coffee, and even gave a portion to the solitary officer +at the well, when he had originally intended that he should go hungry. + +After that was done, and after he had cautioned them to be watchful, +impressing on the minds of Ralph, Jim and Dick the necessity of +mistrusting every one whom they might see approaching the farm, Bob went +back to the house to consult with Mr. Hillman and George. + +There some especially good news awaited him. It seemed as if this direct +attack on Massie's part had restored Mr. Simpson to something near his +presence of mind, and, aided by his wife, who had always found scolding +efficacious when he relapsed into absent-mindedness, had succeeded in +recalling the events on the afternoon when he paid the money-lender the +five hundred dollars which he had had so much difficulty to raise. + +He now distinctly remembered that when he entered Massie's office a man +by the name of Jared Thompson, formerly an old neighbor of his, was +there, and that his first words were to the effect that he had brought +the money to pay off the mortgage. + +The old man was equally positive that he had laid the amount on the +money-lender's desk in the presence of this same man, and that Massie +had then offered to buy the wood-lot. How much more might have been said +while Thompson was there he was not certain, but of that much he was +positive. + +Mr. Hillman was overjoyed at the news that there had been a witness to +the repayment of the money, but when he asked where the man could be +found, he was disappointed in the reply. + +Mr. Thompson had lived on the next farm to Mr. Simpson's, but when he +left it, he went to Bradford, and from there it had been said that he +had gone to Babcock. Where he was living at that time Mr. Simpson +neither knew nor did he know of any one else who might be acquainted +with Mr. Thompson's whereabouts. + +"If we can find this man, and if he heard what Mr. Simpson thinks he +did, then the case will be clear enough, for we shall have a witness to +the payment of the money, which, I think, will be sufficient to explode +Massie's claim." + +"We _must_ find him," was Bob's reply. + +And just then he felt able to find any man, however hard he might try to +hide. + +"Yes, but how?" asked Ralph, who had come in at the close of the +conversation. + +"I don't know exactly," said Bob; "but there must be a way. George can +be spared better than any one else. Let him harness his horses and start +out. He can stay away until he finds him." + +"I think the best way would be to make inquiries at Bradford, and from +there you might be able to track him," suggested Mr. Hillman. "Just +remember that with this man everything will be plain sailing, and that +without him Massie may get the best of us, and I am confident you will +bring him back with you." + +"And above all things, George, don't give up the chase because you think +we may need you here. Just remember that we can get along as well +without you and spare neither time nor expense in the search," said Bob. + +George was perfectly willing to start in pursuit of the missing witness, +and at once made his preparations for the journey. + +Fortunately he had with him as much money as he would be likely to want, +and to harness his horses and to gather up such things as he might need +was but the work of a few moments. + +"Don't come back without your man!" shouted Bob, as George drove away. + +And the defenders of "The Harnett" and the Simpson farm were left alone +to await the coming of Mr. Gurney, and of George with the missing +witness. + +All of them feared that Massie's next attempt to gain admittance would +be made under the cover of darkness, and to prevent this from being +successful Bob went to work. + +First he sent one of the men on his horse to Sawyer to purchase a number +of lanterns, and while the messenger was gone he got from Mrs. Simpson +all the blankets and comfortables she had. + +It was his purpose that half his men should sleep at their posts during +the night, while the others watched, in order that they might be able to +continue sentry duty for any length of time, and he also proposed that +each one on guard should carry a lantern, that both he and any one who +might meditate an attack, would know those in possession of the property +were still on the alert. + +This done, the inmates and guardians of the farm were ready for the +coming of the night. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXV. + +MASSIE'S FAILURE. + + +Although Bob had taken so many precautions against the coming of the +enemy during the night, they were all useless, since neither Mr. Massie +nor any one in his employ appeared at the Simpson farm. + +"Well," said Bob, next morning, while he was waiting for Mrs. Simpson to +prepare the breakfast for the sentinels, "since they didn't come during +the night they'll most likely be here to-day, so it won't do for us to +grow careless." + +As the day wore on, and nothing was seen of the force which it was +believed would appear, Ralph said to Bob: + +"If father started as soon as he got my telegram, he ought to be here on +the train to-night, and some of us must drive into town for him." + +"That's true, and you must be the one to go," replied Bob, decidedly. +"You can take my team, and if any one comes while you are gone, we shall +get rid of them, I guess." + +Since Mr. Hillman wished to go to his office for some law-books and +papers before Mr. Gurney arrived, Ralph started off with him about +noon, leaving the farm with the often-expressed wish that nothing would +happen during the absence of three of the defenders. + +"If you mean by that that you're afraid some of Massie's men may get in +here, you're mistaken," said Bob, stoutly. "Unless we have a mind to let +them, which isn't at all likely, there won't one of them get a chance to +so much as show his nose inside." + +Now that Mr. Simpson had succeeded in gathering his scattered faculties +once more, and understood that everything might yet be well with them, +he seemed suddenly to have grown young again, for he was as eager in +watching for approaching danger as Bob was. + +"Don't fear for us!" he shouted, as Mr. Hillman and Ralph drove down the +lane. "We can keep a regiment of them at their distance," and he acted +much as if he believed all he said. + +It was about two hours after Ralph and the lawyer drove away, when Bob +was honored with another visit from Mr. Massie's messengers, but this +time they did not come in sufficient force to cause any alarm. + +The lawyer and two men drove up to the lane, where Bob, having seen them +while they were yet some distance away, had a force of five men, and the +following conversation took place: + +"I am instructed by Mr. Marcus Massie, the rightful owner of this place, +to take possession of it at once, and to order you off the grounds as +trespassers," said the lawyer. "Do you intend to prevent us from an +exercise of our legal rights?" + +"I intend to prevent you from coming in here," replied Bob, "and I warn +you now that I will seriously injure the first one who attempts to come +on to this land, which belongs to Mr. Simpson." + +"I have made the demand upon you," continued the lawyer, in an unruffled +tone, "and I tell you now that my client will proceed against you if you +thus attempt by force to prevent him from the exercise of his just and +lawful rights." + +"Your client may proceed to do whatever he can, and just as soon as he +can, and if my answer has not been sufficiently plain, I tell you again +that none of you can come in here." + +And Bob made a demonstration with his club which appeared to convince +the lawyer that he would have no hesitation about using it on his +precious body. + +"I have warned you," said the legal gentleman, viciously, "and now you +can take the consequences." + +"And I have warned you!" cried Bob, "and I'm certain that you will take +the consequences if you attempt to come here, where neither you nor your +client have any rights." + +With this pleasant conversation, the lawyer and his companions drove +away, and once more was Bob master of the situation. + +The next arrivals to the disputed property were Mr. Gurney, Mr. Hillman +and Ralph. The former had started as soon as he had received his son's +telegram, and from the look on Ralph's face, it was easy to see that +the two lawyers, after a consultation together, did not consider the +situation a desperate one. + +"Father says that even if George doesn't succeed in finding Thompson, he +believes it will be possible to show to the satisfaction of a jury that +Mr. Simpson paid off the mortgage," said Ralph, as the two lawyers +entered the house, leaving the boys alone in the stable-yard. "Of course +if this witness could be found, everything could be settled at once." + +Ralph's father was also able to do something for the immediate relief of +the owners of "The Harnett." + +On the morning after his arrival, and the guardians of the property had +been undisturbed during the night, Mr. Gurney and Mr. Hillman went into +town, where they succeeded in getting bondsmen for the boys, thus +releasing the property from attachment. They also began a suit against +Mr. Massie, to restrain him from taking any further steps in the matter +until the question of ownership could be decided at law. + +While they were absent, George returned, and with him was the missing +witness, Mr. Jared Thompson. He had been found at Babcock, and since he +had no business on hand he was perfectly willing to accompany George, +and all the more so because he had been promised he should be well paid +for his time, which, just then, was of no value to him. + +He remembered distinctly seeing Mr. Simpson at Massie's office, and of +seeing him pay over a large roll of money, which he stated was the +amount of the mortgage. He also heard Massie say, after he had counted +the money, that it was "all right," and saw him hand Mr. Simpson the +mortgage, which he took from his safe. + +After that Mr. Thompson heard some conversation between the two men +relative to the purchase of the wood-lot; but, since he was not +interested in the matter, he left the office shortly after it had begun. + +On the arrival of Mr. Gurney from town--for he returned alone, since +there was no necessity for Mr. Hillman to accompany him after the bonds +had been given for the release of the property--he questioned the +witness George had brought, and then stated that there was no further +cause for anxiety about the matter, since this testimony would answer +also the purpose of a written release of the mortgage. + +He also gave Bob an order to the keeper of the property at the well, +recalling him from his disagreeable duties, and the ex-moonlighter had +the pleasure of escorting the officer to the main road, happy that they +were once more in possession of their own. + +Then, of course, Mr. Gurney was shown the wonderful well, and listened, +long and attentively to Bob's arguments as to why another well should be +sunk near the house. To the surprise of all the partners except, +perhaps, Bob, Mr. Gurney advised that that scheme be carried out, saying +that Bob's argument seemed to be supported by such facts in the case as +were apparent even to those unfamiliar with the business. + +Bob was highly delighted at having convinced Ralph's father of the +feasibility of this scheme, and Mr. Simpson was so impressed by the +celebrated lawyer's advice that he insisted on deeding, that very night, +the strip of land, on which it was proposed to sink the well, to the +firm of Harnett, Gurney, Hubbard & Simpson. + +Mr. Gurney insisted that the other three partners should pay to Mr. +Simpson their proportion of the valuation of the land, which would have +been several thousand dollars; but the old man would listen to no such +proposition. He had been presented with a quarter of the wood-lot when +he had no claim upon it, and he urged his right to make the firm a +present of as much land as he owned. + +There was no necessity of watching the farm that night, although Bob +thought it was careless to leave it unguarded; but no harm came to it, +nor did they even hear from the worthy Mr. Massie. + +Bob lost no time in setting about the work of opening the new well, and +his first duty next morning was to set a portion of the men at work +making ready for the erection of the derrick. + +Fortunately for the boys, the court was already in session, and Massie's +claim came up for an early hearing. + +It seemed as if the old money-lender must have entirely forgotten that +there had been a witness to the payment of the money, for he came into +court apparently confident that he should be able to call "The Harnett" +his own; but as soon as he saw Thompson, all his confidence vanished, +and he sneaked out of court even before the case was fairly opened. + +Of course, there could be but one decision, under the circumstances, and +in less than an hour from the time the case was called, a verdict had +been given in favor of Mr. Simpson, who was advised by the judge to +demand of Massie a written release, and there was no longer any question +as to the ownership of "The Harnett." + +So far as Ralph was concerned, the case had been decided none too soon. +It was time for him to return to college, and on the next day, in +company with his father, he bade his partners adieu for a year, as he +returned to his studies. Ralph Gurney's vacation was at an end, as this +story should be, since it promised simply to tell of that time. + + * * * * * + +With the story brought to a close, the work of the author should be +ended, unless, as in this case, he makes brief mention of what has +happened, concerning the principal characters, from that time until the +present. + +Ramsdell and Dean were convicted of the assault on George, and sentence +of two years in the State prison pronounced against them, the charge of +stealing the team still hanging over their heads, in case George wants +to press it when their term of imprisonment has ended, which is not +probable. + +While Ralph was finishing his collegiate course, Bob worked at the new +well, and when it was opened, he telegraphed to Ralph: + + "New well just shot. Another victory for the moonlighter, for it + is not more than two hundred barrels less than the other." + +And Ralph replied: + + "I claim the right to name it. It shall be called 'The + Moonlighter.'" + +When Ralph graduated, he owned a quarter of three good, paying wells, +and Bob has now an idea that it will pay to open another some distance +away, where he has been prospecting for the past month. + +Mr. and Mrs. Simpson still live on the old farm, and George, Ralph and +Bob live with them; but a new house has been built by the side of the +old one, for the old couple would not consent that their first home +should be torn down, and at any time that the readers visit that section +of the country, they should not fail to look at "The Harnett," which +still flows as it did during Ralph Gurney's vacation. + +THE END. + + + + +A. L. Burt's Catalogue of Books for Young People by Popular Writers, +52-58 Duane Street, New York + + * * * * * + +BOOKS FOR BOYS. + + + =Joe's Luck:= A Boy's Adventures in California. By HORATIO + ALGER, JR. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. + + The story is chock full of stirring incidents, while the amusing + situations are furnished by Joshua Bickford, from Pumpkin + Hollow, and the fellow who modestly styles himself the "Rip-tail + Roarer, from Pike Co., Missouri." Mr. Alger never writes a poor + book, and "Joe's Luck" is certainly one of his best. + + =Tom the Bootblack;= or, The Road to Success. By HORATIO ALGER, + JR. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. + + A bright, enterprising lad was Tom the Bootblack. He was not at + all ashamed of his humble calling, though always on the lookout + to better himself. The lad started for Cincinnati to look up his + heritage. Mr. Grey, the uncle, did not hesitate to employ a + ruffian to kill the lad. The plan failed, and Gilbert Grey, once + Tom the bootblack, came into a comfortable fortune. This is one + of Mr. Alger's best stories. + + =Dan the Newsboy.= By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 12mo, cloth, + illustrated, price $1.00. + + Dan Mordaunt and his mother live in a poor tenement, and the lad + is pluckily trying to make ends meet by selling papers in the + streets of New York. A little heiress of six years is confided to + the care of the Mordaunts. The child is kidnapped and Dan tracks + the child to the house where she is hidden, and rescues her. The + wealthy aunt of the little heiress is so delighted with Dan's + courage and many good qualities that she adopts him as her heir. + + =Tony the Hero:= A Brave Boy's Adventure with a Tramp. By + HORATIO ALGER, JR. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. + + Tony, a sturdy bright-eyed boy of fourteen, is under the control + of Rudolph Rugg, a thorough rascal. After much abuse Tony runs + away and gets a job as stable boy in a country hotel. Tony is + heir to a large estate. Rudolph for a consideration hunts up Tony + and throws him down a deep well. Of course Tony escapes from the + fate provided for him, and by a brave act, a rich friend secures + his rights and Tony is prosperous. A very entertaining book. + + =The Errand Boy;= or, How Phil Brent Won Success. By HORATIO + ALGER, JR. 12mo, cloth illustrated, price $1.00. + + The career of "The Errand Boy" embraces the city adventures of a + smart country lad. Philip was brought up by a kind-hearted + innkeeper named Brent. The death of Mrs. Brent paved the way for + the hero's subsequent troubles. A retired merchant in New York + secures him the situation of errand boy, and thereafter stands as + his friend. + + =Tom Temple's Career.= By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 12mo, cloth, + illustrated, price $1.00. + + Tom Temple is a bright, self-reliant lad. He leaves Plympton + village to seek work in New York, whence he undertakes an + important mission to California. Some of his adventures in the + far west are so startling that the reader will scarcely close the + book until the last page shall have been reached. The tale is + written in Mr. Alger's most fascinating style. + + =Frank Fowler, the Cash Boy.= By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 12mo, + cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. + + Frank Fowler, a poor boy, bravely determines to make a living for + himself and his foster-sister Grace. Going to New York he obtains + a situation as cash boy in a dry goods store. He renders a + service to a wealthy old gentleman who takes a fancy to the lad, + and thereafter helps the lad to gain success and fortune. + + =Tom Thatcher's Fortune.= By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 12mo, cloth, + illustrated, price $1.00. + + Tom Thatcher is a brave, ambitious, unselfish boy. He supports + his mother and sister on meagre wages earned as a shoe-pegger in + John Simpson's factory. Tom is discharged from the factory and + starts overland for California. He meets with many adventures. + The story is told in a way which has made Mr. Alger's name a + household word in so many homes. + + =The Train Boy.= By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 12mo, cloth, + illustrated, price $1.00. + + Paul Palmer was a wide-awake boy of sixteen who supported his + mother and sister by selling books and papers on the Chicago and + Milwaukee Railroad. He detects a young man in the act of picking + the pocket of a young lady. In a railway accident many passengers + are killed, but Paul is fortunate enough to assist a Chicago + merchant, who out of gratitude takes him into his employ. Paul + succeeds with tact and judgment and is well started on the road + to business prominence. + + =Mark Mason's Victory.= The Trials and Triumphs of a Telegraph + Boy. By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price + $1.00. + + Mark Mason, the telegraph boy, was a sturdy, honest lad, who + pluckily won his way to success by his honest manly efforts under + many difficulties. This story will please the very large class of + boys who regard Mr. Alger as a favorite author. + + =A Debt of Honor.= The Story of Gerald Lane's Success in the + Far West. By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, + price $1.00. + + The story of Gerald Lane and the account of the many trials and + disappointments which he passed through before he attained + success, will interest all boys who have read the previous + stories of this delightful author. + + =Ben Bruce.= Scenes in the Life of a Bowery Newsboy. By HORATIO + ALGER, JR. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. + + Ben Bruce was a brave, manly, generous boy. The story of his + efforts, and many seeming failures and disappointments, and his + final success, are most interesting to all readers. The tale is + written in Mr. Alger's most fascinating style. + + =The Castaways;= or, On the Florida Reefs. By JAMES OTIS. 12mo, + cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. + + This tale smacks of the salt sea. From the moment that the Sea + Queen leaves lower New York bay till the breeze leaves her + becalmed off the coast of Florida, one can almost hear the + whistle of the wind through her rigging, the creak of her + straining cordage as she heels to the leeward. The adventures of + Ben Clark, the hero of the story and Jake the cook, cannot fail + to charm the reader. As a writer for young people Mr. Otis is a + prime favorite. + + =Wrecked on Spider Island;= or, How Ned Rogers Found the + Treasure. By JAMES OTIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price + $1.00. + + Ned Rogers, a "down-east" plucky lad ships as cabin boy to earn a + livelihood. Ned is marooned on Spider Island, and while there + discovers a wreck submerged in the sand, and finds a considerable + amount of treasure. The capture of the treasure and the incidents + of the voyage serve to make as entertaining a story of sea-life + as the most captious boy could desire. + + =The Search for the Silver City:= A Tale of Adventure in + Yucatan. By JAMES OTIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price + $1.00. + + Two lads, Teddy Wright and Neal Emery, embark on the steam yacht + Day Dream for a cruise to the tropics. The yacht is destroyed by + fire, and then the boat is cast upon the coast of Yucatan. They + hear of the wonderful Silver City, of the Chan Santa Cruz + Indians, and with the help of a faithful Indian ally carry off a + number of the golden images from the temples. Pursued with + relentless vigor at last their escape is effected in an + astonishing manner. The story is so full of exciting incidents + that the reader is quite carried away with the novelty and + realism of the narrative. + + =A Runaway Brig;= or, An Accidental Cruise. By JAMES OTIS. + 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. + + This is a sea tale, and the reader can look out upon the wide + shimmering sea as it flashes back the sunlight, and imagine + himself afloat with Harry Vandyne, Walter Morse, Jim Libby and + that old shell-back, Bob Brace, on the brig Bonita. The boys + discover a mysterious document which enables them to find a + buried treasure. They are stranded on an island and at last are + rescued with the treasure. The boys are sure to be fascinated + with this entertaining story. + + =The Treasure Finders:= A Boy's Adventures in Nicaragua. By + JAMES OTIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. + + Roy and Dean Coloney, with their guide Tongla, leave their + father's indigo plantation to visit the wonderful ruins of an + ancient city. The boys eagerly explore the temples of an extinct + race and discover three golden images cunningly hidden away. They + escape with the greatest difficulty. Eventually they reach safety + with their golden prizes. We doubt if there ever was written a + more entertaining story than "The Treasure Finders." + + =Jack, the Hunchback.= A Story of the Coast of Maine. By JAMES + OTIS. Price $1.00. + + This is the story of a little hunchback who lived on Cape + Elizabeth, on the coast of Maine. His trials and successes are + most interesting. From first to last nothing stays the interest + of the narrative. It bears us along as on a stream whose current + varies in direction, but never loses its force. + + =With Washington at Monmouth:= A Story of Three Philadelphia + Boys. By JAMES OTIS. 12mo, ornamental cloth, olivine edges, + illustrated, price $1.50. + + Three Philadelphia lads assist the American spies and make + regular and frequent visits to Valley Forge in the Winter while + the British occupied the city. The story abounds with pictures of + Colonial life skillfully drawn, and the glimpses of Washington's + soldiers which are given shown that the work has not been hastily + done, or without considerable study. The story is wholesome and + patriotic in tone, as are all of Mr. Otis' works. + + =With Lafayette at Yorktown:= A Story of How Two Boys Joined + the Continental Army. By JAMES OTIS. 12mo, ornamental + cloth, olivine edges, illustrated, price $1.50. + + Two lads from Portsmouth, N. H., attempt to enlist in the + Colonial Army, and are given employment as spies. There is no + lack of exciting incidents which the youthful reader craves, but + it is healthful excitement brimming with facts which every boy + should be familiar with, and while the reader is following the + adventures of Ben Jaffrays and Ned Allen he is acquiring a fund + of historical lore which will remain in his memory long after + that which he has memorized from textbooks has been forgotten. + + =At the Siege of Havana.= Being the Experiences of Three Boys + Serving under Israel Putnam in 1762. By JAMES OTIS. 12mo, + ornamental cloth, olivine edges, illustrated, price $1.50. + + "At the Siege of Havana" deals with that portion of the Island's + history when the English king captured the capital, thanks to the + assistance given by the troops from New England, led in part by + Col. Israel Putnam. + + The principal characters are Darius Lunt, the lad who, + represented as telling the story, and his comrades, Robert + Clement and Nicholas Vallet. Colonel Putnam also figures to + considerable extent, necessarily, in the tale, and the whole + forms one of the most readable stories founded on historical + facts. + + =The Defense of Fort Henry.= A Story of Wheeling Creek in 1777. + By JAMES OTIS, 12mo, ornamental cloth, olivine edges, + illustrated, price $1.50. + + Nowhere in the history of our country can be found more heroic or + thrilling incidents than in the story of those brave men and + women who founded the settlement of Wheeling in the Colony of + Virginia. The recital of what Elizabeth Zane did is in itself as + heroic a story as can be imagined. The wondrous bravery displayed + by Major McCulloch and his gallant comrades, the sufferings of + the colonists and their sacrifice of blood and life, stir the + blood of old as well as young readers. + + =The Capture of the Laughing Mary.= A Story of Three New York + Boys in 1776. By JAMES OTIS. 12mo, ornamental cloth, + olivine edges, price $1.50. + + "During the British occupancy of New York, at the outbreak of the + Revolution, a Yankee lad hears of the plot to take General + Washington's person, and calls in two companions to assist the + patriot cause. They do some astonishing things, and, + incidentally, lay the way for an American navy later, by the + exploit which gives its name to the work. Mr. Otis' books are too + well known to require any particular commendation to the + young."--Evening Post. + + =With Warren at Bunker Hill.= A Story of the Siege of Boston. + By JAMES OTIS. 12mo, ornamental cloth, olivine edges, + illustrated, price $1.50. + + "This is a tale of the siege of Boston, which opens on the day + after the doings at Lexington and Concord, with a description of + home life in Boston, introduces the reader to the British camp at + Charlestown, shows Gen. Warren at home, describes what a boy + thought of the battle of Bunker Hill, and closes with the raising + of the siege. The three heroes, George Wentworth, Ben Scarlett + and an old ropemaker, incur the enmity of a young Tory, who + causes them many adventures the boys will like to read."--Detroit + Free Press. + + =With the Swamp Fox.= The Story of General Marion's Spies. By + JAMES OTIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. + + This story deals with General Francis Marion's heroic struggle in + the Carolinas. General Marion's arrival to take command of these + brave men and rough riders is pictured as a boy might have seen + it, and although the story is devoted to what the lads did, the + Swamp Fox is ever present in the mind of the reader. + + =On the Kentucky Frontier.= A Story of the Fighting Pioneers of + the West. By JAMES OTIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1. + + In the history of our country there is no more thrilling story + than that of the work done on the Mississippi river by a handful + of frontiersmen. Mr. Otis takes the reader on that famous + expedition from the arrival of Major Clarke's force at Corn + Island, until Kaskaskia was captured. He relates that part of + Simon Kenton's life history which is not usually touched upon + either by the historian or the story teller. This is one of the + most entertaining books for young people which has been + published. + + =Sarah Dillard's Ride.= A Story of South Carolina in 1780. + By JAMES OTIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. + + "This book deals with the Carolinas in 1780, giving a wealth of + detail of the Mountain Men who struggled so valiantly against the + king's troops. Major Ferguson is the prominent British officer of + the story, which is told as though coming from a youth who + experienced these adventures. In this way the famous ride of + Sarah Dillard is brought out as an incident of the + plot."--=Boston Journal.= + + =A Tory Plot.= A Story of the Attempt to Kill General + Washington. By JAMES OTIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price + $1.00. + + "'A Tory Plot' is the story of two lads who overhear something of + the plot originated during the Revolution by Gov. Tryon to + capture or murder Washington. They communicate their knowledge to + Gen. Putnam and are commissioned by him to play the role of + detectives in the matter. They do so, and meet with many + adventures and hair-breadth escapes. The boys are, of course, + mythical, but they serve to enable the author to put into very + attractive shape much valuable knowledge concerning one phase of + the Revolution."--=Pittsburgh Times.= + + =A Traitor's Escape.= A Story of the Attempt to Seize Benedict + Arnold. By JAMES OTIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price + $1.00. + + "This is a tale with stirring scenes depicted in each chapter, + bringing clearly before the mind the glorious deeds of the early + settlers in this country. In an historical work dealing with this + country's past, no plot can hold the attention closer than this + one, which describes the attempt and partial success of Benedict + Arnold's escape to New York, where he remained as the guest of + Sir Henry Clinton. All those who actually figured in the arrest + of the traitor, as well as Gen. Washington, are included as + characters."--=Albany Union.= + + =A Cruise with Paul Jones.= A Story of Naval Warfare in 1776. + By JAMES OTIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. + + "This story takes up that portion of Paul Jones' adventurous life + when he was hovering off the British coast, watching for an + opportunity to strike the enemy a blow. It deals more + particularly with his descent upon Whitehaven, the seizure of + Lady Selkirk's plate, and the famous battle with the Drake. The + boy who figures in the tale is one who was taken from a derelict + by Paul Jones shortly after this particular cruise was + begun."--=Chicago Inter-Ocean.= + + =Corporal Lige's Recruit.= A Story of Crown Point and + Ticonderoga. By JAMES OTIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price + $1.00. + + "In 'Corporal Lige's Recruit,' Mr. Otis tells the amusing story + of an old soldier, proud of his record, who had served the king + in '58, and who takes the lad, Isaac Rice, as his 'personal + recruit.' The lad acquits himself superbly. Col. Ethan Allen 'in + the name of God and the continental congress,' infuses much + martial spirit into the narrative, which will arouse the keenest + interest as it proceeds. Crown Point, Ticonderoga, Benedict + Arnold and numerous other famous historical names appear in this + dramatic tale."--=Boston Globe.= + + =Morgan, the Jersey Spy.= A Story of the Siege of Yorktown in + 1781. By JAMES OTIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. + + "The two lads who are utilized by the author to emphasize the + details of the work done during that memorable time were real + boys who lived on the banks of the York river, and who aided the + Jersey spy in his dangerous occupation. In the guise of fishermen + the lads visit Yorktown, are suspected of being spies, and put + under arrest. Morgan risks his life to save them. The final + escape, the thrilling encounter with a squad of red coats, when + they are exposed equally to the bullets of friends and foes, told + in a masterly fashion, makes of this volume one of the most + entertaining books of the year."--=Inter-Ocean.= + + =The Young Scout:= The Story of a West Point Lieutenant. By + EDWARD S. ELLIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. + + The crafty Apache chief Geronimo but a few years ago was the most + terrible scourge of the southwest border. The author has woven, + in a tale of thrilling interest, all the incidents of Geronimo's + last raid. The hero is Lieutenant James Decker, a recent graduate + of West Point. Ambitious to distinguish himself the young man + takes many a desperate chance against the enemy and on more than + one occasion narrowly escapes with his life. In our opinion Mr. + Ellis is the best writer of Indian stories now before the public. + + =Adrift in the Wilds:= The Adventures of Two Shipwrecked Boys. + By EDWARD S. ELLIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. + + Elwood Brandon and Howard Lawrence are en route for San + Francisco. Off the coast of California the steamer takes fire. + The two boys reach the shore with several of the passengers. + Young Brandon becomes separated from his party and is captured by + hostile Indians, but is afterwards rescued. This is a very + entertaining narrative of Southern California. + + =A Young Hero;= or, Fighting to Win. By EDWARD S. ELLIS. 12mo, + cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. + + This story tells how a valuable solid silver service was stolen + from the Misses Perkinpine, two very old and simple minded + ladies. Fred Sheldon, the hero of this story, undertakes to + discover the thieves and have them arrested. After much time + spent in detective work, he succeeds in discovering the silver + plate and winning the reward. The story is told in Mr. Ellis' + most fascinating style. Every boy will be glad to read this + delightful book. + + =Lost in the Rockies.= A Story of Adventure in the Rocky + Mountains. By EDWARD S. ELLIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, + price $1. + + Incident succeeds incident, and adventure is piled upon + adventure, and at the end the reader, be he boy or man, will have + experienced breathless enjoyment in this romantic story + describing many adventures in the Rockies and among the Indians. + + =A Jaunt Through Java:= The Story of a Journey to the Sacred + Mountain. By EDWARD S. ELLIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, + price $1.00. + + The interest of this story is found in the thrilling adventures + of two cousins, Hermon and Eustace Hadley, on their trip across + the island of Java, from Samarang to the Sacred Mountain. In a + land where the Royal Bengal tiger, the rhinoceros, and other + fierce beasts are to be met with, it is but natural that the + heroes of this book should have a lively experience. There is not + a dull page in the book. + + =The Boy Patriot.= A Story of Jack, the Young Friend of + Washington. By EDWARD S. ELLIS. 12mo, cloth, olivine edges, + illustrated, price $1.50. + + "There are adventures of all kinds for the hero and his friends, + whose pluck and ingenuity in extricating themselves from awkward + fixes are always equal to the occasion. It is an excellent story + full of honest, manly, patriotic efforts on the part of the hero. + A very vivid description of the battle of Trenton is also found + in this story."--=Journal of Education.= + + =A Yankee Lad's Pluck.= How Bert Larkin Saved his Father's + Ranch in Porto Rico. By WM. P. CHIPMAN. 12mo, cloth, + illustrated, price $1.00. + + "Bert Larkin, the hero of the story, early excites our + admiration, and is altogether a fine character such as boys will + delight in, whilst the story of his numerous adventures is very + graphically told. This will, we think, prove one of the most + popular boys' books this season."--=Gazette.= + + =A Brave Defense.= A Story of the Massacre at Fort Griswold in + 1781. By WILLIAM P. CHIPMAN. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, + price $1.00. + + Perhaps no more gallant fight against fearful odds took place + during the Revolutionary War than that at Fort Griswold, Groton + Heights, Conn., in 1781. The boys are real boys who were actually + on the muster rolls, either at Fort Trumbull on the New London + side, or of Fort Griswold on the Groton side of the Thames. The + youthful reader who follows Halsey Sanford and Levi Dart and Tom + Malleson, and their equally brave comrades, through their + thrilling adventures will be learning something more than + historical facts; they will be imbibing lessons of fidelity, of + bravery, of heroism, and of manliness, which must prove + serviceable in the arena of life. + + =The Young Minuteman.= A Story of the Capture of General + Prescott in 1777. By WILLIAM P. CHIPMAN. 12mo, cloth, + illustrated, price $1.00. + + This story is based upon actual events which occurred during the + British occupation of the waters of Narragansett Bay. Darius Wale + and William Northrop belong to "the coast patrol." The story is a + strong one, dealing only with actual events. There is, however, + no lack of thrilling adventure, and every lad who is fortunate + enough to obtain the book will find not only that his historical + knowledge is increased, but that his own patriotism and love of + country are deepened. + + =For the Temple:= A Tale of the Fall of Jerusalem. By G. A. + HENTY. With illustrations by S. J. SOLOMON. 12mo, cloth, + olivine edges, price $1.00. + + "Mr. Henty's graphic prose picture of the hopeless Jewish + resistance to Roman sway adds another leaf to his record of the + famous wars of the world. The book is one of Mr. Henty's + cleverest efforts."--=Graphic.= + + =Roy Gilbert's Search:= A Tale of the Great Lakes. By WM. P. + CHIPMAN. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. + + A deep mystery hangs over the parentage of Roy Gilbert. He + arranges with two schoolmates to make a tour of the Great Lakes + on a steam launch. The three boys visit many points of interest + on the lakes. Afterwards the lads rescue an elderly gentleman and + a lady from a sinking yacht. Later on the boys narrowly escape + with their lives. The hero is a manly, self-reliant boy, whose + adventures will be followed with interest. + + =The Slate Picker:= The Story of a Boy's Life in the Coal + Mines. By HARRY PRENTICE. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price + $1.00. + + This is a story of a boy's life in the coal mines of + Pennsylvania. Ben Burton, the hero, had a hard road to travel, + but by grit and energy he advanced step by step until he found + himself called upon to fill the position of chief engineer of the + Kohinoor Coal Company. This is a book of extreme interest to + every boy reader. + + =The Boy Cruisers;= or, Paddling in Florida. By ST. GEORGE + RATHBORNE. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. + + Andrew George and Rowland Carter start on a canoe trip along the + Gulf coast, from Key West to Tampa, Florida. Their first + adventure is with a pair of rascals who steal their boats. Next + they run into a gale in the Gulf. After that they have a lively + time with alligators and Andrew gets into trouble with a band of + Seminole Indians. Mr. Rathborne knows just how to interest the + boys, and lads who are in search of a rare treat will do well to + read this entertaining story. + + =Captured by Zulus:= A Story of Trapping in Africa. By HARRY + PRENTICE. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. + + This story details the adventures of two lads, Dick Elsworth and + Bob Harvey, in the wilds of South Africa. By stratagem the Zulus + capture Dick and Bob and take them to their principal kraal or + village. The lads escape death by digging their way out of the + prison hut by night. They are pursued, but the Zulus finally give + up pursuit. Mr. Prentice tells exactly how wild-beast collectors + secure specimens on their native stamping grounds, and these + descriptions make very entertaining reading. + + =Tom the Ready;= or, Up from the Lowest. By RANDOLPH HILL. + 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. + + This is a dramatic narrative of the unaided rise of a fearless, + ambitious boy from the lowest round of fortune's ladder to wealth + and the governorship of his native State. Tom Seacomb begins life + with a purpose, and eventually overcomes those who oppose him. + How he manages to win the battle is told by Mr. Hill in a + masterful way that thrills the reader and holds his attention and + sympathy to the end. + + =Captain Kidd's Gold:= The True Story of an Adventurous Sailor + Boy. By JAMES FRANKLIN FITTS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, + price $1.00. + + There is something fascinating to the average youth in the very + idea of buried treasure. A vision arises before his eyes of + swarthy Portuguese and Spanish rascals, with black beards and + gleaming eyes. There were many famous sea rovers, but none more + celebrated than Capt. Kidd. Paul Jones Garry inherits a document + which locates a considerable treasure buried by two of Kidd's + crew. The hero of this book is an ambitious, persevering lad, of + salt-water New England ancestry, and his efforts to reach the + island and secure the money form one of the most absorbing tales + for our youth that has come from the press. + + =The Boy Explorers:= The Adventures of Two Boys in Alaska. By + HARRY PRENTICE. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. + + Two boys, Raymond and Spencer Manning, travel to Alaska to join + their father in search of their uncle. On their arrival at Sitka + the boys with an Indian guide set off across the mountains. The + trip is fraught with perils that test the lads' courage to the + utmost. All through their exciting adventures the lads + demonstrate what can be accomplished by pluck and resolution, and + their experience makes one of the most interesting tales ever + written. + + =The Island Treasure;= or, Harry Darrel's Fortune. By FRANK H. + CONVERSE. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. + + Harry Darrel, having received a nautical training on a + school-ship, is bent on going to sea. A runaway horse changes his + prospects. Harry saves Dr. Gregg from drowning and afterward + becomes sailing-master of a sloop yacht. Mr. Converse's stories + possess a charm of their own which is appreciated by lads who + delight in good healthy tales that smack of salt water. + + =Guy Harris:= The Runaway. By HARRY CASTLEMON. 12mo, cloth, + illustrated, price $1.00. + + Guy Harris lived in a small city on the shore of one of the Great + Lakes. He is persuaded to go to sea, and gets a glimpse of the + rough side of life in a sailor's boarding house. He ships on a + vessel and for five months leads a hard life. The book will + interest boys generally on account of its graphic style. This is + one of Castlemon's most attractive stories. + + =Julian Mortimer:= A Brave Boy's Struggle for Home and Fortune. + By HARRY CASTLEMON. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1. + + The scene of the story lies west of the Mississippi River, in the + days when emigrants made their perilous way across the great + plains to the land of gold. There is an attack upon the wagon + train by a large party of Indians. Our hero is a lad of uncommon + nerve and pluck. Befriended by a stalwart trapper, a real rough + diamond, our hero achieves the most happy results. + + =By Pike and Dyke:= A Tale of the Rise of the Dutch Republic. + By G. A. HENTY. With illustrations by MAYNARD BROWN. 12mo, + cloth, olivine edges, price $1.00. + + "Boys with a turn for historical research will be enchanted with + the book, while the rest who only care for adventure will be + students in spite of themselves."--=St. James's Gazette.= + + =St. George for England:= A Tale of Cressy and Poitiers. By G. + A. HENTY. With illustrations by GORDON BROWNE. 12mo, cloth, + olivine edges, price $1.00. + + "A story of very great interest for boys. In his own forcible + style the author has endeavored to show that determination and + enthusiasm can accomplish marvellous results; and that courage is + generally accompanied by magnanimity and gentleness."--=Pall Mall + Gazette.= + + =Captain Bayley's Heir:= A Tale of the Gold Fields of + California. By G. A. HENTY. With illustrations by H. M. + PAGET. 12mo, cloth, olivine edges, price $1.00. + + "Mr. Henty is careful to mingle instruction with entertainment; + and the humorous touches, especially in the sketch of John Holl, + the Westminster dustman, Dickens himself could hardly have + excelled."--=Christian Leader.= + + =Budd Boyd's Triumph;= or, The Boy Firm of Fox Island. By + WILLIAM P. CHIPMAN. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. + + The scene of this story is laid on the upper part of Narragansett + Bay, and the leading incidents have a strong salt-water flavor. + The two boys, Budd Boyd and Judd Floyd, being ambitious and clear + sighted, form a partnership to catch and sell fish. Budd's pluck + and good sense carry him through many troubles. In following the + career of the boy firm of Boyd & Floyd, the youthful reader will + find a useful lesson--that industry and perseverance are bound to + lead to ultimate success. + + =Lost in the Canyon:= Sam Willett's Adventures on the Great + Colorado. By ALFRED R. CALHOUN. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, + price $1. + + This story hinges on a fortune left to Sam Willett, the hero, and + the fact that it will pass to a disreputable relative if the lad + dies before he shall have reached his majority. The story of his + father's peril and of Sam's desperate trip down the great canyon + on a raft, and how the party finally escape from their perils is + described in a graphic style that stamps Mr. Calhoun as a master + of his art. + + =Captured by Apes:= The Wonderful Adventures of a Young Animal + Trainer. By HARRY PRENTICE. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price + $1.00. + + Philip Garland, a young animal collector and trainer, sets sail + for Eastern seas in quest of a new stock of living curiosities. + The vessel is wrecked off the coast of Borneo, and young Garland + is cast ashore on a small island, and captured by the apes that + overran the place. Very novel indeed is the way by which the + young man escapes death. Mr. Prentice is a writer of undoubted + skill. + + =Under Drake's Flag:= A Tale of the Spanish Main. By G. A. + HENTY. With illustrations by GORDON BROWNE. 12mo, cloth, + olivine edges, price $1.00. + + "There is not a dull chapter, nor, indeed, a dull page in the + book; but the author has so carefully worked up his subject that + the exciting deeds of his heroes are never incongruous nor + absurd."--=Observer.= + + =By Sheer Pluck:= A Tale of the Ashanti War. By G. A. HENTY. + With illustrations by GORDON BROWNE. 12mo, cloth, olivine + edges, price $1.00. + + The author has woven, in a tale of thrilling interest, all the + details of the Ashanti campaign, of which he was himself a + witness. + + "Mr. Henty keeps up his reputation as a writer of boys' stories. + 'By Sheer Pluck' will be eagerly read."--=Athenæum.= + + =With Lee in Virginia:= A Story of the American Civil War. By + G. A. HENTY. With illustrations by GORDON BROWNE. 12mo, + cloth, olivine edges, price $1.00. + + "One of the best stories for lads which Mr. Henty has yet + written. The picture is full of life and color, and the stirring + and romantic incidents are skillfully blended with the personal + interest and charm of the story."--=Standard.= + + =By England's Aid;= or, The Freeing of the Netherlands + (1585-1604). By G. A. HENTY. With illustrations by ALFRED + PEARSE. 12mo, cloth, olivine edges, price $1.00. + + "It is an admirable book for youngsters. It overflows with + stirring incident and exciting adventure, and the color of the + era and of the scene are finely reproduced. The illustrations add + to its attractiveness."--=Boston Gazette.= + + * * * * * + +For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the +publisher, A. L. BURT, 52-58 Duane Street, New York. + + + + + Transcriber's Note: + + Variations in the use of hyphens and alternative spelling have + been retained as they appear in the original except as in the + following changes: + + Page 5 friendship for you. changed to + friendship for you, + + 12 and he was he was on his way changed to + and he was on his way + + 14 I should have have been somewhere changed to + I should have been somewhere + + 55 might he obliged to changed to + might be obliged to + + 88 thay may make it disagreeable changed to + they may make it disagreeable + + 146 in a box-buggy changed to + in a box buggy + + 151 his own propperty changed to + his own property + + 153 Hello! Helo-o-o! changed to + Hello! Hello-o-o! + + 156 A SOUVENIR OF THE THIEVES changed to + A SOUVENIR OF THE THIEVES. + + 180 call the case on of changed to + call the case one of + + 225 said Bob, and before changed to + said Bob, "and before + + 234 an hour bfore it changed to + an hour before it + + 238 this was followd by changed to + this was followed by + + 242 it was, prefering to changed to + it was, preferring to + + 258 they might lose. "The Harnett" changed to + they might lose "The Harnett" + + And in the advertisements: + + Page 5 South Carolina in in 1780 changed to + South Carolina in 1780 + + 6 price $1,00 in Corporal Lige's Recruit changed to + price $1.00 + + 8 illustrated, price $1.00 in The Boy Cruisers changed to + illustrated, price $1.00. + + 10 price $1, in Lost in the Canyon changed to + price $1. + + 10 cloth, illustrated. in Captured by Apes changed to + cloth, illustrated, + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's Ralph Gurney's Oil Speculation, by James Otis + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK RALPH GURNEY'S OIL SPECULATION *** + +***** This file should be named 27984-8.txt or 27984-8.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/2/7/9/8/27984/ + +Produced by Roger Frank, Suzanne Shell and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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text-align: center; text-indent: 0em; width: 28em;} +p.tp {text-align: center; text-indent: 0em; line-height: 2em;} +.title {font-size: 200%; letter-spacing: .1em; word-spacing: .2em;} +.by {font-size: 110%;} + + +/* Advertisements */ +.hang {margin-left: 0em; padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;} +.books {text-align: left; font-size: 150%; text-indent: 0em; font-weight: 600;} + +// --> +/* XML end ]]>*/ + </style> + </head> +<body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Ralph Gurney's Oil Speculation, by James Otis + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Ralph Gurney's Oil Speculation + +Author: James Otis + +Release Date: February 4, 2009 [EBook #27984] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK RALPH GURNEY'S OIL SPECULATION *** + + + + +Produced by Roger Frank, Suzanne Shell and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + +</pre> + + +<hr /> + +<h2><a name="contents" id="contents"></a>Contents</h2> + +<hr class="hr3" /> + +<table summary="Contents"> +<tr> +<th class="thr">CHAPTER</th> +<th class="thr1" colspan="2">PAGE</th> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="tdr">I.</td> +<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The "Chums."</span></td> +<td class="tdr1"><a href="#I">3</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="tdr"> II.</td> +<td class="tdl"> <span class="smcap">A New Acquaintance.</span></td> +<td class="tdr1"><a href="#II">12</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td class="tdr">III.</td> +<td class="tdl"> <span class="smcap">The Cabin of the Moonlighters.</span></td> +<td class="tdr1"><a href="#III">21</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td class="tdr"> IV.</td> +<td class="tdl"> <span class="smcap">A Regular Siege.</span></td> +<td class="tdr1"><a href="#IV">29</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td class="tdr"> V.</td> +<td class="tdl"> <span class="smcap">Bob's Scheme.</span></td> +<td class="tdr1"><a href="#V">37</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td class="tdr"> VI.</td> +<td class="tdl"> <span class="smcap">Torpedoing an Oil-well.</span></td> +<td class="tdr1"><a href="#VI">45</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td class="tdr">VII.</td> +<td class="tdl"> <span class="smcap">Mr. Newcombe's Certainty</span></td> +<td class="tdr1"><a href="#VII">53</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td class="tdr">VIII.</td> +<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">New Quarters.</span></td> +<td class="tdr1"><a href="#VIII">61</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td class="tdr">IX.</td> +<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Night Drive of the Torpedo Wagon.</span></td> +<td class="tdr1"><a href="#IX">70</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td class="tdr">X.</td> +<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Return.</span></td> +<td class="tdr1"><a href="#X">78</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td class="tdr">XI.</td> +<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Storm in the Valley.</span></td> +<td class="tdr1"><a href="#XI">86</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td class="tdr">XII.</td> +<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Conflagration.</span></td> +<td class="tdr1"><a href="#XII">94</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td class="tdr">XIII.</td> +<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">A Fruitless Search.</span></td> +<td class="tdr1"><a href="#XIII">103</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td class="tdr">XIV.</td> +<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Pursuit.</span></td> +<td class="tdr1"><a href="#XIV">111</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td class="tdr">XV.</td> +<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Arrest.</span></td> +<td class="tdr1"><a href="#XV">119</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td class="tdr">XVI.</td> +<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Pleading for Liberty.</span></td> +<td class="tdr1"><a href="#XVI">127</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td class="tdr">XVII.</td> +<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Near Neighbors.</span></td> +<td class="tdr1"><a href="#XVII">134</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td class="tdr">XVIII.</td> +<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">In a Trap.</span></td> +<td class="tdr1"><a href="#XVIII">142</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td class="tdr">XIX.</td> +<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Close Quarters.</span></td> +<td class="tdr1"><a href="#XIX">149</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td class="tdr">XX.</td> +<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">A Souvenir of the <a href="#thieves"></a><ins title="Transriber's Note: missing fullstop in original">Thieves.</ins></span></td> +<td class="tdr1"><a href="#XX">156</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td class="tdr">XXI.</td> +<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Prospecting.</span></td> +<td class="tdr1"><a href="#XXI">163</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td class="tdr">XXII.</td> +<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">A Cruel Deed.</span></td> +<td class="tdr1"><a href="#XXII">171</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td class="tdr">XXIII.</td> +<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Town Ordinance.</span></td> +<td class="tdr1"><a href="#XXIII">178</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td class="tdr">XXIV.</td> +<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Bob's Industry.</span></td> +<td class="tdr1"><a href="#XXIV">186</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td class="tdr">XXV.</td> +<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Work Begun.</span></td> +<td class="tdr1"><a href="#XXV">194</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td class="tdr">XXVI.</td> +<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Drilling an Oil Well.</span></td> +<td class="tdr1"><a href="#XXVI">201</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td class="tdr">XXVII.</td> +<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">"The Harnett."</span></td> +<td class="tdr1"><a href="#XXVII">208</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td class="tdr">XXVIII.</td> +<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Red Rock.</span></td> +<td class="tdr1"><a href="#XXVIII">216</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td class="tdr">XXIX.</td> +<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Examination.</span></td> +<td class="tdr1"><a href="#XXIX">224</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td class="tdr">XXX.</td> +<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Legal Moonlighters.</span></td> +<td class="tdr1"><a href="#XXX">231</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td class="tdr">XXXI.</td> +<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Shot.</span></td> +<td class="tdr1"><a href="#XXXI">238</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td class="tdr">XXXII.</td> +<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Massie's Scheme.</span></td> +<td class="tdr1"><a href="#XXXII">245</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td class="tdr">XXXIII.</td> +<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Holding Possession.</span></td> +<td class="tdr1"><a href="#XXXIII">252</a></td> +</tr> + + +<tr> +<td class="tdr">XXXIV.</td> +<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Missing Witness.</span></td> +<td class="tdr1"><a href="#XXXIV">260</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td class="tdr">XXXV.</td> +<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Massie's Failure.</span></td> +<td class="tdr1"><a href="#XXXV">269</a></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<hr /> + + +<h1>RALPH GURNEY'S OIL<br /> +SPECULATION</h1> + +<hr class="hr2" /> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 550px;"> +<div class="figleft" style="width: 110px;"> +<img src="images/spine.jpg" width="110" height="600" alt="Spine" title="" /> +</div> + +<div class="figright" style="width: 383px;"> +<img src="images/cover.jpg" width="383" height="600" alt="Cover" title="" /> +</div> +</div> + + +<div id="tpc"> +<hr /> +<p class="tp"><span class="title">RALPH GURNEY'S OIL<br /> +SPECULATION</span></p> + +<hr class="hr7" /> + +<p class="tp"><span class="by">By JAMES OTIS</span></p> + +<p class="center">Author of "The Cruise of the Sprite," "The Clown's Protege," +"Roy Barton's Adventures on the Mexican Border," Etc.</p> + +<div class="rule1"> </div> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 180px;"> +<img src="images/logo.jpg" width="180" height="215" alt="" title="" /> +</div> + +<div class="rule1"> </div> + +<p class="center">A. L. BURT COMPANY</p> + +<p class="center"> +<span class="tleft">PUBLISHERS</span> <span class="tright">NEW YORK</span></p> + + +<hr class="hr8" /> + + +<p class="center"><small>Copyright 1883<br /> +<span class="smcap">By</span> JAMES ELVERSON</small></p> + +<hr class="hr6" /> + +<p class="center"><small>RALPH GURNEY'S OIL SPECULATION</small></p> + +<hr class="hr6" /> + +<p class="center"><small>Renewal Granted to <span class="smcap">James Otis Kaler</span>, 1911</small></p> +</div> + + +<hr /> + +<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[3]</a></span>RALPH GURNEY'S OIL SPECULATION.</h2> + +<hr class="hr2" /> + +<h2><a name="I" id="I"></a>CHAPTER I.<br /> +<br /> +<small>THE "CHUMS."</small></h2> + + +<p><span class="smcap">The</span> puffing, panting engine that dragged the long train of heavy cars +into the busy little city of Bradford, in the State of Pennsylvania, one +day last summer, witnessed through its one white, staring eye, sometimes +called the head-light, many happy meetings between waiting and coming +friends; but none was more hearty than that between two college +mates—one who had graduated the year previous, and the other who hoped +to carry off the honors at the close of the next term.</p> + +<p>"Here at last!" exclaimed George Harnett, as he met his old chum with a +hearty clasp of the hand. "In this case, if the hope had been much +longer deferred, the heart would indeed have been sick."</p> + +<p>"It was thoughtless in me, old fellow, not to have sent you word when I +concluded to remain at home two days longer, but the fact of the matter +is that I did not think you would be at the depot to meet me, but would +let me hunt you up, for I suppose you do have some kind of an office."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[4]</a></span>"Yes," laughed the young man, "I have an office; but since my work just +now is several miles from here, I am seldom at home, and was obliged to +come for you, or run the chance of having you spend a good portion of +your vacation hunting for me."</p> + +<p>"And are you sorry yet that you chose civil engineering for a +profession?"</p> + +<p>"Sorry! Not a bit of it! Up here there is more excitement to it than you +are aware of, and before you have finished your vacation, you will say +that the life of a civil engineer in the oil fields of Pennsylvania is +not by any means monotonous. But come this way. My team is here, and +while we are talking we may as well be riding, for we have quite a +little journey yet before us, over roads so bad, that you can form no +idea of them by even the most vivid description."</p> + +<p>"But I thought you lived here in Bradford."</p> + +<p>"I live where my work is, my boy, and since it happens just now to be +out of town, my home, for the time being, is in as old and comfortable a +farm-house as city-weary mortals could ask for."</p> + +<p>"Well, I can't say that I shall be sorry to live in the country—for +awhile, at least."</p> + +<p>"Sorry! Well, I hardly think you will be, when you learn what I have to +offer you in the way of enjoyment. I am locating some oil-producing +lands, in a valley where game is abundant, where the fish prefer an +artificial fly to a natural one, and where the moonlighter revels with +his harmless-looking but decidedly dangerous nitro-glycerine +cartridge."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[5]</a></span>"What do you mean by moonlighter?" asked Ralph, as he seated himself in +the mud-bespattered carriage which George pointed out as his.</p> + +<p>"A moonlighter is one who shoots an oil well regardless of patent rights +or those owning them, save when, by chance, he finds himself gathered in +by the strong arm of the law."</p> + +<p>"I thank you, Brother Harnett, for your decidedly clear explanation. I +almost fancy that I know as much about moonlighters now as when I asked +the question, which is saying a good deal, for you very often contrive, +in explaining anything, to leave one even more ignorant than when he +consulted you."</p> + +<p>"If you are willing to listen to as long and as dry a dissertation on +oil wells in general, and illegally-opened ones in particular, as ever +Professor Gardner favored us with on topics in which we were not much +interested, I will begin, stopping now and then only to prevent my teeth +from being shaken out of my head as we ride over this road."</p> + +<p>The two had hardly got out of the "city," and the thoroughly bad +character of the road was already apparent. Riding over it was very much +like sailing in a small boat on rough water—always down by the head or +up by the stern, but seldom on an even keel.</p> + +<p>"Go on with the lecture," said Ralph, "and while I try to hold myself in +the carriage, I will listen."</p> + +<p>"Because of my friendship for <a name="you" id="you"></a><ins title="Transcriber's Note: Comma changed to fullstop.">you.</ins> I will make it as brief as +possible. In the first place, you must know that before oil is struck, +the operator finds<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[6]</a></span> either a rock formed of sand or of gravel. This is +the strata just above the deposit of petroleum.</p> + +<p>"Of course this must be bored through, if possible, and in the pebbly +rock there is no trouble about it. The drills will go through, and the +gravel will be forced to the surface without much difficulty. But when +the sand-rock is met, it clogs the drills, making it almost impossible +to bore through. A heavy charge of nitro-glycerine makes short work of +this rock, and out comes the oil.</p> + +<p>"Now, this method of blasting in oil wells has been patented, or, at +least, the cases for the glycerine and the manner of exploding it has, +and the company, which has its office in Bradford, use every effort to +discover infringements of their patent. Like all owners of patent +rights, they charge an extra price for their wares, and the result is +that there are parties who will, for a much smaller amount of money, +shoot a well and infringe the patent at the same time. These people are +called moonlighters, and the risk they run of losing their lives or +their liberty is, to say the least, very great. The lecture-hour has now +been fully, and I hope I may say profitably, employed."</p> + +<p>"If it profits one to learn of your friends, the moonlighters, then your +lecture has been a success. But how do you find excitement in anything +they do? Surely they do not make public their unlawful doings."</p> + +<p>"Oh, everything save the shooting of the well is done legally, and with +many even that is questionable! The cases are to be tried, and many +believe<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[7]</a></span> that the owners of the patent have really no rights in the +premises. The owners or prospective owners of the land whereon the wells +are to be sunk, employ me to survey their tracts, and by that means I +frequently make the acquaintance of those people who, for the almighty +dollar, will peril their lives driving around the country with +nitro-glycerine enough to blow an entire town up."</p> + +<p>"Let me trespass once more on you for dry detail, and then I will learn +anything else I may want to know from observation. What is +nitro-glycerine?"</p> + +<p>"I will answer your question by quoting as nearly as I can from what I +read the other day. It is composed of:</p> + + +<div class="block"> +<div class="cat"> +<div class="item">Aqueous vapor</div> +<div class="num"><span style="width: 4em;">20 parts</span></div> +</div> +<div class="cat"> +<div class="item">Carbonic acid</div> +<div class="num"><span style="width: 5em; word-spacing: 1em;">58 " </span></div> +</div> + +<div class="cat"> +<div class="item">Oxygen</div> +<div class="num"><span style="width: 5em; word-spacing: 1em;">3.5 " </span></div> +</div> + +<div class="cat"> +<div class="item">Nitrogen</div> +<div class="num"><span style="width: 5em; word-spacing: 1em;">18.5 " </span></div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>"Until 1864 it found no practical application, except as a homeopathic +remedy for headache, similar to those which it causes. In that year, +Alfred Nobel, a Swede, of Hamburg, began its manufacture on a large +scale, and, though he sacrificed a brother to the terrible agent he had +created, he persevered until in its later and safer forms +nitro-glycerine has come into wide use and popularity. It is a clear, +oily, colorless, odorless, and slightly sweet liquid, and can, with +safety, only be poured into some running stream if one wishes to be rid +of it. Through the pores of the skin, or in the stomach,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[8]</a></span> even in small +quantities, this oil causes a terrible headache and colic, while +headaches also result from inhaling the gases of its combustion. It has +thirteen times the force of gunpowder, exploding so much more suddenly +than that agent does, that in reality it is much more powerful, and it +is this same rapid explosive power that prevents it from being used in +fire-arms."</p> + +<p>"You would make a first-rate professor, George," said Ralph, laughing, +"and you may refer to me in case you should desire to procure such a +position. Now I think I am armed with sufficient knowledge to be able to +meet your oily friends, the moonlighters, and have some idea of what +they mean when they speak."</p> + +<p>"If I am not mistaken we shall meet some of them very soon, without +trying hard; but if we do not, I will take you to one of their cabins as +soon as we may both feel inclined to go."</p> + +<p>"Don't think that I have come here to spend my vacation simply with the +idea that I am at liberty to make drafts at sight on your time," replied +Ralph, as an unusually rough portion of the road necessitated his +exerting all his strength to prevent being thrown out of the wagon. "I +intend to be of every possible assistance to you, and when I cannot do +that, if you are still obliged to labor, I will extract no small amount +of enjoyment out of your farm-house and its surroundings. But at any +time that you have a few hours to spare, I will be only too well pleased +to meet with any adventure, from nitro-glycerine blasts to the perils of +trout-fishing."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[9]</a></span>By this time the conversation ceased, owing to Ralph's interest in the +scenery around him, and the curious combination of oil-tanks and +derricks with which the landscape was profusely dotted. From Bradford to +Sawyer the road winds along at the base of the hills through a lovely +valley, that seems entirely given over to machinery for the production +and storage of oil. On every hand are the tall, unsightly constructions +of timber that form the derricks, looking not unlike enormous spiders, +as they stand on the sides of the mountains or in the ravines, while the +network of iron pipes, through which the oil is forced by steam-pumps +from the wells to Jersey City, are fitting webs for such spiders.</p> + +<p>Huge iron tanks, capable of holding from twenty to forty thousand +barrels of oil, dot the valley quite as thickly as do the blots of ink +on a school-boy's first composition, and form storage places for this +strange product of earth, when the supply is greater than the demand. It +is truly a singular scene, and he who visits this portion of the country +for the first time cannot rid himself of the impression that he has, by +some mysterious combination of circumstances, been transported to some +remote and unknown portion of the globe.</p> + +<p>George, to whom this scene was perfectly familiar, did not seem inclined +to allow his friend to remain in silent wonder, for he persisted in +supplying him with a fund of dry detail, which effectually prevented any +indulgence of day-dreams.</p> + +<p>Although Ralph would have preferred to gaze<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[10]</a></span> about him in silence, +George told him of the Pipe-Line Company, who owned the greater portion +of the huge iron receptacles for oil; who also owned the network of iron +pipes, through which they forced the oil to the market at a charge of +twenty-five cents per barrel.</p> + +<p>He also told him that this company connected the main line of pipes with +each tank owned by the oil producers, supplying a small steam-pump at +each connection, and, at stated times, drew off from private tanks the +oil. He even went into the particulars of the work, explaining how each +man could tell exactly the number of barrels the company had taken from +his tank by measuring the depth of the oil before and after the +drawing-off process.</p> + +<p>Then he described how these huge receptacles were frequently struck by +lightning, setting fire to the inflammable liquid, and causing +consternation everywhere in the valley; of the firing of solid shot into +the base of the tanks to make a perforation that would allow the oil to +run off, and of the loss of property and danger of life attending such +catastrophes.</p> + +<p>So much of dry detail or interesting particulars of the oil business had +the young engineer to tell, that he had hardly finished when the horses +turned sharply into a narrow road, over which the trees formed a perfect +archway, that led to just such a farm-house as suggests by outside +appearance all the good things and comforts of life.</p> + +<p>"This is to be home to you for a while," said George, breaking off +abruptly in his dissertation on<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[11]</a></span> the price and quality of oil, in which +Ralph was not very much interested, "and I can safely guarantee it to be +a place which you will be sorry to leave after once knowing it."</p> + +<p>"It certainly does not seem to be a place around which anything exciting +can be found," thought Ralph; but, since it was only rest from study he +was in search of, he was content with that which he saw.</p> + +<p class="back"><a href="#contents">Back to contents</a></p> + +<hr /> + +<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[12]</a></span><a name="II" id="II"></a>CHAPTER II.<br /> +<br /> +<small>A NEW ACQUAINTANCE.</small></h2> + + +<p><span class="smcap">Ralph Gurney</span> was one who thoroughly enjoyed everything in which pleasure +could be found, and even while George was caring for his horses, of +which he was very fond, Ralph had already begun a survey of the farm on +which he was to spend his vacation.</p> + +<p>The cattle, poultry, horses, dogs, and even the cat, had received some +attention from him, and <a name="he" id="he"></a><ins title="Transcriber's Note: Original duplicates he was.">he was</ins> on his way to the +sheep-pasture near by to make the acquaintance of the woolly members of +the flock, when the sharp ping of a bullet was heard as it whistled by +his head, while, a second later, the report of a rifle rang out sharply.</p> + +<p>There was something so entirely unexpected and so thoroughly startling +in this mode of salutation in so peaceful a place, that Ralph leaped two +or three feet in his fright, and at the same time saw the hole in the +brim of his hat, which showed how near the deadly missile had come to +him.</p> + +<p>Almost any one would be alarmed at such a visitor, even though he might +have been expecting<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[13]</a></span> this attention, and Ralph came very near trembling +with fear as he realized how narrow had been his escape from death.</p> + +<p>He looked quickly around to see who was using him as a target; but no +one was in sight. The sheep had been quite as much startled by the +report as he had by the proximity of the bullet; therefore, there was no +reason to suspect that they had had anything to do with this decided +frightening of the new boarder.</p> + +<p>Ralph was on the point of calling out to George for an explanation of +this apparently reckless shooting, when a voice from amid a small clump +of trees shouted:</p> + +<p>"Hold out your hat and I will put a bullet through the center of it."</p> + +<p>Even if Ralph had not been angry because of the danger he had been +forced to run, he would not have accepted any such cheerful invitation, +and, instead of replying, he looked carefully around in search of the +speaker.</p> + +<p>"Hold out your hat, and I will show you what I can do," continued the +voice, while its owner persistently remained hidden.</p> + +<p>"I don't know who you are," said Ralph, speaking sharply; "but from what +I have already seen of your reckless shooting, I consider it to be some +one's duty to teach you how to handle fire-arms."</p> + +<p>"And you propose to do it, eh?" was the question, as a boy eighteen or +nineteen years of age, with a face that was the perfect picture of good +humor, walked out of the thicket. On his shoulder he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[14]</a></span> carried a rifle, +and in his left hand some partridges and a fox-skin. "That was a nasty +shave for you," he continued, in a half-apologetic tone; "but, you see, +I hadn't any idea there was any one around. Farmer Kenniston is down on +the meadow, and Harnett went to town this morning; so you see that, by +rights, you ought not have been here."</p> + +<p>"And because, in your opinion, I should <a name="have" id="have"></a><ins title="Transcriber's Note: Original duplicates have.">have</ins> been somewhere +else, you concluded to send me away by the most certain and effectual +method?" asked Ralph, having by no means subdued his anger, although it +was vanishing quite rapidly before the pleasant tone and face of the boy +who had come so near killing him.</p> + +<p>"Well, you see, I didn't know you or any one else was within a mile of +the place. I had a charge left in my rifle, and I wanted to see if I +could knock a knot out of that second board in the barn. Just as I +pulled the trigger, you came from behind the shed, and then I couldn't +call the bullet back. I am sorry that I startled you so, and I was in +hopes you would hold out your hat, so that you could have seen how handy +I am with a rifle, which would have made you feel easier."</p> + +<p>"I must confess that I can't understand how I could be soothed by any +proof of your skill as a marksman," replied Ralph, with a smile, his +anger now almost completely gone. "Of course, I know that you didn't +intend to shoot so near me; but in the future I advise you to empty your +rifle before you come so near to a house."</p> + +<p>"But I have wanted to put a bullet into that knot<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[15]</a></span> from the trees back +there ever since I have been here, and now let's see if I struck it +fairly."</p> + +<p>As if he considered that he had made all necessary apologies for the +shot which had startled Ralph, the boy started towards the barn, and in +another instant he was pointing triumphantly to the offending knot in +the board, which had been completely shattered by the bullet.</p> + +<p>"There!" he cried. "Harnett said I couldn't hit it from that dead pine +tree, and that even if I did succeed in hitting it, I couldn't split it. +Now we'll see what he has got to say to that."</p> + +<p>Ralph had nothing to say as to the argument between his friend and the +stranger, and in the absence of anything else to say, he asked:</p> + +<p>"Do you live here?"</p> + +<p>"I am living here just now, and shall for some weeks longer, I suppose. +You are Ralph Gurney, whom Harnett has been expecting, I fancy?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; but if George has told you who I am in advance of my coming, he +has not been so liberal to me in regard to yourself."</p> + +<p>"That probably arose from the fact that I am no one in particular, +while, on the contrary, you are to become one of the particularly bright +and shining lights in the medical world. I am only Bob Hubbard."</p> + +<p>Who Bob Hubbard might be Ralph had no idea; but even though the young +gentleman spoke of himself in such a deprecating way, it was easy to see +that he did not consider himself of slight consequence in the world. He +was a bright, jovial,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[16]</a></span> generous looking boy, with a certain air about +him which made the shot, fired so dangerously near Ralph, seem just such +a reckless act as might be expected of him.</p> + +<p>"Do you like hunting and fishing?" he asked, after he found that Ralph +was not disposed to say anything about the profession of medicine he had +chosen, and which George had evidently spoken of.</p> + +<p>"Indeed I do," was the decided reply. "Is there much sport around here?"</p> + +<p>"All you want. I have only been out about two hours, and I have got +these," he said, as he held up his game. "And as for fishing, you can +catch trout until your arms ache—providing they bite rapidly enough."</p> + +<p>"Indeed!" replied Ralph, dryly. "I fancy I have seen as good almost +anywhere. Do you go fishing very often?"</p> + +<p>"Nearly every day."</p> + +<p>"Then, if George has any business to attend to this afternoon, suppose +you and I see if the fish will bite fast enough to make our arms ache +pulling them in."</p> + +<p>Bob hesitated in what Ralph thought a very peculiar way, and said, after +a pause of some moments:</p> + +<p>"I'd like to, but I have an important engagement this afternoon, and I +hardly see how I can arrange it."</p> + +<p>There was certainly nothing singular in his not being at liberty to +accept the proposition made so suddenly, and Ralph would have thought +his refusal<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[17]</a></span> the most natural thing in the world had it not been for his +evident embarrassment when none seemed reasonable. However, the young +pleasure-seeker attached no importance to what seemed like singular +behavior on the part of this newly-made acquaintance, and was about to +make another proposition for a fishing excursion, when Harnett suddenly +made his appearance.</p> + +<p>"Hello, Bob!" he cried, "you've been making the acquaintance of my chum, +have you?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, after a fashion. I fired at that knot in the barn you said I +couldn't hit from the pine tree, and came near putting a bullet through +his head. But I hit the knot, and what's more, I split it."</p> + +<p>"And here is a hole in the brim of my hat, to prove that he did fire at +it," said Ralph, laughing, as he held up his perforated hat to display +the mark of the bullet.</p> + +<p>Harnett looked with no small degree of alarm at the evidence of Bob's +shooting, and said, sternly:</p> + +<p>"I think it is quite time that you became a trifle more careful with +your fire-arms, Bob. You have already had several narrow escapes, and +will end by killing some one, if you don't stop shooting at every +promising mark you see."</p> + +<p>"I'm not half as careless as I might be," said Bob, earnestly. "This is +the first time that I have ever really come near hurting any one."</p> + +<p>"What about the time when you came near hitting Farmer Kenniston, and +killed a lamb? Have you forgotten the untimely death of Mrs. +Kenniston's<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[18]</a></span> favorite duck, or your adventure with the red calf in the +pasture?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, those don't count—at least none except the lamb scrape are worth +talking about, Harnett, so don't read me one of your long-winded +lectures; and, now that I have hit the knot in the barn, I promise not +to shoot at anything within half a mile of the place. I'm going down to +town for a while, and when I get through with what I have on hand, we'll +make some arrangement to show your friend the oil region."</p> + +<p>As he spoke Bob went into the stables, and when the two friends were +alone again, George asked:</p> + +<p>"Well, Ralph, how do you like what you have seen of the moonlighters? +Not very ferocious, eh?"</p> + +<p>"What do you mean? I haven't seen any moonlighters yet."</p> + +<p>"Indeed! You have been talking for the last ten minutes with the most +successful of them. Bob Hubbard enjoys the rather questionable +distinction of being the most noted one in this section of the country."</p> + +<p>Ralph looked at his friend in speechless astonishment for several +minutes; this careless, good-natured boy was very far from being the +famous moonlighter his fancy had conjured up, and it is barely possible +that he was disappointed at not having seen some more savage looking +party, for he had speculated considerably about these people who explode +nitro-glycerine in an illegal manner.</p> + +<p>"If I am not mistaken," continued Harnett, "he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[19]</a></span> is going to shoot a well +to-night, and I guess there will be no difficulty in getting his consent +for you to be present. Wait here, and I will talk with him."</p> + +<p>George hurried away toward the stables, leaving Ralph in a curious +condition of mingled wonder and surprise that in this very +peaceful-looking place there could be found such an evident fund for +adventure.</p> + +<p>The gaining of Bob's consent for Ralph to be present at the shooting of +the well was not such a difficult matter, judging from the very short +time George found it necessary to talk with him. When Harnett came from +the stable, he told Ralph that the necessary permission had been given, +and that they would start for the cabin of the moonlighters at once, in +order that none of the details of the work might be lost.</p> + +<p>While they were speaking, Bob drove out of the stable behind a pair of +small gray horses, which were so spirited that their driver could pay no +attention to anything but them.</p> + +<p>"I'll see you again very soon," he shouted; and hardly had he uttered +the words before he was tearing along the rough road at a rate of speed +that threatened a rapid dissolution of the light carriage.</p> + +<p>If George had any business to attend to on that day, he evidently made +up his mind to neglect it, for he began to make his arrangements for the +journey with quite as much eagerness and zest as displayed by Ralph.</p> + +<p>Since it was by no means certain that the well would be opened that +night, owing to the vigilance of the owners of the torpedo patent, +George made<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[20]</a></span> preparations to remain away from Farmer Kenniston's all +night, taking blankets, food, fishing-tackle and rifles, as if their +excursion was to be one simply of a sporting nature.</p> + +<p>"It wouldn't do for us to drive out to the moonlighters' cabin as if we +were going to see a well shot," he said, in reply to Ralph's questions +of what he proposed doing with rifles and fishing-rods; "for, if we were +seen, it would be quickly reported in town, and Bob would have the whole +posse of Roberts Brothers' force upon him. Now, there would be nothing +thought of our going out fishing, which fully accounts for my +preparations. I have known Bob to wait for a week before he dared +explode a charge, and I don't care to get mixed up in any encounter +between these two sets of torpedo men."</p> + +<p>"I don't want any harm to come to him through me," replied Ralph, +gleefully, "but I should not be at all sorry to see just a little +excitement in the way of a chase of the moonlighters."</p> + +<p>"There is every chance that you will be fully satisfied before you leave +this portion of the country," said George, grimly; and then, as his +horses were ready for the road once more, he added: "Get in, and, if +nothing happens, I will show you the cabin of the moonlighters in less +than an hour."</p> + + +<p class="back"><a href="#contents">Back to contents</a></p> + +<hr /> + +<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[21]</a></span><a name="III" id="III"></a>CHAPTER III.<br /> +<br /> +<small>THE CABIN OF THE MOONLIGHTERS.</small></h2> + + +<p><span class="smcap">Bob Hubbard</span> had been away from the Kenniston farm-house nearly half an +hour when Ralph and George left it, but the latter was so well +acquainted with the country that he did not need any guide to the cabin, +and could not have had one, had he so desired, for Bob was far too +cautious to be seen leading any one to his base of operations.</p> + +<p>It was well known by the owners of the torpedo patents that Robert +Hubbard was the most skillful of all the moonlighters, and whenever he +was seen traveling toward any of the wells that were being bored, he was +followed, but, thanks to the fleetness of his horses, he had never been +seen at his work by any one who would inform on him.</p> + +<p>Bob believed, as did a great many, that the firm holding the patent had +no legal right to prevent any one from exploding nitro-glycerine by the +means of a percussion cap placed in the top of a tin shell or cartridge. +Several cases were before the courts undecided, and until a decision was +reached, the owners of the patent would do all in their power to prevent +any one from interfering in the business<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[22]</a></span> which they proposed to make a +monopoly. Therefore, when Bob went about his work, he did so with quite +as much mystery as if he had been engaged in some decidedly unlawful +act.</p> + +<p>The ride from Sawyer, among the mountains, was quite as rough a one as +that from Bradford, and Ralph found that he had about as much as he +could attend to in keeping the guns, fishing-rods and himself in the +carriage, without attempting to carry on any extended conversation with +his friend. It was, therefore, almost in silence that the two rode along +until George turned the horses abruptly from the main road into the +woods, saying, as he did so:</p> + +<p>"If I am not mistaken, this path will lead us directly to Bob's +headquarters."</p> + +<p>He was not mistaken, for before they had ridden a mile into the woods, +they emerged into a clearing, in the midst of which stood a small +log-house and stable.</p> + +<p>Instead of windows, the hut had stout plank shutters, which prevented +any one from looking in, even if they did prevent the occupants from +gazing out, and the door had more the appearance of having been made to +resist an attack than simply to keep the wind or cold out.</p> + +<p>The stable was in keeping with the hut, so far as an appearance of +solidity went; and as its one door was closely shut, with no bars or +locks on the outside, one could fancy that when it was occupied, a guard +remained on the inside, where the fastenings of the door evidently were.</p> + +<p>"I guess we have got here too soon," said Ralph,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[23]</a></span> as George stopped the +horses in front of the hut, without any signs of life having been seen.</p> + +<p>"There is a smoke from the chimney," said George, as he pointed to the +clumsy affair of mud and sticks from which a thin, blue curl of smoke +could be dimly seen, "and if they are ready to let us in, we shall soon +see some one."</p> + +<p>The two sat patiently in the carriage several moments, and at the end of +that time the door of the hut was opened by a young man standing in the +doorway, to whom George said:</p> + +<p>"Well, Dick, hasn't Bob got here yet?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, he's here; but we didn't open the door at first because we were +not sure but that you had been followed." Then turning toward the barn, +the young man shouted, "Come out here, Pete, and take care of these +horses!"</p> + +<p>In response to this demand the stable door was opened as cautiously as +if the man behind it feared a dozen were ready to pounce upon him, and +then, much as if he were unfolding himself, a tall negro came out, +leading the horses away without speaking, almost before Ralph and George +had time to leap to the ground.</p> + +<p>"Get into the hut as quickly as possible," George said to Ralph; and as +the three entered, the door was securely barred behind them with two +heavy beams that would have resisted almost any ordinary force that +might have been used against them.</p> + +<p>The hut boasted of but one room, in which were to be seen piles of +blankets that had evidently been used as beds, cooking utensils, +provisions, sheets of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[24]</a></span> tin, tools such as are used by tinsmiths, and, in +fact, as varied an assortment of goods as could well have been gathered +into so small a compass.</p> + +<p>In one corner of the room the floor of earth had been excavated, until a +space about six feet square and four deep had been formed, and into this +excavation was packed a number of square tin cans, which Ralph felt +certain contained that powerful agent, nitro-glycerine.</p> + +<p>Bob was at work soldering together a long tin shell, about six inches in +diameter and fully ten feet long, and he called out, as his friends +entered:</p> + +<p>"Come right in. Don't be afraid that you will be shot at, for we drop +all that kind of business here for fear we might all go up together. +This, Mr. Gurney, is the moonlighters' cabin, and I am free to confess +that it is not the most cheerful place in the world."</p> + +<p>"I don't find as much fault with the cabin as I do with what you keep +stored in those innocent-looking tin cans," replied Ralph, as he seated +himself on a pile of blankets at a respectful distance from the +glycerine.</p> + +<p>"Oh, that's harmless enough so long as you leave it alone!" replied Bob, +carelessly, and then as he resumed his work of soldering, he asked: "Did +you see anything of Jim as you came in?"</p> + +<p>"No; where is he?"</p> + +<p>"Out by the road somewhere. We heard that our particular friends in town +had got wind of the fact that we were going to put in a charge to-night, +so Jim is doing guard duty outside, leaving Dick<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[25]</a></span> Norton and I to do the +tinker's work. We expected to have gotten our shells all made in town; +but they are looking out so sharp for us just now that it was entirely +too much of a risk to bring them out here."</p> + +<p>"How did they learn that you were going to work to-night?" asked George.</p> + +<p>"That's more than I can say, unless old Hoxie was fool enough to let it +out that we were going to shoot his well for him," replied Bob, working +savagely with the soldering iron, much as if he would have been pleased +had he been using it on Mr. Hoxie's too ready tongue.</p> + +<p>"Do you anticipate <em>much</em> trouble?" asked Ralph, with just a shade of +anxiety, beginning to realize that it would not be the most pleasant +thing in the world to commence his vacation by being arrested as a +moonlighter.</p> + +<p>"That's just what I can't say. We may have it, and we may not; but +there's one thing certain, and that is that I'll shoot that well if I +don't get back to the Kenniston farm for three months."</p> + +<p>"I don't believe that they are even looking for us. They think we went +out of the business two weeks ago," said Dick Norton, as he, in a very +unworkmanlike manner, attempted to aid Bob. "You see, Jim is nervous, +and the least thing frightens him."</p> + +<p>"Something has startled him, at all events!" exclaimed Bob, running to +the door as a low, quick whistle was heard from the outside.</p> + +<p>Dick, despite the rather contemptuous way in which he had spoken, also +appeared to think something serious had happened, for he joined Bob at +the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[26]</a></span> door, looking very serious as both of them quickly unfastened the +bars, opening the door just as a young man ran in from the woods, +breathless and excited.</p> + +<p>"What is it, Jim? What has happened?" asked Bob, replacing the heavy +bars instantly the newcomer was inside the building.</p> + +<p>"Newcombe and five men have just turned into the path, coming down here +as if they knew just what they should find."</p> + +<p>For a moment Bob and Dick were silent, and Ralph had an opportunity to +ask George:</p> + +<p>"Who is Newcombe?"</p> + +<p>"A man in the employ of the owners of the patent, and one who has +threatened several times to secure the arrest of Bob."</p> + +<p>Dick's first act, after he fully realized what Jim had said, was to +cover the fire, at which they had been soldering, with ashes, in order +to prevent any smoke from escaping through the chimney, and by that time +Bob had recovered all his presence of mind.</p> + +<p>"Even if they have at last found the hut, they will be puzzled to get +into it, or to get us out," he said, as he noted the fastenings of the +window-shutters, and uncovered a small aperture which served as a +loop-hole through which everything that occurred outside could be seen.</p> + +<p>"You ought to have warned Pete," said George, not feeling remarkably +well pleased at the chance of being besieged as a moonlighter, but yet +anxious that his friends should elude arrest where the cartridges<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[27]</a></span> and +explosive fluid would be sufficient proof against them.</p> + +<p>"There is no need of that," replied Bob. "He wouldn't show himself under +any circumstances unless we called him, and from the loft of the stable +he can see all that is going on."</p> + +<p>Ralph was the most uncomfortable of the party. Not being so familiar +with the doings of the moonlighters, nor acquainted with the general +feeling of the public against them, the idea of being thus hunted like a +criminal was very repugnant to him.</p> + +<p>It was as if his companions were engaged in some crime, instead of +simply infringing a patent, the legality of which had not been fully +tested, and, if he could have had his choice, he would have been miles +away from that spot just then.</p> + +<p>"There they come!" exclaimed Bob from his post of observation, and, +looking out for a moment, Ralph saw six men riding into the clearing +directly toward the house.</p> + +<p>Almost before he had time to regain his seat, and just as Bob held up +his hand as a signal for silence, a knock was heard at the door, as if +some one was pounding with the butt-end of a whip.</p> + +<p>No one made any reply, and it seemed to Ralph as if he could hear the +pulsations of his own heart, so oppressive was the silence.</p> + +<p>Again the summons was repeated, and a gruff voice cried:</p> + +<p>"Open the door a moment. I wish to speak with Mr. Robert Hubbard."</p> + +<p>Then there was a long silence, and, seeing the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[28]</a></span> look of anxiety on +Ralph's face, George said, in a low whisper:</p> + +<p>"Don't look so distressed, my boy. Those men have got no more right to +enter here than you have to go into another man's dwelling. If they +should succeed in getting in, however, they would find sufficient to +prove that Bob was about to infringe their patent; but, as it is, they +have no authority to do anything, although Bob will hardly get a chance +to shoot the Hoxie well to-night."</p> + +<p>"That's just what I will do," whispered Bob, who had heard George's +remark. "I will put in that charge if they camp where they are all +night."</p> + +<p>The men on the outside waited some moments in silence, and then the +request was repeated, while at the same time footsteps could be heard as +if some of them had gone toward the stable.</p> + +<p>"They might easily batter in one of the windows," said Ralph, as the +pounding at the door was continued.</p> + +<p>"They would hardly try that plan," replied George, with a meaning smile. +"There are a hundred or two quarts of nitro-glycerine stored here, +needing only the necessary concussion to explode them. Those men know +quite as well as we do how unpleasant such liquid may become, and I +assure you that they will strike no very heavy blows on the building."</p> + +<p>It was a singular position for any one to be in, and Ralph was far from +being comfortable in his mind, as he awaited the result of this visit to +the cabin of the moonlighters.</p> + + +<p class="back"><a href="#contents">Back to contents</a></p> + +<hr /> + +<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[29]</a></span><a name="IV" id="IV"></a>CHAPTER IV.<br /> +<br /> +<small>A REGULAR SIEGE.</small></h2> + + +<p><span class="smcap">Ralph</span>, simply a visitor to the cabin of the moonlighters, felt far more +uncomfortable than did his hosts, to whom alone there was any danger.</p> + +<p>As the party waited silently for any move by those outside, Ralph had +plenty of time to review his own position, and this review was far from +pleasant or reassuring.</p> + +<p>In that section of the country the fact of being arrested as a +moonlighter did not imply either disgrace or crime; but in Ralph's home, +where nothing was known of such an industry, save when occasionally a +newspaper item was read but not understood, the news of his arrest while +trying illegally to "shoot" a well, would cause as much consternation +and sorrow as if he had attempted to shoot a man. It was far from being +a pleasant beginning to his vacation, and he would have been much better +satisfied with himself if he had not made any attempt to penetrate the +mysteries of the moonlighters' dangerous calling.</p> + +<p>While these uncomfortable thoughts were presenting themselves to Ralph, +Bob Hubbard was standing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[30]</a></span> on a rudely-constructed table, in order that +he might keep a watch upon Newcombe and his men, and from time to time +he whispered to his companions of that which he saw.</p> + +<p>"They've got tired trying to find out anything at the stable, and now +they're coming this way. If we keep perfectly quiet they will begin soon +to believe that no one is here, and then, very likely, they will go +away."</p> + +<p>It was in the highest degree necessary that these men should be thrown +off the scent if possible, and each one in the hut remained motionless +as statues, but, as was shown a moment later, their silence was +fruitless, owing to the defective construction of their furniture.</p> + +<p>"Now they are gathering close around the door," continued Bob, from his +post of observation; and then, fearing he might betray himself even +through the loop-hole, he began cautiously to descend.</p> + +<p>It was as if his very efforts to move without noise hastened the +catastrophe he was trying to avert, for as he started to lower himself +from the table, the entire structure gave way, and he came to the floor +with such a crash as could have been heard many yards away.</p> + +<p>There was no need of question as to whether Bob's downfall had been +heard by those outside, for at the moment a low, involuntary cry of +triumph was heard, which did not detract from the unfortunate +moonlighter's discomfiture. Had Bob cried out his name he could not have +proclaimed his presence any more plainly, and as he disentangled himself +from<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[31]</a></span> amid the wreck of the table, his face spoke eloquently the anger +he felt, either at his own carelessness or the weakness of the table.</p> + +<p>"It's all up now," said Jim, despondently. "There was a chance that they +might get tired in time, and go away; but now they will stay here until +they see us leave."</p> + +<p>"Well, let them stay," said Bob, savagely. "I have come here to get +ready to shoot the Hoxie well, and I'll do it before I go home again."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps you will, and perhaps you won't," said Jim, doubtingly; "but if +my opinion's worth anything, you won't."</p> + +<p>Bob made no reply to this; but attacked the tin cartridges on which he +had been working with an energy that told plainly of his determination; +although how it might be possible for him to do more than to get ready +for the work, no one could imagine. He no longer tried to be silent, but +made so much bustle with his work that George said:</p> + +<p>"What makes you so careless, Bob? Even if they did hear you when you +fell, there is no reason why you should advertise the fact that you are +making cartridges."</p> + +<p>"What difference does it make what they hear now?" asked Bob, not even +looking up from his work as he spoke. "Do you fancy that Newcombe, +finding us here, does not know just as well as we do what there is +inside here? If we remain quiet, he will say to himself that we are all +ready for the shot, and only waiting for him to get out of the way +before we let it off. If we work, he will know no<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[32]</a></span> more, and we may as +well take things comfortable."</p> + +<p>"It isn't any use for us to try to do anything," said Dick, +disconsolately. "Newcombe will stay right where he is until we go out, +and the best thing we can do is give the thing up for a while."</p> + +<p>"Yes," interrupted Jim, "let's go home, and wait until we can give him +the slip and get out again."</p> + +<p>"I'll do nothing of the kind," replied Bob, doggedly. "I agreed to shoot +Hoxie's well to-night, and I'm going to do it."</p> + +<p>"You can't without Newcombe's seeing you, and you know that your arrest +would follow as soon after that as he could get out a warrant," said +George, thinking it was high time for him to interfere with advice. +"They have never been able to get any proof against you yet, and you +don't want to give them the chance now just through spite."</p> + +<p>"I'm not going to give them the chance," said Bob, calmly. "I am going +to take what I need out of this place while they are guarding it, and +without their seeing me. If any of you fellows are afraid, and want to +go home, you know how to get there; but I am going to stay, and do just +as I have said."</p> + +<p>Bob could have used no better argument, if he had been anxious to have +his companions remain with him, than when he proposed they should go +home if they were afraid. Much as Ralph would have liked to, he did not +think of leaving, when to do so was to be considered proof that he was +afraid,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[33]</a></span> and he, as well as the others, settled themselves down to await +the result of Bob's plan, whatever it might be.</p> + +<p>Those on the outside, however, were not as contented in their waiting, +as they showed in a short time, when Newcombe's voice could be heard +addressing those whom he believed he had "run to earth."</p> + +<p>"Say, boys!" he cried, "you know very well that I shall stay here until +you come out, and the best thing you can do is to give the job up for a +while, for I promise you that you will get no chance to do the work this +time."</p> + +<p>It was quite evident that Mr. Newcombe had no more desire to remain +outside of the hut on guard than Ralph and George had to remain inside, +and that he was anxious to put a speedy end to what had every appearance +of being a long job. It was plain to be seen that he neither understood +nor relished this singular behavior on the part of those whom he had no +authority to arrest until they had committed some overt act, and that he +was anxious to bring the case to an issue at once.</p> + +<p>The others looked at Bob, expecting he would make some reply to the +proposition, but he made no sign that he had even heard what had been +said. He worked industriously at the long tin tubes, neither speaking +nor looking up.</p> + +<p>"You know that I have got wind of what you are going to do to-night," +continued Newcombe, from the outside, "and you know that I shall stay +right here until you leave; so what's the use of acting so<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[34]</a></span> childishly +about it? Come right out like men, and begin the thing over at some +other time."</p> + +<p>Even Ralph could understand that, in his eagerness to be away, Mr. +Newcombe was making a great mistake in thus pleading with those over +whom he could have no control until after their work was done, and +Dick's face lightened wonderfully as he began to hope the "torpedo +detective," as Newcombe was called, might tire of his watching and go +away.</p> + +<p>All the inmates of the hut appeared to share the same hope, and Jim at +once began to replace the broken table with some empty boxes, in order +that he might have access to the loop-hole.</p> + +<p>"What will be the result of all this?" Ralph asked of George, as the two +seated themselves comfortably in one corner of the room, where they +would at the same time be out of Bob's way, and see all that was going +on.</p> + +<p>"That I can't say. It may be forty-eight hours before Bob gives up the +scheme he has evidently formed, and in the meanwhile here we are +prisoners, for we cannot ask to leave the hut until the others do. It +promises to be a tedious thing for us; but you remember that you wished +there might be some excitement other than the mere shooting of the +well."</p> + +<p>"Yes," replied Ralph, with a laugh, "I remember that I was foolish +enough to make some such remark, and I am in a fair way to get all I +wanted."</p> + +<p>By this time Jim had built up a shaky sort of a platform, by which he +was enabled to climb to the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[35]</a></span> loop-hole, and he at once gave the result +of his outlook to his companions.</p> + +<p>"They are unharnessing the horses," he cried, in a tone of +disappointment; for he had almost persuaded himself that they would +leave the place at once. "Newcombe's team is directly in front, and the +other two are drawn up on either side, about fifty yards from it. They +are preparing for a regular siege."</p> + +<p>"Which is the most fortunate thing for us that could have happened," +said Bob, contentedly.</p> + +<p>"Why? I don't see how we can do anything when they are all ready to +follow us the moment we show ourselves out of doors," said Dick.</p> + +<p>"If you can't, I can," replied Bob, working leisurely at his cartridges, +and with as much precision as if the "torpedo detectives" were miles +away.</p> + +<p>"Tell me what you intend to do."</p> + +<p>"I'll show you when everything is ready, Dick, and not before. You have +said that we couldn't do anything while they were here; therefore, +whatever my plan may be, it is better than giving the whole thing up. +Now, if your fears will permit, suppose you take hold and help me while +Jim watches our friends outside."</p> + +<p>It was as if Dick understood for the first time that while they were +bewailing their fate that Newcombe should have found their hiding-place, +Bob was working industriously at the task on hand, and he began to help +him at once, which employment had the effect of dispelling his fears in +a wonderful degree.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[36]</a></span>"Three of the men are watching the house from the front, while Newcombe +and the other two are going towards the stable," said Jim; and then he +added, excitedly: "I believe that rascal Pete is talking with them, for +they are standing there now, looking up towards the roof as if they saw +or heard some one."</p> + +<p>Dick was disposed to leave his work at this startling announcement but +Bob's industry had a quieting effect upon him, and he continued in his +office of helper, although with evident mental anxiety.</p> + +<p>"Now they have called one of the other men over, and all four of them +are going through the motions of a conversation. Now Newcombe has taken +some money out of his pocket, and is holding it up in his hand."</p> + +<p>There was a moment of silence in the hut, during which all the boys, +even including Bob, awaited in anxiety the result of this evident bribe, +and then Jim said, excitedly:</p> + +<p>"Pete has shown himself, and is reaching out with the pitch-fork for the +money. He is selling us to Newcombe, who will know now exactly what we +were going to do."</p> + + +<p class="back"><a href="#contents">Back to contents</a></p> + +<hr /> + +<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[37]</a></span><a name="V" id="V"></a>CHAPTER V.<br /> +<br /> +<small>BOB'S SCHEME.</small></h2> + + +<p><span class="smcap">From</span> what Jim could see from the loop-hole, there was every reason for +the young moonlighters to believe that the negro Pete, whom they hired, +was betraying them to Newcombe, and each one felt more than uneasy when +Jim reported that the detective had fastened some money on one of the +prongs of the hay-fork. But they were somewhat relieved when Bob said:</p> + +<p>"If you weren't all a good deal frightened, you would remember that Pete +hasn't been told where we were going. He doesn't know anything more than +Newcombe himself does, and if he can make a few dollars for nothing, why +let him."</p> + +<p>"But what are they giving him money for?" asked Jim, who was even more +disturbed by this apparent treachery on the part of their servant than +were the others.</p> + +<p>"For an answer to that question, I shall be obliged to refer you to the +worthy Pete himself. At all events, the only harm he could do us would +be to let Newcombe know when we leave here—in case he don't want to +wait—and that is just what I fancy Pete himself won't know."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[38]</a></span>As soon as the boys realized that Pete had no secrets of theirs worth +the purchasing, they grew more easy in their minds, and were inclined to +look upon this giving of money by Newcombe as a very good joke.</p> + +<p>Jim had nothing of interest to report for nearly ten minutes after this, +during all of which time the detective and his men had been engaged in +earnest conversation with the negro, and then he announced that they +were returning to their wagons.</p> + +<p>They had not unharnessed their horses, but had slipped the bridles from +them that they might make a dinner from the rich grass, and yet be ready +for a start at a moment's notice.</p> + +<p>After their return to the front of the house, one of the men drove away +with one of the teams, after having received some instructions from +Newcombe, and as it was nearly dark, the boys believed that the +detective had sent for food, since there was no longer any doubt about +his having regularly besieged the house.</p> + +<p>All this time Bob had continued his work, assisted by Dick, and it was +not until the setting sun had distorted the shadows of the trees into +dark images of giants that he announced its completion.</p> + +<p>"There!" he cried, triumphantly, as he laid the last tin tube by the +side of the other two, "we are all ready, and in two hours more we will +start."</p> + +<p>"In two hours Newcombe and his men will be there just as they are now," +said Jim, rather impatiently, for he thought Bob was assuming to be able +to do very much more than was possible.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[39]</a></span>"I suppose they will," was the quiet reply, "and I should not be very +much surprised if we should see them there twenty-four hours later."</p> + +<p>"What is it you propose doing, Bob?" asked George, who, thoroughly tired +of the inactivity as was Ralph, was only anxious to know when their +irksome captivity would come to an end.</p> + +<p>"I'll tell you. In the first place, how far is Hoxie's well from here in +a straight line?"</p> + +<p>"Directly through the woods, I suppose it is not more than half a mile. +I surveyed the next tract to it, and I fancy that is about the +distance."</p> + +<p>"And if we should start from the back of the hut, traveling in a +straight line, we should come to it?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; there would be no difficulty about that."</p> + +<p>"Then I propose that we simply go out through the back window, unless +Newcombe has sufficient wits about him to station one of his men there. +We can, by making two trips, carry enough glycerine to shoot the well in +good style, and by midnight we should be all ready for the work."</p> + +<p>The plan was so simple, and with so many elements of success about it, +that Bob's audience testified to their appreciation of it by vigorous +applause, which must have mystified the worthy Mr. Newcombe +considerably.</p> + +<p>"In an hour from now we can begin work. Ralph, who might possibly have +some compunctions about carrying a couple of cans of glycerine through +the woods, where to strike one against a tree might result in his +immediate departure from the world,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[40]</a></span> shall carry the cartridges. Then +there will be four of us, each of whom can carry eight quarts. Two trips +will give us sixty-four quarts, and that will be enough to start the oil +from Mr. Hoxie's well, if there is any there."</p> + +<p>Bob's plan was quite as dangerous as it was simple. To carry eight +quarts of glycerine through the woods when a mis-step might explode it, +was such a task as any one might well fear to undertake. But the desire +to leave the detective on a weary vigil while they pursued their work +unmolested was such an inducement, as caused each one, even Ralph, to be +anxious to try it.</p> + +<p>The night was not as favorable for the scheme as it might have been, for +the moon was nearly full, and objects could be distinguished almost as +readily as at noonday, save when under the veil cast by the shadows.</p> + +<p>This moonlight, Bob thought, would not interfere with their plan, since +from the back of the house to the forest was but a few yards, and unless +Newcombe should station one of his men there, the building would screen +them from view.</p> + +<p>In case they got safely away from the house, the light would aid them, +both in their journey through the woods and in their work after they +arrived at the well.</p> + +<p>For some time the boys enjoyed thoroughly the anticipation of fooling +Mr. Newcombe, and they might have continued to do so until it would have +been too late to accomplish the work, had not Bob reminded them that +they had no time to lose.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[41]</a></span>Then they made their preparations for the journey or flight, whichever +it might be called. The long, tin cartridges were tied together +securely, with wads of paper between to prevent them from rattling; the +cans of nitro-glycerine were placed by the window, where they could be +gotten at readily, and Bob produced a three-cornered piece of iron, +about four feet long, which weighed twenty or thirty pounds.</p> + +<p>"It will be quite an addition to your load; but I fancy you will feel +safer carrying it than you would one of the cans," he said to Ralph.</p> + +<p>"What is it?"</p> + +<p>And the tone in which the question was asked showed that the newcomer to +the oil fields looked upon this carrying a useless piece of iron through +the woods as very unnecessary work.</p> + +<p>"That's the go-devil," replied Bob; and then, as he saw that Ralph did +not understand, he added: "It is to drop through the hole to explode the +cartridges after they are placed in position."</p> + +<p>Still Ralph could not fully understand its importance; but he stationed +himself by the window, resolved to carry the go-devil and the cartridges +any distance, rather than take the chances of being obliged to burden +himself with the dangerous oil which the others appeared to regard with +so little fear.</p> + +<p>Everything was in readiness for the start, and Bob clambered up to the +peep-hole that he might be sure the enemy were yet in their position, +which was so favorable to the plans of the moonlighters.</p> + +<p>"They are all there except the one who drove<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[42]</a></span> away some time ago, +and—here comes the other now. He had been for food, and they are +pitching into it as if they were hungry. Now is our time to start. They +will be at their supper for the next half hour, and by the end of that +time we shall be ready to come back for a second load."</p> + +<p>Bob looked once more to the fastenings of the doors and windows to be +certain that they could not be loosened by any one from the outside, and +then he cautiously unbarred the window at the back of the house.</p> + +<p>Knowing that the detective and all his force were in front, he spent no +time in looking around; but, leaping out, was soon busily engaged in +taking out the cans of glycerine which Jim and Dick handed him.</p> + +<p>Less than ten minutes sufficed for this work, and then each member of +the party was out of doors, Ralph with the cartridges over his shoulder +and the go-devil under his arm, while the others carried a can of the +dangerous liquid in each hand.</p> + +<p>It had been decided that George, being accustomed to traveling through +the woods in straight lines by his work as engineer, should lead the +party, as the one most likely to keep a direct course, and Ralph had +decided that he would remain as far in the rear as possible; for, when +he saw the boys swinging the terrible explosive around so carelessly, he +felt that the further away one could get from that party the safer they +were.</p> + +<p>George was not as much at his ease as he might have been, for he had not +grown familiar with the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[43]</a></span> explosive, as the others had, and he uttered +many a word of caution when they came to those portions of the woods +where the trees stood more thickly together.</p> + +<p>Their progress was necessarily slow, owing to the care they were obliged +to use in walking; but before Mr. Newcombe and his friends had finished +their supper, the moonlighters were at Mr. Hoxie's well, where they +found their arrival had long been expected.</p> + +<p>Mr. Hoxie could understand, from the manner in which the moonlighters +had come, that they had run some risk of detection in getting there, and +when he learned that they were obliged to make a second trip for more +glycerine, he offered either to accompany them or send some of his men +with them, as they should prefer.</p> + +<p>Bob refused all these offers of assistance, however, for he believed +that it was owing to Mr. Hoxie's incautious remarks that the detectives +had paid them a visit, and he did not propose to run any more risks than +were absolutely necessary.</p> + +<p>Since four of them could carry all the glycerine needed to make up the +charge, and since Ralph had such a wholesome fear of the dangerous +compound, Bob insisted that Ralph remain at the well, while the others +paid a second visit to the hut in the forest, a proposition which Ralph +eagerly accepted, for carrying nitro-glycerine through the woods in the +night was a task he was not at all anxious to perform.</p> + +<p>The return through the woods was made in a very<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[44]</a></span> short time, the boys +walking on at full speed until they were near the hut, when the utmost +caution was used. By making quite a detour through the woods, Bob was +able to get a full view of the watchful detectives, all of whom were +seated on the grass in front of the hut, gazing at it so intently that +there was no question that any suspicion had been aroused in their +minds.</p> + +<p>Before they had left the hut Bob had placed the glycerine near the +window, so that it could be reached from the outside, and, after it was +learned that the enemy were still in blissful ignorance, but little time +was lost in getting ready to return to Mr. Hoxie's well.</p> + +<p>Perhaps the boys were no more careless in carrying the glycerine this +second time than they were the first, but they certainly walked faster, +and when they arrived at their destination, they had been away such a +short time that Ralph could hardly believe they had been to the hut in +the woods and back.</p> + +<p>Everything was now in readiness for the important work, and the question +that troubled the young moonlighters was whether the worthy Mr. Newcombe +and his assistants would remain looking at the empty hut until the +charge was exploded.</p> + + +<p class="back"><a href="#contents">Back to contents</a></p> + +<hr /> + +<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[45]</a></span><a name="VI" id="VI"></a>CHAPTER VI<br /> +<br /> +<small>TORPEDOING AN OIL-WELL.</small></h2> + + +<p><span class="smcap">It</span> is safe to say that Ralph, who was interested in the shooting of the +well only as a spectator, was the most nervous one of all that party who +were about to show Mr. Hoxie whether he had "struck oil" or not.</p> + +<p>Bob set about the work with the air of one perfectly familiar with what +he was doing, and the others aided him whenever it was possible, George +alone remaining inactive, since he considered himself entitled to a seat +with the spectator.</p> + +<p>The well had, of course, been bored down as far as the bed-rock, leaving +an opening from eight to ten inches in diameter and quite twelve hundred +feet deep, which was nearly filled with the water that had flowed in and +the oil that had been poured in to give some slight resistance at the +top of the cartridge.</p> + +<p>Over this, grim and weird-looking in the moonlight, rose the framework +of the derrick, formed of heavy timbers, and apparently solid enough to +resist any pressure that might be brought to bear upon it. Near by were +scattered pieces of machinery, tools and such debris as would naturally +accumulate around a place of the kind.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[46]</a></span>A large reel, wound with heavy cord, capable of sustaining a hundred +pounds' weight, and with a shallow hook, which would easily become +detached when the pressure was removed, was fastened at one of the +uprights of the derrick, while directly over the well was a block for +the cord to pass through. This was to be used to lower the cartridges +into the well.</p> + +<p>After this portion of the work had been completed—and all three of the +moonlighters moved as rapidly as possible, lest Mr. Newcombe should put +in an appearance—the task of filling the shells was begun. The tops of +the long tin tubes were removed, and into these rather frail shells the +glycerine was poured, Bob handling it as if it was no more dangerous +than the petroleum they hoped to find.</p> + +<p>As fast as each tube or cartridge was filled it was lowered into the +well by the stout wire bail that was fastened to the top, and just under +the cover was the hammer which would explode the percussion cap when +struck. These cartridges were pointed at the head, and since the point +of the second would rest on the top of the first, and the third on the +second, the blow which exploded the first would naturally be +communicated to the other two.</p> + +<p>It was in lowering these cartridges into the well that Bob showed his +first signs of caution in handling the explosive liquid, for the least +jar or concussion, as the tin tubes were being let down into the well, +would have resulted in a premature explosion, which might have had the +most deplorable results.</p> + +<p>Ralph, seeing that at this point even Bob was willing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[47]</a></span> to admit that +there might be some danger in the work he was doing, proposed to George +that they move a short distance further away, lest there should be an +accident, and the reply he received was not well calculated to soothe +his nervousness.</p> + +<p>"If one of those tubes should explode on the surface here, we should +stand as good a chance of being killed a quarter of a mile away, as +here. So we might just as well stay where we are."</p> + +<p>And Ralph remained, although he was far from feeling as comfortable as +he would have felt at a more respectful distance.</p> + +<p>"All ready, now," said Bob, as the last cartridge was lowered into +position, and the reel removed from the derrick. "Now in order to honor +Harnett's guest, I am going to allow him the distinction of exploding +the charge."</p> + +<p>For a moment Ralph thought of what an experience it would be, to explode +sixty-four quarts of nitro-glycerine, and what an adventure would be his +to relate when he returned to college; therefore he marched boldly up to +the well, at the bottom of which was such a dangerous agent ready to do +its work. But when he saw the others seeking places of safety from the +gases, and possibly fragments that would follow the explosion, and when +he stood upon the platform of the derrick which afforded so insecure a +foot-hold, because of the oil upon it, his courage failed him.</p> + +<p>"It may be a big thing," he said to Bob, "to drop this piece of iron +through the hole, and be the remote cause of such a powerful effect. But +if, when I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[48]</a></span> attempt to get out of the way, my foot should slip, I should +hardly be in a condition to care for glory. I am greatly obliged to you +for the proposed honor; but think I had better decline it."</p> + +<p>"Just as you please, my dear boy," replied Bob, carelessly. "Just find a +good place where you can see her when she shoots, and I'll drop the +go-devil."</p> + +<p>Ralph lost no time in obeying the young moonlighter's instructions, +seeking a refuge near the corner of a small tool-house to the windward +of the well, and about a hundred yards from it.</p> + +<p>"Look out for your mouth and nose just after the explosion," cautioned +George, "for the gases which will come first to the surface are very +poisonous."</p> + +<p>"All ready!" shouted Bob, as he looked around to see that every one was +in a safe position, and then approached the well with the go-devil in +his hands.</p> + +<p>There was an instant's pause as the boy stood with the heavy iron poised +over the aperture, and then dropping it, he sought shelter by the side +of Ralph and George.</p> + +<p>Perfect silence reigned for what seemed a long time while the go-devil +was falling through twelve hundred feet of oil and water; but the time +was hardly more than a minute, and then Ralph, who had expected to hear +a deafening noise, simply heard a crackling sound, much as if two small +fire-crackers had been exploded. It had not occurred to him that but +little could be heard from such a distance beneath the surface.</p> + +<p>"Look out for the gases!" cried George.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[49]</a></span>And as Ralph covered his nose and mouth with his handkerchief, he could +see a black vapor, almost like smoke, arising from the mouth of the +well.</p> + +<p>"There is no oil there," he said to himself, as second after second went +by and there was no appearance of anything save the gases of combustion. +He was almost as disappointed as Mr. Hoxie would have been at finding a +"dry well;" for after all his tedious waiting he hoped to have been +rewarded by seeing the "shoot" of the oil.</p> + +<p>He was rather surprised that Bob's face showed no signs of +disappointment, for he surely must have wanted to see oil after his +dangerous work. But Bob simply looked expectant, with his gaze fixed on +the mouth of the well, and Ralph turned again just in time to see a most +wonderful sight.</p> + +<p>From out of the mouth of the well arose what appeared to be a solid +column of greenish yellow, rising slowly in the air like one of the +pillars of Aladdin's palace as it was formed by the genii. The top was +rounded, and the sides of this marvelous column, held together only by +some mighty force, shone in the moonlight like a polished surface of +marble, while all the time it arose inch by inch without fret or check, +until the top wavered in the night wind. Then one or two drops could be +seen rolling off from the summit, and in an instant the entire +appearance changed.</p> + +<p>With a mighty bound the oil leaped into the air, tearing asunder the +summit of the derrick as if it had been of veriest gossamer, dashing the +heavy timbers<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[50]</a></span> aside like feathers, and spouting in the pale light drops +as of molten gold.</p> + +<p>For a radius of twenty feet around the well the air seemed filled with +this liquid gold that was coming from the very bowels of the earth.</p> + +<p>The oil poured out in torrents with a sharp, hissing noise that told how +great was the volume of gas imprisoned beneath the rock, which was +sending this oily deluge out, and the question of the value of the well +was decided.</p> + +<p>"It's good for two hundred barrels a day!" cried Bob.</p> + +<p>And Mr. Hoxie, who would reap this rich harvest, insisted that it would +produce very much more than that.</p> + +<p>The damage done to the derrick was not heeded by the owner since the +destructive agent was worth just so much money per barrel to him.</p> + +<p>After spouting to a height of fully two hundred feet, for nearly ten +minutes, the volume of oil, or, rather, of the gas that was forcing it +to the surface, appeared to be exhausted, and lower and lower sank the +torrent, spreading out in a fan-shape as it lessened, until finally it +ceased entirely.</p> + +<p>"What is the matter?" asked Ralph, who fancied that oil-wells flowed +incessantly. "Your two-hundred-barrel well will hardly produce as much +as you thought."</p> + +<p>"Indeed it will," replied Bob. "You don't think wells go on flowing like +that all the time, do you? They have breathing spells, like men. They +spout anywhere from five to fifteen minutes, and then remain<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[51]</a></span> quiet +about the same time, or longer. You see the gas in the reservoir of oil +forces it to the surface; the escape of the oil lessens the pressure +under the rock, and it remains inactive until sufficient gas has +gathered again to force more up. This well is as good a one as I have +ever shot."</p> + +<p>Then Bob and his partners began to make their preparations for +departure, since, for them to be found with their tools near a +newly-opened well, would have been almost as dangerous as to have been +caught in the very act of "shooting it."</p> + +<p>Ralph would have been only too well pleased if he could have waited long +enough to see the second spout, but being a guest of the moonlighters, +he could not offer any objection to their movements, and he also made +ready for the journey back to the hut.</p> + +<p>Bob had settled his business with Mr. Hoxie, which was simply to get the +agreed amount for the work performed, and was just getting the reel into +shape to carry, when the clatter of hoofs was heard far down the road.</p> + +<p>"The detectives!" shouted Mr. Hoxie, as he started toward the +tool-house, where, in a very few seconds, he would be counterfeiting the +most profound slumber.</p> + +<p>"The detectives!" shouted the workmen, as they sought convenient places +for hiding; and the moonlighters were left to dispose of themselves as +best they could.</p> + +<p>"Come this way!" cried Bob, as he caught up the reel, which might be +recognized as his, regardless of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[52]</a></span> how he carried it, and dashed off into +the woods at full speed, followed by his partners and guests.</p> + +<p>It was a flight which would be presumptive guilt, if they were +overtaken, but, under the circumstances, it was the only course the +moonlighters could pursue.</p> + + +<p class="back"><a href="#contents">Back to contents</a></p> + +<hr /> + +<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[53]</a></span><a name="VII" id="VII"></a>CHAPTER VII.<br /> +<br /> +<small>MR. NEWCOMBE'S CERTAINTY.</small></h2> + + +<p><span class="smcap">Varied</span> and many were Ralph's thoughts, as he followed his friends at +full speed through the woods, and none of them were complimentary to the +business of the moonlighters. He had hoped there would be some +excitement attending the shooting of the well, other than that incident +to the regular work, and he had every reason to be satisfied; but he had +seen a trifle more than was necessary to his comfort or happiness, and +this race through the woods was quite sufficient to take the last bit of +romance from the business. The work had been done; but if those who had +been heard on the road were the officers, the chances were that they +might succeed in finding sufficient proof as to who had done the job.</p> + +<p>Ralph understood fully that by aiding the moonlighters, even in the +slight way he had, he was, for the time being, one of them, and this +thought was far from reassuring. Without any reason, other than to see +the sport, he had, perhaps, infringed the rights of those who were using +every effort to protect them, and what the result might be perplexed him +in no slight degree.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[54]</a></span>But one thing was certain, and that was, now that he had become involved +with his new acquaintances to a certain extent, it was necessary for him +to continue with them until he could leave without either compromising +himself or injuring them.</p> + +<p>Of course, every one believed that the noise made on the road +immediately after the well was shot was occasioned by Newcombe's men, +who, having discovered that the hut was empty, had started at once for +the probable scene of operations.</p> + +<p>Under this belief, Bob dashed on toward the hut at full speed, never +thinking of making any investigations to learn whether they were correct +in their surmises, until, when they were but a short distance from the +clearing in the woods, George called out:</p> + +<p>"Before we show ourselves, it would be well to find out whether Newcombe +has really left."</p> + +<p>"That would be only a waste of time," objected Jim, "for, of course, it +was he whom we heard."</p> + +<p>"I believe it was," replied George; "but, at the same time, it is well +to be sure. It will only take a few moments longer, and, since Ralph and +I have got mixed up in this thing, I insist that you find out whether +any one is there before you attempt to go into the hut."</p> + +<p>Bob thought, as did both Dick and Jim, that Harnett was foolishly +particular; but, since the young engineer was so decided about the +matter, he thought it best to do as he was requested.</p> + +<p>When, therefore, they arrived at the edge of the clearing, the party +waited within the shadow of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[55]</a></span> trees, while Bob stole cautiously +around as before, with no idea that he should see any one in front of +the hut.</p> + +<p>While he was absent, Dick and Jim were disposed to make sport of what +they termed George's caution, and this merriment caused so much noise +that Harnett found it necessary to remind them very sharply that both he +and Ralph, without any interest, other than curiosity in the matter, and +after they had been of no slight service, might <a name="be" id="be"></a><ins title="Transcriber's Note: Original has he.">be</ins> obliged to pay +dearly for the part they had taken; in consideration of which, the least +that could be done would be to follow out this very reasonable request.</p> + +<p>After this, the boys quieted down considerably, and when Bob returned, +they were thankful that they had done so.</p> + +<p>Bob startled them all, even George and Ralph, by the information that +Newcombe and his men were still on guard in front of the hut, and that, +to all appearances, they had not left the stations they were occupying +when the party started out to shoot Mr. Hoxie's well.</p> + +<p>If this was the case, who, then, was the party that had disturbed them +at the completion of their work? This was the question that agitated +them decidedly, and they were beginning a very animated discussion on +the subject, when George said:</p> + +<p>"It can make no particular difference just at this moment who they were. +Some one was coming, probably other torpedo detectives, and we ran away. +Newcombe and his men are still here on guard. Now the most important +thing for us to do is to get<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[56]</a></span> into the hut as quickly and silently as +possible, and if those others were detectives, perhaps our friend, Mr. +Newcombe, will be able to swear that we have not been outside during the +night."</p> + +<p>There could be no answer to such an argument as this, save in action, +and each one started for the hut, Dick and Jim feeling decidedly ashamed +of the sport they had made of George's excess of caution.</p> + +<p>To enter the building silently was as easy as to leave it, and in five +minutes more the party were inside, with the shutters of the back window +carefully barred.</p> + +<p>Then they gave way without restraint to their mirth at having +accomplished their work, while Newcombe watched their hut for them, and +they might have continued at this amusing occupation during the +remainder of the night, if sounds from the outside had not told them +that other visitors were arriving.</p> + +<p>"Now we shall find out who it was that disturbed us," said Bob, +gleefully, as he clambered upon the improvised platform, that he might +see what was going on outside from the peep-hole.</p> + +<p>The boys, believing as Bob did, that these newcomers were the same ones +whose arrival at Mr. Hoxie's lately-opened well was the cause of their +hasty flight, awaited expectantly the result of Bob's survey.</p> + +<p>"Three men are riding up," said Bob, "and now they are stopping their +horses as Newcombe goes toward them. They all appear to be talking +excitedly, and every few seconds Newcombe points<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[57]</a></span> this way. Now they are +coming right toward the door."</p> + +<p>There was no longer any need for Bob to describe the proceedings, for +the noise made by the carriage could be plainly heard by all as it came +toward the house, and in a very few moments even the conversation of the +men could be distinguished.</p> + +<p>"The well had just been shot as we got there," one of the newcomers +could be heard to say, "and you know that Bob Hubbard was to do the +work. You have allowed the boy to fool you, Newcombe, and while you have +been here, he has been working at Hoxie's."</p> + +<p>"But I tell you that I heard him in here early in the afternoon, and the +darkey told me his team was in the stable. Now, how could he have gotten +the glycerine or cartridges out of here while six of us have been on +duty all the time?"</p> + +<p>And from the tone of Newcombe's voice it was easy to understand that he +was very angry with these colleagues of his for doubting his ability to +watch three boys.</p> + +<p>"Are you certain it was Bob whom you heard?" asked the first speaker. +"He may have left some one here, and been at Hoxie's before you +arrived."</p> + +<p>"I am certain there was some one here," said Newcombe, speaking less +decidedly than before, "and I would be willing to bet everything I own +that it was Bob Hubbard."</p> + +<p>"Betting is a very bad way to settle disputes, Mr. Newcombe," said Bob, +laughingly, shouting so that every one outside could hear his voice, +"and I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[58]</a></span> would advise you to give it up in the future; but in this +particular case you would win the money."</p> + +<p>"There! What did I tell you?" cried the detective to his visitors; and +it is very probable that just at that moment he looked upon Bob as a +true friend.</p> + +<p>"Yes, Bob is there," said the man, reluctantly; "but Jim and Dick were +at the well."</p> + +<p>"Here's Dick!" shouted that young gentleman; "and when you two want to +hold an animated conversation about either one of us, try not to start +it at night, nor so near the door of a sleeping-room as to disturb those +who may need a little rest."</p> + +<p>"And here is Jim!" shouted that young moonlighter. "So now that you know +we are here, where Brother Newcombe has been watching for the last dozen +hours, suppose the whole posse of you drive back to Bradford, where you +belong."</p> + +<p>For a moment there was a profound silence outside, as if this last +astute detective was too much surprised to be able to speak, and then +Mr. Newcombe burst into an uncontrollable fit of triumphant laughter. He +knew that it was impossible for any number of boys to fool him, and very +likely he almost pitied his brother-detective for being so simple.</p> + +<p>From the sounds, the boys judged that the men were moving away from the +hut, and Bob once more had access to the peep-hole as a point of +observation.</p> + +<p>"They are harnessing their horses now," he said, after he had looked out +a few moments, "and I guess Newcombe has convinced his friend that we<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[59]</a></span> +must have been innocent of the shooting of Hoxie's well."</p> + +<p>"The question among them now will be as to who the other moonlighters +are," laughed Dick.</p> + +<p>And all of them found no little cause for merriment in the idea of +Newcombe and his friends pursuing these imaginary moonlighters.</p> + +<p>"They have started for the stable again," continued Bob. "I suppose they +want to make sure that there is no chance for us to get the horses out +by any way other than the front door. What muffs they are not to think +how easy it would be for us to do just as we did! They have walked +entirely around the stable, and are now coming back again."</p> + +<p>It was evident that Mr. Newcombe's friend needed some further proof to +assure himself that it was not the boys whom he had disturbed, for +Newcombe said, as he came near the hut:</p> + +<p>"Bob, I don't suppose you have any especial love for any of us, but you +know that what we are doing is all fair in the way of business, and +nothing as especially against you. Now, just as a favor to me, I want +you to tell us what we have done since we came here."</p> + +<p>It was apparent to Bob, as it was to all in the hut, that the question +was asked simply to convince the newcomers that the boys could not have +left the hut during the night, and Bob, after having descended from his +perch, in order that his voice might not betray the fact that he had +been on the lookout, answered, readily:</p> + +<p>"I didn't know that you had been doing much of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[60]</a></span> anything. You paid Pete +for some information which could hardly have been worth the money, and +passed it up to him on the hay-fork, for he wouldn't open the door to +you. Then you sent one of your party somewhere for food, and since you +had your supper, you have amused us by sitting in front of the hut. Is +that enough?"</p> + +<p>"Plenty, and thank you!" was the reply, made in such a cheery tone that +there was no question but that it had been sufficiently convincing.</p> + +<p>Then Bob scrambled upon his rather shaky perch once more, in order to +give full information to his companions of the movements of those +outside.</p> + +<p>He reported from time to time as to what they were doing in the way +getting their teams ready, looking around the premises, but without +taking more than a casual glance at the rear of the house, however, and +then he said:</p> + +<p>"Now they are getting into their wagons. Now they are driving out on the +road, and now," he added, as he leaped down with a loud shout, "they +have disappeared to find the parties who shot the Hoxie well, perfectly +content that we could have had no hand in the business, since it is a +certainty in Newcombe's mind that we have not left the hut since he +drove up here. Hurrah for Bob Hubbard's scheme, and Newcombe's belief in +his own ability as a detective!"</p> + + +<p class="back"><a href="#contents">Back to contents</a></p> + +<hr /> + +<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[61]</a></span><a name="VIII" id="VIII"></a>CHAPTER VIII.<br /> +<br /> +<small>NEW QUARTERS.</small></h2> + + +<p><span class="smcap">Until</span> nearly daylight the boys remained awake, laughing over Newcombe's +credulity, or congratulating each other on the success of that night's +work, and then Bob, who for half an hour had been studying some plan, +said:</p> + +<p>"It isn't best for us to spend all our time laughing at Newcombe, or we +may find out that he's smarter than we give him credit of being. If we +expect to shoot any more wells in this vicinity, we must change our +quarters, for we can safely count on this being watched."</p> + +<p>"What if it is?" cried Dick, their success having made him very bold. +"Wasn't it watched to-night, and didn't we shoot the Hoxie well in spite +of them all?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, we fooled Newcombe well; but we might find it difficult to do so +the second time. Then again, all our work would not be as convenient to +the hut as this was, and if it had been necessary for us to get our +horses out, you must admit that Newcombe had us very foul."</p> + +<p>And Bob, while he felt thoroughly elated by their victory, did not want +that his partners should come<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[62]</a></span> to believe that all difficulties could be +surmounted as readily.</p> + +<p>"But what do you mean about changing our quarters?" asked Jim, who +looked upon their hut as something particularly convenient and well +located.</p> + +<p>"I mean that we have got to build another shanty somewhere, if we can't +find one ready-made."</p> + +<p>"Nonsense! there's no more use of our leaving this place than there is +of our trying to fly!" said Dick. "I ain't afraid that Newcombe will +come here again very soon."</p> + +<p>"But I <em>know</em> he will," persisted Bob. "Just as soon as he suspects that +we are about to do any work, he will have so many men around here that +we can't show our noses out of doors without being seen. You think I'm +right, don't you, Harnett?"</p> + +<p>"Well, now, see here," replied George, with a laugh, "I think Ralph and +I have had all the moonlighting that is good for us, without going still +further by aiding and abetting you with advice."</p> + +<p>"But you can tell us what you think," persisted Bob.</p> + +<p>"Well, I suppose I may venture that far, after having participated in +the shooting of the Hoxie well. I don't think that this place is safe +for you any longer, and if I was a member of this firm, I should move +everything from here as soon as possible."</p> + +<p>It was plain to be seen that Dick and Jim had great faith in Harnett's +advice on any subject, for as soon as he had spoken all argument was at +an end, and, after a brief pause, Dick asked:</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[63]</a></span>"But where could we go?"</p> + +<p>"I think I know of a place as good as this, about five miles up the +valley, where by working a couple of days we could fix things up as well +as we have them here."</p> + +<p>"Then let's see to it at once," said Jim, who thought, if they were +obliged to move, the sooner the disagreeable job was over the better.</p> + +<p>"I'm ready to start now, if George and Gurney will help us," replied +Bob, quietly.</p> + +<p>"If we will help you!" echoed George. "You believe in using your friends +for your benefit, don't you?"</p> + +<p>"Well, in this case, it seems as if you might be of great assistance to +us, and yet not do very much violence to your own feelings. You know as +well as I do that the chances are Newcombe or his men are or will be +scouring the country to-day for those who shot Hoxie's well. Now, if +Dick, Jim and I start out alone, and they see us driving about the +country where we presumably have no business, they will follow us, and +good-by to our chances of getting settled very soon. But if you and +Gurney will take your fishing-tackle, Pete and I will go with you in our +double wagon, and while he and I are attending to work, I will show you +as good trout fishing as you ever saw."</p> + +<p>It was a skillfully-prepared bait, as he intended it should be, for he +knew that the two friends were fond of fishing, and they knew that he +was an authority on the subject of trout streams.</p> + +<p>At first George attempted to excuse himself on<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[64]</a></span> the score of having +business to attend to, but it was easy to see that he wanted to go, and +equally plain that Ralph had forgotten all the unpleasant experiences of +the night, in his desire for sport.</p> + +<p>"You see, you won't be doing anything in the way of moonlighting," said +Bob, persuasively, "for you will honestly be going out fishing. You need +know nothing whatever about what Pete and I are doing, and since we have +a supply of food sufficient to last at least two days longer, you will +have no better chance than this."</p> + +<p>Whether George really had any work to which he should have attended or +not, he evidently put all consideration of everything save sport aside, +for he asked:</p> + +<p>"Well, what do you think of it, Ralph?"</p> + +<p>"I think it is just as Bob says. We shan't be doing anything but that +which we have a perfect right to do, and if you can remain away from +your business so long, I say let's go."</p> + +<p>Bob waited only long enough to hear this decision, and then he went at +once to the stable, where he ordered Pete to harness his horses into the +double wagon, in which they carried their materials when out on +professional business.</p> + +<p>The old negro did not hesitate to tell his employer all that Newcombe +had said to him. The detective had offered him ten dollars if he would +answer certain questions, and, understanding that he did not know +anything which could compromise those who hired him, had not thought it +a breach of confidence to take the money.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[65]</a></span>Newcombe had asked who were in the hut, and Pete had told him, for he +knew the detective was quite as well informed as he was; but when +Newcombe questioned him as to what the boys were about to do, where or +when they were going, he was truly unable to give the desired +information.</p> + +<p>This was all the detective had received for his expenditure of ten +dollars, and the old darkey chuckled greatly over the ease with which he +had earned the money.</p> + +<p>When the team was ready, Dick and Jim started out for the purpose of +having their horses harnessed, since they had no idea but that they were +to accompany the expedition, but such was not a portion of Bob's plan.</p> + +<p>"You must stay here and get the traps ready to be moved," he said, "for +if we should all go, it would be quite as bad, if we were seen, as if we +hadn't George and Ralph with us. Besides, your horses must be fresh for +to-night, for we will hitch them into the torpedo wagon, and it is +necessary that they should be able to get away from anything on the +road, in case Newcombe should take it into his head to chase us."</p> + +<p>Both the boys knew Bob was right, and, much as they disliked remaining +at the hut while the others were enjoying themselves fishing, they +quietly submitted to what could not be avoided.</p> + +<p>Pete put a few tools into the wagon, Bob added enough in the way of +eatables to last the party twenty-four hours, and, just as the sun was +rising, the real and pretended fishermen started.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[66]</a></span>The road led directly back through Sawyer, and on the opposite side of +the creek, a fact which showed how necessary it was for Bob to have some +one with him who would give to the journey the semblance of sport, +rather than business.</p> + +<p>The horses were driven at a brisk trot, despite the roughness of the +roads, and in less than an hour from the time of leaving the hut Bob +turned his horse into what apparently was the thick woods, but in which +a road, that was hardly more than a path, could just be discerned after +the thicket by the side of the highway had been passed through.</p> + +<p>Over logs, stumps and brushwood Bob drove, with a calm disregard to the +difficulties of the way, or to the comfort of himself and his +companions, until a small hut, or, rather, shanty, was reached, when he +announced that they were at the end of their journey.</p> + +<p>"Well," said George, as he alighted from the wagon, "so far as being +hidden from view goes, this is a good place; but I fancy it will be +quite a different matter when you try to bring a load of glycerine here. +It would be a job that I should hesitate to undertake."</p> + +<p>"We can make the road all right with a few hours' work, and then we will +put up some kind of a shelter for a stable. But just now fishing, not a +roadway for torpedo wagons, is your aim, and, if you and Ralph will +follow right up on this path, you will come to a stream, from which you +can catch as many trout as you want."</p> + +<p>Taking a generous lunch with them, and wishing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[67]</a></span> Bob success in his work, +George and Ralph set out for a day's fishing, believing that their +connection with the moonlighters was very nearly at an end.</p> + +<p>After leaving Bob, neither of the boys had very much to say about their +adventure of the previous night, for it had terminated so happily that +it no longer worried them, and the thought of the enjoyment they were to +have drove everything else from their minds.</p> + +<p>The stream was as promising a one as the most ardent disciple of Walton +could have desired, and but little time was spent, after they arrived at +its banks, before they had made their first cast.</p> + +<p>The fish were as plenty as Bob had promised, and, when the time came for +their noon-day lunch, they had nearly full baskets of speckled beauties, +that would weigh from a quarter to three-quarters of a pound each.</p> + +<p>During the forenoon they had fished up stream, and, when their lunch was +finished, they started down with the idea that they would reach the path +they had started from just about the time Bob would be ready to return +to the other hut.</p> + +<p>On the way down, there was no necessity that they should fish in +company; therefore, each went along as he chose, with the understanding +that the one who reached the path first should wait for the other.</p> + +<p>Ralph walked on ahead of George, dropping his line at every +promising-looking place in the stream, but meeting with very poor luck, +as compared with the forenoon's work. He only succeeded in catching<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[68]</a></span> +four while returning, when he had captured fully thirty on the way up, +and, owing to the absence of fish, or their disinclination to bite at +his hook, he arrived at the point from which he had started, fully two +hours before he had expected to be there.</p> + +<p>But early as he was, he found Bob impatiently awaiting his arrival, and +the moonlighter's first inquiry was for the absent engineer.</p> + +<p>"We agreed to fish leisurely down stream, expecting to be here about +sunset," replied Ralph. "I fancy he is meeting with better luck than I +did, and that it will be some time before he gets here."</p> + +<p>"Well, we can't wait for him," said Bob, quickly. "We have got +everything so that we can move in to-night, and I want to be off. It +won't do for me to show myself without at least one of you, so we will +send Pete back here to wait for George, and you and I will go on."</p> + +<p>"But how shall I meet him?" asked Ralph, not by any means pleased at +this idea of leaving his friend.</p> + +<p>"That's easy enough to manage. Go back with me, get Harnett's team, come +back here behind us, get him and drive home to Kenniston's. You will be +there by ten o'clock, and we shall see you at breakfast time."</p> + +<p>"But I don't like to leave George, for I promised him I would wait for +him here."</p> + +<p>"Ah, that will be all right, for Pete will explain matters to him."</p> + +<p>And, as he spoke, Bob dragged Ralph along, regardless<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[69]</a></span> alike of his +remonstrances or his struggles.</p> + +<p>On arriving at the shanty the old negro was given his instructions, and +without further delay the two started, Ralph feeling decidedly +uncomfortable, for it seemed to him that, in some way, he had no idea +how, he was being forced to take part in another of Bob's schemes.</p> + + +<p class="back"><a href="#contents">Back to contents</a></p> + +<hr /> + +<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[70]</a></span><a name="IX" id="IX"></a>CHAPTER IX.<br /> +<br /> +<small>THE NIGHT DRIVE OF THE TORPEDO WAGON.</small></h2> + + +<p><span class="smcap">Bob</span> was in such good spirits as he drove along toward the hut he was +about to abandon, that if Ralph had been in the least degree suspicious, +he would have believed that it was a portion of the young moonlighter's +plan to separate him from his friend. Although, if such an idea had +presented itself to Ralph, he would have been at a loss to understand +how such a separation could have affected Bob's interest.</p> + +<p>Had the young student been more acquainted with the work of the +moonlighters, however, he would have understood that another wagon +behind the one containing the tools and materials for well-shooting +would aid very decidedly in allowing the first team to escape, in case +it was pursued.</p> + +<p>Then again, Ralph did not know that it was against the laws of any town +to convey nitro-glycerine through its streets, and that, in thus moving +his quarters, Bob not only ran the chance of being pursued by the +torpedo detectives, but also by the authorities of the town through +which he must pass in order to get to his new camp.</p> + +<p>Had George been with Ralph, the two would<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[71]</a></span> simply have driven back to +the hut in the woods, and from there to Farmer Kenniston's home. But, in +his absence, it would be necessary for Ralph to follow Bob back in +Harnett's team for the purpose of taking his friend home.</p> + +<p>However earnestly the young student had resolved not to have anything +more to do with the moonlighters, either actively or as a spectator, he +was, by chance and Bob's scheming, aiding them in a more active and more +dangerous way than ever before.</p> + +<p>"We shall come right back," said Bob, in a reassuring tone, as he saw +how ill at ease Ralph felt, "and George won't have any longer time to +wait than will be pleasant, because of his weariness."</p> + +<p>"Still I had much rather waited for him," replied Ralph.</p> + +<p>And then, when it was too late, he began to blame himself for not having +insisted on staying behind as George proposed.</p> + +<p>"It is much better this way, because it will be a saving of time for +him," replied Bob.</p> + +<p>And then he began to tell stories and make himself generally agreeable, +in order to allay any suspicions that might arise in his companion's +mind.</p> + +<p>In this, Bob was so far successful that when they arrived at the hut +where Jim and Dick were waiting, Ralph had nearly forgotten his vexation +at having left George, and believed that no better fellow or more +agreeable companion than Bob Hubbard could be found in all the oil +region.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[72]</a></span>Dick and Jim had not been idle while the others had been away, and +everything in the hut was made ready for immediate removal.</p> + +<p>Bob told them briefly of the hiding-place he had found, and then the +work of loading the wagons was begun, Ralph noting with a slight feeling +of resentment, that George's team was to be loaded as well as the +others.</p> + +<p>The torpedo wagon was already laden with its dangerous load, and Bob +showed it to him as a new feature of the oil business which he had not +seen in operation the night previous because of Newcombe's vigilance.</p> + +<p>To all outward appearance it was a long-bodied box buggy, with a much +deeper seat than is usually seen, and with a double set of +finely-tempered springs to prevent, as much as possible, any jolting of +the load. When the seat was turned over, working on hinges placed in +front, the peculiar formation of the vehicle was seen. That portion of +the carriage usually covered by the seat, was divided into sixteen +compartments, each padded over springs, and formed with as much care as +a jewel casket. In each of these compartments was a can of +nitro-glycerine, protected from any undue-concussion or jolting by the +springs within as well as without.</p> + +<p>At each end, on the left side of the wagon, rose a slender iron rod, +fashioned at the top like the letter U, which was used as a +resting-place for the tin cartridges, and rising high enough to be out +of the way of the driver.</p> + +<p>"There are one hundred and twenty-eight quarts<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[73]</a></span> of glycerine in that +little cart," said Bob, as he gazed at it admiringly, "and if any one +chooses to chase us through Sawyer, they'll take precious good care that +they don't get very near. You see, the officers must keep up a show of +activity in trying to prevent us from driving through the town; but they +are careful not to run us down too sharply."</p> + +<p>Ralph had not the slightest idea of what Bob meant when he spoke of +officers in the town chasing them, and would have asked for an +explanation then had not the moonlighter hurried away to get the other +teams ready.</p> + +<p>It was then dark, and the boys were anxious to make the journey as +quickly as possible, for it was a task about which even they did not +feel wholly at ease.</p> + +<p>In the carriage Bob and Ralph had just come in, were packed the tools, +provisions, sheet-tin, and such material as made a heavy load, while in +George's buggy, was the bedding and other light articles, which made up +a bulky load, but one in which there was but little weight.</p> + +<p>After the three teams had been loaded, the house locked and barred as +carefully as if the inmates were yet within, and the stable door secured +by Jim, who barred it from the interior and then clambered out of the +window in the loft, Bob called his two partners one side for a private +consultation.</p> + +<p>Without knowing why, Ralph felt decidedly uncomfortable at this secrecy. +It was true that he had no desire to be told all the details of this +somewhat questionable business, but it seemed to him as<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[74]</a></span> if he was in +some way the subject of their conversation—as if he had been and was +again to be duped, and Bob was explaining the scheme to his partners.</p> + +<p>It was some time before the private portion of their consultation was +over, and then Bob said, sufficiently loud for Ralph to hear, much as if +that had been all they were talking of:</p> + +<p>"Now remember. We are to keep close together until we get through +Sawyer. Then, if we are followed, you are to give me a chance to get +ahead, and you will keep straight on until you tire them out, if you +drive all night. Ralph," he added, "Jim knows the road and you don't, so +I am going to let him drive for you."</p> + +<p>Then Bob got into the torpedo-wagon, Dick mounted the one that had come +from the new camp, Jim and Ralph clambered into George's team, and in +that order they started toward the highway, Bob driving leisurely, as if +to keep his horses fresh, in case they were called upon for any unusual +exertion.</p> + +<p>The orders Bob had given aroused in Ralph's mind, now that it was too +late to make any objection, the suspicions that his pleasing manner had +lulled. He began to see why it was he had been hurried away before +George came.</p> + +<p>The torpedo-wagon was the one that the authorities would attempt to +capture, if they saw it, and George's team, being in the rear, would be +the one that would most likely stand the brunt of the pursuit, in case +one was made. The other two teams being ahead, could turn from the road +into the woods, at a favorable opportunity, while George's<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[75]</a></span> horses would +lure the officers away from the tell-tale loads.</p> + +<p>Ralph knew perfectly well that had Harnett come from the stream at the +same time he did, his team would not have been used as a "cover," for he +had no desire to implicate himself with the moonlighters, even if they +were his friends, and would possibly have refused to act, or allow his +team to act, any such part.</p> + +<p>But while all these ideas passed through Ralph's mind, he was not +certain he was correct in his suppositions, and it was, so he thought, +not advisable for him to say anything until the time came when Bob's +plans were made apparent. Besides, he hoped that the officers would not +see them, that there would be no necessity for flight, and that George's +horses would be restored to their owner, fresh and in good condition.</p> + +<p>During the first two miles of their journey, there was nothing to which +the most careful person could have taken objection, unless, indeed, it +was the fact of riding behind a carriage loaded with nitro-glycerine, +which was by no means a pleasant thing to do, and then the little town +of Sawyer was reached.</p> + +<p>Up to this time the horses had trotted slowly; but on entering the town, +Bob set the example of driving faster, and all three teams were urged +along at full speed.</p> + +<p>It surely seemed as if the moving of the moonlighters' property was to +be accomplished without difficulty, for the outskirts of Sawyer had +nearly been passed before any sign was made that they had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[76]</a></span> been +observed, and then the clattering of horses' hoofs was heard, at the +same time that a voice cried:</p> + +<p>"Halt!"</p> + +<p>The time had come when Ralph was to learn whether Bob was making a +cat's-paw of him or not, and the suspicions he had had fast became +certainties.</p> + +<p>No reply was made by the moonlighters; but the horses were urged to +still greater speed, and the race had begun.</p> + +<p>"Don't drive so fast!" said Ralph, believing the time had come for him +to act in George's behalf.</p> + +<p>"Why not?" asked Jim, coolly. "They'll overhaul us if we don't put on +all steam."</p> + +<p>"And what if they do? This is Harnett's team, and there is no reason why +we should run away."</p> + +<p>"What about all these things that are in here?"</p> + +<p>"There is nothing here but what we have a perfect right to carry, and I +know that George will be angry by running away from the officers with +his team, which is probably well known. We seem to be doing something +which we have no right to do," said Ralph, sternly, at the same time +that he endeavored to get possession of the reins.</p> + +<p>"Look out! Don't make a fool of yourself!" cried Jim, sharply.</p> + +<p>And he urged the horses on until he had worked them up into such a state +that it required all his strength to hold them.</p> + +<p>To have attempted to seize the reins then would simply have been to +capsize the buggy, for the road was so rough that the least deviation +from the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[77]</a></span> beaten track, at the pace the horses were then going, would +have been fatal, and Ralph was obliged to acquiesce in the flight by +remaining perfectly quiet.</p> + +<p>On the horses dashed as if bent on the destruction of the carriage. +Behind could be heard the clatter of hoofs, as the pursuers did their +best to overtake the violators of the law, and in the advance was the +carriage, with its deadly load, that the least concussion would liberate +in all its dreadful power.</p> + + +<p class="back"><a href="#contents">Back to contents</a></p> + +<hr /> + +<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[78]</a></span><a name="X" id="X"></a>CHAPTER X.<br /> +<br /> +<small>THE RETURN.</small></h2> + + +<p><span class="smcap">In</span> the excitement of the flight, and the sorrow caused by the thought of +the injury which was being done his friend, in which he was forced, +unwillingly, to take part, Ralph almost entirely forgot the dangerous +load in advance, until an exclamation of triumph from Jim caused him to +look ahead, when he discovered that Bob was no longer in sight.</p> + +<p>Ralph was almost certain that they had just passed the road that led to +the new camp, and equally positive that Bob had driven in at that point, +but there was nothing to show that the torpedo-wagon had been driven in +there, and Jim was too much occupied with his efforts to keep in advance +of his pursuers to answer a question, or even to speak.</p> + +<p>George's horses, of whom he was so fond that he would never allow them +to be forced to full speed, were urged by both whip and word until they +could no longer trot, but were running madly on, while the light +carriage swayed from one side of the road to the other, until it seemed +certain it would be overturned.</p> + +<p>Ralph was powerless to prevent such use of his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[79]</a></span> friend's property, but +he entered his protest against it by saying:</p> + +<p>"This matter of using George's team to permit your own to escape is +something on which I have not been consulted, nor have I been permitted +to say anything about it. I think I understand why Hubbard got me away +from the stream before George came down, and I say to you now, as I +shall say to both of your friends, that it is a mean piece of business, +and one which I would do all in my power to prevent if it was possible +for me to do so without running the risk of doing more harm than good."</p> + +<p>"Oh, that's all right," replied Jim, as he tried to urge the already +nearly-exhausted horses to still greater exertions.</p> + +<p>But Ralph had no idea as to what he meant by "all right." If he meant +that there was no harm in driving at such a mad pace, Ralph was certain +he was wrong, and if he wished to convey the impression that Harnett +would not be angry, the young student was equally certain he was +mistaken.</p> + +<p>The sounds made by the pursuers seemed to be dying away in the distance, +as if the pace was too fast for them, and as Dick guided his team +skillfully into the woods, two miles beyond where Bob had disappeared; +Jim gave vent to another yell of triumph.</p> + +<p>The moonlighters' property was safe, and it only remained to be seen how +much Harnett was to suffer by the flight.</p> + +<p>The now thoroughly maddened horses were dashing along the rough road at +a most reckless pace,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[80]</a></span> and Ralph shuddered at the thought of what the +result might be if they should meet any teams either coming or going. +But, fortunately, it was so late in the night that thus far they had +seen no travelers, and the only hope was that they would be equally +successful until the wild flight was ended.</p> + +<p>On and on Jim urged the horses, with no signs of checking their speed, +until finally, when it was no longer possible to hear any sounds from +the rear, Ralph said:</p> + +<p>"I don't hear any one behind, and if you do not pull the horses up soon, +you will ruin them, if, indeed, you have not done so already."</p> + +<p>As near as Ralph could judge, they were fully ten miles beyond the place +where Bob had left the road, when Jim began to quiet the frightened +animals, and before another mile had been traveled, he had succeeded so +far as to make them sober down to a walk.</p> + +<p>Guiding them to one side of the road, where it chanced to be very broad, +Jim brought them to a full stop, and Ralph leaped out to examine them.</p> + +<p>The glossy coats of the beautiful animals were wet with perspiration, +and covered with foam until they looked like white horses marked with +small patches of black; their red, dilating nostrils and heaving flanks +told of the effect the mad pace had had upon them, and they looked as if +it would have been impossible for them to have run another mile.</p> + +<p>Ralph even believed that they were already exhausted, and that they were +utterly ruined; but Jim<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[81]</a></span> treated his fears as childish, being hardly +willing to follow out the suggestions made.</p> + +<p>"If they are not foundered already they will be unless we do something +for them at once. Let's rub them down thoroughly, and then start them +back at a walk."</p> + +<p>Jim objected to doing what he considered useless work, and would have +started the exhausted animals on the return at once, if Ralph had not +assumed a tone that startled him.</p> + +<p>"During the ride I held my peace, because I could do no good; but now I +want you distinctly to understand that you will do as I say in regard to +caring for these horses, or there will be trouble between us. I should +not hesitate for a moment, after what you have done, to leave you here +and drive back alone."</p> + +<p>"You might not hesitate, providing you could get me out of the +carriage," replied Jim, pertly; "but I might have something to say if +you should attempt any interference."</p> + +<p>"Look here, Mr. James Lansel," said Ralph, decidedly, trying not to +betray by his voice the anger he felt, "you will please understand now +that I have interfered, and that I shall do exactly what I say. You will +come out here and help me to care for these horses you have abused, or I +shall endeavor to prove to your entire satisfaction which one of us is +master."</p> + +<p>While Ralph had been speaking he had unfastened the traces of the +horses, and by the time he concluded, one of the animals was clear from +the carriage. Had he not done so it is extremely probable<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[82]</a></span> that Jim +might have tried to run away and leave him, instead of being left. As it +was, however, he apparently did not think it either a pleasant or a safe +operation to measure strength with a boy fresh from school, and after a +moment's hesitation, in a very sulky sort of way he alighted, doing as +Ralph had commanded.</p> + +<p>The gallant little steeds were rubbed down well with dried grass; Ralph +rinsed their mouths out as cleanly as possible with water from the side +of the road, but taking good care not to allow them any to drink, and +for an hour the two boys—one through fear, and the other because of his +care for his friend's property—did all they could for the comfort of +the animals.</p> + +<p>During all this time Jim had not spoken once, and Ralph was quite +content to let him sulk as much as he wished; he felt as though Jim and +his partners had done him a grievous wrong in placing him in such a +position as made it seem that he had aided in the abusing and temporary +theft of George's horses, and if the entire party of moonlighters chose +to be angry with him he did not care.</p> + +<p>At the end of the hour Ralph said to the still angry, injured Jim:</p> + +<p>"We will harness them now, and I will drive on the way back."</p> + +<p>"You can do just as you please," replied Jim, "I've got nothing to do +with it, and I wash my hands of the whole affair."</p> + +<p>"You may wash your hands of this portion of the affair as much as you +please; but you'll take the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[83]</a></span> full share of responsibility for having +driven out here."</p> + +<p>Jim made no reply, which was a matter of but little moment, so Ralph +thought; but he assisted in harnessing the horses, and when that was +done, he took his seat in the carriage like a martyr.</p> + +<p>Ralph followed him, and, gathering up the reins, he allowed the horses +to choose their own gait going back, a tenderness towards animals that +Jim looked upon with the most supreme contempt.</p> + +<p>As a matter of course, their progress was very slow, for the animals +were so weary that they had no desire to go faster than a walk; and +still, without speaking, the two boys rode on, occupying three hours in +returning over the same distance they had come in one.</p> + +<p>To find in the night the place into which Bob had driven was an +extremely difficult task, and more than once did Ralph stop the horses +by the side of the road, calling vigorously to George, in the belief +that they had reached the new quarters of the moonlighters.</p> + +<p>It was not until after they had made four such mistakes that they heard +George's voice in reply, and then he and Pete came out to lead the +horses in through the thicket of bushes that screened the entrance of +the road.</p> + +<p>Ralph saw at once by the look on his friend's face, and the solicitude +with which he examined his horses, that Bob had told the first portion +of the story, which had been more than displeasing to him.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[84]</a></span>"Did you drive all the way, Ralph?" he asked.</p> + +<p>And his tone was far from being as friendly as usual.</p> + +<p>"I had nothing whatever to do with the horses or the trip, except to +help rub them down when we stopped, and to drive home," replied Ralph, +almost indignant that George should think even for a moment that he +would have countenanced such a thing.</p> + +<p>Harnett said no more then, but busied himself in caring for the animals +by unharnessing and feeding them.</p> + +<p>Jim soon joined his partners in the hut, and after he had gone, George +asked Ralph for the particulars of the chase, which were given minutely.</p> + +<p>After he had finished the story, not without several interruptions from +George, he asked:</p> + +<p>"How long are you going to stay here?"</p> + +<p>"Only until morning. I would have gone home to-night if the horses had +not had such a long and hard drive; but as it is, we can do no better +than to stay here a while, and early in the morning we will say good-by +to Mr. Bob Hubbard and his partners, trying to get out of the trouble +they have placed us in as cheaply as possible."</p> + +<p>"Why, is there anything new?" asked Ralph, anxiously.</p> + +<p>"Nothing save this last scheme of Bob's, and that is quite enough. I +don't consider shooting wells as anything really illegal, for I do not +believe that the patent can be held. But when it comes to violating a +town ordinance by carrying a large quantity of nitro-glycerine through +it in the manner Bob did, I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[85]</a></span> consider a great wrong has been done, for +it endangers the lives of every one living there. We shall probably hear +from it very soon, for my team is well known in Sawyer. Then again, Bob +knew that such a thing would injure me seriously in my business. I set +myself up as civil engineer, and thereby ask people to employ me. That +they will have every reason to refuse to do when they see me mixed up +with Bob Hubbard's mad actions."</p> + +<p>Ralph had thought the matter serious enough before; but now he +understood from what George had said just how much trouble might grow +out of it, and all the anger he had felt during the ride was revived.</p> + +<p>"I wish I had stopped the horses, as I had a mind to do during the +drive, regardless of whether I smashed the carriage or not," he said, +bitterly. "I felt that things were going wrong in some way when I first +left here with Bob, but I didn't know in what way, and what he said was +so practical that I couldn't give a single good reason as to why I +should not do as he said."</p> + +<p>"I'm not blaming you, Ralph, for I know as well as you do that it was +not your fault. It was a portion of one of Bob's schemes, and, without +caring how much he has injured us, he is probably congratulating himself +on its perfect success. But come, let's go and lie down for a little +while, and when we do get away from here in the morning, we will be +careful not to place ourselves where Bob can use us again."</p> + + +<p class="back"><a href="#contents">Back to contents</a></p> + +<hr /> + +<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[86]</a></span><a name="XI" id="XI"></a>CHAPTER XI.<br /> +<br /> +<small>THE STORM IN THE VALLEY.</small></h2> + + +<p><span class="smcap">Judging</span> from appearances, when they entered the new cabin of the +moonlighters, Ralph concluded that George had said some hard things to +Bob because of the part he had obliged him to play. When the two went in +to get the few hours of sleep they needed so sadly, for they had been +awake during all of the previous night, no one spoke. They were all +having what Ralph afterward described as a grand sulking match; but +neither one of their guests paid the slightest attention to their ill +humor.</p> + +<p>It was then very late in the night, and, tired as each one was, it was +but a few moments before the camp was in a state of complete repose, +from which neither moonlighter, engineer nor student awakened until the +sun had been looking in upon them nearly an hour.</p> + +<p>If Bob had been cross the previous evening, his sleep had restored him +to his usual good humor, and he greeted Ralph and George with the +cheeriest of smiles.</p> + +<p>"I say, old fellow," he began, when Harnett returned from making his +toilet at the brook-side, "I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[87]</a></span> realize that we played you a dirty kind of +a trick in using your team as we did last night; but at the time I was +so anxious to get everything over here all right that I did not stop to +think about it. Of course, I can't undo what has been done, but if any +money trouble comes to you because of last night's work, neither you nor +Gurney shall lose a cent. Try to forget it, won't you, George? Shake +hands with me, and say that you will."</p> + +<p>Very few could withstand Bob Hubbard when he spoke as he did then, and +Harnett's anger began to vanish immediately his moonlighting friend +spoke.</p> + +<p>"We'll say no more about it, Bob; and I'll believe you wouldn't have +done such a thing to me if you had taken time to think it over," replied +George, as he shook hands not only with Bob, but with the other two.</p> + +<p>"Now, Gurney, come right up, and say that you bear no grudge against +Jim. He knows that you were in the right when you insisted on having the +horses cared for, and he would have known it last night if he hadn't got +excited, as he always does when anything is up."</p> + +<p>Jim came up with outstretched hand as Bob spoke, and in a few moments +the party were friendly once more, although the determination which +Ralph and George had formed, relative to not visiting the moonlighters +in their haunts again, was still as strong as ever.</p> + +<p>With the provisions they had on hand, and the fish that had been caught +the day before, Pete served<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[88]</a></span> up such a breakfast as would have tempted +an epicure, and it may be imagined with what zest these hungry boys +attacked it.</p> + +<p>Bob and his party intended to remain where they were during that day, at +least, for it would be necessary to do many things to the shanty before +it would be even a secure hiding-place for their goods, and although +they urged that their visitors remain with them, George was still firm +in his determination to return to the Kenniston farm as soon as he had +finished breakfast.</p> + +<p>It was not until after Bob had exhausted every other argument in vain +that he said:</p> + +<p>"I think it would be much better, George, if you should stay here +to-day, and give the people a chance to cool off in regard to last +night's proceedings. If you go through Sawyer this morning, <a name="they" id="they"></a><ins title="Transcriber's Note: Original has thay.">they</ins> +may make it disagreeable for you."</p> + +<p>"That is one reason why I am determined to go at once. If any trouble is +to come of your drive, I want it over as soon as possible, and the +sooner I show myself in Sawyer, the more satisfied I shall feel."</p> + +<p>"But the chances are that the matter will drop through if you keep out +of sight for a day or two," persisted Bob, almost entreatingly.</p> + +<p>"And I don't want it to drop through. If they propose to make any +trouble, I prefer to meet them rather than wait around in the hope that +it will be forgotten. I am obliged to earn my living, and from these +people here, for the time being. Therefore, they will be doing me a very +great favor if they<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[89]</a></span> find out exactly how far I am responsible for last +night's work."</p> + +<p>It was useless to attempt to persuade George to do other than that which +he had decided upon, and Bob recognized that fact. He said nothing more +against the departure of his guests, but did all in his power to aid +them in getting ready for the journey.</p> + +<p>The horses did not appear to be affected in the least by their hard +drive on the previous night, and this, more than anything else, caused +George to feel less hard toward his friends, the moonlighters.</p> + +<p>It was nine o'clock in the morning before Ralph and George were ready to +set out, and as they were starting, Bob called out:</p> + +<p>"Remember, we shall stand whatever my drive may cost you, and this +evening we will meet you at home."</p> + +<p>There was a feeling of positive relief in Ralph's heart when they drove +out into the road, the trees behind shutting out the moonlighters from +view. It was as if he had been suffering from some disagreeable +nightmare, and he would have been thankful it was ended if it was not +for the awakening in the form of driving through Sawyer, liable to be +arrested at any moment.</p> + +<p>"George," he asked, at length, "do you really think that what was done +last night will injure your business prospects?"</p> + +<p>"I feel so certain of it that I shall begin to make preparations to +leave here as soon as I finish what I have on hand. I certainly know +that I would not<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[90]</a></span> employ a man who would deliberately assist in carrying +a large quantity of glycerine through a town, and at the same time drive +in the most reckless manner."</p> + +<p>"But you can prove that you were not with the party, and that you knew +nothing of what was being done."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I can prove that, if they give me the opportunity, and I am now in +the position of a man who longs most ardently to be arrested, but yet +who does not dare to appear too eager about it."</p> + +<p>"I can't say that I want to be arrested," said Ralph, dubiously, "for +father and mother would think I had been doing something terrible; but I +would be perfectly willing to stand it if it would do you any good."</p> + +<p>"It is about the only thing that can do me any good," replied George, +decidedly; and then he added, quickly: "But we won't talk any more about +it. Let us enjoy this ride thoroughly, for we have just escaped from the +moonlighters' den. I can't say, however, that our troubles are entirely +over; for, by the looks of those black clouds, we shall stand a chance +of getting a drenching."</p> + +<p>It was as George had said. The sky, which had been cloudless when they +started, was now being obscured by black, angry-looking clouds, which +threatened at any moment to break and pour their burden of water upon +the parched earth.</p> + +<p>Had they been riding where no shelter could be found, both the boys +would have been alarmed, for there was every indication of a heavy +shower; but<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[91]</a></span> since there were houses along the road in which they could +take shelter at almost any moment, they rode on, determined to get as +near as possible to their destination before the storm burst.</p> + +<p>George urged the horses along, hoping that they might reach the town of +Sawyer before the rain came; but in this he was mistaken, for, before +they had ridden five minutes from the time he first spoke, the great +drops that acted as <em>avant couriers</em> to the large body of water, +descended, and the boys had just time to drive under a rude shed before +the storm was upon them.</p> + +<p>A vivid flash of lightning, followed immediately by a deafening peal of +thunder, was the prelude to as terrific a thunder-storm as the boys had +ever seen, and, as the rain descended in what seemed to be sheets of +water rather than drops, the lightning flashed almost incessantly, while +the thunder roared until it seemed as if the very earth was shaken.</p> + +<p>Even George had never passed a summer in this section of the country +before, and he knew no more than did Ralph the destruction often caused +by the electric current where so much inflammable material is stored.</p> + +<p>Without a thought of the possible catastrophe that might occur, they +remained under their apology for a shelter, through which the water +poured in anything but tiny streams, looking out at the majestic +spectacle, fearing only that the wind might throw the frail shed down +upon them.</p> + +<p>"Look there!" cried Ralph, as an unusually brilliant flash was seen. "It +almost appeared as if the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[92]</a></span> lightning ran entirely around that oil-tank. +I wonder if those are ever struck?"</p> + +<p>"It must make sad work if they are," replied George, thinking for the +first time of such a possibility. "In that tank alone there must be +fully thirty-five thousand barrels of oil, and the conflagration would +be something terrible."</p> + +<p>He had hardly ceased speaking, when there came a flash that almost +blinded them as it descended directly on the top of a huge derrick, +crackling and hissing as it came, and in what seemed to be the slightest +possible fraction of time, the air was filled with fragments of the +heavy timbers, while, despite the pouring rain, a sulphurous odor was +perceptible.</p> + +<p>The derrick had been struck, and its thousand fragments strewed the +earth in every direction.</p> + +<p>"How terrible!" cried Ralph, as he covered his face with is hands in +affright, for never before had he witnessed the terrific force of the +lightning's bolt.</p> + +<p>George stood at the door of the shed, restless, regardless alike of the +deluge of water that fell upon him, and of the neighing and stamping of +the frightened horses; he was like one fascinated by the awful majesty +of that which he saw everywhere around him.</p> + +<p>His gaze was directed toward the largest oil tank in the valley, while +it seemed as if some will stronger than his own impelled him to look at +this enormous construction of iron, filled with its easily ignited +contents; and as he thus stood, awed into silence, it seemed to him that +the largest cloud was rent entirely<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[93]</a></span> asunder, while from its very center +a torrent of fire was poured on to the tank, from which the flames +appeared to leap to meet the shaft from heaven.</p> + +<p>In an instant the entire body of oil was a seething mass of flames, +while the very rain seemed to add to their fury. One of the largest +tanks in the valley had been struck, and the destruction threatened +every living thing that could not flee to the mountains from the river +of fire that poured out over the shattered iron sides of the tank.</p> + + +<p class="back"><a href="#contents">Back to contents</a></p> + +<hr /> + +<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[94]</a></span><a name="XII" id="XII"></a>CHAPTER XII.<br /> +<br /> +<small>THE CONFLAGRATION.</small></h2> + + +<p><span class="smcap">The</span> grandeur of the scene upon which George and Ralph looked was +indescribable, the slightest detail of which once seen could never be +forgotten.</p> + +<p>The lurid flames, surmounted by the thick, black smoke, towered upward +as if to meet the lightning's flash, and then, as the wind and rain beat +it down for a moment, the heavy clouds of smoke rolled down the valley +like some funereal pall sent in advance of the death and destruction +that was to come.</p> + +<p>"What can we do?" cried Ralph, when the awe which the scene had brought +with it gave place to fear for others, and a desire to avert suffering +and destruction.</p> + +<p>"We can do nothing," replied George, in a low tone. "We do not even know +how to fight the burning oil, and are powerless to do anything, at least +until others shall come to direct the work."</p> + +<p>"But we can surely give the alarm and arouse the people," cried Ralph, +as he attempted to rush out of the shed, but was prevented by George.</p> + +<p>"Do you think there is any one within two miles of here who cannot see +that blaze?" asked George, as he pointed to the mountain of flame. "We +can<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[95]</a></span> accomplish nothing, therefore we will remain here quiet until those +who are familiar with such scenes shall come."</p> + +<p>Ralph recognized the common sense of George's suggestion even when it +seemed impossible that he could remain idle, and while the two stood +outside the shed, regardless of the furious rain, waiting for those to +come who could direct their labor, they witnessed another scene, fitting +companion to the one already pictured.</p> + +<p>The lightning flashes were as vivid and rapid as ever, save that the +glare may have seemed a trifle less blinding because of the flames, and +there was no sign that the storm was decreasing. Suddenly, even while it +appeared as if a small whirlwind enveloped a derrick that stood on the +hill on the opposite side of the valley, another storm of fire descended +from the sky, wrapping the heavy timbers in flames without shattering +them, and flinging angry tongues of fire on nearly every timber in the +towering pile.</p> + +<p>For a few moments this lofty beacon burned as if trying to outshine the +larger conflagration, and then, as the heat grew more intense, the small +tank at its base became a receptacle for flames, which, overflowing, +poured an angry stream of fire down the side of the mountain, igniting +the various deposits of oil in its course.</p> + +<p>In an incredibly short space of time, the valley, which had but a few +moments before been deluged with water, was covered with flames and +burning streams, which the rain appeared to feed rather than +extinguish.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[96]</a></span>Then, as rapidly as they had come, the storm-clouds cleared away, the +rain ceased, and the sun came out, clear and hot, but unable to send its +rays through the impenetrable clouds of smoke which overhung the +lowland, and wrapped the hills with a sable shroud.</p> + +<p>Others besides Ralph and George had seen the first damage done by the +lightning, for, living where such scenes were not infrequent, they +feared, at each threatened storm, just that catastrophe which had +occurred, and a small army of men were already on the scene by the time +the two boys had recovered from the awe which had come upon them with +this second danger that was pouring down upon the valley from the +mountain-side.</p> + +<p>It seemed a useless, because impossible, task to attempt to check the +progress of or extinguish the burning oil, and yet the assembled +multitude attacked it with a will that seemed all the more heroic +because of the well-nigh hopelessness of the labor.</p> + +<p>Fastening the now thoroughly frightened horses so that they could not +release themselves from the shed, which was situated on ground +sufficiently high to prevent the burning torrent from flowing around it, +Ralph and George threw off their coats and vests, preparatory to doing +what they could to check the course of this servant of man, now become +master.</p> + +<p>Quantities of shovels and pickaxes had been brought at the first alarm, +and, armed with one of these, Ralph and George joined the others in +throwing up embankments to check the course of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[97]</a></span> streams of burning +oil, in order to hold them confined until the liquid should be consumed.</p> + +<p>Then women and children were aiding in the work, for it was to save +their homes from destruction that they labored, and foremost among them +ever was George, struggling against the fire-fiend, as if everything the +world held dear to him was in danger of destruction.</p> + +<p>Then came the call for volunteers to get the cannon, which were nearly +two miles away, that solid shot might be fired into the tank to open a +passage for the oil not yet ignited, and Ralph was the first to offer +his services.</p> + +<p>He had already had some considerable experience in artillery practice, +and when George explained this to some of those who were directing the +work, Ralph was gladly accepted to take charge of the guns.</p> + +<p>He was a gunner without any artillery, but twice as many men as were +necessary started at full speed toward the town, and in a short time the +only two cannon that could be procured, without going to Bradford, were +on the ground, while Ralph was hastily preparing the charges of powder.</p> + +<p>It may be thought that it would not require much skill to hit, at short +range, such a large object as an oil-tank capable of holding thirty-five +thousand barrels; but since, in order to send the ball through the iron +plates it was necessary to hit it full at the place aimed for, otherwise +the projectile would glance off, it can be seen that Ralph was obliged +to exhibit considerable skill.</p> + +<p>While this was being done, the others were throwing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[98]</a></span> up earthworks to +divert the course of the blazing streams, or to dam the oil in such +places as it could burn without damage to other property; and it can +safely be imagined that but little time was spent in watching what the +others were doing.</p> + +<p>After George had announced that Ralph had had experience in the use of +artillery pieces, and after the cannon had been brought from the town, +he was left to superintend the work, a sufficient number of men +remaining near to follow his instructions.</p> + +<p>The day was a hot one, and the heat from the fire, together with that +from the sun, was almost insupportable; but, stripped of all clothing +that could conveniently be cast aside, each one continued at his +self-imposed task of averting the threatened destruction from the town.</p> + +<p>Each moment, despite all that was being done, the flames were creeping +closer and closer to the town, which seemed doomed, and, as the time +passed, every one saw how useless their efforts would be unless the iron +tank could be pierced, allowing a portion of the oil to run off before +it could be ignited.</p> + +<p>Many were the entreaties to Ralph to hurry with his work; but, fully +believing the old adage that "haste makes waste," he completed his +operations with deliberation, only hurrying when he could do so without +running any risk of a failure.</p> + +<p>"Be quick, Ralph," cried George, as he came up, smoke begrimed, and +bearing many traces of his severe work. "Every moment is more than +precious<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[99]</a></span> now; and, even after you begin, you may have to fire several +shots."</p> + +<p>"I shall fire only one at each tank," replied Ralph, calmly. "The pieces +were dirty and rusty, and it would have been a waste of both time and +ammunition to have shot with them before they were cleaned. I am ready +now. Both pieces are loaded, and you shall see both balls count."</p> + +<p>Ralph had been working as near the blazing tanks as the heat would +permit, and as he finished speaking with George, he shouted for those +near by to stand back. Already had the weapons been aimed, and, with a +blazing stick in his hand, he stood ready to show either his skill or +his ignorance.</p> + +<p>Quickly the crowd separated, knowing only too well the value of time, +and Ralph applied the torch.</p> + +<p>The explosion was almost deadened by the roar of the flames and the +sharp reports of the iron plates, as they were broken by the heat, but +above all could be heard the crashing of the iron, as the ball, aimed +perfectly true to the mark, made its way into the oil, allowing it to +spout forth in torrents.</p> + +<p>"Hurrah! hurrah!" burst from the crowd, as they realized that the boy, +whose skill a moment before they had doubted, had done that which would +have required hours for them to do so successfully, and then on every +side arose the demand that another outlet be opened.</p> + +<p>Ralph was perplexed for a moment, since the other cannon was aimed at +the smaller tank, and he had believed that one opening would be +sufficient.</p> + +<p>"You will have to put another shot in," cried<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[100]</a></span> George. "It will take too +long for the oil to run out of that one hole."</p> + +<p>While the crowd were engaged in digging a ditch for the oil that Ralph's +shot had let out, in order that it should not be set on fire by that +which was already blazing, the young student aimed the second cannon.</p> + +<p>Again the word was passed for the people to stand back, and a second +ball was sent crashing into the tank with as true an aim as the first.</p> + +<p>Then, while all save those who were at work on the dam or helping at the +cannon worked at ditches to carry off the unlighted oil, Ralph made +ready for another volley.</p> + +<p>Two perforations were made in the small tank, and two more in the large +one, which admitted of such a discharge of the contents, that all hands +could hasten to the relief of those who were working at the dams.</p> + +<p>Already was the day nearly spent, and yet the fire-fiend was raging with +fury hardly abated. The trees had long since fallen before the fiery +blast; the derricks and buildings of the adjacent wells were consumed, +while inch by inch the oil-fed fire crept nearer the town.</p> + +<p>George had paid no attention to his horses all this time; in fact, he +had hardly thought of them until, almost exhausted, he was obliged to +rest a few moments, or be entirely overcome by the heat.</p> + +<p>Then the recollection of his team, in which he took so much pride, came +to him, and he started towards the shed where he had left them.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[101]</a></span>One glance back at the fiery torrent, which even the children were +trying to turn from the town, and he realized how important was even one +man's labor in this battle with the flames.</p> + +<p>A man on crutches was standing near him as he paused irresolutely, and +to him George said, hurriedly:</p> + +<p>"I left a pair of horses in a light carriage in that shed up yonder when +the fire first broke out. Not even one man can be spared from here now, +and yet my team must be attended to. Crippled as you are, you can be of +no service here; therefore, if you will go there and get them, and then +drive them to some stable in town, I will pay you well for your +trouble."</p> + +<p>"I'll see that they are well taken care of, and come back here to tell +you where they are," said the cripple, as he started towards the shed.</p> + +<p>And George returned to the fight once more.</p> + +<p>Had the men been working where it was cool, by their very numbers they +could have checked the advance of the flames; but hot as it was, fully +half who entered the conflict were overpowered by the heat in a very +short time, or obliged to cease their exertions for a while, as George +had done. Therefore, although fresh recruits were arriving each hour, +not one-third of all the force there could be counted upon as able +workers.</p> + +<p>It was an hour after George had cared for his horses, as he supposed, +that the cripple whom he had engaged to do the work, approached where he +was, by the side of Ralph, strengthening the banks of the ditch that +carried off the escaping oil.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[102]</a></span>"I went up to the shed," shouted the man, "but there wasn't any horses +there, nor carriage either."</p> + +<p>"Where are they?" asked George, in bewilderment.</p> + +<p>"How should I know?" was the reply, in an angry tone.</p> + +<p>And then, before anything more could be said, a shout, almost of +despair, arose from those who were working nearer the town—</p> + +<p>"The waste oil has caught fire!"</p> + +<p>The oil which had been drawn off from the tanks, through the +perforations made by the cannon balls, had been set on fire by the heat +of the blazing stream by its side, and the flames were moving rapidly +toward the two other large tanks in the immediate vicinity.</p> + + +<p class="back"><a href="#contents">Back to contents</a></p> + +<hr /> + +<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[103]</a></span><a name="XIII" id="XIII"></a>CHAPTER XIII.<br /> +<br /> +<small>A FRUITLESS SEARCH.</small></h2> + + +<p><span class="smcap">Many</span> conflagrations, caused by the lightning striking an oil-tank, have +been known since the discovery of petroleum; but none had ever been so +disastrous as the one of which the reader has had but an imperfect +account.</p> + +<p>Forty-five thousand barrels of oil had been consumed or wasted up to the +time as narrated in the previous chapter, and fully as much more was now +threatened by the overflow, which had taken fire, and was shooting forth +flames most dangerously near the other two large tanks.</p> + +<p>At the first alarm the entire force present left whatever they were +working at to combat the new danger, when George and several of those +who, with him, were directing the work, saw at once the peril to which +the town was exposed by this sudden abandonment of the labor which had +been performed for the purpose of presenting an impassable barrier to +the angry flames.</p> + +<p>It was impossible that the now nearly exhausted workers could prevent +the flames from attacking the two tanks upon which they were sweeping, +and if vain labor was spent upon that quarter, the enemy<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[104]</a></span> would, beyond +a doubt, gain possession of the town.</p> + +<p>To keep the men from neglecting the safety of their homes to try +uselessly to save property which could easily be replaced, was +absolutely necessary, and the length of time required to persuade them +to return to the work they had first been engaged in would decide the +fate of the village.</p> + +<p>Leaping directly in front of what had almost become an unreasoning mob, +George and Ralph tried by their strength to resist the impulsive dash +forward, at the same time that they shouted at the full strength of +their lungs the reason why the work nearer the town should not be +neglected.</p> + +<p>For some moments it seemed as if they would be trampled under the feet +of the frightened multitude, and then their coolness won the victory +over unreasoning fear, as it always will whenever displayed.</p> + +<p>The people returned to the more important labor the moment they +understood how fruitless would have been their work in the other +direction, and George aided them by his efforts and advice, while Ralph, +with a dozen assistants, began a cannonading of the other two tanks that +were just beginning to add their fuel to the fearful blaze.</p> + +<p>The breeze, which, caused by the heated air, always springs up during a +conflagration, now rolled the thick, black smoke first in one direction +and then in another, until those who had not already succumbed to the +heat were nearly suffocated, and it seemed impossible that any one could +continue at his work.</p> + +<p>The sun had set, although that fact was hardly<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[105]</a></span> noticed, since for +several hours the heavy smoke had veiled the scene as with the mantle of +night, through which the flames glowed and flashed luridly.</p> + +<p>In the struggle between the men and the flames, first one and then the +other gained a victory; but neither had made any progress.</p> + +<p>Ralph and his assistants had opened vent-holes for the oil in the +last-attacked tanks, thereby preventing fully half the oil from +combustion, although it was entirely lost.</p> + +<p>The female portion of the workers had long since desisted from any +effort to check the flames, and had continued their work by preparing +food for the laborers, carrying it to them that they might not be +obliged to spend any more time than was absolutely necessary in getting +it.</p> + +<p>During all that long night the people worked in relays, that each might +have an opportunity for rest, and when morning came the flames were +well-nigh subdued—not so much through the exertions of those who fought +against them, as because of the fact that there was nothing more +remaining for them to feed upon.</p> + +<p>By that time a small body of watchers, in order to see that the +remaining flames did not overleap the boundaries set, was all that was +necessary at the place where ninety thousand barrels of oil had been +consumed or wasted, and for the first time since the thunderstorm had +cleared away, Ralph and George felt that they were at liberty to go +where they chose. Both were begrimed by the smoke until it would have +puzzled their best friends to tell whether they<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[106]</a></span> were white men or +negroes, and both were in a very dilapidated condition, so far as +clothing was concerned.</p> + +<p>The garments they had cast off when the work of fighting fire was begun, +had been tossed about, trampled on, or scorched until they could no +longer be called serviceable, and, half-clothed, dirty and +disreputable-looking generally as they were, they started wearily for +the town in search of rest, and, what was quite as important, a bath.</p> + +<p>Many times during the night had George thought about his missing horses; +but it was not until he was relieved from all care which the +conflagration had caused, that he began to grow seriously alarmed. It +did not seem possible that any one could have stolen them, and he +cheered himself with the thought that they had simply broken loose and +run away, or that some one living near by had cared for them.</p> + +<p>A visit to the shed where the team had been left dissipated this first +supposition, for there was every indication that the horses had been +taken by some one, since no broken harness was there to tell of flight, +and the door was carefully closed behind them, showing an excess of +precaution on the part of some one, since both doors had been left wide +open when George drove in.</p> + +<p>"Some one must have recognized them as yours, and taken them away +thinking they were not safe while the fire was raging so furiously," +said Ralph, after the survey of the shed was completed, and George +believed such was the case.</p> + +<p>"At all events, we will get a bath and borrow<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[107]</a></span> some clothes first; then +we can soon find out where they are," said George.</p> + +<p>And in pursuance of this plan the boys started towards Sawyer, so weary +that it seemed almost impossible for them to walk.</p> + +<p>It was not a difficult matter for two who had worked as hard and done as +much service as George and Ralph, to get all they required at the town, +once they arrived there, and the bath had revived them so much that both +were in favor of finding the team at once, in order that they might get +what else they required at the Kenniston farm.</p> + +<p>Under ordinary circumstances they could have hired a team with which to +search for their own; but now, with every one in that state of +excitement or prostration which follows such scenes as the inhabitants +of Sawyer had just passed through, it was almost impossible to find any +one sufficiently calm to transact the most ordinary business.</p> + +<p>Twice George made the attempt to hire a horse, and then he gave up what +promised to be a useless effort, both he and Ralph thinking it better to +pursue their inquiries on foot than waste their time by trying to hire a +team, and being obliged to walk after all.</p> + +<p>They began the search by making inquiries in town, of any one whom they +met, and by going to each stable or even barn, looking in each place +large enough to shelter the team; but without seeing any signs of it +whatever.</p> + +<p>Then they started up the road in the direction from which they had just +come, and at the dwelling<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[108]</a></span> nearest the shed where the team had been +left, they heard the first tidings.</p> + +<p>The lady living in this house knew George's team, and said that while +the fire was at its height, when she had come to her house for the +purpose of getting food to carry to her husband, she had seen two men +drive toward Sawyer in it. The men were entire strangers to her, she +said, and they were driving at full speed, but whether that was due to +the fear the horses had of the flames, or to a liberal use of the whip, +she was unable to say. She described the men as being young and well +dressed, and was quite positive that she had never seen them before.</p> + +<p>George's first thought was that his friends, the moonlighters, had taken +the horses away, as a favor to him, and this belief was strengthened +when, on questioning the woman closely, he learned that she did not know +either Jim or Dick even by sight.</p> + +<p>"They probably came down when they saw the smoke," said George, +confidently, to Ralph, "and on finding the team here, knowing we were at +work, have carried it to Farmer Kenniston's."</p> + +<p>"I should have thought they would have tried to find us first, so as to +let us know what they were going to do," said Ralph.</p> + +<p>"In order to have found us, they would have been obliged to meet some of +the people here, and they probably did not think that safe, even though +everyone had so much to attend to."</p> + +<p>"But they would have left word with someone," insisted Ralph.</p> + +<p>"That would have been as bad as to show themselves.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[109]</a></span> Bob probably wants +to make it appear that he hasn't even been in this section of the +country, and if any trouble comes of carrying the glycerine through the +town, he will insist that he hasn't been here."</p> + +<p>Ralph was far from being as positive that they would find the horses at +the Kenniston farm as his friend was, but he contented himself with +waiting until it could be proven, rather than to provoke an argument +when it seemed that, under any circumstances, they had better return +there.</p> + +<p>After some considerable difficulty, the boys found a man who, for a +generous consideration, would carry them to the farm in his wagon, drawn +by a slow, methodical-moving horse, and they set out, George's fears for +the safety of his team entirely allayed, and Ralph's increasing each +moment.</p> + +<p>In order to make sure that the horses had been driven toward the farm, +and not in the direction of Jim's home, George made inquiries of all he +met on the road, as well as at several of the houses.</p> + +<p>Quite a number of people had seen the team, driven along at full speed +by two young men, and had noticed it particularly because they believed +it had been sent to Bradford to get assistance in extinguishing the +fire.</p> + +<p>This continued news caused George to be positive that his horses were +safe at the farm, and in the rapid driving he recognized, or thought he +did, Jim's presence, for that young gentleman was always anxious to get +over the road as fast as possible.</p> + +<p>But when they had arrived within a mile of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[110]</a></span> Farmer Kenniston's home, +they received information of the team which had the effect of arousing +George from his dream of fancied security, so far as his horses were +concerned.</p> + +<p>A farmer who was well acquainted with all three of the moonlighters, had +seen the horses as they were driven past his home on the afternoon of +the previous day, and he was positive that neither Bob, Jim nor Dick was +in the carriage. The men were young, well dressed, and strangers, so far +as George's informant knew, and he was certain that they had not been in +Sawyer, nor in the vicinity, any length of time.</p> + +<p>This aroused all of George's fears, and it was with the greatest +difficulty that he could restrain his impatience until the farm-house +was reached, when the first question asked was as to whether the horses +were there.</p> + +<p>Farmer Kenniston was surprised that such a question should be asked, for +he had seen the team going toward Bradford the day previous, and, as it +was in advance of him at the time, he had no doubt but that it was +George who was driving.</p> + +<p>That the horses had been stolen there could no longer be any doubt, and +how they could be recovered was just what neither of the boys could +decide.</p> + + +<p class="back"><a href="#contents">Back to contents</a></p> + +<hr /> + +<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[111]</a></span><a name="XIV" id="XIV"></a>CHAPTER XIV.<br /> +<br /> +<small>THE PURSUIT.</small></h2> + + +<p><span class="smcap">It</span> was some time before the boys, even with the aid of Farmer +Kenniston's not very valuable advice, could decide upon what course to +pursue for the recovery of the stolen property. The plan which met with +the most favor, however, was that they should take one of the farmer's +teams, and follow in the direction the men had been seen to drive, which +was evidently through Bradford. By making inquiries on the road, they +might be able to track the thieves and overtake them, although this +seemed hardly probable, because of the start of nearly twenty-four hours +which the men had.</p> + +<p>If the trail led through Bradford, they could there notify the +authorities, and also telegraph to the different towns near by; and if +it did not, it was decided that Ralph should leave George, going by +himself to try to intercept the thieves by the aid of the electric +current.</p> + +<p>Farmer Kenniston's best horse, which, by-the-way, was not a very +valuable animal, was soon harnessed into a stout wagon, and the boys set +out, having but little faith in the success of their journey.</p> + +<p>George had taken with him all the money he had,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[112]</a></span> which was a trifle over +two hundred dollars, since they might not only be gone a long while, but +it was quite possible that if they did recover the team, they would be +obliged to incur some heavy expenses.</p> + +<p>Ralph had one hundred dollars, which his father had given him for the +necessary bills while on his vacation, and this he offered to George, in +case he should need on the journey any more than he had. Thus the boys +were, as they believed, amply provided with money, and they intended to +follow the thieves just as long as they could track them.</p> + +<p>On the road to Bradford, George met two men who had seen the team the +day before, and they drove into the town, confident that the men they +were in pursuit of had entered there the day previous.</p> + +<p>Before trying to learn who had seen the horses, George went directly to +the chief of police, told his story, and was assured that before morning +at least the direction in which the men had gone should be made known.</p> + +<p>Under the officer's direction, telegrams were sent to different points +where it was thought probable the thieves might go, and, so far as the +boys were concerned, nothing more could be done until the officers, who +had been sent out to find some news of the team during the time it had +been in Bradford, should return.</p> + +<p>George was not by any means in the mood to remain idle while waiting for +the policemen's report; for the loss of his team, in which he had taken +so much pride, weighed heavily upon him. Instead of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[113]</a></span> waiting in the +police office for some news, he insisted on going out to make inquiries +on his own account, and, as a matter of course, Ralph accompanied him.</p> + +<p>It is an easy matter in the country to stop at each house and inquire if +the occupants have seen a team pass; but the boys found that such a +system could hardly be pursued in the city, since a gentleman might feel +insulted if any one should stop him in the street to ask if he had seen +a pair of horses, attached to a light wagon, pass there twenty-four +hours before.</p> + +<p>This difficulty had not presented itself either to George or Ralph, +until they were on the street, ready to pursue their investigations, and +then they were sadly puzzled to know what to do.</p> + +<p>While they were standing irresolutely in front of the police quarters, +trying to make up their minds how they should proceed, George was +accosted by a rough, but pleasant-looking old gentleman, who appeared +very glad to see him, and at the same time acted as if he was in deep +trouble about something.</p> + +<p>"I am powerful glad to see yer, Mr. Harnett; for I conclude that you've +forgotten all about the promise you made to drive out an' see us every +time you had the chance."</p> + +<p>"And I'm glad to see you, Mr. Simpson," replied George, as he introduced +Ralph to Mr. David Simpson. "I have by no means forgotten my promise to +call upon you, for I spent too many happy hours while I was boarding +with you, when I was surveying the Walters' property, to ever forget +that I should like to go again. I have been at work near<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[114]</a></span> Farmer +Kenniston's, and have not had the time to pay you a visit. But now that +I shall have more leisure, I will drive out some day and bring Ralph +with me."</p> + +<p>"I would be powerful glad to see you, Mr. Harnett," said the old man, +sadly; "but it won't be in the old home, and the good Lord only knows +where the remainder of my old life will be spent."</p> + +<p>"What do you mean, Mr. Simpson?" asked George, in surprise; for the +sadness visible on the old man's face astonished him quite as much as +the singular words did.</p> + +<p>"It means, Mr. Harnett, that I've lost the old place I was raised on, +and all for the lack of a little money. You know that I helped poor Tom +set himself up in business by mortgaging the farm. If the poor boy had +lived, he would have paid it all; but jest when we thought he was +gettin' along so famously, he died. I've walked the streets of this town +all day, hopin' I could find some one who would help me make up the +balance I owe; but the fire yesterday makes everybody feel poor, I +s'pose, an' I couldn't borrow a dollar; so I'm goin' home now to tell +mother that we've got to leave the home where all our babies were born, +and where they all died."</p> + +<p>The old man could not prevent the tears from gathering in his eyes as he +spoke, and both the boys felt an uncomfortably hard lump rise in their +throats as he finished.</p> + +<p>"Can't you persuade your creditor to give you longer time?" asked +George.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[115]</a></span>"I've just come from his office, where I begged harder of him than I +ever begged of man before to take what money I had and wait a year +longer; but he wants my back pasture to piece on to his own, and says he +will foreclose to-morrow," replied the old man.</p> + +<p>And then, as if conscious that he was obtruding his own sorrows on one +whom he had no right to burden with them, he would have changed the +conversation; but George prevented him by asking:</p> + +<p>"How much did you owe him, Mr. Simpson?"</p> + +<p>"Well, you see, I'd kept the interest paid up reg'lar, an' it come to +jest the face of the mortgage, five hundred dollars. I'd managed to +scrape up two hundred an' twenty-five, an' up to this mornin' I'd +reckoned on sellin' the wood lot for enough to make up the balance. But +when the fire come yesterday, the man who was to buy it—'Siah Rich—had +lost so much that he couldn't take it."</p> + +<p>"Was you to sell him the wood-lot for two hundred and seventy-five +dollars?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, an' I think it was well worth that. I didn't really need it, an' +if I could only have sold it I'd been all right, but now the whole +thing's got to go. I don't care so much for myself, but it'll come +powerful hard on the wife, for she does set a store by the old place, if +it is rough-lookin'."</p> + +<p>George beckoned to Ralph to step aside with him, but there was no need +of any consultation just then, for the latter said, quickly:</p> + +<p>"I know what you mean, George, and here is all I have got."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[116]</a></span>As he spoke Ralph handed his friend the roll of bills which was to +enable him to spend a long vacation, and then turned away, as if not +wanting to embarrass the old gentleman by his presence.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Simpson," said George, as he added his own money to that which +Ralph had given him, "between the two of us we have got enough to buy +your wood-lot, and here is the money. Pay the mortgage this afternoon, +and then you can make out a deed to these two names."</p> + +<p>George wrote his own and Ralph's name on a slip of paper, which he +handed to the old man at the same time he gave him the money.</p> + +<p>"But I can't take this, Mr. Harnett," he said, while at the same time +his face showed how delighted he would be to keep it. "You and your +friend don't want my wood-lot, an' you only offer me this money because +I have been tellin' you of my troubles, like a beggar, an' an old fool +that I am. Take it back, Mr Harnett, an' mother an' I won't feel half so +bad about goin' away when we've once left."</p> + +<p>"But suppose I tell you that we want to buy the land on a speculation?" +said George, with a smile. "There may be oil there, and we may want to +sink a well."</p> + +<p>"You wouldn't buy that land if it was oil you were after. One time I did +think we might strike it, but those as know told me there wasn't any +there, after they'd looked the property over," replied the old man, as +with trembling hand he held the money toward George.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[117]</a></span>"Well, we'll buy the land, anyway," said the young engineer, with a +smile. "You have said that it was worth that amount of money, and we may +be able to sell it for more than we paid you, even if there isn't any +oil. So have the deed made out, and leave it for me at Farmer +Kenniston's."</p> + +<p>Then, before the old man could make any further reply, George walked +swiftly on, followed by Ralph, and Mr. Simpson was left to enjoy the +generosity which enabled him still to retain the home that was made dear +both to him and his wife by so many pleasant, and at the same time sad, +recollections.</p> + +<p>"Well?" he said, inquiringly, when he and Ralph had left Mr. Simpson +some distance behind, wondering if the good fortune which had come to +him was real or not.</p> + +<p>"Well?" repeated Ralph, laughing. "I suppose you mean to ask if I am +sorry for what I have done? Not a bit of it, for I can get father to +give me money enough to pay for my ticket home, while, simply at the +expense of a little enjoyment, we have made that old man happy. But how +will it affect you, George? How can you search for your horses if you +have no money?"</p> + +<p>"From the united funds we have twenty-three dollars left, and if that is +not enough then the horses must remain lost, for I would willingly have +given them up rather than that Mr. Simpson and his wife should have been +turned homeless into the world."</p> + +<p>"If you think that way, then I think we have done a good thing, and we +certainly ought to feel<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[118]</a></span> that we are of considerably more importance in +the world, since we are landed proprietors. But we must look at the +property before I go home, for I want to see it; and now come with me +where I can write a letter to father, for the longer I stay now, the +more deeply in debt shall I be."</p> + +<p>"You're not going to shorten your vacation because of lending this +money, Ralph, for you shall live with me, and the only inconvenience you +will suffer will be the lack of money to spend."</p> + +<p>Ralph was not so certain that he would become a burden on George simply +because he had expended some money in charity; but just at that moment +there was no need of discussing it; and he proposed that they return to +the police head-quarters in order to find out if the detectives had +learned anything about the team.</p> + +<p>Greater good fortune awaited them here than they had thought possible, +for when they returned the officers furnished them with the complete +description of the men, and reported that they had, indeed, driven into +Bradford the afternoon before, but, during the night, had returned by +the same road they had come, stating that they were going to Babcock.</p> + + +<p class="back"><a href="#contents">Back to contents</a></p> + +<hr /> + +<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[119]</a></span><a name="XV" id="XV"></a>CHAPTER XV.<br /> +<br /> +<small>THE ARREST.</small></h2> + + +<p><span class="smcap">It</span> was evident, from the information brought by the police, that the men +who had stolen Harnett's team had driven to Bradford simply for the +purpose of deceiving any one who might search for them, and that they +would push on into New York State, where they might find a better +opportunity of disposing of their ill-gotten property.</p> + +<p>Under the circumstances there was nothing the boys could do save return +by the road they had come, and, since it was necessary to do this, it +was as well that they should sleep that night in the Kenniston +farm-house as in Bradford, where they would be obliged to spend some of +their small store of money for lodging and breakfast.</p> + +<p>As soon, therefore, as they had received from the chief of police all +the information he could impart, they started toward home, neither +nearer nor further from the object of their search.</p> + +<p>All that they had done on the way down would have necessarily to be done +over again, in the hope of learning of the thieves on their return, and +no time was to be lost in this second search.</p> + +<p>Of course, if the men had started from Bradford<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[120]</a></span> in the night, there +would be no use in inquiring for them anywhere between there and some +distance from Sawyer; therefore, the boys decided that they would sleep +at the Kenniston farm that night, recommencing the pursuit at an early +hour next morning.</p> + +<p>When they reached the farm-house they found Bob Hubbard awaiting their +arrival; he had come there two hours before, and when, on asking for +George, he was told that the engineer had gone in search of his horses, +had told the farmer that, while he did not intend to remain there during +the night, he would wait for George's arrival, which he was certain +would not be long delayed.</p> + +<p>Not knowing Bob's reason for expecting George's return, when it seemed +certain he would be away some time, Farmer Kenniston was considerably +mystified by his guest's manner; but the reason for his thus speaking +was soon explained when, at a late hour in the evening, George and Ralph +did arrive.</p> + +<p>"I knew you would come back to-night," said Bob, as he rushed out to +meet the friends whom he had not treated exactly as it would seem +friendship demanded, "for I knew, if you learned anything at all, you +would find it necessary to come back this way."</p> + +<p>"Why, what do you know?" asked George, quickly.</p> + +<p>"When I tell you that I knew your team had been stolen even before you +did, you must admit that I know something about it," replied Bob, +feeling fully how important he was just then.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[121]</a></span>"Don't be long-winded now, Bob," said George, sharply; "for you know how +anxious I am."</p> + +<p>"I'll tell you all I know, and I think I may be able to make amends for +the trick we played upon you in using your team the other night, unless +you think it was because of that that you had your horses where they +could be stolen."</p> + +<p>"Tell me what you have heard of my team!" exclaimed George, impatiently.</p> + +<p>"Jack Roberts told me, this afternoon, that he saw two fellows in your +carriage about midnight, and that they stopped all night, or at least +the remainder of it, in the woods just above our camp. I went up there +with him about five o'clock, and it didn't seem as if they could have +been gone more than an hour before we got there."</p> + +<p>"Did you find out which way they went?"</p> + +<p>"As near as could be told by the tracks, they kept straight on toward +Babcock."</p> + +<p>"That's where they said they were going," said Ralph, excitedly, +delighted at this confirmation of the policeman's story.</p> + +<p>"From the looks of the place where they stayed last night, I should say +that they don't know very much about camping out," continued Bob. "They +just hitched the horses to a tree, and laid down on the ground, with a +few boughs under them, instead of putting up a shelter, which wouldn't +have taken ten minutes. I found pieces of newspaper, in which had been +food, scattered around. So I fancy their arrangements for the journey +were made very hurriedly and incompletely. I don't think they had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[122]</a></span> hay +or grain for the horses, for I couldn't find any signs of either."</p> + +<p>It was evident that Bob had examined the ground thoroughly in +expectation of a chase, and as he gave what was really valuable +information, gathered simply from a desire to aid his friend, George was +perfectly willing to forgive him for any and everything he had ever done +against him.</p> + +<p>"Then we won't stop here to-night," said the owner of the stolen horses, +hurriedly. "If they left there this afternoon, we may stand a chance of +overtaking them to-night. You needn't take the horse out, Mr. Kenniston, +for we will start right off again."</p> + +<p>"Do you think there is any chance of overtaking your horses, even if +they haven't had any grain, with this poor old nag of the farmer's, +whose greatest speed has been shown in front of a plow?"</p> + +<p>And Bob laughed gleefully at the idea.</p> + +<p>"It is the best horse I can get just now," said George, fretfully; for +he could not see anything very comical in the fact of being thus +hampered in the pursuit.</p> + +<p>"There's where you are mistaken, my dear boy," replied Bob, in his old, +lofty way. "My horses are as fast, and I'm inclined to think a little +faster, than yours. When Jack told me what he had seen, I thought there +was a chance to pay off old scores. So I harnessed into the light double +wagon, put in some blankets, and come here. While I have been waiting +for you, I have got a good-sized lunch from Mrs. Kenniston, a bag of +grain from the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[123]</a></span> farmer, and now we are ready to start, even if we drive +to the lake."</p> + +<p>"Bob, you are a good fellow," exclaimed George, as he grasped the +moonlighter by the hand, and made a mental vow that he would never speak +harshly to him again.</p> + +<p>While they had been talking, Farmer Kenniston had backed Bob's horses +out of the shed, where their master had left them, that the journey +might be commenced as quickly as possible, and the boys got into the +wagon at once, George and Ralph on the back seat, and Bob in front.</p> + +<p>That the chase would be an exciting one, in case they should get within +sight of the thieves, was shown by the way Bob's horses started off, +and, for the first time since he was convinced of his loss, George began +to have some hopes of regaining his property.</p> + +<p>"There is one danger in our chasing those fellows in the night," said +Bob, after they had started, "and as to whether you will take the risk, +you must decide. They will probably spend this night as they did last +night—in the woods. Of course, we could not see in the dark if an +ox-cart had driven into the woods, and we run every chance of driving +past them. Then again, if we wait until morning, we are just so much +further behind. Now, what will you do?"</p> + +<p>"I hardly know," replied George, after considerable thought. "What is +your advice?"</p> + +<p>"Well," and Bob spoke like one who has already decided the matter in his +own mind, "my idea is<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[124]</a></span> that they won't stop this side of Babcock, and I +am certain they won't stop in the town. So I think we shall be safe to +drive as far as there. The chances are that the thieves will drive +through the town in the night, and stop in the first likely place they +come to on the other side. We can start in the morning again, about as +early as they can."</p> + +<p>"Then that is what we will do," said George, satisfied that Bob had +deliberated upon this plan until he was convinced it was the best that +could be done.</p> + +<p>"Do you believe we shall catch them?" asked Ralph, speaking for the +first time since he had met Bob.</p> + +<p>"Catch them!" echoed the moonlighter. "I wish I was as sure of striking +a thousand-barrel well as I am that we shall be interviewing the young +gentlemen before to-morrow night."</p> + +<p>But if Bob's hopes of striking a big well had been dependent upon +catching the thieves before the next night, he would never have made a +success in the oil region, save as a moonlighter.</p> + +<p>"There is our wood-lot," said George, as he pointed to a grove on the +opposite side of the creek, near which a very old and a very dilapidated +house could be seen.</p> + +<p>Bob was curious, of course, to know what George meant, and, after the +story had been told him, he said:</p> + +<p>"It was a big thing for you to do, boys, and Simpson probably +appreciates it as much as any man could; but I tell you for a fact that +you will get your<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[125]</a></span> reward for that good deed sooner than you expect. +There's oil in that same wood-lot, and I've sort of reckoned on buying +it myself some day. If I had known how Simpson was fixed, it would have +been mine before now, for two hundred and seventy-five dollars is cheap +for ten acres, even if there is nothing there but rocks."</p> + +<p>"But Simpson says he has had oil men examine the place, and there's +nothing there," said George, half believing Bob had some good reason for +speaking as he did.</p> + +<p>"Yes, he had a lot of old fogies there who couldn't tell the difference +between oil and a tallow candle. They walked around ten minutes, +collected twenty-five dollars from the old man, and then walked away. +Simpson was probably paying ten per cent to old Massie, for I've heard +he was the one who held the mortgage, and if he could have got half the +amount loaned, don't you suppose he would have waited any length of time +if he hadn't seen a chance to make more? Massie knows the oil is there +as well as I do, and the old miser thought he was going to get the whole +farm for his five hundred dollars. Why, the old fellow would choke both +of you boys if he could get hold of you just now."</p> + +<p>Bob laughed long and loud at the way in which the money-lender had +over-reached himself, and it is hard to say just how long his merriment +would have lasted, since it received a sudden check.</p> + +<p>They were then just entering the town of Sawyer, and a man had stepped +into the road, as if to speak<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[126]</a></span> to the party, seizing one of the horses +by the bridle as they approached him, to make sure of being heard.</p> + +<p>"Hello! What's the matter now?" asked Bob, who had not noticed the man, +and was surprised at the sudden stopping of his team.</p> + +<p>"I wished to speak with you for a moment," said the man, as he fumbled +in his pocket with his disengaged hand, and then as he produced some +papers, he said: "I arrest you, Mr. Robert Hubbard, and you, Mr. George +Harnett, for violating a town ordinance by carrying nitro-glycerine +through the streets."</p> + +<p>George had said he hoped he would be arrested, in order that he might +show he had not been guilty of such a violation, but when he expressed +the wish, he could have had no idea that the arrest would be made just +at the moment when, in order to recover his team, it was necessary for +him to be free.</p> + + +<p class="back"><a href="#contents">Back to contents</a></p> + +<hr /> + +<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[127]</a></span><a name="XVI" id="XVI"></a>CHAPTER XVI.<br /> +<br /> +<small>PLEADING FOR LIBERTY.</small></h2> + + +<p><span class="smcap">This</span> arrest, coming just when it did, was a complete surprise to George. +He had hoped a few hours before that it would come, in order that he +might have an opportunity of showing that he was innocent of that which +was charged against him, simply because his team had been the one the +officers had chased. But to be deprived of his liberty now, when every +moment was precious, seemed to be doubly disastrous.</p> + +<p>To be prevented from chasing the thieves when he was at last on the +track of them, was to lose his horses beyond any probable chance of +recovery, while to have forty-eight hours of liberty just then, was, as +he thought, almost a guarantee that he could recover his stolen team.</p> + +<p>Bob was even more excited by the arrest than George. He had the pleasing +thought that he was guilty of the offense charged, added to the +disappointment at not being able to aid his friend in recovering the +property which he was the remote cause of being lost.</p> + +<p>He knew, as well as did George, that at the worst they would only be +fined for violating the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[128]</a></span> town ordinance; but it was the loss of time +just then that made the matter a serious one, and he resolved to do his +best to secure their liberty for a short while longer, at all events.</p> + +<p>"I won't say anything about myself," said Bob, with a laugh, "for I +don't suppose my reputation as a steady young man is first-class; but +you, Mr. Constable, as well as nearly every one in Sawyer, know Harnett, +and you know he will keep his word. While he was helping extinguish the +fire yesterday, his pair of horses and carriage were stolen. We have +just got on the track of the thieves, and if we are obliged to remain +here now, there will be no chance of recovering the property. Now, if +you will give us our liberty, Harnett will give you his word that we +will return here at any time you shall set."</p> + +<p>"That is hardly a regular way of doing business, Mr. Hubbard," said the +man, with a smile, that showed he had no hard feelings against those +whom he was obliged to arrest; "and if it was your word alone that I was +asked to take, I am afraid I should be obliged to refuse. I'm doubtful +as to whether I ought to even consider the matter."</p> + +<p>"Of course you ought," said Bob, quickly. "Now, if we should be +convicted, the penalty is only a fine, and we can leave you as much +money as would be required to pay those as security that we will +return."</p> + +<p>"I suppose in that case, and if Mr. Harnett promises that both you and +he will come here a week from to-day, I might take the risk of any<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[129]</a></span> +accident that would prevent you from appearing."</p> + +<p>"Now that's what I call acting squarely," said Bob, in a satisfied way; +and George asked:</p> + +<p>"How much money will be necessary to satisfy you that we will appear for +trial?"</p> + +<p>"Well, I don't suppose the fines will be over fifty dollars. So, if you +leave that amount with me, you can keep on in search of the thieves, +whom I hope you will catch."</p> + +<p>Ralph's heart, which had been very light when he saw that there was a +chance they might continue their journey, sank again when the officer +mentioned the amount of security he demanded, for he knew that the +united funds of his and George's fell far short of the sum, and what +little they had would be actually necessary for their expenses on the +road.</p> + +<p>"How much money have you got, Bob?" asked George, speaking in a low, +determined tone, that told plainly how anxious he was to be in pursuit +once more, and of the sacrifice he would be willing to make in order to +be released from the meshes of the law, even if it was only for a few +days.</p> + +<p>"I can't say exactly, but I'll promise you it isn't very much," replied +Bob, carelessly, as if he did not think the amount of any great +importance.</p> + +<p>And, after rummaging in all his pockets, he succeeded in producing one +very ragged-looking twenty-dollar bill.</p> + +<p>"That's the size of my fortune," he said, as he handed the money to +George, as if the matter was already ended.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[130]</a></span>George had twenty-three dollars, all of which he would undoubtedly need +before he returned; but, willing to run any risk rather than be longer +delayed, he said to the officer:</p> + +<p>"It happens very unfortunately, but we have not got fifty dollars +between us. If you will take my solemn promise that both Bob and myself +will meet you here a week from to-day, and also that I will report to +you on our return, together with this forty dollars, you will be doing +us a favor which shall not be forgotten."</p> + +<p>The man hesitated for a moment, and Bob said, impatiently:</p> + +<p>"Oh, take the money, and let us go. You have got really more than the +fine will amount to, for I promise you that Harnett can prove by us all +that he had nothing to do with violating the ordinance. I simply got +possession of his team to deceive you."</p> + +<p>"I shall be here when the case is called," said George, quietly; "for I +am very anxious to show that I had nothing whatever to do with the +matter; so please let us get on."</p> + +<p>"Well, I guess there's no trouble about it, and I don't believe any one +will blame me for accommodating you, in view of all the circumstances," +said the officer, as he stepped back from the wagon in order that they +might drive on. "I hope you will succeed in getting your team, Mr. +Harnett. Good-night, gentlemen!"</p> + +<p>"Good-night!" cried Bob, as he started the horses with a jerk that +nearly threw his passengers from their seats.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[131]</a></span>And in another instant they were riding at full speed in the direction +of Babcock.</p> + +<p>"I hardly know what we had better do," said George, thoughtfully. "Here +we are starting out on what may be a long journey, with only three +dollars in our pockets, and I am not sure but that we ought to go back +to town to try to get some more."</p> + +<p>"That would never do," replied Bob, decidedly. "If we should do that we +could not get to Babcock to-night, and that we must do, if we expect to +catch the thieves. We have got food and grain enough to last a day and a +half or two days, and we can rough it in the woods, as the men we are +chasing are doing."</p> + +<p>George would have preferred decidedly to be able to go to a hotel at +night, rather than to camp in the woods; but Bob and Ralph were only too +well pleased at the idea of living a gipsy life, therefore it was +decided to keep on, or, more properly speaking, since no one made any +objection to the plan, Bob continued to urge the horses on in the +direction the thieves were supposed to have gone.</p> + +<p>The night was not so dark but that they could drive a good pace, but had +it been daylight there is no question but that Bob's horses would have +shown considerably better speed, for their driver was anxious to reach +Babcock early, in order that the animals might have as long a rest as +possible, before starting on their journey next day, which would likely +be a hard one.</p> + +<p>Bob sang, laughed, and acted generally as if he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[132]</a></span> was in the best of +spirits, while Ralph joined in with him, for he enjoyed this night-drive +immensely; but George remained silent, his great desire to get on faster +causing the speed at which they were traveling to seem very slow.</p> + +<p>It was some time past midnight when they arrived at Babcock, and much as +they liked to camp out, both Ralph and Bob would have been better +satisfied, just then, if they could have remained all night at the +hotel, for they were so tired that sleeping in the open air had not as +many charms for them as usual.</p> + +<p>"Here's where we would have stopped if we had not been obliged to give +up all our money," said Bob, as they drove past the hotel. "But now that +we are nothing more nor less than three-dollar paupers, we shall be +obliged to do as the thieves are probably doing—make up our bed under +the greenwood, or some other kind of a tree."</p> + +<p>"It might be worse," said George, who was beginning to recover some of +his cheerfulness as his companions lost theirs, "and we will stop at the +next clump of trees."</p> + +<p>"There will be no doubt about our finding accommodations," laughed Bob, +"unless our friends who are the cause of this excursion have engaged all +the promising-looking groves."</p> + +<p>Above half a mile from the town the road ran through a piece of dense +woods, which shut out even the faint rays of the moon, and Bob stopped +the horses, while George and Ralph explored, as well as possible in the +darkness, for a chance to make a camp.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[133]</a></span>A small, open space, surrounded by bushes, about ten yards from the +road, was the best place they could find, and preparations for the night +began at once.</p> + +<p>The horses were unharnessed and the carriage backed in among the trees, +where it would not be seen by any one who might pass during the night.</p> + +<p>The horses were fastened to a couple of trees, where they could feed +without danger of getting their halters entangled among the bushes, and +each was given a generous supply of grain.</p> + +<p>Among other things which Bob had placed into the carriage while waiting +at the Kenniston farm was a water-pail, and with this on his arm he +started out in search of water for the horses, while George and Ralph +attended to the making of what could only be an apology for a camp.</p> + +<p>The blankets, cushions and rug were taken from the carriage, and were +spread on the ground over a small pile of brush, for the boys were too +tired to make any elaborate arrangements for the night.</p> + +<p>The carriage cushions formed the pillow to this one bed which was to +serve for all three, and with the rug and one blanket under them, and +the other blanket over them, George thought they would get along very +comfortably.</p> + +<p>Bob was not long in finding plenty of water for the horses, and when he +returned with it, after it was decided to go supperless to bed, in order +to save the provisions, all three lay down on the hastily-improvised +bed, little dreaming that they were within but a few rods of those whom +they were pursuing.</p> + + +<p class="back"><a href="#contents">Back to contents</a></p> + +<hr /> + +<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[134]</a></span><a name="XVII" id="XVII"></a>CHAPTER XVII.<br /> +<br /> +<small>NEAR NEIGHBORS.</small></h2> + + +<p><span class="smcap">As</span> may be imagined, the sleep which visited the three boys was not as +profound as it would have been had they been in bed at Kenniston farm. +In the first place, the bed of brush, which had seemed so soft when they +first lay down, seemed suddenly to have developed a great number of hard +places, while the ends of the boughs, which had seemed so small when +they were cut, apparently increased in size after they had served as a +bed for an hour.</p> + +<p>Many times during the night did Bob get up to see if the horses were all +right, and, while he would not admit that the bed had anything to do +with his wakefulness, he knew, as well as did his companions, that when +sleeping at home, he hardly opened his eyes once during the entire +night.</p> + +<p>It was at a very early hour, therefore, that the boys were up, and ready +to continue the chase. As a matter of course, after having gone to bed +supperless, they were ready for a hearty breakfast, and, since they +would have plenty of time to eat it before sunrise, they at once made +preparations for breaking their fast.</p> + +<p>Thanks to the cooked food they had with them,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[135]</a></span> these preparations did +not consume very much time, since they were only obliged to take the +paper packages from the carriage, and eat such portions of Mrs. +Kenniston's samples of cookery as they desired.</p> + +<p>Bob gave his horses food and water before he satisfied his own hunger, +and, just as he finished this work, he cried, as he held his hand up, +warningly:</p> + +<p>"Hark! what was that?"</p> + +<p>The boys listened intently several moments, but nothing could be heard +save the rustling of the leaves, as they were moved back and forth by +the morning breeze, or the twitter of birds, as they started out in +search of breakfast, and George said, with a laugh:</p> + +<p>"This is the first time I ever knew you to betray any caution, my dear +boy, and you should be commended for it; but just now I think it is +thrown away, for I hardly believe there is any one within half a mile of +us who is awake so early."</p> + +<p>"I thought I heard some one coming through the bushes," replied Bob, as +he began a vigorous attack on the food; "but I guess it was nothing but +the wind."</p> + +<p>Five minutes passed, during which each one was so busy with his +breakfast that he had no time for conversation, and then George motioned +his companions to be silent. The warning was useless, for all had heard +a sound in the bushes, as if some heavy body was moving through the +underbrush, and all paused to listen.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[136]</a></span>There was evidently some person or animal near by, and moving directly +away from them; but it seemed so reasonable to suppose that it was a +cow, or some other domestic animal, who had slept out of doors all +night, that it was some moments before any one of the three thought of +learning the cause of the noise.</p> + +<p>Even though they had every reason to believe that those whom they were +pursuing would spend the night as they had spent it, each one of that +party was so certain the thieves were a long distance away, that the +thought that it might be those they were in pursuit of which were making +the noise never occurred to them.</p> + +<p>It was not until some time after the sounds had died away that George +realized how important it was that he should know what had caused them, +and then he started up at once, dashing through the underbrush toward +the direction from which the noise had come.</p> + +<p>Ralph and Bob started impulsively to follow him, and then the latter +said, as he pulled his companion back:</p> + +<p>"One is enough to find the cow, for that is probably what we have been +hearing, and we might as well be eating our breakfast while he is +hunting."</p> + +<p>Ralph thought, as did Bob, that they had no occasion to disturb +themselves simply at a rustling of leaves in the woods, and he willingly +followed his companion's suggestion.</p> + +<p>But, before either of them could begin their breakfast again, a loud +shout was heard from George,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[137]</a></span> which caused them to start to their feet +in dismay, for they understood that something serious had caused it.</p> + +<p>"Harness the horses quickly!" George shouted again.</p> + +<p>And without trying to understand the reason for this peremptory command, +Bob and Ralph sprang toward the animals.</p> + +<p>It was not an order that could be obeyed very quickly, owing to the lack +of facilities in their stable.</p> + +<p>The horses were quietly eating their breakfast; the harness was hanging +on a tree some distance away, and the carriage had been pulled into the +woods so far that it would require at least ten minutes before it could +be gotten on to the road.</p> + +<p>Bob began to harness one horse, while Ralph attended to the other, and +while they were thus employed, George came out of the woods in a very +excited condition.</p> + +<p>"We have been camping within five rods of the thieves!" he cried. "The +noise we heard was probably made by the horses as they led them out into +the road, and I got there just in time to see them drive away."</p> + +<p>Haste surely made waste then, for all the party were so excited by what +they had seen and heard, and so anxious to start in pursuit quickly, +that they retarded their own progress by the bungling manner in which +they went to work.</p> + +<p>Ralph, in his eagerness, got the harness so mixed up that he was obliged +to undo all he had done and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[138]</a></span> begin all over again before he could +accomplish anything, while Bob searched five minutes for the bridle, +which, in the first excitement, he had flung some distance from him +among the bushes.</p> + +<p>So far as coolness and presence of mind was concerned, George was no +better off than his companions. He attempted to pull the carriage into +the road, and got it so fastened among the small trees that Ralph was +obliged to come to his assistance, lifting it bodily out before it could +be extricated.</p> + +<p>In this confused way of doing things fully ten minutes of time was +wasted, and the thieves had a start of nearly twenty minutes before +their pursuers were ready for the chase.</p> + +<p>It was useless for them now to reproach themselves with carelessness in +not examining the woods when they first awoke, as they should have done, +since they knew the thieves would spend the night in some such place, +and quite as useless to complain, because they did not attempt to +discover the cause of the noise when they first heard it. Had they done +either one of these things, which it seemed the most inexperienced in +this kind of work would have done, they would have discovered the team +and had it then in their possession.</p> + +<p>As it was, however, they could only try to atone for their carelessness +by being more cautious in the future, which each mentally resolved to be +as he clambered into the carriage as soon as the horses were harnessed. +This time George sat on the front seat with Bob, where he could more +readily leap from the wagon if necessary.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[139]</a></span>Bob started his horses at full speed, and George was satisfied that +there would be no necessity of urging him to drive faster, for he held +his steeds well in hand, requiring of them the best possible gait.</p> + +<p>"They have got quite a start of us," Bob said, after they had been on +the road a few moments, and while Ralph was regretting the absence of a +comb, which would enable him to feel so much more comfortable, "but I do +not think your horses have had any grain since they stole them, and if +that is so, I don't think we shall have any trouble in overtaking them +within an hour."</p> + +<p>Perhaps, if Bob had spoken exactly as he thought, he would have insisted +that his horses were so much faster, that the twenty minutes' advantage +which the thieves had could be more than compensated for in speed; but +just then he refrained from saying anything which might make his +troubled friend feel uncomfortable or disagreeable.</p> + +<p>"Did you see the place where they slept last night?" Ralph asked of +George, for as yet he had not told them of what he had seen when he ran +through the woods.</p> + +<p>"Yes; I came right upon it when I first left you. They had made a sort +of hut of boughs near a clearing, in which I should judge the horses had +been feeding. The instant I saw the camp, and so near ours that a stone +could have been thrown from one to the other, I thought it had been made +by the thieves, and I ran at full speed for the road, following a trail +that looked as if a carriage had but just<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[140]</a></span> passed that way. I got out of +the woods just as they turned the bend in the road, and simply had the +satisfaction of seeing my team driven away at a gallop, when, if I had +done what almost any child would have thought of doing, it would have +been in my possession."</p> + +<p>"Could you see the men?"</p> + +<p>"No; the top of the carriage was up, and I could see no one. They were +probably looking out through the window and saw me, for if they stayed +so near us since we stopped last night, they must know who we are, and +will try to escape, even if they kill the horses."</p> + +<p>"I'm not so sure that they could have known who we were," said Bob, "for +I have been trying to think if we said anything about the team, or what +we were there for, and I do not believe we did."</p> + +<p>If the men whom they were pursuing did not know that this party who had +encamped so near them were the ones in search of the team, it would be a +great point in favor of our boys, for the others would not be likely to +push their horses so hard. Therefore, each one tried to recall the +conversation, and the result of this thought relieved George's mind +somewhat, for no one could remember that a thing had been said which +might betray their errand.</p> + +<p>The road over which they were traveling was a good one, and the horses +were urged along by Bob at a lively rate, save on ascending ground, when +they were allowed to choose their own pace, in order that they might not +become "blown."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[141]</a></span>At no one place, owing to the trees on each side, could they see very +far ahead on the road, which prevented them from knowing whether they +were gaining on the fugitives or not, although Bob firmly believed they +were, for his horses had never shown better speed, nor been more in the +humor for traveling.</p> + +<p>"We shall be on our way home in less than two hours," he said, +triumphantly, as the horses dashed down a long hill at a pace that would +be hard to beat; and then, as they began the ascent of the next hill, +all their hopes were dashed.</p> + +<p>During the last ten minutes, it had seemed to Ralph that the +easy-running carriage dragged, and as the horses neared the top of the +hill, he discovered the trouble.</p> + +<p>"The hind axle is heated," he shouted, "and the wheel no longer turns."</p> + +<p>It surely seemed as if everything was conspiring in favor of the +thieves, for the pursuers were now seriously crippled by a "hot box."</p> + + +<p class="back"><a href="#contents">Back to contents</a></p> + +<hr /> + +<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[142]</a></span><a name="XVIII" id="XVIII"></a>CHAPTER XVIII.<br /> +<br /> +<small>IN A TRAP.</small></h2> + + +<p><span class="smcap">It</span> seemed so impossible to Bob that such a misfortune could overtake +them just when success appeared certain, that he could not believe what +Ralph had said was true until he had jumped out and examined the axle.</p> + +<p>There was no doubt then but that they would be delayed for a long time, +for the axle was already so hot that it was smoking, and they had +neither oil nor water with which to cool it.</p> + +<p>In the valley or ravine through which they had just ridden there was no +stream, and the only thing which could be done was to look for one +further ahead, since they had passed the last house fully three miles +behind.</p> + +<p>"It's no use crying about it," said Bob, with an assumption of +cheerfulness he was far from feeling, "for here we are, and the sooner +we mend matters the sooner we shall be riding on again."</p> + +<p>"But what can we do?" asked Ralph, feeling thoroughly discouraged at +this accident, which, however quickly it might be repaired, would give +the thieves a chance of making good their escape.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[143]</a></span> "Even if we had a +whole ocean of water, you haven't got any oil after the axle is cool, +nor even a wrench with which to take the wheel off."</p> + +<p>"One of us must walk on ahead until he comes to some house, where oil +and a wrench can be borrowed. Bob must drive his horses on at a walk, +and halt at the first water he sees. It's an unlucky accident for us, +and it seems strange that it should have happened just when it did."</p> + +<p>"It isn't so very strange," said Bob, as he started his team along at a +walk, "and, as usual, it's all my fault. When we moved the other day, we +left our oil behind in the stable, and I knew the wagon needed oiling +when I got down to Kenniston's. I was just going to do it when you drove +up, and then, like an idiot, I forgot it."</p> + +<p>It would do no good to discuss the causes of the accident after it had +occurred. The only question was as to how the damage could be repaired, +and, after that was decided, to set about doing it at once.</p> + +<p>"I will go on ahead for the oil," said Ralph, starting out at a run as +he spoke, and in few moments he was lost to view, as he disappeared +behind the trees, where the road made a decided curve.</p> + +<p>Bob and George walked, while the horses dragged the carriage with its +one useless wheel, and in this fashion the boys, who a few moments +before had believed that in two hours they would have overtaken the +thieves and recovered the property, continued on their journey, as sad +and dispirited as before they had been happy and confident.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[144]</a></span>"If this hadn't happened," said Bob, bitterly, "we should have caught +the men before noon; but now it is an open question as to whether they +won't get away."</p> + +<p>"It will be strange if they don't escape," and George's voice sounded no +more cheerful than did Bob's; "for even if they were not sure who their +neighbors were last night, they must have been suspicious, and will do +all they can to throw us off the scent. But there," he added, with a +shrug of the shoulder indicative of resolution; "what's the use of +mourning over what can't be helped? All we can say or do won't change +matters, and we might as well look cheerful as cry."</p> + +<p>"I know that," replied Bob, with a grimace; "but when a fellow is +disabled, in the woods, and probably two or three miles from any house, +the most appropriate thing is to cry, even if the tears don't do any +good."</p> + +<p>At this moment, as if in answer to Bob's assertion that they were +probably a long distance from any house, and very much to their +surprise, Ralph was seen coming down the road waving his hands +triumphantly.</p> + +<p>"What is the matter?" cried George, not daring to believe that Ralph had +already seen a house.</p> + +<p>"There's a farm-house just around the bend here, with everything we need +in the stable," shouted Ralph, while he was yet some distance away. "I +told the owner that we had a hot axle, and were anxious to get on as +quickly as possible, and he says<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[145]</a></span> we can borrow one of his wagons, or +take anything we need to fix ours."</p> + +<p>It is needless to say how delighted George and Bob were by the +information Ralph had brought. Instead of losing nearly the whole of +that day, as they had feared they should, by walking several miles +before finding a stable, they could repair damages in a comparatively +short time, and could, perhaps, yet overtake the men before night.</p> + +<p>"Hurrah!" shouted Bob, as he urged his horses into a trot, the party +running behind.</p> + +<p>And in a few moments they were in the stable-yard of a large farm, where +the proprietor was awaiting their arrival, ready to lend them any +assistance in his power.</p> + +<p>Both he, as well as they, knew exactly what to do for this outgrowth of +carelessness, and pail after pail of water was dashed on to the hub of +the wheel to cool it off, even while he was yet repeating his offer to +loan them one of his wagons if they were in a hurry to be on their +journey again.</p> + +<p>Leaving Bob and Ralph to continue the cold-water application, since not +more than two could work at a time advantageously, George went with the +farmer to see what sort of a vehicle they could borrow in exchange for +their own.</p> + +<p>He returned very shortly, however, with the word that he thought it best +for them to get their own carriage into working order, since those +belonging to the farmer were all so heavy that they would probably gain +in speed, if they waited for their own, more than they would lose in +time.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[146]</a></span>This decision was about what Bob had expected, and he continued his +work, which had not been delayed during George's absence, until it was +thought that they could remove the wheel.</p> + +<p>It was a hard, and quite a long job; but it was accomplished finally, +and then, when the iron was nearly cold, a plentiful amount of oil was +applied; the other wheels were lubricated, and the boys were ready to +continue their journey again, having lost by this accident not more than +an hour's time.</p> + +<p>"You are all right now," said the farmer, after he had positively +refused to take any payment for his own time or for the use of his +tools, "an' I reckon the waiting here won't make much of any difference +to you."</p> + +<p>"It wouldn't have been of any account if we hadn't been chasing a pair +of horses of mine that were stolen at Sawyer. We were close behind them, +and should have overtaken them by this time if it hadn't been for this +delay."</p> + +<p>"What is the color of your horses?" asked the man, evincing such a +sudden interest that it seemed certain he knew something about the +missing property.</p> + +<p>"A pair of small, dark chestnut horses, in a <a name="box" id="box"></a><ins title="Transcriber's Note: Original has box-buggy.">box buggy</ins>, +driven by two young men," replied Bob, quickly, confident that they were +about to hear some good news, and answering all possible questions at +once, in order that they might not be delayed any longer than necessary.</p> + +<p>"Then it is fortunate for you that you had trouble which made you stop +here, or else you would<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[147]</a></span> have gone on and missed them," replied the man, +speaking slowly, as if there was no possible reason why the boys should +hurry on in pursuit.</p> + +<p>"When did you see them?" asked George, hurriedly. "Tell us at once, so +that we needn't lose any more time."</p> + +<p>"There's no need for you to rush," drawled the man, much as if he +enjoyed keeping the boys in suspense, "for if you stay right where you +are, you will see them. They've got to come back this way, sure."</p> + +<p>The boys looked around as if they expected to see the thieves pop out +from some hiding-place near by, and after waiting a moment to enjoy the +effect his words had produced, the farmer asked, as he pointed nearly +opposite the house to where a road branched off from the highway, +leading, apparently, into the woods:</p> + +<p>"Do you see that road?" And then, as if realizing how useless such a +question was when the road was so well defined, he continued: "Wa-al, I +reckon that the same team you are huntin' after was driv up that road +about an hour or so ago. It was a small pair of dark chestnut hosses, +an' good ones, with a fancy buggy, an' two young fellers drivin'."</p> + +<p>"Where does that road lead to?" asked Bob, excitedly.</p> + +<p>"That's the joke of it," said the farmer, with a laugh. "It don't lead +nowhere 'cept inter my wood-lot, an' that's what made me notice ther +team so perticularly, 'cause I couldn't make out what they<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[148]</a></span> wanted up +there. I tell you what it is, boys, you've got your hoss-thieves in a +trap, an' you kin pull 'em out whenever you want to."</p> + +<p>"Are you sure that there isn't any way out of that? Can't they strike +the main road by driving across some field?" asked George.</p> + +<p>"Wa-al, I've driv over that road as many as forty times every year for +the last thirty, haulin' down wood, an' I wouldn't undertake to git a +wheel-barrer out any other way than I went in. You kin stay here an' +ketch 'em when they come out, or go in after 'em—<em>they'll be there</em>!"</p> + + +<p class="back"><a href="#contents">Back to contents</a></p> + +<hr /> + +<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[149]</a></span><a name="XIX" id="XIX"></a>CHAPTER XIX.<br /> +<br /> +<small>CLOSE QUARTERS.</small></h2> + + +<p><span class="smcap">It</span> hardly seemed possible to the boys that, after the mishap which it +seemed would give the thieves all the time they needed to make good +their escape, they could be so near to them that their capture seemed +certain.</p> + +<p>But the farmer insisted that there was no outlet to the road; that a +team answering to the description of the one George had lost had been +driven in there, and that it had not come out. Therefore, there could be +no question but that they had the thieves in a trap, as the farmer had +said, and all that was necessary was to go and get them or the team.</p> + +<p>At first they were about to start out without any plan whatever, intent +only on getting the horses as quickly as possible; but George realized +in time that, secure as the thieves appeared to be against escape, all +might be changed by too much precipitation.</p> + +<p>If they should rush in recklessly, the men might get past them by +concealing the team in the bushes until they had passed that particular +point, and then the road would be clear before them, unless the farmer +could succeed in stopping them.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[150]</a></span>It was necessary, therefore, that, in going up this road, which they +were told was about two miles long, they should not only see where the +thieves had gone in, but where it would be possible for them to come +out, in case they should succeed in making a detour through the woods.</p> + +<p>The farmer, after listening to the discussion which the boys were +having, suggested that they block up the road near its entrance with his +heavy carts, and then, if the thieves should get past them, they would +be obliged to leave the team at the obstruction in order to make good +their own escape.</p> + +<p>This suggestion was so good that they followed it at once. Bob using his +horses to haul a hay-rack, a heavy ox-cart and two dump-carts into the +road, about two hundred yards from the highway, overturning and wedging +them in in such a way that a passage through could not be made in less +than half an hour.</p> + +<p>The farmer, having work that forenoon, which kept him near the house, +promised to keep a sharp lookout while the boys went after the team, and +to give the alarm in case the men should come down towards the +barricade.</p> + +<p>Then, all the preparations having been completed, there was nothing to +prevent them from going into the trap the thieves had voluntarily +entered.</p> + +<p>Bob thought they ought to have weapons in case the men should attempt to +fight for the possession of their ill-gotten booty; but George refused +to consider the idea even for a moment. He had no thought that the men +would do anything of the kind,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[151]</a></span> and, even though he was going after his +own <a name="property" id="property"></a><ins title="Transcriber's Note: Original has propperty.">property</ins>, he was not willing to go in such a way as +might endanger the life of any one.</p> + +<p>"If you want any weapons, take a good stout club," he said, "and I think +you will find even that unnecessary, for as soon as the men see us, they +will do their best to get away."</p> + +<p>Bob was by no means satisfied to start up the road unarmed; but since it +was George's property they were in search of, he thought his orders +should be obeyed, even though the attempt should be unsuccessful because +of it.</p> + +<p>"If I was in your place, I should make sure of the men as well as the +team," the farmer called out, as they started, "for there's a good many +more horse-thieves in the country than are needed, an' it's doin' a good +turn to honest people to put 'em where they can't run off other people's +property."</p> + +<p>George made no reply, but at the same time he did not propose to make an +amateur detective of himself, unless the men should attempt to prevent +him from taking his own, and then he would have no hesitation about +causing their arrest.</p> + +<p>There was no difficulty in following the track of the carriage, for +there had been so little travel on the road that the impress of the +wheels was distinctly seen, and there could be no question but that it +would be an easy matter to see where it was taken into the woods in case +the men should attempt to hide.</p> + +<p>"I guess we had our labor for nothing in blocking up the road," said +Bob, as they walked along,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[152]</a></span> "for there is no chance of our passing the +team so long as we can see the tracks as plain as this."</p> + +<p>"We certainly didn't hurt ourselves piling up the carts, and the time +was well spent, if only for the sake of the precaution," said George; +and then, stopping suddenly, after they had walked nearly a mile, he +pointed to a second track, which led directly into the woods a few yards +ahead of them. "They have been to the end of the road, and come back," +he whispered. "Perhaps they have just turned in here after hearing us."</p> + +<p>For a moment the three boys stood looking at the trail made by those +they had been so anxious to meet, and then George said, in a low tone:</p> + +<p>"We mustn't lose any time here, and when we do start it must be quickly. +We will follow this track in, and keep right on in it; for we shall +either find the team now in the bushes, or else the men will have done +as I feared—passed us while we were on the road."</p> + +<p>There was still a chance that the men might get away with the team if +they had succeeded in reaching the road in the rear of the boys, for it +might be possible for them to clear away the obstructions near the main +road before the boys could run a mile, unless the farmer could prevent +them.</p> + +<p>George dashed into the bushes, followed closely by Ralph and Bob, and +before they had gone very far, it was evident to all that the men were +trying to do just as George had suggested.</p> + +<p>The track made by the carriage could be followed very readily, and there +was no longer any question,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[153]</a></span> after the boys had run a hundred yards, but +that they were traveling in a half circle, the end of which would be at +the road.</p> + +<p>"Come on as fast as you can," shouted George, when he thus saw his +suspicions verified; and, regardless of whether he was followed or not, +he dashed ahead at full speed, perfectly satisfied that when he saw his +team again it would be at the barricade.</p> + +<p>When he reached the road up which they had just come, the second track +of wheels could be seen, and he half expected to hear the farmer's +warning cry, forgetting for the time that any ordinary pair of lungs +could hardly be heard a mile away.</p> + +<p>Close behind George came Ralph and Bob, both excited by the thought that +there was yet a possibility the men might escape with the team, and both +running as fast as they could.</p> + +<p>"They've come this way!" shouted George, "and now it only remains to be +seen whether we can get there in time."</p> + +<p>There was no need to say anything to urge either of the boys on to +greater speed, for they were making every effort, and George himself was +really the one who would be left behind if the race was continued very +long.</p> + +<p>Bent only on reaching a given point as quickly as possible, the boys +paid no attention to anything else save getting over the ground rapidly, +and the farmer's voice rang out long and loud before they realized that +they heard it.</p> + +<p>"Hello! <a name="hello" id="hello"></a><ins title="Transcriber's Note: Original has Helo.">Hello</ins>-o-o! Hello-o-o-o!" was the cry.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[154]</a></span>And when finally the boys did hear it, they understood by the tone that +there was urgent reason for them to make haste, for now, beyond a doubt, +the thieves were trying hard to remove the barricade.</p> + +<p>Panting, almost breathless, but not realizing how nearly exhausted they +were, the boys rushed on, intent only on noting the way, that they might +lose no time or vantage by a misstep, until they emerged from the woods +at a point where they could see that which was causing such an outcry +from the farmer, who was taking quite as much interest in the saving of +their property as he would have done in his own.</p> + +<p>George could see his team halted in front of the barricade they had +piled up with so much, and what at the time Bob had thought useless, +labor, while the men were straining every nerve to remove it, the farmer +standing at a safe distance, screaming at the top of his voice, even +though he must have seen the boys coming towards him as rapidly as they +could run.</p> + +<p>Already had the two men succeeded in removing the two dump-carts, and +were now at work upon the hay-rack, with every prospect of pulling it +sufficiently out of the way to admit of their driving past; but when +they saw the three boys coming down the road, they evidently concluded +that they had worked quite as long as was safe, for they began to look +out for their own welfare, instead of trying longer to get away with the +team.</p> + +<p>After one look at the boys, probably to make sure they were the same +ones whom they had seen coming<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[155]</a></span> up the road, the thieves ceased their +efforts to move the hay-rack, and sought safety in flight, running down +the road towards Babcock, instead of trying to escape in the opposite +direction.</p> + +<p>The farmer, who was anxious that all horse-thieves should be placed +beyond the possibility of carrying on their business, at once started in +pursuit, probably without thought as to how he could make prisoners of +two men whom he had not dared to grapple with when they were trying to +tear down the barrier which prevented them from getting away with their +booty.</p> + +<p>George, who still continued to lead the party, stopped when he reached +the side of the carriage. He had gained possession of his team once +more, and he was content.</p> + + +<p class="back"><a href="#contents">Back to contents</a></p> + +<hr /> + +<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[156]</a></span><a name="XX" id="XX"></a>CHAPTER XX.<br /> +<br /> +<small>A SOUVENIR OF THE <a name="thieves" id="thieves"></a><ins title="Transcriber's Note: Original omits fullstop.">THIEVES.</ins></small></h2> + + +<p><span class="smcap">Even</span> had they been so disposed, neither Bob nor Ralph could have joined +the farmer in the pursuit of the men, because by the time they arrived +at the carriage they were so nearly exhausted that it would have been a +matter of impossibility for them to run fifty yards further, whatever +the inducement.</p> + +<p>All three stood by the side of the recovered property, panting and +breathless, but watching eagerly the unequal race, where the two men +could run a trifle more than twice as fast as their pursuer.</p> + +<p>The farmer, seeing how sadly he was being distanced, looked behind for +an instant, to see if any of the boys were going to aid him, and then, +seeing that they had all halted, gave up the contest by hobbling back to +his stable, looking quite as red in the face and panting quite as hard +as if he had run a thousand yards instead of twenty.</p> + +<p>"If you'd only followed me we could have caught 'em all," he said, in a +half-reproachful tone, as he came up to the boys.</p> + +<p>"I don't believe you could have overtaken them if all of us had been +close at your heels," replied<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[157]</a></span> George, speaking with considerable +difficulty because of the shortness of his breath. "But, as a matter of +fact, I don't think we could have followed those men even if the team +itself had been ours only in consideration of our catching them. You +see, we have run a mile at full speed, and we're about used up."</p> + +<p>"Wall, it's a pity to let 'em go, for they'll be lookin' 'round for some +other team, now they've lost your'n, an' jest as likely as not I'll be +the one that'll have to furnish it for 'em," said the farmer, +mournfully, as he fanned himself vigorously with his broad-brimmed straw +hat. "But I've seen them chaps before, I'm pretty sure. I b'lieve +they're the same ones that was nosin' 'round here four or five weeks +ago, lookin' for oil signs over my pasture."</p> + +<p>"Oh, we'll hope not!" exclaimed Bob, with a laugh. "For the sake of +those who are really engaged in the oil business, we'll hope they do not +number horse-thieves among them."</p> + +<p>"But I'm sure they're the same ones," persisted the farmer, "an' they +talked as if they knowed all about the business."</p> + +<p>As soon as the boys had recovered somewhat from the effects of their +exertions they began to think of returning, and Bob started to get his +team, which had been left in the stable-yard, when an exclamation from +George caused him to pause.</p> + +<p>The obstructions had not been cleared away from the road, and Harnett +was fastening his horses to the fence, in order to help remove that +which had been of so much service in stopping the flight of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[158]</a></span> +horse-thieves, when some papers in the buggy arrested his attention.</p> + +<p>Taking them up carelessly he glanced over two or three quickly when +something caught his eye which caused the cry of surprise that had +stopped Bob.</p> + +<p>"They were oil prospectors, after a fashion," said George, "and if they +knew what they professed to, they have left us a valuable souvenir."</p> + +<p>"A souvenir!" repeated Bob. "What have they done—left an empty +pocket-book?"</p> + +<p>"It may prove to be quite as valueless as one, and probably will; but it +looks queer, for it is made out in proper form, and only verifies what +Bob said last night."</p> + +<p>"What I said last night!" repeated Bob, now thoroughly mystified. "In +mercy to me tell me what you mean, and don't stand there mooning away +like that."</p> + +<p>"Well," said George, who had glanced over the contents of the particular +paper which had caused him so much surprise, "listen to me. In the first +place, here is what I should judge to be an accurate survey of the +wood-lot Ralph and I bought of Simpson. It states the price for which +the land was mortgaged, and the probable price for which it could be +bonded or purchased. Here is a description of the entire property, and +here is given the exact spot, by measurement, where they have found +satisfactory evidences of oil. It would be singular if, in helping Mr. +Simpson, we had helped ourselves, and still more singular that we should +learn of it through<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[159]</a></span> those who stole my team, and put us to so much +trouble."</p> + +<p>"The only thing singular about it would be that there wasn't any oil +there," replied Bob, quickly. "I've looked over that place some, and I +know it's there; but other people haven't seen fit to believe me when I +said so."</p> + +<p>"We didn't say whether we doubted you or not," said Ralph, who was +inclined to believe fully the information contained in the paper George +had found. "When you made the statement, we said nothing, one way nor +the other."</p> + +<p>"Then why were you surprised when you found the same thing written +there?" asked Bob, somewhat sulkily, as he pointed to the paper George +held.</p> + +<p>"We were surprised to find it in the possession of such men," replied +Harnett, with a laugh, "and perhaps also a little surprised to learn +that we could have put so much faith in any one of your assertions. But +now, with such eminent authority on the subject, I am anxious to get +back, and look at the land for myself."</p> + +<p>"What are the other papers?" asked Bob.</p> + +<p>"They refer to land near Simpson's, which the men have examined and +reported upon carefully, but without finding so many favorable evidences +that a well should be sunk. What puzzles me is, how these men could be +oil prospectors, and at the same time steal a team."</p> + +<p>"I think that is simple enough," said Bob, carelessly. "They were +probably prospecting on their own account, expecting to sell their +information<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[160]</a></span> after they obtained it. They hadn't any capital of their +own, but when they saw a fine team alone in a shed, at a time when there +was a terrible fire raging, they thought they could steal it without +running any risk. If they had got away with your horses, they could have +raised money enough on them to buy the Simpson property, and once they +struck oil, they would become honest men."</p> + +<p>"That's nigh enough to the truth of it," said the farmer, solemnly; and +all the party agreed to accept that as the explanation of what otherwise +would have seemed very singular.</p> + +<p>All three of the boys were now more than anxious to return to Sawyer, +that they might learn whether the statement contained in the paper they +had found was true or not.</p> + +<p>Considerable labor had to be done, however, in the way of clearing the +farmer's carts from the road, and all the boys went to work at once, +while the owner sat on a rock near by, bemoaning his misfortune in not +having caught the thieves, and in not having signs of oil on his +wood-lot.</p> + +<p>By the time the boys had replaced his carts as they had found them, he +came out of his sorrow sufficiently to invite them to remain to dinner, +and he urged the invitation so strongly that they concluded to accept +it, especially since the horses, more particularly George's, needed +dinner even more than they did.</p> + +<p>It was a real country dinner they sat down to in the farm-house, half an +hour later, while the horses stood before mangers, in which was a +plentiful supply<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[161]</a></span> of grain, and the boys did full justice to it, eating +until their hostess could have no cause for complaining that her food +had not been duly appreciated.</p> + +<p>During dinner, Mr. Folsom, the host, learned that George and Bob were +indirectly concerned in the oil business, and also heard some of the +moonlighter's wonderful stories as to the famous wells he had discovered +when others had said there was no oil in the vicinity. This was +sufficient to revive all the farmer's hopes, which had been slumbering +for a while, that he might be one of the lucky ones who are made rich by +the discovery of oil on their lands, and he urged the boys to remain +with him several days, or, at least, long enough to locate a well on his +farm.</p> + +<p>It seemed all in vain for the boys to urge that they did not know enough +about prospecting to make a thorough examination of the farmer's lands, +or if they did, that it would be impossible for them to remain because +of business.</p> + +<p>The old gentleman insisted so strongly, basing his claims to receive +them as guests on what he had done to aid them in recovering George's +property, that they were obliged to promise that they would return very +soon, and examine, as far as they were able, his entire farm, which he +was now very certain was situated directly on the oil-belt, even though +wells had been sunk near him unsuccessfully.</p> + +<p>It was quite late in the afternoon when the boys did finally succeed in +getting away from the too hospitably inclined farmer, and then they +started down the road leisurely, for they had a long journey<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[162]</a></span> before +them if they expected to reach the Kenniston farm that night.</p> + +<p>Bob rode alone and in advance, while Ralph rode with George, the two +teams driving along side by side whenever the width of the road would +permit, in order that the occupants might talk over and over again the +prospects of finding oil on the Simpson wood-lot.</p> + +<p>And this conversation was continued by Ralph and George when Bob was +obliged to drive ahead, both very much excited about it, and both +building air-castles on the strength of the idea, even until the weary +horses trotted up the lane to the Kenniston farm-house.</p> + + +<p class="back"><a href="#contents">Back to contents</a></p> + +<hr /> + +<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[163]</a></span><a name="XXI" id="XXI"></a>CHAPTER XXI.<br /> +<br /> +<small>PROSPECTING.</small></h2> + + +<p><span class="smcap">It</span> was not until a late hour on the morning after the boys arrived at +the Kenniston farm after their pursuit of the horse-thieves that any one +of the three made their appearance, and even then they would not have +gotten up so early as they did, had not Jim and Dick paid them a visit +for the purpose of hearing the particulars of the chase.</p> + +<p>Bob's partners paid no attention to Farmer Kenniston when he proposed +that they wait until the boys should awaken, since the chances were that +they needed a considerable amount of sleep; but insisted on paying a +visit to their partner in bed, which effectually prevented him from +enjoying another morning nap.</p> + +<p>When Ralph and George made their appearance half an hour later, Bob had +told his friends all the particulars of the chase, including the finding +of the report on the Simpson property, and the moonlighters were quite +as much excited about it as if they had been the owners of the land. +They insisted that George and Ralph should verify the truth of the +statement at once, and, without waiting for an invitation, proposed to +accompany them.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[164]</a></span>Just then, owing to the unusual vigilance of the torpedo detective, the +moonlighter's business was virtually at a standstill, and they had +plenty of spare time in which to prospect for oil, or to prove the truth +of the statement that had so singularly come into George's possession.</p> + +<p>Both the owners of the Simpson wood-lot would have much preferred to +make their investigations alone; but since they could give no good +reason as to why the boys should not be allowed to accompany them, nor +none as to why the work should not be begun at once, they were obliged +once more to start out with the moonlighters.</p> + +<p>During the ride home the night before, George and Ralph had discussed +the question of what they should do in case oil was found on the +property, and they both felt that in such case they should consider that +Mr. Simpson still had a claim upon the land, even though they had paid +him all he had said he considered it worth.</p> + +<p>They would have willingly loaned him the money to pay off the mortgage +if it could have been done as well; but that they thought at the time he +would not accept, and George had purchased the wood-lot. Now, however, +if it should be found that the land was very valuable, neither of the +boys thought it right that they should reap the entire benefit, although +they were legally entitled to do so.</p> + +<p>They had feared that, by advancing the money to pay for the land, they +would be seriously hampered in the search for the horses, and when they +were obliged to give up the small amount which they<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[165]</a></span> had left, to the +constable at Sawyer, it seemed certain that they would travel under many +disadvantages. But this very lack of money had aided them. If they had +had sufficient to pay for their lodging at the hotel at Babcock, the +chances are that Bob would have remembered that the carriage needed +oiling; they would not have been able to follow the men so closely next +morning, nor would they have stopped at Mr. Folsom's, the only place +where they could have learned of the whereabouts of those whom they were +pursuing.</p> + +<p>The purchase of this land, made as it was in pure charity, had been a +great advantage to them, and if it should prove a valuable piece of +property, they intended that Mr. Simpson should be equally benefited.</p> + +<p>The title deeds had been left with Farmer Kenniston, while the boys were +away, and there could be no question as to their proprietorship.</p> + +<p>The only thing now was to learn whether there really was any oil on the +land, and this they were about to do, although it would have pleased +them much more if they were to go alone, rather than in company with the +moonlighters who had caused them so much trouble.</p> + +<p>Jim and Dick had their own team, and Bob proposed to use his horses in +the double wagon, so that in case he wanted to return home before George +and Ralph did, he could do so, and they could get Mr. Simpson to bring +them down.</p> + +<p>Since this was to be a regular prospecting trip, which might necessitate +their remaining out of doors<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[166]</a></span> all night, blankets and provisions were +packed into the wagon as before, while, in addition, George carried his +surveyor's instruments, that he might be able to locate exactly the spot +marked on the paper, in case they should have any difficulty in finding +it.</p> + +<p>On starting out, George insisted that they should first drive through +Sawyer, in order that he might report to the constable, as he had +promised; and, although the moonlighters did not fancy paying this +visit, they were obliged to do so if they wanted to accompany the +fortunate owners of the Simpson wood-lot on their prospecting trip.</p> + +<p>There was no difficulty in finding the man who had arrested them on the +night when time was of so much value to them, and by the reception which +he gave George it was easy to see that he had changed his mind somewhat +regarding his guilt, or had heard of the valuable assistance he had +rendered during the conflagration.</p> + +<p>"I will report to you at the time appointed," said George, after he had +told the story of finding his horses; "and then I shall have no +difficulty in proving that I knew nothing whatever about the +transportation of the glycerine."</p> + +<p>"And I believe that you will not, Mr. Harnett," replied the officer. +"Since it is uncertain as to whether the case will be heard on the day +set, you need not take the trouble to come here until I send you word. +But I should like to see Mr. Hubbard once in a while, for he is so apt +to fly off from one point to another that I shall never feel really +certain of him until he appears."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[167]</a></span>"Now, see what it is to have a bad name," said Bob, with a grimace. "I +ought to be trusted as entirely as George is, and yet I am not. Don't +worry, Mr. Constable; I will be here in time for the examination, and I +will also call upon you whenever I am in town."</p> + +<p>Then Bob drove on toward the Simpson place, Jim and Dick having preceded +the others, for they had no desire to meet a constable even in a +friendly way.</p> + +<p>Mr. Simpson was at home when the boys arrived at his farm, and the +reception which both he and his wife gave Ralph and George was something +to be remembered with pleasure by them for many a day.</p> + +<p>Had he been allowed to do so, he would have placed everything he owned +at the disposal of the two who had so generously aided him to keep the +home he loved so well; but George stopped the show of gratitude, which +was really becoming embarrassing, by saying:</p> + +<p>"You will please us more, Mr. Simpson, by saying nothing about what we +did, for we are likely to be repaid in a very substantial way; and if we +are, you will get more for your wood-lot than you ever dreamed of."</p> + +<p>"Is it something in regard to those two men who just left here?" asked +Mr. Simpson, not in the least surprised by what George had said.</p> + +<p>"What men do you mean?"</p> + +<p>"There were two here when you first came in sight, but they left at once +on account of some business, as I understood. They told me that they<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[168]</a></span> +wanted to buy my wood-lot, and when I said that I had already sold it, +they offered to show good signs of oil if they could be paid for the +prospecting they had done."</p> + +<p>George, Ralph and Bob looked at each other in surprise. It seemed +certain that Mr. Simpson's visitors must have been the men who had +stolen the team, and yet it was hardly reasonable to suppose that they +would venture back there so soon after having committed the crime.</p> + +<p>"Can you describe them, Mr. Simpson?" asked George, feeling ill at ease +because of the coming of these strangers, and yet not understanding why +he did so.</p> + +<p>"I can't say I can," replied the old man, slowly; "for, you see, I +hain't much of a hand at that sort of thing, an' I didn't look at 'em +sharp enough. It seems to me that they were youngish, not much older +than you, an' they looked as if they had been havin' a pretty hard +tramp."</p> + +<p>"What time did they come here?"</p> + +<p>"About an hour ago. They said they had jest come from Babcock, an' got +mother to give 'em some breakfast."</p> + +<p>"It don't seem as if there could be any question but that they are the +same ones," said George, speaking slowly to his companions, and looking +worried. "I can't tell why, but it troubles me to have them come back +here."</p> + +<p>"Don't be foolish, George," said Bob, speaking rather sharply. "What +harm can they do you? Besides, if they should go to cutting up any +capers,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[169]</a></span> it would be the easiest thing in the world to have them +arrested for stealing your team, and I fancy that would settle them."</p> + +<p>The boys had come, believing they should surprise Mr. Simpson by telling +him there was a chance that oil might be found on the land he had sold +so cheaply; but instead of doing so, the old man had startled them +considerably.</p> + +<p>"Well," said George, after a short pause, "we are going to leave our +teams here with you, Mr. Simpson, while we start out prospecting the +wood-lot. We believe those men who have just left are the ones who stole +my team, and if you still feel that you would like to do me a favor, you +will keep a sharp lookout over the stable while we are gone, for I do +not think they would hesitate to steal it again if they got the chance."</p> + +<p>Mr. Simpson promised to remain within sight of the stable-door all the +time the boys were away, and as proof that he was able to defend the +horses against any number of men, he brought out an old army musket, +minus almost everything save the stock, which he held carefully and +timidly in his hands, thereby causing his wife no little fear.</p> + +<p>"If we should find oil, Mr. Simpson," said Ralph, lingering behind after +the others had started, "George and I have agreed that you shall own an +equal share of the lot with us."</p> + +<p>Then he hurried away, joining the others quickly, in order that he might +not hear the old gentleman's thanks or expostulations.</p> + +<p>George, as well as Bob, believed they could find<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[170]</a></span> the place where the +men claimed to have seen signs of oil without any difficulty, and they +started out on what proved to be a vain search; for, after they had +walked several hours, they were no wiser than when they started.</p> + +<p>It was plainly of no use to search in this way, and George started back +to the house for his instruments, that he might locate the spot from the +directions on the paper, which he still held in his hand.</p> + +<p>The boys, glad of a rest, waited for his return, until, after he had +been absent nearly an hour, when he could easily walk the distance in +twenty minutes, Bob and Ralph started in search of him, leaving Jim and +Dick there in case he should return.</p> + +<p>Mr. Simpson both astonished and alarmed them by saying that George had +not been to the house since he first left it, and then they began a +hurried search, which resulted in nothing. They called him by name, +started Jim and Dick out even to the remote portions of the lot; but +without success.</p> + +<p>Strange as it seemed, it was nevertheless true that George had +mysteriously disappeared.</p> + + +<p class="back"><a href="#contents">Back to contents</a></p> + +<hr /> + +<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[171]</a></span><a name="XXII" id="XXII"></a>CHAPTER XXII.<br /> +<br /> +<small>A CRUEL DEED.</small></h2> + + +<p><span class="smcap">When</span> the boys met in the wood-lot at the spot where George had left +them, after they had made the first hurried survey of the place, +consternation was imprinted on every face. They knew that Harnett would +not voluntarily have gone away without telling them, and an undefined +but a very great fear took possession of them.</p> + +<p>Each looked at the other as if fearing to speak that which was in his +mind, and yet all were conscious that whatever was done to find their +missing friend should be done at once.</p> + +<p>It seemed so improbable that anything could have happened to him there +without their knowing it, that no one ventured to put his suspicions +into words, and each waited for the other to speak.</p> + +<p>"It can do no good for us to stand here," said Ralph, after he had +waited some time for a suggestion from Bob. "George is either not here, +or else some accident has happened which prevents him from answering. If +he had been here, and as he was when he left us, he must have heard us +when we called. Now, what shall we do?"</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[172]</a></span>All three of the moonlighters stood looking at him in silent dismay. +They were bewildered by the sudden disappearance, and Ralph understood +that whatever steps were taken toward finding George must be directed by +him, for his companions seemed incapable even of connected thought.</p> + +<p>"In the first place," he said, "let's make a thorough search of the +wood-lot, beginning from this point and working toward the house in the +direction he disappeared. If we don't find him here, we will try to make +up our minds what to do."</p> + +<p>There was no dissenting voice raised against this proposition, and Ralph +began the search by directing the boys to stand in a row, about ten feet +apart, and then walk straight down to the fence, carefully examining +every place in which George could have hidden.</p> + +<p>In this way a lane, at least forty feet wide, was examined thoroughly, +and as nothing was found by the time they reached the fence, the line +was formed again ten feet further on, the march continuing until they +reached a point abreast of the one they had started from.</p> + +<p>No one spoke during this search, for it seemed as though they were +hunting for the lifeless body of their friend, and when again they +arrived at the fence, they ranged along in a new line, silently, afraid +almost to look at the ground because of that which they might see.</p> + +<p>And at least a portion of their fears were to be realized, for as they +walked along on this third sad journey, they first found a place where +the bushes<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[173]</a></span> and ferns had been trampled down as if some desperate +struggle had taken place, and then, a few feet further on, almost hidden +in a pile of brushwood, they saw that for which they sought.</p> + +<p>It was the body of George, looking as if all life had departed, the face +beaten by cruel blows until it was nearly unrecognizable, the clothing +torn, and lying still as death.</p> + +<p>Even then no one spoke; no cry of alarm or of astonishment was given, +for this was what they had been expecting to find during all the search.</p> + +<p>Neither of the moonlighters had recovered from their first bewilderment, +and, as if this show of helplessness on the part of his companions +nerved him up, Ralph still preserved his presence of mind.</p> + +<p>Kneeling down by the apparently lifeless body, Ralph unfastened or tore +apart the clothing, until he could lay his hand over his friend's heart. +After an instant's silence, during which it seemed to each boy that he +could hear the pulsations of his own heart, Ralph said in a hard, +unnatural voice, which no one would have recognized as his:</p> + +<p>"He is not dead, for I can feel his heart beat feebly. One of you go for +a physician, while the others help me carry him to the house."</p> + +<p>"You take my horses, and drive first to Sawyer and then to Bradford for +three or four of the best doctors you can find, and drive faster than +you ever drove before," said Bob to Jim.</p> + +<p>The latter, finding actual relief in having something definite to do, +started off at full speed towards<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[174]</a></span> the farm-house, while Ralph began to +make a rude kind of a litter.</p> + +<p>Two fence-rails with limbs of trees laid across them, the whole covered +by the coats and vests of the boys, was the best that could be +improvised in a short time, and on this George was laid as tenderly as +possible.</p> + +<p>It seemed to all the boys as if he must be reviving somewhat, for they +fancied they could see him breathe as they moved him, and Bob was +certain he had lifted one of his hands as if to touch his head.</p> + +<p>It was a mournful procession they formed as they moved slowly towards +the farm-house, Ralph and Bob carrying the litter, while Dick stood +ready to help them whenever he might be needed.</p> + +<p>At the fence they were met by both Mr. and Mrs. Simpson, who had, of +course, learned the sad news from Jim, and had hurried out with almost +as much sorrow in their hearts as if he had been a son of theirs, for +they had learned to love George even before he had been the means of +saving their homestead to them.</p> + +<p>Thanks to the help which the old people were able to give, the wounded +boy was carried much more quickly and easily along, and in a short time, +which seemed very long to the anxious ones, he was lying on a bed in the +farm-house.</p> + +<p>Every effort was made to revive him as soon as he was placed in a +comfortable position on the bed in the room, sweet-scented with herbs, +and with such success that in a short time there was a movement of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[175]</a></span> the +eyelids, followed by a low moan which, though piteous, was welcomed by +the boys gladly, for it told of life.</p> + +<p>From the time they had found him stricken down by some murderous hand, +Ralph had noticed that George still held tightly clutched in his left +hand a piece of paper.</p> + +<p>He had hoped from the first that it might afford some clue to the +murderous assailants, and had tried to remove it, but without success.</p> + +<p>Now, however, when it seemed as if consciousness was returning, the +hands unclasped from what had probably been a clutch at those who had +attacked him, and the paper fell to the floor.</p> + +<p>The first physician whom Jim had found entered at this moment, and, +picking the paper up, Ralph held it until he should hear the medical +man's decision.</p> + +<p>He was disappointed in getting this very speedily, however, for the +physician began a long and careful examination of the injured boy, in +which he was assisted by the second doctor, who arrived ten minutes +later.</p> + +<p>George was in good hands now, and since they could do nothing to aid +him, Ralph beckoned to Bob to leave the room, for he was anxious to +learn what was contained in the paper, and wished that some one should +share the secret with him.</p> + +<p>"This is what George had in his hand when we found him," he said, when +they were out of the house, "and I think it will, perhaps, explain who +it was who tried to murder him."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[176]</a></span>Bob stood breathlessly waiting for Ralph to open the paper which was +crumpled tightly up in that almost death clutch, and as he saw it, he +uttered a cry of surprise and anger.</p> + +<p>It was a fragment of the description of the wood-lot which had been +found in the carriage when the thieves left it.</p> + +<p>"Those men have done this," cried Bob, as he clenched his hands in +impotent rage—"the ones whom George would not help catch after they had +stolen his team. They knew he had this paper, and when they saw him, +they either tried simply to get possession of it, George resisting, or +at the first attempted to kill him."</p> + +<p>"They can't be very far from here," said Ralph, as if wondering what +other crime they would attempt to commit before they left.</p> + +<p>"No, and they shan't get very far, either. I'll send Dick over to Sawyer +for the officers, and if it is possible, we'll have those fellows where +they can't do any more mischief."</p> + +<p>Dick was only too willing to go when he heard what Bob had to tell him, +and in the team he had driven over in he started at nearly as rapid a +pace as Jim had.</p> + +<p>Very shortly after he had gone, Jim returned. The first physician was +from Bradford, and he had met him on the road, while the second he had +found in Sawyer, having gone there to visit a patient. Both were said to +be very skillful, and Jim had sensibly concluded that there was no +necessity of getting any more.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[177]</a></span>To him the boys told of the discovery they had made regarding the scrap +of paper, and had they followed his advice, they would have started in +search of the villains then and there, without waiting the tardy +movements of the officers.</p> + +<p>But both Ralph and Bob thought their place just then was with their +friend, rather than searching for those who had assaulted him, and they +persuaded Dick to forego his idea of making a personal search for the +men.</p> + +<p>It was not long that the boys were in suspense as to the report of the +physicians, for hardly had they finished discussing the discovery they +had made as to who had done the cruel deed, when one of the medical +gentlemen came from George's room.</p> + +<p>Unless, he said, there were internal injuries, of which they were then +unable to learn, George's condition was not one of imminent danger. That +he had been severely injured there could be no doubt; but there was +every reason to believe that he would recover, unless some more serious +wound than those already found had been given.</p> + +<p>He had not recovered consciousness yet, and there was hardly any chance +that he would for some time, while the physician barely intimated that +it was possible, owing to the wounds on his head, that he might never +fully recover his mental powers.</p> + +<p>It was just such a report as medical men often make—one which leaves +the anxious ones in quite as much suspense as before, and neither Ralph +nor Bob was just certain whether it was favorable to their friend or +not.</p> + + +<p class="back"><a href="#contents">Back to contents</a></p> + +<hr /> + +<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[178]</a></span><a name="XXIII" id="XXIII"></a>CHAPTER XXIII.<br /> +<br /> +<small>THE TOWN ORDINANCE.</small></h2> + + +<p><span class="smcap">The</span> news which Dick carried to Sawyer was sufficient to create a great +excitement in that naturally quiet little town. In addition to what +looked like an attempted murder, was the fact that George Harnett, whom +they had all respected before the conflagration, and admired after it, +was the intended victim.</p> + +<p>There was no need for Dick to urge that officers be sent to try to +effect the capture of the scoundrels, for almost before he had finished +telling the story, a large party of citizens started in search of the +men, determined that they should answer for their crime.</p> + +<p>Therefore, when Dick returned, it was with so large a following that the +physicians rushed out in the greatest haste to insist on their keeping +at a respectful distance from the house, lest the noise might affect +their patient.</p> + +<p>Bob and his partners were anxious to join in the search, and urged Ralph +to accompany them, since he could do no good to George by remaining; but +he refused to leave his friend, even though he could not aid him, and +the party started without him, a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[179]</a></span> look of determination on their faces +that boded no good to the professed oil prospectors in case they should +be caught.</p> + +<p>During all of that night Ralph remained with George, listening to his +delirious ravings, as he supposed he was still battling for his life +with the men, and just at daybreak Bob returned alone. The search had +been even more successful than any of the party had dared to hope for +when they set out, for the men had been captured in the woods about four +miles from the place where the assault had been made and in the pocket +of one of them was the paper from which one corner had been left in +George's hand.</p> + +<p>They had evidently believed that they would be securely hidden in the +woods, for they had built a camp, and were in it asleep when they were +found.</p> + +<p>Bob had been one of the first to rush in upon them, and, seeing him, the +men had shown fight; but the sight of the crowd behind him prevented any +serious demonstrations, and after that their only fear had been that +some one would attempt to do them an injury, a fear for which, at one +time, it seemed as if there were very good grounds.</p> + +<p>When the prisoners had been carried back to Sawyer, Bob had left the +party, in order to report their success to Ralph, as well as to learn +George's condition.</p> + +<p>Until Harnett's friends could be informed of his situation, Ralph and +Bob were looked upon as the only ones having a right to dictate as to +what should be done for him, and Ralph was anxious to have the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[180]</a></span> course +they should pursue decided. With this in view, he had a long discussion +with Bob as to what should be done, and the result of it was that he +started at once for Bradford, to telegraph to George's mother, and to +hire a nurse to take care of him.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Harnett, George's mother, lived in Maine, and it would necessarily +be quite a long time before she could reach her son, even if she got the +telegram as soon as it was sent. Therefore, it was important that a +nurse should be procured, at least until she could arrive, and decide +what should be done with the patient.</p> + +<p>After this was done, Ralph started to return, not wanting to be away any +longer from his friend than possible, and as he neared Sawyer, he met +the officer who had arrested George and Bob for violation of the town +ordinance.</p> + +<p>"Where is Mr. Hubbard?" asked the officer, after Ralph had given him all +the particulars of George's condition.</p> + +<p>"He is now at Mr. Simpson's, waiting there until I shall get back."</p> + +<p>"Is he particularly needed there?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, no. As for the matter of that, neither one of us will be actually +needed after this forenoon, for I have just been to Bradford to engage a +nurse for George until his mother shall get here. Why did you ask?"</p> + +<p>"Well, you see before this assault was committed, it was decided to call +the case <a name="one" id="one"></a><ins title="Transcriber's Note: Original has on.">one</ins> of carrying glycerine through the town, to-day. Now +it has been<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[181]</a></span> decided, in view of the service Harnett rendered at the +conflagration, to drop the case against him, and only proceed against +Hubbard. But if his presence was necessary to Harnett, we could postpone +it easily enough."</p> + +<p>"But George would feel very badly if the case against him was dropped," +said Ralph, earnestly. "Before the arrest was made, his only hope was +that it would be made, so that he might prove he had nothing to do with +it. Isn't it possible to proceed against him, even if he isn't there?"</p> + +<p>"And what if it is?" asked the officer, with a smile.</p> + +<p>"If it is I would urge you to call the case against George at the same +time as that against Bob, for I know, beyond a doubt, that he will be +proven not guilty."</p> + +<p>"I'll see what can be done; and if you and Hubbard can leave, come over +about two o'clock this afternoon."</p> + +<p>"We will be there," replied Ralph.</p> + +<p>And then he drove on, rejoiced at the thought that even while his friend +was sick, he could remove one cause of trouble from him.</p> + +<p>When Bob was told of the interview Ralph had had, he was by no means so +well pleased that the case was to be opened so soon.</p> + +<p>"Why didn't you tell the officer that I couldn't be spared from George's +side for a moment?" he asked. "That would have settled it, for just now +every one is sympathizing with him."</p> + +<p>"In the first place, it wouldn't have been true,"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[182]</a></span> replied Ralph, "and +then again, if it has got to come, the sooner it's over the better, I +should think."</p> + +<p>Bob made a wry face over the matter, for he had hoped that in the +excitement caused by the attack on George, both the cases would be +dropped, and since there could be no doubt about his conviction, that +would have been the most pleasant way out of it, so far as he was +concerned.</p> + +<p>Ralph used all the arguments he could think of to persuade Bob to look +at the matter in a philosophical light, and it was not until he urged +the satisfaction it would give George, when he recovered, to know that +he was cleared of the charge, that Bob would even admit that he was +willing to go, although he knew he must do so.</p> + +<p>As soon as the professional nurse arrived and began her duties, Bob and +Ralph harnessed the former's team, and started first for the +moonlighters' hut, where Jim had said he would be that day, for the +purpose of getting him to testify in George's behalf.</p> + +<p>This young moonlighter was quite as averse to appearing at court as his +partner had been, for he feared the charge might be altered to include +him, but Ralph persuaded him that such would hardly be probable, at the +same time that he urged him to accompany them, for George's sake.</p> + +<p>On arriving at Sawyer it was found that the authorities were willing to +call George's case in consideration of the fact that his innocence could +be easily proven, and the trial began.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[183]</a></span>Of course, with Bob, Jim and Ralph to testify in George's behalf, there +was no doubt as to his innocence in the matter, and quite as naturally, +the testimony which cleared one convicted the other, for Bob had told +the story exactly as the matter had happened.</p> + +<p>George was found "not guilty," and public opinion being in favor just +then of any of the friends of the injured man, Bob was let off with a +reprimand and a fine of ten dollars.</p> + +<p>Bob was in high glee over this easy settlement of the matter, as was +Ralph, and when the constable handed them the forty dollars which he had +taken as security for their appearance, the young moonlighter insisted +on presenting him with five dollars of his twenty, as a "token of his +appreciation."</p> + +<p>During the ride back to the Simpson farm, and Jim accompanied them in +order to remain there over-night in case he should be needed, Bob +unfolded a scheme which he declared he had been maturing for some time, +although Ralph insisted that it had only occurred to him after his +fortunate escape from the clutches of the law.</p> + +<p>"We shall have no business for two or three weeks at least," he said; +"and while George is so sick there is really nothing we can do for him. +Now I propose that you and I find the signs of oil that those fellows +claim to have found, and when George gets well the work will be all done +for him."</p> + +<p>"But can we do it?" asked Ralph, thinking that he would be of but little +service, since his knowledge<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[184]</a></span> of the oil business was confined to what +he had seen of the moonlighters' operations.</p> + +<p>"Of course we can. I have done a good deal of prospecting, and, except +that I couldn't find the place they describe by measurements, I can do +the work better than George, for he has had no experience whatever."</p> + +<p>"I am willing to do it if I can," said Ralph, "for surely we can be +doing no harm in trying to prove whether the property is valuable or +not."</p> + +<p>"No harm! Of course there wouldn't be any!" cried Bob, growing +enthusiastic over his scheme. "And if we do find things as plain as I +believe we shall, there will be no trouble in borrowing money enough to +sink the well at once, so that when George gets out we could surprise +him with a little oil property that would make his eyes stick out."</p> + +<p>Ralph felt almost as if he was losing his breath at the "size" Bob's +scheme was assuming, and he said, faintly:</p> + +<p>"Oh, we wouldn't do that!"</p> + +<p>"Indeed, but we would, and I reckon Harnett wouldn't feel very badly +about it either."</p> + +<p>"If you were sure of striking oil, I'm not sure but that father would +advance the necessary money to do it," he said, falling in at once with +Bob's scheme, he was so dazzled by it.</p> + +<p>"That would be all the better," cried Bob, excitedly; "and I tell you +what it is, Gurney, if I don't show you a five-hundred-barrel well in +that same wood-lot, you shall have my head for a football."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[185]</a></span>Ralph was hardly in need of such a plaything, but Bob's scheme had so +excited him that when he did finally succeed in getting to sleep that +night, it was only to dream of wonderful wells spouting wonderfully pure +oil.</p> + + +<p class="back"><a href="#contents">Back to contents</a></p> + +<hr /> + +<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[186]</a></span><a name="XXIV" id="XXIV"></a>CHAPTER XXIV.<br /> +<br /> +<small>BOB'S INDUSTRY.</small></h2> + + +<p><span class="smcap">Bob Hubbard</span> was not one to give up anything he had once decided upon +without a trial, and when he told Ralph that between them they would +find the oil and sink the well before George recovered, he intended to +do it if it was within the range of possibilities.</p> + +<p>Very many operators in the oil region looked upon Bob as one of the best +prospectors there, and while they fully understood his reckless manner, +and agreed that it could not be said that he was strictly truthful, they +had the most perfect confidence in his reports on land.</p> + +<p>Therefore, it was no vain boast when Bob said that if there were good +signs of oil on the Simpson wood-lot, he could easily borrow money +enough to sink a well, for almost any one of the capitalists of Bradford +would have been willing to make the loan upon his representations.</p> + +<p>This wood-lot of Simpson's had attracted Bob's attention some time +before, as the reader already knows, and, despite the assertions of some +oil prospectors<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[187]</a></span> to the contrary, he had always maintained that a good +paying well would be found there.</p> + +<p>It had been his intention to buy the land; but he had neglected to do +so, as he was in the habit of neglecting his own business until it was +too late. But he would be satisfied to prove that he had been correct in +his views by striking oil there, even if he was opening the property for +some one else, and just then he saw the opportunity of doing a favor for +his friend at the same time that he proved the truth of his own +statements.</p> + +<p>On the morning after he had spoken of his "scheme" to Ralph, he was up +some time before the sun was, even though he had watched by George's +side until midnight, and was only waiting for the professional nurse to +relieve Ralph from his duty of watcher, before beginning the work he had +proposed to do.</p> + +<p>During the night it had seemed as if George had recovered consciousness +for a few moments, although he had not spoken, and the physician, who +had remained at the farm-house, was called to the patient's side.</p> + +<p>This brief revival of consciousness, to be followed immediately by a +fever, was what the medical man had predicted, and he then said that +George would appear to be very much worse in the morning; but that it +was the turning of the fever which would show whether he was ever to +regain the full possession of all his faculties.</p> + +<p>Therefore, when the morning came, and George,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[188]</a></span> in a high fever, seemed +to be very near death his friends were much less alarmed for his safety +than they would have been, had the change not been expected.</p> + +<p>It was unfortunate that he could not have been removed to the Kenniston +farm, where he would have been nearer medical aid in case he should need +it suddenly; but he could not have been taken where he would have +received more tender or devoted care then he did from Mr. Simpson and +his wife.</p> + +<p>The only possible aid which either Ralph or Bob could have given, after +they had relieved the nurse of the care of watching during the night, +would have been in case they were needed to go to town for anything +which the patient might require. Except for that, they might as well be +out prospecting as remaining at the farm-house.</p> + +<p>Therefore, in order that they might both be away, and feel perfectly at +ease, Bob had arranged with Dick to come over and remain during the day +with Jim, to act as messenger in case there was any necessity for it.</p> + +<p>Bob's horses were there, and after breakfast, when Jim had arrived, and +the nurse had resumed her duties, there was really nothing to prevent +them from going where they pleased.</p> + +<p>Much as he wanted to go with Bob, Ralph was uncertain as to whether he +should leave his friend until after he had spoken with the physician +regarding it, and then, learning that he could be of no possible +assistance by remaining, he announced that he was ready to begin the +work of prospecting again,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[189]</a></span> which had been brought to such a sad end the +day previous.</p> + +<p>Bob started out excited by the thought of what they would accomplish, +and so intent upon his scheme that he rattled on with explanations of +how this or that might be accomplished, until Ralph began to look upon +sinking an oil well as mere child's play, and quite convinced that it +could easily be done, even without capital.</p> + +<p>Both the boys were satisfied that there were no signs of oil in such +localities as they had examined the day previous, therefore there was no +occasion for them to do that work over again, and Bob began his labors +by starting through the wood-lot in an entirely different direction, +which brought them to a small stream, or marsh, which ran directly +across the land.</p> + +<p>The water-course, if such it could be called, was nearly dried up, but +Bob showed every signs of delight at finding it so easily, and said to +Ralph, as he began to wade along its course, regardless alike of wet +feet or mud-plashed clothing:</p> + +<p>"Here is where we shall find the first signs, if there is any oil around +here. Follow me, and sing out when you see any greasy-looking water in +these little pools."</p> + +<p>It is quite probable that Ralph would have waded in streams which were +almost entirely covered with oil, and yet never have "sung out" once, +for he was at a loss to know how oil-covered water should look; but +before they had traveled twenty yards, Bob said, excitedly:</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[190]</a></span>"Why don't you say something? I thought you would like to be the first +one to discover signs on your own land, so I have held my tongue for the +last five minutes, expecting to hear you shout."</p> + +<p>"But what shall I say?" asked Ralph, in surprise. "I haven't seen any +oil yet."</p> + +<p>"Well, you're a fine prospector, you are!" and Bob looked at his +companion as if in the most perfect amazement that he did not understand +fully the business which he had had no experience in. "What do you call +<em>that</em>?" and Bob pointed to the water-pools that were covered with +something which showed different colors, not unlike a soap-bubble.</p> + +<p>"I've seen that queer-looking water for some time," replied Ralph, +innocently; "but that isn't oil."</p> + +<p>"You may think so," said Bob, with a laugh, "but you let some of these +oil operators from Bradford see that, and then it would do your heart +good to hear them offer you big prices for the land. That's oil, my boy, +and it shows up as plain as the nose on your face. We'll follow this +swale up until we find where the oil ceases, and then I'll show you a +place where you can sink a well without a possibility of losing any +money by the operation."</p> + +<p>Ralph was now quite as eager and excited as his companion was, and the +two splashed on through the mud and water, feeling much as gold-seekers +do when they believe they are following up the leads to that precious +metal.</p> + +<p>Up the marshy land they walked until they were<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[191]</a></span> very nearly in the +center of the lot, and then Bob stopped, with a gesture of satisfaction.</p> + +<p>At this point the difference in the water was very marked, the line of +oil, as it oozed out from a little bank, showing clearly, while above +the water was pure.</p> + +<p>"There's one thing certain," said Bob, triumphantly, as he stood upon +the sponge-like bank which afforded him so much satisfaction to see. +"Those who have laughed at me because I insisted that the oil belt +extended in this direction would feel kind of foolish if they could see +this, wouldn't they?"</p> + +<p>"But is it what you might call a good showing?" asked Ralph, still +incredulous that this land, which they had purchased only through +charity for Mr. Simpson, should prove so valuable.</p> + +<p>It seemed to him that Bob must be mistaken, or those living in the +vicinity would have discovered it some time before.</p> + +<p>"Well, I should say it was a good showing," cried Bob, excitedly. "Why, +Gurney, there isn't one well out of twenty that are sunk which looms up +like this. It will yield a thousand barrels if it yields a pint."</p> + +<p>The only question, then, as to whether it was really valuable property, +it would seem, was whether it would yield the pint; and, if one could +judge from Bob's face, there was no doubt about that.</p> + +<p>He was radiantly triumphant—not that he had discovered the oil, for +others had done that before him, but that his views on the location of +the oil belt<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[192]</a></span> had proved correct, and he was determined that by his +efforts the supply should be made to yield, even though he could have no +pecuniary interest in the matter.</p> + +<p>"We'll sink the well here, and I'll begin the work this very afternoon," +he said. "But first we must go back to the house, and we'll mark our +way, so that there'll be no difficulty about finding the spot again."</p> + +<p>Then Bob started toward the farm-house, walking rapidly, as if his feet +could hardly be made to keep pace with his thoughts, and breaking off +the tops of the bushes to mark the way.</p> + +<p>"But how are you going to work without money?" asked Ralph, almost +doubting if his companion was quite right in his mind.</p> + +<p>"Do you think that a sight of that place isn't as good as a big bank +account? Why, we only need about three thousand dollars to do it all."</p> + +<p>"Three—thousand—dollars!" echoed Ralph.</p> + +<p>"That's all. You write to your father, tell him what we have found, and +ask him to send the money right on," said Bob, in a matter-of-fact tone.</p> + +<p>"And do you suppose he would send such an amount of money simply for the +asking?"</p> + +<p>And Ralph's doubts in regard to the moonlighter's sanity increased each +moment.</p> + +<p>"It don't make much difference whether he does or not," was the careless +reply. "I can get everything we need to go to work with on the strength +of that showing, and I tell you that we'll have that well flowing just +as soon as possible. But you<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[193]</a></span> write to your father, ask him to come on +and see what we have got, and, after he has talked with those who are in +the business here, he won't hesitate about the money."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I can do that," said Ralph, slowly, but doubting very much whether +he could accomplish anything by it. "But it will take three or four days +at least before we can hear from him."</p> + +<p>"That don't make any difference, for it won't delay us. I'm going to +start right out to buy the engine, and by the time we hear from him, we +shall be at work."</p> + +<p>By this time they were at the stable, and Bob began harnessing his +horses, in proof of what he said.</p> + +<p>"I wouldn't do that," expostulated Ralph. "It may not be as good as you +think it is, and you may get into an awful lot of trouble about it."</p> + +<p>"Look here, Gurney," said Bob, impressively. "There's oil there—plenty +of it—and I know what I'm about. You just let me alone, and by the time +Harnett is able to understand anything, I'll be ready to prove to him +that both he and you are rich, all through your charitable idea of +buying Simpson's wood-lot."</p> + + +<p class="back"><a href="#contents">Back to contents</a></p> + +<hr /> + +<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[194]</a></span><a name="XXV" id="XXV"></a>CHAPTER XXV.<br /> +<br /> +<small>THE WORK BEGUN.</small></h2> + + +<p><span class="smcap">After</span> deciding in his own mind that he would sink a well in the place he +had found, taking the work and debts upon himself when it was all to be +for the pecuniary advantage of his friend, Bob was not one to lose any +time.</p> + +<p>As soon as he got back to the house and could harness his horses, he had +started for Bradford to make arrangements for the purchase, on credit, +of such machinery as was needed, and all this had been done so quickly +that Jim and Dick were not aware he had returned from prospecting until +they saw him driving away.</p> + +<p>As a matter of course they questioned Ralph as to why their partner had +left so hurriedly, and his reply excited them wonderfully.</p> + +<p>He told them of what Bob had found, and then he realized how good the +evidences of oil were, for the boys were in a perfect fever of delight +as he explained what they had seen. Then he told them of what he thought +was a mad scheme on Bob's part, his intention to begin sinking a well +even before he had any money to carry on the work, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[195]</a></span> instead of being +surprised at their partner's rashness, as he had expected they would be, +they seemed to think it a very natural course for him to pursue.</p> + +<p>They had quite as "wild" an attack as Bob had had, and although Ralph +was surprised at it then, he soon grew accustomed to such phases of the +"oil fever," after he had seen more of the business.</p> + +<p>Jim and Dick insisted on going out to see what their partner had +discovered, not satisfied with Ralph's description, and while they were +gone he tried to convince himself that this possibility of his becoming +rich, even before he had been obliged to struggle with the world, was +true, and not a dream.</p> + +<p>He was sitting on the wood-pile, arguing to himself as to whether Bob +might not be mistaken, when Mr. Simpson came out of the house with the +report that George was sleeping, and he decided to tell him the news, to +see if he would be as confident as the others.</p> + +<p>But before he could speak, Jim and Dick came up, panting, but +triumphant.</p> + +<p>"That's the biggest thing I ever saw!" said Jim, as he wiped the +perspiration from his face, and then turning to Mr. Simpson, he added, +"That wood-lot is worth about a thousand times as much as you got for +it."</p> + +<p>"Eh? What's that?" asked the old man, with his hand to his ear, as if +distrustful that it had performed its duty correctly.</p> + +<p>"Why, Bob has found the oil."</p> + +<p>"Yes," added Dick, "and it shows up better than anything I ever saw +around here."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[196]</a></span>"It is true, Mr. Simpson," said Ralph, as the old man still looked +incredulous. "Bob found signs of oil this morning, which he says are +wonderfully good. I don't wonder that you can't believe it, for I +haven't succeeded yet, and I was with Bob when he found it."</p> + +<p>"Oil on the wood-lot!" repeated Mr. Simpson, in a dazed sort of way.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir, and tanks of it!" replied Jim.</p> + +<p>"I am more glad than I can say," replied the old man, fervently, "for +now you and Mr. Harnett will be rewarded for your generosity to an old +man whom you hardly knew or cared for. It was not to be that I should +have it, and it wouldn't have done me much good if I had, for mother an' +I are most ready to leave this world, an' we haven't a child or a chick +to be gladdened by the money. Why, Mr. Gurney, I'm as pleased for you as +if it was all mine."</p> + +<p>And Mr. Simpson shook the boy by the hand in a hearty way that left no +doubt of the truth of what he said.</p> + +<p>"But if there is oil there, Mr. Simpson, you own as much as George and I +do, for we settled on that yesterday."</p> + +<p>"No, no!" and the old man shook his head decidedly. "When I sold the +land, I believed I was getting the full value for it, and you didn't +care whether it was worth what you paid or not. What you bought is +yours, and there's no gainsaying that. I suspected there was somethin' +more'n wood on that land when I went to pay Massie the money, for when +he found that I had the full amount, he offered<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[197]</a></span> to pay me my price for +the wood-lot, and when I told him I'd sold it, he offered to give me the +whole mortgage just for that piece of land."</p> + +<p>"There!" exclaimed Ralph, as if Mr. Simpson had just told him something +which it was to his advantage to hear. "Now you can see why we should +give you one-third of the land. If you had come to us then, and told us +that you had a better offer for it, we should have been only too well +pleased to give it up. Now, if what Bob says is true, you shall still +own a third of the lot."</p> + +<p>Mr. Simpson shook his head, to show he would not permit of such +generosity, and Ralph did not care to discuss the matter any further, +for he and George had already decided what to do.</p> + +<p>"If what Bob says is true!" cried Jim. "Why, there's no question about +it, for there the oil is where you can see it for yourself."</p> + +<p>"Still, it may not turn out as he expects," objected Ralph, as if +determined not to believe in his good fortune; and the moonlighters, +really angry at such obstinacy, refused to argue with him any longer.</p> + +<p>They insisted that Mr. Simpson should go with them to see the fortune +that had been his, without his being aware of the fact, and while they +were away Bob returned.</p> + +<p>He had two men with him, who appeared as intent on business as Bob did, +for all three walked past Ralph without speaking, going directly into +the wood-lot.</p> + +<p>During fully an hour, Ralph sat on the wood-pile,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[198]</a></span> wondering if it could +be possible that he was wrong in refusing to believe what all the others +seemed so certain of, and then Bob and the men came back, accompanied by +Mr. Simpson and the two moonlighters, all looking as if they could +hardly contain themselves because of joy.</p> + +<p>"We will start the engine and lumber right up here, Mr. Hubbard," said +one of the men, as he passed Ralph, "and you can send for what you want, +with the understanding that the owners of the land will ratify all your +bargains."</p> + +<p>"Well, as for that, you can judge for yourselves, so far as one of the +owners is concerned; the other is not able to transact any business," +said Bob, turning suddenly toward Ralph, and, greatly to that young +gentleman's surprise, saying, "Gentlemen, this is Mr. Ralph Gurney, who +owns one-half the property, as Mr. Simpson has told you."</p> + +<p>"You are a very fortunate young man," said the gentleman who had been +speaking with Bob. "You authorize Mr. Hubbard to act for you, I +suppose?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir," replied Ralph, too much dazed to know exactly what he was +saying.</p> + +<p>"There! what did I tell you?" cried Bob, as Jim drove away with the men, +in order to bring the team back. "They will supply everything we need to +open the well, and simply because they have seen what you did not think +was of very much account. I have hired the men to build the derrick, and +before you go to bed to-night you will have seen the work begun on your +oil well."</p> + +<p>"But, Bob," asked Ralph, in a tone that was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[199]</a></span> almost piteous, and which +sounded so comical, under the circumstances, that even Mr. Simpson +laughed heartily at it, "do they think the same about it that you do?"</p> + +<p>"Well, you heard what was said about supplying anything we needed, and +people don't say such things, even up this way, unless they mean them. +Now we shall need some considerable money, and I advise you to write to +your father, telling him of what you own, and asking him to come on here +prepared to help you. If he won't do it I can get all the money we need; +but we shall have to pay considerable for the use of it."</p> + +<p>Ralph made no objection, nor advanced any further argument; he was in +that condition of mind when he was not capable of any resistance, and he +obeyed Bob's orders as meekly as if there was no way by which he could +refuse.</p> + +<p>Ralph's letter was by no means one of such glowing description as Bob +would have written. It was a plain statement of facts, begun by an +account of how he and George came to buy the property, of the chase for +the thieves, when they had their first intimation of the value of the +property, of the accident to George, of Bob's discovery, and lastly of +the opinion of the Bradford merchants, who were ready to supply, on +credit, everything which was necessary for the opening of the well.</p> + +<p>When the letter was read to Bob in its entirety, he did not disapprove +of it, nor was he very much pleased. All he ventured to say was:</p> + +<p>"It is lucky for you, Gurney, that the oil showed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[200]</a></span> up so plainly that +those who know a gold dollar when they see it were not so frightened +about giving credit as you are about stating facts."</p> + +<p>Then Dick was sent to Sawyer to post the letter, and while he was away +the workmen whom Bob had engaged had arrived.</p> + +<p>Ralph went with him when he directed them to clear away for the erection +of the derrick and engine-house, and by the time the first load of +lumber had arrived, he had begun to feel the effects of the oil fever.</p> + +<p>The preparations going on everywhere around, the comments of the workmen +as they saw the show of oil, the ringing blows of axes, and shouts of +the teamsters, all lent an air of realism to Bob's words which Ralph had +failed to see or feel before.</p> + +<p>It was for him, even though it had been against his wishes, that all +these men were working, and for him would accrue the profits, if indeed +there were any.</p> + +<p>Bob had been as good as his word; before Ralph went to bed that night he +had seen the work begun, and already was he beginning to feel that +perhaps all Bob's predictions might be verified.</p> + + +<p class="back"><a href="#contents">Back to contents</a></p> + +<hr /> + +<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[201]</a></span><a name="XXVI" id="XXVI"></a>CHAPTER XXVI.<br /> +<br /> +<small>DRILLING AN OIL WELL.</small></h2> + + +<p><span class="smcap">There</span> was no material change in George's condition on the morning after +work had been begun on the oil well. The physicians declared that he was +getting along as well as could be hoped for, and the nurse gave it as +her opinion that he would recover much sooner than any one had believed. +Therefore, the boys were not troubled about their friend more than might +be expected.</p> + +<p>On this day, work was begun on the derrick, and, as may be imagined, all +the boys were on the spot to see it, Ralph's belief in the success of +the venture growing stronger and stronger as the framework arose in the +air.</p> + +<p>On the third day George's mother arrived, and the boys were thus +relieved of all responsibility, so far as the care of their friend was +concerned.</p> + +<p>It was on the evening of the same day that Mrs. Harnett came that +Ralph's father arrived.</p> + +<p>After receiving his son's letter, he had thought the matter of +sufficient importance, somewhat to Ralph's surprise, to warrant his +paying a visit to the oil fields, and had written to Ralph to meet him +at Bradford.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[202]</a></span>Despite the fact that Bob could borrow on the strength of the property +as much money as he needed to carry on the work, he was very anxious to +convince Mr. Gurney of the value of his scheme, and on the day when that +gentleman was to arrive, insisted that Ralph should go to Bradford with +him early in the afternoon, in order that he might be able to arrange +with the gentlemen of whom they were purchasing their supplies to meet +Mr. Gurney, and tell him exactly what they thought of the proposed well.</p> + +<p>Thanks to Bob's activity, Mr. Gurney was able to see all those who had +inspected the property on that same evening, and was considerably +surprised by these interviews.</p> + +<p>After receiving Ralph's letter, he had thought that possibly the boys +might have a site for a well which would pay to open, and he had come on +believing that it was not a matter of very great importance.</p> + +<p>When he had been introduced to Bob, and had heard that young gentleman's +flowery description of the vast amount of wealth which was only waiting +to be brought to the surface of the earth, he was disposed to look upon +it as a visionary scheme, the value of which only existed in the +moonlighter's mind.</p> + +<p>Bob had been accustomed to have his statements received in that same +way, and for that reason had arranged for Mr. Gurney to meet those whose +judgment he could fully rely upon.</p> + +<p>These gentlemen assured him that the well<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[203]</a></span> promised to be a rich one; +that the signs of oil were remarkably good, and that they had no +hesitation in agreeing with Bob, as they had done, to supply anything +which might be needed to open the well.</p> + +<p>Thus, even before he had seen the property, Mr. Gurney believed that his +son was in a fair way to enrich himself through his deed of charity.</p> + +<p>In the present crowded condition of the Simpson farm-house Mr. Gurney +could find no accommodations for living there, and, since he was to +remain in Bradford, the boys had made their arrangements to remain there +also over night, in order that they might take him out to the oil-well +early in the morning.</p> + +<p>On the following day, Mr. Gurney drove out to look at the property. He +saw that the work was well under way, and heard sufficient from the +workmen to convince him of the fact that every one who had seen the +place believed a well would yield plentifully.</p> + +<p>Mr. Gurney's business would not permit of his remaining in the oil +region but one day, and when Ralph drove him to the depot that night, he +gave him formal permission to draw on him at sight for all necessary +expenses.</p> + +<p>After this, had it been possible, Bob would have hurried the work still +faster along, but he had already urged matters on as fast as possible, +and all he could do was to insist on Ralph, Jim and Dick doing as much +work as one of the laborers, he setting the example.</p> + +<p>The days went on all too short for the work that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[204]</a></span> each one wanted to see +done, and wearily for the invalid, who was beginning slowly to recover. +The fever had abated, and with the doctor's permission, the boys had an +interview with their friend, who had descended within the shadows of the +Valley of Death.</p> + +<p>On the night when the derrick was completed, the engine placed and +housed, and the drills in position, ready for work, Bob and Ralph had a +long and heated discussion as to whether George should be told of what +was being done.</p> + +<p>Bob insisted that he should know nothing about it until the day on which +they struck oil, while Ralph argued that if it was such a certainty that +oil would be found, George should be allowed to share in the pleasure of +digging for it.</p> + +<p>Already had the young engineer begun to worry about the loss his +business would sustain because of his illness, and although he had not +spoken of it, Ralph fancied he could see that he was also troubled about +the expense which he must necessarily be under.</p> + +<p>All this, Ralph argued, would be taken from George's mind if he was told +of what was being done, and after a long discussion, Bob agreed that the +important news should be told on the following day, provided the +physician agreed that the patient would not suffer from the excitement.</p> + +<p>On the following morning, all the boys were at the proposed well before +any of the workmen arrived, in order that they might see the drills +enter the ground, and by the time that important ceremony<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[205]</a></span> was over, it +was time for the physician to make his morning call.</p> + +<p>When he did come, Ralph told him just what he thought George had on his +mind, in the way of trouble, and then stated what it was he proposed +doing, in case there was no objection to it.</p> + +<p>"Not the slightest objection, my boy," said the medical gentleman, +heartily. "Good news seldom kills, and from what I learn, it is only +that which you have to tell. I think, as you do, that it will benefit +the patient, and you have my permission to unfold your budget of news +after I have dressed his wounds."</p> + +<p>Half an hour later, the doctor had left the house, and Ralph and Bob +entered the invalid's room, as they had every morning since he had been +able to recognize them.</p> + +<p>In reply to their usual inquiry as to how he felt, George said, +gloomily:</p> + +<p>"I should feel all right if I only had a little more strength. It is +hard to know that I shall have to lie here a long time, simply waiting +to get strong, and all the business I had succeeded in getting, done by +some one else. But perhaps I couldn't have kept what I had after that +scrape about the glycerine."</p> + +<p>"All that is settled, George," said Ralph. "I persuaded them to call +your case the next day after you were hurt, when Bob's case came on. He +and Jim and I told the story exactly as it was, and you were acquitted, +while he was fined ten dollars. I should have told you before, but that +we were afraid of exciting you."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[206]</a></span>"Such excitement would do me good rather than harm," said George, with a +smile, "for I have worried about that every day I have been here."</p> + +<p>"Then I will give you more of the same sort, only better," replied +Ralph, with a meaning look at Bob. "The day after you were hurt, we +hunted for the oil, and Bob found it just——"</p> + +<p>"I should say we did find it," interrupted Bob, excitedly, and despite +Ralph's warning looks. "It is the richest spot you ever saw, and there's +a thousand-barrel well there, if there's a drop."</p> + +<p>George opened his eyes wide with astonishment, and then closing them +wearily, he said:</p> + +<p>"I'm willing to take your word for it that you found signs of oil; but I +would rather hear what some one else thought as to the size of the +well."</p> + +<p>"You shall hear," cried Bob, growing more excited, and forgetting all +caution. "I brought Dodd and Mapleson out here, and after they had +looked at it, they said they were willing to advance everything for the +opening. Then we commenced work——"</p> + +<p>"You commenced work?" cried George, attempting to raise himself in the +bed, and falling back from sheer exhaustion.</p> + +<p>"Yes, George," said Ralph, as he motioned Bob to remain quiet. "Every +one said we'd be sure to strike oil, and Bob has started it for you. He +had nothing to do for a while, and he wanted to surprise you. I sent for +father, and after he had talked with some of the men, he told us we +might draw on him for what money we needed."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[207]</a></span>George lay perfectly still and looked at Ralph as if he could not +believe that which he heard, and Bob, forgetting himself again, cried +out:</p> + +<p>"The derrick's already built, the engine's up, and we commenced drilling +this morning. I tell you what it is, Harnett, before you're able to get +around again, we'll have a thousand-barrel well flowing that you can +call your own; and, as for engineering, why, you needn't worry your head +about that any more, for you'll have all the money you want."</p> + + +<p class="back"><a href="#contents">Back to contents</a></p> + +<hr /> + +<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[208]</a></span><a name="XXVII" id="XXVII"></a>CHAPTER XXVII.<br /> +<br /> +<small>"THE HARNETT."</small></h2> + + +<p><span class="smcap">It</span> surely seemed as if the good news which Ralph and Bob had imparted to +him was all that was needed to cause George's rapid improvement. From +the day when they had told him of what they had done and were doing, his +recovery was so rapid that at the end of a week he was sufficiently +strong to sit up a short time each day, and the physician predicted that +in another week he would be able to take a walk out of doors.</p> + +<p>Meantime, the work at the well had progressed most favorably. There had +been no serious breakages, no vexatious delays, no trouble of any +important character. In fact, the workmen expressed it as their +conviction that it would be a "lucky well," because of the singular +freedom from accidents with which the entire work had been attended. Bob +was in the highest possible state of excitement all the time. Each +morning he anticipated that they would have some trouble which would +delay them, when he was anxious to have the work completed as soon as +possible, and each night, after matters had gone on smoothly, he held +forth to George and Ralph<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[209]</a></span> of the wonderful "luck" they had had, which +must be taken as an augury of that which was to come.</p> + +<p>Ralph divided his time equally between George and the scene of +operations. In the early morning, he would walk out to the well, stay +there an hour, and then return to report progress, continuing his +alternate visits to the well and the invalid, until George knew as much +of what was going on as if he had superintended it.</p> + +<p>Now, every oil well is christened with some name, which is supposed to +be suggestive of the manner in which it has been discovered, or to do +honor to some person who may or may not be interested in it; therefore, +it is not to be supposed that a name for this pet of Bob's had not been +discussed even before work had been begun on it.</p> + +<p>Each one of the boys had proposed some appellation, Bob's favorite being +"The Invalid," in honor of George, and because, as he said, it had +really had a chance of an existence through Harnett's illness, for he +stoutly contended that had the senior owner been well, he would have +been so cautious about opening it on credit, that all of them would have +grown gray-headed before they saw it flowing.</p> + +<p>Jim and Dick thought that, since Bob had really been the one to open it, +in case oil was struck, it should be called "The Moonlighter," in honor +of the one who had done all the work, when there was no chance that he +could be benefited by its success.</p> + +<p>George wanted to call it "The Gurney," and his suggestion gave to Bob +and Ralph just the name the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[210]</a></span> well should bear in case it answered their +expectations in regard to its yield.</p> + +<p>"We will call it 'The Harnett,'" said Ralph, more decidedly than he had +yet said anything in regard to the "scheme," and since Bob was in favor +of this, it came to be considered a settled fact that that should be the +name. After that conversation, old Mr. Simpson never spoke of it save as +"The Harnett," and the boys soon learned to follow his example, until +even George gave it that title.</p> + +<p>Work went on rapidly, until the drills were boring eight hundred feet +below the surface, and it was hourly expected that bed-rock would be +struck, when George broached to Ralph a matter he had had on his mind +from the hour he first learned that "The Harnett" was being opened.</p> + +<p>"Do you remember, Ralph, what we said about giving Mr. Simpson a share +in the land if oil was found there?" he asked, when Ralph came in to +tell him that the rock had not been struck, but that Bob believed it +would be before night.</p> + +<p>"Yes, and I still think we ought to do so," replied the junior partner, +quickly. "After he had taken our money, Massie offered to give up the +whole of the mortgage for a deed of the wood-lot, and he refused, for he +considered himself bound to us, even though he knew we only bought it to +help him along."</p> + +<p>"And what about Bob?" asked George, meaningly. "What he says about our +hesitating to begin work before we had money of our own to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[211]</a></span> carry it +through, is nearly true, and if oil is struck there we shall have him to +thank for it."</p> + +<p>"I know that, and I have been meaning to talk with you about it. Why +can't we give Mr. Simpson and him an equal share with us? I think they +really ought to have it."</p> + +<p>"So do I, and my proposition is that we give to each of them an +undivided fourth of the entire property, they to share equally with us +in everything."</p> + +<p>"And I agree to that fully," replied Ralph, quickly. "I have wanted to +propose something of the kind, but was afraid you wouldn't agree to it, +because of Bob's being a moonlighter, and having given you so much +trouble."</p> + +<p>"But if 'The Harnett' is a success, we must attribute it all to the +trouble Bob made for us. If the team hadn't been stolen we should not +have been in Bradford to meet Mr. Simpson, and if it hadn't been for the +theft we never should have imagined that there was any oil on the +property. Besides, if Bob owns an interest here, you'll find that he +won't do any more moonlighting."</p> + +<p>"Well," said Ralph, anxious that their good intentions should be carried +into effect as soon as possible, "when shall we give them their share? +Now, or after we find whether there is oil in 'The Harnett?'"</p> + +<p>"Now. You drive right into town, have the deeds made out, and bring them +here so that I can sign them with you."</p> + +<p>It was early in the day, and Ralph would have plenty of time to make all +the arrangements and yet<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[212]</a></span> be back before the drilling ceased, unless, of +course, the rock was struck almost immediately. Therefore he started at +once, refusing to answer any of the questions which Mr. Simpson and Bob +put to him as to what had called him in town so suddenly.</p> + +<p>Of course neither of those whom he had left in an aggravated suspense +could have any idea of his errand, and his sudden reticence after he had +been in the habit of telling them all he was going to do, mystified them +considerably, Bob in particular being greatly exercised over it.</p> + +<p>"I hope Gurney hasn't got on his ear about anything," he said, to +George, after he had watched Ralph drive away. "He's gone into town as +glum as a judge, and won't say a word."</p> + +<p>"What makes you think there is anything the matter?" asked George, with +a smile. "Have you and he been having any trouble?"</p> + +<p>"Not that I know of, except that he might have got cross when he was at +the well, and thought I ought to have treated one of the proprietors +with a little more deference. I was helping set the drills when he came +out last, and I'm not sure but that I spoke sharply when I answered his +questions; but I didn't intend to."</p> + +<p>"I guess there's nothing the matter with him," said George, rather +enjoying the moonlighter's perplexity, knowing how soon it would be +ended. "You probably were a trifle cross, when he was there, and, being +guilty, fancied that he spoke or acted differently from usual."</p> + +<p>"I didn't fancy it, for he was queer. I asked<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[213]</a></span> him where he was going, +and so did Mr. Simpson; but he wouldn't answer either of us."</p> + +<p>"I'll find out what the trouble is when he comes back, and let you +know," replied George.</p> + +<p>And with this answer, Bob went back to his work, thinking it very +singular that Ralph, who had always been so good-natured, should have +suddenly become so crusty.</p> + +<p>Twice during the remainder of the forenoon, Bob came to the house with +some trifling excuse for so doing, but really to learn if Ralph had +returned; and while he was there the last time, talking with George +about the probabilities of striking sand or gravel rock, the junior +partner returned.</p> + +<p>He had with him some official-looking documents, and, as he entered the +house, he said to Bob, speaking quite sharply without any intention of +so doing, and yet resolving all the moonlighter's suspicions into +certainties:</p> + +<p>"I want some witnesses to George's signature. Will you bring Mr. +Simpson, Jim and Dick here?"</p> + +<p>Bob arose silently to comply with the request, looked at Ralph +wonderingly and reproachfully an instant, and then left the room.</p> + +<p>While he was absent, George told his friend of the moonlighter's +trouble, and the two were making merry over it, when he returned with +the witnesses Ralph had asked for.</p> + +<p>The papers were handed to George, who signed both of them, and then +asked Jim and Dick to sign their names as witnesses to his signature. +Ralph had already signed them while in town.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[214]</a></span>Then, purposely taking considerable time about it, Ralph examined the +documents as if to make sure that all was correct, and said:</p> + +<p>"Mr. Simpson, after George and I learned there was a chance that oil +would be found on your wood-lot, we agreed that you should share equally +with us in whatever might come of it. For that purpose I went into town, +and have had a deed drawn up, giving you an equal share with us."</p> + +<p>"But I don't want none of it," said the old man, in a trembling voice, +while there was a suspicious moisture in his eyes. "I sold the land to +you as I'd a' sold it to anybody else, and whatever's there you own."</p> + +<p>"But the deed is made out now, and there is no use for you to protest +against it," said George; and, without giving the old man time to reply, +he added, as he turned to Ralph: "Now I understand that there has been +some trouble between you and Bob, or he fancies there has."</p> + +<p>Bob motioned to George to be silent; but it was too late, and Ralph +said:</p> + +<p>"The only trouble is that I chose to go away this morning without +telling him where I was going. Then I owned one-half of the wood-lot, +with all there is or may be on it, and since it was the last time I +should have the right to do anything regarding it without his knowledge, +I refused to tell him where I was going. But now that he owns an equal +share with you, Mr. Simpson and me, he will have a perfect right to +question me."</p> + +<p>Bob looked up in blank amazement, but made no<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[215]</a></span> attempt to speak, and +after waiting several moments, during which no one save the two original +partners seemed to understand the situation, Ralph said, as he handed +Bob one of the documents:</p> + +<p>"Believing that but for you 'The Harnett' would not have been opened, at +least for some time, we have thought it best to divide the property into +fourths, one of which belongs to you."</p> + +<p>Perhaps for the first time in his life, Bob was unable to make any +reply, and he walked quickly out of the room to the wood-pile, where he +sat for some time as if trying to make himself believe that what Ralph +had said was true.</p> + + +<p class="back"><a href="#contents">Back to contents</a></p> + +<hr /> + +<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[216]</a></span><a name="XXVIII" id="XXVIII"></a>CHAPTER XXVIII.<br /> +<br /> +<small>RED ROCK.</small></h2> + + +<p><span class="smcap">The</span> idea that Ralph and George would voluntarily give him a portion of +what he considered to be very valuable property, was the farthest +thought from Bob's mind. He had gone to work to open the well simply +because he was anxious to prove to those who had declared he knew +nothing about it, that there was a large deposit of oil where he had +always insisted there must be. If any one had said to him that he was +entitled to any considerable reward because he had given up his own +business to improve the value of his friend's property, he would have +said truly that he had not neglected his own business, since just at +that time there was no work for moonlighters to do.</p> + +<p>He had started in on the work with no idea of being paid for his +services, although if oil was found, and he had needed any small amount +of money, he would not have hesitated to ask for it. The work had been +begun by him upon the impulse of the moment, and this making him an +equal owner in the well, simply because of what he had done, surprised +him even more than it did any one else.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[217]</a></span>It was after he had been sitting on the wood-pile long enough to +understand why this property had been given him, reading first the deed, +and then looking toward the wood-lot, where he could hear the sounds of +activity, that he entered the house, where both his old and his new +partners were discussing, as they had ever since the work had begun, the +probabilities of finding oil.</p> + +<p>"I tell you what it is, boys," he said to George and Ralph, "this thing +ain't just straight. You've got no right, in the first place, to give +away a quarter of that property before you know what it's worth, and +then, again, if you paid me ten times over for what I've done, it +wouldn't amount to this. Now, if you think you'd feel better to pay me +for my work, take back this deed, and so long as I have charge of 'The +Harnett,' give me one barrel in every twenty you take out. That will be +mighty big pay, and a good deal more than I am worth."</p> + +<p>"But I suppose you'd be glad to own a portion of a well, Bob, and +especially as big a one as you insist this is going to be," said George.</p> + +<p>"So I would like to own one, and I'd rather have this one quarter, so +far as money goes, than half of any well I know of. But you see this +don't belong to me, for I haven't earned it, and you haven't the right +to give away so much."</p> + +<p>"But we have given it away, and you can't insist upon the size of the +gift, because none of us know whether, instead of being a benefit, it +will not saddle a debt on you of one quarter of the expense of sinking +the well," said Ralph.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[218]</a></span>"I know that it won't!" cried Bob, earnestly, "and so do we all, for +we're sure of striking a big flow."</p> + +<p>"Well, Bob, you've got the deed," interrupted George, "and since we want +to make you one of the owners of 'The Harnett,' we'll say to you as we +did to Mr. Simpson—you've got the deed, and you can't help yourself."</p> + +<p>Bob made no further reply; but five minutes later the boys saw him and +Mr. Simpson perched high up on the wood-pile, talking very earnestly +about something, which they quite naturally concluded was the gift they +had just received, and on commenting upon it, Mrs. Harnett, although she +knew there was very little necessity for it, advised the boys to insist +upon the acceptance of the gift, for she believed both the recipients +deserved what they considered such good fortune.</p> + +<p>Both Ralph and George were perfectly satisfied with what they had done, +and in an hour after the presentation, all the partners were discussing +the chances of striking oil, much as they had every day before when two +of them had no idea they were to become part owners.</p> + +<p>The doctor's visits had grown less frequent since George had begun to +recover so rapidly, and it had been three days since he had seen the +patient.</p> + +<p>George had insisted that he was perfectly able to walk as far as "The +Harnett," and would have done so had not his mother and his friends +urged so strongly for him to wait until he should see the doctor again.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[219]</a></span>It was on this day, just after George had eaten what any one would +consider a hearty dinner for an invalid, that the physician called, and +almost as soon as he appeared, George asked his opinion about his taking +a little out-door exercise.</p> + +<p>"I see no reason why you should not do so," replied the doctor, +"providing you may be trusted to act as your own physician, and come in +before you get tired."</p> + +<p>This George was positive he would be able to do, and almost before the +doctor had left the house, he was planning a visit to "The Harnett," but +that his mother objected to at once, since it would be impossible for +him to ride, and it would be much too long a walk.</p> + +<p>He was anxious to see the work, but, under the pressure of advice from +all his friends, he consented to defer seeing "The Harnett" until later, +and take a ride with Ralph instead. The horses were harnessed into his +own carriage, which was made even more comfortable than ever by a +profusion of Mrs. Simpson's pillows, and, assisted by all, the invalid +started for his first out-door exercise since the murderous assault upon +him.</p> + +<p>George wanted to drive through Sawyer, for since he had been cleared of +the charge against him, he was anxious to meet his friends there, and +Ralph willingly drove in that direction.</p> + +<p>Upon arriving at the town, there was every reason to fear that he would +not get as his own physician, as the doctor advised, for he was warmly +welcomed by every one, whether stranger or friend,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[220]</a></span> until his reception +was a perfect ovation. Over and over again was he thanked for the +assistance he had rendered during the conflagration, and the +congratulations on his recovery poured in on every side.</p> + +<p>Among the cordial welcomes he received, none was more hearty than that +from the officer who had arrested him the night he was starting in +pursuit of the horse-thieves, and from him Ralph and George heard some +news which interested them.</p> + +<p>The men who had committed the assault were in the jail at Bradford, +awaiting their examination, which was to take place as soon as their +victim's recovery was certain, and the officer asked when George would +be able to appear as a witness.</p> + +<p>The senior owner of "The Harnett" had no desire, even then, that these +men should be punished, but since the matter was one in which he could +have no choice, and since he would be obliged to attend the examination, +he declared that he could go at as early a date as might be set.</p> + +<p>Evidently anxious to have the matter off his hands as soon as possible, +the officer said:</p> + +<p>"Then if you feel able to drive into town to-morrow, we will hold the +examination. It will not take very much of your time, and if in the +morning you do not feel able to attempt it, don't hesitate to send me +word, and it shall be postponed."</p> + +<p>"I don't think there is any doubt but that I shall be here," said +George.</p> + +<p>And then, after bidding the kindly-disposed officer good-by, he +confessed to Ralph that he should be obliged to return home.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[221]</a></span>The meeting with so many in town had tired him more than the ride of two +hours could have done, and Ralph began to blame himself for having +permitted him to stay so long, even though he could hardly have +prevented it if he had tried.</p> + +<p>But during the ride back, the weary look on the invalid's face +disappeared under the refreshing influence of the quiet drive, and by +the time they turned into the lane which led to the Simpson farm-house, +he looked quite as bright as when he started.</p> + +<p>The lane was nearly a quarter of a mile long, and when they first +entered it, Ralph was aware that something unusual had occurred, and he +trembled lest some accident had happened, but as soon as he could +distinguish them more plainly, he understood that the gathering was +caused by joy more than sorrow.</p> + +<p>Bob, Jim and Dick were standing in front of the house, surrounded by +some of the workmen from the well, and Mr. and Mrs. Simpson were +hurrying from one to the other, much as if they were serving out +refreshments.</p> + +<p>"What can be the matter?" asked Ralph, anxiously, as he hurried the +horses along. "Do you suppose they have struck oil already?"</p> + +<p>"No, that couldn't be possible," replied George. "I rather fancy that +Bob and Mr. Simpson are celebrating the happy event of being admitted to +the ownership of the well."</p> + +<p>Ralph was satisfied that such was the case, and he pulled the horses in, +unwilling to arrive at a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[222]</a></span> scene where he feared he might be obliged to +listen to thanks for what they had done.</p> + +<p>Before many minutes, however, the boys could see that those at the house +were shouting to them, and when they arrived within hearing distance, +they recognized Bob's voice, as he shouted:</p> + +<p>"Bed-rock! bed-rock!"</p> + +<p>And then went up a shout from all that was nearly deafening.</p> + +<p>"They have got through to the rock," cried George, his pale face +flushing with excitement.</p> + +<p>And in a moment the carriage was surrounded by partners and workmen, as +each one tried to tell the good news that the drills had struck the rock +at a depth of eight hundred and forty feet.</p> + +<p>"What have you found?" asked George, as soon as he could make himself +heard.</p> + +<p>"Sandstone," replied Bob, "and we shall be obliged to try glycerine."</p> + +<p>"The moonlighters will open the moonlighter's well!" cried Dick, as if +an immense amount of sport was to be had from such an operation.</p> + +<p>"Indeed the moonlighters shall have nothing to do with it," replied Bob, +with no small show of dignity, and to the great surprise of all. +"There'll be no sneaking around to shoot this well, I can promise you +that, for we'll have her opened in the daylight, squarely, or not at +all."</p> + +<p>Jim and Dick could hardly believe that which they heard. That their old +partner, one of the most successful moonlighters in the oil regions, +should object to having a well, in which he had a quarter<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[223]</a></span> interest, +opened as he had opened wells for others, was something too incredible +to be true. There must have been some mistake about it, they thought, +and they would shoot the well by moonlight as soon as Bob should +consider the matter more fully.</p> + +<p>But all this time George was still in the carriage, and as soon as the +boys realized this, they began to make arrangements for helping him out, +content to wait to tell the good news more fully after he should be in +his room once more.</p> + + +<p class="back"><a href="#contents">Back to contents</a></p> + +<hr /> + +<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[224]</a></span><a name="XXIX" id="XXIX"></a>CHAPTER XXIX.<br /> +<br /> +<small>THE EXAMINATION.</small></h2> + + +<p><span class="smcap">Beyond</span> the fact that the drills had struck the rock, and that it was of +such a nature that they could not work in it, but would necessitate the +use of glycerine, but little more remained to be told after that first +announcement.</p> + +<p>But yet all the boys crowded into George's room and insisted on trying +to tell him something new regarding the important fact.</p> + +<p>The drills had struck the rock very shortly after Ralph and George had +started out, and in their rejoicing that the work was so nearly over, +Mr. and Mrs. Simpson had insisted that all hands should come to the +house, where a generous luncheon of preserves and bread and butter was +passed around in honor of the happy event.</p> + +<p>That was all any of them could tell, and then came the question of +shooting the well, Jim and Dick looking anxiously at their former +partner to hear him retract those words so traitorous to moonlighting +generally.</p> + +<p>Both Ralph and George were as glad as they were surprised to hear Bob +exclaim against having moonlighters<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[225]</a></span> open "The Harnett." They would have +opposed any such proposition had he made it; but since he himself +objected to it, the matter was simple enough.</p> + +<p>"I will drive down to town to-night and arrange with Roberts Brothers to +send a man up here to-morrow," said Bob, <a name="and" id="and"></a><ins title="Transcriber's Note: Original omits open quotation mark.">"and</ins> before to-morrow +night we will know just what 'The Harnett' is worth."</p> + +<p>"But, Bob," cried Dick, "you don't mean to say that after we have shot +the well that you're goin' to pay them more than it's worth for doin' it +no better than any of them can."</p> + +<p>"That's just what I do mean to tell them, my son," replied Bob, with a +mingled air of authority and patronage.</p> + +<p>"Why?"</p> + +<p>"Well, in the first place, it will avoid any trouble. In the second +place, it don't look well to be sneakin' 'round as moonlighters have to +do, and in the third place, we want 'The Harnett' opened square."</p> + +<p>"But you always said moonlighting was square, and that you wouldn't even +let the regular men come near a well of yours," urged Jim.</p> + +<p>And from his tone it was easy to understand that this opening of "The +Harnett" was a matter upon which he and Dick had quite set their hearts.</p> + +<p>"That was before I owned an interest in a well myself, boys," replied +Bob. "Mind you, I don't say now that moonlightin' isn't square, for I +believe it is; but when it's such a stunner of a well as this that's to +be shot, I say that it hain't best to give anybody a chance to raise a +question about it."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[226]</a></span>It was evident to all from that moment that Bob Hubbard, the oil +producer, was to be a very different sort of a party from Bob Hubbard, +the moonlighter, and all save his old partners were delighted at the +change.</p> + +<p>"Then have you given up moonlightin' entirely, Bob?" asked Dick, with a +world of reproach in his voice.</p> + +<p>"Indeed I have," was the emphatic reply. "I'm still ready to say that +it's all right and legitimate; but I'm through with it."</p> + +<p>"Then, just for the sake of old times, Bob, an' seein's how we haven't +come into possession of quarter of an oil-well, let us open your well +for you," pleaded Jim.</p> + +<p>And all present understood that he and Dick, having been interested in +the well from the time it was first discovered, were anxious to do +something toward opening it.</p> + +<p>"I'll tell you how it can be done," said George, desirous of granting +Jim and Dick the very slight favor which they asked, and yet quite as +unwilling as was Bob that the work should be done in any way which could +be called illegal. "Bob can go to the torpedo people, pay them for the +charge, get the cartridges and glycerine, with the express understanding +that he is to do the work himself. That would make matters right all +around, and you can fancy that you are moonlighting again."</p> + +<p>It was a happy thought, this one of George's, and every one present, +even including Mr. Simpson, hailed it with joy. It was an arrangement +which<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[227]</a></span> would please all of them very much better than to have any +strangers doing the work, and Bob would have started at once to attend +to it, if Ralph had not stopped him by telling him of the examination +which he would be obliged to attend next day.</p> + +<p>"Since you will be obliged to go with us, you had better wait until +to-morrow. You can have the tubing started on the road at the same time, +and on the next day we can shoot the well," suggested George.</p> + +<p>Bob was not at all inclined to wait forty-eight hours when half that +time would suffice to decide whether "The Harnett" was a wonderful +success or a dismal failure; but since he would be obliged to be present +at the examination, which would occupy a portion of the day, he tried to +content himself as best he could.</p> + +<p>The remainder of that day was spent in discussing plans for the future, +Bob entering into a profound calculation of the amount of material they +would need to build a tank, for he was so certain they would strike oil, +that he would have had no hesitation in beginning work on the tank even +before the well was opened.</p> + +<p>On the following morning, George was feeling so well and looking so +bright that there could no longer be any fear he had over-exerted +himself the day before, and preparations were begun at once for the ride +into town.</p> + +<p>Ralph and George were to drive in with the latter's team, while the old +firm of moonlighters, with Mr. Simpson, were to go in Bob's +double-seated<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[228]</a></span> wagon. Everything was taken which it was thought the +invalid might need, and the party started, all of them wishing the +journey had some other motive than that of assuring punishment to +others, even though they were guilty.</p> + +<p>On arriving in town, they were met by the officer whom they had spoken +with the day before, and he told them, after they had found a +comfortable seat in the court-room, of all that had been learned of the +prisoners.</p> + +<p>Their names were William Dean and Henry Ramsdell, and they had worked +for some time in Oil City for a civil engineer there. By this means they +had learned the oil business, and had shown an especial aptitude for +prospecting. There they committed what may or may not have been their +first crime, for no one knew where they had lived before they appeared +in Oil City. They robbed their employer of nearly two hundred dollars, +and it is probable that it was after that money was spent that they had +stolen George's team.</p> + +<p>The examination did not last very long. George told of the theft of his +team, of his pursuing the thieves, in company with Ralph and Bob, and of +all that occurred up to the time he left his companions to go to Mr. +Simpson's for his instruments.</p> + +<p>"Then," he said, "when I had got nearly half way from where I had left +my friends at the house, these men stepped from among the bushes +directly in front of me, and one demanded the paper which I held in my +hand. I refused to give it to him, and as I did so, before I had time to +act on the defensive,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[229]</a></span> the elder of the men struck me full in the face. +I at once began to defend myself, but it was two to one, and in a very +short time a blow on the head from some hard substance felled me to the +ground, unconscious."</p> + +<p>That was all George could tell, and Ralph and Bob were both called to +the stand to testify to what they knew, both of the theft of the team +and of the finding of George.</p> + +<p>Mr. Simpson, Jim and Dick were also ready to testify as to the condition +of George when they found him and when they carried him into the house, +but their evidence was not needed then, nor was the doctor's, who had +examined and attended the wounded youth.</p> + +<p>Beyond asking one or two unimportant questions of each witness, the +accused had nothing to say for themselves, or in contradiction of what +had been testified to, and the judge committed them without bail for +trial at the next term of court.</p> + +<p>As soon as the examination was over, Bob went to the office of the +torpedo works, and there contracted for the necessary amount of material +to "shoot" the well, and also stipulated that he be given permission to +do the work.</p> + +<p>At first this was refused peremptorily, on the ground that it was a +dangerous operation, and that he would probably succeed only in killing +himself.</p> + +<p>Bob understood at once that he was not recognized, and he asked if Mr. +Newcombe was in the building. That gentleman was in, and appeared very +shortly after he was sent for, greeting Bob as<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[230]</a></span> heartily as if they had +always been the best of friends rather than enemies.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Newcombe, I have come for an eighty-quart charge, with the +stipulation that I can work it myself in the well on the Simpson farm, +of which I own one quarter. This gentleman refuses, because he is afraid +I may kill myself. Won't you vouch for my skill in the matter?"</p> + +<p>"Indeed I will," was the hearty reply; "and if you will buy all your +charges in the same manner, I shall have very much less work to do."</p> + +<p>"I've stopped all that work now," said Bob, solemnly, "and so far as I +am concerned, you won't have another night's drive for moonlighters."</p> + +<p>Of course, after Mr. Newcombe's introduction, Bob had no difficulty in +gaining the desired permission, and he joined those who were waiting for +him outside, happy in the thought that, as he expressed it, "'The +Harnett' would have a chance next day to show what she could do."</p> + + +<p class="back"><a href="#contents">Back to contents</a></p> + +<hr /> + +<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[231]</a></span><a name="XXX" id="XXX"></a>CHAPTER XXX.<br /> +<br /> +<small>LEGAL MOONLIGHTERS.</small></h2> + + +<p><span class="smcap">When</span> the boys arrived at the Simpson farm-house, after the close of the +examination, there was very little they could do save talk over that +which was to be done on the morrow, when the value of "The Harnett" was +to be decided.</p> + +<p>A portion of the tubing to be used in case there was any flow of oil, +was already on the ground, and the remainder would be hauled by noon of +the next day at the latest. There were no cartridges to prepare, for the +Torpedo Company's workmen would attend to all that, delivering both the +tin cases and the glycerine ready for use.</p> + +<p>Everything was done that could be, and in a few hours more the casing of +rock, which might or might not cover a large deposit of oil, would be +blown out.</p> + +<p>As sanguine as Bob had been from the first that a large yield of oil +would be found, he was exceedingly nervous now that the time for the +question to be settled was near at hand. Not but that he was still as +positive as ever that they should strike oil, but he began to fear that +it might not be found in such quantity as he had imagined.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[232]</a></span>He would talk for a few moments with the boys, then find some pretext +for going to the well, over which a guard had been set to prevent any +evil-disposed parties from tampering with it, and once there he was +quite as eager to get back to his partners as he had been to leave them. +In fact, he was in the highest degree nervous, and had not the others +been afflicted in a similar way, they would have noticed his condition.</p> + +<p>Mr. Simpson was in such a disturbed mental condition that he went about +his work in a dazed sort of way, until his wife insisted on his sitting +on the wood-pile, where if he did no good he could at least do no harm, +while she did the chores for him.</p> + +<p>On hearing Bob say, for at least the tenth time since he returned from +town, that everything was all right at the well, the old man did "pull +himself together" sufficiently to do the milking, and then no sooner had +he performed that task than he forgot what he had done, and tried to do +the whole work over again, remembering his previous accomplishment only +when one of the cows kicked the empty pail over, and very nearly served +him in the same way.</p> + +<p>Jim and Dick were not as anxious regarding the yield of the well; +therefore, they were in a state of excitement only because they were to +be at what would be very nearly their old moonlighting tricks again, and +were simply impatient for the time to come when they could be at work.</p> + +<p>They spent their time sitting on a rather sharp rail of the fence, +bemoaning Bob's obstinacy in not<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[233]</a></span> having the well shot in regular +moonlighter's fashion, without being so weak-kneed as to buy the right +to do simply what no one ought to be allowed to prevent him from doing.</p> + +<p>Ralph and George were inwardly as excited as any one else, but outwardly +very much more calm. They sat in the latter's room, talking over the +prospects of striking a goodly quantity of oil, while, despite all they +could do, the conversation would come around to what the result would be +in case "The Harnett" proved to be a dry well. They knew that all the +bills had been contracted in their names, since they were the sole +owners at the time the work was commenced, and in case of a failure, +they would find themselves burdened with such a load of debt that it +would take them a very long time to clear it off.</p> + +<p>Even at that late hour they regretted that Bob had commenced to sink the +well, and it is extremely probable that if it had been possible to undo +all that had been done, leaving the land exactly as it was before the +signs of oil were discovered, they would gladly have agreed to forego +all their dream of wealth.</p> + +<p>Whether Mrs. Harnett and Mrs. Simpson also suffered from suspense that +evening it is hard to say; but certain it is that they were more silent +than usual, and the former sewed remarkably fast, while the latter's +knitting-needles clicked with unusual force.</p> + +<p>It was a trying time for all in that house. Had it been daylight, when +they could have been at work,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[234]</a></span> the hours would not have seemed nearly as +long; but, in the evening, the time passed so slowly that it almost +seemed as if there was a conspiracy of the clocks, and that their hands +were only moving about half as fast as they should have done.</p> + +<p>Then came the night, when every one went to bed and tried to sleep; but +three in that household succeeded very badly, and who those three were +may be very easily imagined.</p> + +<p>Next morning, every one was up so early that the hens were frightened +from their roosts half an hour before their regular time, and the +breakfast had been eaten fully an hour <a name="before" id="before"></a><ins title="Transcriber's Note: Original has bfore.">before</ins> it was customary +to begin to prepare it.</p> + +<p>George showed the effects of his anxiety very plainly, and had his +mother not feared the suspense would be worse for him than the fatigue, +she would have tried to induce him to remain in the house instead of +going to the well as had been agreed upon.</p> + +<p>Bob, who had visited the scene of operations before breakfast, again +announced that "everything was all right," and that one more load of +tubing would give them sufficient.</p> + +<p>Under the pretext that there were a great many things which it was +necessary for him to attend to, while everyone knew he was simply +inventing work for the purpose of hiding his anxiety, he insisted that +Ralph, Jim and Dick should help George out to the well when he was ready +to come, and then he hurried away.</p> + +<p>The charge would not be exploded until nearly noon, and on the night +before it had been agreed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[235]</a></span> that George should not venture out until a +short time before the decisive moment; but now that the time was so near +at hand, he could not remain in the house, and the result was that his +mother and Ralph agreed he should go at once.</p> + +<p>An easy chair was carried out in the grove, and placed at a safe +distance from the well, but where he could have a good view of what was +going on. Then, with Ralph at one side, Dick at the other, Mrs. Simpson +ahead, carrying a foot-stool and a fan, and his mother in the rear, with +a bottle of salts and an umbrella, the cortege started, its general +dignity sadly marred when the party were obliged to climb the fence.</p> + +<p>Bob was nowhere to be seen when the invalid and his attendants arrived +at the reserved seat, but before he was comfortably seated the +superintendent came up with another announcement that "everything was +all right," and aided them in disposing of George.</p> + +<p>He was comfortably seated under a large tree, with Mrs. Harnett and Mrs. +Simpson on either side of him, and, so far as could be judged, was quite +as well off there as he would have been in the house. Once he was where +he could see what was going on, and viewing the works for the first +time, the haggard look left his face, thus showing the wisdom of his +friends in not preventing him from coming when he wanted to.</p> + +<p>The first arrival, after the spectators had assembled, was the last load +of tubing, and Bob's only trouble was, or he professed that it was, that +they<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[236]</a></span> would lose so much oil before they could make arrangements for +storing it.</p> + +<p>As the time went on, Bob was the only one who had anything to do, and +those who watched him insisted that he simply did the same work over and +over again.</p> + +<p>Finally, when every one began to fear that the Torpedo Company had +entirely forgotten their contract, a wagon, similar to the one owned by +Bob, drove up with the long tin tubes on the uprights, and the box +evidently stored with the dangerous liquid.</p> + +<p>In an instant the moonlighters were changed boys. All their nervousness +or listlessness was gone, and in its place a bustling, consequential air +that was almost ludicrous.</p> + +<p>All three of the boys helped unload the wagon, and when the driver +attempted to do his share, they plainly told him that all he would be +allowed to do was to fasten his horses, if he wanted to see the +operation, or to drive away if he was not interested in it. He chose the +latter course, and, save for the workmen, the party most interested in +"The Harnett" were left alone.</p> + +<p>Bob critically examined the cartridges, making many unfavorable +comparisons between them and the ones he had been in the habit of +making, and then began the work of fastening the reel to the derrick, as +well as setting the upright in position, which served as a guide to the +rope that was to lower the cartridges in position.</p> + +<p>When that was done—and the moonlighters did<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[237]</a></span> not hurry in their work, +anxious as they had been before, for they were determined that this last +shot of theirs should be a perfect success—the more delicate task of +filling the cartridges was begun.</p> + +<p>There were four of these, each capable of holding twenty quarts, and the +spectators were not wholly at their ease, as can after can of the +explosive fluid was poured into these frail-looking vessels, even though +the moonlighters handled it much more carefully than Ralph had seen them +handle that which had been used at the Hoxie well, on the famous night +when Mr. Newcombe guarded their hut for them.</p> + +<p>As each tube was filled, the boys lowered it into position in the well, +and the nervous anxiety which had assailed them the night before again +took possession of Ralph and George.</p> + +<p>At last everything was ready for the launching of the iron bolt, which +was to call into activity the explosive mass, that was to shatter the +rock under which it was hoped the oil was concealed. The moment had come +when the value or worthlessness of "The Harnett" was to be decided.</p> + + +<p class="back"><a href="#contents">Back to contents</a></p> + +<hr /> + +<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[238]</a></span><a name="XXXI" id="XXXI"></a>CHAPTER XXXI.<br /> +<br /> +<small>THE SHOT.</small></h2> + + +<p><span class="smcap">It</span> is barely possible that when Bob stood over the aperture with the +iron poised in his hands which was to be the means of opening to them +the mystery of the well, there was just a shade of fear at his heart +that he had been mistaken in the signs, and that an upward rush of +water, would be all that would follow the explosion.</p> + +<p>His partners noted a look of almost painful hesitation on his face for +an instant, and, then, as it vanished, he dropped the go-devil, +retreating to where the group of anxious watchers were gathered around +George's chair.</p> + +<p>The seconds that followed the dropping of the iron were wonderfully long +ones, and it seemed as if each one present ceased to breathe, as the +time had come when the value or worthlessness of the well was to be +decided.</p> + +<p>Then was heard three distinct reports, somewhat louder than had been +heard at the Hoxie well, because of the charge being nearer the surface +of the earth, and this was <a name="followed" id="followed"></a><ins title="Transcriber's Note: Original has followd.">followed</ins> by the black, noisome +vapor that wreathed slowly around the aperture as<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[239]</a></span> if sent by the demons +of the earth to keep back those venturesome mortals who would seek to +penetrate their secrets.</p> + +<p>No one spoke, and each eye was riveted upon the mouth of the well, to +read there the story which was soon told. First came a shower of water, +breaking into drops as it reached the surface, sparkling in the sun like +diamonds, and then uprose, not slowly and waveringly as Ralph had seen +it once before, but shooting quickly in the air, a transparent, greenish +column of oil, that broke amid the timbers of the derrick, shattering +into splinters the smaller joists and scattering them in every +direction.</p> + +<p>It was clearly and unmistakably oil, not in any small quantity, or sent +with any slight force; but a discharge which, from its volume and +intensity, showed how vast was the reservoir from which it had come, how +great the strength of confined gas that sent it heavenward.</p> + +<p>For nearly five minutes the spectators sat watching the flow of oil +which told of the value of "The Harnett," until Bob broke the spell that +bound them, by shouting:</p> + +<p>"Hurrah for 'The Harnett!' Hurrah for petroleum!"</p> + +<p>In an instant all present, even including George, burst into loud shouts +of welcome to the long-confined and valuable product of the earth which +was theirs.</p> + +<p>During the thirty minutes that the new well spouted, congratulations +were poured in on Bob from all sides, for through his efforts had this +work<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[240]</a></span> been done, and without him it might have been many years before +such a scene would have been witnessed on the Simpson wood-lot.</p> + +<p>The partners hardly knew how to express their joy. George was quietly +happy; but the unusual brilliancy of his eyes and the flush on his +cheeks told of the deep but suppressed excitement under which he was +laboring. In that steady upward flow of oil he saw a competency for +himself and his mother, which he had not dreamed he should secure during +many long years of toil, and as he clasped her fervently by the hand, +she knew that it was of the many things this well would produce which +would add to her comfort that he was thinking.</p> + +<p>Old Mr. Simpson and his wife stood with clasped hands, looking at the +representation of wealth which was pouring out before them, and in their +eyes, even as they gazed, was a far-away look, as if they were thinking +of their loved ones who, when on this earth, had been deprived of many +of the necessaries of life, while wealth beyond their wildest imaginings +lay beneath their very feet.</p> + +<p>Ralph was laboring under the most intense excitement, which he strove +vainly to suppress. He had not, like George, been obliged to battle with +the world for those things which money can buy; but he saw before him a +course already marked out, which he had believed he would be obliged to +struggle very hard to reach.</p> + +<p>Now he was rich, and all those things he had desired could be his.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[241]</a></span>Jim and Dick were loud in their demonstrations of joy that their last +shot had produced such magnificent results; but their old partner, Bob, +outstripped them all in loud rejoicings. He had demonstrated beyond the +possibility of an argument that his location of the oil belt in the +vicinity was correct, and he had done so even as against the theories of +those older and more experienced in the business than himself.</p> + +<p>In addition, one-quarter of all this was his, and he was what he had +long dreamed of being—an oil producer.</p> + +<p>The length of time which the well flowed demonstrated the fact that, if +it would not produce a thousand barrels of oil per day, the yield would +not fall far short of that, and when it finally ceased flowing, Bob was +transformed into the steady, hard-working superintendent he had been +since the work was first commenced.</p> + +<p>It was necessary that something be done at once to save all this oil +which was now going to waste, and he directed the workmen at once how +they should begin.</p> + +<p>Unknown to his partners, Bob had already made arrangements for the +building of a tank, and, as soon as the workmen were engaged with the +tubing, he started Jim off to town with a message to the contractors +that no time might be lost in getting at the work.</p> + +<p>Before Jim left, Ralph gave him a message which he wanted him to send to +his father. It was short, containing only these words:</p> + +<p class="blockquot"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[242]</a></span>"Well just opened. Good for eight hundred barrels per day."</p> + +<p>On reading it, Bob insisted that the eight hundred should be changed to +one thousand, since that would probably be nearer the actual yield; but +Ralph let it remain as it was, <a name="preferring" id="preferring"></a><ins title="Transcriber's Note: Original has prefering.">preferring</ins> to be two hundred +barrels short of the actual yield rather than two hundred barrels over.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Harnett persuaded George to return to the house as soon as the +first flow had ceased; and, aided by Ralph and Mr. Simpson—for the +others were too busy to be able to help him—he went back, fancying, as +soon as he was away from the well, that he had dreamed of the wonderful +things he had seen, and that it could not be a reality.</p> + +<p>His friends were not certain whether he had been injured or benefited by +the excitement; but he was so thoroughly tired out when he reached his +room that he was obliged to go to bed at once, and there he fell into a +long, sweet sleep, from which he did not awaken until evening.</p> + +<p>As may be imagined, everything was in the greatest state of activity +around "The Harnett" during the remainder of that day and all the night, +making ready to save the oil which then was being lost, and before the +morning came, those who were working at the well decided that even Bob's +estimate of a thousand barrels was too small.</p> + +<p>"The Harnett" was flowing at the rate of twelve hundred barrels of oil +per day, and that represented at least as many dollars, although the +price of oil<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[243]</a></span> might fall much lower than it then was, when the supply +exceeded the demand.</p> + +<p>"If there is anybody that thinks now that the oil-belt don't extend up +this way, I should like to have them come up and take a squint at 'The +Harnett.' She's spouting like a daisy, and I knew she would, from the +first," said Bob, as he came in to breakfast next morning, after having +worked all night, his joy so great that he did not even feel the +fatigue.</p> + +<p>George seemed almost well on this morning, and he took his seat with the +others at the breakfast-table, much as if he was as strong as any of +them, while his looks did not belie his actions.</p> + +<p>"I knew you'd be well this morning," said Bob, gleefully, "for no matter +how weak you were, such a sight as you saw yesterday would put the +strength into you."</p> + +<p>And then the ex-moonlighter's tongue rattled on as if it had, as motive +power, a greater force than that which sent the oil up through "The +Harnett."</p> + +<p>Bob was as full of business as ever on this morning. By common consent, +and without the necessity of any conversation on the matter, he had been +tacitly accepted as superintendent, and it was not possible for him, +just then, to spend many idle moments.</p> + +<p>Already had the work on the tank been begun, and until it was finished, +"The Harnett" would be connected with an empty one, about two miles +away, the tubing being already nearly in position.</p> + +<p>Bob had sent, the night before, for more workmen,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[244]</a></span> and he confidently +expected that by night all the product of "The Harnett" could be saved.</p> + +<p>Old Pete, who had acted as a sort of watchman and guard for Bob when he +was a moonlighter, had been sent for to fill a similar position at the +well, and very many schemes were in progress.</p> + +<p>A house was to be built for the accommodation of the workmen, and this +Bob insisted Ralph should attend to at once, as it was needed sadly.</p> + +<p>Mr. Simpson was charged with making a road to lead from the highway to +the well, and since George was not strong enough to do any other work, +he was made book-keeper and cashier, as well as general financier.</p> + +<p>Jim and Dick were both hired by the owners of "The Harnett," one to act +as general messenger and clerk to George, and the other for such +important duties as the partners might not be able to attend to.</p> + +<p>In fact, before sunset of the day after the well had been opened, each +one of the owners was hard at work, and when they had ceased their +labors for the day, gathering in George's room, now turned office, for a +chat, Bob rather startled them by the information that it was his +purpose to sink another well close by the house, as soon as he should +get matters straightened out at "The Harnett."</p> + + +<p class="back"><a href="#contents">Back to contents</a></p> + +<hr /> + +<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[245]</a></span><a name="XXXII" id="XXXII"></a>CHAPTER XXXII.<br /> +<br /> +<small>MASSIE'S SCHEME.</small></h2> + + +<p><span class="smcap">During</span> the following week, matters went on very smoothly at the well +newly opened on Mr. Simpson's wood-lot.</p> + +<p>George had continued steadily to improve, and looked quite like his old +self, so much good had prosperity done for him. His mother, recognizing +the fact that she could no longer be of service to him, and feeling not +exactly at home in the rather limited accommodations which the Simpson +house afforded, had gone home, while the three boys had settled down as +regular boarders, or, rather, guests at the Simpson farm.</p> + +<p>The road had been built, the house for the workmen was well under way, +and the tank completed. By having this storage place near at hand, the +value of "The Harnett" could be definitely settled, and it was found +that the well was producing a trifle over twelve hundred barrels of oil +every twenty-four hours.</p> + +<p>The money which Mr. Gurney had advanced had already been repaid, and it +was George's intention to settle for the machinery and tools in a few +days<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[246]</a></span> more, for they were all anxious to be free from debt.</p> + +<p>Ralph's father had replied to the telegram by a letter of +congratulation, and had promised to come up there to see the property +before Ralph's vacation had expired, for it was by no means the young +oil producer's intention to neglect his studies. While the other +partners attended to the work at the well, it was his purpose to return +to college to finish the regular course he had started on.</p> + +<p>It did not seem possible that, now the well was open and flowing so +freely, anything could happen to prevent them from becoming wealthy, and +that in a comparatively short time; but from this dream of fancied +security they were destined to be rather rudely awakened.</p> + +<p>One morning, when they were all at the well, while Bob was trying, as he +had every day since he first saw oil from "The Harnett," to convince +them of the wisdom of boring another well just outside the limits of +their own property, but on that of Mr. Simpson's, which was entirely at +their service, two men drove up directly in front of them.</p> + +<p>Visitors had been so plenty at the well, that neither of the partners +paid much attention to these new arrivals. Every one near there had +heard Bob Hubbard's predictions that the oil belt embraced Mr. Simpson's +property, but without believing him, and when the news went out that he +had struck a twelve-hundred-barrel well just where every one believed +there was no oil, it seemed as if the people<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[247]</a></span> must see it before they +could be convinced it was really there.</p> + +<p>Almost a constant stream of visitors had been at the well from the day +it was opened, and Bob, believing these two men had come simply to +assure themselves that what others had said was true, paid no attention +to them, but continued his argument with George, as showing how they +could open another well further down the gully that should pay as well +as this one.</p> + +<p>"Can we see Mr. George Harnett and Mr. Ralph Gurney?" asked one of the +men, as both advanced toward the lucky owners of "The Harnett."</p> + +<p>"Those are the gentlemen," said Bob, carelessly, as he pointed to George +and Ralph, and then turned away to attend to some work, believing the +visitors had only idle questions to ask.</p> + +<p>"And are you Robert Hubbard?" asked the second man, stepping in front of +Bob in such a manner as to prevent his leaving the place.</p> + +<p>"I am."</p> + +<p>"And this, I presume, is Mr. Daniel Simpson?" continued the man, as he +pointed to the fourth partner, who had not yet gotten over his surprise +at seeing oil flow on his land.</p> + +<p>"It is," said Bob, sharply. "Is there any one else around here you wish +to see? If there is, call the roll now, for we have nothing else to do +but stand up for inspection."</p> + +<p>"You four are all we have any business with just now, although in a few +moments we shall want to see all who are at work here," said the man who +had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[248]</a></span> first spoken; and then, as he produced an official-looking document +from his pocket, he added, "Here is an injunction from the court, +restraining you from trespassing any further on this property, and from +removing anything from it. Here, also, are summonses for you to appear +in a suit for ten thousand dollars damages, brought against you by +Marcus Massie."</p> + +<p>"Massie!" exclaimed Bob, while the others looked at the documents in +speechless astonishment. "What have we got to do with him? We don't owe +him any money."</p> + +<p>"He claims that you have damaged him to the amount named by opening this +well without his knowledge or consent," replied the man.</p> + +<p>"Well, I like that!" cried Bob, angrily. "Of course we opened it without +his knowledge or consent, and perhaps you can tell us why it would have +been necessary to consult him about it. What has he got to do with us?"</p> + +<p>"Since the well is on his land, and since you have been converting the +oil to your own use, he thinks he has a great deal to do with it," +replied the second man, who looked very much like a lawyer, while the +other was evidently an officer of some kind.</p> + +<p>"His land!" cried George; and then all four of the partners looked at +each other in a dazed way, as if they had suddenly been deprived of the +power of speech.</p> + +<p>"Yes, his land," replied the lawyer. "He had a mortgage on all this +property, which he foreclosed,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[249]</a></span> and he proposes to take possession of +the house at once."</p> + +<p>"But—but I paid that mortgage!" cried Mr. Simpson, in a trembling +voice. "I paid that mortgage, and have got it now."</p> + +<p>"Yes," was the quiet reply. "I understand that by some means you have +got the instrument itself in your possession, but if you had got it +because you had paid the amount due, you would have received and had +recorded a release from Mr. Massie. Have you got that?"</p> + +<p>"A release!" repeated the old man, in bewilderment. "I don't rightly +understand you. I paid my money and got the mortgage. Wasn't that +enough?"</p> + +<p>"<em>If</em> you had paid the money," replied the lawyer, with a decided +emphasis on the first word, "you would have received a release, and that +would have been recorded with the mortgage, otherwise that instrument is +in full force."</p> + +<p>"But I paid it! I paid it!" wailed the old man.</p> + +<p>"I know you did, Mr. Simpson," said George, sternly, "and so does +Massie. This is a sharp trick on his part to force us into buying his +imaginary claim off, for he tried very hard to get hold of this property +in the first place, and would have succeeded if he had not tried to get +too much. We will consult a lawyer at once."</p> + +<p>"In the meantime, gentlemen," said the lawyer, "I warn you against +removing any more oil, or interfering in any way with my client's +property."</p> + +<p>"I don't suppose you have got an order of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[250]</a></span> court to prevent the well +from flowing, have you?" asked Bob, angrily, making what seemed such +unnecessary movements with his hands, that the lawyer stepped several +paces backward very quickly.</p> + +<p>"This officer will remain in charge of such property as you may own +here, since it is attached by Mr. Massie," said the lawyer, evidently +thinking it best for him to depart, and getting into the carriage with a +celerity that hardly seemed possible in one of his age.</p> + +<p>"Oh, he will, will he?" cried Bob, savagely. "Well, I shall stay here in +charge of him, and I promise you he won't do anything more here than the +law permits him to."</p> + +<p>"What <em>can</em> we do?" asked Ralph, as the lawyer drove away, and the +officer sauntered around the premises like one who already owned them.</p> + +<p>"I don't know what we can do now, except to go into town and consult a +lawyer. There is no question but that Massie is trying a little sharp +practice, and if it is a possible thing, he will get the best of us," +said George. "Ralph, you and I will go into town, while Bob stays here. +I suppose we had better take Mr. Simpson with us, so that he can tell +all the particulars of paying the money."</p> + +<p>"We will telegraph for father," cried Ralph, as if the thought has just +occurred to him. "He is a lawyer, and he will help us through with it."</p> + +<p>"That's a good idea," replied George; "but we will also see a lawyer in +town, so as to know exactly what we ought to do now."</p> + +<p>Mr. Simpson followed Ralph and George as they<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[251]</a></span> went to the stable, and +from time to time he repeated half to himself, as he passed his hand +over his forehead, as if to collect his scattered senses:</p> + +<p>"I paid the mortgage—I paid the mortgage."</p> + +<p>"We know you did, Mr. Simpson, and it will be hard if we can't prove it. +At all events, he has not got possession of the property yet, and I do +not believe he ever will."</p> + + +<p class="back"><a href="#contents">Back to contents</a></p> + +<hr /> + +<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">[252]</a></span><a name="XXXIII" id="XXXIII"></a>CHAPTER XXXIII.<br /> +<br /> +<small>HOLDING POSSESSION.</small></h2> + + +<p><span class="smcap">It</span> was a mournful-looking superintendent Bob made when his partners had +left him alone with the officer who was acting as keeper of the property +Massie had attached in pursuance of his swindling scheme.</p> + +<p>Bob had a wholesome dread of openly defying the law. In a case like +moonlighting, where the question of legality had never been definitely +settled, he had been prompt enough to take his chances as to whether he +was proceeding in strict accordance with, or directly against, the law; +but in the present case, where the man whom he would have been most +pleased to forcibly eject from the premises was armed with all the +powers of the court, Bob was obliged to content himself with thinking +what he would like to do.</p> + +<p>As the officer sat there near the engine-house, doing no more than was +absolutely his duty, Bob looked upon him as simply Mr. Massie's +representative, and the temptation to vent his anger by some act of +violence was very great.</p> + +<p>He restrained himself, however, from saying or<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">[253]</a></span> doing anything that +would entangle him in the meshes of the law; but in order to preserve +this outward tranquility, he was obliged to ease his mind in some way, +which he did by actually glowering at the innocent officer as though he +would "wither him with a glance."</p> + +<p>Of course there was a certain amount of work which it was absolutely +necessary to do, such as caring for the oil, attending to the engine +which forced the oil into the tank, and such things as even the law +might not be able to restrain. But the work on the buildings, the +sinking of pipes in order to get a supply of gas for illuminating +purposes, extending the road from the well to the house, and all that +labor which was for the purpose of improvement of the property, was +necessarily at an end.</p> + +<p>Had George remained, his prudence would have dictated the discharge of +all their force of workmen who were not employed exclusively on the +well, until the question at law had been settled. But to Bob such a +course seemed too much like submitting to what was a deliberate wrong, +perpetrated under the guise of justice, and he preferred the expense, +rather than even the semblance of "backing down."</p> + +<p>The officer may or may not have had a disagreeable time in the pursuance +of his duty while Ralph and George were in town; but to Bob it was +certainly anything but pleasant, since he had great difficulty in not +coming to an open conflict with this personification of law, brought in +to aid fraud.</p> + +<p>It seemed to the ex-moonlighter as if his companions would never return, +and once at least during<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">[254]</a></span> every ten minutes he walked toward the house, +in the hope of seeing them as they came up the lane.</p> + +<p>It was not until quite two hours past noon that his vigil was rewarded, +and then he saw them coming toward the house with a fourth party in the +wagon, whom he rightly conjectured was the lawyer whom they had been to +consult.</p> + +<p>"Well," he cried, even before they had had time to alight from the +wagon; "how have you made out?"</p> + +<p>"I haven't got time to tell you now," said George, hurriedly; "but you +will hear it all when we are through with what we have to do. Mr. +Hillman, the lawyer whom we consulted, and who has come out with us, +says that the first and main thing to do is to hold possession, not only +of the wood-lot, but of the farm. Massie will attempt this very +afternoon to get his men in here, as his lawyer threatened, and if he +succeeds we shall be the ones who will have to sue him, instead of his +being the outside party, as he is now."</p> + +<p>"Can we prevent any one from coming here?" asked Bob, quickly.</p> + +<p>"Certainly you can, and must," replied the lawyer. "No one can come here +without your permission until after the matter has been decided in +court, and you must be careful that no one does."</p> + +<p>"That settles it, then," said Bob, gleefully, as he started towards the +well. "The first thing I'll do will be to fire out that fellow Massie +has got here, and he won't be handled very tenderly either."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">[255]</a></span>"Stop!" cried the lawyer, obliged to speak very loudly, for Bob was some +distance away before he had ceased speaking. "That man has a perfect +right to be here, for he represents the court in the matter of holding +certain movable property until the suit can be decided. What you are to +do is simply to prevent unauthorized persons from gaining admittance."</p> + +<p>"But how is that going to help matters?"</p> + +<p>And Bob was again disconsolate because this revenge had been denied him.</p> + +<p>"I prefer to wait until Mr. Gurney can get here before I decide fully on +just what shall be done," replied Mr. Hillman. "He stands very high as a +lawyer, and his advice in the matter will be worth much more than mine."</p> + +<p>"Well," asked the moonlighter, impatiently, "how are we going to prevent +any one from coming on the land?"</p> + +<p>"That is a very easy matter. With your workmen and yourselves, you ought +to form a regular patrol at those few points at which a person could +enter, and the law will sustain you in keeping any one away, who does +not come armed with an order from the court, even though you use force."</p> + +<p>That was sufficient for Bob. Legally entitled to act on the offensive, +under certain circumstances, and to defend his and Mr. Simpson's +property against all save those coming in the name of the law, there was +an opportunity for him to work off some of the anger which he had found +so difficult to restrain during the forenoon.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">[256]</a></span>George and Ralph were perfectly willing to let him attend to the +defenses, they acting under his orders, and Bob set to work with a +feverish energy that boded ill for the perfecting of Mr. Massie's +scheme.</p> + +<p>Pete was ordered to take up his position at the entrance of the lane +which led to the Simpson house, and Mr. Simpson was detailed to see that +the negro did his duty. A stout club was all he was allowed as a weapon; +but this would be sufficient, it was thought.</p> + +<p>Four of the workmen, under the immediate supervision of Jim, were +stationed at the road leading to the well, and their orders were +peremptory against allowing any one to enter unless with the express +permission of Mr. Hillman, who, if any papers purporting to be orders +from the court were presented, would first examine them to learn if they +were correct.</p> + +<p>Four more men, under Dick, were stationed along the front of the +property, with orders to patrol the entire line, and three others were +stationed around the house, under Ralph's charge.</p> + +<p>Bob intended to have a personal supervision of all the points of +defense, and in order that he might move about more readily, he had one +of his horses saddled, by which means of locomotion he could visit each +of his sentries at least once every half hour.</p> + +<p>The officer who had been stationed at the works as keeper of the +property Massie had attached, was informed that he would be considered a +trespasser,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">[257]</a></span> and treated as such, if he attempted to go anywhere except +just where those articles were which he was expected to guard.</p> + +<p>George and the lawyer were thus left free from any duty of guarding the +place, and this Bob very wisely concluded was necessary, since they +might be obliged to go to town at any moment.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Simpson was set at work cooking up a quantity of food for the +defenders of the castle, and this Bob proposed to carry to them himself, +for he did not intend that one of his men should leave his post, even +for a moment.</p> + +<p>After all this was done, Bob had time to talk with George and Mr. +Hillman relative to the interview that had been held in town.</p> + +<p>Mr. Simpson had remained in the same dazed condition he had fallen into +when Massie's attorney first appeared, and had been unable to repeat a +single word of the interview he had had with the money-lender when he +paid off the mortgage, or to remember what had been done at the time.</p> + +<p>The records had been searched, however, and no release had been found; +therefore, it was plain that Mr. Simpson's ignorance of such matters had +caused him to neglect to ask for one.</p> + +<p>The probabilities were that Mr. Massie, after learning of the valuable +well which had been found on this property which might have been his had +he not tried to gain possession of the whole farm, had taken advantage +of this oversight on the part of his debtor, and, although he had been +repaid the borrowed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">[258]</a></span> money, intended to deny that he had ever received +it.</p> + +<p>That Mr. Hillman had fears of the ultimate result was shown by his +desire to consult with Mr. Gurney before taking any steps in the matter, +other than to hold possession of the property, and all the partners save +Mr. Simpson, who did not seem to be able to understand anything just +then, felt that there was a possibility that they might <a name="lose" id="lose"></a><ins title="Transcriber's Note: Original has superfluous fullstop.">lose</ins> "The +Harnett" after all their labor and rejoicing.</p> + +<p>Bob was by no means easy in his mind when he left Mr. Hillman and George +to begin his rounds of the outposts; but he was determined that, since +all they could do was to hold possession, no one not legally entitled to +it should gain admittance to the place.</p> + +<p>For two hours, during which Bob had made his rounds four times, nothing +had been seen to indicate that any one had even a desire to enter the +Simpson farm, and then, while Bob was talking with the old man, trying +to force him to remember all he had done while at Mr. Massie's office, +three wagons filled with men were seen down the road coming directly +toward the place.</p> + +<p>There could be no question but that this was the money-lender's party +coming to take possession, and they were in larger force than any one +had anticipated.</p> + +<p>Riding quickly to the house, Bob ordered Ralph and his men to join Pete +and Mr. Simpson, and then he called in Dick and his men, giving these<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">[259]</a></span> +last orders to proceed at once to support Jim, in case any of the +newcomers attempted to go that way.</p> + +<p>He thought, however, that the greatest trouble would be had at the lane, +and he believed he was fully prepared for it.</p> + + +<p class="back"><a href="#contents">Back to contents</a></p> + +<hr /> + +<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">[260]</a></span><a name="XXXIV" id="XXXIV"></a>CHAPTER XXXIV.<br /> +<br /> +<small>THE MISSING WITNESS.</small></h2> + + +<p><span class="smcap">Bob</span> had hardly called the main portion of his men to the point which was +threatened by the money-lender's party, when the wagons reached the +entrance to the lane, and the occupants began to get out.</p> + +<p>"You cannot enter here!" cried Bob, as the first man started toward the +lane, as if he would force his way past those who were guarding the +entrance.</p> + +<p>"I am sent here by the owner of the property, and it is my intention not +only to go in, but to drive away those who are intruding here," replied +the man, in an offensive tone.</p> + +<p>"Well," cried Bob, the anger which he had kept under control with +greatest difficulty during the day now gaining the ascendancy, "it may +first be necessary for you to get in before you drive any one out, and I +warn you that you attempt to enter at your peril. I am here by the +orders of the true owner of the property, and it will be a mighty hard +show for you to get in, since my instructions are to keep every one +out."</p> + +<p>By this time Mr. Hillman had arrived at the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261">[261]</a></span> scene of the threatened +trouble, and he said, loudly, so that all might hear him:</p> + +<p>"Gentlemen, the owner of this property is Mr. Daniel Simpson, my client. +Acting under my advice, he refuses to allow any one to enter on his +farm, and for that purpose has a body of men here to defend his rights. +I warn you that you will be rendering yourselves liable to prosecution +if you attempt to enter here against his express orders to the +contrary."</p> + +<p>For a moment those who had been sent by Massie retreated to the wagons, +as if unwilling to do anything which might bring them in conflict with +the majesty of the law, and it seemed very much as if they were going to +leave the place, when the lawyer who had first visited the well, and who +had accompanied them, called out:</p> + +<p>"You know very well that this is Mr. Massie's property, since he has +foreclosed the mortgage he held upon it, and if, in obeying his orders, +you do anything which renders you liable to the law, it will be him, not +you, who will be obliged to answer for your actions. I insist upon your +going into the lane."</p> + +<p>"It will be their heads which will get cracked, at all events, if they +attempt to come in here!" cried Bob, almost beside himself with rage; +"and if you think we haven't the right or the inclination to knock down +the first man who tries to come in, why don't you lead the way, to shew +that you are not frightened?"</p> + +<p>Although Mr. Hillman would have prevented Bob<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">[262]</a></span> from speaking, if he had +been able to do so, the speech had had its effect, for the men cried out +to the lawyer:</p> + +<p>"Yes, you lead the way, and we will follow you!"</p> + +<p>Leaping from his horse and seizing Pete's club, Bob cried out:</p> + +<p>"Show your men that you have a right to come in here, and I will show +them what they may expect if they try to follow, by an example on your +own head."</p> + +<p>The legal gentleman was not as eager to lead the way as he was to urge +the men on, and instead of going boldly up to Bob, he tried to induce +his men to go in. But none of them would make the attempt, because of +the formidable array before them, and seeing how useless his efforts +would be in this direction, the lawyer called one of the men to him, +talking to him in a low tone.</p> + +<p>Bob, divining just what was being said, and fearful lest he should be +outwitted finally, went to each one of his men, and ordered them to +start for the road that led to the well the instant they should see the +intruders get into their wagons.</p> + +<p>This order was given none too quickly, for almost before Bob had given +his directions to the last man, Massie's party clambered into their +wagons, and started down the road at a sharp gallop.</p> + +<p>"Come on, every one of you!" shouted Bob, as he forced his horse to leap +the fence.</p> + +<p>By, riding at full speed, he succeeded in getting<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">[263]</a></span> ahead of those who +would take possession of that to which their employer had no rights.</p> + +<p>Of course, it was not possible for Bob's force to get over the ground as +quickly as he did; but they ran as fast as possible, leaving only Mr. +Hillman, Mr. Simpson, George and Pete to guard the entrance to the lane.</p> + +<p>Bob arrived at the place where Jim and his men were stationed a few +seconds before the would-be invaders did, and in as few words as +possible, told them what had occurred at the lane.</p> + +<p>"Strike the first man who attempts to enter," he shouted, "and strike +him hard!"</p> + +<p>By that time the lawyer and his party had alighted and were marching in +a solid body up to the road, evidently believing they could force their +way through before the others could arrive.</p> + +<p>Instead of dismounting from his horse this time, Bob grasped a club that +was being raised by one of the men, and urged his horse at full speed +among those who were attempting to force an entrance.</p> + +<p>They had come out there in Mr. Massie's employ, believing that there +might be some little difficulty about entering, which their very numbers +would dispel at once, but by no means anticipating such a vigorous +resistance. It did not suit them to measure strength with these who at +last <em>appeared</em> to have right on their side, and they fled before Bob's +charge with the greatest precipitation.</p> + +<p>Bob was careful not to follow them into the highway; for, though he had +no very extensive acquaintance with the law, he rightly conjectured that +if he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264">[264]</a></span> did this, he might be exceeding the powers Mr. Hillman had said +were his; but he stood on the very line of his property, swinging his +club in a fashion that would make it uncomfortable for anyone who might +get within its reach.</p> + +<p>"You should be ashamed of yourselves," he cried, anxious to hold them in +check by any means until the remainder of his army could arrive upon the +scene, "to attempt even to aid Massie in depriving an old man of his +hard-earned rights. Mr. Simpson paid the money-lender all the money he +had borrowed; but not knowing anything of the beautiful intricacies of +the law, which gives a semblance of legality to such a theft as this, +neglected to ask for a release of the property. After oil was discovered +here, Massie saw a chance to steal the property, and he has hired you to +do what he doesn't dare to do himself. If I so much as thought I was as +contemptible as you show yourselves to be by trying to do this dirty +work, I would go and drown myself in the most stagnant pool I could +find."</p> + +<p>Bob's speech had quite as much effect upon the men as the sight of the +clubs had had, and they retreated toward their teams, protesting that +they did not know the facts of the case when they started out.</p> + +<p>It was in vain that the lawyer who had accompanied them insisted that +they were only doing what his client had a legal right to ask them to +do; in vain that he urged them to enter on the property regardless of +those who tried to prevent them.</p> + +<p>Bob had made them feel ashamed of the part they<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265">[265]</a></span> were playing, and +before Ralph, who had outstripped the others in the race, arrived, they +were in their wagons, insisting that they would have nothing more to do +with the matter.</p> + +<p>The lawyer scolded and shouted himself hoarse, trying to oblige them to +do as he coaxed and commanded, but all to no purpose. They were +determined to return, and they plainly told him that unless he came with +them, they should drive away without him.</p> + +<p>Under this pressure, which he could not control, the lawyer was obliged +to obey those whom he had vainly attempted to command, and the party +drove away, leaving Bob the well-earned title of conqueror in this first +battle of Mr. Massie's.</p> + +<p>But after all danger, so far as this party was concerned, had +disappeared, Bob was by no means inclined to relax his vigilance. He +stationed his men in the positions he had originally intended they +should occupy, supplied each of them with a generous lunch, with the +addition of hot coffee, and even gave a portion to the solitary officer +at the well, when he had originally intended that he should go hungry.</p> + +<p>After that was done, and after he had cautioned them to be watchful, +impressing on the minds of Ralph, Jim and Dick the necessity of +mistrusting every one whom they might see approaching the farm, Bob went +back to the house to consult with Mr. Hillman and George.</p> + +<p>There some especially good news awaited him. It seemed as if this direct +attack on Massie's part<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266">[266]</a></span> had restored Mr. Simpson to something near his +presence of mind, and, aided by his wife, who had always found scolding +efficacious when he relapsed into absent-mindedness, had succeeded in +recalling the events on the afternoon when he paid the money-lender the +five hundred dollars which he had had so much difficulty to raise.</p> + +<p>He now distinctly remembered that when he entered Massie's office a man +by the name of Jared Thompson, formerly an old neighbor of his, was +there, and that his first words were to the effect that he had brought +the money to pay off the mortgage.</p> + +<p>The old man was equally positive that he had laid the amount on the +money-lender's desk in the presence of this same man, and that Massie +had then offered to buy the wood-lot. How much more might have been said +while Thompson was there he was not certain, but of that much he was +positive.</p> + +<p>Mr. Hillman was overjoyed at the news that there had been a witness to +the repayment of the money, but when he asked where the man could be +found, he was disappointed in the reply.</p> + +<p>Mr. Thompson had lived on the next farm to Mr. Simpson's, but when he +left it, he went to Bradford, and from there it had been said that he +had gone to Babcock. Where he was living at that time Mr. Simpson +neither knew nor did he know of any one else who might be acquainted +with Mr. Thompson's whereabouts.</p> + +<p>"If we can find this man, and if he heard what<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267">[267]</a></span> Mr. Simpson thinks he +did, then the case will be clear enough, for we shall have a witness to +the payment of the money, which, I think, will be sufficient to explode +Massie's claim."</p> + +<p>"We <em>must</em> find him," was Bob's reply.</p> + +<p>And just then he felt able to find any man, however hard he might try to +hide.</p> + +<p>"Yes, but how?" asked Ralph, who had come in at the close of the +conversation.</p> + +<p>"I don't know exactly," said Bob; "but there must be a way. George can +be spared better than any one else. Let him harness his horses and start +out. He can stay away until he finds him."</p> + +<p>"I think the best way would be to make inquiries at Bradford, and from +there you might be able to track him," suggested Mr. Hillman. "Just +remember that with this man everything will be plain sailing, and that +without him Massie may get the best of us, and I am confident you will +bring him back with you."</p> + +<p>"And above all things, George, don't give up the chase because you think +we may need you here. Just remember that we can get along as well +without you and spare neither time nor expense in the search," said Bob.</p> + +<p>George was perfectly willing to start in pursuit of the missing witness, +and at once made his preparations for the journey.</p> + +<p>Fortunately he had with him as much money as he would be likely to want, +and to harness his horses and to gather up such things as he might need +was but the work of a few moments.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268">[268]</a></span>"Don't come back without your man!" shouted Bob, as George drove away.</p> + +<p>And the defenders of "The Harnett" and the Simpson farm were left alone +to await the coming of Mr. Gurney, and of George with the missing +witness.</p> + +<p>All of them feared that Massie's next attempt to gain admittance would +be made under the cover of darkness, and to prevent this from being +successful Bob went to work.</p> + +<p>First he sent one of the men on his horse to Sawyer to purchase a number +of lanterns, and while the messenger was gone he got from Mrs. Simpson +all the blankets and comfortables she had.</p> + +<p>It was his purpose that half his men should sleep at their posts during +the night, while the others watched, in order that they might be able to +continue sentry duty for any length of time, and he also proposed that +each one on guard should carry a lantern, that both he and any one who +might meditate an attack, would know those in possession of the property +were still on the alert.</p> + +<p>This done, the inmates and guardians of the farm were ready for the +coming of the night.</p> + + +<p class="back"><a href="#contents">Back to contents</a></p> + +<hr /> + +<h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269">[269]</a></span><a name="XXXV" id="XXXV"></a>CHAPTER XXXV.<br /> +<br /> +<small>MASSIE'S FAILURE.</small></h2> + + +<p><span class="smcap">Although</span> Bob had taken so many precautions against the coming of the +enemy during the night, they were all useless, since neither Mr. Massie +nor any one in his employ appeared at the Simpson farm.</p> + +<p>"Well," said Bob, next morning, while he was waiting for Mrs. Simpson to +prepare the breakfast for the sentinels, "since they didn't come during +the night they'll most likely be here to-day, so it won't do for us to +grow careless."</p> + +<p>As the day wore on, and nothing was seen of the force which it was +believed would appear, Ralph said to Bob:</p> + +<p>"If father started as soon as he got my telegram, he ought to be here on +the train to-night, and some of us must drive into town for him."</p> + +<p>"That's true, and you must be the one to go," replied Bob, decidedly. +"You can take my team, and if any one comes while you are gone, we shall +get rid of them, I guess."</p> + +<p>Since Mr. Hillman wished to go to his office for some law-books and +papers before Mr. Gurney<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270">[270]</a></span> arrived, Ralph started off with him about +noon, leaving the farm with the often-expressed wish that nothing would +happen during the absence of three of the defenders.</p> + +<p>"If you mean by that that you're afraid some of Massie's men may get in +here, you're mistaken," said Bob, stoutly. "Unless we have a mind to let +them, which isn't at all likely, there won't one of them get a chance to +so much as show his nose inside."</p> + +<p>Now that Mr. Simpson had succeeded in gathering his scattered faculties +once more, and understood that everything might yet be well with them, +he seemed suddenly to have grown young again, for he was as eager in +watching for approaching danger as Bob was.</p> + +<p>"Don't fear for us!" he shouted, as Mr. Hillman and Ralph drove down the +lane. "We can keep a regiment of them at their distance," and he acted +much as if he believed all he said.</p> + +<p>It was about two hours after Ralph and the lawyer drove away, when Bob +was honored with another visit from Mr. Massie's messengers, but this +time they did not come in sufficient force to cause any alarm.</p> + +<p>The lawyer and two men drove up to the lane, where Bob, having seen them +while they were yet some distance away, had a force of five men, and the +following conversation took place:</p> + +<p>"I am instructed by Mr. Marcus Massie, the rightful owner of this place, +to take possession of it at once, and to order you off the grounds as<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271">[271]</a></span> +trespassers," said the lawyer. "Do you intend to prevent us from an +exercise of our legal rights?"</p> + +<p>"I intend to prevent you from coming in here," replied Bob, "and I warn +you now that I will seriously injure the first one who attempts to come +on to this land, which belongs to Mr. Simpson."</p> + +<p>"I have made the demand upon you," continued the lawyer, in an unruffled +tone, "and I tell you now that my client will proceed against you if you +thus attempt by force to prevent him from the exercise of his just and +lawful rights."</p> + +<p>"Your client may proceed to do whatever he can, and just as soon as he +can, and if my answer has not been sufficiently plain, I tell you again +that none of you can come in here."</p> + +<p>And Bob made a demonstration with his club which appeared to convince +the lawyer that he would have no hesitation about using it on his +precious body.</p> + +<p>"I have warned you," said the legal gentleman, viciously, "and now you +can take the consequences."</p> + +<p>"And I have warned you!" cried Bob, "and I'm certain that you will take +the consequences if you attempt to come here, where neither you nor your +client have any rights."</p> + +<p>With this pleasant conversation, the lawyer and his companions drove +away, and once more was Bob master of the situation.</p> + +<p>The next arrivals to the disputed property were Mr. Gurney, Mr. Hillman +and Ralph. The former had started as soon as he had received his son's +telegram, and from the look on Ralph's face, it was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272">[272]</a></span> easy to see that +the two lawyers, after a consultation together, did not consider the +situation a desperate one.</p> + +<p>"Father says that even if George doesn't succeed in finding Thompson, he +believes it will be possible to show to the satisfaction of a jury that +Mr. Simpson paid off the mortgage," said Ralph, as the two lawyers +entered the house, leaving the boys alone in the stable-yard. "Of course +if this witness could be found, everything could be settled at once."</p> + +<p>Ralph's father was also able to do something for the immediate relief of +the owners of "The Harnett."</p> + +<p>On the morning after his arrival, and the guardians of the property had +been undisturbed during the night, Mr. Gurney and Mr. Hillman went into +town, where they succeeded in getting bondsmen for the boys, thus +releasing the property from attachment. They also began a suit against +Mr. Massie, to restrain him from taking any further steps in the matter +until the question of ownership could be decided at law.</p> + +<p>While they were absent, George returned, and with him was the missing +witness, Mr. Jared Thompson. He had been found at Babcock, and since he +had no business on hand he was perfectly willing to accompany George, +and all the more so because he had been promised he should be well paid +for his time, which, just then, was of no value to him.</p> + +<p>He remembered distinctly seeing Mr. Simpson at Massie's office, and of +seeing him pay over a large<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273">[273]</a></span> roll of money, which he stated was the +amount of the mortgage. He also heard Massie say, after he had counted +the money, that it was "all right," and saw him hand Mr. Simpson the +mortgage, which he took from his safe.</p> + +<p>After that Mr. Thompson heard some conversation between the two men +relative to the purchase of the wood-lot; but, since he was not +interested in the matter, he left the office shortly after it had begun.</p> + +<p>On the arrival of Mr. Gurney from town—for he returned alone, since +there was no necessity for Mr. Hillman to accompany him after the bonds +had been given for the release of the property—he questioned the +witness George had brought, and then stated that there was no further +cause for anxiety about the matter, since this testimony would answer +also the purpose of a written release of the mortgage.</p> + +<p>He also gave Bob an order to the keeper of the property at the well, +recalling him from his disagreeable duties, and the ex-moonlighter had +the pleasure of escorting the officer to the main road, happy that they +were once more in possession of their own.</p> + +<p>Then, of course, Mr. Gurney was shown the wonderful well, and listened, +long and attentively to Bob's arguments as to why another well should be +sunk near the house. To the surprise of all the partners except, +perhaps, Bob, Mr. Gurney advised that that scheme be carried out, saying +that Bob's argument seemed to be supported by such facts in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274">[274]</a></span> the case as +were apparent even to those unfamiliar with the business.</p> + +<p>Bob was highly delighted at having convinced Ralph's father of the +feasibility of this scheme, and Mr. Simpson was so impressed by the +celebrated lawyer's advice that he insisted on deeding, that very night, +the strip of land, on which it was proposed to sink the well, to the +firm of Harnett, Gurney, Hubbard & Simpson.</p> + +<p>Mr. Gurney insisted that the other three partners should pay to Mr. +Simpson their proportion of the valuation of the land, which would have +been several thousand dollars; but the old man would listen to no such +proposition. He had been presented with a quarter of the wood-lot when +he had no claim upon it, and he urged his right to make the firm a +present of as much land as he owned.</p> + +<p>There was no necessity of watching the farm that night, although Bob +thought it was careless to leave it unguarded; but no harm came to it, +nor did they even hear from the worthy Mr. Massie.</p> + +<p>Bob lost no time in setting about the work of opening the new well, and +his first duty next morning was to set a portion of the men at work +making ready for the erection of the derrick.</p> + +<p>Fortunately for the boys, the court was already in session, and Massie's +claim came up for an early hearing.</p> + +<p>It seemed as if the old money-lender must have entirely forgotten that +there had been a witness to the payment of the money, for he came into +court apparently confident that he should be able to call<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275">[275]</a></span> "The Harnett" +his own; but as soon as he saw Thompson, all his confidence vanished, +and he sneaked out of court even before the case was fairly opened.</p> + +<p>Of course, there could be but one decision, under the circumstances, and +in less than an hour from the time the case was called, a verdict had +been given in favor of Mr. Simpson, who was advised by the judge to +demand of Massie a written release, and there was no longer any question +as to the ownership of "The Harnett."</p> + +<p>So far as Ralph was concerned, the case had been decided none too soon. +It was time for him to return to college, and on the next day, in +company with his father, he bade his partners adieu for a year, as he +returned to his studies. Ralph Gurney's vacation was at an end, as this +story should be, since it promised simply to tell of that time.</p> + +<hr class="hr3" /> + +<p>With the story brought to a close, the work of the author should be +ended, unless, as in this case, he makes brief mention of what has +happened, concerning the principal characters, from that time until the +present.</p> + +<p>Ramsdell and Dean were convicted of the assault on George, and sentence +of two years in the State prison pronounced against them, the charge of +stealing the team still hanging over their heads, in case George wants +to press it when their term of imprisonment has ended, which is not +probable.</p> + +<p>While Ralph was finishing his collegiate course,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276">[276]</a></span> Bob worked at the new +well, and when it was opened, he telegraphed to Ralph:</p> + +<p class="blockquot">"New well just shot. Another victory for the moonlighter, for it is not +more than two hundred barrels less than the other."</p> + +<p>And Ralph replied:</p> + +<p class="blockquot">"I claim the right to name it. It shall be called 'The Moonlighter.'"</p> + +<p>When Ralph graduated, he owned a quarter of three good, paying wells, +and Bob has now an idea that it will pay to open another some distance +away, where he has been prospecting for the past month.</p> + +<p>Mr. and Mrs. Simpson still live on the old farm, and George, Ralph and +Bob live with them; but a new house has been built by the side of the +old one, for the old couple would not consent that their first home +should be torn down, and at any time that the readers visit that section +of the country, they should not fail to look at "The Harnett," which +still flows as it did during Ralph Gurney's vacation.</p> + +<h4 class="end">THE END.</h4> + + + +<hr /> + +<p class="books"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_a1" id="Page_a1">[1]</a></span>A. L. Burt's Catalogue of Books for Young People by Popular Writers, +52–58 Duane Street, New York <img src="images/acorn.jpg" alt="Acorn" id="decoration" /></p> + +<hr class="hr3" /> + +<p class="books">BOOKS FOR BOYS.</p> + +<p class="hang"><strong>Joe's Luck:</strong> A Boy's Adventures in California. By <span class="smcap">Horatio Alger, Jr.</span> +12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p> + +<p>The story is chock full of stirring incidents, while the amusing +situations are furnished by Joshua Bickford, from Pumpkin Hollow, and +the fellow who modestly styles himself the "Rip-tail Roarer, from Pike +Co., Missouri." Mr. Alger never writes a poor book, and "Joe's Luck" is +certainly one of his best.</p> + +<p class="hang"><strong>Tom the Bootblack</strong>; or, The Road to Success. By <span class="smcap">Horatio Alger, Jr.</span> 12mo, +cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p> + +<p>A bright, enterprising lad was Tom the Bootblack. He was not at all +ashamed of his humble calling, though always on the lookout to better +himself. The lad started for Cincinnati to look up his heritage. Mr. +Grey, the uncle, did not hesitate to employ a ruffian to kill the lad. +The plan failed, and Gilbert Grey, once Tom the bootblack, came into a +comfortable fortune. This is one of Mr. Alger's best stories.</p> + +<p class="hang"><strong>Dan the Newsboy.</strong> By <span class="smcap">Horatio Alger, Jr.</span> 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price +$1.00.</p> + +<p>Dan Mordaunt and his mother live in a poor tenement, and the lad is +pluckily trying to make ends meet by selling papers in the streets of +New York. A little heiress of six years is confided to the care of the +Mordaunts. The child is kidnapped and Dan tracks the child to the house +where she is hidden, and rescues her. The wealthy aunt of the little +heiress is so delighted with Dan's courage and many good qualities that +she adopts him as her heir.</p> + +<p class="hang"><strong>Tony the Hero:</strong> A Brave Boy's Adventure with a Tramp. By <span class="smcap">Horatio Alger, +Jr.</span> 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p> + +<p>Tony, a sturdy bright-eyed boy of fourteen, is under the control of +Rudolph Rugg, a thorough rascal. After much abuse Tony runs away and +gets a job as stable boy in a country hotel. Tony is heir to a large +estate. Rudolph for a consideration hunts up Tony and throws him down a +deep well. Of course Tony escapes from the fate provided for him, and by +a brave act, a rich friend secures his rights and Tony is prosperous. A +very entertaining book.</p> + +<p class="hang"><strong>The Errand Boy</strong>; or, How Phil Brent Won Success. By <span class="smcap">Horatio Alger, Jr.</span> +12mo, cloth illustrated, price $1.00.</p> + +<p>The career of "The Errand Boy" embraces the city adventures of a smart +country lad. Philip was brought up by a kind-hearted innkeeper named +Brent. The death of Mrs. Brent paved the way for the hero's subsequent +troubles. A retired merchant in New York secures him the situation of +errand boy, and thereafter stands as his friend.</p> + +<p class="hang"><strong>Tom Temple's Career.</strong> By <span class="smcap">Horatio Alger, Jr.</span> 12mo, cloth, illustrated, +price $1.00.</p> + +<p>Tom Temple is a bright, self-reliant lad. He leaves Plympton village to +seek work in New York, whence he undertakes an important mission to +California. Some of his adventures in the far west are so startling that +the reader will scarcely close the book until the last page shall have +been reached. The tale is written in Mr. Alger's most fascinating +style.</p> + +<p class="hang"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_a2" id="Page_a2">[2]</a></span><strong>Frank Fowler, the Cash Boy.</strong> By <span class="smcap">Horatio Alger, Jr.</span> 12mo, cloth, +illustrated, price $1.00.</p> + +<p>Frank Fowler, a poor boy, bravely determines to make a living for +himself and his foster-sister Grace. Going to New York he obtains a +situation as cash boy in a dry goods store. He renders a service to a +wealthy old gentleman who takes a fancy to the lad, and thereafter helps +the lad to gain success and fortune.</p> + +<p class="hang"><strong>Tom Thatcher's Fortune.</strong> By <span class="smcap">Horatio Alger, Jr.</span> 12mo, cloth, illustrated, +price $1.00.</p> + +<p>Tom Thatcher is a brave, ambitious, unselfish boy. He supports his +mother and sister on meagre wages earned as a shoe-pegger in John +Simpson's factory. Tom is discharged from the factory and starts +overland for California. He meets with many adventures. The story is +told in a way which has made Mr. Alger's name a household word in so +many homes.</p> + +<p class="hang"><strong>The Train Boy.</strong> By <span class="smcap">Horatio Alger, Jr.</span> 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price +$1.00.</p> + +<p>Paul Palmer was a wide-awake boy of sixteen who supported his mother and +sister by selling books and papers on the Chicago and Milwaukee +Railroad. He detects a young man in the act of picking the pocket of a +young lady. In a railway accident many passengers are killed, but Paul +is fortunate enough to assist a Chicago merchant, who out of gratitude +takes him into his employ. Paul succeeds with tact and judgment and is +well started on the road to business prominence.</p> + +<p class="hang"><strong>Mark Mason's Victory.</strong> The Trials and Triumphs of a Telegraph Boy. By +<span class="smcap">Horatio Alger, Jr.</span> 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p> + +<p>Mark Mason, the telegraph boy, was a sturdy, honest lad, who pluckily +won his way to success by his honest manly efforts under many +difficulties. This story will please the very large class of boys who +regard Mr. Alger as a favorite author.</p> + +<p class="hang"><strong>A Debt of Honor.</strong> The Story of Gerald Lane's Success in the Far West. By +<span class="smcap">Horatio Alger, Jr.</span> 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p> + +<p>The story of Gerald Lane and the account of the many trials and +disappointments which he passed through before he attained success, will +interest all boys who have read the previous stories of this delightful +author.</p> + +<p class="hang"><strong>Ben Bruce.</strong> Scenes in the Life of a Bowery Newsboy. By <span class="smcap">Horatio Alger, Jr.</span> +12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p> + +<p>Ben Bruce was a brave, manly, generous boy. The story of his efforts, +and many seeming failures and disappointments, and his final success, +are most interesting to all readers. The tale is written in Mr. Alger's +most fascinating style.</p> + +<p class="hang"><strong>The Castaways</strong>; or, On the Florida Reefs. By <span class="smcap">James Otis</span>. 12mo, cloth, +illustrated, price $1.00.</p> + +<p>This tale smacks of the salt sea. From the moment that the Sea Queen +leaves lower New York bay till the breeze leaves her becalmed off the +coast of Florida, one can almost hear the whistle of the wind through +her rigging, the creak of her straining cordage as she heels to the +leeward. The adventures of Ben Clark, the hero of the story and Jake the +cook, cannot fail to charm the reader. As a writer for young people Mr. +Otis is a prime favorite.</p> + +<p class="hang"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_a3" id="Page_a3">[3]</a></span><strong>Wrecked on Spider Island;</strong> or, How Ned Rogers Found the Treasure. By +<span class="smcap">James Otis</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p> + +<p>Ned Rogers, a "down-east" plucky lad ships as cabin boy to earn a +livelihood. Ned is marooned on Spider Island, and while there discovers +a wreck submerged in the sand, and finds a considerable amount of +treasure. The capture of the treasure and the incidents of the voyage +serve to make as entertaining a story of sea-life as the most captious +boy could desire.</p> + +<p class="hang"><strong>The Search for the Silver City</strong>: A Tale of Adventure in Yucatan. By <span class="smcap">James +Otis</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p> + +<p>Two lads, Teddy Wright and Neal Emery, embark on the steam yacht Day +Dream for a cruise to the tropics. The yacht is destroyed by fire, and +then the boat is cast upon the coast of Yucatan. They hear of the +wonderful Silver City, of the Chan Santa Cruz Indians, and with the help +of a faithful Indian ally carry off a number of the golden images from +the temples. Pursued with relentless vigor at last their escape is +effected in an astonishing manner. The story is so full of exciting +incidents that the reader is quite carried away with the novelty and +realism of the narrative.</p> + +<p class="hang"><strong>A Runaway Brig</strong>; or, An Accidental Cruise. By <span class="smcap">James Otis</span>. 12mo, cloth, +illustrated, price $1.00.</p> + +<p>This is a sea tale, and the reader can look out upon the wide shimmering +sea as it flashes back the sunlight, and imagine himself afloat with +Harry Vandyne, Walter Morse, Jim Libby and that old shell-back, Bob +Brace, on the brig Bonita. The boys discover a mysterious document which +enables them to find a buried treasure. They are stranded on an island +and at last are rescued with the treasure. The boys are sure to be +fascinated with this entertaining story.</p> + +<p class="hang"><strong>The Treasure Finders</strong>: A Boy's Adventures in Nicaragua. By <span class="smcap">James Otis</span>. +12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p> + +<p>Roy and Dean Coloney, with their guide Tongla, leave their father's +indigo plantation to visit the wonderful ruins of an ancient city. The +boys eagerly explore the temples of an extinct race and discover three +golden images cunningly hidden away. They escape with the greatest +difficulty. Eventually they reach safety with their golden prizes. We +doubt if there ever was written a more entertaining story than "The +Treasure Finders."</p> + +<p class="hang"><strong>Jack, the Hunchback.</strong> A Story of the Coast of Maine. By <span class="smcap">James Otis</span>. Price +$1.00.</p> + +<p>This is the story of a little hunchback who lived on Cape Elizabeth, on +the coast of Maine. His trials and successes are most interesting. From +first to last nothing stays the interest of the narrative. It bears us +along as on a stream whose current varies in direction, but never loses +its force.</p> + +<p class="hang"><strong>With Washington at Monmouth</strong>: A Story of Three Philadelphia Boys. By +<span class="smcap">James Otis</span>. 12mo, ornamental cloth, olivine edges, illustrated, price +$1.50.</p> + +<p>Three Philadelphia lads assist the American spies and make regular and +frequent visits to Valley Forge in the Winter while the British occupied +the city. The story abounds with pictures of Colonial life skillfully +drawn, and the glimpses of Washington's soldiers which are given shown +that the work has not been hastily done, or without considerable study. +The story is wholesome and patriotic in tone, as are all of Mr. Otis' +works.</p> + +<p class="hang"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_a4" id="Page_a4">[4]</a></span><strong>With Lafayette at Yorktown</strong>: A Story of How Two Boys Joined the +Continental Army. By <span class="smcap">James Otis</span>. 12mo, ornamental cloth, olivine edges, +illustrated, price $1.50.</p> + +<p>Two lads from Portsmouth, N. H., attempt to enlist in the Colonial Army, +and are given employment as spies. There is no lack of exciting +incidents which the youthful reader craves, but it is healthful +excitement brimming with facts which every boy should be familiar with, +and while the reader is following the adventures of Ben Jaffrays and Ned +Allen he is acquiring a fund of historical lore which will remain in his +memory long after that which he has memorized from textbooks has been +forgotten.</p> + +<p class="hang"><strong>At the Siege of Havana.</strong> Being the Experiences of Three Boys Serving +under Israel Putnam in 1762. By <span class="smcap">James Otis</span>. 12mo, ornamental cloth, +olivine edges, illustrated, price $1.50.</p> + +<p>"At the Siege of Havana" deals with that portion of the Island's history +when the English king captured the capital, thanks to the assistance +given by the troops from New England, led in part by Col. Israel Putnam.</p> + +<p>The principal characters are Darius Lunt, the lad who, represented as +telling the story, and his comrades, Robert Clement and Nicholas Vallet. +Colonel Putnam also figures to considerable extent, necessarily, in the +tale, and the whole forms one of the most readable stories founded on +historical facts.</p> + +<p class="hang"><strong>The Defense of Fort Henry.</strong> A Story of Wheeling Creek in 1777. By <span class="smcap">James +Otis</span>, 12mo, ornamental cloth, olivine edges, illustrated, price $1.50.</p> + +<p>Nowhere in the history of our country can be found more heroic or +thrilling incidents than in the story of those brave men and women who +founded the settlement of Wheeling in the Colony of Virginia. The +recital of what Elizabeth Zane did is in itself as heroic a story as can +be imagined. The wondrous bravery displayed by Major McCulloch and his +gallant comrades, the sufferings of the colonists and their sacrifice of +blood and life, stir the blood of old as well as young readers.</p> + +<p class="hang"><strong>The Capture of the Laughing Mary.</strong> A Story of Three New York Boys in +1776. By <span class="smcap">James Otis</span>. 12mo, ornamental cloth, olivine edges, price $1.50.</p> + +<p>"During the British occupancy of New York, at the outbreak of the +Revolution, a Yankee lad hears of the plot to take General Washington's +person, and calls in two companions to assist the patriot cause. They do +some astonishing things, and, incidentally, lay the way for an American +navy later, by the exploit which gives its name to the work. Mr. Otis' +books are too well known to require any particular commendation to the +young."—Evening Post.</p> + +<p class="hang"><strong>With Warren at Bunker Hill.</strong> A Story of the Siege of Boston. By <span class="smcap">James +Otis</span>. 12mo, ornamental cloth, olivine edges, illustrated, price $1.50.</p> + +<p>"This is a tale of the siege of Boston, which opens on the day after the +doings at Lexington and Concord, with a description of home life in +Boston, introduces the reader to the British camp at Charlestown, shows +Gen. Warren at home, describes what a boy thought of the battle of +Bunker Hill, and closes with the raising of the siege. The three heroes, +George Wentworth, Ben Scarlett and an old ropemaker, incur the enmity of +a young Tory, who causes them many adventures the boys will like to +read."—Detroit Free Press.</p> + +<p class="hang"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_a5" id="Page_a5">[5]</a></span><strong>With the Swamp Fox.</strong> The Story of General Marion's Spies. By <span class="smcap">James Otis</span>. +12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p> + +<p>This story deals with General Francis Marion's heroic struggle in the +Carolinas. General Marion's arrival to take command of these brave men +and rough riders is pictured as a boy might have seen it, and although +the story is devoted to what the lads did, the Swamp Fox is ever present +in the mind of the reader.</p> + +<p class="hang"><strong>On the Kentucky Frontier.</strong> A Story of the Fighting Pioneers of the West. +By <span class="smcap">James Otis</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.</p> + +<p>In the history of our country there is no more thrilling story than that +of the work done on the Mississippi river by a handful of frontiersmen. +Mr. Otis takes the reader on that famous expedition from the arrival of +Major Clarke's force at Corn Island, until Kaskaskia was captured. He +relates that part of Simon Kenton's life history which is not usually +touched upon either by the historian or the story teller. This is one of +the most entertaining books for young people which has been published.</p> + +<p class="hang"><strong>Sarah Dillard's Ride.</strong> A Story of South Carolina <a name="in" id="in"></a><ins title="Transcriber's Note: Original duplicates in.">in</ins> 1780. By <span class="smcap">James +Otis</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p> + +<p>"This book deals with the Carolinas in 1780, giving a wealth of detail +of the Mountain Men who struggled so valiantly against the king's +troops. Major Ferguson is the prominent British officer of the story, +which is told as though coming from a youth who experienced these +adventures. In this way the famous ride of Sarah Dillard is brought out +as an incident of the plot."—<b>Boston Journal.</b></p> + +<p class="hang"><strong>A Tory Plot.</strong> A Story of the Attempt to Kill General Washington. By <span class="smcap">James +Otis</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p> + +<p>"'A Tory Plot' is the story of two lads who overhear something of the +plot originated during the Revolution by Gov. Tryon to capture or murder +Washington. They communicate their knowledge to Gen. Putnam and are +commissioned by him to play the role of detectives in the matter. They +do so, and meet with many adventures and hair-breadth escapes. The boys +are, of course, mythical, but they serve to enable the author to put +into very attractive shape much valuable knowledge concerning one phase +of the Revolution."—<b>Pittsburgh Times.</b></p> + +<p class="hang"><strong>A Traitor's Escape.</strong> A Story of the Attempt to Seize Benedict Arnold. By +<span class="smcap">James Otis</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p> + +<p>"This is a tale with stirring scenes depicted in each chapter, bringing +clearly before the mind the glorious deeds of the early settlers in this +country. In an historical work dealing with this country's past, no plot +can hold the attention closer than this one, which describes the attempt +and partial success of Benedict Arnold's escape to New York, where he +remained as the guest of Sir Henry Clinton. All those who actually +figured in the arrest of the traitor, as well as Gen. Washington, are +included as characters."—<b>Albany Union.</b></p> + +<p class="hang"><strong>A Cruise with Paul Jones.</strong> A Story of Naval Warfare in 1776. By <span class="smcap">James +Otis</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p> + +<p>"This story takes up that portion of Paul Jones' adventurous life when +he was hovering off the British coast, watching for an opportunity to +strike the enemy a blow. It deals more particularly with his descent +upon Whitehaven, the seizure of Lady Selkirk's plate, and the famous +battle with the Drake. The boy who figures in the tale is one who was +taken from a derelict by Paul Jones shortly after this particular cruise +was begun."—<b>Chicago Inter-Ocean.</b></p> + +<p class="hang"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_a6" id="Page_a6">[6]</a></span><strong>Corporal Lige's Recruit.</strong> A Story of Crown Point and Ticonderoga. By +<span class="smcap">James Otis</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price <a name="dollar" id="dollar"></a><ins title="Transcriber's Note: Original has $1,00">$1.00.</ins></p> + +<p>"In 'Corporal Lige's Recruit,' Mr. Otis tells the amusing story of an +old soldier, proud of his record, who had served the king in '58, and +who takes the lad, Isaac Rice, as his 'personal recruit.' The lad +acquits himself superbly. Col. Ethan Allen 'in the name of God and the +continental congress,' infuses much martial spirit into the narrative, +which will arouse the keenest interest as it proceeds. Crown Point, +Ticonderoga, Benedict Arnold and numerous other famous historical names +appear in this dramatic tale."—<b>Boston Globe.</b></p> + +<p class="hang"><strong>Morgan, the Jersey Spy.</strong> A Story of the Siege of Yorktown in 1781. By +<span class="smcap">James Otis</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p> + +<p>"The two lads who are utilized by the author to emphasize the details of +the work done during that memorable time were real boys who lived on the +banks of the York river, and who aided the Jersey spy in his dangerous +occupation. In the guise of fishermen the lads visit Yorktown, are +suspected of being spies, and put under arrest. Morgan risks his life to +save them. The final escape, the thrilling encounter with a squad of red +coats, when they are exposed equally to the bullets of friends and foes, +told in a masterly fashion, makes of this volume one of the most +entertaining books of the year."—<b>Inter-Ocean.</b></p> + +<p class="hang"><strong>The Young Scout:</strong> The Story of a West Point Lieutenant. By <span class="smcap">Edward S. +Ellis</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p> + +<p>The crafty Apache chief Geronimo but a few years ago was the most +terrible scourge of the southwest border. The author has woven, in a +tale of thrilling interest, all the incidents of Geronimo's last raid. +The hero is Lieutenant James Decker, a recent graduate of West Point. +Ambitious to distinguish himself the young man takes many a desperate +chance against the enemy and on more than one occasion narrowly escapes +with his life. In our opinion Mr. Ellis is the best writer of Indian +stories now before the public.</p> + +<p class="hang"><strong>Adrift in the Wilds:</strong> The Adventures of Two Shipwrecked Boys. By <span class="smcap">Edward +S. Ellis</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p> + +<p>Elwood Brandon and Howard Lawrence are en route for San Francisco. Off +the coast of California the steamer takes fire. The two boys reach the +shore with several of the passengers. Young Brandon becomes separated +from his party and is captured by hostile Indians, but is afterwards +rescued. This is a very entertaining narrative of Southern California.</p> + +<p class="hang"><strong>A Young Hero;</strong> or, Fighting to Win. By <span class="smcap">Edward S. Ellis</span>. 12mo, cloth, +illustrated, price $1.00.</p> + +<p>This story tells how a valuable solid silver service was stolen from the +Misses Perkinpine, two very old and simple minded ladies. Fred Sheldon, +the hero of this story, undertakes to discover the thieves and have them +arrested. After much time spent in detective work, he succeeds in +discovering the silver plate and winning the reward. The story is told +in Mr. Ellis' most fascinating style. Every boy will be glad to read +this delightful book.</p> + +<p class="hang"><strong>Lost in the Rockies.</strong> A Story of Adventure in the Rocky Mountains. By +<span class="smcap">Edward S. Ellis</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.</p> + +<p>Incident succeeds incident, and adventure is piled upon adventure, and +at the end the reader, be he boy or man, will have experienced +breathless enjoyment in this romantic story describing many adventures +in the Rockies and among the Indians.</p> + +<p class="hang"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_a7" id="Page_a7">[7]</a></span><strong>A Jaunt Through Java</strong>: The Story of a Journey to the Sacred Mountain. By +<span class="smcap">Edward S. Ellis</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p> + +<p>The interest of this story is found in the thrilling adventures of two +cousins, Hermon and Eustace Hadley, on their trip across the island of +Java, from Samarang to the Sacred Mountain. In a land where the Royal +Bengal tiger, the rhinoceros, and other fierce beasts are to be met +with, it is but natural that the heroes of this book should have a +lively experience. There is not a dull page in the book.</p> + +<p class="hang"><strong>The Boy Patriot.</strong> A Story of Jack, the Young Friend of Washington. By +<span class="smcap">Edward S. Ellis</span>. 12mo, cloth, olivine edges, illustrated, price $1.50.</p> + +<p>"There are adventures of all kinds for the hero and his friends, whose +pluck and ingenuity in extricating themselves from awkward fixes are +always equal to the occasion. It is an excellent story full of honest, +manly, patriotic efforts on the part of the hero. A very vivid +description of the battle of Trenton is also found in this +story."—<b>Journal of Education.</b></p> + +<p class="hang"><strong>A Yankee Lad's Pluck.</strong> How Bert Larkin Saved his Father's Ranch in Porto +Rico. By <span class="smcap">Wm. P. Chipman</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p> + +<p>"Bert Larkin, the hero of the story, early excites our admiration, and +is altogether a fine character such as boys will delight in, whilst the +story of his numerous adventures is very graphically told. This will, we +think, prove one of the most popular boys' books this season."—<b>Gazette.</b></p> + +<p class="hang"><strong>A Brave Defense.</strong> A Story of the Massacre at Fort Griswold in 1781. By +<span class="smcap">William P. Chipman</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p> + +<p>Perhaps no more gallant fight against fearful odds took place during the +Revolutionary War than that at Fort Griswold, Groton Heights, Conn., in +1781. The boys are real boys who were actually on the muster rolls, +either at Fort Trumbull on the New London side, or of Fort Griswold on +the Groton side of the Thames. The youthful reader who follows Halsey +Sanford and Levi Dart and Tom Malleson, and their equally brave +comrades, through their thrilling adventures will be learning something +more than historical facts; they will be imbibing lessons of fidelity, +of bravery, of heroism, and of manliness, which must prove serviceable +in the arena of life.</p> + +<p class="hang"><strong>The Young Minuteman.</strong> A Story of the Capture of General Prescott in 1777. +By <span class="smcap">William P. Chipman</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p> + +<p>This story is based upon actual events which occurred during the British +occupation of the waters of Narragansett Bay. Darius Wale and William +Northrop belong to "the coast patrol." The story is a strong one, +dealing only with actual events. There is, however, no lack of thrilling +adventure, and every lad who is fortunate enough to obtain the book will +find not only that his historical knowledge is increased, but that his +own patriotism and love of country are deepened.</p> + +<p class="hang"><strong>For the Temple</strong>: A Tale of the Fall of Jerusalem. By <span class="smcap">G. A. Henty</span>. With +illustrations by <span class="smcap">S. J. Solomon</span>. 12mo, cloth, olivine edges, price $1.00.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Henty's graphic prose picture of the hopeless Jewish resistance to +Roman sway adds another leaf to his record of the famous wars of the +world. The book is one of Mr. Henty's cleverest efforts."—<b>Graphic.</b></p> + +<p class="hang"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_a8" id="Page_a8">[8]</a></span><strong>Roy Gilbert's Search</strong>: A Tale of the Great Lakes. By <span class="smcap">Wm. P. Chipman</span>. +12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p> + +<p>A deep mystery hangs over the parentage of Roy Gilbert. He arranges with +two schoolmates to make a tour of the Great Lakes on a steam launch. The +three boys visit many points of interest on the lakes. Afterwards the +lads rescue an elderly gentleman and a lady from a sinking yacht. Later +on the boys narrowly escape with their lives. The hero is a manly, +self-reliant boy, whose adventures will be followed with interest.</p> + +<p class="hang"><strong>The Slate Picker</strong>: The Story of a Boy's Life in the Coal Mines. By <span class="smcap">Harry +Prentice</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p> + +<p>This is a story of a boy's life in the coal mines of Pennsylvania. Ben +Burton, the hero, had a hard road to travel, but by grit and energy he +advanced step by step until he found himself called upon to fill the +position of chief engineer of the Kohinoor Coal Company. This is a book +of extreme interest to every boy reader.</p> + +<p class="hang"><strong>The Boy Cruisers</strong>; or, Paddling in Florida. By <span class="smcap">St. George Rathborne</span>. +12mo, cloth, illustrated, price <a name="dollar2" id="dollar2"></a><ins title="Transcriber's Note: Original omits fullstop.">$1.00.</ins></p> + +<p>Andrew George and Rowland Carter start on a canoe trip along the Gulf +coast, from Key West to Tampa, Florida. Their first adventure is with a +pair of rascals who steal their boats. Next they run into a gale in the +Gulf. After that they have a lively time with alligators and Andrew gets +into trouble with a band of Seminole Indians. Mr. Rathborne knows just +how to interest the boys, and lads who are in search of a rare treat +will do well to read this entertaining story.</p> + +<p class="hang"><strong>Captured by Zulus</strong>: A Story of Trapping in Africa. By <span class="smcap">Harry Prentice</span>. +12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p> + +<p>This story details the adventures of two lads, Dick Elsworth and Bob +Harvey, in the wilds of South Africa. By stratagem the Zulus capture +Dick and Bob and take them to their principal kraal or village. The lads +escape death by digging their way out of the prison hut by night. They +are pursued, but the Zulus finally give up pursuit. Mr. Prentice tells +exactly how wild-beast collectors secure specimens on their native +stamping grounds, and these descriptions make very entertaining reading.</p> + +<p class="hang"><strong>Tom the Ready</strong>; or, Up from the Lowest. By <span class="smcap">Randolph Hill</span>. 12mo, cloth, +illustrated, price $1.00.</p> + +<p>This is a dramatic narrative of the unaided rise of a fearless, +ambitious boy from the lowest round of fortune's ladder to wealth and +the governorship of his native State. Tom Seacomb begins life with a +purpose, and eventually overcomes those who oppose him. How he manages +to win the battle is told by Mr. Hill in a masterful way that thrills +the reader and holds his attention and sympathy to the end.</p> + +<p class="hang"><strong>Captain Kidd's Gold</strong>: The True Story of an Adventurous Sailor Boy. By +<span class="smcap">James Franklin Fitts</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p> + +<p>There is something fascinating to the average youth in the very idea of +buried treasure. A vision arises before his eyes of swarthy Portuguese +and Spanish rascals, with black beards and gleaming eyes. There were +many famous sea rovers, but none more celebrated than Capt. Kidd. Paul +Jones Garry inherits a document which locates a considerable treasure +buried by two of Kidd's crew. The hero of this book is an ambitious, +persevering lad, of salt-water New England ancestry, and his efforts to +reach the island and secure the money form one of the most absorbing +tales for our youth that has come from the press.</p> + +<p class="hang"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_a9" id="Page_a9">[9]</a></span><strong>The Boy Explorers</strong>: The Adventures of Two Boys in Alaska. By <span class="smcap">Harry +Prentice</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p> + +<p>Two boys, Raymond and Spencer Manning, travel to Alaska to join their +father in search of their uncle. On their arrival at Sitka the boys with +an Indian guide set off across the mountains. The trip is fraught with +perils that test the lads' courage to the utmost. All through their +exciting adventures the lads demonstrate what can be accomplished by +pluck and resolution, and their experience makes one of the most +interesting tales ever written.</p> + +<p class="hang"><strong>The Island Treasure</strong>; or, Harry Darrel's Fortune. By <span class="smcap">Frank H. Converse</span>. +12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p> + +<p>Harry Darrel, having received a nautical training on a school-ship, is +bent on going to sea. A runaway horse changes his prospects. Harry saves +Dr. Gregg from drowning and afterward becomes sailing-master of a sloop +yacht. Mr. Converse's stories possess a charm of their own which is +appreciated by lads who delight in good healthy tales that smack of salt +water.</p> + +<p class="hang"><strong>Guy Harris</strong>: The Runaway. By <span class="smcap">Harry Castlemon</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, +price $1.00.</p> + +<p>Guy Harris lived in a small city on the shore of one of the Great Lakes. +He is persuaded to go to sea, and gets a glimpse of the rough side of +life in a sailor's boarding house. He ships on a vessel and for five +months leads a hard life. The book will interest boys generally on +account of its graphic style. This is one of Castlemon's most attractive +stories.</p> + +<p class="hang"><strong>Julian Mortimer</strong>: A Brave Boy's Struggle for Home and Fortune. By <span class="smcap">Harry +Castlemon</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.</p> + +<p>The scene of the story lies west of the Mississippi River, in the days +when emigrants made their perilous way across the great plains to the +land of gold. There is an attack upon the wagon train by a large party +of Indians. Our hero is a lad of uncommon nerve and pluck. Befriended by +a stalwart trapper, a real rough diamond, our hero achieves the most +happy results.</p> + +<p class="hang"><strong>By Pike and Dyke</strong>: A Tale of the Rise of the Dutch Republic. By <span class="smcap">G. A. +Henty</span>. With illustrations by <span class="smcap">Maynard Brown</span>. 12mo, cloth, olivine edges, +price $1.00.</p> + +<p>"Boys with a turn for historical research will be enchanted with the +book, while the rest who only care for adventure will be students in +spite of themselves."—<b>St. James's Gazette.</b></p> + +<p class="hang"><strong>St. George for England</strong>: A Tale of Cressy and Poitiers. By <span class="smcap">G. A. Henty</span>. +With illustrations by <span class="smcap">Gordon Browne</span>. 12mo, cloth, olivine edges, price +$1.00.</p> + +<p>"A story of very great interest for boys. In his own forcible style the +author has endeavored to show that determination and enthusiasm can +accomplish marvellous results; and that courage is generally accompanied +by magnanimity and gentleness."—<b>Pall Mall Gazette.</b></p> + +<p class="hang"><strong>Captain Bayley's Heir</strong>: A Tale of the Gold Fields of California. By <span class="smcap">G. A. +Henty</span>. With illustrations by <span class="smcap">H. M. Paget</span>. 12mo, cloth, olivine edges, +price $1.00.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Henty is careful to mingle instruction with entertainment; and the +humorous touches, especially in the sketch of John Holl, the Westminster +dustman, Dickens himself could hardly have excelled."—<b>Christian +Leader.</b></p> + +<p class="hang"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_a10" id="Page_a10">[10]</a></span><strong>Budd Boyd's Triumph</strong>; or, The Boy Firm of Fox Island. By <span class="smcap">William P. +Chipman</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.</p> + +<p>The scene of this story is laid on the upper part of Narragansett Bay, +and the leading incidents have a strong salt-water flavor. The two boys, +Budd Boyd and Judd Floyd, being ambitious and clear sighted, form a +partnership to catch and sell fish. Budd's pluck and good sense carry +him through many troubles. In following the career of the boy firm of +Boyd & Floyd, the youthful reader will find a useful lesson—that +industry and perseverance are bound to lead to ultimate success.</p> + +<p class="hang"><strong>Lost in the Canyon</strong>: Sam Willett's Adventures on the Great Colorado. By +<span class="smcap">Alfred R. Calhoun</span>. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price <a name="dollar3" id="dollar3"></a><ins title="Transcriber's Note: Original has comma.">$1.</ins></p> + +<p>This story hinges on a fortune left to Sam Willett, the hero, and the +fact that it will pass to a disreputable relative if the lad dies before +he shall have reached his majority. The story of his father's peril and +of Sam's desperate trip down the great canyon on a raft, and how the +party finally escape from their perils is described in a graphic style +that stamps Mr. Calhoun as a master of his art.</p> + +<p class="hang"><strong>Captured by Apes</strong>: The Wonderful Adventures of a Young Animal Trainer. By +<span class="smcap">Harry Prentice</span>. 12mo, cloth, <a name="illustrated" id="illustrated"></a><ins title="Transcriber's Note: Original has fullstop.">illustrated,</ins> price $1.00.</p> + +<p>Philip Garland, a young animal collector and trainer, sets sail for +Eastern seas in quest of a new stock of living curiosities. The vessel +is wrecked off the coast of Borneo, and young Garland is cast ashore on +a small island, and captured by the apes that overran the place. Very +novel indeed is the way by which the young man escapes death. Mr. +Prentice is a writer of undoubted skill.</p> + +<p class="hang"><strong>Under Drake's Flag</strong>: A Tale of the Spanish Main. By <span class="smcap">G. A. Henty</span>. With +illustrations by <span class="smcap">Gordon Browne</span>. 12mo, cloth, olivine edges, price $1.00.</p> + +<p>"There is not a dull chapter, nor, indeed, a dull page in the book; but +the author has so carefully worked up his subject that the exciting +deeds of his heroes are never incongruous nor absurd."—<b>Observer.</b></p> + +<p class="hang"><strong>By Sheer Pluck</strong>: A Tale of the Ashanti War. By <span class="smcap">G. A. Henty</span>. With +illustrations by <span class="smcap">Gordon Browne</span>. 12mo, cloth, olivine edges, price $1.00.</p> + +<p>The author has woven, in a tale of thrilling interest, all the details +of the Ashanti campaign, of which he was himself a witness.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Henty keeps up his reputation as a writer of boys' stories. 'By +Sheer Pluck' will be eagerly read."—<b>Athenæum.</b></p> + +<p class="hang"><strong>With Lee in Virginia</strong>: A Story of the American Civil War. By <span class="smcap">G. A. Henty</span>. +With illustrations by <span class="smcap">Gordon Browne</span>. 12mo, cloth, olivine edges, price +$1.00.</p> + +<p>"One of the best stories for lads which Mr. Henty has yet written. The +picture is full of life and color, and the stirring and romantic +incidents are skillfully blended with the personal interest and charm of +the story."—<b>Standard.</b></p> + +<p class="hang"><strong>By England's Aid</strong>; or, The Freeing of the Netherlands (1585-1604). By <span class="smcap">G. +A. Henty</span>. With illustrations by <span class="smcap">Alfred Pearse</span>. 12mo, cloth, olivine +edges, price $1.00.</p> + +<p>"It is an admirable book for youngsters. It overflows with stirring +incident and exciting adventure, and the color of the era and of the +scene are finely reproduced. The illustrations add to its +attractiveness."—<b>Boston Gazette.</b></p> + +<hr class="hr7" /> + +<p>For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the +publisher, A. L. BURT, 52-58 Duane Street, New York.</p> + +<hr class="hr2" /> + + + + + +<div id="tn"> +<h4>Transcriber's Note:</h4> + +<hr class="hrtn" /> + +<p class="tntext">Variations in the use of hyphens and alternative spelling have been +retained as they appear in the original except as in the following +changes:</p> + +<table summary="Transcriber's Note"> + +<tr> +<td class="tdl1a">Page</td> +<td class="tdr1a">5</td> +<td class="tdl2a">friendship for <a href="#you">you.</a> <em>changed to</em><br /> +friendship for you,</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="tdl1a">Page</td> +<td class="tdr1a">12</td> +<td class="tdl2a"> and <a href="#he">he was he was</a> on his way <em>changed to</em><br /> +and he was on his way</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="tdl1a">Page</td> +<td class="tdr1a">14</td> +<td class="tdl2a"> I should <a href="#have">have have</a> been somewhere <em>changed to</em><br /> +I should have been somewhere</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="tdl1a">Page</td> +<td class="tdr1a">55</td> +<td class="tdl2a">might <a href="#be">he</a> obliged to <em>changed to</em><br /> +might be obliged to</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="tdl1a">Page</td> +<td class="tdr1a">88</td> +<td class="tdl2a"><a href="#they">thay</a> may make it disagreeable <em>changed to</em><br /> +they may make it disagreeable</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="tdl1a">Page</td> +<td class="tdr1a">146</td> +<td class="tdl2a">in a <a href="#box">box-buggy</a> <em>changed to</em><br /> +in a box buggy</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="tdl1a">Page</td> +<td class="tdr1a">151</td> +<td class="tdl2a">his own <a href="#property">propperty</a> <em>changed to</em><br /> +his own property</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="tdl1a">Page</td> +<td class="tdr1a">153</td> +<td class="tdl2a">Hello! <a href="#hello">Helo</a>-o-o! <em>changed to</em><br /> +Hello! Hello-o-o!</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="tdl1a">Page</td> +<td class="tdr1a">156</td> +<td class="tdl2a"> A SOUVENIR OF THE <a href="#thieves">THIEVES</a> <em>changed to</em><br /> +A SOUVENIR OF THE THIEVES.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="tdl1a">Page</td> +<td class="tdr1a">180</td> +<td class="tdl2a"> call the case <a href="#one">on</a> of <em>changed to</em><br /> +call the case one of</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="tdl1a">Page</td> +<td class="tdr1a"> 225</td> +<td class="tdl2a"> said Bob, <a href="#and">and</a> before <em>changed to</em><br /> +said Bob, "and before</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="tdl1a">Page</td> +<td class="tdr1a"> 234</td> +<td class="tdl2a"> an hour <a href="#before">bfore</a> it <em>changed to</em><br /> +an hour before it</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="tdl1a">Page</td> +<td class="tdr1a"> 238</td> +<td class="tdl2a"> this was <a href="#followed">followd</a> by <em>changed to</em><br /> +this was followed by</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="tdl1a">Page</td> +<td class="tdr1a"> 242</td> +<td class="tdl2a"> it was, <a href="#preferring">prefering</a> to <em>changed to</em><br /> +it was, preferring to</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="tdl1a">Page</td> +<td class="tdr1a"> 258</td> +<td class="tdl2a"> they might <a href="#lose">lose.</a> "The Harnett" <em>changed to</em><br /> +they might lose "The Harnett"</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="tdl2a" colspan="3"><em>And in the advertisements:</em><br /></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="tdl1a">Page</td> +<td class="tdr1a">5</td> +<td class="tdl2a"> South Carolina <a href="#in">in in</a> 1780 <em>changed to</em><br /> +South Carolina in 1780</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="tdl1a">Page</td> +<td class="tdr1a">6</td> +<td class="tdl2a"> price <a href="#dollar">$1,00</a> in Corporal Lige's Recruit <em>changed to</em><br /> +price $1.00</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="tdl1a">Page</td> +<td class="tdr1a">8</td> +<td class="tdl2a"> illustrated, price $1.00 in The Boy Cruisers <em>changed to</em><br /> +illustrated, price <a href="#dollar2">$1.00.</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="tdl1a">Page</td> +<td class="tdr1a">10</td> +<td class="tdl2a"> price <a href="#dollar3">$1,</a> in Lost in the Canyon <em>changed to</em><br /> +price $1.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class="tdl1a">Page</td> +<td class="tdr1a">10</td> +<td class="tdl2a"> cloth, <a href="#illustrated">illustrated.</a> in Captured by Apes <em>changed to</em><br /> +cloth, illustrated,</td> +</tr> +</table> +<p class="tntext">The <a href="#contents">table of contents</a> +was not in the original publication.</p> +</div> + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's Ralph Gurney's Oil Speculation, by James Otis + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK RALPH GURNEY'S OIL SPECULATION *** + +***** This file should be named 27984-h.htm or 27984-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/2/7/9/8/27984/ + +Produced by Roger Frank, Suzanne Shell and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Ralph Gurney's Oil Speculation + +Author: James Otis + +Release Date: February 4, 2009 [EBook #27984] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK RALPH GURNEY'S OIL SPECULATION *** + + + + +Produced by Roger Frank, Suzanne Shell and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + + + + + RALPH GURNEY'S OIL + SPECULATION + + By JAMES OTIS + + Author of "The Cruise of the Sprite," "The Clown's Protege," + "Roy Barton's Adventures on the Mexican Border," Etc. + + [Illustration] + + A. L. BURT COMPANY + + PUBLISHERS NEW YORK + + + Copyright 1883 + BY JAMES ELVERSON + + RALPH GURNEY'S OIL SPECULATION + + Renewal Granted to JAMES OTIS KALER, 1911 + + + + +RALPH GURNEY'S OIL SPECULATION. + + + + +CHAPTER I. + +THE "CHUMS." + + +The puffing, panting engine that dragged the long train of heavy cars +into the busy little city of Bradford, in the State of Pennsylvania, one +day last summer, witnessed through its one white, staring eye, sometimes +called the head-light, many happy meetings between waiting and coming +friends; but none was more hearty than that between two college +mates--one who had graduated the year previous, and the other who hoped +to carry off the honors at the close of the next term. + +"Here at last!" exclaimed George Harnett, as he met his old chum with a +hearty clasp of the hand. "In this case, if the hope had been much +longer deferred, the heart would indeed have been sick." + +"It was thoughtless in me, old fellow, not to have sent you word when I +concluded to remain at home two days longer, but the fact of the matter +is that I did not think you would be at the depot to meet me, but would +let me hunt you up, for I suppose you do have some kind of an office." + +"Yes," laughed the young man, "I have an office; but since my work just +now is several miles from here, I am seldom at home, and was obliged to +come for you, or run the chance of having you spend a good portion of +your vacation hunting for me." + +"And are you sorry yet that you chose civil engineering for a +profession?" + +"Sorry! Not a bit of it! Up here there is more excitement to it than you +are aware of, and before you have finished your vacation, you will say +that the life of a civil engineer in the oil fields of Pennsylvania is +not by any means monotonous. But come this way. My team is here, and +while we are talking we may as well be riding, for we have quite a +little journey yet before us, over roads so bad, that you can form no +idea of them by even the most vivid description." + +"But I thought you lived here in Bradford." + +"I live where my work is, my boy, and since it happens just now to be +out of town, my home, for the time being, is in as old and comfortable a +farm-house as city-weary mortals could ask for." + +"Well, I can't say that I shall be sorry to live in the country--for +awhile, at least." + +"Sorry! Well, I hardly think you will be, when you learn what I have to +offer you in the way of enjoyment. I am locating some oil-producing +lands, in a valley where game is abundant, where the fish prefer an +artificial fly to a natural one, and where the moonlighter revels with +his harmless-looking but decidedly dangerous nitro-glycerine +cartridge." + +"What do you mean by moonlighter?" asked Ralph, as he seated himself in +the mud-bespattered carriage which George pointed out as his. + +"A moonlighter is one who shoots an oil well regardless of patent rights +or those owning them, save when, by chance, he finds himself gathered in +by the strong arm of the law." + +"I thank you, Brother Harnett, for your decidedly clear explanation. I +almost fancy that I know as much about moonlighters now as when I asked +the question, which is saying a good deal, for you very often contrive, +in explaining anything, to leave one even more ignorant than when he +consulted you." + +"If you are willing to listen to as long and as dry a dissertation on +oil wells in general, and illegally-opened ones in particular, as ever +Professor Gardner favored us with on topics in which we were not much +interested, I will begin, stopping now and then only to prevent my teeth +from being shaken out of my head as we ride over this road." + +The two had hardly got out of the "city," and the thoroughly bad +character of the road was already apparent. Riding over it was very much +like sailing in a small boat on rough water--always down by the head or +up by the stern, but seldom on an even keel. + +"Go on with the lecture," said Ralph, "and while I try to hold myself in +the carriage, I will listen." + +"Because of my friendship for you, I will make it as brief as +possible. In the first place, you must know that before oil is struck, +the operator finds either a rock formed of sand or of gravel. This is +the strata just above the deposit of petroleum. + +"Of course this must be bored through, if possible, and in the pebbly +rock there is no trouble about it. The drills will go through, and the +gravel will be forced to the surface without much difficulty. But when +the sand-rock is met, it clogs the drills, making it almost impossible +to bore through. A heavy charge of nitro-glycerine makes short work of +this rock, and out comes the oil. + +"Now, this method of blasting in oil wells has been patented, or, at +least, the cases for the glycerine and the manner of exploding it has, +and the company, which has its office in Bradford, use every effort to +discover infringements of their patent. Like all owners of patent +rights, they charge an extra price for their wares, and the result is +that there are parties who will, for a much smaller amount of money, +shoot a well and infringe the patent at the same time. These people are +called moonlighters, and the risk they run of losing their lives or +their liberty is, to say the least, very great. The lecture-hour has now +been fully, and I hope I may say profitably, employed." + +"If it profits one to learn of your friends, the moonlighters, then your +lecture has been a success. But how do you find excitement in anything +they do? Surely they do not make public their unlawful doings." + +"Oh, everything save the shooting of the well is done legally, and with +many even that is questionable! The cases are to be tried, and many +believe that the owners of the patent have really no rights in the +premises. The owners or prospective owners of the land whereon the wells +are to be sunk, employ me to survey their tracts, and by that means I +frequently make the acquaintance of those people who, for the almighty +dollar, will peril their lives driving around the country with +nitro-glycerine enough to blow an entire town up." + +"Let me trespass once more on you for dry detail, and then I will learn +anything else I may want to know from observation. What is +nitro-glycerine?" + +"I will answer your question by quoting as nearly as I can from what I +read the other day. It is composed of: + + Aqueous vapor 20 parts. + Carbonic acid 58 " + Oxygen 3.5 " + Nitrogen 18.5 " + +"Until 1864 it found no practical application, except as a homeopathic +remedy for headache, similar to those which it causes. In that year, +Alfred Nobel, a Swede, of Hamburg, began its manufacture on a large +scale, and, though he sacrificed a brother to the terrible agent he +had created, he persevered until in its later and safer forms +nitro-glycerine has come into wide use and popularity. It is a clear, +oily, colorless, odorless, and slightly sweet liquid, and can, with +safety, only be poured into some running stream if one wishes to be rid +of it. Through the pores of the skin, or in the stomach, even in small +quantities, this oil causes a terrible headache and colic, while +headaches also result from inhaling the gases of its combustion. It has +thirteen times the force of gunpowder, exploding so much more suddenly +than that agent does, that in reality it is much more powerful, and it +is this same rapid explosive power that prevents it from being used in +fire-arms." + +"You would make a first-rate professor, George," said Ralph, laughing, +"and you may refer to me in case you should desire to procure such a +position. Now I think I am armed with sufficient knowledge to be able to +meet your oily friends, the moonlighters, and have some idea of what +they mean when they speak." + +"If I am not mistaken we shall meet some of them very soon, without +trying hard; but if we do not, I will take you to one of their cabins as +soon as we may both feel inclined to go." + +"Don't think that I have come here to spend my vacation simply with the +idea that I am at liberty to make drafts at sight on your time," replied +Ralph, as an unusually rough portion of the road necessitated his +exerting all his strength to prevent being thrown out of the wagon. "I +intend to be of every possible assistance to you, and when I cannot do +that, if you are still obliged to labor, I will extract no small amount +of enjoyment out of your farm-house and its surroundings. But at any +time that you have a few hours to spare, I will be only too well pleased +to meet with any adventure, from nitro-glycerine blasts to the perils of +trout-fishing." + +By this time the conversation ceased, owing to Ralph's interest in the +scenery around him, and the curious combination of oil-tanks and +derricks with which the landscape was profusely dotted. From Bradford to +Sawyer the road winds along at the base of the hills through a lovely +valley, that seems entirely given over to machinery for the production +and storage of oil. On every hand are the tall, unsightly constructions +of timber that form the derricks, looking not unlike enormous spiders, +as they stand on the sides of the mountains or in the ravines, while the +network of iron pipes, through which the oil is forced by steam-pumps +from the wells to Jersey City, are fitting webs for such spiders. + +Huge iron tanks, capable of holding from twenty to forty thousand +barrels of oil, dot the valley quite as thickly as do the blots of ink +on a school-boy's first composition, and form storage places for this +strange product of earth, when the supply is greater than the demand. It +is truly a singular scene, and he who visits this portion of the country +for the first time cannot rid himself of the impression that he has, by +some mysterious combination of circumstances, been transported to some +remote and unknown portion of the globe. + +George, to whom this scene was perfectly familiar, did not seem inclined +to allow his friend to remain in silent wonder, for he persisted in +supplying him with a fund of dry detail, which effectually prevented any +indulgence of day-dreams. + +Although Ralph would have preferred to gaze about him in silence, +George told him of the Pipe-Line Company, who owned the greater portion +of the huge iron receptacles for oil; who also owned the network of iron +pipes, through which they forced the oil to the market at a charge of +twenty-five cents per barrel. + +He also told him that this company connected the main line of pipes with +each tank owned by the oil producers, supplying a small steam-pump at +each connection, and, at stated times, drew off from private tanks the +oil. He even went into the particulars of the work, explaining how each +man could tell exactly the number of barrels the company had taken from +his tank by measuring the depth of the oil before and after the +drawing-off process. + +Then he described how these huge receptacles were frequently struck by +lightning, setting fire to the inflammable liquid, and causing +consternation everywhere in the valley; of the firing of solid shot into +the base of the tanks to make a perforation that would allow the oil to +run off, and of the loss of property and danger of life attending such +catastrophes. + +So much of dry detail or interesting particulars of the oil business had +the young engineer to tell, that he had hardly finished when the horses +turned sharply into a narrow road, over which the trees formed a perfect +archway, that led to just such a farm-house as suggests by outside +appearance all the good things and comforts of life. + +"This is to be home to you for a while," said George, breaking off +abruptly in his dissertation on the price and quality of oil, in which +Ralph was not very much interested, "and I can safely guarantee it to be +a place which you will be sorry to leave after once knowing it." + +"It certainly does not seem to be a place around which anything exciting +can be found," thought Ralph; but, since it was only rest from study he +was in search of, he was content with that which he saw. + + + + +CHAPTER II. + +A NEW ACQUAINTANCE. + + +Ralph Gurney was one who thoroughly enjoyed everything in which pleasure +could be found, and even while George was caring for his horses, of +which he was very fond, Ralph had already begun a survey of the farm on +which he was to spend his vacation. + +The cattle, poultry, horses, dogs, and even the cat, had received some +attention from him, and he was on his way to the sheep-pasture near by +to make the acquaintance of the woolly members of the flock, when the +sharp ping of a bullet was heard as it whistled by his head, while, a +second later, the report of a rifle rang out sharply. + +There was something so entirely unexpected and so thoroughly startling +in this mode of salutation in so peaceful a place, that Ralph leaped two +or three feet in his fright, and at the same time saw the hole in the +brim of his hat, which showed how near the deadly missile had come to +him. + +Almost any one would be alarmed at such a visitor, even though he might +have been expecting this attention, and Ralph came very near trembling +with fear as he realized how narrow had been his escape from death. + +He looked quickly around to see who was using him as a target; but no +one was in sight. The sheep had been quite as much startled by the +report as he had by the proximity of the bullet; therefore, there was no +reason to suspect that they had had anything to do with this decided +frightening of the new boarder. + +Ralph was on the point of calling out to George for an explanation of +this apparently reckless shooting, when a voice from amid a small clump +of trees shouted: + +"Hold out your hat and I will put a bullet through the center of it." + +Even if Ralph had not been angry because of the danger he had been +forced to run, he would not have accepted any such cheerful invitation, +and, instead of replying, he looked carefully around in search of the +speaker. + +"Hold out your hat, and I will show you what I can do," continued the +voice, while its owner persistently remained hidden. + +"I don't know who you are," said Ralph, speaking sharply; "but from what +I have already seen of your reckless shooting, I consider it to be some +one's duty to teach you how to handle fire-arms." + +"And you propose to do it, eh?" was the question, as a boy eighteen or +nineteen years of age, with a face that was the perfect picture of good +humor, walked out of the thicket. On his shoulder he carried a rifle, +and in his left hand some partridges and a fox-skin. "That was a nasty +shave for you," he continued, in a half-apologetic tone; "but, you see, +I hadn't any idea there was any one around. Farmer Kenniston is down on +the meadow, and Harnett went to town this morning; so you see that, by +rights, you ought not have been here." + +"And because, in your opinion, I should have been somewhere else, you +concluded to send me away by the most certain and effectual method?" +asked Ralph, having by no means subdued his anger, although it was +vanishing quite rapidly before the pleasant tone and face of the boy +who had come so near killing him. + +"Well, you see, I didn't know you or any one else was within a mile of +the place. I had a charge left in my rifle, and I wanted to see if I +could knock a knot out of that second board in the barn. Just as I +pulled the trigger, you came from behind the shed, and then I couldn't +call the bullet back. I am sorry that I startled you so, and I was in +hopes you would hold out your hat, so that you could have seen how handy +I am with a rifle, which would have made you feel easier." + +"I must confess that I can't understand how I could be soothed by any +proof of your skill as a marksman," replied Ralph, with a smile, his +anger now almost completely gone. "Of course, I know that you didn't +intend to shoot so near me; but in the future I advise you to empty your +rifle before you come so near to a house." + +"But I have wanted to put a bullet into that knot from the trees back +there ever since I have been here, and now let's see if I struck it +fairly." + +As if he considered that he had made all necessary apologies for the +shot which had startled Ralph, the boy started towards the barn, and in +another instant he was pointing triumphantly to the offending knot in +the board, which had been completely shattered by the bullet. + +"There!" he cried. "Harnett said I couldn't hit it from that dead pine +tree, and that even if I did succeed in hitting it, I couldn't split it. +Now we'll see what he has got to say to that." + +Ralph had nothing to say as to the argument between his friend and the +stranger, and in the absence of anything else to say, he asked: + +"Do you live here?" + +"I am living here just now, and shall for some weeks longer, I suppose. +You are Ralph Gurney, whom Harnett has been expecting, I fancy?" + +"Yes; but if George has told you who I am in advance of my coming, he +has not been so liberal to me in regard to yourself." + +"That probably arose from the fact that I am no one in particular, +while, on the contrary, you are to become one of the particularly bright +and shining lights in the medical world. I am only Bob Hubbard." + +Who Bob Hubbard might be Ralph had no idea; but even though the young +gentleman spoke of himself in such a deprecating way, it was easy to see +that he did not consider himself of slight consequence in the world. He +was a bright, jovial, generous looking boy, with a certain air about +him which made the shot, fired so dangerously near Ralph, seem just such +a reckless act as might be expected of him. + +"Do you like hunting and fishing?" he asked, after he found that Ralph +was not disposed to say anything about the profession of medicine he had +chosen, and which George had evidently spoken of. + +"Indeed I do," was the decided reply. "Is there much sport around here?" + +"All you want. I have only been out about two hours, and I have got +these," he said, as he held up his game. "And as for fishing, you can +catch trout until your arms ache--providing they bite rapidly enough." + +"Indeed!" replied Ralph, dryly. "I fancy I have seen as good almost +anywhere. Do you go fishing very often?" + +"Nearly every day." + +"Then, if George has any business to attend to this afternoon, suppose +you and I see if the fish will bite fast enough to make our arms ache +pulling them in." + +Bob hesitated in what Ralph thought a very peculiar way, and said, after +a pause of some moments: + +"I'd like to, but I have an important engagement this afternoon, and I +hardly see how I can arrange it." + +There was certainly nothing singular in his not being at liberty to +accept the proposition made so suddenly, and Ralph would have thought +his refusal the most natural thing in the world had it not been for his +evident embarrassment when none seemed reasonable. However, the young +pleasure-seeker attached no importance to what seemed like singular +behavior on the part of this newly-made acquaintance, and was about to +make another proposition for a fishing excursion, when Harnett suddenly +made his appearance. + +"Hello, Bob!" he cried, "you've been making the acquaintance of my chum, +have you?" + +"Yes, after a fashion. I fired at that knot in the barn you said I +couldn't hit from the pine tree, and came near putting a bullet through +his head. But I hit the knot, and what's more, I split it." + +"And here is a hole in the brim of my hat, to prove that he did fire at +it," said Ralph, laughing, as he held up his perforated hat to display +the mark of the bullet. + +Harnett looked with no small degree of alarm at the evidence of Bob's +shooting, and said, sternly: + +"I think it is quite time that you became a trifle more careful with +your fire-arms, Bob. You have already had several narrow escapes, and +will end by killing some one, if you don't stop shooting at every +promising mark you see." + +"I'm not half as careless as I might be," said Bob, earnestly. "This is +the first time that I have ever really come near hurting any one." + +"What about the time when you came near hitting Farmer Kenniston, and +killed a lamb? Have you forgotten the untimely death of Mrs. +Kenniston's favorite duck, or your adventure with the red calf in the +pasture?" + +"Oh, those don't count--at least none except the lamb scrape are worth +talking about, Harnett, so don't read me one of your long-winded +lectures; and, now that I have hit the knot in the barn, I promise not +to shoot at anything within half a mile of the place. I'm going down to +town for a while, and when I get through with what I have on hand, we'll +make some arrangement to show your friend the oil region." + +As he spoke Bob went into the stables, and when the two friends were +alone again, George asked: + +"Well, Ralph, how do you like what you have seen of the moonlighters? +Not very ferocious, eh?" + +"What do you mean? I haven't seen any moonlighters yet." + +"Indeed! You have been talking for the last ten minutes with the most +successful of them. Bob Hubbard enjoys the rather questionable +distinction of being the most noted one in this section of the country." + +Ralph looked at his friend in speechless astonishment for several +minutes; this careless, good-natured boy was very far from being the +famous moonlighter his fancy had conjured up, and it is barely possible +that he was disappointed at not having seen some more savage looking +party, for he had speculated considerably about these people who explode +nitro-glycerine in an illegal manner. + +"If I am not mistaken," continued Harnett, "he is going to shoot a well +to-night, and I guess there will be no difficulty in getting his consent +for you to be present. Wait here, and I will talk with him." + +George hurried away toward the stables, leaving Ralph in a curious +condition of mingled wonder and surprise that in this very +peaceful-looking place there could be found such an evident fund for +adventure. + +The gaining of Bob's consent for Ralph to be present at the shooting of +the well was not such a difficult matter, judging from the very short +time George found it necessary to talk with him. When Harnett came from +the stable, he told Ralph that the necessary permission had been given, +and that they would start for the cabin of the moonlighters at once, in +order that none of the details of the work might be lost. + +While they were speaking, Bob drove out of the stable behind a pair of +small gray horses, which were so spirited that their driver could pay no +attention to anything but them. + +"I'll see you again very soon," he shouted; and hardly had he uttered +the words before he was tearing along the rough road at a rate of speed +that threatened a rapid dissolution of the light carriage. + +If George had any business to attend to on that day, he evidently made +up his mind to neglect it, for he began to make his arrangements for the +journey with quite as much eagerness and zest as displayed by Ralph. + +Since it was by no means certain that the well would be opened that +night, owing to the vigilance of the owners of the torpedo patent, +George made preparations to remain away from Farmer Kenniston's all +night, taking blankets, food, fishing-tackle and rifles, as if their +excursion was to be one simply of a sporting nature. + +"It wouldn't do for us to drive out to the moonlighters' cabin as if we +were going to see a well shot," he said, in reply to Ralph's questions +of what he proposed doing with rifles and fishing-rods; "for, if we were +seen, it would be quickly reported in town, and Bob would have the whole +posse of Roberts Brothers' force upon him. Now, there would be nothing +thought of our going out fishing, which fully accounts for my +preparations. I have known Bob to wait for a week before he dared +explode a charge, and I don't care to get mixed up in any encounter +between these two sets of torpedo men." + +"I don't want any harm to come to him through me," replied Ralph, +gleefully, "but I should not be at all sorry to see just a little +excitement in the way of a chase of the moonlighters." + +"There is every chance that you will be fully satisfied before you leave +this portion of the country," said George, grimly; and then, as his +horses were ready for the road once more, he added: "Get in, and, if +nothing happens, I will show you the cabin of the moonlighters in less +than an hour." + + + + +CHAPTER III. + +THE CABIN OF THE MOONLIGHTERS. + + +Bob Hubbard had been away from the Kenniston farm-house nearly half an +hour when Ralph and George left it, but the latter was so well +acquainted with the country that he did not need any guide to the cabin, +and could not have had one, had he so desired, for Bob was far too +cautious to be seen leading any one to his base of operations. + +It was well known by the owners of the torpedo patents that Robert +Hubbard was the most skillful of all the moonlighters, and whenever he +was seen traveling toward any of the wells that were being bored, he was +followed, but, thanks to the fleetness of his horses, he had never been +seen at his work by any one who would inform on him. + +Bob believed, as did a great many, that the firm holding the patent had +no legal right to prevent any one from exploding nitro-glycerine by the +means of a percussion cap placed in the top of a tin shell or cartridge. +Several cases were before the courts undecided, and until a decision was +reached, the owners of the patent would do all in their power to prevent +any one from interfering in the business which they proposed to make a +monopoly. Therefore, when Bob went about his work, he did so with quite +as much mystery as if he had been engaged in some decidedly unlawful +act. + +The ride from Sawyer, among the mountains, was quite as rough a one as +that from Bradford, and Ralph found that he had about as much as he +could attend to in keeping the guns, fishing-rods and himself in the +carriage, without attempting to carry on any extended conversation with +his friend. It was, therefore, almost in silence that the two rode along +until George turned the horses abruptly from the main road into the +woods, saying, as he did so: + +"If I am not mistaken, this path will lead us directly to Bob's +headquarters." + +He was not mistaken, for before they had ridden a mile into the woods, +they emerged into a clearing, in the midst of which stood a small +log-house and stable. + +Instead of windows, the hut had stout plank shutters, which prevented +any one from looking in, even if they did prevent the occupants from +gazing out, and the door had more the appearance of having been made to +resist an attack than simply to keep the wind or cold out. + +The stable was in keeping with the hut, so far as an appearance of +solidity went; and as its one door was closely shut, with no bars or +locks on the outside, one could fancy that when it was occupied, a guard +remained on the inside, where the fastenings of the door evidently were. + +"I guess we have got here too soon," said Ralph, as George stopped the +horses in front of the hut, without any signs of life having been seen. + +"There is a smoke from the chimney," said George, as he pointed to the +clumsy affair of mud and sticks from which a thin, blue curl of smoke +could be dimly seen, "and if they are ready to let us in, we shall soon +see some one." + +The two sat patiently in the carriage several moments, and at the end of +that time the door of the hut was opened by a young man standing in the +doorway, to whom George said: + +"Well, Dick, hasn't Bob got here yet?" + +"Yes, he's here; but we didn't open the door at first because we were +not sure but that you had been followed." Then turning toward the barn, +the young man shouted, "Come out here, Pete, and take care of these +horses!" + +In response to this demand the stable door was opened as cautiously as +if the man behind it feared a dozen were ready to pounce upon him, and +then, much as if he were unfolding himself, a tall negro came out, +leading the horses away without speaking, almost before Ralph and George +had time to leap to the ground. + +"Get into the hut as quickly as possible," George said to Ralph; and as +the three entered, the door was securely barred behind them with two +heavy beams that would have resisted almost any ordinary force that +might have been used against them. + +The hut boasted of but one room, in which were to be seen piles of +blankets that had evidently been used as beds, cooking utensils, +provisions, sheets of tin, tools such as are used by tinsmiths, and, in +fact, as varied an assortment of goods as could well have been gathered +into so small a compass. + +In one corner of the room the floor of earth had been excavated, until a +space about six feet square and four deep had been formed, and into this +excavation was packed a number of square tin cans, which Ralph felt +certain contained that powerful agent, nitro-glycerine. + +Bob was at work soldering together a long tin shell, about six inches in +diameter and fully ten feet long, and he called out, as his friends +entered: + +"Come right in. Don't be afraid that you will be shot at, for we drop +all that kind of business here for fear we might all go up together. +This, Mr. Gurney, is the moonlighters' cabin, and I am free to confess +that it is not the most cheerful place in the world." + +"I don't find as much fault with the cabin as I do with what you keep +stored in those innocent-looking tin cans," replied Ralph, as he seated +himself on a pile of blankets at a respectful distance from the +glycerine. + +"Oh, that's harmless enough so long as you leave it alone!" replied Bob, +carelessly, and then as he resumed his work of soldering, he asked: "Did +you see anything of Jim as you came in?" + +"No; where is he?" + +"Out by the road somewhere. We heard that our particular friends in town +had got wind of the fact that we were going to put in a charge to-night, +so Jim is doing guard duty outside, leaving Dick Norton and I to do the +tinker's work. We expected to have gotten our shells all made in town; +but they are looking out so sharp for us just now that it was entirely +too much of a risk to bring them out here." + +"How did they learn that you were going to work to-night?" asked George. + +"That's more than I can say, unless old Hoxie was fool enough to let it +out that we were going to shoot his well for him," replied Bob, working +savagely with the soldering iron, much as if he would have been pleased +had he been using it on Mr. Hoxie's too ready tongue. + +"Do you anticipate _much_ trouble?" asked Ralph, with just a shade of +anxiety, beginning to realize that it would not be the most pleasant +thing in the world to commence his vacation by being arrested as a +moonlighter. + +"That's just what I can't say. We may have it, and we may not; but +there's one thing certain, and that is that I'll shoot that well if I +don't get back to the Kenniston farm for three months." + +"I don't believe that they are even looking for us. They think we went +out of the business two weeks ago," said Dick Norton, as he, in a very +unworkmanlike manner, attempted to aid Bob. "You see, Jim is nervous, +and the least thing frightens him." + +"Something has startled him, at all events!" exclaimed Bob, running to +the door as a low, quick whistle was heard from the outside. + +Dick, despite the rather contemptuous way in which he had spoken, also +appeared to think something serious had happened, for he joined Bob at +the door, looking very serious as both of them quickly unfastened the +bars, opening the door just as a young man ran in from the woods, +breathless and excited. + +"What is it, Jim? What has happened?" asked Bob, replacing the heavy +bars instantly the newcomer was inside the building. + +"Newcombe and five men have just turned into the path, coming down here +as if they knew just what they should find." + +For a moment Bob and Dick were silent, and Ralph had an opportunity to +ask George: + +"Who is Newcombe?" + +"A man in the employ of the owners of the patent, and one who has +threatened several times to secure the arrest of Bob." + +Dick's first act, after he fully realized what Jim had said, was to +cover the fire, at which they had been soldering, with ashes, in order +to prevent any smoke from escaping through the chimney, and by that time +Bob had recovered all his presence of mind. + +"Even if they have at last found the hut, they will be puzzled to get +into it, or to get us out," he said, as he noted the fastenings of the +window-shutters, and uncovered a small aperture which served as a +loop-hole through which everything that occurred outside could be seen. + +"You ought to have warned Pete," said George, not feeling remarkably +well pleased at the chance of being besieged as a moonlighter, but yet +anxious that his friends should elude arrest where the cartridges and +explosive fluid would be sufficient proof against them. + +"There is no need of that," replied Bob. "He wouldn't show himself under +any circumstances unless we called him, and from the loft of the stable +he can see all that is going on." + +Ralph was the most uncomfortable of the party. Not being so familiar +with the doings of the moonlighters, nor acquainted with the general +feeling of the public against them, the idea of being thus hunted like a +criminal was very repugnant to him. + +It was as if his companions were engaged in some crime, instead of +simply infringing a patent, the legality of which had not been fully +tested, and, if he could have had his choice, he would have been miles +away from that spot just then. + +"There they come!" exclaimed Bob from his post of observation, and, +looking out for a moment, Ralph saw six men riding into the clearing +directly toward the house. + +Almost before he had time to regain his seat, and just as Bob held up +his hand as a signal for silence, a knock was heard at the door, as if +some one was pounding with the butt-end of a whip. + +No one made any reply, and it seemed to Ralph as if he could hear the +pulsations of his own heart, so oppressive was the silence. + +Again the summons was repeated, and a gruff voice cried: + +"Open the door a moment. I wish to speak with Mr. Robert Hubbard." + +Then there was a long silence, and, seeing the look of anxiety on +Ralph's face, George said, in a low whisper: + +"Don't look so distressed, my boy. Those men have got no more right to +enter here than you have to go into another man's dwelling. If they +should succeed in getting in, however, they would find sufficient to +prove that Bob was about to infringe their patent; but, as it is, they +have no authority to do anything, although Bob will hardly get a chance +to shoot the Hoxie well to-night." + +"That's just what I will do," whispered Bob, who had heard George's +remark. "I will put in that charge if they camp where they are all +night." + +The men on the outside waited some moments in silence, and then the +request was repeated, while at the same time footsteps could be heard as +if some of them had gone toward the stable. + +"They might easily batter in one of the windows," said Ralph, as the +pounding at the door was continued. + +"They would hardly try that plan," replied George, with a meaning smile. +"There are a hundred or two quarts of nitro-glycerine stored here, +needing only the necessary concussion to explode them. Those men know +quite as well as we do how unpleasant such liquid may become, and I +assure you that they will strike no very heavy blows on the building." + +It was a singular position for any one to be in, and Ralph was far from +being comfortable in his mind, as he awaited the result of this visit to +the cabin of the moonlighters. + + + + +CHAPTER IV. + +A REGULAR SIEGE. + + +Ralph, simply a visitor to the cabin of the moonlighters, felt far more +uncomfortable than did his hosts, to whom alone there was any danger. + +As the party waited silently for any move by those outside, Ralph had +plenty of time to review his own position, and this review was far from +pleasant or reassuring. + +In that section of the country the fact of being arrested as a +moonlighter did not imply either disgrace or crime; but in Ralph's home, +where nothing was known of such an industry, save when occasionally a +newspaper item was read but not understood, the news of his arrest while +trying illegally to "shoot" a well, would cause as much consternation +and sorrow as if he had attempted to shoot a man. It was far from being +a pleasant beginning to his vacation, and he would have been much better +satisfied with himself if he had not made any attempt to penetrate the +mysteries of the moonlighters' dangerous calling. + +While these uncomfortable thoughts were presenting themselves to Ralph, +Bob Hubbard was standing on a rudely-constructed table, in order that +he might keep a watch upon Newcombe and his men, and from time to time +he whispered to his companions of that which he saw. + +"They've got tired trying to find out anything at the stable, and now +they're coming this way. If we keep perfectly quiet they will begin soon +to believe that no one is here, and then, very likely, they will go +away." + +It was in the highest degree necessary that these men should be thrown +off the scent if possible, and each one in the hut remained motionless +as statues, but, as was shown a moment later, their silence was +fruitless, owing to the defective construction of their furniture. + +"Now they are gathering close around the door," continued Bob, from his +post of observation; and then, fearing he might betray himself even +through the loop-hole, he began cautiously to descend. + +It was as if his very efforts to move without noise hastened the +catastrophe he was trying to avert, for as he started to lower himself +from the table, the entire structure gave way, and he came to the floor +with such a crash as could have been heard many yards away. + +There was no need of question as to whether Bob's downfall had been +heard by those outside, for at the moment a low, involuntary cry of +triumph was heard, which did not detract from the unfortunate +moonlighter's discomfiture. Had Bob cried out his name he could not have +proclaimed his presence any more plainly, and as he disentangled himself +from amid the wreck of the table, his face spoke eloquently the anger +he felt, either at his own carelessness or the weakness of the table. + +"It's all up now," said Jim, despondently. "There was a chance that they +might get tired in time, and go away; but now they will stay here until +they see us leave." + +"Well, let them stay," said Bob, savagely. "I have come here to get +ready to shoot the Hoxie well, and I'll do it before I go home again." + +"Perhaps you will, and perhaps you won't," said Jim, doubtingly; "but if +my opinion's worth anything, you won't." + +Bob made no reply to this; but attacked the tin cartridges on which he +had been working with an energy that told plainly of his determination; +although how it might be possible for him to do more than to get ready +for the work, no one could imagine. He no longer tried to be silent, but +made so much bustle with his work that George said: + +"What makes you so careless, Bob? Even if they did hear you when you +fell, there is no reason why you should advertise the fact that you are +making cartridges." + +"What difference does it make what they hear now?" asked Bob, not even +looking up from his work as he spoke. "Do you fancy that Newcombe, +finding us here, does not know just as well as we do what there is +inside here? If we remain quiet, he will say to himself that we are all +ready for the shot, and only waiting for him to get out of the way +before we let it off. If we work, he will know no more, and we may as +well take things comfortable." + +"It isn't any use for us to try to do anything," said Dick, +disconsolately. "Newcombe will stay right where he is until we go out, +and the best thing we can do is give the thing up for a while." + +"Yes," interrupted Jim, "let's go home, and wait until we can give him +the slip and get out again." + +"I'll do nothing of the kind," replied Bob, doggedly. "I agreed to shoot +Hoxie's well to-night, and I'm going to do it." + +"You can't without Newcombe's seeing you, and you know that your arrest +would follow as soon after that as he could get out a warrant," said +George, thinking it was high time for him to interfere with advice. +"They have never been able to get any proof against you yet, and you +don't want to give them the chance now just through spite." + +"I'm not going to give them the chance," said Bob, calmly. "I am going +to take what I need out of this place while they are guarding it, and +without their seeing me. If any of you fellows are afraid, and want to +go home, you know how to get there; but I am going to stay, and do just +as I have said." + +Bob could have used no better argument, if he had been anxious to have +his companions remain with him, than when he proposed they should go +home if they were afraid. Much as Ralph would have liked to, he did not +think of leaving, when to do so was to be considered proof that he was +afraid, and he, as well as the others, settled themselves down to await +the result of Bob's plan, whatever it might be. + +Those on the outside, however, were not as contented in their waiting, +as they showed in a short time, when Newcombe's voice could be heard +addressing those whom he believed he had "run to earth." + +"Say, boys!" he cried, "you know very well that I shall stay here until +you come out, and the best thing you can do is to give the job up for a +while, for I promise you that you will get no chance to do the work this +time." + +It was quite evident that Mr. Newcombe had no more desire to remain +outside of the hut on guard than Ralph and George had to remain inside, +and that he was anxious to put a speedy end to what had every appearance +of being a long job. It was plain to be seen that he neither understood +nor relished this singular behavior on the part of those whom he had no +authority to arrest until they had committed some overt act, and that he +was anxious to bring the case to an issue at once. + +The others looked at Bob, expecting he would make some reply to the +proposition, but he made no sign that he had even heard what had been +said. He worked industriously at the long tin tubes, neither speaking +nor looking up. + +"You know that I have got wind of what you are going to do to-night," +continued Newcombe, from the outside, "and you know that I shall stay +right here until you leave; so what's the use of acting so childishly +about it? Come right out like men, and begin the thing over at some +other time." + +Even Ralph could understand that, in his eagerness to be away, Mr. +Newcombe was making a great mistake in thus pleading with those over +whom he could have no control until after their work was done, and +Dick's face lightened wonderfully as he began to hope the "torpedo +detective," as Newcombe was called, might tire of his watching and go +away. + +All the inmates of the hut appeared to share the same hope, and Jim at +once began to replace the broken table with some empty boxes, in order +that he might have access to the loop-hole. + +"What will be the result of all this?" Ralph asked of George, as the two +seated themselves comfortably in one corner of the room, where they +would at the same time be out of Bob's way, and see all that was going +on. + +"That I can't say. It may be forty-eight hours before Bob gives up the +scheme he has evidently formed, and in the meanwhile here we are +prisoners, for we cannot ask to leave the hut until the others do. It +promises to be a tedious thing for us; but you remember that you wished +there might be some excitement other than the mere shooting of the +well." + +"Yes," replied Ralph, with a laugh, "I remember that I was foolish +enough to make some such remark, and I am in a fair way to get all I +wanted." + +By this time Jim had built up a shaky sort of a platform, by which he +was enabled to climb to the loop-hole, and he at once gave the result +of his outlook to his companions. + +"They are unharnessing the horses," he cried, in a tone of +disappointment; for he had almost persuaded himself that they would +leave the place at once. "Newcombe's team is directly in front, and the +other two are drawn up on either side, about fifty yards from it. They +are preparing for a regular siege." + +"Which is the most fortunate thing for us that could have happened," +said Bob, contentedly. + +"Why? I don't see how we can do anything when they are all ready to +follow us the moment we show ourselves out of doors," said Dick. + +"If you can't, I can," replied Bob, working leisurely at his cartridges, +and with as much precision as if the "torpedo detectives" were miles +away. + +"Tell me what you intend to do." + +"I'll show you when everything is ready, Dick, and not before. You have +said that we couldn't do anything while they were here; therefore, +whatever my plan may be, it is better than giving the whole thing up. +Now, if your fears will permit, suppose you take hold and help me while +Jim watches our friends outside." + +It was as if Dick understood for the first time that while they were +bewailing their fate that Newcombe should have found their hiding-place, +Bob was working industriously at the task on hand, and he began to help +him at once, which employment had the effect of dispelling his fears in +a wonderful degree. + +"Three of the men are watching the house from the front, while Newcombe +and the other two are going towards the stable," said Jim; and then he +added, excitedly: "I believe that rascal Pete is talking with them, for +they are standing there now, looking up towards the roof as if they saw +or heard some one." + +Dick was disposed to leave his work at this startling announcement but +Bob's industry had a quieting effect upon him, and he continued in his +office of helper, although with evident mental anxiety. + +"Now they have called one of the other men over, and all four of them +are going through the motions of a conversation. Now Newcombe has taken +some money out of his pocket, and is holding it up in his hand." + +There was a moment of silence in the hut, during which all the boys, +even including Bob, awaited in anxiety the result of this evident bribe, +and then Jim said, excitedly: + +"Pete has shown himself, and is reaching out with the pitch-fork for the +money. He is selling us to Newcombe, who will know now exactly what we +were going to do." + + + + +CHAPTER V. + +BOB'S SCHEME. + + +From what Jim could see from the loop-hole, there was every reason for +the young moonlighters to believe that the negro Pete, whom they hired, +was betraying them to Newcombe, and each one felt more than uneasy when +Jim reported that the detective had fastened some money on one of the +prongs of the hay-fork. But they were somewhat relieved when Bob said: + +"If you weren't all a good deal frightened, you would remember that Pete +hasn't been told where we were going. He doesn't know anything more than +Newcombe himself does, and if he can make a few dollars for nothing, why +let him." + +"But what are they giving him money for?" asked Jim, who was even more +disturbed by this apparent treachery on the part of their servant than +were the others. + +"For an answer to that question, I shall be obliged to refer you to the +worthy Pete himself. At all events, the only harm he could do us would +be to let Newcombe know when we leave here--in case he don't want to +wait--and that is just what I fancy Pete himself won't know." + +As soon as the boys realized that Pete had no secrets of theirs worth +the purchasing, they grew more easy in their minds, and were inclined to +look upon this giving of money by Newcombe as a very good joke. + +Jim had nothing of interest to report for nearly ten minutes after this, +during all of which time the detective and his men had been engaged in +earnest conversation with the negro, and then he announced that they +were returning to their wagons. + +They had not unharnessed their horses, but had slipped the bridles from +them that they might make a dinner from the rich grass, and yet be ready +for a start at a moment's notice. + +After their return to the front of the house, one of the men drove away +with one of the teams, after having received some instructions from +Newcombe, and as it was nearly dark, the boys believed that the +detective had sent for food, since there was no longer any doubt about +his having regularly besieged the house. + +All this time Bob had continued his work, assisted by Dick, and it was +not until the setting sun had distorted the shadows of the trees into +dark images of giants that he announced its completion. + +"There!" he cried, triumphantly, as he laid the last tin tube by the +side of the other two, "we are all ready, and in two hours more we will +start." + +"In two hours Newcombe and his men will be there just as they are now," +said Jim, rather impatiently, for he thought Bob was assuming to be able +to do very much more than was possible. + +"I suppose they will," was the quiet reply, "and I should not be very +much surprised if we should see them there twenty-four hours later." + +"What is it you propose doing, Bob?" asked George, who, thoroughly tired +of the inactivity as was Ralph, was only anxious to know when their +irksome captivity would come to an end. + +"I'll tell you. In the first place, how far is Hoxie's well from here in +a straight line?" + +"Directly through the woods, I suppose it is not more than half a mile. +I surveyed the next tract to it, and I fancy that is about the +distance." + +"And if we should start from the back of the hut, traveling in a +straight line, we should come to it?" + +"Yes; there would be no difficulty about that." + +"Then I propose that we simply go out through the back window, unless +Newcombe has sufficient wits about him to station one of his men there. +We can, by making two trips, carry enough glycerine to shoot the well in +good style, and by midnight we should be all ready for the work." + +The plan was so simple, and with so many elements of success about it, +that Bob's audience testified to their appreciation of it by vigorous +applause, which must have mystified the worthy Mr. Newcombe +considerably. + +"In an hour from now we can begin work. Ralph, who might possibly have +some compunctions about carrying a couple of cans of glycerine through +the woods, where to strike one against a tree might result in his +immediate departure from the world, shall carry the cartridges. Then +there will be four of us, each of whom can carry eight quarts. Two trips +will give us sixty-four quarts, and that will be enough to start the oil +from Mr. Hoxie's well, if there is any there." + +Bob's plan was quite as dangerous as it was simple. To carry eight +quarts of glycerine through the woods when a mis-step might explode it, +was such a task as any one might well fear to undertake. But the desire +to leave the detective on a weary vigil while they pursued their work +unmolested was such an inducement, as caused each one, even Ralph, to be +anxious to try it. + +The night was not as favorable for the scheme as it might have been, for +the moon was nearly full, and objects could be distinguished almost as +readily as at noonday, save when under the veil cast by the shadows. + +This moonlight, Bob thought, would not interfere with their plan, since +from the back of the house to the forest was but a few yards, and unless +Newcombe should station one of his men there, the building would screen +them from view. + +In case they got safely away from the house, the light would aid them, +both in their journey through the woods and in their work after they +arrived at the well. + +For some time the boys enjoyed thoroughly the anticipation of fooling +Mr. Newcombe, and they might have continued to do so until it would have +been too late to accomplish the work, had not Bob reminded them that +they had no time to lose. + +Then they made their preparations for the journey or flight, whichever +it might be called. The long, tin cartridges were tied together +securely, with wads of paper between to prevent them from rattling; the +cans of nitro-glycerine were placed by the window, where they could be +gotten at readily, and Bob produced a three-cornered piece of iron, +about four feet long, which weighed twenty or thirty pounds. + +"It will be quite an addition to your load; but I fancy you will feel +safer carrying it than you would one of the cans," he said to Ralph. + +"What is it?" + +And the tone in which the question was asked showed that the newcomer to +the oil fields looked upon this carrying a useless piece of iron through +the woods as very unnecessary work. + +"That's the go-devil," replied Bob; and then, as he saw that Ralph did +not understand, he added: "It is to drop through the hole to explode the +cartridges after they are placed in position." + +Still Ralph could not fully understand its importance; but he stationed +himself by the window, resolved to carry the go-devil and the cartridges +any distance, rather than take the chances of being obliged to burden +himself with the dangerous oil which the others appeared to regard with +so little fear. + +Everything was in readiness for the start, and Bob clambered up to the +peep-hole that he might be sure the enemy were yet in their position, +which was so favorable to the plans of the moonlighters. + +"They are all there except the one who drove away some time ago, +and--here comes the other now. He had been for food, and they are +pitching into it as if they were hungry. Now is our time to start. They +will be at their supper for the next half hour, and by the end of that +time we shall be ready to come back for a second load." + +Bob looked once more to the fastenings of the doors and windows to be +certain that they could not be loosened by any one from the outside, and +then he cautiously unbarred the window at the back of the house. + +Knowing that the detective and all his force were in front, he spent no +time in looking around; but, leaping out, was soon busily engaged in +taking out the cans of glycerine which Jim and Dick handed him. + +Less than ten minutes sufficed for this work, and then each member of +the party was out of doors, Ralph with the cartridges over his shoulder +and the go-devil under his arm, while the others carried a can of the +dangerous liquid in each hand. + +It had been decided that George, being accustomed to traveling through +the woods in straight lines by his work as engineer, should lead the +party, as the one most likely to keep a direct course, and Ralph had +decided that he would remain as far in the rear as possible; for, when +he saw the boys swinging the terrible explosive around so carelessly, he +felt that the further away one could get from that party the safer they +were. + +George was not as much at his ease as he might have been, for he had not +grown familiar with the explosive, as the others had, and he uttered +many a word of caution when they came to those portions of the woods +where the trees stood more thickly together. + +Their progress was necessarily slow, owing to the care they were obliged +to use in walking; but before Mr. Newcombe and his friends had finished +their supper, the moonlighters were at Mr. Hoxie's well, where they +found their arrival had long been expected. + +Mr. Hoxie could understand, from the manner in which the moonlighters +had come, that they had run some risk of detection in getting there, and +when he learned that they were obliged to make a second trip for more +glycerine, he offered either to accompany them or send some of his men +with them, as they should prefer. + +Bob refused all these offers of assistance, however, for he believed +that it was owing to Mr. Hoxie's incautious remarks that the detectives +had paid them a visit, and he did not propose to run any more risks than +were absolutely necessary. + +Since four of them could carry all the glycerine needed to make up the +charge, and since Ralph had such a wholesome fear of the dangerous +compound, Bob insisted that Ralph remain at the well, while the others +paid a second visit to the hut in the forest, a proposition which Ralph +eagerly accepted, for carrying nitro-glycerine through the woods in the +night was a task he was not at all anxious to perform. + +The return through the woods was made in a very short time, the boys +walking on at full speed until they were near the hut, when the utmost +caution was used. By making quite a detour through the woods, Bob was +able to get a full view of the watchful detectives, all of whom were +seated on the grass in front of the hut, gazing at it so intently that +there was no question that any suspicion had been aroused in their +minds. + +Before they had left the hut Bob had placed the glycerine near the +window, so that it could be reached from the outside, and, after it was +learned that the enemy were still in blissful ignorance, but little time +was lost in getting ready to return to Mr. Hoxie's well. + +Perhaps the boys were no more careless in carrying the glycerine this +second time than they were the first, but they certainly walked faster, +and when they arrived at their destination, they had been away such a +short time that Ralph could hardly believe they had been to the hut in +the woods and back. + +Everything was now in readiness for the important work, and the question +that troubled the young moonlighters was whether the worthy Mr. Newcombe +and his assistants would remain looking at the empty hut until the +charge was exploded. + + + + +CHAPTER VI + +TORPEDOING AN OIL-WELL. + + +It is safe to say that Ralph, who was interested in the shooting of the +well only as a spectator, was the most nervous one of all that party who +were about to show Mr. Hoxie whether he had "struck oil" or not. + +Bob set about the work with the air of one perfectly familiar with what +he was doing, and the others aided him whenever it was possible, George +alone remaining inactive, since he considered himself entitled to a seat +with the spectator. + +The well had, of course, been bored down as far as the bed-rock, leaving +an opening from eight to ten inches in diameter and quite twelve hundred +feet deep, which was nearly filled with the water that had flowed in and +the oil that had been poured in to give some slight resistance at the +top of the cartridge. + +Over this, grim and weird-looking in the moonlight, rose the framework +of the derrick, formed of heavy timbers, and apparently solid enough to +resist any pressure that might be brought to bear upon it. Near by were +scattered pieces of machinery, tools and such debris as would naturally +accumulate around a place of the kind. + +A large reel, wound with heavy cord, capable of sustaining a hundred +pounds' weight, and with a shallow hook, which would easily become +detached when the pressure was removed, was fastened at one of the +uprights of the derrick, while directly over the well was a block for +the cord to pass through. This was to be used to lower the cartridges +into the well. + +After this portion of the work had been completed--and all three of the +moonlighters moved as rapidly as possible, lest Mr. Newcombe should put +in an appearance--the task of filling the shells was begun. The tops of +the long tin tubes were removed, and into these rather frail shells the +glycerine was poured, Bob handling it as if it was no more dangerous +than the petroleum they hoped to find. + +As fast as each tube or cartridge was filled it was lowered into the +well by the stout wire bail that was fastened to the top, and just under +the cover was the hammer which would explode the percussion cap when +struck. These cartridges were pointed at the head, and since the point +of the second would rest on the top of the first, and the third on the +second, the blow which exploded the first would naturally be +communicated to the other two. + +It was in lowering these cartridges into the well that Bob showed his +first signs of caution in handling the explosive liquid, for the least +jar or concussion, as the tin tubes were being let down into the well, +would have resulted in a premature explosion, which might have had the +most deplorable results. + +Ralph, seeing that at this point even Bob was willing to admit that +there might be some danger in the work he was doing, proposed to George +that they move a short distance further away, lest there should be an +accident, and the reply he received was not well calculated to soothe +his nervousness. + +"If one of those tubes should explode on the surface here, we should +stand as good a chance of being killed a quarter of a mile away, as +here. So we might just as well stay where we are." + +And Ralph remained, although he was far from feeling as comfortable as +he would have felt at a more respectful distance. + +"All ready, now," said Bob, as the last cartridge was lowered into +position, and the reel removed from the derrick. "Now in order to honor +Harnett's guest, I am going to allow him the distinction of exploding +the charge." + +For a moment Ralph thought of what an experience it would be, to explode +sixty-four quarts of nitro-glycerine, and what an adventure would be his +to relate when he returned to college; therefore he marched boldly up to +the well, at the bottom of which was such a dangerous agent ready to do +its work. But when he saw the others seeking places of safety from the +gases, and possibly fragments that would follow the explosion, and when +he stood upon the platform of the derrick which afforded so insecure a +foot-hold, because of the oil upon it, his courage failed him. + +"It may be a big thing," he said to Bob, "to drop this piece of iron +through the hole, and be the remote cause of such a powerful effect. But +if, when I attempt to get out of the way, my foot should slip, I should +hardly be in a condition to care for glory. I am greatly obliged to you +for the proposed honor; but think I had better decline it." + +"Just as you please, my dear boy," replied Bob, carelessly. "Just find a +good place where you can see her when she shoots, and I'll drop the +go-devil." + +Ralph lost no time in obeying the young moonlighter's instructions, +seeking a refuge near the corner of a small tool-house to the windward +of the well, and about a hundred yards from it. + +"Look out for your mouth and nose just after the explosion," cautioned +George, "for the gases which will come first to the surface are very +poisonous." + +"All ready!" shouted Bob, as he looked around to see that every one was +in a safe position, and then approached the well with the go-devil in +his hands. + +There was an instant's pause as the boy stood with the heavy iron poised +over the aperture, and then dropping it, he sought shelter by the side +of Ralph and George. + +Perfect silence reigned for what seemed a long time while the go-devil +was falling through twelve hundred feet of oil and water; but the time +was hardly more than a minute, and then Ralph, who had expected to hear +a deafening noise, simply heard a crackling sound, much as if two small +fire-crackers had been exploded. It had not occurred to him that but +little could be heard from such a distance beneath the surface. + +"Look out for the gases!" cried George. + +And as Ralph covered his nose and mouth with his handkerchief, he could +see a black vapor, almost like smoke, arising from the mouth of the +well. + +"There is no oil there," he said to himself, as second after second went +by and there was no appearance of anything save the gases of combustion. +He was almost as disappointed as Mr. Hoxie would have been at finding a +"dry well;" for after all his tedious waiting he hoped to have been +rewarded by seeing the "shoot" of the oil. + +He was rather surprised that Bob's face showed no signs of +disappointment, for he surely must have wanted to see oil after his +dangerous work. But Bob simply looked expectant, with his gaze fixed on +the mouth of the well, and Ralph turned again just in time to see a most +wonderful sight. + +From out of the mouth of the well arose what appeared to be a solid +column of greenish yellow, rising slowly in the air like one of the +pillars of Aladdin's palace as it was formed by the genii. The top was +rounded, and the sides of this marvelous column, held together only by +some mighty force, shone in the moonlight like a polished surface of +marble, while all the time it arose inch by inch without fret or check, +until the top wavered in the night wind. Then one or two drops could be +seen rolling off from the summit, and in an instant the entire +appearance changed. + +With a mighty bound the oil leaped into the air, tearing asunder the +summit of the derrick as if it had been of veriest gossamer, dashing the +heavy timbers aside like feathers, and spouting in the pale light drops +as of molten gold. + +For a radius of twenty feet around the well the air seemed filled with +this liquid gold that was coming from the very bowels of the earth. + +The oil poured out in torrents with a sharp, hissing noise that told how +great was the volume of gas imprisoned beneath the rock, which was +sending this oily deluge out, and the question of the value of the well +was decided. + +"It's good for two hundred barrels a day!" cried Bob. + +And Mr. Hoxie, who would reap this rich harvest, insisted that it would +produce very much more than that. + +The damage done to the derrick was not heeded by the owner since the +destructive agent was worth just so much money per barrel to him. + +After spouting to a height of fully two hundred feet, for nearly ten +minutes, the volume of oil, or, rather, of the gas that was forcing it +to the surface, appeared to be exhausted, and lower and lower sank the +torrent, spreading out in a fan-shape as it lessened, until finally it +ceased entirely. + +"What is the matter?" asked Ralph, who fancied that oil-wells flowed +incessantly. "Your two-hundred-barrel well will hardly produce as much +as you thought." + +"Indeed it will," replied Bob. "You don't think wells go on flowing like +that all the time, do you? They have breathing spells, like men. They +spout anywhere from five to fifteen minutes, and then remain quiet +about the same time, or longer. You see the gas in the reservoir of oil +forces it to the surface; the escape of the oil lessens the pressure +under the rock, and it remains inactive until sufficient gas has +gathered again to force more up. This well is as good a one as I have +ever shot." + +Then Bob and his partners began to make their preparations for +departure, since, for them to be found with their tools near a +newly-opened well, would have been almost as dangerous as to have been +caught in the very act of "shooting it." + +Ralph would have been only too well pleased if he could have waited long +enough to see the second spout, but being a guest of the moonlighters, +he could not offer any objection to their movements, and he also made +ready for the journey back to the hut. + +Bob had settled his business with Mr. Hoxie, which was simply to get the +agreed amount for the work performed, and was just getting the reel into +shape to carry, when the clatter of hoofs was heard far down the road. + +"The detectives!" shouted Mr. Hoxie, as he started toward the +tool-house, where, in a very few seconds, he would be counterfeiting the +most profound slumber. + +"The detectives!" shouted the workmen, as they sought convenient places +for hiding; and the moonlighters were left to dispose of themselves as +best they could. + +"Come this way!" cried Bob, as he caught up the reel, which might be +recognized as his, regardless of how he carried it, and dashed off into +the woods at full speed, followed by his partners and guests. + +It was a flight which would be presumptive guilt, if they were +overtaken, but, under the circumstances, it was the only course the +moonlighters could pursue. + + + + +CHAPTER VII. + +MR. NEWCOMBE'S CERTAINTY. + + +Varied and many were Ralph's thoughts, as he followed his friends at +full speed through the woods, and none of them were complimentary to the +business of the moonlighters. He had hoped there would be some +excitement attending the shooting of the well, other than that incident +to the regular work, and he had every reason to be satisfied; but he had +seen a trifle more than was necessary to his comfort or happiness, and +this race through the woods was quite sufficient to take the last bit of +romance from the business. The work had been done; but if those who had +been heard on the road were the officers, the chances were that they +might succeed in finding sufficient proof as to who had done the job. + +Ralph understood fully that by aiding the moonlighters, even in the +slight way he had, he was, for the time being, one of them, and this +thought was far from reassuring. Without any reason, other than to see +the sport, he had, perhaps, infringed the rights of those who were using +every effort to protect them, and what the result might be perplexed him +in no slight degree. + +But one thing was certain, and that was, now that he had become involved +with his new acquaintances to a certain extent, it was necessary for him +to continue with them until he could leave without either compromising +himself or injuring them. + +Of course, every one believed that the noise made on the road +immediately after the well was shot was occasioned by Newcombe's men, +who, having discovered that the hut was empty, had started at once for +the probable scene of operations. + +Under this belief, Bob dashed on toward the hut at full speed, never +thinking of making any investigations to learn whether they were correct +in their surmises, until, when they were but a short distance from the +clearing in the woods, George called out: + +"Before we show ourselves, it would be well to find out whether Newcombe +has really left." + +"That would be only a waste of time," objected Jim, "for, of course, it +was he whom we heard." + +"I believe it was," replied George; "but, at the same time, it is well +to be sure. It will only take a few moments longer, and, since Ralph and +I have got mixed up in this thing, I insist that you find out whether +any one is there before you attempt to go into the hut." + +Bob thought, as did both Dick and Jim, that Harnett was foolishly +particular; but, since the young engineer was so decided about the +matter, he thought it best to do as he was requested. + +When, therefore, they arrived at the edge of the clearing, the party +waited within the shadow of the trees, while Bob stole cautiously +around as before, with no idea that he should see any one in front of +the hut. + +While he was absent, Dick and Jim were disposed to make sport of what +they termed George's caution, and this merriment caused so much noise +that Harnett found it necessary to remind them very sharply that both he +and Ralph, without any interest, other than curiosity in the matter, and +after they had been of no slight service, might be obliged to pay +dearly for the part they had taken; in consideration of which, the least +that could be done would be to follow out this very reasonable request. + +After this, the boys quieted down considerably, and when Bob returned, +they were thankful that they had done so. + +Bob startled them all, even George and Ralph, by the information that +Newcombe and his men were still on guard in front of the hut, and that, +to all appearances, they had not left the stations they were occupying +when the party started out to shoot Mr. Hoxie's well. + +If this was the case, who, then, was the party that had disturbed them +at the completion of their work? This was the question that agitated +them decidedly, and they were beginning a very animated discussion on +the subject, when George said: + +"It can make no particular difference just at this moment who they were. +Some one was coming, probably other torpedo detectives, and we ran away. +Newcombe and his men are still here on guard. Now the most important +thing for us to do is to get into the hut as quickly and silently as +possible, and if those others were detectives, perhaps our friend, Mr. +Newcombe, will be able to swear that we have not been outside during the +night." + +There could be no answer to such an argument as this, save in action, +and each one started for the hut, Dick and Jim feeling decidedly ashamed +of the sport they had made of George's excess of caution. + +To enter the building silently was as easy as to leave it, and in five +minutes more the party were inside, with the shutters of the back window +carefully barred. + +Then they gave way without restraint to their mirth at having +accomplished their work, while Newcombe watched their hut for them, and +they might have continued at this amusing occupation during the +remainder of the night, if sounds from the outside had not told them +that other visitors were arriving. + +"Now we shall find out who it was that disturbed us," said Bob, +gleefully, as he clambered upon the improvised platform, that he might +see what was going on outside from the peep-hole. + +The boys, believing as Bob did, that these newcomers were the same ones +whose arrival at Mr. Hoxie's lately-opened well was the cause of their +hasty flight, awaited expectantly the result of Bob's survey. + +"Three men are riding up," said Bob, "and now they are stopping their +horses as Newcombe goes toward them. They all appear to be talking +excitedly, and every few seconds Newcombe points this way. Now they are +coming right toward the door." + +There was no longer any need for Bob to describe the proceedings, for +the noise made by the carriage could be plainly heard by all as it came +toward the house, and in a very few moments even the conversation of the +men could be distinguished. + +"The well had just been shot as we got there," one of the newcomers +could be heard to say, "and you know that Bob Hubbard was to do the +work. You have allowed the boy to fool you, Newcombe, and while you have +been here, he has been working at Hoxie's." + +"But I tell you that I heard him in here early in the afternoon, and the +darkey told me his team was in the stable. Now, how could he have gotten +the glycerine or cartridges out of here while six of us have been on +duty all the time?" + +And from the tone of Newcombe's voice it was easy to understand that he +was very angry with these colleagues of his for doubting his ability to +watch three boys. + +"Are you certain it was Bob whom you heard?" asked the first speaker. +"He may have left some one here, and been at Hoxie's before you +arrived." + +"I am certain there was some one here," said Newcombe, speaking less +decidedly than before, "and I would be willing to bet everything I own +that it was Bob Hubbard." + +"Betting is a very bad way to settle disputes, Mr. Newcombe," said Bob, +laughingly, shouting so that every one outside could hear his voice, +"and I would advise you to give it up in the future; but in this +particular case you would win the money." + +"There! What did I tell you?" cried the detective to his visitors; and +it is very probable that just at that moment he looked upon Bob as a +true friend. + +"Yes, Bob is there," said the man, reluctantly; "but Jim and Dick were +at the well." + +"Here's Dick!" shouted that young gentleman; "and when you two want to +hold an animated conversation about either one of us, try not to start +it at night, nor so near the door of a sleeping-room as to disturb those +who may need a little rest." + +"And here is Jim!" shouted that young moonlighter. "So now that you know +we are here, where Brother Newcombe has been watching for the last dozen +hours, suppose the whole posse of you drive back to Bradford, where you +belong." + +For a moment there was a profound silence outside, as if this last +astute detective was too much surprised to be able to speak, and then +Mr. Newcombe burst into an uncontrollable fit of triumphant laughter. He +knew that it was impossible for any number of boys to fool him, and very +likely he almost pitied his brother-detective for being so simple. + +From the sounds, the boys judged that the men were moving away from the +hut, and Bob once more had access to the peep-hole as a point of +observation. + +"They are harnessing their horses now," he said, after he had looked out +a few moments, "and I guess Newcombe has convinced his friend that we +must have been innocent of the shooting of Hoxie's well." + +"The question among them now will be as to who the other moonlighters +are," laughed Dick. + +And all of them found no little cause for merriment in the idea of +Newcombe and his friends pursuing these imaginary moonlighters. + +"They have started for the stable again," continued Bob. "I suppose they +want to make sure that there is no chance for us to get the horses out +by any way other than the front door. What muffs they are not to think +how easy it would be for us to do just as we did! They have walked +entirely around the stable, and are now coming back again." + +It was evident that Mr. Newcombe's friend needed some further proof to +assure himself that it was not the boys whom he had disturbed, for +Newcombe said, as he came near the hut: + +"Bob, I don't suppose you have any especial love for any of us, but you +know that what we are doing is all fair in the way of business, and +nothing as especially against you. Now, just as a favor to me, I want +you to tell us what we have done since we came here." + +It was apparent to Bob, as it was to all in the hut, that the question +was asked simply to convince the newcomers that the boys could not have +left the hut during the night, and Bob, after having descended from his +perch, in order that his voice might not betray the fact that he had +been on the lookout, answered, readily: + +"I didn't know that you had been doing much of anything. You paid Pete +for some information which could hardly have been worth the money, and +passed it up to him on the hay-fork, for he wouldn't open the door to +you. Then you sent one of your party somewhere for food, and since you +had your supper, you have amused us by sitting in front of the hut. Is +that enough?" + +"Plenty, and thank you!" was the reply, made in such a cheery tone that +there was no question but that it had been sufficiently convincing. + +Then Bob scrambled upon his rather shaky perch once more, in order to +give full information to his companions of the movements of those +outside. + +He reported from time to time as to what they were doing in the way +getting their teams ready, looking around the premises, but without +taking more than a casual glance at the rear of the house, however, and +then he said: + +"Now they are getting into their wagons. Now they are driving out on the +road, and now," he added, as he leaped down with a loud shout, "they +have disappeared to find the parties who shot the Hoxie well, perfectly +content that we could have had no hand in the business, since it is a +certainty in Newcombe's mind that we have not left the hut since he +drove up here. Hurrah for Bob Hubbard's scheme, and Newcombe's belief in +his own ability as a detective!" + + + + +CHAPTER VIII. + +NEW QUARTERS. + + +Until nearly daylight the boys remained awake, laughing over Newcombe's +credulity, or congratulating each other on the success of that night's +work, and then Bob, who for half an hour had been studying some plan, +said: + +"It isn't best for us to spend all our time laughing at Newcombe, or we +may find out that he's smarter than we give him credit of being. If we +expect to shoot any more wells in this vicinity, we must change our +quarters, for we can safely count on this being watched." + +"What if it is?" cried Dick, their success having made him very bold. +"Wasn't it watched to-night, and didn't we shoot the Hoxie well in spite +of them all?" + +"Yes, we fooled Newcombe well; but we might find it difficult to do so +the second time. Then again, all our work would not be as convenient to +the hut as this was, and if it had been necessary for us to get our +horses out, you must admit that Newcombe had us very foul." + +And Bob, while he felt thoroughly elated by their victory, did not want +that his partners should come to believe that all difficulties could be +surmounted as readily. + +"But what do you mean about changing our quarters?" asked Jim, who +looked upon their hut as something particularly convenient and well +located. + +"I mean that we have got to build another shanty somewhere, if we can't +find one ready-made." + +"Nonsense! there's no more use of our leaving this place than there is +of our trying to fly!" said Dick. "I ain't afraid that Newcombe will +come here again very soon." + +"But I _know_ he will," persisted Bob. "Just as soon as he suspects that +we are about to do any work, he will have so many men around here that +we can't show our noses out of doors without being seen. You think I'm +right, don't you, Harnett?" + +"Well, now, see here," replied George, with a laugh, "I think Ralph and +I have had all the moonlighting that is good for us, without going still +further by aiding and abetting you with advice." + +"But you can tell us what you think," persisted Bob. + +"Well, I suppose I may venture that far, after having participated in +the shooting of the Hoxie well. I don't think that this place is safe +for you any longer, and if I was a member of this firm, I should move +everything from here as soon as possible." + +It was plain to be seen that Dick and Jim had great faith in Harnett's +advice on any subject, for as soon as he had spoken all argument was at +an end, and, after a brief pause, Dick asked: + +"But where could we go?" + +"I think I know of a place as good as this, about five miles up the +valley, where by working a couple of days we could fix things up as well +as we have them here." + +"Then let's see to it at once," said Jim, who thought, if they were +obliged to move, the sooner the disagreeable job was over the better. + +"I'm ready to start now, if George and Gurney will help us," replied +Bob, quietly. + +"If we will help you!" echoed George. "You believe in using your friends +for your benefit, don't you?" + +"Well, in this case, it seems as if you might be of great assistance to +us, and yet not do very much violence to your own feelings. You know as +well as I do that the chances are Newcombe or his men are or will be +scouring the country to-day for those who shot Hoxie's well. Now, if +Dick, Jim and I start out alone, and they see us driving about the +country where we presumably have no business, they will follow us, and +good-by to our chances of getting settled very soon. But if you and +Gurney will take your fishing-tackle, Pete and I will go with you in our +double wagon, and while he and I are attending to work, I will show you +as good trout fishing as you ever saw." + +It was a skillfully-prepared bait, as he intended it should be, for he +knew that the two friends were fond of fishing, and they knew that he +was an authority on the subject of trout streams. + +At first George attempted to excuse himself on the score of having +business to attend to, but it was easy to see that he wanted to go, and +equally plain that Ralph had forgotten all the unpleasant experiences of +the night, in his desire for sport. + +"You see, you won't be doing anything in the way of moonlighting," said +Bob, persuasively, "for you will honestly be going out fishing. You need +know nothing whatever about what Pete and I are doing, and since we have +a supply of food sufficient to last at least two days longer, you will +have no better chance than this." + +Whether George really had any work to which he should have attended or +not, he evidently put all consideration of everything save sport aside, +for he asked: + +"Well, what do you think of it, Ralph?" + +"I think it is just as Bob says. We shan't be doing anything but that +which we have a perfect right to do, and if you can remain away from +your business so long, I say let's go." + +Bob waited only long enough to hear this decision, and then he went at +once to the stable, where he ordered Pete to harness his horses into the +double wagon, in which they carried their materials when out on +professional business. + +The old negro did not hesitate to tell his employer all that Newcombe +had said to him. The detective had offered him ten dollars if he would +answer certain questions, and, understanding that he did not know +anything which could compromise those who hired him, had not thought it +a breach of confidence to take the money. + +Newcombe had asked who were in the hut, and Pete had told him, for he +knew the detective was quite as well informed as he was; but when +Newcombe questioned him as to what the boys were about to do, where or +when they were going, he was truly unable to give the desired +information. + +This was all the detective had received for his expenditure of ten +dollars, and the old darkey chuckled greatly over the ease with which he +had earned the money. + +When the team was ready, Dick and Jim started out for the purpose of +having their horses harnessed, since they had no idea but that they were +to accompany the expedition, but such was not a portion of Bob's plan. + +"You must stay here and get the traps ready to be moved," he said, "for +if we should all go, it would be quite as bad, if we were seen, as if we +hadn't George and Ralph with us. Besides, your horses must be fresh for +to-night, for we will hitch them into the torpedo wagon, and it is +necessary that they should be able to get away from anything on the +road, in case Newcombe should take it into his head to chase us." + +Both the boys knew Bob was right, and, much as they disliked remaining +at the hut while the others were enjoying themselves fishing, they +quietly submitted to what could not be avoided. + +Pete put a few tools into the wagon, Bob added enough in the way of +eatables to last the party twenty-four hours, and, just as the sun was +rising, the real and pretended fishermen started. + +The road led directly back through Sawyer, and on the opposite side of +the creek, a fact which showed how necessary it was for Bob to have some +one with him who would give to the journey the semblance of sport, +rather than business. + +The horses were driven at a brisk trot, despite the roughness of the +roads, and in less than an hour from the time of leaving the hut Bob +turned his horse into what apparently was the thick woods, but in which +a road, that was hardly more than a path, could just be discerned after +the thicket by the side of the highway had been passed through. + +Over logs, stumps and brushwood Bob drove, with a calm disregard to the +difficulties of the way, or to the comfort of himself and his +companions, until a small hut, or, rather, shanty, was reached, when he +announced that they were at the end of their journey. + +"Well," said George, as he alighted from the wagon, "so far as being +hidden from view goes, this is a good place; but I fancy it will be +quite a different matter when you try to bring a load of glycerine here. +It would be a job that I should hesitate to undertake." + +"We can make the road all right with a few hours' work, and then we will +put up some kind of a shelter for a stable. But just now fishing, not a +roadway for torpedo wagons, is your aim, and, if you and Ralph will +follow right up on this path, you will come to a stream, from which you +can catch as many trout as you want." + +Taking a generous lunch with them, and wishing Bob success in his work, +George and Ralph set out for a day's fishing, believing that their +connection with the moonlighters was very nearly at an end. + +After leaving Bob, neither of the boys had very much to say about their +adventure of the previous night, for it had terminated so happily that +it no longer worried them, and the thought of the enjoyment they were to +have drove everything else from their minds. + +The stream was as promising a one as the most ardent disciple of Walton +could have desired, and but little time was spent, after they arrived at +its banks, before they had made their first cast. + +The fish were as plenty as Bob had promised, and, when the time came for +their noon-day lunch, they had nearly full baskets of speckled beauties, +that would weigh from a quarter to three-quarters of a pound each. + +During the forenoon they had fished up stream, and, when their lunch was +finished, they started down with the idea that they would reach the path +they had started from just about the time Bob would be ready to return +to the other hut. + +On the way down, there was no necessity that they should fish in +company; therefore, each went along as he chose, with the understanding +that the one who reached the path first should wait for the other. + +Ralph walked on ahead of George, dropping his line at every +promising-looking place in the stream, but meeting with very poor luck, +as compared with the forenoon's work. He only succeeded in catching +four while returning, when he had captured fully thirty on the way up, +and, owing to the absence of fish, or their disinclination to bite at +his hook, he arrived at the point from which he had started, fully two +hours before he had expected to be there. + +But early as he was, he found Bob impatiently awaiting his arrival, and +the moonlighter's first inquiry was for the absent engineer. + +"We agreed to fish leisurely down stream, expecting to be here about +sunset," replied Ralph. "I fancy he is meeting with better luck than I +did, and that it will be some time before he gets here." + +"Well, we can't wait for him," said Bob, quickly. "We have got +everything so that we can move in to-night, and I want to be off. It +won't do for me to show myself without at least one of you, so we will +send Pete back here to wait for George, and you and I will go on." + +"But how shall I meet him?" asked Ralph, not by any means pleased at +this idea of leaving his friend. + +"That's easy enough to manage. Go back with me, get Harnett's team, come +back here behind us, get him and drive home to Kenniston's. You will be +there by ten o'clock, and we shall see you at breakfast time." + +"But I don't like to leave George, for I promised him I would wait for +him here." + +"Ah, that will be all right, for Pete will explain matters to him." + +And, as he spoke, Bob dragged Ralph along, regardless alike of his +remonstrances or his struggles. + +On arriving at the shanty the old negro was given his instructions, and +without further delay the two started, Ralph feeling decidedly +uncomfortable, for it seemed to him that, in some way, he had no idea +how, he was being forced to take part in another of Bob's schemes. + + + + +CHAPTER IX. + +THE NIGHT DRIVE OF THE TORPEDO WAGON. + + +Bob was in such good spirits as he drove along toward the hut he was +about to abandon, that if Ralph had been in the least degree suspicious, +he would have believed that it was a portion of the young moonlighter's +plan to separate him from his friend. Although, if such an idea had +presented itself to Ralph, he would have been at a loss to understand +how such a separation could have affected Bob's interest. + +Had the young student been more acquainted with the work of the +moonlighters, however, he would have understood that another wagon +behind the one containing the tools and materials for well-shooting +would aid very decidedly in allowing the first team to escape, in case +it was pursued. + +Then again, Ralph did not know that it was against the laws of any town +to convey nitro-glycerine through its streets, and that, in thus moving +his quarters, Bob not only ran the chance of being pursued by the +torpedo detectives, but also by the authorities of the town through +which he must pass in order to get to his new camp. + +Had George been with Ralph, the two would simply have driven back to +the hut in the woods, and from there to Farmer Kenniston's home. But, in +his absence, it would be necessary for Ralph to follow Bob back in +Harnett's team for the purpose of taking his friend home. + +However earnestly the young student had resolved not to have anything +more to do with the moonlighters, either actively or as a spectator, he +was, by chance and Bob's scheming, aiding them in a more active and more +dangerous way than ever before. + +"We shall come right back," said Bob, in a reassuring tone, as he saw +how ill at ease Ralph felt, "and George won't have any longer time to +wait than will be pleasant, because of his weariness." + +"Still I had much rather waited for him," replied Ralph. + +And then, when it was too late, he began to blame himself for not having +insisted on staying behind as George proposed. + +"It is much better this way, because it will be a saving of time for +him," replied Bob. + +And then he began to tell stories and make himself generally agreeable, +in order to allay any suspicions that might arise in his companion's +mind. + +In this, Bob was so far successful that when they arrived at the hut +where Jim and Dick were waiting, Ralph had nearly forgotten his vexation +at having left George, and believed that no better fellow or more +agreeable companion than Bob Hubbard could be found in all the oil +region. + +Dick and Jim had not been idle while the others had been away, and +everything in the hut was made ready for immediate removal. + +Bob told them briefly of the hiding-place he had found, and then the +work of loading the wagons was begun, Ralph noting with a slight feeling +of resentment, that George's team was to be loaded as well as the +others. + +The torpedo wagon was already laden with its dangerous load, and Bob +showed it to him as a new feature of the oil business which he had not +seen in operation the night previous because of Newcombe's vigilance. + +To all outward appearance it was a long-bodied box buggy, with a much +deeper seat than is usually seen, and with a double set of +finely-tempered springs to prevent, as much as possible, any jolting of +the load. When the seat was turned over, working on hinges placed in +front, the peculiar formation of the vehicle was seen. That portion of +the carriage usually covered by the seat, was divided into sixteen +compartments, each padded over springs, and formed with as much care as +a jewel casket. In each of these compartments was a can of +nitro-glycerine, protected from any undue-concussion or jolting by the +springs within as well as without. + +At each end, on the left side of the wagon, rose a slender iron rod, +fashioned at the top like the letter U, which was used as a +resting-place for the tin cartridges, and rising high enough to be out +of the way of the driver. + +"There are one hundred and twenty-eight quarts of glycerine in that +little cart," said Bob, as he gazed at it admiringly, "and if any one +chooses to chase us through Sawyer, they'll take precious good care that +they don't get very near. You see, the officers must keep up a show of +activity in trying to prevent us from driving through the town; but they +are careful not to run us down too sharply." + +Ralph had not the slightest idea of what Bob meant when he spoke of +officers in the town chasing them, and would have asked for an +explanation then had not the moonlighter hurried away to get the other +teams ready. + +It was then dark, and the boys were anxious to make the journey as +quickly as possible, for it was a task about which even they did not +feel wholly at ease. + +In the carriage Bob and Ralph had just come in, were packed the tools, +provisions, sheet-tin, and such material as made a heavy load, while in +George's buggy, was the bedding and other light articles, which made up +a bulky load, but one in which there was but little weight. + +After the three teams had been loaded, the house locked and barred as +carefully as if the inmates were yet within, and the stable door secured +by Jim, who barred it from the interior and then clambered out of the +window in the loft, Bob called his two partners one side for a private +consultation. + +Without knowing why, Ralph felt decidedly uncomfortable at this secrecy. +It was true that he had no desire to be told all the details of this +somewhat questionable business, but it seemed to him as if he was in +some way the subject of their conversation--as if he had been and was +again to be duped, and Bob was explaining the scheme to his partners. + +It was some time before the private portion of their consultation was +over, and then Bob said, sufficiently loud for Ralph to hear, much as if +that had been all they were talking of: + +"Now remember. We are to keep close together until we get through +Sawyer. Then, if we are followed, you are to give me a chance to get +ahead, and you will keep straight on until you tire them out, if you +drive all night. Ralph," he added, "Jim knows the road and you don't, so +I am going to let him drive for you." + +Then Bob got into the torpedo-wagon, Dick mounted the one that had come +from the new camp, Jim and Ralph clambered into George's team, and in +that order they started toward the highway, Bob driving leisurely, as if +to keep his horses fresh, in case they were called upon for any unusual +exertion. + +The orders Bob had given aroused in Ralph's mind, now that it was too +late to make any objection, the suspicions that his pleasing manner had +lulled. He began to see why it was he had been hurried away before +George came. + +The torpedo-wagon was the one that the authorities would attempt to +capture, if they saw it, and George's team, being in the rear, would be +the one that would most likely stand the brunt of the pursuit, in case +one was made. The other two teams being ahead, could turn from the road +into the woods, at a favorable opportunity, while George's horses would +lure the officers away from the tell-tale loads. + +Ralph knew perfectly well that had Harnett come from the stream at the +same time he did, his team would not have been used as a "cover," for he +had no desire to implicate himself with the moonlighters, even if they +were his friends, and would possibly have refused to act, or allow his +team to act, any such part. + +But while all these ideas passed through Ralph's mind, he was not +certain he was correct in his suppositions, and it was, so he thought, +not advisable for him to say anything until the time came when Bob's +plans were made apparent. Besides, he hoped that the officers would not +see them, that there would be no necessity for flight, and that George's +horses would be restored to their owner, fresh and in good condition. + +During the first two miles of their journey, there was nothing to which +the most careful person could have taken objection, unless, indeed, it +was the fact of riding behind a carriage loaded with nitro-glycerine, +which was by no means a pleasant thing to do, and then the little town +of Sawyer was reached. + +Up to this time the horses had trotted slowly; but on entering the town, +Bob set the example of driving faster, and all three teams were urged +along at full speed. + +It surely seemed as if the moving of the moonlighters' property was to +be accomplished without difficulty, for the outskirts of Sawyer had +nearly been passed before any sign was made that they had been +observed, and then the clattering of horses' hoofs was heard, at the +same time that a voice cried: + +"Halt!" + +The time had come when Ralph was to learn whether Bob was making a +cat's-paw of him or not, and the suspicions he had had fast became +certainties. + +No reply was made by the moonlighters; but the horses were urged to +still greater speed, and the race had begun. + +"Don't drive so fast!" said Ralph, believing the time had come for him +to act in George's behalf. + +"Why not?" asked Jim, coolly. "They'll overhaul us if we don't put on +all steam." + +"And what if they do? This is Harnett's team, and there is no reason why +we should run away." + +"What about all these things that are in here?" + +"There is nothing here but what we have a perfect right to carry, and I +know that George will be angry by running away from the officers with +his team, which is probably well known. We seem to be doing something +which we have no right to do," said Ralph, sternly, at the same time +that he endeavored to get possession of the reins. + +"Look out! Don't make a fool of yourself!" cried Jim, sharply. + +And he urged the horses on until he had worked them up into such a state +that it required all his strength to hold them. + +To have attempted to seize the reins then would simply have been to +capsize the buggy, for the road was so rough that the least deviation +from the beaten track, at the pace the horses were then going, would +have been fatal, and Ralph was obliged to acquiesce in the flight by +remaining perfectly quiet. + +On the horses dashed as if bent on the destruction of the carriage. +Behind could be heard the clatter of hoofs, as the pursuers did their +best to overtake the violators of the law, and in the advance was the +carriage, with its deadly load, that the least concussion would liberate +in all its dreadful power. + + + + +CHAPTER X. + +THE RETURN. + + +In the excitement of the flight, and the sorrow caused by the thought of +the injury which was being done his friend, in which he was forced, +unwillingly, to take part, Ralph almost entirely forgot the dangerous +load in advance, until an exclamation of triumph from Jim caused him to +look ahead, when he discovered that Bob was no longer in sight. + +Ralph was almost certain that they had just passed the road that led to +the new camp, and equally positive that Bob had driven in at that point, +but there was nothing to show that the torpedo-wagon had been driven in +there, and Jim was too much occupied with his efforts to keep in advance +of his pursuers to answer a question, or even to speak. + +George's horses, of whom he was so fond that he would never allow them +to be forced to full speed, were urged by both whip and word until they +could no longer trot, but were running madly on, while the light +carriage swayed from one side of the road to the other, until it seemed +certain it would be overturned. + +Ralph was powerless to prevent such use of his friend's property, but +he entered his protest against it by saying: + +"This matter of using George's team to permit your own to escape is +something on which I have not been consulted, nor have I been permitted +to say anything about it. I think I understand why Hubbard got me away +from the stream before George came down, and I say to you now, as I +shall say to both of your friends, that it is a mean piece of business, +and one which I would do all in my power to prevent if it was possible +for me to do so without running the risk of doing more harm than good." + +"Oh, that's all right," replied Jim, as he tried to urge the already +nearly-exhausted horses to still greater exertions. + +But Ralph had no idea as to what he meant by "all right." If he meant +that there was no harm in driving at such a mad pace, Ralph was certain +he was wrong, and if he wished to convey the impression that Harnett +would not be angry, the young student was equally certain he was +mistaken. + +The sounds made by the pursuers seemed to be dying away in the distance, +as if the pace was too fast for them, and as Dick guided his team +skillfully into the woods, two miles beyond where Bob had disappeared; +Jim gave vent to another yell of triumph. + +The moonlighters' property was safe, and it only remained to be seen how +much Harnett was to suffer by the flight. + +The now thoroughly maddened horses were dashing along the rough road at +a most reckless pace, and Ralph shuddered at the thought of what the +result might be if they should meet any teams either coming or going. +But, fortunately, it was so late in the night that thus far they had +seen no travelers, and the only hope was that they would be equally +successful until the wild flight was ended. + +On and on Jim urged the horses, with no signs of checking their speed, +until finally, when it was no longer possible to hear any sounds from +the rear, Ralph said: + +"I don't hear any one behind, and if you do not pull the horses up soon, +you will ruin them, if, indeed, you have not done so already." + +As near as Ralph could judge, they were fully ten miles beyond the place +where Bob had left the road, when Jim began to quiet the frightened +animals, and before another mile had been traveled, he had succeeded so +far as to make them sober down to a walk. + +Guiding them to one side of the road, where it chanced to be very broad, +Jim brought them to a full stop, and Ralph leaped out to examine them. + +The glossy coats of the beautiful animals were wet with perspiration, +and covered with foam until they looked like white horses marked with +small patches of black; their red, dilating nostrils and heaving flanks +told of the effect the mad pace had had upon them, and they looked as if +it would have been impossible for them to have run another mile. + +Ralph even believed that they were already exhausted, and that they were +utterly ruined; but Jim treated his fears as childish, being hardly +willing to follow out the suggestions made. + +"If they are not foundered already they will be unless we do something +for them at once. Let's rub them down thoroughly, and then start them +back at a walk." + +Jim objected to doing what he considered useless work, and would have +started the exhausted animals on the return at once, if Ralph had not +assumed a tone that startled him. + +"During the ride I held my peace, because I could do no good; but now I +want you distinctly to understand that you will do as I say in regard to +caring for these horses, or there will be trouble between us. I should +not hesitate for a moment, after what you have done, to leave you here +and drive back alone." + +"You might not hesitate, providing you could get me out of the +carriage," replied Jim, pertly; "but I might have something to say if +you should attempt any interference." + +"Look here, Mr. James Lansel," said Ralph, decidedly, trying not to +betray by his voice the anger he felt, "you will please understand now +that I have interfered, and that I shall do exactly what I say. You will +come out here and help me to care for these horses you have abused, or I +shall endeavor to prove to your entire satisfaction which one of us is +master." + +While Ralph had been speaking he had unfastened the traces of the +horses, and by the time he concluded, one of the animals was clear from +the carriage. Had he not done so it is extremely probable that Jim +might have tried to run away and leave him, instead of being left. As it +was, however, he apparently did not think it either a pleasant or a safe +operation to measure strength with a boy fresh from school, and after a +moment's hesitation, in a very sulky sort of way he alighted, doing as +Ralph had commanded. + +The gallant little steeds were rubbed down well with dried grass; Ralph +rinsed their mouths out as cleanly as possible with water from the side +of the road, but taking good care not to allow them any to drink, and +for an hour the two boys--one through fear, and the other because of his +care for his friend's property--did all they could for the comfort of +the animals. + +During all this time Jim had not spoken once, and Ralph was quite +content to let him sulk as much as he wished; he felt as though Jim and +his partners had done him a grievous wrong in placing him in such a +position as made it seem that he had aided in the abusing and temporary +theft of George's horses, and if the entire party of moonlighters chose +to be angry with him he did not care. + +At the end of the hour Ralph said to the still angry, injured Jim: + +"We will harness them now, and I will drive on the way back." + +"You can do just as you please," replied Jim, "I've got nothing to do +with it, and I wash my hands of the whole affair." + +"You may wash your hands of this portion of the affair as much as you +please; but you'll take the full share of responsibility for having +driven out here." + +Jim made no reply, which was a matter of but little moment, so Ralph +thought; but he assisted in harnessing the horses, and when that was +done, he took his seat in the carriage like a martyr. + +Ralph followed him, and, gathering up the reins, he allowed the horses +to choose their own gait going back, a tenderness towards animals that +Jim looked upon with the most supreme contempt. + +As a matter of course, their progress was very slow, for the animals +were so weary that they had no desire to go faster than a walk; and +still, without speaking, the two boys rode on, occupying three hours in +returning over the same distance they had come in one. + +To find in the night the place into which Bob had driven was an +extremely difficult task, and more than once did Ralph stop the horses +by the side of the road, calling vigorously to George, in the belief +that they had reached the new quarters of the moonlighters. + +It was not until after they had made four such mistakes that they heard +George's voice in reply, and then he and Pete came out to lead the +horses in through the thicket of bushes that screened the entrance of +the road. + +Ralph saw at once by the look on his friend's face, and the solicitude +with which he examined his horses, that Bob had told the first portion +of the story, which had been more than displeasing to him. + +"Did you drive all the way, Ralph?" he asked. + +And his tone was far from being as friendly as usual. + +"I had nothing whatever to do with the horses or the trip, except to +help rub them down when we stopped, and to drive home," replied Ralph, +almost indignant that George should think even for a moment that he +would have countenanced such a thing. + +Harnett said no more then, but busied himself in caring for the animals +by unharnessing and feeding them. + +Jim soon joined his partners in the hut, and after he had gone, George +asked Ralph for the particulars of the chase, which were given minutely. + +After he had finished the story, not without several interruptions from +George, he asked: + +"How long are you going to stay here?" + +"Only until morning. I would have gone home to-night if the horses had +not had such a long and hard drive; but as it is, we can do no better +than to stay here a while, and early in the morning we will say good-by +to Mr. Bob Hubbard and his partners, trying to get out of the trouble +they have placed us in as cheaply as possible." + +"Why, is there anything new?" asked Ralph, anxiously. + +"Nothing save this last scheme of Bob's, and that is quite enough. I +don't consider shooting wells as anything really illegal, for I do not +believe that the patent can be held. But when it comes to violating a +town ordinance by carrying a large quantity of nitro-glycerine through +it in the manner Bob did, I consider a great wrong has been done, for +it endangers the lives of every one living there. We shall probably hear +from it very soon, for my team is well known in Sawyer. Then again, Bob +knew that such a thing would injure me seriously in my business. I set +myself up as civil engineer, and thereby ask people to employ me. That +they will have every reason to refuse to do when they see me mixed up +with Bob Hubbard's mad actions." + +Ralph had thought the matter serious enough before; but now he +understood from what George had said just how much trouble might grow +out of it, and all the anger he had felt during the ride was revived. + +"I wish I had stopped the horses, as I had a mind to do during the +drive, regardless of whether I smashed the carriage or not," he said, +bitterly. "I felt that things were going wrong in some way when I first +left here with Bob, but I didn't know in what way, and what he said was +so practical that I couldn't give a single good reason as to why I +should not do as he said." + +"I'm not blaming you, Ralph, for I know as well as you do that it was +not your fault. It was a portion of one of Bob's schemes, and, without +caring how much he has injured us, he is probably congratulating himself +on its perfect success. But come, let's go and lie down for a little +while, and when we do get away from here in the morning, we will be +careful not to place ourselves where Bob can use us again." + + + + +CHAPTER XI. + +THE STORM IN THE VALLEY. + + +Judging from appearances, when they entered the new cabin of the +moonlighters, Ralph concluded that George had said some hard things to +Bob because of the part he had obliged him to play. When the two went in +to get the few hours of sleep they needed so sadly, for they had been +awake during all of the previous night, no one spoke. They were all +having what Ralph afterward described as a grand sulking match; but +neither one of their guests paid the slightest attention to their ill +humor. + +It was then very late in the night, and, tired as each one was, it was +but a few moments before the camp was in a state of complete repose, +from which neither moonlighter, engineer nor student awakened until the +sun had been looking in upon them nearly an hour. + +If Bob had been cross the previous evening, his sleep had restored him +to his usual good humor, and he greeted Ralph and George with the +cheeriest of smiles. + +"I say, old fellow," he began, when Harnett returned from making his +toilet at the brook-side, "I realize that we played you a dirty kind of +a trick in using your team as we did last night; but at the time I was +so anxious to get everything over here all right that I did not stop to +think about it. Of course, I can't undo what has been done, but if any +money trouble comes to you because of last night's work, neither you nor +Gurney shall lose a cent. Try to forget it, won't you, George? Shake +hands with me, and say that you will." + +Very few could withstand Bob Hubbard when he spoke as he did then, and +Harnett's anger began to vanish immediately his moonlighting friend +spoke. + +"We'll say no more about it, Bob; and I'll believe you wouldn't have +done such a thing to me if you had taken time to think it over," replied +George, as he shook hands not only with Bob, but with the other two. + +"Now, Gurney, come right up, and say that you bear no grudge against +Jim. He knows that you were in the right when you insisted on having the +horses cared for, and he would have known it last night if he hadn't got +excited, as he always does when anything is up." + +Jim came up with outstretched hand as Bob spoke, and in a few moments +the party were friendly once more, although the determination which +Ralph and George had formed, relative to not visiting the moonlighters +in their haunts again, was still as strong as ever. + +With the provisions they had on hand, and the fish that had been caught +the day before, Pete served up such a breakfast as would have tempted +an epicure, and it may be imagined with what zest these hungry boys +attacked it. + +Bob and his party intended to remain where they were during that day, at +least, for it would be necessary to do many things to the shanty before +it would be even a secure hiding-place for their goods, and although +they urged that their visitors remain with them, George was still firm +in his determination to return to the Kenniston farm as soon as he had +finished breakfast. + +It was not until after Bob had exhausted every other argument in vain +that he said: + +"I think it would be much better, George, if you should stay here +to-day, and give the people a chance to cool off in regard to last +night's proceedings. If you go through Sawyer this morning, they +may make it disagreeable for you." + +"That is one reason why I am determined to go at once. If any trouble is +to come of your drive, I want it over as soon as possible, and the +sooner I show myself in Sawyer, the more satisfied I shall feel." + +"But the chances are that the matter will drop through if you keep out +of sight for a day or two," persisted Bob, almost entreatingly. + +"And I don't want it to drop through. If they propose to make any +trouble, I prefer to meet them rather than wait around in the hope that +it will be forgotten. I am obliged to earn my living, and from these +people here, for the time being. Therefore, they will be doing me a very +great favor if they find out exactly how far I am responsible for last +night's work." + +It was useless to attempt to persuade George to do other than that which +he had decided upon, and Bob recognized that fact. He said nothing more +against the departure of his guests, but did all in his power to aid +them in getting ready for the journey. + +The horses did not appear to be affected in the least by their hard +drive on the previous night, and this, more than anything else, caused +George to feel less hard toward his friends, the moonlighters. + +It was nine o'clock in the morning before Ralph and George were ready to +set out, and as they were starting, Bob called out: + +"Remember, we shall stand whatever my drive may cost you, and this +evening we will meet you at home." + +There was a feeling of positive relief in Ralph's heart when they drove +out into the road, the trees behind shutting out the moonlighters from +view. It was as if he had been suffering from some disagreeable +nightmare, and he would have been thankful it was ended if it was not +for the awakening in the form of driving through Sawyer, liable to be +arrested at any moment. + +"George," he asked, at length, "do you really think that what was done +last night will injure your business prospects?" + +"I feel so certain of it that I shall begin to make preparations to +leave here as soon as I finish what I have on hand. I certainly know +that I would not employ a man who would deliberately assist in carrying +a large quantity of glycerine through a town, and at the same time drive +in the most reckless manner." + +"But you can prove that you were not with the party, and that you knew +nothing of what was being done." + +"Yes, I can prove that, if they give me the opportunity, and I am now in +the position of a man who longs most ardently to be arrested, but yet +who does not dare to appear too eager about it." + +"I can't say that I want to be arrested," said Ralph, dubiously, "for +father and mother would think I had been doing something terrible; but I +would be perfectly willing to stand it if it would do you any good." + +"It is about the only thing that can do me any good," replied George, +decidedly; and then he added, quickly: "But we won't talk any more about +it. Let us enjoy this ride thoroughly, for we have just escaped from the +moonlighters' den. I can't say, however, that our troubles are entirely +over; for, by the looks of those black clouds, we shall stand a chance +of getting a drenching." + +It was as George had said. The sky, which had been cloudless when they +started, was now being obscured by black, angry-looking clouds, which +threatened at any moment to break and pour their burden of water upon +the parched earth. + +Had they been riding where no shelter could be found, both the boys +would have been alarmed, for there was every indication of a heavy +shower; but since there were houses along the road in which they could +take shelter at almost any moment, they rode on, determined to get as +near as possible to their destination before the storm burst. + +George urged the horses along, hoping that they might reach the town of +Sawyer before the rain came; but in this he was mistaken, for, before +they had ridden five minutes from the time he first spoke, the great +drops that acted as _avant couriers_ to the large body of water, +descended, and the boys had just time to drive under a rude shed before +the storm was upon them. + +A vivid flash of lightning, followed immediately by a deafening peal of +thunder, was the prelude to as terrific a thunder-storm as the boys had +ever seen, and, as the rain descended in what seemed to be sheets of +water rather than drops, the lightning flashed almost incessantly, while +the thunder roared until it seemed as if the very earth was shaken. + +Even George had never passed a summer in this section of the country +before, and he knew no more than did Ralph the destruction often caused +by the electric current where so much inflammable material is stored. + +Without a thought of the possible catastrophe that might occur, they +remained under their apology for a shelter, through which the water +poured in anything but tiny streams, looking out at the majestic +spectacle, fearing only that the wind might throw the frail shed down +upon them. + +"Look there!" cried Ralph, as an unusually brilliant flash was seen. "It +almost appeared as if the lightning ran entirely around that oil-tank. +I wonder if those are ever struck?" + +"It must make sad work if they are," replied George, thinking for the +first time of such a possibility. "In that tank alone there must be +fully thirty-five thousand barrels of oil, and the conflagration would +be something terrible." + +He had hardly ceased speaking, when there came a flash that almost +blinded them as it descended directly on the top of a huge derrick, +crackling and hissing as it came, and in what seemed to be the slightest +possible fraction of time, the air was filled with fragments of the +heavy timbers, while, despite the pouring rain, a sulphurous odor was +perceptible. + +The derrick had been struck, and its thousand fragments strewed the +earth in every direction. + +"How terrible!" cried Ralph, as he covered his face with is hands in +affright, for never before had he witnessed the terrific force of the +lightning's bolt. + +George stood at the door of the shed, restless, regardless alike of the +deluge of water that fell upon him, and of the neighing and stamping of +the frightened horses; he was like one fascinated by the awful majesty +of that which he saw everywhere around him. + +His gaze was directed toward the largest oil tank in the valley, while +it seemed as if some will stronger than his own impelled him to look at +this enormous construction of iron, filled with its easily ignited +contents; and as he thus stood, awed into silence, it seemed to him that +the largest cloud was rent entirely asunder, while from its very center +a torrent of fire was poured on to the tank, from which the flames +appeared to leap to meet the shaft from heaven. + +In an instant the entire body of oil was a seething mass of flames, +while the very rain seemed to add to their fury. One of the largest +tanks in the valley had been struck, and the destruction threatened +every living thing that could not flee to the mountains from the river +of fire that poured out over the shattered iron sides of the tank. + + + + +CHAPTER XII. + +THE CONFLAGRATION. + + +The grandeur of the scene upon which George and Ralph looked was +indescribable, the slightest detail of which once seen could never be +forgotten. + +The lurid flames, surmounted by the thick, black smoke, towered upward +as if to meet the lightning's flash, and then, as the wind and rain beat +it down for a moment, the heavy clouds of smoke rolled down the valley +like some funereal pall sent in advance of the death and destruction +that was to come. + +"What can we do?" cried Ralph, when the awe which the scene had brought +with it gave place to fear for others, and a desire to avert suffering +and destruction. + +"We can do nothing," replied George, in a low tone. "We do not even know +how to fight the burning oil, and are powerless to do anything, at least +until others shall come to direct the work." + +"But we can surely give the alarm and arouse the people," cried Ralph, +as he attempted to rush out of the shed, but was prevented by George. + +"Do you think there is any one within two miles of here who cannot see +that blaze?" asked George, as he pointed to the mountain of flame. "We +can accomplish nothing, therefore we will remain here quiet until those +who are familiar with such scenes shall come." + +Ralph recognized the common sense of George's suggestion even when it +seemed impossible that he could remain idle, and while the two stood +outside the shed, regardless of the furious rain, waiting for those to +come who could direct their labor, they witnessed another scene, fitting +companion to the one already pictured. + +The lightning flashes were as vivid and rapid as ever, save that the +glare may have seemed a trifle less blinding because of the flames, and +there was no sign that the storm was decreasing. Suddenly, even while it +appeared as if a small whirlwind enveloped a derrick that stood on the +hill on the opposite side of the valley, another storm of fire descended +from the sky, wrapping the heavy timbers in flames without shattering +them, and flinging angry tongues of fire on nearly every timber in the +towering pile. + +For a few moments this lofty beacon burned as if trying to outshine the +larger conflagration, and then, as the heat grew more intense, the small +tank at its base became a receptacle for flames, which, overflowing, +poured an angry stream of fire down the side of the mountain, igniting +the various deposits of oil in its course. + +In an incredibly short space of time, the valley, which had but a few +moments before been deluged with water, was covered with flames and +burning streams, which the rain appeared to feed rather than +extinguish. + +Then, as rapidly as they had come, the storm-clouds cleared away, the +rain ceased, and the sun came out, clear and hot, but unable to send its +rays through the impenetrable clouds of smoke which overhung the +lowland, and wrapped the hills with a sable shroud. + +Others besides Ralph and George had seen the first damage done by the +lightning, for, living where such scenes were not infrequent, they +feared, at each threatened storm, just that catastrophe which had +occurred, and a small army of men were already on the scene by the time +the two boys had recovered from the awe which had come upon them with +this second danger that was pouring down upon the valley from the +mountain-side. + +It seemed a useless, because impossible, task to attempt to check the +progress of or extinguish the burning oil, and yet the assembled +multitude attacked it with a will that seemed all the more heroic +because of the well-nigh hopelessness of the labor. + +Fastening the now thoroughly frightened horses so that they could not +release themselves from the shed, which was situated on ground +sufficiently high to prevent the burning torrent from flowing around it, +Ralph and George threw off their coats and vests, preparatory to doing +what they could to check the course of this servant of man, now become +master. + +Quantities of shovels and pickaxes had been brought at the first alarm, +and, armed with one of these, Ralph and George joined the others in +throwing up embankments to check the course of the streams of burning +oil, in order to hold them confined until the liquid should be consumed. + +Then women and children were aiding in the work, for it was to save +their homes from destruction that they labored, and foremost among them +ever was George, struggling against the fire-fiend, as if everything the +world held dear to him was in danger of destruction. + +Then came the call for volunteers to get the cannon, which were nearly +two miles away, that solid shot might be fired into the tank to open a +passage for the oil not yet ignited, and Ralph was the first to offer +his services. + +He had already had some considerable experience in artillery practice, +and when George explained this to some of those who were directing the +work, Ralph was gladly accepted to take charge of the guns. + +He was a gunner without any artillery, but twice as many men as were +necessary started at full speed toward the town, and in a short time the +only two cannon that could be procured, without going to Bradford, were +on the ground, while Ralph was hastily preparing the charges of powder. + +It may be thought that it would not require much skill to hit, at short +range, such a large object as an oil-tank capable of holding thirty-five +thousand barrels; but since, in order to send the ball through the iron +plates it was necessary to hit it full at the place aimed for, otherwise +the projectile would glance off, it can be seen that Ralph was obliged +to exhibit considerable skill. + +While this was being done, the others were throwing up earthworks to +divert the course of the blazing streams, or to dam the oil in such +places as it could burn without damage to other property; and it can +safely be imagined that but little time was spent in watching what the +others were doing. + +After George had announced that Ralph had had experience in the use of +artillery pieces, and after the cannon had been brought from the town, +he was left to superintend the work, a sufficient number of men +remaining near to follow his instructions. + +The day was a hot one, and the heat from the fire, together with that +from the sun, was almost insupportable; but, stripped of all clothing +that could conveniently be cast aside, each one continued at his +self-imposed task of averting the threatened destruction from the town. + +Each moment, despite all that was being done, the flames were creeping +closer and closer to the town, which seemed doomed, and, as the time +passed, every one saw how useless their efforts would be unless the iron +tank could be pierced, allowing a portion of the oil to run off before +it could be ignited. + +Many were the entreaties to Ralph to hurry with his work; but, fully +believing the old adage that "haste makes waste," he completed his +operations with deliberation, only hurrying when he could do so without +running any risk of a failure. + +"Be quick, Ralph," cried George, as he came up, smoke begrimed, and +bearing many traces of his severe work. "Every moment is more than +precious now; and, even after you begin, you may have to fire several +shots." + +"I shall fire only one at each tank," replied Ralph, calmly. "The pieces +were dirty and rusty, and it would have been a waste of both time and +ammunition to have shot with them before they were cleaned. I am ready +now. Both pieces are loaded, and you shall see both balls count." + +Ralph had been working as near the blazing tanks as the heat would +permit, and as he finished speaking with George, he shouted for those +near by to stand back. Already had the weapons been aimed, and, with a +blazing stick in his hand, he stood ready to show either his skill or +his ignorance. + +Quickly the crowd separated, knowing only too well the value of time, +and Ralph applied the torch. + +The explosion was almost deadened by the roar of the flames and the +sharp reports of the iron plates, as they were broken by the heat, but +above all could be heard the crashing of the iron, as the ball, aimed +perfectly true to the mark, made its way into the oil, allowing it to +spout forth in torrents. + +"Hurrah! hurrah!" burst from the crowd, as they realized that the boy, +whose skill a moment before they had doubted, had done that which would +have required hours for them to do so successfully, and then on every +side arose the demand that another outlet be opened. + +Ralph was perplexed for a moment, since the other cannon was aimed at +the smaller tank, and he had believed that one opening would be +sufficient. + +"You will have to put another shot in," cried George. "It will take too +long for the oil to run out of that one hole." + +While the crowd were engaged in digging a ditch for the oil that Ralph's +shot had let out, in order that it should not be set on fire by that +which was already blazing, the young student aimed the second cannon. + +Again the word was passed for the people to stand back, and a second +ball was sent crashing into the tank with as true an aim as the first. + +Then, while all save those who were at work on the dam or helping at the +cannon worked at ditches to carry off the unlighted oil, Ralph made +ready for another volley. + +Two perforations were made in the small tank, and two more in the large +one, which admitted of such a discharge of the contents, that all hands +could hasten to the relief of those who were working at the dams. + +Already was the day nearly spent, and yet the fire-fiend was raging with +fury hardly abated. The trees had long since fallen before the fiery +blast; the derricks and buildings of the adjacent wells were consumed, +while inch by inch the oil-fed fire crept nearer the town. + +George had paid no attention to his horses all this time; in fact, he +had hardly thought of them until, almost exhausted, he was obliged to +rest a few moments, or be entirely overcome by the heat. + +Then the recollection of his team, in which he took so much pride, came +to him, and he started towards the shed where he had left them. + +One glance back at the fiery torrent, which even the children were +trying to turn from the town, and he realized how important was even one +man's labor in this battle with the flames. + +A man on crutches was standing near him as he paused irresolutely, and +to him George said, hurriedly: + +"I left a pair of horses in a light carriage in that shed up yonder when +the fire first broke out. Not even one man can be spared from here now, +and yet my team must be attended to. Crippled as you are, you can be of +no service here; therefore, if you will go there and get them, and then +drive them to some stable in town, I will pay you well for your +trouble." + +"I'll see that they are well taken care of, and come back here to tell +you where they are," said the cripple, as he started towards the shed. + +And George returned to the fight once more. + +Had the men been working where it was cool, by their very numbers they +could have checked the advance of the flames; but hot as it was, fully +half who entered the conflict were overpowered by the heat in a very +short time, or obliged to cease their exertions for a while, as George +had done. Therefore, although fresh recruits were arriving each hour, +not one-third of all the force there could be counted upon as able +workers. + +It was an hour after George had cared for his horses, as he supposed, +that the cripple whom he had engaged to do the work, approached where he +was, by the side of Ralph, strengthening the banks of the ditch that +carried off the escaping oil. + +"I went up to the shed," shouted the man, "but there wasn't any horses +there, nor carriage either." + +"Where are they?" asked George, in bewilderment. + +"How should I know?" was the reply, in an angry tone. + +And then, before anything more could be said, a shout, almost of +despair, arose from those who were working nearer the town-- + +"The waste oil has caught fire!" + +The oil which had been drawn off from the tanks, through the +perforations made by the cannon balls, had been set on fire by the heat +of the blazing stream by its side, and the flames were moving rapidly +toward the two other large tanks in the immediate vicinity. + + + + +CHAPTER XIII. + +A FRUITLESS SEARCH. + + +Many conflagrations, caused by the lightning striking an oil-tank, have +been known since the discovery of petroleum; but none had ever been so +disastrous as the one of which the reader has had but an imperfect +account. + +Forty-five thousand barrels of oil had been consumed or wasted up to the +time as narrated in the previous chapter, and fully as much more was now +threatened by the overflow, which had taken fire, and was shooting forth +flames most dangerously near the other two large tanks. + +At the first alarm the entire force present left whatever they were +working at to combat the new danger, when George and several of those +who, with him, were directing the work, saw at once the peril to which +the town was exposed by this sudden abandonment of the labor which had +been performed for the purpose of presenting an impassable barrier to +the angry flames. + +It was impossible that the now nearly exhausted workers could prevent +the flames from attacking the two tanks upon which they were sweeping, +and if vain labor was spent upon that quarter, the enemy would, beyond +a doubt, gain possession of the town. + +To keep the men from neglecting the safety of their homes to try +uselessly to save property which could easily be replaced, was +absolutely necessary, and the length of time required to persuade them +to return to the work they had first been engaged in would decide the +fate of the village. + +Leaping directly in front of what had almost become an unreasoning mob, +George and Ralph tried by their strength to resist the impulsive dash +forward, at the same time that they shouted at the full strength of +their lungs the reason why the work nearer the town should not be +neglected. + +For some moments it seemed as if they would be trampled under the feet +of the frightened multitude, and then their coolness won the victory +over unreasoning fear, as it always will whenever displayed. + +The people returned to the more important labor the moment they +understood how fruitless would have been their work in the other +direction, and George aided them by his efforts and advice, while Ralph, +with a dozen assistants, began a cannonading of the other two tanks that +were just beginning to add their fuel to the fearful blaze. + +The breeze, which, caused by the heated air, always springs up during a +conflagration, now rolled the thick, black smoke first in one direction +and then in another, until those who had not already succumbed to the +heat were nearly suffocated, and it seemed impossible that any one could +continue at his work. + +The sun had set, although that fact was hardly noticed, since for +several hours the heavy smoke had veiled the scene as with the mantle of +night, through which the flames glowed and flashed luridly. + +In the struggle between the men and the flames, first one and then the +other gained a victory; but neither had made any progress. + +Ralph and his assistants had opened vent-holes for the oil in the +last-attacked tanks, thereby preventing fully half the oil from +combustion, although it was entirely lost. + +The female portion of the workers had long since desisted from any +effort to check the flames, and had continued their work by preparing +food for the laborers, carrying it to them that they might not be +obliged to spend any more time than was absolutely necessary in getting +it. + +During all that long night the people worked in relays, that each might +have an opportunity for rest, and when morning came the flames were +well-nigh subdued--not so much through the exertions of those who fought +against them, as because of the fact that there was nothing more +remaining for them to feed upon. + +By that time a small body of watchers, in order to see that the +remaining flames did not overleap the boundaries set, was all that was +necessary at the place where ninety thousand barrels of oil had been +consumed or wasted, and for the first time since the thunderstorm had +cleared away, Ralph and George felt that they were at liberty to go +where they chose. Both were begrimed by the smoke until it would have +puzzled their best friends to tell whether they were white men or +negroes, and both were in a very dilapidated condition, so far as +clothing was concerned. + +The garments they had cast off when the work of fighting fire was begun, +had been tossed about, trampled on, or scorched until they could no +longer be called serviceable, and, half-clothed, dirty and +disreputable-looking generally as they were, they started wearily for +the town in search of rest, and, what was quite as important, a bath. + +Many times during the night had George thought about his missing horses; +but it was not until he was relieved from all care which the +conflagration had caused, that he began to grow seriously alarmed. It +did not seem possible that any one could have stolen them, and he +cheered himself with the thought that they had simply broken loose and +run away, or that some one living near by had cared for them. + +A visit to the shed where the team had been left dissipated this first +supposition, for there was every indication that the horses had been +taken by some one, since no broken harness was there to tell of flight, +and the door was carefully closed behind them, showing an excess of +precaution on the part of some one, since both doors had been left wide +open when George drove in. + +"Some one must have recognized them as yours, and taken them away +thinking they were not safe while the fire was raging so furiously," +said Ralph, after the survey of the shed was completed, and George +believed such was the case. + +"At all events, we will get a bath and borrow some clothes first; then +we can soon find out where they are," said George. + +And in pursuance of this plan the boys started towards Sawyer, so weary +that it seemed almost impossible for them to walk. + +It was not a difficult matter for two who had worked as hard and done as +much service as George and Ralph, to get all they required at the town, +once they arrived there, and the bath had revived them so much that both +were in favor of finding the team at once, in order that they might get +what else they required at the Kenniston farm. + +Under ordinary circumstances they could have hired a team with which to +search for their own; but now, with every one in that state of +excitement or prostration which follows such scenes as the inhabitants +of Sawyer had just passed through, it was almost impossible to find any +one sufficiently calm to transact the most ordinary business. + +Twice George made the attempt to hire a horse, and then he gave up what +promised to be a useless effort, both he and Ralph thinking it better to +pursue their inquiries on foot than waste their time by trying to hire a +team, and being obliged to walk after all. + +They began the search by making inquiries in town, of any one whom they +met, and by going to each stable or even barn, looking in each place +large enough to shelter the team; but without seeing any signs of it +whatever. + +Then they started up the road in the direction from which they had just +come, and at the dwelling nearest the shed where the team had been +left, they heard the first tidings. + +The lady living in this house knew George's team, and said that while +the fire was at its height, when she had come to her house for the +purpose of getting food to carry to her husband, she had seen two men +drive toward Sawyer in it. The men were entire strangers to her, she +said, and they were driving at full speed, but whether that was due to +the fear the horses had of the flames, or to a liberal use of the whip, +she was unable to say. She described the men as being young and well +dressed, and was quite positive that she had never seen them before. + +George's first thought was that his friends, the moonlighters, had taken +the horses away, as a favor to him, and this belief was strengthened +when, on questioning the woman closely, he learned that she did not know +either Jim or Dick even by sight. + +"They probably came down when they saw the smoke," said George, +confidently, to Ralph, "and on finding the team here, knowing we were at +work, have carried it to Farmer Kenniston's." + +"I should have thought they would have tried to find us first, so as to +let us know what they were going to do," said Ralph. + +"In order to have found us, they would have been obliged to meet some of +the people here, and they probably did not think that safe, even though +everyone had so much to attend to." + +"But they would have left word with someone," insisted Ralph. + +"That would have been as bad as to show themselves. Bob probably wants +to make it appear that he hasn't even been in this section of the +country, and if any trouble comes of carrying the glycerine through the +town, he will insist that he hasn't been here." + +Ralph was far from being as positive that they would find the horses at +the Kenniston farm as his friend was, but he contented himself with +waiting until it could be proven, rather than to provoke an argument +when it seemed that, under any circumstances, they had better return +there. + +After some considerable difficulty, the boys found a man who, for a +generous consideration, would carry them to the farm in his wagon, drawn +by a slow, methodical-moving horse, and they set out, George's fears for +the safety of his team entirely allayed, and Ralph's increasing each +moment. + +In order to make sure that the horses had been driven toward the farm, +and not in the direction of Jim's home, George made inquiries of all he +met on the road, as well as at several of the houses. + +Quite a number of people had seen the team, driven along at full speed +by two young men, and had noticed it particularly because they believed +it had been sent to Bradford to get assistance in extinguishing the +fire. + +This continued news caused George to be positive that his horses were +safe at the farm, and in the rapid driving he recognized, or thought he +did, Jim's presence, for that young gentleman was always anxious to get +over the road as fast as possible. + +But when they had arrived within a mile of Farmer Kenniston's home, +they received information of the team which had the effect of arousing +George from his dream of fancied security, so far as his horses were +concerned. + +A farmer who was well acquainted with all three of the moonlighters, had +seen the horses as they were driven past his home on the afternoon of +the previous day, and he was positive that neither Bob, Jim nor Dick was +in the carriage. The men were young, well dressed, and strangers, so far +as George's informant knew, and he was certain that they had not been in +Sawyer, nor in the vicinity, any length of time. + +This aroused all of George's fears, and it was with the greatest +difficulty that he could restrain his impatience until the farm-house +was reached, when the first question asked was as to whether the horses +were there. + +Farmer Kenniston was surprised that such a question should be asked, for +he had seen the team going toward Bradford the day previous, and, as it +was in advance of him at the time, he had no doubt but that it was +George who was driving. + +That the horses had been stolen there could no longer be any doubt, and +how they could be recovered was just what neither of the boys could +decide. + + + + +CHAPTER XIV. + +THE PURSUIT. + + +It was some time before the boys, even with the aid of Farmer +Kenniston's not very valuable advice, could decide upon what course to +pursue for the recovery of the stolen property. The plan which met with +the most favor, however, was that they should take one of the farmer's +teams, and follow in the direction the men had been seen to drive, which +was evidently through Bradford. By making inquiries on the road, they +might be able to track the thieves and overtake them, although this +seemed hardly probable, because of the start of nearly twenty-four hours +which the men had. + +If the trail led through Bradford, they could there notify the +authorities, and also telegraph to the different towns near by; and if +it did not, it was decided that Ralph should leave George, going by +himself to try to intercept the thieves by the aid of the electric +current. + +Farmer Kenniston's best horse, which, by-the-way, was not a very +valuable animal, was soon harnessed into a stout wagon, and the boys set +out, having but little faith in the success of their journey. + +George had taken with him all the money he had, which was a trifle over +two hundred dollars, since they might not only be gone a long while, but +it was quite possible that if they did recover the team, they would be +obliged to incur some heavy expenses. + +Ralph had one hundred dollars, which his father had given him for the +necessary bills while on his vacation, and this he offered to George, in +case he should need on the journey any more than he had. Thus the boys +were, as they believed, amply provided with money, and they intended to +follow the thieves just as long as they could track them. + +On the road to Bradford, George met two men who had seen the team the +day before, and they drove into the town, confident that the men they +were in pursuit of had entered there the day previous. + +Before trying to learn who had seen the horses, George went directly to +the chief of police, told his story, and was assured that before morning +at least the direction in which the men had gone should be made known. + +Under the officer's direction, telegrams were sent to different points +where it was thought probable the thieves might go, and, so far as the +boys were concerned, nothing more could be done until the officers, who +had been sent out to find some news of the team during the time it had +been in Bradford, should return. + +George was not by any means in the mood to remain idle while waiting for +the policemen's report; for the loss of his team, in which he had taken +so much pride, weighed heavily upon him. Instead of waiting in the +police office for some news, he insisted on going out to make inquiries +on his own account, and, as a matter of course, Ralph accompanied him. + +It is an easy matter in the country to stop at each house and inquire if +the occupants have seen a team pass; but the boys found that such a +system could hardly be pursued in the city, since a gentleman might feel +insulted if any one should stop him in the street to ask if he had seen +a pair of horses, attached to a light wagon, pass there twenty-four +hours before. + +This difficulty had not presented itself either to George or Ralph, +until they were on the street, ready to pursue their investigations, and +then they were sadly puzzled to know what to do. + +While they were standing irresolutely in front of the police quarters, +trying to make up their minds how they should proceed, George was +accosted by a rough, but pleasant-looking old gentleman, who appeared +very glad to see him, and at the same time acted as if he was in deep +trouble about something. + +"I am powerful glad to see yer, Mr. Harnett; for I conclude that you've +forgotten all about the promise you made to drive out an' see us every +time you had the chance." + +"And I'm glad to see you, Mr. Simpson," replied George, as he introduced +Ralph to Mr. David Simpson. "I have by no means forgotten my promise to +call upon you, for I spent too many happy hours while I was boarding +with you, when I was surveying the Walters' property, to ever forget +that I should like to go again. I have been at work near Farmer +Kenniston's, and have not had the time to pay you a visit. But now that +I shall have more leisure, I will drive out some day and bring Ralph +with me." + +"I would be powerful glad to see you, Mr. Harnett," said the old man, +sadly; "but it won't be in the old home, and the good Lord only knows +where the remainder of my old life will be spent." + +"What do you mean, Mr. Simpson?" asked George, in surprise; for the +sadness visible on the old man's face astonished him quite as much as +the singular words did. + +"It means, Mr. Harnett, that I've lost the old place I was raised on, +and all for the lack of a little money. You know that I helped poor Tom +set himself up in business by mortgaging the farm. If the poor boy had +lived, he would have paid it all; but jest when we thought he was +gettin' along so famously, he died. I've walked the streets of this town +all day, hopin' I could find some one who would help me make up the +balance I owe; but the fire yesterday makes everybody feel poor, I +s'pose, an' I couldn't borrow a dollar; so I'm goin' home now to tell +mother that we've got to leave the home where all our babies were born, +and where they all died." + +The old man could not prevent the tears from gathering in his eyes as he +spoke, and both the boys felt an uncomfortably hard lump rise in their +throats as he finished. + +"Can't you persuade your creditor to give you longer time?" asked +George. + +"I've just come from his office, where I begged harder of him than I +ever begged of man before to take what money I had and wait a year +longer; but he wants my back pasture to piece on to his own, and says he +will foreclose to-morrow," replied the old man. + +And then, as if conscious that he was obtruding his own sorrows on one +whom he had no right to burden with them, he would have changed the +conversation; but George prevented him by asking: + +"How much did you owe him, Mr. Simpson?" + +"Well, you see, I'd kept the interest paid up reg'lar, an' it come to +jest the face of the mortgage, five hundred dollars. I'd managed to +scrape up two hundred an' twenty-five, an' up to this mornin' I'd +reckoned on sellin' the wood lot for enough to make up the balance. But +when the fire come yesterday, the man who was to buy it--'Siah Rich--had +lost so much that he couldn't take it." + +"Was you to sell him the wood-lot for two hundred and seventy-five +dollars?" + +"Yes, an' I think it was well worth that. I didn't really need it, an' +if I could only have sold it I'd been all right, but now the whole +thing's got to go. I don't care so much for myself, but it'll come +powerful hard on the wife, for she does set a store by the old place, if +it is rough-lookin'." + +George beckoned to Ralph to step aside with him, but there was no need +of any consultation just then, for the latter said, quickly: + +"I know what you mean, George, and here is all I have got." + +As he spoke Ralph handed his friend the roll of bills which was to +enable him to spend a long vacation, and then turned away, as if not +wanting to embarrass the old gentleman by his presence. + +"Mr. Simpson," said George, as he added his own money to that which +Ralph had given him, "between the two of us we have got enough to buy +your wood-lot, and here is the money. Pay the mortgage this afternoon, +and then you can make out a deed to these two names." + +George wrote his own and Ralph's name on a slip of paper, which he +handed to the old man at the same time he gave him the money. + +"But I can't take this, Mr. Harnett," he said, while at the same time +his face showed how delighted he would be to keep it. "You and your +friend don't want my wood-lot, an' you only offer me this money because +I have been tellin' you of my troubles, like a beggar, an' an old fool +that I am. Take it back, Mr Harnett, an' mother an' I won't feel half so +bad about goin' away when we've once left." + +"But suppose I tell you that we want to buy the land on a speculation?" +said George, with a smile. "There may be oil there, and we may want to +sink a well." + +"You wouldn't buy that land if it was oil you were after. One time I did +think we might strike it, but those as know told me there wasn't any +there, after they'd looked the property over," replied the old man, as +with trembling hand he held the money toward George. + +"Well, we'll buy the land, anyway," said the young engineer, with a +smile. "You have said that it was worth that amount of money, and we may +be able to sell it for more than we paid you, even if there isn't any +oil. So have the deed made out, and leave it for me at Farmer +Kenniston's." + +Then, before the old man could make any further reply, George walked +swiftly on, followed by Ralph, and Mr. Simpson was left to enjoy the +generosity which enabled him still to retain the home that was made dear +both to him and his wife by so many pleasant, and at the same time sad, +recollections. + +"Well?" he said, inquiringly, when he and Ralph had left Mr. Simpson +some distance behind, wondering if the good fortune which had come to +him was real or not. + +"Well?" repeated Ralph, laughing. "I suppose you mean to ask if I am +sorry for what I have done? Not a bit of it, for I can get father to +give me money enough to pay for my ticket home, while, simply at the +expense of a little enjoyment, we have made that old man happy. But how +will it affect you, George? How can you search for your horses if you +have no money?" + +"From the united funds we have twenty-three dollars left, and if that is +not enough then the horses must remain lost, for I would willingly have +given them up rather than that Mr. Simpson and his wife should have been +turned homeless into the world." + +"If you think that way, then I think we have done a good thing, and we +certainly ought to feel that we are of considerably more importance in +the world, since we are landed proprietors. But we must look at the +property before I go home, for I want to see it; and now come with me +where I can write a letter to father, for the longer I stay now, the +more deeply in debt shall I be." + +"You're not going to shorten your vacation because of lending this +money, Ralph, for you shall live with me, and the only inconvenience you +will suffer will be the lack of money to spend." + +Ralph was not so certain that he would become a burden on George simply +because he had expended some money in charity; but just at that moment +there was no need of discussing it; and he proposed that they return to +the police head-quarters in order to find out if the detectives had +learned anything about the team. + +Greater good fortune awaited them here than they had thought possible, +for when they returned the officers furnished them with the complete +description of the men, and reported that they had, indeed, driven into +Bradford the afternoon before, but, during the night, had returned by +the same road they had come, stating that they were going to Babcock. + + + + +CHAPTER XV. + +THE ARREST. + + +It was evident, from the information brought by the police, that the men +who had stolen Harnett's team had driven to Bradford simply for the +purpose of deceiving any one who might search for them, and that they +would push on into New York State, where they might find a better +opportunity of disposing of their ill-gotten property. + +Under the circumstances there was nothing the boys could do save return +by the road they had come, and, since it was necessary to do this, it +was as well that they should sleep that night in the Kenniston +farm-house as in Bradford, where they would be obliged to spend some of +their small store of money for lodging and breakfast. + +As soon, therefore, as they had received from the chief of police all +the information he could impart, they started toward home, neither +nearer nor further from the object of their search. + +All that they had done on the way down would have necessarily to be done +over again, in the hope of learning of the thieves on their return, and +no time was to be lost in this second search. + +Of course, if the men had started from Bradford in the night, there +would be no use in inquiring for them anywhere between there and some +distance from Sawyer; therefore, the boys decided that they would sleep +at the Kenniston farm that night, recommencing the pursuit at an early +hour next morning. + +When they reached the farm-house they found Bob Hubbard awaiting their +arrival; he had come there two hours before, and when, on asking for +George, he was told that the engineer had gone in search of his horses, +had told the farmer that, while he did not intend to remain there during +the night, he would wait for George's arrival, which he was certain +would not be long delayed. + +Not knowing Bob's reason for expecting George's return, when it seemed +certain he would be away some time, Farmer Kenniston was considerably +mystified by his guest's manner; but the reason for his thus speaking +was soon explained when, at a late hour in the evening, George and Ralph +did arrive. + +"I knew you would come back to-night," said Bob, as he rushed out to +meet the friends whom he had not treated exactly as it would seem +friendship demanded, "for I knew, if you learned anything at all, you +would find it necessary to come back this way." + +"Why, what do you know?" asked George, quickly. + +"When I tell you that I knew your team had been stolen even before you +did, you must admit that I know something about it," replied Bob, +feeling fully how important he was just then. + +"Don't be long-winded now, Bob," said George, sharply; "for you know how +anxious I am." + +"I'll tell you all I know, and I think I may be able to make amends for +the trick we played upon you in using your team the other night, unless +you think it was because of that that you had your horses where they +could be stolen." + +"Tell me what you have heard of my team!" exclaimed George, impatiently. + +"Jack Roberts told me, this afternoon, that he saw two fellows in your +carriage about midnight, and that they stopped all night, or at least +the remainder of it, in the woods just above our camp. I went up there +with him about five o'clock, and it didn't seem as if they could have +been gone more than an hour before we got there." + +"Did you find out which way they went?" + +"As near as could be told by the tracks, they kept straight on toward +Babcock." + +"That's where they said they were going," said Ralph, excitedly, +delighted at this confirmation of the policeman's story. + +"From the looks of the place where they stayed last night, I should say +that they don't know very much about camping out," continued Bob. "They +just hitched the horses to a tree, and laid down on the ground, with a +few boughs under them, instead of putting up a shelter, which wouldn't +have taken ten minutes. I found pieces of newspaper, in which had been +food, scattered around. So I fancy their arrangements for the journey +were made very hurriedly and incompletely. I don't think they had hay +or grain for the horses, for I couldn't find any signs of either." + +It was evident that Bob had examined the ground thoroughly in +expectation of a chase, and as he gave what was really valuable +information, gathered simply from a desire to aid his friend, George was +perfectly willing to forgive him for any and everything he had ever done +against him. + +"Then we won't stop here to-night," said the owner of the stolen horses, +hurriedly. "If they left there this afternoon, we may stand a chance of +overtaking them to-night. You needn't take the horse out, Mr. Kenniston, +for we will start right off again." + +"Do you think there is any chance of overtaking your horses, even if +they haven't had any grain, with this poor old nag of the farmer's, +whose greatest speed has been shown in front of a plow?" + +And Bob laughed gleefully at the idea. + +"It is the best horse I can get just now," said George, fretfully; for +he could not see anything very comical in the fact of being thus +hampered in the pursuit. + +"There's where you are mistaken, my dear boy," replied Bob, in his old, +lofty way. "My horses are as fast, and I'm inclined to think a little +faster, than yours. When Jack told me what he had seen, I thought there +was a chance to pay off old scores. So I harnessed into the light double +wagon, put in some blankets, and come here. While I have been waiting +for you, I have got a good-sized lunch from Mrs. Kenniston, a bag of +grain from the farmer, and now we are ready to start, even if we drive +to the lake." + +"Bob, you are a good fellow," exclaimed George, as he grasped the +moonlighter by the hand, and made a mental vow that he would never speak +harshly to him again. + +While they had been talking, Farmer Kenniston had backed Bob's horses +out of the shed, where their master had left them, that the journey +might be commenced as quickly as possible, and the boys got into the +wagon at once, George and Ralph on the back seat, and Bob in front. + +That the chase would be an exciting one, in case they should get within +sight of the thieves, was shown by the way Bob's horses started off, +and, for the first time since he was convinced of his loss, George began +to have some hopes of regaining his property. + +"There is one danger in our chasing those fellows in the night," said +Bob, after they had started, "and as to whether you will take the risk, +you must decide. They will probably spend this night as they did last +night--in the woods. Of course, we could not see in the dark if an +ox-cart had driven into the woods, and we run every chance of driving +past them. Then again, if we wait until morning, we are just so much +further behind. Now, what will you do?" + +"I hardly know," replied George, after considerable thought. "What is +your advice?" + +"Well," and Bob spoke like one who has already decided the matter in his +own mind, "my idea is that they won't stop this side of Babcock, and I +am certain they won't stop in the town. So I think we shall be safe to +drive as far as there. The chances are that the thieves will drive +through the town in the night, and stop in the first likely place they +come to on the other side. We can start in the morning again, about as +early as they can." + +"Then that is what we will do," said George, satisfied that Bob had +deliberated upon this plan until he was convinced it was the best that +could be done. + +"Do you believe we shall catch them?" asked Ralph, speaking for the +first time since he had met Bob. + +"Catch them!" echoed the moonlighter. "I wish I was as sure of striking +a thousand-barrel well as I am that we shall be interviewing the young +gentlemen before to-morrow night." + +But if Bob's hopes of striking a big well had been dependent upon +catching the thieves before the next night, he would never have made a +success in the oil region, save as a moonlighter. + +"There is our wood-lot," said George, as he pointed to a grove on the +opposite side of the creek, near which a very old and a very dilapidated +house could be seen. + +Bob was curious, of course, to know what George meant, and, after the +story had been told him, he said: + +"It was a big thing for you to do, boys, and Simpson probably +appreciates it as much as any man could; but I tell you for a fact that +you will get your reward for that good deed sooner than you expect. +There's oil in that same wood-lot, and I've sort of reckoned on buying +it myself some day. If I had known how Simpson was fixed, it would have +been mine before now, for two hundred and seventy-five dollars is cheap +for ten acres, even if there is nothing there but rocks." + +"But Simpson says he has had oil men examine the place, and there's +nothing there," said George, half believing Bob had some good reason for +speaking as he did. + +"Yes, he had a lot of old fogies there who couldn't tell the difference +between oil and a tallow candle. They walked around ten minutes, +collected twenty-five dollars from the old man, and then walked away. +Simpson was probably paying ten per cent to old Massie, for I've heard +he was the one who held the mortgage, and if he could have got half the +amount loaned, don't you suppose he would have waited any length of time +if he hadn't seen a chance to make more? Massie knows the oil is there +as well as I do, and the old miser thought he was going to get the whole +farm for his five hundred dollars. Why, the old fellow would choke both +of you boys if he could get hold of you just now." + +Bob laughed long and loud at the way in which the money-lender had +over-reached himself, and it is hard to say just how long his merriment +would have lasted, since it received a sudden check. + +They were then just entering the town of Sawyer, and a man had stepped +into the road, as if to speak to the party, seizing one of the horses +by the bridle as they approached him, to make sure of being heard. + +"Hello! What's the matter now?" asked Bob, who had not noticed the man, +and was surprised at the sudden stopping of his team. + +"I wished to speak with you for a moment," said the man, as he fumbled +in his pocket with his disengaged hand, and then as he produced some +papers, he said: "I arrest you, Mr. Robert Hubbard, and you, Mr. George +Harnett, for violating a town ordinance by carrying nitro-glycerine +through the streets." + +George had said he hoped he would be arrested, in order that he might +show he had not been guilty of such a violation, but when he expressed +the wish, he could have had no idea that the arrest would be made just +at the moment when, in order to recover his team, it was necessary for +him to be free. + + + + +CHAPTER XVI. + +PLEADING FOR LIBERTY. + + +This arrest, coming just when it did, was a complete surprise to George. +He had hoped a few hours before that it would come, in order that he +might have an opportunity of showing that he was innocent of that which +was charged against him, simply because his team had been the one the +officers had chased. But to be deprived of his liberty now, when every +moment was precious, seemed to be doubly disastrous. + +To be prevented from chasing the thieves when he was at last on the +track of them, was to lose his horses beyond any probable chance of +recovery, while to have forty-eight hours of liberty just then, was, as +he thought, almost a guarantee that he could recover his stolen team. + +Bob was even more excited by the arrest than George. He had the pleasing +thought that he was guilty of the offense charged, added to the +disappointment at not being able to aid his friend in recovering the +property which he was the remote cause of being lost. + +He knew, as well as did George, that at the worst they would only be +fined for violating the town ordinance; but it was the loss of time +just then that made the matter a serious one, and he resolved to do his +best to secure their liberty for a short while longer, at all events. + +"I won't say anything about myself," said Bob, with a laugh, "for I +don't suppose my reputation as a steady young man is first-class; but +you, Mr. Constable, as well as nearly every one in Sawyer, know Harnett, +and you know he will keep his word. While he was helping extinguish the +fire yesterday, his pair of horses and carriage were stolen. We have +just got on the track of the thieves, and if we are obliged to remain +here now, there will be no chance of recovering the property. Now, if +you will give us our liberty, Harnett will give you his word that we +will return here at any time you shall set." + +"That is hardly a regular way of doing business, Mr. Hubbard," said the +man, with a smile, that showed he had no hard feelings against those +whom he was obliged to arrest; "and if it was your word alone that I was +asked to take, I am afraid I should be obliged to refuse. I'm doubtful +as to whether I ought to even consider the matter." + +"Of course you ought," said Bob, quickly. "Now, if we should be +convicted, the penalty is only a fine, and we can leave you as much +money as would be required to pay those as security that we will +return." + +"I suppose in that case, and if Mr. Harnett promises that both you and +he will come here a week from to-day, I might take the risk of any +accident that would prevent you from appearing." + +"Now that's what I call acting squarely," said Bob, in a satisfied way; +and George asked: + +"How much money will be necessary to satisfy you that we will appear for +trial?" + +"Well, I don't suppose the fines will be over fifty dollars. So, if you +leave that amount with me, you can keep on in search of the thieves, +whom I hope you will catch." + +Ralph's heart, which had been very light when he saw that there was a +chance they might continue their journey, sank again when the officer +mentioned the amount of security he demanded, for he knew that the +united funds of his and George's fell far short of the sum, and what +little they had would be actually necessary for their expenses on the +road. + +"How much money have you got, Bob?" asked George, speaking in a low, +determined tone, that told plainly how anxious he was to be in pursuit +once more, and of the sacrifice he would be willing to make in order to +be released from the meshes of the law, even if it was only for a few +days. + +"I can't say exactly, but I'll promise you it isn't very much," replied +Bob, carelessly, as if he did not think the amount of any great +importance. + +And, after rummaging in all his pockets, he succeeded in producing one +very ragged-looking twenty-dollar bill. + +"That's the size of my fortune," he said, as he handed the money to +George, as if the matter was already ended. + +George had twenty-three dollars, all of which he would undoubtedly need +before he returned; but, willing to run any risk rather than be longer +delayed, he said to the officer: + +"It happens very unfortunately, but we have not got fifty dollars +between us. If you will take my solemn promise that both Bob and myself +will meet you here a week from to-day, and also that I will report to +you on our return, together with this forty dollars, you will be doing +us a favor which shall not be forgotten." + +The man hesitated for a moment, and Bob said, impatiently: + +"Oh, take the money, and let us go. You have got really more than the +fine will amount to, for I promise you that Harnett can prove by us all +that he had nothing to do with violating the ordinance. I simply got +possession of his team to deceive you." + +"I shall be here when the case is called," said George, quietly; "for I +am very anxious to show that I had nothing whatever to do with the +matter; so please let us get on." + +"Well, I guess there's no trouble about it, and I don't believe any one +will blame me for accommodating you, in view of all the circumstances," +said the officer, as he stepped back from the wagon in order that they +might drive on. "I hope you will succeed in getting your team, Mr. +Harnett. Good-night, gentlemen!" + +"Good-night!" cried Bob, as he started the horses with a jerk that +nearly threw his passengers from their seats. + +And in another instant they were riding at full speed in the direction +of Babcock. + +"I hardly know what we had better do," said George, thoughtfully. "Here +we are starting out on what may be a long journey, with only three +dollars in our pockets, and I am not sure but that we ought to go back +to town to try to get some more." + +"That would never do," replied Bob, decidedly. "If we should do that we +could not get to Babcock to-night, and that we must do, if we expect to +catch the thieves. We have got food and grain enough to last a day and a +half or two days, and we can rough it in the woods, as the men we are +chasing are doing." + +George would have preferred decidedly to be able to go to a hotel at +night, rather than to camp in the woods; but Bob and Ralph were only too +well pleased at the idea of living a gipsy life, therefore it was +decided to keep on, or, more properly speaking, since no one made any +objection to the plan, Bob continued to urge the horses on in the +direction the thieves were supposed to have gone. + +The night was not so dark but that they could drive a good pace, but had +it been daylight there is no question but that Bob's horses would have +shown considerably better speed, for their driver was anxious to reach +Babcock early, in order that the animals might have as long a rest as +possible, before starting on their journey next day, which would likely +be a hard one. + +Bob sang, laughed, and acted generally as if he was in the best of +spirits, while Ralph joined in with him, for he enjoyed this night-drive +immensely; but George remained silent, his great desire to get on faster +causing the speed at which they were traveling to seem very slow. + +It was some time past midnight when they arrived at Babcock, and much as +they liked to camp out, both Ralph and Bob would have been better +satisfied, just then, if they could have remained all night at the +hotel, for they were so tired that sleeping in the open air had not as +many charms for them as usual. + +"Here's where we would have stopped if we had not been obliged to give +up all our money," said Bob, as they drove past the hotel. "But now that +we are nothing more nor less than three-dollar paupers, we shall be +obliged to do as the thieves are probably doing--make up our bed under +the greenwood, or some other kind of a tree." + +"It might be worse," said George, who was beginning to recover some of +his cheerfulness as his companions lost theirs, "and we will stop at the +next clump of trees." + +"There will be no doubt about our finding accommodations," laughed Bob, +"unless our friends who are the cause of this excursion have engaged all +the promising-looking groves." + +Above half a mile from the town the road ran through a piece of dense +woods, which shut out even the faint rays of the moon, and Bob stopped +the horses, while George and Ralph explored, as well as possible in the +darkness, for a chance to make a camp. + +A small, open space, surrounded by bushes, about ten yards from the +road, was the best place they could find, and preparations for the night +began at once. + +The horses were unharnessed and the carriage backed in among the trees, +where it would not be seen by any one who might pass during the night. + +The horses were fastened to a couple of trees, where they could feed +without danger of getting their halters entangled among the bushes, and +each was given a generous supply of grain. + +Among other things which Bob had placed into the carriage while waiting +at the Kenniston farm was a water-pail, and with this on his arm he +started out in search of water for the horses, while George and Ralph +attended to the making of what could only be an apology for a camp. + +The blankets, cushions and rug were taken from the carriage, and were +spread on the ground over a small pile of brush, for the boys were too +tired to make any elaborate arrangements for the night. + +The carriage cushions formed the pillow to this one bed which was to +serve for all three, and with the rug and one blanket under them, and +the other blanket over them, George thought they would get along very +comfortably. + +Bob was not long in finding plenty of water for the horses, and when he +returned with it, after it was decided to go supperless to bed, in order +to save the provisions, all three lay down on the hastily-improvised +bed, little dreaming that they were within but a few rods of those whom +they were pursuing. + + + + +CHAPTER XVII. + +NEAR NEIGHBORS. + + +As may be imagined, the sleep which visited the three boys was not as +profound as it would have been had they been in bed at Kenniston farm. +In the first place, the bed of brush, which had seemed so soft when they +first lay down, seemed suddenly to have developed a great number of hard +places, while the ends of the boughs, which had seemed so small when +they were cut, apparently increased in size after they had served as a +bed for an hour. + +Many times during the night did Bob get up to see if the horses were all +right, and, while he would not admit that the bed had anything to do +with his wakefulness, he knew, as well as did his companions, that when +sleeping at home, he hardly opened his eyes once during the entire +night. + +It was at a very early hour, therefore, that the boys were up, and ready +to continue the chase. As a matter of course, after having gone to bed +supperless, they were ready for a hearty breakfast, and, since they +would have plenty of time to eat it before sunrise, they at once made +preparations for breaking their fast. + +Thanks to the cooked food they had with them, these preparations did +not consume very much time, since they were only obliged to take the +paper packages from the carriage, and eat such portions of Mrs. +Kenniston's samples of cookery as they desired. + +Bob gave his horses food and water before he satisfied his own hunger, +and, just as he finished this work, he cried, as he held his hand up, +warningly: + +"Hark! what was that?" + +The boys listened intently several moments, but nothing could be heard +save the rustling of the leaves, as they were moved back and forth by +the morning breeze, or the twitter of birds, as they started out in +search of breakfast, and George said, with a laugh: + +"This is the first time I ever knew you to betray any caution, my dear +boy, and you should be commended for it; but just now I think it is +thrown away, for I hardly believe there is any one within half a mile of +us who is awake so early." + +"I thought I heard some one coming through the bushes," replied Bob, as +he began a vigorous attack on the food; "but I guess it was nothing but +the wind." + +Five minutes passed, during which each one was so busy with his +breakfast that he had no time for conversation, and then George motioned +his companions to be silent. The warning was useless, for all had heard +a sound in the bushes, as if some heavy body was moving through the +underbrush, and all paused to listen. + +There was evidently some person or animal near by, and moving directly +away from them; but it seemed so reasonable to suppose that it was a +cow, or some other domestic animal, who had slept out of doors all +night, that it was some moments before any one of the three thought of +learning the cause of the noise. + +Even though they had every reason to believe that those whom they were +pursuing would spend the night as they had spent it, each one of that +party was so certain the thieves were a long distance away, that the +thought that it might be those they were in pursuit of which were making +the noise never occurred to them. + +It was not until some time after the sounds had died away that George +realized how important it was that he should know what had caused them, +and then he started up at once, dashing through the underbrush toward +the direction from which the noise had come. + +Ralph and Bob started impulsively to follow him, and then the latter +said, as he pulled his companion back: + +"One is enough to find the cow, for that is probably what we have been +hearing, and we might as well be eating our breakfast while he is +hunting." + +Ralph thought, as did Bob, that they had no occasion to disturb +themselves simply at a rustling of leaves in the woods, and he willingly +followed his companion's suggestion. + +But, before either of them could begin their breakfast again, a loud +shout was heard from George, which caused them to start to their feet +in dismay, for they understood that something serious had caused it. + +"Harness the horses quickly!" George shouted again. + +And without trying to understand the reason for this peremptory command, +Bob and Ralph sprang toward the animals. + +It was not an order that could be obeyed very quickly, owing to the lack +of facilities in their stable. + +The horses were quietly eating their breakfast; the harness was hanging +on a tree some distance away, and the carriage had been pulled into the +woods so far that it would require at least ten minutes before it could +be gotten on to the road. + +Bob began to harness one horse, while Ralph attended to the other, and +while they were thus employed, George came out of the woods in a very +excited condition. + +"We have been camping within five rods of the thieves!" he cried. "The +noise we heard was probably made by the horses as they led them out into +the road, and I got there just in time to see them drive away." + +Haste surely made waste then, for all the party were so excited by what +they had seen and heard, and so anxious to start in pursuit quickly, +that they retarded their own progress by the bungling manner in which +they went to work. + +Ralph, in his eagerness, got the harness so mixed up that he was obliged +to undo all he had done and begin all over again before he could +accomplish anything, while Bob searched five minutes for the bridle, +which, in the first excitement, he had flung some distance from him +among the bushes. + +So far as coolness and presence of mind was concerned, George was no +better off than his companions. He attempted to pull the carriage into +the road, and got it so fastened among the small trees that Ralph was +obliged to come to his assistance, lifting it bodily out before it could +be extricated. + +In this confused way of doing things fully ten minutes of time was +wasted, and the thieves had a start of nearly twenty minutes before +their pursuers were ready for the chase. + +It was useless for them now to reproach themselves with carelessness in +not examining the woods when they first awoke, as they should have done, +since they knew the thieves would spend the night in some such place, +and quite as useless to complain, because they did not attempt to +discover the cause of the noise when they first heard it. Had they done +either one of these things, which it seemed the most inexperienced in +this kind of work would have done, they would have discovered the team +and had it then in their possession. + +As it was, however, they could only try to atone for their carelessness +by being more cautious in the future, which each mentally resolved to be +as he clambered into the carriage as soon as the horses were harnessed. +This time George sat on the front seat with Bob, where he could more +readily leap from the wagon if necessary. + +Bob started his horses at full speed, and George was satisfied that +there would be no necessity of urging him to drive faster, for he held +his steeds well in hand, requiring of them the best possible gait. + +"They have got quite a start of us," Bob said, after they had been on +the road a few moments, and while Ralph was regretting the absence of a +comb, which would enable him to feel so much more comfortable, "but I do +not think your horses have had any grain since they stole them, and if +that is so, I don't think we shall have any trouble in overtaking them +within an hour." + +Perhaps, if Bob had spoken exactly as he thought, he would have insisted +that his horses were so much faster, that the twenty minutes' advantage +which the thieves had could be more than compensated for in speed; but +just then he refrained from saying anything which might make his +troubled friend feel uncomfortable or disagreeable. + +"Did you see the place where they slept last night?" Ralph asked of +George, for as yet he had not told them of what he had seen when he ran +through the woods. + +"Yes; I came right upon it when I first left you. They had made a sort +of hut of boughs near a clearing, in which I should judge the horses had +been feeding. The instant I saw the camp, and so near ours that a stone +could have been thrown from one to the other, I thought it had been made +by the thieves, and I ran at full speed for the road, following a trail +that looked as if a carriage had but just passed that way. I got out of +the woods just as they turned the bend in the road, and simply had the +satisfaction of seeing my team driven away at a gallop, when, if I had +done what almost any child would have thought of doing, it would have +been in my possession." + +"Could you see the men?" + +"No; the top of the carriage was up, and I could see no one. They were +probably looking out through the window and saw me, for if they stayed +so near us since we stopped last night, they must know who we are, and +will try to escape, even if they kill the horses." + +"I'm not so sure that they could have known who we were," said Bob, "for +I have been trying to think if we said anything about the team, or what +we were there for, and I do not believe we did." + +If the men whom they were pursuing did not know that this party who had +encamped so near them were the ones in search of the team, it would be a +great point in favor of our boys, for the others would not be likely to +push their horses so hard. Therefore, each one tried to recall the +conversation, and the result of this thought relieved George's mind +somewhat, for no one could remember that a thing had been said which +might betray their errand. + +The road over which they were traveling was a good one, and the horses +were urged along by Bob at a lively rate, save on ascending ground, when +they were allowed to choose their own pace, in order that they might not +become "blown." + +At no one place, owing to the trees on each side, could they see very +far ahead on the road, which prevented them from knowing whether they +were gaining on the fugitives or not, although Bob firmly believed they +were, for his horses had never shown better speed, nor been more in the +humor for traveling. + +"We shall be on our way home in less than two hours," he said, +triumphantly, as the horses dashed down a long hill at a pace that would +be hard to beat; and then, as they began the ascent of the next hill, +all their hopes were dashed. + +During the last ten minutes, it had seemed to Ralph that the +easy-running carriage dragged, and as the horses neared the top of the +hill, he discovered the trouble. + +"The hind axle is heated," he shouted, "and the wheel no longer turns." + +It surely seemed as if everything was conspiring in favor of the +thieves, for the pursuers were now seriously crippled by a "hot box." + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII. + +IN A TRAP. + + +It seemed so impossible to Bob that such a misfortune could overtake +them just when success appeared certain, that he could not believe what +Ralph had said was true until he had jumped out and examined the axle. + +There was no doubt then but that they would be delayed for a long time, +for the axle was already so hot that it was smoking, and they had +neither oil nor water with which to cool it. + +In the valley or ravine through which they had just ridden there was no +stream, and the only thing which could be done was to look for one +further ahead, since they had passed the last house fully three miles +behind. + +"It's no use crying about it," said Bob, with an assumption of +cheerfulness he was far from feeling, "for here we are, and the sooner +we mend matters the sooner we shall be riding on again." + +"But what can we do?" asked Ralph, feeling thoroughly discouraged at +this accident, which, however quickly it might be repaired, would give +the thieves a chance of making good their escape. "Even if we had a +whole ocean of water, you haven't got any oil after the axle is cool, +nor even a wrench with which to take the wheel off." + +"One of us must walk on ahead until he comes to some house, where oil +and a wrench can be borrowed. Bob must drive his horses on at a walk, +and halt at the first water he sees. It's an unlucky accident for us, +and it seems strange that it should have happened just when it did." + +"It isn't so very strange," said Bob, as he started his team along at a +walk, "and, as usual, it's all my fault. When we moved the other day, we +left our oil behind in the stable, and I knew the wagon needed oiling +when I got down to Kenniston's. I was just going to do it when you drove +up, and then, like an idiot, I forgot it." + +It would do no good to discuss the causes of the accident after it had +occurred. The only question was as to how the damage could be repaired, +and, after that was decided, to set about doing it at once. + +"I will go on ahead for the oil," said Ralph, starting out at a run as +he spoke, and in few moments he was lost to view, as he disappeared +behind the trees, where the road made a decided curve. + +Bob and George walked, while the horses dragged the carriage with its +one useless wheel, and in this fashion the boys, who a few moments +before had believed that in two hours they would have overtaken the +thieves and recovered the property, continued on their journey, as sad +and dispirited as before they had been happy and confident. + +"If this hadn't happened," said Bob, bitterly, "we should have caught +the men before noon; but now it is an open question as to whether they +won't get away." + +"It will be strange if they don't escape," and George's voice sounded no +more cheerful than did Bob's; "for even if they were not sure who their +neighbors were last night, they must have been suspicious, and will do +all they can to throw us off the scent. But there," he added, with a +shrug of the shoulder indicative of resolution; "what's the use of +mourning over what can't be helped? All we can say or do won't change +matters, and we might as well look cheerful as cry." + +"I know that," replied Bob, with a grimace; "but when a fellow is +disabled, in the woods, and probably two or three miles from any house, +the most appropriate thing is to cry, even if the tears don't do any +good." + +At this moment, as if in answer to Bob's assertion that they were +probably a long distance from any house, and very much to their +surprise, Ralph was seen coming down the road waving his hands +triumphantly. + +"What is the matter?" cried George, not daring to believe that Ralph had +already seen a house. + +"There's a farm-house just around the bend here, with everything we need +in the stable," shouted Ralph, while he was yet some distance away. "I +told the owner that we had a hot axle, and were anxious to get on as +quickly as possible, and he says we can borrow one of his wagons, or +take anything we need to fix ours." + +It is needless to say how delighted George and Bob were by the +information Ralph had brought. Instead of losing nearly the whole of +that day, as they had feared they should, by walking several miles +before finding a stable, they could repair damages in a comparatively +short time, and could, perhaps, yet overtake the men before night. + +"Hurrah!" shouted Bob, as he urged his horses into a trot, the party +running behind. + +And in a few moments they were in the stable-yard of a large farm, where +the proprietor was awaiting their arrival, ready to lend them any +assistance in his power. + +Both he, as well as they, knew exactly what to do for this outgrowth of +carelessness, and pail after pail of water was dashed on to the hub of +the wheel to cool it off, even while he was yet repeating his offer to +loan them one of his wagons if they were in a hurry to be on their +journey again. + +Leaving Bob and Ralph to continue the cold-water application, since not +more than two could work at a time advantageously, George went with the +farmer to see what sort of a vehicle they could borrow in exchange for +their own. + +He returned very shortly, however, with the word that he thought it best +for them to get their own carriage into working order, since those +belonging to the farmer were all so heavy that they would probably gain +in speed, if they waited for their own, more than they would lose in +time. + +This decision was about what Bob had expected, and he continued his +work, which had not been delayed during George's absence, until it was +thought that they could remove the wheel. + +It was a hard, and quite a long job; but it was accomplished finally, +and then, when the iron was nearly cold, a plentiful amount of oil was +applied; the other wheels were lubricated, and the boys were ready to +continue their journey again, having lost by this accident not more than +an hour's time. + +"You are all right now," said the farmer, after he had positively +refused to take any payment for his own time or for the use of his +tools, "an' I reckon the waiting here won't make much of any difference +to you." + +"It wouldn't have been of any account if we hadn't been chasing a pair +of horses of mine that were stolen at Sawyer. We were close behind them, +and should have overtaken them by this time if it hadn't been for this +delay." + +"What is the color of your horses?" asked the man, evincing such a +sudden interest that it seemed certain he knew something about the +missing property. + +"A pair of small, dark chestnut horses, in a box buggy, driven by two +young men," replied Bob, quickly, confident that they were about to hear +some good news, and answering all possible questions at once, in order +that they might not be delayed any longer than necessary. + +"Then it is fortunate for you that you had trouble which made you stop +here, or else you would have gone on and missed them," replied the man, +speaking slowly, as if there was no possible reason why the boys should +hurry on in pursuit. + +"When did you see them?" asked George, hurriedly. "Tell us at once, so +that we needn't lose any more time." + +"There's no need for you to rush," drawled the man, much as if he +enjoyed keeping the boys in suspense, "for if you stay right where you +are, you will see them. They've got to come back this way, sure." + +The boys looked around as if they expected to see the thieves pop out +from some hiding-place near by, and after waiting a moment to enjoy the +effect his words had produced, the farmer asked, as he pointed nearly +opposite the house to where a road branched off from the highway, +leading, apparently, into the woods: + +"Do you see that road?" And then, as if realizing how useless such a +question was when the road was so well defined, he continued: "Wa-al, I +reckon that the same team you are huntin' after was driv up that road +about an hour or so ago. It was a small pair of dark chestnut hosses, +an' good ones, with a fancy buggy, an' two young fellers drivin'." + +"Where does that road lead to?" asked Bob, excitedly. + +"That's the joke of it," said the farmer, with a laugh. "It don't lead +nowhere 'cept inter my wood-lot, an' that's what made me notice ther +team so perticularly, 'cause I couldn't make out what they wanted up +there. I tell you what it is, boys, you've got your hoss-thieves in a +trap, an' you kin pull 'em out whenever you want to." + +"Are you sure that there isn't any way out of that? Can't they strike +the main road by driving across some field?" asked George. + +"Wa-al, I've driv over that road as many as forty times every year for +the last thirty, haulin' down wood, an' I wouldn't undertake to git a +wheel-barrer out any other way than I went in. You kin stay here an' +ketch 'em when they come out, or go in after 'em--_they'll be there_!" + + + + +CHAPTER XIX. + +CLOSE QUARTERS. + + +It hardly seemed possible to the boys that, after the mishap which it +seemed would give the thieves all the time they needed to make good +their escape, they could be so near to them that their capture seemed +certain. + +But the farmer insisted that there was no outlet to the road; that a +team answering to the description of the one George had lost had been +driven in there, and that it had not come out. Therefore, there could be +no question but that they had the thieves in a trap, as the farmer had +said, and all that was necessary was to go and get them or the team. + +At first they were about to start out without any plan whatever, intent +only on getting the horses as quickly as possible; but George realized +in time that, secure as the thieves appeared to be against escape, all +might be changed by too much precipitation. + +If they should rush in recklessly, the men might get past them by +concealing the team in the bushes until they had passed that particular +point, and then the road would be clear before them, unless the farmer +could succeed in stopping them. + +It was necessary, therefore, that, in going up this road, which they +were told was about two miles long, they should not only see where the +thieves had gone in, but where it would be possible for them to come +out, in case they should succeed in making a detour through the woods. + +The farmer, after listening to the discussion which the boys were +having, suggested that they block up the road near its entrance with his +heavy carts, and then, if the thieves should get past them, they would +be obliged to leave the team at the obstruction in order to make good +their own escape. + +This suggestion was so good that they followed it at once. Bob using his +horses to haul a hay-rack, a heavy ox-cart and two dump-carts into the +road, about two hundred yards from the highway, overturning and wedging +them in in such a way that a passage through could not be made in less +than half an hour. + +The farmer, having work that forenoon, which kept him near the house, +promised to keep a sharp lookout while the boys went after the team, and +to give the alarm in case the men should come down towards the +barricade. + +Then, all the preparations having been completed, there was nothing to +prevent them from going into the trap the thieves had voluntarily +entered. + +Bob thought they ought to have weapons in case the men should attempt to +fight for the possession of their ill-gotten booty; but George refused +to consider the idea even for a moment. He had no thought that the men +would do anything of the kind, and, even though he was going after his +own property, he was not willing to go in such a way as might endanger +the life of any one. + +"If you want any weapons, take a good stout club," he said, "and I think +you will find even that unnecessary, for as soon as the men see us, they +will do their best to get away." + +Bob was by no means satisfied to start up the road unarmed; but since it +was George's property they were in search of, he thought his orders +should be obeyed, even though the attempt should be unsuccessful because +of it. + +"If I was in your place, I should make sure of the men as well as the +team," the farmer called out, as they started, "for there's a good many +more horse-thieves in the country than are needed, an' it's doin' a good +turn to honest people to put 'em where they can't run off other people's +property." + +George made no reply, but at the same time he did not propose to make an +amateur detective of himself, unless the men should attempt to prevent +him from taking his own, and then he would have no hesitation about +causing their arrest. + +There was no difficulty in following the track of the carriage, for +there had been so little travel on the road that the impress of the +wheels was distinctly seen, and there could be no question but that it +would be an easy matter to see where it was taken into the woods in case +the men should attempt to hide. + +"I guess we had our labor for nothing in blocking up the road," said +Bob, as they walked along, "for there is no chance of our passing the +team so long as we can see the tracks as plain as this." + +"We certainly didn't hurt ourselves piling up the carts, and the time +was well spent, if only for the sake of the precaution," said George; +and then, stopping suddenly, after they had walked nearly a mile, he +pointed to a second track, which led directly into the woods a few yards +ahead of them. "They have been to the end of the road, and come back," +he whispered. "Perhaps they have just turned in here after hearing us." + +For a moment the three boys stood looking at the trail made by those +they had been so anxious to meet, and then George said, in a low tone: + +"We mustn't lose any time here, and when we do start it must be quickly. +We will follow this track in, and keep right on in it; for we shall +either find the team now in the bushes, or else the men will have done +as I feared--passed us while we were on the road." + +There was still a chance that the men might get away with the team if +they had succeeded in reaching the road in the rear of the boys, for it +might be possible for them to clear away the obstructions near the main +road before the boys could run a mile, unless the farmer could prevent +them. + +George dashed into the bushes, followed closely by Ralph and Bob, and +before they had gone very far, it was evident to all that the men were +trying to do just as George had suggested. + +The track made by the carriage could be followed very readily, and there +was no longer any question, after the boys had run a hundred yards, but +that they were traveling in a half circle, the end of which would be at +the road. + +"Come on as fast as you can," shouted George, when he thus saw his +suspicions verified; and, regardless of whether he was followed or not, +he dashed ahead at full speed, perfectly satisfied that when he saw his +team again it would be at the barricade. + +When he reached the road up which they had just come, the second track +of wheels could be seen, and he half expected to hear the farmer's +warning cry, forgetting for the time that any ordinary pair of lungs +could hardly be heard a mile away. + +Close behind George came Ralph and Bob, both excited by the thought that +there was yet a possibility the men might escape with the team, and both +running as fast as they could. + +"They've come this way!" shouted George, "and now it only remains to be +seen whether we can get there in time." + +There was no need to say anything to urge either of the boys on to +greater speed, for they were making every effort, and George himself was +really the one who would be left behind if the race was continued very +long. + +Bent only on reaching a given point as quickly as possible, the boys +paid no attention to anything else save getting over the ground rapidly, +and the farmer's voice rang out long and loud before they realized that +they heard it. + +"Hello! Hello-o-o! Hello-o-o-o!" was the cry. + +And when finally the boys did hear it, they understood by the tone that +there was urgent reason for them to make haste, for now, beyond a doubt, +the thieves were trying hard to remove the barricade. + +Panting, almost breathless, but not realizing how nearly exhausted they +were, the boys rushed on, intent only on noting the way, that they might +lose no time or vantage by a misstep, until they emerged from the woods +at a point where they could see that which was causing such an outcry +from the farmer, who was taking quite as much interest in the saving of +their property as he would have done in his own. + +George could see his team halted in front of the barricade they had +piled up with so much, and what at the time Bob had thought useless, +labor, while the men were straining every nerve to remove it, the farmer +standing at a safe distance, screaming at the top of his voice, even +though he must have seen the boys coming towards him as rapidly as they +could run. + +Already had the two men succeeded in removing the two dump-carts, and +were now at work upon the hay-rack, with every prospect of pulling it +sufficiently out of the way to admit of their driving past; but when +they saw the three boys coming down the road, they evidently concluded +that they had worked quite as long as was safe, for they began to look +out for their own welfare, instead of trying longer to get away with the +team. + +After one look at the boys, probably to make sure they were the same +ones whom they had seen coming up the road, the thieves ceased their +efforts to move the hay-rack, and sought safety in flight, running down +the road towards Babcock, instead of trying to escape in the opposite +direction. + +The farmer, who was anxious that all horse-thieves should be placed +beyond the possibility of carrying on their business, at once started in +pursuit, probably without thought as to how he could make prisoners of +two men whom he had not dared to grapple with when they were trying to +tear down the barrier which prevented them from getting away with their +booty. + +George, who still continued to lead the party, stopped when he reached +the side of the carriage. He had gained possession of his team once +more, and he was content. + + + + +CHAPTER XX. + +A SOUVENIR OF THE THIEVES. + + +Even had they been so disposed, neither Bob nor Ralph could have joined +the farmer in the pursuit of the men, because by the time they arrived +at the carriage they were so nearly exhausted that it would have been a +matter of impossibility for them to run fifty yards further, whatever +the inducement. + +All three stood by the side of the recovered property, panting and +breathless, but watching eagerly the unequal race, where the two men +could run a trifle more than twice as fast as their pursuer. + +The farmer, seeing how sadly he was being distanced, looked behind for +an instant, to see if any of the boys were going to aid him, and then, +seeing that they had all halted, gave up the contest by hobbling back to +his stable, looking quite as red in the face and panting quite as hard +as if he had run a thousand yards instead of twenty. + +"If you'd only followed me we could have caught 'em all," he said, in a +half-reproachful tone, as he came up to the boys. + +"I don't believe you could have overtaken them if all of us had been +close at your heels," replied George, speaking with considerable +difficulty because of the shortness of his breath. "But, as a matter of +fact, I don't think we could have followed those men even if the team +itself had been ours only in consideration of our catching them. You +see, we have run a mile at full speed, and we're about used up." + +"Wall, it's a pity to let 'em go, for they'll be lookin' 'round for some +other team, now they've lost your'n, an' jest as likely as not I'll be +the one that'll have to furnish it for 'em," said the farmer, +mournfully, as he fanned himself vigorously with his broad-brimmed straw +hat. "But I've seen them chaps before, I'm pretty sure. I b'lieve +they're the same ones that was nosin' 'round here four or five weeks +ago, lookin' for oil signs over my pasture." + +"Oh, we'll hope not!" exclaimed Bob, with a laugh. "For the sake of +those who are really engaged in the oil business, we'll hope they do not +number horse-thieves among them." + +"But I'm sure they're the same ones," persisted the farmer, "an' they +talked as if they knowed all about the business." + +As soon as the boys had recovered somewhat from the effects of their +exertions they began to think of returning, and Bob started to get his +team, which had been left in the stable-yard, when an exclamation from +George caused him to pause. + +The obstructions had not been cleared away from the road, and Harnett +was fastening his horses to the fence, in order to help remove that +which had been of so much service in stopping the flight of the +horse-thieves, when some papers in the buggy arrested his attention. + +Taking them up carelessly he glanced over two or three quickly when +something caught his eye which caused the cry of surprise that had +stopped Bob. + +"They were oil prospectors, after a fashion," said George, "and if they +knew what they professed to, they have left us a valuable souvenir." + +"A souvenir!" repeated Bob. "What have they done--left an empty +pocket-book?" + +"It may prove to be quite as valueless as one, and probably will; but it +looks queer, for it is made out in proper form, and only verifies what +Bob said last night." + +"What I said last night!" repeated Bob, now thoroughly mystified. "In +mercy to me tell me what you mean, and don't stand there mooning away +like that." + +"Well," said George, who had glanced over the contents of the particular +paper which had caused him so much surprise, "listen to me. In the first +place, here is what I should judge to be an accurate survey of the +wood-lot Ralph and I bought of Simpson. It states the price for which +the land was mortgaged, and the probable price for which it could be +bonded or purchased. Here is a description of the entire property, and +here is given the exact spot, by measurement, where they have found +satisfactory evidences of oil. It would be singular if, in helping Mr. +Simpson, we had helped ourselves, and still more singular that we should +learn of it through those who stole my team, and put us to so much +trouble." + +"The only thing singular about it would be that there wasn't any oil +there," replied Bob, quickly. "I've looked over that place some, and I +know it's there; but other people haven't seen fit to believe me when I +said so." + +"We didn't say whether we doubted you or not," said Ralph, who was +inclined to believe fully the information contained in the paper George +had found. "When you made the statement, we said nothing, one way nor +the other." + +"Then why were you surprised when you found the same thing written +there?" asked Bob, somewhat sulkily, as he pointed to the paper George +held. + +"We were surprised to find it in the possession of such men," replied +Harnett, with a laugh, "and perhaps also a little surprised to learn +that we could have put so much faith in any one of your assertions. But +now, with such eminent authority on the subject, I am anxious to get +back, and look at the land for myself." + +"What are the other papers?" asked Bob. + +"They refer to land near Simpson's, which the men have examined and +reported upon carefully, but without finding so many favorable evidences +that a well should be sunk. What puzzles me is, how these men could be +oil prospectors, and at the same time steal a team." + +"I think that is simple enough," said Bob, carelessly. "They were +probably prospecting on their own account, expecting to sell their +information after they obtained it. They hadn't any capital of their +own, but when they saw a fine team alone in a shed, at a time when there +was a terrible fire raging, they thought they could steal it without +running any risk. If they had got away with your horses, they could have +raised money enough on them to buy the Simpson property, and once they +struck oil, they would become honest men." + +"That's nigh enough to the truth of it," said the farmer, solemnly; and +all the party agreed to accept that as the explanation of what otherwise +would have seemed very singular. + +All three of the boys were now more than anxious to return to Sawyer, +that they might learn whether the statement contained in the paper they +had found was true or not. + +Considerable labor had to be done, however, in the way of clearing the +farmer's carts from the road, and all the boys went to work at once, +while the owner sat on a rock near by, bemoaning his misfortune in not +having caught the thieves, and in not having signs of oil on his +wood-lot. + +By the time the boys had replaced his carts as they had found them, he +came out of his sorrow sufficiently to invite them to remain to dinner, +and he urged the invitation so strongly that they concluded to accept +it, especially since the horses, more particularly George's, needed +dinner even more than they did. + +It was a real country dinner they sat down to in the farm-house, half an +hour later, while the horses stood before mangers, in which was a +plentiful supply of grain, and the boys did full justice to it, eating +until their hostess could have no cause for complaining that her food +had not been duly appreciated. + +During dinner, Mr. Folsom, the host, learned that George and Bob were +indirectly concerned in the oil business, and also heard some of the +moonlighter's wonderful stories as to the famous wells he had discovered +when others had said there was no oil in the vicinity. This was +sufficient to revive all the farmer's hopes, which had been slumbering +for a while, that he might be one of the lucky ones who are made rich by +the discovery of oil on their lands, and he urged the boys to remain +with him several days, or, at least, long enough to locate a well on his +farm. + +It seemed all in vain for the boys to urge that they did not know enough +about prospecting to make a thorough examination of the farmer's lands, +or if they did, that it would be impossible for them to remain because +of business. + +The old gentleman insisted so strongly, basing his claims to receive +them as guests on what he had done to aid them in recovering George's +property, that they were obliged to promise that they would return very +soon, and examine, as far as they were able, his entire farm, which he +was now very certain was situated directly on the oil-belt, even though +wells had been sunk near him unsuccessfully. + +It was quite late in the afternoon when the boys did finally succeed in +getting away from the too hospitably inclined farmer, and then they +started down the road leisurely, for they had a long journey before +them if they expected to reach the Kenniston farm that night. + +Bob rode alone and in advance, while Ralph rode with George, the two +teams driving along side by side whenever the width of the road would +permit, in order that the occupants might talk over and over again the +prospects of finding oil on the Simpson wood-lot. + +And this conversation was continued by Ralph and George when Bob was +obliged to drive ahead, both very much excited about it, and both +building air-castles on the strength of the idea, even until the weary +horses trotted up the lane to the Kenniston farm-house. + + + + +CHAPTER XXI. + +PROSPECTING. + + +It was not until a late hour on the morning after the boys arrived at +the Kenniston farm after their pursuit of the horse-thieves that any one +of the three made their appearance, and even then they would not have +gotten up so early as they did, had not Jim and Dick paid them a visit +for the purpose of hearing the particulars of the chase. + +Bob's partners paid no attention to Farmer Kenniston when he proposed +that they wait until the boys should awaken, since the chances were that +they needed a considerable amount of sleep; but insisted on paying a +visit to their partner in bed, which effectually prevented him from +enjoying another morning nap. + +When Ralph and George made their appearance half an hour later, Bob had +told his friends all the particulars of the chase, including the finding +of the report on the Simpson property, and the moonlighters were quite +as much excited about it as if they had been the owners of the land. +They insisted that George and Ralph should verify the truth of the +statement at once, and, without waiting for an invitation, proposed to +accompany them. + +Just then, owing to the unusual vigilance of the torpedo detective, the +moonlighter's business was virtually at a standstill, and they had +plenty of spare time in which to prospect for oil, or to prove the truth +of the statement that had so singularly come into George's possession. + +Both the owners of the Simpson wood-lot would have much preferred to +make their investigations alone; but since they could give no good +reason as to why the boys should not be allowed to accompany them, nor +none as to why the work should not be begun at once, they were obliged +once more to start out with the moonlighters. + +During the ride home the night before, George and Ralph had discussed +the question of what they should do in case oil was found on the +property, and they both felt that in such case they should consider that +Mr. Simpson still had a claim upon the land, even though they had paid +him all he had said he considered it worth. + +They would have willingly loaned him the money to pay off the mortgage +if it could have been done as well; but that they thought at the time he +would not accept, and George had purchased the wood-lot. Now, however, +if it should be found that the land was very valuable, neither of the +boys thought it right that they should reap the entire benefit, although +they were legally entitled to do so. + +They had feared that, by advancing the money to pay for the land, they +would be seriously hampered in the search for the horses, and when they +were obliged to give up the small amount which they had left, to the +constable at Sawyer, it seemed certain that they would travel under many +disadvantages. But this very lack of money had aided them. If they had +had sufficient to pay for their lodging at the hotel at Babcock, the +chances are that Bob would have remembered that the carriage needed +oiling; they would not have been able to follow the men so closely next +morning, nor would they have stopped at Mr. Folsom's, the only place +where they could have learned of the whereabouts of those whom they were +pursuing. + +The purchase of this land, made as it was in pure charity, had been a +great advantage to them, and if it should prove a valuable piece of +property, they intended that Mr. Simpson should be equally benefited. + +The title deeds had been left with Farmer Kenniston, while the boys were +away, and there could be no question as to their proprietorship. + +The only thing now was to learn whether there really was any oil on the +land, and this they were about to do, although it would have pleased +them much more if they were to go alone, rather than in company with the +moonlighters who had caused them so much trouble. + +Jim and Dick had their own team, and Bob proposed to use his horses in +the double wagon, so that in case he wanted to return home before George +and Ralph did, he could do so, and they could get Mr. Simpson to bring +them down. + +Since this was to be a regular prospecting trip, which might necessitate +their remaining out of doors all night, blankets and provisions were +packed into the wagon as before, while, in addition, George carried his +surveyor's instruments, that he might be able to locate exactly the spot +marked on the paper, in case they should have any difficulty in finding +it. + +On starting out, George insisted that they should first drive through +Sawyer, in order that he might report to the constable, as he had +promised; and, although the moonlighters did not fancy paying this +visit, they were obliged to do so if they wanted to accompany the +fortunate owners of the Simpson wood-lot on their prospecting trip. + +There was no difficulty in finding the man who had arrested them on the +night when time was of so much value to them, and by the reception which +he gave George it was easy to see that he had changed his mind somewhat +regarding his guilt, or had heard of the valuable assistance he had +rendered during the conflagration. + +"I will report to you at the time appointed," said George, after he had +told the story of finding his horses; "and then I shall have no +difficulty in proving that I knew nothing whatever about the +transportation of the glycerine." + +"And I believe that you will not, Mr. Harnett," replied the officer. +"Since it is uncertain as to whether the case will be heard on the day +set, you need not take the trouble to come here until I send you word. +But I should like to see Mr. Hubbard once in a while, for he is so apt +to fly off from one point to another that I shall never feel really +certain of him until he appears." + +"Now, see what it is to have a bad name," said Bob, with a grimace. "I +ought to be trusted as entirely as George is, and yet I am not. Don't +worry, Mr. Constable; I will be here in time for the examination, and I +will also call upon you whenever I am in town." + +Then Bob drove on toward the Simpson place, Jim and Dick having preceded +the others, for they had no desire to meet a constable even in a +friendly way. + +Mr. Simpson was at home when the boys arrived at his farm, and the +reception which both he and his wife gave Ralph and George was something +to be remembered with pleasure by them for many a day. + +Had he been allowed to do so, he would have placed everything he owned +at the disposal of the two who had so generously aided him to keep the +home he loved so well; but George stopped the show of gratitude, which +was really becoming embarrassing, by saying: + +"You will please us more, Mr. Simpson, by saying nothing about what we +did, for we are likely to be repaid in a very substantial way; and if we +are, you will get more for your wood-lot than you ever dreamed of." + +"Is it something in regard to those two men who just left here?" asked +Mr. Simpson, not in the least surprised by what George had said. + +"What men do you mean?" + +"There were two here when you first came in sight, but they left at once +on account of some business, as I understood. They told me that they +wanted to buy my wood-lot, and when I said that I had already sold it, +they offered to show good signs of oil if they could be paid for the +prospecting they had done." + +George, Ralph and Bob looked at each other in surprise. It seemed +certain that Mr. Simpson's visitors must have been the men who had +stolen the team, and yet it was hardly reasonable to suppose that they +would venture back there so soon after having committed the crime. + +"Can you describe them, Mr. Simpson?" asked George, feeling ill at ease +because of the coming of these strangers, and yet not understanding why +he did so. + +"I can't say I can," replied the old man, slowly; "for, you see, I +hain't much of a hand at that sort of thing, an' I didn't look at 'em +sharp enough. It seems to me that they were youngish, not much older +than you, an' they looked as if they had been havin' a pretty hard +tramp." + +"What time did they come here?" + +"About an hour ago. They said they had jest come from Babcock, an' got +mother to give 'em some breakfast." + +"It don't seem as if there could be any question but that they are the +same ones," said George, speaking slowly to his companions, and looking +worried. "I can't tell why, but it troubles me to have them come back +here." + +"Don't be foolish, George," said Bob, speaking rather sharply. "What +harm can they do you? Besides, if they should go to cutting up any +capers, it would be the easiest thing in the world to have them +arrested for stealing your team, and I fancy that would settle them." + +The boys had come, believing they should surprise Mr. Simpson by telling +him there was a chance that oil might be found on the land he had sold +so cheaply; but instead of doing so, the old man had startled them +considerably. + +"Well," said George, after a short pause, "we are going to leave our +teams here with you, Mr. Simpson, while we start out prospecting the +wood-lot. We believe those men who have just left are the ones who stole +my team, and if you still feel that you would like to do me a favor, you +will keep a sharp lookout over the stable while we are gone, for I do +not think they would hesitate to steal it again if they got the chance." + +Mr. Simpson promised to remain within sight of the stable-door all the +time the boys were away, and as proof that he was able to defend the +horses against any number of men, he brought out an old army musket, +minus almost everything save the stock, which he held carefully and +timidly in his hands, thereby causing his wife no little fear. + +"If we should find oil, Mr. Simpson," said Ralph, lingering behind after +the others had started, "George and I have agreed that you shall own an +equal share of the lot with us." + +Then he hurried away, joining the others quickly, in order that he might +not hear the old gentleman's thanks or expostulations. + +George, as well as Bob, believed they could find the place where the +men claimed to have seen signs of oil without any difficulty, and they +started out on what proved to be a vain search; for, after they had +walked several hours, they were no wiser than when they started. + +It was plainly of no use to search in this way, and George started back +to the house for his instruments, that he might locate the spot from the +directions on the paper, which he still held in his hand. + +The boys, glad of a rest, waited for his return, until, after he had +been absent nearly an hour, when he could easily walk the distance in +twenty minutes, Bob and Ralph started in search of him, leaving Jim and +Dick there in case he should return. + +Mr. Simpson both astonished and alarmed them by saying that George had +not been to the house since he first left it, and then they began a +hurried search, which resulted in nothing. They called him by name, +started Jim and Dick out even to the remote portions of the lot; but +without success. + +Strange as it seemed, it was nevertheless true that George had +mysteriously disappeared. + + + + +CHAPTER XXII. + +A CRUEL DEED. + + +When the boys met in the wood-lot at the spot where George had left +them, after they had made the first hurried survey of the place, +consternation was imprinted on every face. They knew that Harnett would +not voluntarily have gone away without telling them, and an undefined +but a very great fear took possession of them. + +Each looked at the other as if fearing to speak that which was in his +mind, and yet all were conscious that whatever was done to find their +missing friend should be done at once. + +It seemed so improbable that anything could have happened to him there +without their knowing it, that no one ventured to put his suspicions +into words, and each waited for the other to speak. + +"It can do no good for us to stand here," said Ralph, after he had +waited some time for a suggestion from Bob. "George is either not here, +or else some accident has happened which prevents him from answering. If +he had been here, and as he was when he left us, he must have heard us +when we called. Now, what shall we do?" + +All three of the moonlighters stood looking at him in silent dismay. +They were bewildered by the sudden disappearance, and Ralph understood +that whatever steps were taken toward finding George must be directed by +him, for his companions seemed incapable even of connected thought. + +"In the first place," he said, "let's make a thorough search of the +wood-lot, beginning from this point and working toward the house in the +direction he disappeared. If we don't find him here, we will try to make +up our minds what to do." + +There was no dissenting voice raised against this proposition, and Ralph +began the search by directing the boys to stand in a row, about ten feet +apart, and then walk straight down to the fence, carefully examining +every place in which George could have hidden. + +In this way a lane, at least forty feet wide, was examined thoroughly, +and as nothing was found by the time they reached the fence, the line +was formed again ten feet further on, the march continuing until they +reached a point abreast of the one they had started from. + +No one spoke during this search, for it seemed as though they were +hunting for the lifeless body of their friend, and when again they +arrived at the fence, they ranged along in a new line, silently, afraid +almost to look at the ground because of that which they might see. + +And at least a portion of their fears were to be realized, for as they +walked along on this third sad journey, they first found a place where +the bushes and ferns had been trampled down as if some desperate +struggle had taken place, and then, a few feet further on, almost hidden +in a pile of brushwood, they saw that for which they sought. + +It was the body of George, looking as if all life had departed, the face +beaten by cruel blows until it was nearly unrecognizable, the clothing +torn, and lying still as death. + +Even then no one spoke; no cry of alarm or of astonishment was given, +for this was what they had been expecting to find during all the search. + +Neither of the moonlighters had recovered from their first bewilderment, +and, as if this show of helplessness on the part of his companions +nerved him up, Ralph still preserved his presence of mind. + +Kneeling down by the apparently lifeless body, Ralph unfastened or tore +apart the clothing, until he could lay his hand over his friend's heart. +After an instant's silence, during which it seemed to each boy that he +could hear the pulsations of his own heart, Ralph said in a hard, +unnatural voice, which no one would have recognized as his: + +"He is not dead, for I can feel his heart beat feebly. One of you go for +a physician, while the others help me carry him to the house." + +"You take my horses, and drive first to Sawyer and then to Bradford for +three or four of the best doctors you can find, and drive faster than +you ever drove before," said Bob to Jim. + +The latter, finding actual relief in having something definite to do, +started off at full speed towards the farm-house, while Ralph began to +make a rude kind of a litter. + +Two fence-rails with limbs of trees laid across them, the whole covered +by the coats and vests of the boys, was the best that could be +improvised in a short time, and on this George was laid as tenderly as +possible. + +It seemed to all the boys as if he must be reviving somewhat, for they +fancied they could see him breathe as they moved him, and Bob was +certain he had lifted one of his hands as if to touch his head. + +It was a mournful procession they formed as they moved slowly towards +the farm-house, Ralph and Bob carrying the litter, while Dick stood +ready to help them whenever he might be needed. + +At the fence they were met by both Mr. and Mrs. Simpson, who had, of +course, learned the sad news from Jim, and had hurried out with almost +as much sorrow in their hearts as if he had been a son of theirs, for +they had learned to love George even before he had been the means of +saving their homestead to them. + +Thanks to the help which the old people were able to give, the wounded +boy was carried much more quickly and easily along, and in a short time, +which seemed very long to the anxious ones, he was lying on a bed in the +farm-house. + +Every effort was made to revive him as soon as he was placed in a +comfortable position on the bed in the room, sweet-scented with herbs, +and with such success that in a short time there was a movement of the +eyelids, followed by a low moan which, though piteous, was welcomed by +the boys gladly, for it told of life. + +From the time they had found him stricken down by some murderous hand, +Ralph had noticed that George still held tightly clutched in his left +hand a piece of paper. + +He had hoped from the first that it might afford some clue to the +murderous assailants, and had tried to remove it, but without success. + +Now, however, when it seemed as if consciousness was returning, the +hands unclasped from what had probably been a clutch at those who had +attacked him, and the paper fell to the floor. + +The first physician whom Jim had found entered at this moment, and, +picking the paper up, Ralph held it until he should hear the medical +man's decision. + +He was disappointed in getting this very speedily, however, for the +physician began a long and careful examination of the injured boy, in +which he was assisted by the second doctor, who arrived ten minutes +later. + +George was in good hands now, and since they could do nothing to aid +him, Ralph beckoned to Bob to leave the room, for he was anxious to +learn what was contained in the paper, and wished that some one should +share the secret with him. + +"This is what George had in his hand when we found him," he said, when +they were out of the house, "and I think it will, perhaps, explain who +it was who tried to murder him." + +Bob stood breathlessly waiting for Ralph to open the paper which was +crumpled tightly up in that almost death clutch, and as he saw it, he +uttered a cry of surprise and anger. + +It was a fragment of the description of the wood-lot which had been +found in the carriage when the thieves left it. + +"Those men have done this," cried Bob, as he clenched his hands in +impotent rage--"the ones whom George would not help catch after they had +stolen his team. They knew he had this paper, and when they saw him, +they either tried simply to get possession of it, George resisting, or +at the first attempted to kill him." + +"They can't be very far from here," said Ralph, as if wondering what +other crime they would attempt to commit before they left. + +"No, and they shan't get very far, either. I'll send Dick over to Sawyer +for the officers, and if it is possible, we'll have those fellows where +they can't do any more mischief." + +Dick was only too willing to go when he heard what Bob had to tell him, +and in the team he had driven over in he started at nearly as rapid a +pace as Jim had. + +Very shortly after he had gone, Jim returned. The first physician was +from Bradford, and he had met him on the road, while the second he had +found in Sawyer, having gone there to visit a patient. Both were said to +be very skillful, and Jim had sensibly concluded that there was no +necessity of getting any more. + +To him the boys told of the discovery they had made regarding the scrap +of paper, and had they followed his advice, they would have started in +search of the villains then and there, without waiting the tardy +movements of the officers. + +But both Ralph and Bob thought their place just then was with their +friend, rather than searching for those who had assaulted him, and they +persuaded Dick to forego his idea of making a personal search for the +men. + +It was not long that the boys were in suspense as to the report of the +physicians, for hardly had they finished discussing the discovery they +had made as to who had done the cruel deed, when one of the medical +gentlemen came from George's room. + +Unless, he said, there were internal injuries, of which they were then +unable to learn, George's condition was not one of imminent danger. That +he had been severely injured there could be no doubt; but there was +every reason to believe that he would recover, unless some more serious +wound than those already found had been given. + +He had not recovered consciousness yet, and there was hardly any chance +that he would for some time, while the physician barely intimated that +it was possible, owing to the wounds on his head, that he might never +fully recover his mental powers. + +It was just such a report as medical men often make--one which leaves +the anxious ones in quite as much suspense as before, and neither Ralph +nor Bob was just certain whether it was favorable to their friend or +not. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIII. + +THE TOWN ORDINANCE. + + +The news which Dick carried to Sawyer was sufficient to create a great +excitement in that naturally quiet little town. In addition to what +looked like an attempted murder, was the fact that George Harnett, whom +they had all respected before the conflagration, and admired after it, +was the intended victim. + +There was no need for Dick to urge that officers be sent to try to +effect the capture of the scoundrels, for almost before he had finished +telling the story, a large party of citizens started in search of the +men, determined that they should answer for their crime. + +Therefore, when Dick returned, it was with so large a following that the +physicians rushed out in the greatest haste to insist on their keeping +at a respectful distance from the house, lest the noise might affect +their patient. + +Bob and his partners were anxious to join in the search, and urged Ralph +to accompany them, since he could do no good to George by remaining; but +he refused to leave his friend, even though he could not aid him, and +the party started without him, a look of determination on their faces +that boded no good to the professed oil prospectors in case they should +be caught. + +During all of that night Ralph remained with George, listening to his +delirious ravings, as he supposed he was still battling for his life +with the men, and just at daybreak Bob returned alone. The search had +been even more successful than any of the party had dared to hope for +when they set out, for the men had been captured in the woods about four +miles from the place where the assault had been made and in the pocket +of one of them was the paper from which one corner had been left in +George's hand. + +They had evidently believed that they would be securely hidden in the +woods, for they had built a camp, and were in it asleep when they were +found. + +Bob had been one of the first to rush in upon them, and, seeing him, the +men had shown fight; but the sight of the crowd behind him prevented any +serious demonstrations, and after that their only fear had been that +some one would attempt to do them an injury, a fear for which, at one +time, it seemed as if there were very good grounds. + +When the prisoners had been carried back to Sawyer, Bob had left the +party, in order to report their success to Ralph, as well as to learn +George's condition. + +Until Harnett's friends could be informed of his situation, Ralph and +Bob were looked upon as the only ones having a right to dictate as to +what should be done for him, and Ralph was anxious to have the course +they should pursue decided. With this in view, he had a long discussion +with Bob as to what should be done, and the result of it was that he +started at once for Bradford, to telegraph to George's mother, and to +hire a nurse to take care of him. + +Mrs. Harnett, George's mother, lived in Maine, and it would necessarily +be quite a long time before she could reach her son, even if she got the +telegram as soon as it was sent. Therefore, it was important that a +nurse should be procured, at least until she could arrive, and decide +what should be done with the patient. + +After this was done, Ralph started to return, not wanting to be away any +longer from his friend than possible, and as he neared Sawyer, he met +the officer who had arrested George and Bob for violation of the town +ordinance. + +"Where is Mr. Hubbard?" asked the officer, after Ralph had given him all +the particulars of George's condition. + +"He is now at Mr. Simpson's, waiting there until I shall get back." + +"Is he particularly needed there?" + +"Oh, no. As for the matter of that, neither one of us will be actually +needed after this forenoon, for I have just been to Bradford to engage a +nurse for George until his mother shall get here. Why did you ask?" + +"Well, you see before this assault was committed, it was decided to +call the case one of carrying glycerine through the town, to-day. Now +it has been decided, in view of the service Harnett rendered at the +conflagration, to drop the case against him, and only proceed against +Hubbard. But if his presence was necessary to Harnett, we could postpone +it easily enough." + +"But George would feel very badly if the case against him was dropped," +said Ralph, earnestly. "Before the arrest was made, his only hope was +that it would be made, so that he might prove he had nothing to do with +it. Isn't it possible to proceed against him, even if he isn't there?" + +"And what if it is?" asked the officer, with a smile. + +"If it is I would urge you to call the case against George at the same +time as that against Bob, for I know, beyond a doubt, that he will be +proven not guilty." + +"I'll see what can be done; and if you and Hubbard can leave, come over +about two o'clock this afternoon." + +"We will be there," replied Ralph. + +And then he drove on, rejoiced at the thought that even while his friend +was sick, he could remove one cause of trouble from him. + +When Bob was told of the interview Ralph had had, he was by no means so +well pleased that the case was to be opened so soon. + +"Why didn't you tell the officer that I couldn't be spared from George's +side for a moment?" he asked. "That would have settled it, for just now +every one is sympathizing with him." + +"In the first place, it wouldn't have been true," replied Ralph, "and +then again, if it has got to come, the sooner it's over the better, I +should think." + +Bob made a wry face over the matter, for he had hoped that in the +excitement caused by the attack on George, both the cases would be +dropped, and since there could be no doubt about his conviction, that +would have been the most pleasant way out of it, so far as he was +concerned. + +Ralph used all the arguments he could think of to persuade Bob to look +at the matter in a philosophical light, and it was not until he urged +the satisfaction it would give George, when he recovered, to know that +he was cleared of the charge, that Bob would even admit that he was +willing to go, although he knew he must do so. + +As soon as the professional nurse arrived and began her duties, Bob and +Ralph harnessed the former's team, and started first for the +moonlighters' hut, where Jim had said he would be that day, for the +purpose of getting him to testify in George's behalf. + +This young moonlighter was quite as averse to appearing at court as his +partner had been, for he feared the charge might be altered to include +him, but Ralph persuaded him that such would hardly be probable, at the +same time that he urged him to accompany them, for George's sake. + +On arriving at Sawyer it was found that the authorities were willing to +call George's case in consideration of the fact that his innocence could +be easily proven, and the trial began. + +Of course, with Bob, Jim and Ralph to testify in George's behalf, there +was no doubt as to his innocence in the matter, and quite as naturally, +the testimony which cleared one convicted the other, for Bob had told +the story exactly as the matter had happened. + +George was found "not guilty," and public opinion being in favor just +then of any of the friends of the injured man, Bob was let off with a +reprimand and a fine of ten dollars. + +Bob was in high glee over this easy settlement of the matter, as was +Ralph, and when the constable handed them the forty dollars which he had +taken as security for their appearance, the young moonlighter insisted +on presenting him with five dollars of his twenty, as a "token of his +appreciation." + +During the ride back to the Simpson farm, and Jim accompanied them in +order to remain there over-night in case he should be needed, Bob +unfolded a scheme which he declared he had been maturing for some time, +although Ralph insisted that it had only occurred to him after his +fortunate escape from the clutches of the law. + +"We shall have no business for two or three weeks at least," he said; +"and while George is so sick there is really nothing we can do for him. +Now I propose that you and I find the signs of oil that those fellows +claim to have found, and when George gets well the work will be all done +for him." + +"But can we do it?" asked Ralph, thinking that he would be of but little +service, since his knowledge of the oil business was confined to what +he had seen of the moonlighters' operations. + +"Of course we can. I have done a good deal of prospecting, and, except +that I couldn't find the place they describe by measurements, I can do +the work better than George, for he has had no experience whatever." + +"I am willing to do it if I can," said Ralph, "for surely we can be +doing no harm in trying to prove whether the property is valuable or +not." + +"No harm! Of course there wouldn't be any!" cried Bob, growing +enthusiastic over his scheme. "And if we do find things as plain as I +believe we shall, there will be no trouble in borrowing money enough to +sink the well at once, so that when George gets out we could surprise +him with a little oil property that would make his eyes stick out." + +Ralph felt almost as if he was losing his breath at the "size" Bob's +scheme was assuming, and he said, faintly: + +"Oh, we wouldn't do that!" + +"Indeed, but we would, and I reckon Harnett wouldn't feel very badly +about it either." + +"If you were sure of striking oil, I'm not sure but that father would +advance the necessary money to do it," he said, falling in at once with +Bob's scheme, he was so dazzled by it. + +"That would be all the better," cried Bob, excitedly; "and I tell you +what it is, Gurney, if I don't show you a five-hundred-barrel well in +that same wood-lot, you shall have my head for a football." + +Ralph was hardly in need of such a plaything, but Bob's scheme had so +excited him that when he did finally succeed in getting to sleep that +night, it was only to dream of wonderful wells spouting wonderfully pure +oil. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIV. + +BOB'S INDUSTRY. + + +Bob Hubbard was not one to give up anything he had once decided upon +without a trial, and when he told Ralph that between them they would +find the oil and sink the well before George recovered, he intended to +do it if it was within the range of possibilities. + +Very many operators in the oil region looked upon Bob as one of the best +prospectors there, and while they fully understood his reckless manner, +and agreed that it could not be said that he was strictly truthful, they +had the most perfect confidence in his reports on land. + +Therefore, it was no vain boast when Bob said that if there were good +signs of oil on the Simpson wood-lot, he could easily borrow money +enough to sink a well, for almost any one of the capitalists of Bradford +would have been willing to make the loan upon his representations. + +This wood-lot of Simpson's had attracted Bob's attention some time +before, as the reader already knows, and, despite the assertions of some +oil prospectors to the contrary, he had always maintained that a good +paying well would be found there. + +It had been his intention to buy the land; but he had neglected to do +so, as he was in the habit of neglecting his own business until it was +too late. But he would be satisfied to prove that he had been correct in +his views by striking oil there, even if he was opening the property for +some one else, and just then he saw the opportunity of doing a favor for +his friend at the same time that he proved the truth of his own +statements. + +On the morning after he had spoken of his "scheme" to Ralph, he was up +some time before the sun was, even though he had watched by George's +side until midnight, and was only waiting for the professional nurse to +relieve Ralph from his duty of watcher, before beginning the work he had +proposed to do. + +During the night it had seemed as if George had recovered consciousness +for a few moments, although he had not spoken, and the physician, who +had remained at the farm-house, was called to the patient's side. + +This brief revival of consciousness, to be followed immediately by a +fever, was what the medical man had predicted, and he then said that +George would appear to be very much worse in the morning; but that it +was the turning of the fever which would show whether he was ever to +regain the full possession of all his faculties. + +Therefore, when the morning came, and George, in a high fever, seemed +to be very near death his friends were much less alarmed for his safety +than they would have been, had the change not been expected. + +It was unfortunate that he could not have been removed to the Kenniston +farm, where he would have been nearer medical aid in case he should need +it suddenly; but he could not have been taken where he would have +received more tender or devoted care then he did from Mr. Simpson and +his wife. + +The only possible aid which either Ralph or Bob could have given, after +they had relieved the nurse of the care of watching during the night, +would have been in case they were needed to go to town for anything +which the patient might require. Except for that, they might as well be +out prospecting as remaining at the farm-house. + +Therefore, in order that they might both be away, and feel perfectly at +ease, Bob had arranged with Dick to come over and remain during the day +with Jim, to act as messenger in case there was any necessity for it. + +Bob's horses were there, and after breakfast, when Jim had arrived, and +the nurse had resumed her duties, there was really nothing to prevent +them from going where they pleased. + +Much as he wanted to go with Bob, Ralph was uncertain as to whether he +should leave his friend until after he had spoken with the physician +regarding it, and then, learning that he could be of no possible +assistance by remaining, he announced that he was ready to begin the +work of prospecting again, which had been brought to such a sad end the +day previous. + +Bob started out excited by the thought of what they would accomplish, +and so intent upon his scheme that he rattled on with explanations of +how this or that might be accomplished, until Ralph began to look upon +sinking an oil well as mere child's play, and quite convinced that it +could easily be done, even without capital. + +Both the boys were satisfied that there were no signs of oil in such +localities as they had examined the day previous, therefore there was no +occasion for them to do that work over again, and Bob began his labors +by starting through the wood-lot in an entirely different direction, +which brought them to a small stream, or marsh, which ran directly +across the land. + +The water-course, if such it could be called, was nearly dried up, but +Bob showed every signs of delight at finding it so easily, and said to +Ralph, as he began to wade along its course, regardless alike of wet +feet or mud-plashed clothing: + +"Here is where we shall find the first signs, if there is any oil around +here. Follow me, and sing out when you see any greasy-looking water in +these little pools." + +It is quite probable that Ralph would have waded in streams which were +almost entirely covered with oil, and yet never have "sung out" once, +for he was at a loss to know how oil-covered water should look; but +before they had traveled twenty yards, Bob said, excitedly: + +"Why don't you say something? I thought you would like to be the first +one to discover signs on your own land, so I have held my tongue for the +last five minutes, expecting to hear you shout." + +"But what shall I say?" asked Ralph, in surprise. "I haven't seen any +oil yet." + +"Well, you're a fine prospector, you are!" and Bob looked at his +companion as if in the most perfect amazement that he did not understand +fully the business which he had had no experience in. "What do you call +_that_?" and Bob pointed to the water-pools that were covered with +something which showed different colors, not unlike a soap-bubble. + +"I've seen that queer-looking water for some time," replied Ralph, +innocently; "but that isn't oil." + +"You may think so," said Bob, with a laugh, "but you let some of these +oil operators from Bradford see that, and then it would do your heart +good to hear them offer you big prices for the land. That's oil, my boy, +and it shows up as plain as the nose on your face. We'll follow this +swale up until we find where the oil ceases, and then I'll show you a +place where you can sink a well without a possibility of losing any +money by the operation." + +Ralph was now quite as eager and excited as his companion was, and the +two splashed on through the mud and water, feeling much as gold-seekers +do when they believe they are following up the leads to that precious +metal. + +Up the marshy land they walked until they were very nearly in the +center of the lot, and then Bob stopped, with a gesture of satisfaction. + +At this point the difference in the water was very marked, the line of +oil, as it oozed out from a little bank, showing clearly, while above +the water was pure. + +"There's one thing certain," said Bob, triumphantly, as he stood upon +the sponge-like bank which afforded him so much satisfaction to see. +"Those who have laughed at me because I insisted that the oil belt +extended in this direction would feel kind of foolish if they could see +this, wouldn't they?" + +"But is it what you might call a good showing?" asked Ralph, still +incredulous that this land, which they had purchased only through +charity for Mr. Simpson, should prove so valuable. + +It seemed to him that Bob must be mistaken, or those living in the +vicinity would have discovered it some time before. + +"Well, I should say it was a good showing," cried Bob, excitedly. "Why, +Gurney, there isn't one well out of twenty that are sunk which looms up +like this. It will yield a thousand barrels if it yields a pint." + +The only question, then, as to whether it was really valuable property, +it would seem, was whether it would yield the pint; and, if one could +judge from Bob's face, there was no doubt about that. + +He was radiantly triumphant--not that he had discovered the oil, for +others had done that before him, but that his views on the location of +the oil belt had proved correct, and he was determined that by his +efforts the supply should be made to yield, even though he could have no +pecuniary interest in the matter. + +"We'll sink the well here, and I'll begin the work this very afternoon," +he said. "But first we must go back to the house, and we'll mark our +way, so that there'll be no difficulty about finding the spot again." + +Then Bob started toward the farm-house, walking rapidly, as if his feet +could hardly be made to keep pace with his thoughts, and breaking off +the tops of the bushes to mark the way. + +"But how are you going to work without money?" asked Ralph, almost +doubting if his companion was quite right in his mind. + +"Do you think that a sight of that place isn't as good as a big bank +account? Why, we only need about three thousand dollars to do it all." + +"Three--thousand--dollars!" echoed Ralph. + +"That's all. You write to your father, tell him what we have found, and +ask him to send the money right on," said Bob, in a matter-of-fact tone. + +"And do you suppose he would send such an amount of money simply for the +asking?" + +And Ralph's doubts in regard to the moonlighter's sanity increased each +moment. + +"It don't make much difference whether he does or not," was the careless +reply. "I can get everything we need to go to work with on the strength +of that showing, and I tell you that we'll have that well flowing just +as soon as possible. But you write to your father, ask him to come on +and see what we have got, and, after he has talked with those who are in +the business here, he won't hesitate about the money." + +"Yes, I can do that," said Ralph, slowly, but doubting very much whether +he could accomplish anything by it. "But it will take three or four days +at least before we can hear from him." + +"That don't make any difference, for it won't delay us. I'm going to +start right out to buy the engine, and by the time we hear from him, we +shall be at work." + +By this time they were at the stable, and Bob began harnessing his +horses, in proof of what he said. + +"I wouldn't do that," expostulated Ralph. "It may not be as good as you +think it is, and you may get into an awful lot of trouble about it." + +"Look here, Gurney," said Bob, impressively. "There's oil there--plenty +of it--and I know what I'm about. You just let me alone, and by the time +Harnett is able to understand anything, I'll be ready to prove to him +that both he and you are rich, all through your charitable idea of +buying Simpson's wood-lot." + + + + +CHAPTER XXV. + +THE WORK BEGUN. + + +After deciding in his own mind that he would sink a well in the place he +had found, taking the work and debts upon himself when it was all to be +for the pecuniary advantage of his friend, Bob was not one to lose any +time. + +As soon as he got back to the house and could harness his horses, he had +started for Bradford to make arrangements for the purchase, on credit, +of such machinery as was needed, and all this had been done so quickly +that Jim and Dick were not aware he had returned from prospecting until +they saw him driving away. + +As a matter of course they questioned Ralph as to why their partner had +left so hurriedly, and his reply excited them wonderfully. + +He told them of what Bob had found, and then he realized how good the +evidences of oil were, for the boys were in a perfect fever of delight +as he explained what they had seen. Then he told them of what he thought +was a mad scheme on Bob's part, his intention to begin sinking a well +even before he had any money to carry on the work, and instead of being +surprised at their partner's rashness, as he had expected they would be, +they seemed to think it a very natural course for him to pursue. + +They had quite as "wild" an attack as Bob had had, and although Ralph +was surprised at it then, he soon grew accustomed to such phases of the +"oil fever," after he had seen more of the business. + +Jim and Dick insisted on going out to see what their partner had +discovered, not satisfied with Ralph's description, and while they were +gone he tried to convince himself that this possibility of his becoming +rich, even before he had been obliged to struggle with the world, was +true, and not a dream. + +He was sitting on the wood-pile, arguing to himself as to whether Bob +might not be mistaken, when Mr. Simpson came out of the house with the +report that George was sleeping, and he decided to tell him the news, to +see if he would be as confident as the others. + +But before he could speak, Jim and Dick came up, panting, but +triumphant. + +"That's the biggest thing I ever saw!" said Jim, as he wiped the +perspiration from his face, and then turning to Mr. Simpson, he added, +"That wood-lot is worth about a thousand times as much as you got for +it." + +"Eh? What's that?" asked the old man, with his hand to his ear, as if +distrustful that it had performed its duty correctly. + +"Why, Bob has found the oil." + +"Yes," added Dick, "and it shows up better than anything I ever saw +around here." + +"It is true, Mr. Simpson," said Ralph, as the old man still looked +incredulous. "Bob found signs of oil this morning, which he says are +wonderfully good. I don't wonder that you can't believe it, for I +haven't succeeded yet, and I was with Bob when he found it." + +"Oil on the wood-lot!" repeated Mr. Simpson, in a dazed sort of way. + +"Yes, sir, and tanks of it!" replied Jim. + +"I am more glad than I can say," replied the old man, fervently, "for +now you and Mr. Harnett will be rewarded for your generosity to an old +man whom you hardly knew or cared for. It was not to be that I should +have it, and it wouldn't have done me much good if I had, for mother an' +I are most ready to leave this world, an' we haven't a child or a chick +to be gladdened by the money. Why, Mr. Gurney, I'm as pleased for you as +if it was all mine." + +And Mr. Simpson shook the boy by the hand in a hearty way that left no +doubt of the truth of what he said. + +"But if there is oil there, Mr. Simpson, you own as much as George and I +do, for we settled on that yesterday." + +"No, no!" and the old man shook his head decidedly. "When I sold the +land, I believed I was getting the full value for it, and you didn't +care whether it was worth what you paid or not. What you bought is +yours, and there's no gainsaying that. I suspected there was somethin' +more'n wood on that land when I went to pay Massie the money, for when +he found that I had the full amount, he offered to pay me my price for +the wood-lot, and when I told him I'd sold it, he offered to give me the +whole mortgage just for that piece of land." + +"There!" exclaimed Ralph, as if Mr. Simpson had just told him something +which it was to his advantage to hear. "Now you can see why we should +give you one-third of the land. If you had come to us then, and told us +that you had a better offer for it, we should have been only too well +pleased to give it up. Now, if what Bob says is true, you shall still +own a third of the lot." + +Mr. Simpson shook his head, to show he would not permit of such +generosity, and Ralph did not care to discuss the matter any further, +for he and George had already decided what to do. + +"If what Bob says is true!" cried Jim. "Why, there's no question about +it, for there the oil is where you can see it for yourself." + +"Still, it may not turn out as he expects," objected Ralph, as if +determined not to believe in his good fortune; and the moonlighters, +really angry at such obstinacy, refused to argue with him any longer. + +They insisted that Mr. Simpson should go with them to see the fortune +that had been his, without his being aware of the fact, and while they +were away Bob returned. + +He had two men with him, who appeared as intent on business as Bob did, +for all three walked past Ralph without speaking, going directly into +the wood-lot. + +During fully an hour, Ralph sat on the wood-pile, wondering if it could +be possible that he was wrong in refusing to believe what all the others +seemed so certain of, and then Bob and the men came back, accompanied by +Mr. Simpson and the two moonlighters, all looking as if they could +hardly contain themselves because of joy. + +"We will start the engine and lumber right up here, Mr. Hubbard," said +one of the men, as he passed Ralph, "and you can send for what you want, +with the understanding that the owners of the land will ratify all your +bargains." + +"Well, as for that, you can judge for yourselves, so far as one of the +owners is concerned; the other is not able to transact any business," +said Bob, turning suddenly toward Ralph, and, greatly to that young +gentleman's surprise, saying, "Gentlemen, this is Mr. Ralph Gurney, who +owns one-half the property, as Mr. Simpson has told you." + +"You are a very fortunate young man," said the gentleman who had been +speaking with Bob. "You authorize Mr. Hubbard to act for you, I +suppose?" + +"Yes, sir," replied Ralph, too much dazed to know exactly what he was +saying. + +"There! what did I tell you?" cried Bob, as Jim drove away with the men, +in order to bring the team back. "They will supply everything we need to +open the well, and simply because they have seen what you did not think +was of very much account. I have hired the men to build the derrick, and +before you go to bed to-night you will have seen the work begun on your +oil well." + +"But, Bob," asked Ralph, in a tone that was almost piteous, and which +sounded so comical, under the circumstances, that even Mr. Simpson +laughed heartily at it, "do they think the same about it that you do?" + +"Well, you heard what was said about supplying anything we needed, and +people don't say such things, even up this way, unless they mean them. +Now we shall need some considerable money, and I advise you to write to +your father, telling him of what you own, and asking him to come on here +prepared to help you. If he won't do it I can get all the money we need; +but we shall have to pay considerable for the use of it." + +Ralph made no objection, nor advanced any further argument; he was in +that condition of mind when he was not capable of any resistance, and he +obeyed Bob's orders as meekly as if there was no way by which he could +refuse. + +Ralph's letter was by no means one of such glowing description as Bob +would have written. It was a plain statement of facts, begun by an +account of how he and George came to buy the property, of the chase for +the thieves, when they had their first intimation of the value of the +property, of the accident to George, of Bob's discovery, and lastly of +the opinion of the Bradford merchants, who were ready to supply, on +credit, everything which was necessary for the opening of the well. + +When the letter was read to Bob in its entirety, he did not disapprove +of it, nor was he very much pleased. All he ventured to say was: + +"It is lucky for you, Gurney, that the oil showed up so plainly that +those who know a gold dollar when they see it were not so frightened +about giving credit as you are about stating facts." + +Then Dick was sent to Sawyer to post the letter, and while he was away +the workmen whom Bob had engaged had arrived. + +Ralph went with him when he directed them to clear away for the erection +of the derrick and engine-house, and by the time the first load of +lumber had arrived, he had begun to feel the effects of the oil fever. + +The preparations going on everywhere around, the comments of the workmen +as they saw the show of oil, the ringing blows of axes, and shouts of +the teamsters, all lent an air of realism to Bob's words which Ralph had +failed to see or feel before. + +It was for him, even though it had been against his wishes, that all +these men were working, and for him would accrue the profits, if indeed +there were any. + +Bob had been as good as his word; before Ralph went to bed that night he +had seen the work begun, and already was he beginning to feel that +perhaps all Bob's predictions might be verified. + + + + +CHAPTER XXVI. + +DRILLING AN OIL WELL. + + +There was no material change in George's condition on the morning after +work had been begun on the oil well. The physicians declared that he was +getting along as well as could be hoped for, and the nurse gave it as +her opinion that he would recover much sooner than any one had believed. +Therefore, the boys were not troubled about their friend more than might +be expected. + +On this day, work was begun on the derrick, and, as may be imagined, all +the boys were on the spot to see it, Ralph's belief in the success of +the venture growing stronger and stronger as the framework arose in the +air. + +On the third day George's mother arrived, and the boys were thus +relieved of all responsibility, so far as the care of their friend was +concerned. + +It was on the evening of the same day that Mrs. Harnett came that +Ralph's father arrived. + +After receiving his son's letter, he had thought the matter of +sufficient importance, somewhat to Ralph's surprise, to warrant his +paying a visit to the oil fields, and had written to Ralph to meet him +at Bradford. + +Despite the fact that Bob could borrow on the strength of the property +as much money as he needed to carry on the work, he was very anxious to +convince Mr. Gurney of the value of his scheme, and on the day when that +gentleman was to arrive, insisted that Ralph should go to Bradford with +him early in the afternoon, in order that he might be able to arrange +with the gentlemen of whom they were purchasing their supplies to meet +Mr. Gurney, and tell him exactly what they thought of the proposed well. + +Thanks to Bob's activity, Mr. Gurney was able to see all those who had +inspected the property on that same evening, and was considerably +surprised by these interviews. + +After receiving Ralph's letter, he had thought that possibly the boys +might have a site for a well which would pay to open, and he had come on +believing that it was not a matter of very great importance. + +When he had been introduced to Bob, and had heard that young gentleman's +flowery description of the vast amount of wealth which was only waiting +to be brought to the surface of the earth, he was disposed to look upon +it as a visionary scheme, the value of which only existed in the +moonlighter's mind. + +Bob had been accustomed to have his statements received in that same +way, and for that reason had arranged for Mr. Gurney to meet those whose +judgment he could fully rely upon. + +These gentlemen assured him that the well promised to be a rich one; +that the signs of oil were remarkably good, and that they had no +hesitation in agreeing with Bob, as they had done, to supply anything +which might be needed to open the well. + +Thus, even before he had seen the property, Mr. Gurney believed that his +son was in a fair way to enrich himself through his deed of charity. + +In the present crowded condition of the Simpson farm-house Mr. Gurney +could find no accommodations for living there, and, since he was to +remain in Bradford, the boys had made their arrangements to remain there +also over night, in order that they might take him out to the oil-well +early in the morning. + +On the following day, Mr. Gurney drove out to look at the property. He +saw that the work was well under way, and heard sufficient from the +workmen to convince him of the fact that every one who had seen the +place believed a well would yield plentifully. + +Mr. Gurney's business would not permit of his remaining in the oil +region but one day, and when Ralph drove him to the depot that night, he +gave him formal permission to draw on him at sight for all necessary +expenses. + +After this, had it been possible, Bob would have hurried the work still +faster along, but he had already urged matters on as fast as possible, +and all he could do was to insist on Ralph, Jim and Dick doing as much +work as one of the laborers, he setting the example. + +The days went on all too short for the work that each one wanted to see +done, and wearily for the invalid, who was beginning slowly to recover. +The fever had abated, and with the doctor's permission, the boys had an +interview with their friend, who had descended within the shadows of the +Valley of Death. + +On the night when the derrick was completed, the engine placed and +housed, and the drills in position, ready for work, Bob and Ralph had a +long and heated discussion as to whether George should be told of what +was being done. + +Bob insisted that he should know nothing about it until the day on which +they struck oil, while Ralph argued that if it was such a certainty that +oil would be found, George should be allowed to share in the pleasure of +digging for it. + +Already had the young engineer begun to worry about the loss his +business would sustain because of his illness, and although he had not +spoken of it, Ralph fancied he could see that he was also troubled about +the expense which he must necessarily be under. + +All this, Ralph argued, would be taken from George's mind if he was told +of what was being done, and after a long discussion, Bob agreed that the +important news should be told on the following day, provided the +physician agreed that the patient would not suffer from the excitement. + +On the following morning, all the boys were at the proposed well before +any of the workmen arrived, in order that they might see the drills +enter the ground, and by the time that important ceremony was over, it +was time for the physician to make his morning call. + +When he did come, Ralph told him just what he thought George had on his +mind, in the way of trouble, and then stated what it was he proposed +doing, in case there was no objection to it. + +"Not the slightest objection, my boy," said the medical gentleman, +heartily. "Good news seldom kills, and from what I learn, it is only +that which you have to tell. I think, as you do, that it will benefit +the patient, and you have my permission to unfold your budget of news +after I have dressed his wounds." + +Half an hour later, the doctor had left the house, and Ralph and Bob +entered the invalid's room, as they had every morning since he had been +able to recognize them. + +In reply to their usual inquiry as to how he felt, George said, +gloomily: + +"I should feel all right if I only had a little more strength. It is +hard to know that I shall have to lie here a long time, simply waiting +to get strong, and all the business I had succeeded in getting, done by +some one else. But perhaps I couldn't have kept what I had after that +scrape about the glycerine." + +"All that is settled, George," said Ralph. "I persuaded them to call +your case the next day after you were hurt, when Bob's case came on. He +and Jim and I told the story exactly as it was, and you were acquitted, +while he was fined ten dollars. I should have told you before, but that +we were afraid of exciting you." + +"Such excitement would do me good rather than harm," said George, with a +smile, "for I have worried about that every day I have been here." + +"Then I will give you more of the same sort, only better," replied +Ralph, with a meaning look at Bob. "The day after you were hurt, we +hunted for the oil, and Bob found it just----" + +"I should say we did find it," interrupted Bob, excitedly, and despite +Ralph's warning looks. "It is the richest spot you ever saw, and there's +a thousand-barrel well there, if there's a drop." + +George opened his eyes wide with astonishment, and then closing them +wearily, he said: + +"I'm willing to take your word for it that you found signs of oil; but I +would rather hear what some one else thought as to the size of the +well." + +"You shall hear," cried Bob, growing more excited, and forgetting all +caution. "I brought Dodd and Mapleson out here, and after they had +looked at it, they said they were willing to advance everything for the +opening. Then we commenced work----" + +"You commenced work?" cried George, attempting to raise himself in the +bed, and falling back from sheer exhaustion. + +"Yes, George," said Ralph, as he motioned Bob to remain quiet. "Every +one said we'd be sure to strike oil, and Bob has started it for you. He +had nothing to do for a while, and he wanted to surprise you. I sent for +father, and after he had talked with some of the men, he told us we +might draw on him for what money we needed." + +George lay perfectly still and looked at Ralph as if he could not +believe that which he heard, and Bob, forgetting himself again, cried +out: + +"The derrick's already built, the engine's up, and we commenced drilling +this morning. I tell you what it is, Harnett, before you're able to get +around again, we'll have a thousand-barrel well flowing that you can +call your own; and, as for engineering, why, you needn't worry your head +about that any more, for you'll have all the money you want." + + + + +CHAPTER XXVII. + +"THE HARNETT." + + +It surely seemed as if the good news which Ralph and Bob had imparted to +him was all that was needed to cause George's rapid improvement. From +the day when they had told him of what they had done and were doing, his +recovery was so rapid that at the end of a week he was sufficiently +strong to sit up a short time each day, and the physician predicted that +in another week he would be able to take a walk out of doors. + +Meantime, the work at the well had progressed most favorably. There had +been no serious breakages, no vexatious delays, no trouble of any +important character. In fact, the workmen expressed it as their +conviction that it would be a "lucky well," because of the singular +freedom from accidents with which the entire work had been attended. Bob +was in the highest possible state of excitement all the time. Each +morning he anticipated that they would have some trouble which would +delay them, when he was anxious to have the work completed as soon as +possible, and each night, after matters had gone on smoothly, he held +forth to George and Ralph of the wonderful "luck" they had had, which +must be taken as an augury of that which was to come. + +Ralph divided his time equally between George and the scene of +operations. In the early morning, he would walk out to the well, stay +there an hour, and then return to report progress, continuing his +alternate visits to the well and the invalid, until George knew as much +of what was going on as if he had superintended it. + +Now, every oil well is christened with some name, which is supposed to +be suggestive of the manner in which it has been discovered, or to do +honor to some person who may or may not be interested in it; therefore, +it is not to be supposed that a name for this pet of Bob's had not been +discussed even before work had been begun on it. + +Each one of the boys had proposed some appellation, Bob's favorite being +"The Invalid," in honor of George, and because, as he said, it had +really had a chance of an existence through Harnett's illness, for he +stoutly contended that had the senior owner been well, he would have +been so cautious about opening it on credit, that all of them would have +grown gray-headed before they saw it flowing. + +Jim and Dick thought that, since Bob had really been the one to open it, +in case oil was struck, it should be called "The Moonlighter," in honor +of the one who had done all the work, when there was no chance that he +could be benefited by its success. + +George wanted to call it "The Gurney," and his suggestion gave to Bob +and Ralph just the name the well should bear in case it answered their +expectations in regard to its yield. + +"We will call it 'The Harnett,'" said Ralph, more decidedly than he had +yet said anything in regard to the "scheme," and since Bob was in favor +of this, it came to be considered a settled fact that that should be the +name. After that conversation, old Mr. Simpson never spoke of it save as +"The Harnett," and the boys soon learned to follow his example, until +even George gave it that title. + +Work went on rapidly, until the drills were boring eight hundred feet +below the surface, and it was hourly expected that bed-rock would be +struck, when George broached to Ralph a matter he had had on his mind +from the hour he first learned that "The Harnett" was being opened. + +"Do you remember, Ralph, what we said about giving Mr. Simpson a share +in the land if oil was found there?" he asked, when Ralph came in to +tell him that the rock had not been struck, but that Bob believed it +would be before night. + +"Yes, and I still think we ought to do so," replied the junior partner, +quickly. "After he had taken our money, Massie offered to give up the +whole of the mortgage for a deed of the wood-lot, and he refused, for he +considered himself bound to us, even though he knew we only bought it to +help him along." + +"And what about Bob?" asked George, meaningly. "What he says about our +hesitating to begin work before we had money of our own to carry it +through, is nearly true, and if oil is struck there we shall have him to +thank for it." + +"I know that, and I have been meaning to talk with you about it. Why +can't we give Mr. Simpson and him an equal share with us? I think they +really ought to have it." + +"So do I, and my proposition is that we give to each of them an +undivided fourth of the entire property, they to share equally with us +in everything." + +"And I agree to that fully," replied Ralph, quickly. "I have wanted to +propose something of the kind, but was afraid you wouldn't agree to it, +because of Bob's being a moonlighter, and having given you so much +trouble." + +"But if 'The Harnett' is a success, we must attribute it all to the +trouble Bob made for us. If the team hadn't been stolen we should not +have been in Bradford to meet Mr. Simpson, and if it hadn't been for the +theft we never should have imagined that there was any oil on the +property. Besides, if Bob owns an interest here, you'll find that he +won't do any more moonlighting." + +"Well," said Ralph, anxious that their good intentions should be carried +into effect as soon as possible, "when shall we give them their share? +Now, or after we find whether there is oil in 'The Harnett?'" + +"Now. You drive right into town, have the deeds made out, and bring them +here so that I can sign them with you." + +It was early in the day, and Ralph would have plenty of time to make all +the arrangements and yet be back before the drilling ceased, unless, of +course, the rock was struck almost immediately. Therefore he started at +once, refusing to answer any of the questions which Mr. Simpson and Bob +put to him as to what had called him in town so suddenly. + +Of course neither of those whom he had left in an aggravated suspense +could have any idea of his errand, and his sudden reticence after he had +been in the habit of telling them all he was going to do, mystified them +considerably, Bob in particular being greatly exercised over it. + +"I hope Gurney hasn't got on his ear about anything," he said, to +George, after he had watched Ralph drive away. "He's gone into town as +glum as a judge, and won't say a word." + +"What makes you think there is anything the matter?" asked George, with +a smile. "Have you and he been having any trouble?" + +"Not that I know of, except that he might have got cross when he was at +the well, and thought I ought to have treated one of the proprietors +with a little more deference. I was helping set the drills when he came +out last, and I'm not sure but that I spoke sharply when I answered his +questions; but I didn't intend to." + +"I guess there's nothing the matter with him," said George, rather +enjoying the moonlighter's perplexity, knowing how soon it would be +ended. "You probably were a trifle cross, when he was there, and, being +guilty, fancied that he spoke or acted differently from usual." + +"I didn't fancy it, for he was queer. I asked him where he was going, +and so did Mr. Simpson; but he wouldn't answer either of us." + +"I'll find out what the trouble is when he comes back, and let you +know," replied George. + +And with this answer, Bob went back to his work, thinking it very +singular that Ralph, who had always been so good-natured, should have +suddenly become so crusty. + +Twice during the remainder of the forenoon, Bob came to the house with +some trifling excuse for so doing, but really to learn if Ralph had +returned; and while he was there the last time, talking with George +about the probabilities of striking sand or gravel rock, the junior +partner returned. + +He had with him some official-looking documents, and, as he entered the +house, he said to Bob, speaking quite sharply without any intention of +so doing, and yet resolving all the moonlighter's suspicions into +certainties: + +"I want some witnesses to George's signature. Will you bring Mr. +Simpson, Jim and Dick here?" + +Bob arose silently to comply with the request, looked at Ralph +wonderingly and reproachfully an instant, and then left the room. + +While he was absent, George told his friend of the moonlighter's +trouble, and the two were making merry over it, when he returned with +the witnesses Ralph had asked for. + +The papers were handed to George, who signed both of them, and then +asked Jim and Dick to sign their names as witnesses to his signature. +Ralph had already signed them while in town. + +Then, purposely taking considerable time about it, Ralph examined the +documents as if to make sure that all was correct, and said: + +"Mr. Simpson, after George and I learned there was a chance that oil +would be found on your wood-lot, we agreed that you should share equally +with us in whatever might come of it. For that purpose I went into town, +and have had a deed drawn up, giving you an equal share with us." + +"But I don't want none of it," said the old man, in a trembling voice, +while there was a suspicious moisture in his eyes. "I sold the land to +you as I'd a' sold it to anybody else, and whatever's there you own." + +"But the deed is made out now, and there is no use for you to protest +against it," said George; and, without giving the old man time to reply, +he added, as he turned to Ralph: "Now I understand that there has been +some trouble between you and Bob, or he fancies there has." + +Bob motioned to George to be silent; but it was too late, and Ralph +said: + +"The only trouble is that I chose to go away this morning without +telling him where I was going. Then I owned one-half of the wood-lot, +with all there is or may be on it, and since it was the last time I +should have the right to do anything regarding it without his knowledge, +I refused to tell him where I was going. But now that he owns an equal +share with you, Mr. Simpson and me, he will have a perfect right to +question me." + +Bob looked up in blank amazement, but made no attempt to speak, and +after waiting several moments, during which no one save the two original +partners seemed to understand the situation, Ralph said, as he handed +Bob one of the documents: + +"Believing that but for you 'The Harnett' would not have been opened, at +least for some time, we have thought it best to divide the property into +fourths, one of which belongs to you." + +Perhaps for the first time in his life, Bob was unable to make any +reply, and he walked quickly out of the room to the wood-pile, where he +sat for some time as if trying to make himself believe that what Ralph +had said was true. + + + + +CHAPTER XXVIII. + +RED ROCK. + + +The idea that Ralph and George would voluntarily give him a portion of +what he considered to be very valuable property, was the farthest +thought from Bob's mind. He had gone to work to open the well simply +because he was anxious to prove to those who had declared he knew +nothing about it, that there was a large deposit of oil where he had +always insisted there must be. If any one had said to him that he was +entitled to any considerable reward because he had given up his own +business to improve the value of his friend's property, he would have +said truly that he had not neglected his own business, since just at +that time there was no work for moonlighters to do. + +He had started in on the work with no idea of being paid for his +services, although if oil was found, and he had needed any small amount +of money, he would not have hesitated to ask for it. The work had been +begun by him upon the impulse of the moment, and this making him an +equal owner in the well, simply because of what he had done, surprised +him even more than it did any one else. + +It was after he had been sitting on the wood-pile long enough to +understand why this property had been given him, reading first the deed, +and then looking toward the wood-lot, where he could hear the sounds of +activity, that he entered the house, where both his old and his new +partners were discussing, as they had ever since the work had begun, the +probabilities of finding oil. + +"I tell you what it is, boys," he said to George and Ralph, "this thing +ain't just straight. You've got no right, in the first place, to give +away a quarter of that property before you know what it's worth, and +then, again, if you paid me ten times over for what I've done, it +wouldn't amount to this. Now, if you think you'd feel better to pay me +for my work, take back this deed, and so long as I have charge of 'The +Harnett,' give me one barrel in every twenty you take out. That will be +mighty big pay, and a good deal more than I am worth." + +"But I suppose you'd be glad to own a portion of a well, Bob, and +especially as big a one as you insist this is going to be," said George. + +"So I would like to own one, and I'd rather have this one quarter, so +far as money goes, than half of any well I know of. But you see this +don't belong to me, for I haven't earned it, and you haven't the right +to give away so much." + +"But we have given it away, and you can't insist upon the size of the +gift, because none of us know whether, instead of being a benefit, it +will not saddle a debt on you of one quarter of the expense of sinking +the well," said Ralph. + +"I know that it won't!" cried Bob, earnestly, "and so do we all, for +we're sure of striking a big flow." + +"Well, Bob, you've got the deed," interrupted George, "and since we want +to make you one of the owners of 'The Harnett,' we'll say to you as we +did to Mr. Simpson--you've got the deed, and you can't help yourself." + +Bob made no further reply; but five minutes later the boys saw him and +Mr. Simpson perched high up on the wood-pile, talking very earnestly +about something, which they quite naturally concluded was the gift they +had just received, and on commenting upon it, Mrs. Harnett, although she +knew there was very little necessity for it, advised the boys to insist +upon the acceptance of the gift, for she believed both the recipients +deserved what they considered such good fortune. + +Both Ralph and George were perfectly satisfied with what they had done, +and in an hour after the presentation, all the partners were discussing +the chances of striking oil, much as they had every day before when two +of them had no idea they were to become part owners. + +The doctor's visits had grown less frequent since George had begun to +recover so rapidly, and it had been three days since he had seen the +patient. + +George had insisted that he was perfectly able to walk as far as "The +Harnett," and would have done so had not his mother and his friends +urged so strongly for him to wait until he should see the doctor again. + +It was on this day, just after George had eaten what any one would +consider a hearty dinner for an invalid, that the physician called, and +almost as soon as he appeared, George asked his opinion about his taking +a little out-door exercise. + +"I see no reason why you should not do so," replied the doctor, +"providing you may be trusted to act as your own physician, and come in +before you get tired." + +This George was positive he would be able to do, and almost before the +doctor had left the house, he was planning a visit to "The Harnett," but +that his mother objected to at once, since it would be impossible for +him to ride, and it would be much too long a walk. + +He was anxious to see the work, but, under the pressure of advice from +all his friends, he consented to defer seeing "The Harnett" until later, +and take a ride with Ralph instead. The horses were harnessed into his +own carriage, which was made even more comfortable than ever by a +profusion of Mrs. Simpson's pillows, and, assisted by all, the invalid +started for his first out-door exercise since the murderous assault upon +him. + +George wanted to drive through Sawyer, for since he had been cleared of +the charge against him, he was anxious to meet his friends there, and +Ralph willingly drove in that direction. + +Upon arriving at the town, there was every reason to fear that he would +not get as his own physician, as the doctor advised, for he was warmly +welcomed by every one, whether stranger or friend, until his reception +was a perfect ovation. Over and over again was he thanked for the +assistance he had rendered during the conflagration, and the +congratulations on his recovery poured in on every side. + +Among the cordial welcomes he received, none was more hearty than that +from the officer who had arrested him the night he was starting in +pursuit of the horse-thieves, and from him Ralph and George heard some +news which interested them. + +The men who had committed the assault were in the jail at Bradford, +awaiting their examination, which was to take place as soon as their +victim's recovery was certain, and the officer asked when George would +be able to appear as a witness. + +The senior owner of "The Harnett" had no desire, even then, that these +men should be punished, but since the matter was one in which he could +have no choice, and since he would be obliged to attend the examination, +he declared that he could go at as early a date as might be set. + +Evidently anxious to have the matter off his hands as soon as possible, +the officer said: + +"Then if you feel able to drive into town to-morrow, we will hold the +examination. It will not take very much of your time, and if in the +morning you do not feel able to attempt it, don't hesitate to send me +word, and it shall be postponed." + +"I don't think there is any doubt but that I shall be here," said +George. + +And then, after bidding the kindly-disposed officer good-by, he +confessed to Ralph that he should be obliged to return home. + +The meeting with so many in town had tired him more than the ride of two +hours could have done, and Ralph began to blame himself for having +permitted him to stay so long, even though he could hardly have +prevented it if he had tried. + +But during the ride back, the weary look on the invalid's face +disappeared under the refreshing influence of the quiet drive, and by +the time they turned into the lane which led to the Simpson farm-house, +he looked quite as bright as when he started. + +The lane was nearly a quarter of a mile long, and when they first +entered it, Ralph was aware that something unusual had occurred, and he +trembled lest some accident had happened, but as soon as he could +distinguish them more plainly, he understood that the gathering was +caused by joy more than sorrow. + +Bob, Jim and Dick were standing in front of the house, surrounded by +some of the workmen from the well, and Mr. and Mrs. Simpson were +hurrying from one to the other, much as if they were serving out +refreshments. + +"What can be the matter?" asked Ralph, anxiously, as he hurried the +horses along. "Do you suppose they have struck oil already?" + +"No, that couldn't be possible," replied George. "I rather fancy that +Bob and Mr. Simpson are celebrating the happy event of being admitted to +the ownership of the well." + +Ralph was satisfied that such was the case, and he pulled the horses in, +unwilling to arrive at a scene where he feared he might be obliged to +listen to thanks for what they had done. + +Before many minutes, however, the boys could see that those at the house +were shouting to them, and when they arrived within hearing distance, +they recognized Bob's voice, as he shouted: + +"Bed-rock! bed-rock!" + +And then went up a shout from all that was nearly deafening. + +"They have got through to the rock," cried George, his pale face +flushing with excitement. + +And in a moment the carriage was surrounded by partners and workmen, as +each one tried to tell the good news that the drills had struck the rock +at a depth of eight hundred and forty feet. + +"What have you found?" asked George, as soon as he could make himself +heard. + +"Sandstone," replied Bob, "and we shall be obliged to try glycerine." + +"The moonlighters will open the moonlighter's well!" cried Dick, as if +an immense amount of sport was to be had from such an operation. + +"Indeed the moonlighters shall have nothing to do with it," replied Bob, +with no small show of dignity, and to the great surprise of all. +"There'll be no sneaking around to shoot this well, I can promise you +that, for we'll have her opened in the daylight, squarely, or not at +all." + +Jim and Dick could hardly believe that which they heard. That their old +partner, one of the most successful moonlighters in the oil regions, +should object to having a well, in which he had a quarter interest, +opened as he had opened wells for others, was something too incredible +to be true. There must have been some mistake about it, they thought, +and they would shoot the well by moonlight as soon as Bob should +consider the matter more fully. + +But all this time George was still in the carriage, and as soon as the +boys realized this, they began to make arrangements for helping him out, +content to wait to tell the good news more fully after he should be in +his room once more. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIX. + +THE EXAMINATION. + + +Beyond the fact that the drills had struck the rock, and that it was of +such a nature that they could not work in it, but would necessitate the +use of glycerine, but little more remained to be told after that first +announcement. + +But yet all the boys crowded into George's room and insisted on trying +to tell him something new regarding the important fact. + +The drills had struck the rock very shortly after Ralph and George had +started out, and in their rejoicing that the work was so nearly over, +Mr. and Mrs. Simpson had insisted that all hands should come to the +house, where a generous luncheon of preserves and bread and butter was +passed around in honor of the happy event. + +That was all any of them could tell, and then came the question of +shooting the well, Jim and Dick looking anxiously at their former +partner to hear him retract those words so traitorous to moonlighting +generally. + +Both Ralph and George were as glad as they were surprised to hear Bob +exclaim against having moonlighters open "The Harnett." They would have +opposed any such proposition had he made it; but since he himself +objected to it, the matter was simple enough. + +"I will drive down to town to-night and arrange with Roberts Brothers to +send a man up here to-morrow," said Bob, "and before to-morrow night we +will know just what 'The Harnett' is worth." + +"But, Bob," cried Dick, "you don't mean to say that after we have shot +the well that you're goin' to pay them more than it's worth for doin' it +no better than any of them can." + +"That's just what I do mean to tell them, my son," replied Bob, with a +mingled air of authority and patronage. + +"Why?" + +"Well, in the first place, it will avoid any trouble. In the second +place, it don't look well to be sneakin' 'round as moonlighters have to +do, and in the third place, we want 'The Harnett' opened square." + +"But you always said moonlighting was square, and that you wouldn't even +let the regular men come near a well of yours," urged Jim. + +And from his tone it was easy to understand that this opening of "The +Harnett" was a matter upon which he and Dick had quite set their hearts. + +"That was before I owned an interest in a well myself, boys," replied +Bob. "Mind you, I don't say now that moonlightin' isn't square, for I +believe it is; but when it's such a stunner of a well as this that's to +be shot, I say that it hain't best to give anybody a chance to raise a +question about it." + +It was evident to all from that moment that Bob Hubbard, the oil +producer, was to be a very different sort of a party from Bob Hubbard, +the moonlighter, and all save his old partners were delighted at the +change. + +"Then have you given up moonlightin' entirely, Bob?" asked Dick, with a +world of reproach in his voice. + +"Indeed I have," was the emphatic reply. "I'm still ready to say that +it's all right and legitimate; but I'm through with it." + +"Then, just for the sake of old times, Bob, an' seein's how we haven't +come into possession of quarter of an oil-well, let us open your well +for you," pleaded Jim. + +And all present understood that he and Dick, having been interested in +the well from the time it was first discovered, were anxious to do +something toward opening it. + +"I'll tell you how it can be done," said George, desirous of granting +Jim and Dick the very slight favor which they asked, and yet quite as +unwilling as was Bob that the work should be done in any way which could +be called illegal. "Bob can go to the torpedo people, pay them for the +charge, get the cartridges and glycerine, with the express understanding +that he is to do the work himself. That would make matters right all +around, and you can fancy that you are moonlighting again." + +It was a happy thought, this one of George's, and every one present, +even including Mr. Simpson, hailed it with joy. It was an arrangement +which would please all of them very much better than to have any +strangers doing the work, and Bob would have started at once to attend +to it, if Ralph had not stopped him by telling him of the examination +which he would be obliged to attend next day. + +"Since you will be obliged to go with us, you had better wait until +to-morrow. You can have the tubing started on the road at the same time, +and on the next day we can shoot the well," suggested George. + +Bob was not at all inclined to wait forty-eight hours when half that +time would suffice to decide whether "The Harnett" was a wonderful +success or a dismal failure; but since he would be obliged to be present +at the examination, which would occupy a portion of the day, he tried to +content himself as best he could. + +The remainder of that day was spent in discussing plans for the future, +Bob entering into a profound calculation of the amount of material they +would need to build a tank, for he was so certain they would strike oil, +that he would have had no hesitation in beginning work on the tank even +before the well was opened. + +On the following morning, George was feeling so well and looking so +bright that there could no longer be any fear he had over-exerted +himself the day before, and preparations were begun at once for the ride +into town. + +Ralph and George were to drive in with the latter's team, while the old +firm of moonlighters, with Mr. Simpson, were to go in Bob's +double-seated wagon. Everything was taken which it was thought the +invalid might need, and the party started, all of them wishing the +journey had some other motive than that of assuring punishment to +others, even though they were guilty. + +On arriving in town, they were met by the officer whom they had spoken +with the day before, and he told them, after they had found a +comfortable seat in the court-room, of all that had been learned of the +prisoners. + +Their names were William Dean and Henry Ramsdell, and they had worked +for some time in Oil City for a civil engineer there. By this means they +had learned the oil business, and had shown an especial aptitude for +prospecting. There they committed what may or may not have been their +first crime, for no one knew where they had lived before they appeared +in Oil City. They robbed their employer of nearly two hundred dollars, +and it is probable that it was after that money was spent that they had +stolen George's team. + +The examination did not last very long. George told of the theft of his +team, of his pursuing the thieves, in company with Ralph and Bob, and of +all that occurred up to the time he left his companions to go to Mr. +Simpson's for his instruments. + +"Then," he said, "when I had got nearly half way from where I had left +my friends at the house, these men stepped from among the bushes +directly in front of me, and one demanded the paper which I held in my +hand. I refused to give it to him, and as I did so, before I had time to +act on the defensive, the elder of the men struck me full in the face. +I at once began to defend myself, but it was two to one, and in a very +short time a blow on the head from some hard substance felled me to the +ground, unconscious." + +That was all George could tell, and Ralph and Bob were both called to +the stand to testify to what they knew, both of the theft of the team +and of the finding of George. + +Mr. Simpson, Jim and Dick were also ready to testify as to the condition +of George when they found him and when they carried him into the house, +but their evidence was not needed then, nor was the doctor's, who had +examined and attended the wounded youth. + +Beyond asking one or two unimportant questions of each witness, the +accused had nothing to say for themselves, or in contradiction of what +had been testified to, and the judge committed them without bail for +trial at the next term of court. + +As soon as the examination was over, Bob went to the office of the +torpedo works, and there contracted for the necessary amount of material +to "shoot" the well, and also stipulated that he be given permission to +do the work. + +At first this was refused peremptorily, on the ground that it was a +dangerous operation, and that he would probably succeed only in killing +himself. + +Bob understood at once that he was not recognized, and he asked if Mr. +Newcombe was in the building. That gentleman was in, and appeared very +shortly after he was sent for, greeting Bob as heartily as if they had +always been the best of friends rather than enemies. + +"Mr. Newcombe, I have come for an eighty-quart charge, with the +stipulation that I can work it myself in the well on the Simpson farm, +of which I own one quarter. This gentleman refuses, because he is afraid +I may kill myself. Won't you vouch for my skill in the matter?" + +"Indeed I will," was the hearty reply; "and if you will buy all your +charges in the same manner, I shall have very much less work to do." + +"I've stopped all that work now," said Bob, solemnly, "and so far as I +am concerned, you won't have another night's drive for moonlighters." + +Of course, after Mr. Newcombe's introduction, Bob had no difficulty in +gaining the desired permission, and he joined those who were waiting for +him outside, happy in the thought that, as he expressed it, "'The +Harnett' would have a chance next day to show what she could do." + + + + +CHAPTER XXX. + +LEGAL MOONLIGHTERS. + + +When the boys arrived at the Simpson farm-house, after the close of the +examination, there was very little they could do save talk over that +which was to be done on the morrow, when the value of "The Harnett" was +to be decided. + +A portion of the tubing to be used in case there was any flow of oil, +was already on the ground, and the remainder would be hauled by noon of +the next day at the latest. There were no cartridges to prepare, for the +Torpedo Company's workmen would attend to all that, delivering both the +tin cases and the glycerine ready for use. + +Everything was done that could be, and in a few hours more the casing of +rock, which might or might not cover a large deposit of oil, would be +blown out. + +As sanguine as Bob had been from the first that a large yield of oil +would be found, he was exceedingly nervous now that the time for the +question to be settled was near at hand. Not but that he was still as +positive as ever that they should strike oil, but he began to fear that +it might not be found in such quantity as he had imagined. + +He would talk for a few moments with the boys, then find some pretext +for going to the well, over which a guard had been set to prevent any +evil-disposed parties from tampering with it, and once there he was +quite as eager to get back to his partners as he had been to leave them. +In fact, he was in the highest degree nervous, and had not the others +been afflicted in a similar way, they would have noticed his condition. + +Mr. Simpson was in such a disturbed mental condition that he went about +his work in a dazed sort of way, until his wife insisted on his sitting +on the wood-pile, where if he did no good he could at least do no harm, +while she did the chores for him. + +On hearing Bob say, for at least the tenth time since he returned from +town, that everything was all right at the well, the old man did "pull +himself together" sufficiently to do the milking, and then no sooner had +he performed that task than he forgot what he had done, and tried to do +the whole work over again, remembering his previous accomplishment only +when one of the cows kicked the empty pail over, and very nearly served +him in the same way. + +Jim and Dick were not as anxious regarding the yield of the well; +therefore, they were in a state of excitement only because they were to +be at what would be very nearly their old moonlighting tricks again, and +were simply impatient for the time to come when they could be at work. + +They spent their time sitting on a rather sharp rail of the fence, +bemoaning Bob's obstinacy in not having the well shot in regular +moonlighter's fashion, without being so weak-kneed as to buy the right +to do simply what no one ought to be allowed to prevent him from doing. + +Ralph and George were inwardly as excited as any one else, but outwardly +very much more calm. They sat in the latter's room, talking over the +prospects of striking a goodly quantity of oil, while, despite all they +could do, the conversation would come around to what the result would be +in case "The Harnett" proved to be a dry well. They knew that all the +bills had been contracted in their names, since they were the sole +owners at the time the work was commenced, and in case of a failure, +they would find themselves burdened with such a load of debt that it +would take them a very long time to clear it off. + +Even at that late hour they regretted that Bob had commenced to sink the +well, and it is extremely probable that if it had been possible to undo +all that had been done, leaving the land exactly as it was before the +signs of oil were discovered, they would gladly have agreed to forego +all their dream of wealth. + +Whether Mrs. Harnett and Mrs. Simpson also suffered from suspense that +evening it is hard to say; but certain it is that they were more silent +than usual, and the former sewed remarkably fast, while the latter's +knitting-needles clicked with unusual force. + +It was a trying time for all in that house. Had it been daylight, when +they could have been at work, the hours would not have seemed nearly as +long; but, in the evening, the time passed so slowly that it almost +seemed as if there was a conspiracy of the clocks, and that their hands +were only moving about half as fast as they should have done. + +Then came the night, when every one went to bed and tried to sleep; but +three in that household succeeded very badly, and who those three were +may be very easily imagined. + +Next morning, every one was up so early that the hens were frightened +from their roosts half an hour before their regular time, and the +breakfast had been eaten fully an hour before it was customary to begin +to prepare it. + +George showed the effects of his anxiety very plainly, and had his +mother not feared the suspense would be worse for him than the fatigue, +she would have tried to induce him to remain in the house instead of +going to the well as had been agreed upon. + +Bob, who had visited the scene of operations before breakfast, again +announced that "everything was all right," and that one more load of +tubing would give them sufficient. + +Under the pretext that there were a great many things which it was +necessary for him to attend to, while everyone knew he was simply +inventing work for the purpose of hiding his anxiety, he insisted that +Ralph, Jim and Dick should help George out to the well when he was ready +to come, and then he hurried away. + +The charge would not be exploded until nearly noon, and on the night +before it had been agreed that George should not venture out until a +short time before the decisive moment; but now that the time was so near +at hand, he could not remain in the house, and the result was that his +mother and Ralph agreed he should go at once. + +An easy chair was carried out in the grove, and placed at a safe +distance from the well, but where he could have a good view of what was +going on. Then, with Ralph at one side, Dick at the other, Mrs. Simpson +ahead, carrying a foot-stool and a fan, and his mother in the rear, with +a bottle of salts and an umbrella, the cortege started, its general +dignity sadly marred when the party were obliged to climb the fence. + +Bob was nowhere to be seen when the invalid and his attendants arrived +at the reserved seat, but before he was comfortably seated the +superintendent came up with another announcement that "everything was +all right," and aided them in disposing of George. + +He was comfortably seated under a large tree, with Mrs. Harnett and Mrs. +Simpson on either side of him, and, so far as could be judged, was quite +as well off there as he would have been in the house. Once he was where +he could see what was going on, and viewing the works for the first +time, the haggard look left his face, thus showing the wisdom of his +friends in not preventing him from coming when he wanted to. + +The first arrival, after the spectators had assembled, was the last load +of tubing, and Bob's only trouble was, or he professed that it was, that +they would lose so much oil before they could make arrangements for +storing it. + +As the time went on, Bob was the only one who had anything to do, and +those who watched him insisted that he simply did the same work over and +over again. + +Finally, when every one began to fear that the Torpedo Company had +entirely forgotten their contract, a wagon, similar to the one owned by +Bob, drove up with the long tin tubes on the uprights, and the box +evidently stored with the dangerous liquid. + +In an instant the moonlighters were changed boys. All their nervousness +or listlessness was gone, and in its place a bustling, consequential air +that was almost ludicrous. + +All three of the boys helped unload the wagon, and when the driver +attempted to do his share, they plainly told him that all he would be +allowed to do was to fasten his horses, if he wanted to see the +operation, or to drive away if he was not interested in it. He chose the +latter course, and, save for the workmen, the party most interested in +"The Harnett" were left alone. + +Bob critically examined the cartridges, making many unfavorable +comparisons between them and the ones he had been in the habit of +making, and then began the work of fastening the reel to the derrick, as +well as setting the upright in position, which served as a guide to the +rope that was to lower the cartridges in position. + +When that was done--and the moonlighters did not hurry in their work, +anxious as they had been before, for they were determined that this last +shot of theirs should be a perfect success--the more delicate task of +filling the cartridges was begun. + +There were four of these, each capable of holding twenty quarts, and the +spectators were not wholly at their ease, as can after can of the +explosive fluid was poured into these frail-looking vessels, even though +the moonlighters handled it much more carefully than Ralph had seen them +handle that which had been used at the Hoxie well, on the famous night +when Mr. Newcombe guarded their hut for them. + +As each tube was filled, the boys lowered it into position in the well, +and the nervous anxiety which had assailed them the night before again +took possession of Ralph and George. + +At last everything was ready for the launching of the iron bolt, which +was to call into activity the explosive mass, that was to shatter the +rock under which it was hoped the oil was concealed. The moment had come +when the value or worthlessness of "The Harnett" was to be decided. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXI. + +THE SHOT. + + +It is barely possible that when Bob stood over the aperture with the +iron poised in his hands which was to be the means of opening to them +the mystery of the well, there was just a shade of fear at his heart +that he had been mistaken in the signs, and that an upward rush of +water, would be all that would follow the explosion. + +His partners noted a look of almost painful hesitation on his face for +an instant, and, then, as it vanished, he dropped the go-devil, +retreating to where the group of anxious watchers were gathered around +George's chair. + +The seconds that followed the dropping of the iron were wonderfully long +ones, and it seemed as if each one present ceased to breathe, as the +time had come when the value or worthlessness of the well was to be +decided. + +Then was heard three distinct reports, somewhat louder than had been +heard at the Hoxie well, because of the charge being nearer the surface +of the earth, and this was followed by the black, noisome vapor that +wreathed slowly around the aperture as if sent by the demons of the +earth to keep back those venturesome mortals who would seek to penetrate +their secrets. + +No one spoke, and each eye was riveted upon the mouth of the well, to +read there the story which was soon told. First came a shower of water, +breaking into drops as it reached the surface, sparkling in the sun like +diamonds, and then uprose, not slowly and waveringly as Ralph had seen +it once before, but shooting quickly in the air, a transparent, greenish +column of oil, that broke amid the timbers of the derrick, shattering +into splinters the smaller joists and scattering them in every +direction. + +It was clearly and unmistakably oil, not in any small quantity, or sent +with any slight force; but a discharge which, from its volume and +intensity, showed how vast was the reservoir from which it had come, how +great the strength of confined gas that sent it heavenward. + +For nearly five minutes the spectators sat watching the flow of oil +which told of the value of "The Harnett," until Bob broke the spell that +bound them, by shouting: + +"Hurrah for 'The Harnett!' Hurrah for petroleum!" + +In an instant all present, even including George, burst into loud shouts +of welcome to the long-confined and valuable product of the earth which +was theirs. + +During the thirty minutes that the new well spouted, congratulations +were poured in on Bob from all sides, for through his efforts had this +work been done, and without him it might have been many years before +such a scene would have been witnessed on the Simpson wood-lot. + +The partners hardly knew how to express their joy. George was quietly +happy; but the unusual brilliancy of his eyes and the flush on his +cheeks told of the deep but suppressed excitement under which he was +laboring. In that steady upward flow of oil he saw a competency for +himself and his mother, which he had not dreamed he should secure during +many long years of toil, and as he clasped her fervently by the hand, +she knew that it was of the many things this well would produce which +would add to her comfort that he was thinking. + +Old Mr. Simpson and his wife stood with clasped hands, looking at the +representation of wealth which was pouring out before them, and in their +eyes, even as they gazed, was a far-away look, as if they were thinking +of their loved ones who, when on this earth, had been deprived of many +of the necessaries of life, while wealth beyond their wildest imaginings +lay beneath their very feet. + +Ralph was laboring under the most intense excitement, which he strove +vainly to suppress. He had not, like George, been obliged to battle with +the world for those things which money can buy; but he saw before him a +course already marked out, which he had believed he would be obliged to +struggle very hard to reach. + +Now he was rich, and all those things he had desired could be his. + +Jim and Dick were loud in their demonstrations of joy that their last +shot had produced such magnificent results; but their old partner, Bob, +outstripped them all in loud rejoicings. He had demonstrated beyond the +possibility of an argument that his location of the oil belt in the +vicinity was correct, and he had done so even as against the theories of +those older and more experienced in the business than himself. + +In addition, one-quarter of all this was his, and he was what he had +long dreamed of being--an oil producer. + +The length of time which the well flowed demonstrated the fact that, if +it would not produce a thousand barrels of oil per day, the yield would +not fall far short of that, and when it finally ceased flowing, Bob was +transformed into the steady, hard-working superintendent he had been +since the work was first commenced. + +It was necessary that something be done at once to save all this oil +which was now going to waste, and he directed the workmen at once how +they should begin. + +Unknown to his partners, Bob had already made arrangements for the +building of a tank, and, as soon as the workmen were engaged with the +tubing, he started Jim off to town with a message to the contractors +that no time might be lost in getting at the work. + +Before Jim left, Ralph gave him a message which he wanted him to send to +his father. It was short, containing only these words: + + "Well just opened. Good for eight hundred barrels per day." + +On reading it, Bob insisted that the eight hundred should be changed to +one thousand, since that would probably be nearer the actual yield; but +Ralph let it remain as it was, preferring to be two hundred barrels +short of the actual yield rather than two hundred barrels over. + +Mrs. Harnett persuaded George to return to the house as soon as the +first flow had ceased; and, aided by Ralph and Mr. Simpson--for the +others were too busy to be able to help him--he went back, fancying, as +soon as he was away from the well, that he had dreamed of the wonderful +things he had seen, and that it could not be a reality. + +His friends were not certain whether he had been injured or benefited by +the excitement; but he was so thoroughly tired out when he reached his +room that he was obliged to go to bed at once, and there he fell into a +long, sweet sleep, from which he did not awaken until evening. + +As may be imagined, everything was in the greatest state of activity +around "The Harnett" during the remainder of that day and all the night, +making ready to save the oil which then was being lost, and before the +morning came, those who were working at the well decided that even Bob's +estimate of a thousand barrels was too small. + +"The Harnett" was flowing at the rate of twelve hundred barrels of oil +per day, and that represented at least as many dollars, although the +price of oil might fall much lower than it then was, when the supply +exceeded the demand. + +"If there is anybody that thinks now that the oil-belt don't extend up +this way, I should like to have them come up and take a squint at 'The +Harnett.' She's spouting like a daisy, and I knew she would, from the +first," said Bob, as he came in to breakfast next morning, after having +worked all night, his joy so great that he did not even feel the +fatigue. + +George seemed almost well on this morning, and he took his seat with the +others at the breakfast-table, much as if he was as strong as any of +them, while his looks did not belie his actions. + +"I knew you'd be well this morning," said Bob, gleefully, "for no matter +how weak you were, such a sight as you saw yesterday would put the +strength into you." + +And then the ex-moonlighter's tongue rattled on as if it had, as motive +power, a greater force than that which sent the oil up through "The +Harnett." + +Bob was as full of business as ever on this morning. By common consent, +and without the necessity of any conversation on the matter, he had been +tacitly accepted as superintendent, and it was not possible for him, +just then, to spend many idle moments. + +Already had the work on the tank been begun, and until it was finished, +"The Harnett" would be connected with an empty one, about two miles +away, the tubing being already nearly in position. + +Bob had sent, the night before, for more workmen, and he confidently +expected that by night all the product of "The Harnett" could be saved. + +Old Pete, who had acted as a sort of watchman and guard for Bob when he +was a moonlighter, had been sent for to fill a similar position at the +well, and very many schemes were in progress. + +A house was to be built for the accommodation of the workmen, and this +Bob insisted Ralph should attend to at once, as it was needed sadly. + +Mr. Simpson was charged with making a road to lead from the highway to +the well, and since George was not strong enough to do any other work, +he was made book-keeper and cashier, as well as general financier. + +Jim and Dick were both hired by the owners of "The Harnett," one to act +as general messenger and clerk to George, and the other for such +important duties as the partners might not be able to attend to. + +In fact, before sunset of the day after the well had been opened, each +one of the owners was hard at work, and when they had ceased their +labors for the day, gathering in George's room, now turned office, for a +chat, Bob rather startled them by the information that it was his +purpose to sink another well close by the house, as soon as he should +get matters straightened out at "The Harnett." + + + + +CHAPTER XXXII. + +MASSIE'S SCHEME. + + +During the following week, matters went on very smoothly at the well +newly opened on Mr. Simpson's wood-lot. + +George had continued steadily to improve, and looked quite like his old +self, so much good had prosperity done for him. His mother, recognizing +the fact that she could no longer be of service to him, and feeling not +exactly at home in the rather limited accommodations which the Simpson +house afforded, had gone home, while the three boys had settled down as +regular boarders, or, rather, guests at the Simpson farm. + +The road had been built, the house for the workmen was well under way, +and the tank completed. By having this storage place near at hand, the +value of "The Harnett" could be definitely settled, and it was found +that the well was producing a trifle over twelve hundred barrels of oil +every twenty-four hours. + +The money which Mr. Gurney had advanced had already been repaid, and it +was George's intention to settle for the machinery and tools in a few +days more, for they were all anxious to be free from debt. + +Ralph's father had replied to the telegram by a letter of +congratulation, and had promised to come up there to see the property +before Ralph's vacation had expired, for it was by no means the young +oil producer's intention to neglect his studies. While the other +partners attended to the work at the well, it was his purpose to return +to college to finish the regular course he had started on. + +It did not seem possible that, now the well was open and flowing so +freely, anything could happen to prevent them from becoming wealthy, and +that in a comparatively short time; but from this dream of fancied +security they were destined to be rather rudely awakened. + +One morning, when they were all at the well, while Bob was trying, as he +had every day since he first saw oil from "The Harnett," to convince +them of the wisdom of boring another well just outside the limits of +their own property, but on that of Mr. Simpson's, which was entirely at +their service, two men drove up directly in front of them. + +Visitors had been so plenty at the well, that neither of the partners +paid much attention to these new arrivals. Every one near there had +heard Bob Hubbard's predictions that the oil belt embraced Mr. Simpson's +property, but without believing him, and when the news went out that he +had struck a twelve-hundred-barrel well just where every one believed +there was no oil, it seemed as if the people must see it before they +could be convinced it was really there. + +Almost a constant stream of visitors had been at the well from the day +it was opened, and Bob, believing these two men had come simply to +assure themselves that what others had said was true, paid no attention +to them, but continued his argument with George, as showing how they +could open another well further down the gully that should pay as well +as this one. + +"Can we see Mr. George Harnett and Mr. Ralph Gurney?" asked one of the +men, as both advanced toward the lucky owners of "The Harnett." + +"Those are the gentlemen," said Bob, carelessly, as he pointed to George +and Ralph, and then turned away to attend to some work, believing the +visitors had only idle questions to ask. + +"And are you Robert Hubbard?" asked the second man, stepping in front of +Bob in such a manner as to prevent his leaving the place. + +"I am." + +"And this, I presume, is Mr. Daniel Simpson?" continued the man, as he +pointed to the fourth partner, who had not yet gotten over his surprise +at seeing oil flow on his land. + +"It is," said Bob, sharply. "Is there any one else around here you wish +to see? If there is, call the roll now, for we have nothing else to do +but stand up for inspection." + +"You four are all we have any business with just now, although in a few +moments we shall want to see all who are at work here," said the man who +had first spoken; and then, as he produced an official-looking document +from his pocket, he added, "Here is an injunction from the court, +restraining you from trespassing any further on this property, and from +removing anything from it. Here, also, are summonses for you to appear +in a suit for ten thousand dollars damages, brought against you by +Marcus Massie." + +"Massie!" exclaimed Bob, while the others looked at the documents in +speechless astonishment. "What have we got to do with him? We don't owe +him any money." + +"He claims that you have damaged him to the amount named by opening this +well without his knowledge or consent," replied the man. + +"Well, I like that!" cried Bob, angrily. "Of course we opened it without +his knowledge or consent, and perhaps you can tell us why it would have +been necessary to consult him about it. What has he got to do with us?" + +"Since the well is on his land, and since you have been converting the +oil to your own use, he thinks he has a great deal to do with it," +replied the second man, who looked very much like a lawyer, while the +other was evidently an officer of some kind. + +"His land!" cried George; and then all four of the partners looked at +each other in a dazed way, as if they had suddenly been deprived of the +power of speech. + +"Yes, his land," replied the lawyer. "He had a mortgage on all this +property, which he foreclosed, and he proposes to take possession of +the house at once." + +"But--but I paid that mortgage!" cried Mr. Simpson, in a trembling +voice. "I paid that mortgage, and have got it now." + +"Yes," was the quiet reply. "I understand that by some means you have +got the instrument itself in your possession, but if you had got it +because you had paid the amount due, you would have received and had +recorded a release from Mr. Massie. Have you got that?" + +"A release!" repeated the old man, in bewilderment. "I don't rightly +understand you. I paid my money and got the mortgage. Wasn't that +enough?" + +"_If_ you had paid the money," replied the lawyer, with a decided +emphasis on the first word, "you would have received a release, and that +would have been recorded with the mortgage, otherwise that instrument is +in full force." + +"But I paid it! I paid it!" wailed the old man. + +"I know you did, Mr. Simpson," said George, sternly, "and so does +Massie. This is a sharp trick on his part to force us into buying his +imaginary claim off, for he tried very hard to get hold of this property +in the first place, and would have succeeded if he had not tried to get +too much. We will consult a lawyer at once." + +"In the meantime, gentlemen," said the lawyer, "I warn you against +removing any more oil, or interfering in any way with my client's +property." + +"I don't suppose you have got an order of the court to prevent the well +from flowing, have you?" asked Bob, angrily, making what seemed such +unnecessary movements with his hands, that the lawyer stepped several +paces backward very quickly. + +"This officer will remain in charge of such property as you may own +here, since it is attached by Mr. Massie," said the lawyer, evidently +thinking it best for him to depart, and getting into the carriage with a +celerity that hardly seemed possible in one of his age. + +"Oh, he will, will he?" cried Bob, savagely. "Well, I shall stay here in +charge of him, and I promise you he won't do anything more here than the +law permits him to." + +"What _can_ we do?" asked Ralph, as the lawyer drove away, and the +officer sauntered around the premises like one who already owned them. + +"I don't know what we can do now, except to go into town and consult a +lawyer. There is no question but that Massie is trying a little sharp +practice, and if it is a possible thing, he will get the best of us," +said George. "Ralph, you and I will go into town, while Bob stays here. +I suppose we had better take Mr. Simpson with us, so that he can tell +all the particulars of paying the money." + +"We will telegraph for father," cried Ralph, as if the thought has just +occurred to him. "He is a lawyer, and he will help us through with it." + +"That's a good idea," replied George; "but we will also see a lawyer in +town, so as to know exactly what we ought to do now." + +Mr. Simpson followed Ralph and George as they went to the stable, and +from time to time he repeated half to himself, as he passed his hand +over his forehead, as if to collect his scattered senses: + +"I paid the mortgage--I paid the mortgage." + +"We know you did, Mr. Simpson, and it will be hard if we can't prove it. +At all events, he has not got possession of the property yet, and I do +not believe he ever will." + + + + +CHAPTER XXXIII. + +HOLDING POSSESSION. + + +It was a mournful-looking superintendent Bob made when his partners had +left him alone with the officer who was acting as keeper of the property +Massie had attached in pursuance of his swindling scheme. + +Bob had a wholesome dread of openly defying the law. In a case like +moonlighting, where the question of legality had never been definitely +settled, he had been prompt enough to take his chances as to whether he +was proceeding in strict accordance with, or directly against, the law; +but in the present case, where the man whom he would have been most +pleased to forcibly eject from the premises was armed with all the +powers of the court, Bob was obliged to content himself with thinking +what he would like to do. + +As the officer sat there near the engine-house, doing no more than was +absolutely his duty, Bob looked upon him as simply Mr. Massie's +representative, and the temptation to vent his anger by some act of +violence was very great. + +He restrained himself, however, from saying or doing anything that +would entangle him in the meshes of the law; but in order to preserve +this outward tranquility, he was obliged to ease his mind in some way, +which he did by actually glowering at the innocent officer as though he +would "wither him with a glance." + +Of course there was a certain amount of work which it was absolutely +necessary to do, such as caring for the oil, attending to the engine +which forced the oil into the tank, and such things as even the law +might not be able to restrain. But the work on the buildings, the +sinking of pipes in order to get a supply of gas for illuminating +purposes, extending the road from the well to the house, and all that +labor which was for the purpose of improvement of the property, was +necessarily at an end. + +Had George remained, his prudence would have dictated the discharge of +all their force of workmen who were not employed exclusively on the +well, until the question at law had been settled. But to Bob such a +course seemed too much like submitting to what was a deliberate wrong, +perpetrated under the guise of justice, and he preferred the expense, +rather than even the semblance of "backing down." + +The officer may or may not have had a disagreeable time in the pursuance +of his duty while Ralph and George were in town; but to Bob it was +certainly anything but pleasant, since he had great difficulty in not +coming to an open conflict with this personification of law, brought in +to aid fraud. + +It seemed to the ex-moonlighter as if his companions would never return, +and once at least during every ten minutes he walked toward the house, +in the hope of seeing them as they came up the lane. + +It was not until quite two hours past noon that his vigil was rewarded, +and then he saw them coming toward the house with a fourth party in the +wagon, whom he rightly conjectured was the lawyer whom they had been to +consult. + +"Well," he cried, even before they had had time to alight from the +wagon; "how have you made out?" + +"I haven't got time to tell you now," said George, hurriedly; "but you +will hear it all when we are through with what we have to do. Mr. +Hillman, the lawyer whom we consulted, and who has come out with us, +says that the first and main thing to do is to hold possession, not only +of the wood-lot, but of the farm. Massie will attempt this very +afternoon to get his men in here, as his lawyer threatened, and if he +succeeds we shall be the ones who will have to sue him, instead of his +being the outside party, as he is now." + +"Can we prevent any one from coming here?" asked Bob, quickly. + +"Certainly you can, and must," replied the lawyer. "No one can come here +without your permission until after the matter has been decided in +court, and you must be careful that no one does." + +"That settles it, then," said Bob, gleefully, as he started towards the +well. "The first thing I'll do will be to fire out that fellow Massie +has got here, and he won't be handled very tenderly either." + +"Stop!" cried the lawyer, obliged to speak very loudly, for Bob was some +distance away before he had ceased speaking. "That man has a perfect +right to be here, for he represents the court in the matter of holding +certain movable property until the suit can be decided. What you are to +do is simply to prevent unauthorized persons from gaining admittance." + +"But how is that going to help matters?" + +And Bob was again disconsolate because this revenge had been denied him. + +"I prefer to wait until Mr. Gurney can get here before I decide fully on +just what shall be done," replied Mr. Hillman. "He stands very high as a +lawyer, and his advice in the matter will be worth much more than mine." + +"Well," asked the moonlighter, impatiently, "how are we going to prevent +any one from coming on the land?" + +"That is a very easy matter. With your workmen and yourselves, you ought +to form a regular patrol at those few points at which a person could +enter, and the law will sustain you in keeping any one away, who does +not come armed with an order from the court, even though you use force." + +That was sufficient for Bob. Legally entitled to act on the offensive, +under certain circumstances, and to defend his and Mr. Simpson's +property against all save those coming in the name of the law, there was +an opportunity for him to work off some of the anger which he had found +so difficult to restrain during the forenoon. + +George and Ralph were perfectly willing to let him attend to the +defenses, they acting under his orders, and Bob set to work with a +feverish energy that boded ill for the perfecting of Mr. Massie's +scheme. + +Pete was ordered to take up his position at the entrance of the lane +which led to the Simpson house, and Mr. Simpson was detailed to see that +the negro did his duty. A stout club was all he was allowed as a weapon; +but this would be sufficient, it was thought. + +Four of the workmen, under the immediate supervision of Jim, were +stationed at the road leading to the well, and their orders were +peremptory against allowing any one to enter unless with the express +permission of Mr. Hillman, who, if any papers purporting to be orders +from the court were presented, would first examine them to learn if they +were correct. + +Four more men, under Dick, were stationed along the front of the +property, with orders to patrol the entire line, and three others were +stationed around the house, under Ralph's charge. + +Bob intended to have a personal supervision of all the points of +defense, and in order that he might move about more readily, he had one +of his horses saddled, by which means of locomotion he could visit each +of his sentries at least once every half hour. + +The officer who had been stationed at the works as keeper of the +property Massie had attached, was informed that he would be considered a +trespasser, and treated as such, if he attempted to go anywhere except +just where those articles were which he was expected to guard. + +George and the lawyer were thus left free from any duty of guarding the +place, and this Bob very wisely concluded was necessary, since they +might be obliged to go to town at any moment. + +Mrs. Simpson was set at work cooking up a quantity of food for the +defenders of the castle, and this Bob proposed to carry to them himself, +for he did not intend that one of his men should leave his post, even +for a moment. + +After all this was done, Bob had time to talk with George and Mr. +Hillman relative to the interview that had been held in town. + +Mr. Simpson had remained in the same dazed condition he had fallen into +when Massie's attorney first appeared, and had been unable to repeat a +single word of the interview he had had with the money-lender when he +paid off the mortgage, or to remember what had been done at the time. + +The records had been searched, however, and no release had been found; +therefore, it was plain that Mr. Simpson's ignorance of such matters had +caused him to neglect to ask for one. + +The probabilities were that Mr. Massie, after learning of the valuable +well which had been found on this property which might have been his had +he not tried to gain possession of the whole farm, had taken advantage +of this oversight on the part of his debtor, and, although he had been +repaid the borrowed money, intended to deny that he had ever received +it. + +That Mr. Hillman had fears of the ultimate result was shown by his +desire to consult with Mr. Gurney before taking any steps in the matter, +other than to hold possession of the property, and all the partners save +Mr. Simpson, who did not seem to be able to understand anything just +then, felt that there was a possibility that they might lose "The +Harnett" after all their labor and rejoicing. + +Bob was by no means easy in his mind when he left Mr. Hillman and George +to begin his rounds of the outposts; but he was determined that, since +all they could do was to hold possession, no one not legally entitled to +it should gain admittance to the place. + +For two hours, during which Bob had made his rounds four times, nothing +had been seen to indicate that any one had even a desire to enter the +Simpson farm, and then, while Bob was talking with the old man, trying +to force him to remember all he had done while at Mr. Massie's office, +three wagons filled with men were seen down the road coming directly +toward the place. + +There could be no question but that this was the money-lender's party +coming to take possession, and they were in larger force than any one +had anticipated. + +Riding quickly to the house, Bob ordered Ralph and his men to join Pete +and Mr. Simpson, and then he called in Dick and his men, giving these +last orders to proceed at once to support Jim, in case any of the +newcomers attempted to go that way. + +He thought, however, that the greatest trouble would be had at the lane, +and he believed he was fully prepared for it. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXIV. + +THE MISSING WITNESS. + + +Bob had hardly called the main portion of his men to the point which was +threatened by the money-lender's party, when the wagons reached the +entrance to the lane, and the occupants began to get out. + +"You cannot enter here!" cried Bob, as the first man started toward the +lane, as if he would force his way past those who were guarding the +entrance. + +"I am sent here by the owner of the property, and it is my intention not +only to go in, but to drive away those who are intruding here," replied +the man, in an offensive tone. + +"Well," cried Bob, the anger which he had kept under control with +greatest difficulty during the day now gaining the ascendancy, "it may +first be necessary for you to get in before you drive any one out, and I +warn you that you attempt to enter at your peril. I am here by the +orders of the true owner of the property, and it will be a mighty hard +show for you to get in, since my instructions are to keep every one +out." + +By this time Mr. Hillman had arrived at the scene of the threatened +trouble, and he said, loudly, so that all might hear him: + +"Gentlemen, the owner of this property is Mr. Daniel Simpson, my client. +Acting under my advice, he refuses to allow any one to enter on his +farm, and for that purpose has a body of men here to defend his rights. +I warn you that you will be rendering yourselves liable to prosecution +if you attempt to enter here against his express orders to the +contrary." + +For a moment those who had been sent by Massie retreated to the wagons, +as if unwilling to do anything which might bring them in conflict with +the majesty of the law, and it seemed very much as if they were going to +leave the place, when the lawyer who had first visited the well, and who +had accompanied them, called out: + +"You know very well that this is Mr. Massie's property, since he has +foreclosed the mortgage he held upon it, and if, in obeying his orders, +you do anything which renders you liable to the law, it will be him, not +you, who will be obliged to answer for your actions. I insist upon your +going into the lane." + +"It will be their heads which will get cracked, at all events, if they +attempt to come in here!" cried Bob, almost beside himself with rage; +"and if you think we haven't the right or the inclination to knock down +the first man who tries to come in, why don't you lead the way, to shew +that you are not frightened?" + +Although Mr. Hillman would have prevented Bob from speaking, if he had +been able to do so, the speech had had its effect, for the men cried out +to the lawyer: + +"Yes, you lead the way, and we will follow you!" + +Leaping from his horse and seizing Pete's club, Bob cried out: + +"Show your men that you have a right to come in here, and I will show +them what they may expect if they try to follow, by an example on your +own head." + +The legal gentleman was not as eager to lead the way as he was to urge +the men on, and instead of going boldly up to Bob, he tried to induce +his men to go in. But none of them would make the attempt, because of +the formidable array before them, and seeing how useless his efforts +would be in this direction, the lawyer called one of the men to him, +talking to him in a low tone. + +Bob, divining just what was being said, and fearful lest he should be +outwitted finally, went to each one of his men, and ordered them to +start for the road that led to the well the instant they should see the +intruders get into their wagons. + +This order was given none too quickly, for almost before Bob had given +his directions to the last man, Massie's party clambered into their +wagons, and started down the road at a sharp gallop. + +"Come on, every one of you!" shouted Bob, as he forced his horse to leap +the fence. + +By, riding at full speed, he succeeded in getting ahead of those who +would take possession of that to which their employer had no rights. + +Of course, it was not possible for Bob's force to get over the ground as +quickly as he did; but they ran as fast as possible, leaving only Mr. +Hillman, Mr. Simpson, George and Pete to guard the entrance to the lane. + +Bob arrived at the place where Jim and his men were stationed a few +seconds before the would-be invaders did, and in as few words as +possible, told them what had occurred at the lane. + +"Strike the first man who attempts to enter," he shouted, "and strike +him hard!" + +By that time the lawyer and his party had alighted and were marching in +a solid body up to the road, evidently believing they could force their +way through before the others could arrive. + +Instead of dismounting from his horse this time, Bob grasped a club that +was being raised by one of the men, and urged his horse at full speed +among those who were attempting to force an entrance. + +They had come out there in Mr. Massie's employ, believing that there +might be some little difficulty about entering, which their very numbers +would dispel at once, but by no means anticipating such a vigorous +resistance. It did not suit them to measure strength with these who at +last _appeared_ to have right on their side, and they fled before Bob's +charge with the greatest precipitation. + +Bob was careful not to follow them into the highway; for, though he had +no very extensive acquaintance with the law, he rightly conjectured that +if he did this, he might be exceeding the powers Mr. Hillman had said +were his; but he stood on the very line of his property, swinging his +club in a fashion that would make it uncomfortable for anyone who might +get within its reach. + +"You should be ashamed of yourselves," he cried, anxious to hold them in +check by any means until the remainder of his army could arrive upon the +scene, "to attempt even to aid Massie in depriving an old man of his +hard-earned rights. Mr. Simpson paid the money-lender all the money he +had borrowed; but not knowing anything of the beautiful intricacies of +the law, which gives a semblance of legality to such a theft as this, +neglected to ask for a release of the property. After oil was discovered +here, Massie saw a chance to steal the property, and he has hired you to +do what he doesn't dare to do himself. If I so much as thought I was as +contemptible as you show yourselves to be by trying to do this dirty +work, I would go and drown myself in the most stagnant pool I could +find." + +Bob's speech had quite as much effect upon the men as the sight of the +clubs had had, and they retreated toward their teams, protesting that +they did not know the facts of the case when they started out. + +It was in vain that the lawyer who had accompanied them insisted that +they were only doing what his client had a legal right to ask them to +do; in vain that he urged them to enter on the property regardless of +those who tried to prevent them. + +Bob had made them feel ashamed of the part they were playing, and +before Ralph, who had outstripped the others in the race, arrived, they +were in their wagons, insisting that they would have nothing more to do +with the matter. + +The lawyer scolded and shouted himself hoarse, trying to oblige them to +do as he coaxed and commanded, but all to no purpose. They were +determined to return, and they plainly told him that unless he came with +them, they should drive away without him. + +Under this pressure, which he could not control, the lawyer was obliged +to obey those whom he had vainly attempted to command, and the party +drove away, leaving Bob the well-earned title of conqueror in this first +battle of Mr. Massie's. + +But after all danger, so far as this party was concerned, had +disappeared, Bob was by no means inclined to relax his vigilance. He +stationed his men in the positions he had originally intended they +should occupy, supplied each of them with a generous lunch, with the +addition of hot coffee, and even gave a portion to the solitary officer +at the well, when he had originally intended that he should go hungry. + +After that was done, and after he had cautioned them to be watchful, +impressing on the minds of Ralph, Jim and Dick the necessity of +mistrusting every one whom they might see approaching the farm, Bob went +back to the house to consult with Mr. Hillman and George. + +There some especially good news awaited him. It seemed as if this direct +attack on Massie's part had restored Mr. Simpson to something near his +presence of mind, and, aided by his wife, who had always found scolding +efficacious when he relapsed into absent-mindedness, had succeeded in +recalling the events on the afternoon when he paid the money-lender the +five hundred dollars which he had had so much difficulty to raise. + +He now distinctly remembered that when he entered Massie's office a man +by the name of Jared Thompson, formerly an old neighbor of his, was +there, and that his first words were to the effect that he had brought +the money to pay off the mortgage. + +The old man was equally positive that he had laid the amount on the +money-lender's desk in the presence of this same man, and that Massie +had then offered to buy the wood-lot. How much more might have been said +while Thompson was there he was not certain, but of that much he was +positive. + +Mr. Hillman was overjoyed at the news that there had been a witness to +the repayment of the money, but when he asked where the man could be +found, he was disappointed in the reply. + +Mr. Thompson had lived on the next farm to Mr. Simpson's, but when he +left it, he went to Bradford, and from there it had been said that he +had gone to Babcock. Where he was living at that time Mr. Simpson +neither knew nor did he know of any one else who might be acquainted +with Mr. Thompson's whereabouts. + +"If we can find this man, and if he heard what Mr. Simpson thinks he +did, then the case will be clear enough, for we shall have a witness to +the payment of the money, which, I think, will be sufficient to explode +Massie's claim." + +"We _must_ find him," was Bob's reply. + +And just then he felt able to find any man, however hard he might try to +hide. + +"Yes, but how?" asked Ralph, who had come in at the close of the +conversation. + +"I don't know exactly," said Bob; "but there must be a way. George can +be spared better than any one else. Let him harness his horses and start +out. He can stay away until he finds him." + +"I think the best way would be to make inquiries at Bradford, and from +there you might be able to track him," suggested Mr. Hillman. "Just +remember that with this man everything will be plain sailing, and that +without him Massie may get the best of us, and I am confident you will +bring him back with you." + +"And above all things, George, don't give up the chase because you think +we may need you here. Just remember that we can get along as well +without you and spare neither time nor expense in the search," said Bob. + +George was perfectly willing to start in pursuit of the missing witness, +and at once made his preparations for the journey. + +Fortunately he had with him as much money as he would be likely to want, +and to harness his horses and to gather up such things as he might need +was but the work of a few moments. + +"Don't come back without your man!" shouted Bob, as George drove away. + +And the defenders of "The Harnett" and the Simpson farm were left alone +to await the coming of Mr. Gurney, and of George with the missing +witness. + +All of them feared that Massie's next attempt to gain admittance would +be made under the cover of darkness, and to prevent this from being +successful Bob went to work. + +First he sent one of the men on his horse to Sawyer to purchase a number +of lanterns, and while the messenger was gone he got from Mrs. Simpson +all the blankets and comfortables she had. + +It was his purpose that half his men should sleep at their posts during +the night, while the others watched, in order that they might be able to +continue sentry duty for any length of time, and he also proposed that +each one on guard should carry a lantern, that both he and any one who +might meditate an attack, would know those in possession of the property +were still on the alert. + +This done, the inmates and guardians of the farm were ready for the +coming of the night. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXV. + +MASSIE'S FAILURE. + + +Although Bob had taken so many precautions against the coming of the +enemy during the night, they were all useless, since neither Mr. Massie +nor any one in his employ appeared at the Simpson farm. + +"Well," said Bob, next morning, while he was waiting for Mrs. Simpson to +prepare the breakfast for the sentinels, "since they didn't come during +the night they'll most likely be here to-day, so it won't do for us to +grow careless." + +As the day wore on, and nothing was seen of the force which it was +believed would appear, Ralph said to Bob: + +"If father started as soon as he got my telegram, he ought to be here on +the train to-night, and some of us must drive into town for him." + +"That's true, and you must be the one to go," replied Bob, decidedly. +"You can take my team, and if any one comes while you are gone, we shall +get rid of them, I guess." + +Since Mr. Hillman wished to go to his office for some law-books and +papers before Mr. Gurney arrived, Ralph started off with him about +noon, leaving the farm with the often-expressed wish that nothing would +happen during the absence of three of the defenders. + +"If you mean by that that you're afraid some of Massie's men may get in +here, you're mistaken," said Bob, stoutly. "Unless we have a mind to let +them, which isn't at all likely, there won't one of them get a chance to +so much as show his nose inside." + +Now that Mr. Simpson had succeeded in gathering his scattered faculties +once more, and understood that everything might yet be well with them, +he seemed suddenly to have grown young again, for he was as eager in +watching for approaching danger as Bob was. + +"Don't fear for us!" he shouted, as Mr. Hillman and Ralph drove down the +lane. "We can keep a regiment of them at their distance," and he acted +much as if he believed all he said. + +It was about two hours after Ralph and the lawyer drove away, when Bob +was honored with another visit from Mr. Massie's messengers, but this +time they did not come in sufficient force to cause any alarm. + +The lawyer and two men drove up to the lane, where Bob, having seen them +while they were yet some distance away, had a force of five men, and the +following conversation took place: + +"I am instructed by Mr. Marcus Massie, the rightful owner of this place, +to take possession of it at once, and to order you off the grounds as +trespassers," said the lawyer. "Do you intend to prevent us from an +exercise of our legal rights?" + +"I intend to prevent you from coming in here," replied Bob, "and I warn +you now that I will seriously injure the first one who attempts to come +on to this land, which belongs to Mr. Simpson." + +"I have made the demand upon you," continued the lawyer, in an unruffled +tone, "and I tell you now that my client will proceed against you if you +thus attempt by force to prevent him from the exercise of his just and +lawful rights." + +"Your client may proceed to do whatever he can, and just as soon as he +can, and if my answer has not been sufficiently plain, I tell you again +that none of you can come in here." + +And Bob made a demonstration with his club which appeared to convince +the lawyer that he would have no hesitation about using it on his +precious body. + +"I have warned you," said the legal gentleman, viciously, "and now you +can take the consequences." + +"And I have warned you!" cried Bob, "and I'm certain that you will take +the consequences if you attempt to come here, where neither you nor your +client have any rights." + +With this pleasant conversation, the lawyer and his companions drove +away, and once more was Bob master of the situation. + +The next arrivals to the disputed property were Mr. Gurney, Mr. Hillman +and Ralph. The former had started as soon as he had received his son's +telegram, and from the look on Ralph's face, it was easy to see that +the two lawyers, after a consultation together, did not consider the +situation a desperate one. + +"Father says that even if George doesn't succeed in finding Thompson, he +believes it will be possible to show to the satisfaction of a jury that +Mr. Simpson paid off the mortgage," said Ralph, as the two lawyers +entered the house, leaving the boys alone in the stable-yard. "Of course +if this witness could be found, everything could be settled at once." + +Ralph's father was also able to do something for the immediate relief of +the owners of "The Harnett." + +On the morning after his arrival, and the guardians of the property had +been undisturbed during the night, Mr. Gurney and Mr. Hillman went into +town, where they succeeded in getting bondsmen for the boys, thus +releasing the property from attachment. They also began a suit against +Mr. Massie, to restrain him from taking any further steps in the matter +until the question of ownership could be decided at law. + +While they were absent, George returned, and with him was the missing +witness, Mr. Jared Thompson. He had been found at Babcock, and since he +had no business on hand he was perfectly willing to accompany George, +and all the more so because he had been promised he should be well paid +for his time, which, just then, was of no value to him. + +He remembered distinctly seeing Mr. Simpson at Massie's office, and of +seeing him pay over a large roll of money, which he stated was the +amount of the mortgage. He also heard Massie say, after he had counted +the money, that it was "all right," and saw him hand Mr. Simpson the +mortgage, which he took from his safe. + +After that Mr. Thompson heard some conversation between the two men +relative to the purchase of the wood-lot; but, since he was not +interested in the matter, he left the office shortly after it had begun. + +On the arrival of Mr. Gurney from town--for he returned alone, since +there was no necessity for Mr. Hillman to accompany him after the bonds +had been given for the release of the property--he questioned the +witness George had brought, and then stated that there was no further +cause for anxiety about the matter, since this testimony would answer +also the purpose of a written release of the mortgage. + +He also gave Bob an order to the keeper of the property at the well, +recalling him from his disagreeable duties, and the ex-moonlighter had +the pleasure of escorting the officer to the main road, happy that they +were once more in possession of their own. + +Then, of course, Mr. Gurney was shown the wonderful well, and listened, +long and attentively to Bob's arguments as to why another well should be +sunk near the house. To the surprise of all the partners except, +perhaps, Bob, Mr. Gurney advised that that scheme be carried out, saying +that Bob's argument seemed to be supported by such facts in the case as +were apparent even to those unfamiliar with the business. + +Bob was highly delighted at having convinced Ralph's father of the +feasibility of this scheme, and Mr. Simpson was so impressed by the +celebrated lawyer's advice that he insisted on deeding, that very night, +the strip of land, on which it was proposed to sink the well, to the +firm of Harnett, Gurney, Hubbard & Simpson. + +Mr. Gurney insisted that the other three partners should pay to Mr. +Simpson their proportion of the valuation of the land, which would have +been several thousand dollars; but the old man would listen to no such +proposition. He had been presented with a quarter of the wood-lot when +he had no claim upon it, and he urged his right to make the firm a +present of as much land as he owned. + +There was no necessity of watching the farm that night, although Bob +thought it was careless to leave it unguarded; but no harm came to it, +nor did they even hear from the worthy Mr. Massie. + +Bob lost no time in setting about the work of opening the new well, and +his first duty next morning was to set a portion of the men at work +making ready for the erection of the derrick. + +Fortunately for the boys, the court was already in session, and Massie's +claim came up for an early hearing. + +It seemed as if the old money-lender must have entirely forgotten that +there had been a witness to the payment of the money, for he came into +court apparently confident that he should be able to call "The Harnett" +his own; but as soon as he saw Thompson, all his confidence vanished, +and he sneaked out of court even before the case was fairly opened. + +Of course, there could be but one decision, under the circumstances, and +in less than an hour from the time the case was called, a verdict had +been given in favor of Mr. Simpson, who was advised by the judge to +demand of Massie a written release, and there was no longer any question +as to the ownership of "The Harnett." + +So far as Ralph was concerned, the case had been decided none too soon. +It was time for him to return to college, and on the next day, in +company with his father, he bade his partners adieu for a year, as he +returned to his studies. Ralph Gurney's vacation was at an end, as this +story should be, since it promised simply to tell of that time. + + * * * * * + +With the story brought to a close, the work of the author should be +ended, unless, as in this case, he makes brief mention of what has +happened, concerning the principal characters, from that time until the +present. + +Ramsdell and Dean were convicted of the assault on George, and sentence +of two years in the State prison pronounced against them, the charge of +stealing the team still hanging over their heads, in case George wants +to press it when their term of imprisonment has ended, which is not +probable. + +While Ralph was finishing his collegiate course, Bob worked at the new +well, and when it was opened, he telegraphed to Ralph: + + "New well just shot. Another victory for the moonlighter, for it + is not more than two hundred barrels less than the other." + +And Ralph replied: + + "I claim the right to name it. It shall be called 'The + Moonlighter.'" + +When Ralph graduated, he owned a quarter of three good, paying wells, +and Bob has now an idea that it will pay to open another some distance +away, where he has been prospecting for the past month. + +Mr. and Mrs. Simpson still live on the old farm, and George, Ralph and +Bob live with them; but a new house has been built by the side of the +old one, for the old couple would not consent that their first home +should be torn down, and at any time that the readers visit that section +of the country, they should not fail to look at "The Harnett," which +still flows as it did during Ralph Gurney's vacation. + +THE END. + + + + +A. L. Burt's Catalogue of Books for Young People by Popular Writers, +52-58 Duane Street, New York + + * * * * * + +BOOKS FOR BOYS. + + + =Joe's Luck:= A Boy's Adventures in California. By HORATIO + ALGER, JR. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. + + The story is chock full of stirring incidents, while the amusing + situations are furnished by Joshua Bickford, from Pumpkin + Hollow, and the fellow who modestly styles himself the "Rip-tail + Roarer, from Pike Co., Missouri." Mr. Alger never writes a poor + book, and "Joe's Luck" is certainly one of his best. + + =Tom the Bootblack;= or, The Road to Success. By HORATIO ALGER, + JR. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. + + A bright, enterprising lad was Tom the Bootblack. He was not at + all ashamed of his humble calling, though always on the lookout + to better himself. The lad started for Cincinnati to look up his + heritage. Mr. Grey, the uncle, did not hesitate to employ a + ruffian to kill the lad. The plan failed, and Gilbert Grey, once + Tom the bootblack, came into a comfortable fortune. This is one + of Mr. Alger's best stories. + + =Dan the Newsboy.= By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 12mo, cloth, + illustrated, price $1.00. + + Dan Mordaunt and his mother live in a poor tenement, and the lad + is pluckily trying to make ends meet by selling papers in the + streets of New York. A little heiress of six years is confided to + the care of the Mordaunts. The child is kidnapped and Dan tracks + the child to the house where she is hidden, and rescues her. The + wealthy aunt of the little heiress is so delighted with Dan's + courage and many good qualities that she adopts him as her heir. + + =Tony the Hero:= A Brave Boy's Adventure with a Tramp. By + HORATIO ALGER, JR. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. + + Tony, a sturdy bright-eyed boy of fourteen, is under the control + of Rudolph Rugg, a thorough rascal. After much abuse Tony runs + away and gets a job as stable boy in a country hotel. Tony is + heir to a large estate. Rudolph for a consideration hunts up Tony + and throws him down a deep well. Of course Tony escapes from the + fate provided for him, and by a brave act, a rich friend secures + his rights and Tony is prosperous. A very entertaining book. + + =The Errand Boy;= or, How Phil Brent Won Success. By HORATIO + ALGER, JR. 12mo, cloth illustrated, price $1.00. + + The career of "The Errand Boy" embraces the city adventures of a + smart country lad. Philip was brought up by a kind-hearted + innkeeper named Brent. The death of Mrs. Brent paved the way for + the hero's subsequent troubles. A retired merchant in New York + secures him the situation of errand boy, and thereafter stands as + his friend. + + =Tom Temple's Career.= By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 12mo, cloth, + illustrated, price $1.00. + + Tom Temple is a bright, self-reliant lad. He leaves Plympton + village to seek work in New York, whence he undertakes an + important mission to California. Some of his adventures in the + far west are so startling that the reader will scarcely close the + book until the last page shall have been reached. The tale is + written in Mr. Alger's most fascinating style. + + =Frank Fowler, the Cash Boy.= By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 12mo, + cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. + + Frank Fowler, a poor boy, bravely determines to make a living for + himself and his foster-sister Grace. Going to New York he obtains + a situation as cash boy in a dry goods store. He renders a + service to a wealthy old gentleman who takes a fancy to the lad, + and thereafter helps the lad to gain success and fortune. + + =Tom Thatcher's Fortune.= By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 12mo, cloth, + illustrated, price $1.00. + + Tom Thatcher is a brave, ambitious, unselfish boy. He supports + his mother and sister on meagre wages earned as a shoe-pegger in + John Simpson's factory. Tom is discharged from the factory and + starts overland for California. He meets with many adventures. + The story is told in a way which has made Mr. Alger's name a + household word in so many homes. + + =The Train Boy.= By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 12mo, cloth, + illustrated, price $1.00. + + Paul Palmer was a wide-awake boy of sixteen who supported his + mother and sister by selling books and papers on the Chicago and + Milwaukee Railroad. He detects a young man in the act of picking + the pocket of a young lady. In a railway accident many passengers + are killed, but Paul is fortunate enough to assist a Chicago + merchant, who out of gratitude takes him into his employ. Paul + succeeds with tact and judgment and is well started on the road + to business prominence. + + =Mark Mason's Victory.= The Trials and Triumphs of a Telegraph + Boy. By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price + $1.00. + + Mark Mason, the telegraph boy, was a sturdy, honest lad, who + pluckily won his way to success by his honest manly efforts under + many difficulties. This story will please the very large class of + boys who regard Mr. Alger as a favorite author. + + =A Debt of Honor.= The Story of Gerald Lane's Success in the + Far West. By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, + price $1.00. + + The story of Gerald Lane and the account of the many trials and + disappointments which he passed through before he attained + success, will interest all boys who have read the previous + stories of this delightful author. + + =Ben Bruce.= Scenes in the Life of a Bowery Newsboy. By HORATIO + ALGER, JR. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. + + Ben Bruce was a brave, manly, generous boy. The story of his + efforts, and many seeming failures and disappointments, and his + final success, are most interesting to all readers. The tale is + written in Mr. Alger's most fascinating style. + + =The Castaways;= or, On the Florida Reefs. By JAMES OTIS. 12mo, + cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. + + This tale smacks of the salt sea. From the moment that the Sea + Queen leaves lower New York bay till the breeze leaves her + becalmed off the coast of Florida, one can almost hear the + whistle of the wind through her rigging, the creak of her + straining cordage as she heels to the leeward. The adventures of + Ben Clark, the hero of the story and Jake the cook, cannot fail + to charm the reader. As a writer for young people Mr. Otis is a + prime favorite. + + =Wrecked on Spider Island;= or, How Ned Rogers Found the + Treasure. By JAMES OTIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price + $1.00. + + Ned Rogers, a "down-east" plucky lad ships as cabin boy to earn a + livelihood. Ned is marooned on Spider Island, and while there + discovers a wreck submerged in the sand, and finds a considerable + amount of treasure. The capture of the treasure and the incidents + of the voyage serve to make as entertaining a story of sea-life + as the most captious boy could desire. + + =The Search for the Silver City:= A Tale of Adventure in + Yucatan. By JAMES OTIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price + $1.00. + + Two lads, Teddy Wright and Neal Emery, embark on the steam yacht + Day Dream for a cruise to the tropics. The yacht is destroyed by + fire, and then the boat is cast upon the coast of Yucatan. They + hear of the wonderful Silver City, of the Chan Santa Cruz + Indians, and with the help of a faithful Indian ally carry off a + number of the golden images from the temples. Pursued with + relentless vigor at last their escape is effected in an + astonishing manner. The story is so full of exciting incidents + that the reader is quite carried away with the novelty and + realism of the narrative. + + =A Runaway Brig;= or, An Accidental Cruise. By JAMES OTIS. + 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. + + This is a sea tale, and the reader can look out upon the wide + shimmering sea as it flashes back the sunlight, and imagine + himself afloat with Harry Vandyne, Walter Morse, Jim Libby and + that old shell-back, Bob Brace, on the brig Bonita. The boys + discover a mysterious document which enables them to find a + buried treasure. They are stranded on an island and at last are + rescued with the treasure. The boys are sure to be fascinated + with this entertaining story. + + =The Treasure Finders:= A Boy's Adventures in Nicaragua. By + JAMES OTIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. + + Roy and Dean Coloney, with their guide Tongla, leave their + father's indigo plantation to visit the wonderful ruins of an + ancient city. The boys eagerly explore the temples of an extinct + race and discover three golden images cunningly hidden away. They + escape with the greatest difficulty. Eventually they reach safety + with their golden prizes. We doubt if there ever was written a + more entertaining story than "The Treasure Finders." + + =Jack, the Hunchback.= A Story of the Coast of Maine. By JAMES + OTIS. Price $1.00. + + This is the story of a little hunchback who lived on Cape + Elizabeth, on the coast of Maine. His trials and successes are + most interesting. From first to last nothing stays the interest + of the narrative. It bears us along as on a stream whose current + varies in direction, but never loses its force. + + =With Washington at Monmouth:= A Story of Three Philadelphia + Boys. By JAMES OTIS. 12mo, ornamental cloth, olivine edges, + illustrated, price $1.50. + + Three Philadelphia lads assist the American spies and make + regular and frequent visits to Valley Forge in the Winter while + the British occupied the city. The story abounds with pictures of + Colonial life skillfully drawn, and the glimpses of Washington's + soldiers which are given shown that the work has not been hastily + done, or without considerable study. The story is wholesome and + patriotic in tone, as are all of Mr. Otis' works. + + =With Lafayette at Yorktown:= A Story of How Two Boys Joined + the Continental Army. By JAMES OTIS. 12mo, ornamental + cloth, olivine edges, illustrated, price $1.50. + + Two lads from Portsmouth, N. H., attempt to enlist in the + Colonial Army, and are given employment as spies. There is no + lack of exciting incidents which the youthful reader craves, but + it is healthful excitement brimming with facts which every boy + should be familiar with, and while the reader is following the + adventures of Ben Jaffrays and Ned Allen he is acquiring a fund + of historical lore which will remain in his memory long after + that which he has memorized from textbooks has been forgotten. + + =At the Siege of Havana.= Being the Experiences of Three Boys + Serving under Israel Putnam in 1762. By JAMES OTIS. 12mo, + ornamental cloth, olivine edges, illustrated, price $1.50. + + "At the Siege of Havana" deals with that portion of the Island's + history when the English king captured the capital, thanks to the + assistance given by the troops from New England, led in part by + Col. Israel Putnam. + + The principal characters are Darius Lunt, the lad who, + represented as telling the story, and his comrades, Robert + Clement and Nicholas Vallet. Colonel Putnam also figures to + considerable extent, necessarily, in the tale, and the whole + forms one of the most readable stories founded on historical + facts. + + =The Defense of Fort Henry.= A Story of Wheeling Creek in 1777. + By JAMES OTIS, 12mo, ornamental cloth, olivine edges, + illustrated, price $1.50. + + Nowhere in the history of our country can be found more heroic or + thrilling incidents than in the story of those brave men and + women who founded the settlement of Wheeling in the Colony of + Virginia. The recital of what Elizabeth Zane did is in itself as + heroic a story as can be imagined. The wondrous bravery displayed + by Major McCulloch and his gallant comrades, the sufferings of + the colonists and their sacrifice of blood and life, stir the + blood of old as well as young readers. + + =The Capture of the Laughing Mary.= A Story of Three New York + Boys in 1776. By JAMES OTIS. 12mo, ornamental cloth, + olivine edges, price $1.50. + + "During the British occupancy of New York, at the outbreak of the + Revolution, a Yankee lad hears of the plot to take General + Washington's person, and calls in two companions to assist the + patriot cause. They do some astonishing things, and, + incidentally, lay the way for an American navy later, by the + exploit which gives its name to the work. Mr. Otis' books are too + well known to require any particular commendation to the + young."--Evening Post. + + =With Warren at Bunker Hill.= A Story of the Siege of Boston. + By JAMES OTIS. 12mo, ornamental cloth, olivine edges, + illustrated, price $1.50. + + "This is a tale of the siege of Boston, which opens on the day + after the doings at Lexington and Concord, with a description of + home life in Boston, introduces the reader to the British camp at + Charlestown, shows Gen. Warren at home, describes what a boy + thought of the battle of Bunker Hill, and closes with the raising + of the siege. The three heroes, George Wentworth, Ben Scarlett + and an old ropemaker, incur the enmity of a young Tory, who + causes them many adventures the boys will like to read."--Detroit + Free Press. + + =With the Swamp Fox.= The Story of General Marion's Spies. By + JAMES OTIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. + + This story deals with General Francis Marion's heroic struggle in + the Carolinas. General Marion's arrival to take command of these + brave men and rough riders is pictured as a boy might have seen + it, and although the story is devoted to what the lads did, the + Swamp Fox is ever present in the mind of the reader. + + =On the Kentucky Frontier.= A Story of the Fighting Pioneers of + the West. By JAMES OTIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1. + + In the history of our country there is no more thrilling story + than that of the work done on the Mississippi river by a handful + of frontiersmen. Mr. Otis takes the reader on that famous + expedition from the arrival of Major Clarke's force at Corn + Island, until Kaskaskia was captured. He relates that part of + Simon Kenton's life history which is not usually touched upon + either by the historian or the story teller. This is one of the + most entertaining books for young people which has been + published. + + =Sarah Dillard's Ride.= A Story of South Carolina in 1780. + By JAMES OTIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. + + "This book deals with the Carolinas in 1780, giving a wealth of + detail of the Mountain Men who struggled so valiantly against the + king's troops. Major Ferguson is the prominent British officer of + the story, which is told as though coming from a youth who + experienced these adventures. In this way the famous ride of + Sarah Dillard is brought out as an incident of the + plot."--=Boston Journal.= + + =A Tory Plot.= A Story of the Attempt to Kill General + Washington. By JAMES OTIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price + $1.00. + + "'A Tory Plot' is the story of two lads who overhear something of + the plot originated during the Revolution by Gov. Tryon to + capture or murder Washington. They communicate their knowledge to + Gen. Putnam and are commissioned by him to play the role of + detectives in the matter. They do so, and meet with many + adventures and hair-breadth escapes. The boys are, of course, + mythical, but they serve to enable the author to put into very + attractive shape much valuable knowledge concerning one phase of + the Revolution."--=Pittsburgh Times.= + + =A Traitor's Escape.= A Story of the Attempt to Seize Benedict + Arnold. By JAMES OTIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price + $1.00. + + "This is a tale with stirring scenes depicted in each chapter, + bringing clearly before the mind the glorious deeds of the early + settlers in this country. In an historical work dealing with this + country's past, no plot can hold the attention closer than this + one, which describes the attempt and partial success of Benedict + Arnold's escape to New York, where he remained as the guest of + Sir Henry Clinton. All those who actually figured in the arrest + of the traitor, as well as Gen. Washington, are included as + characters."--=Albany Union.= + + =A Cruise with Paul Jones.= A Story of Naval Warfare in 1776. + By JAMES OTIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. + + "This story takes up that portion of Paul Jones' adventurous life + when he was hovering off the British coast, watching for an + opportunity to strike the enemy a blow. It deals more + particularly with his descent upon Whitehaven, the seizure of + Lady Selkirk's plate, and the famous battle with the Drake. The + boy who figures in the tale is one who was taken from a derelict + by Paul Jones shortly after this particular cruise was + begun."--=Chicago Inter-Ocean.= + + =Corporal Lige's Recruit.= A Story of Crown Point and + Ticonderoga. By JAMES OTIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price + $1.00. + + "In 'Corporal Lige's Recruit,' Mr. Otis tells the amusing story + of an old soldier, proud of his record, who had served the king + in '58, and who takes the lad, Isaac Rice, as his 'personal + recruit.' The lad acquits himself superbly. Col. Ethan Allen 'in + the name of God and the continental congress,' infuses much + martial spirit into the narrative, which will arouse the keenest + interest as it proceeds. Crown Point, Ticonderoga, Benedict + Arnold and numerous other famous historical names appear in this + dramatic tale."--=Boston Globe.= + + =Morgan, the Jersey Spy.= A Story of the Siege of Yorktown in + 1781. By JAMES OTIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. + + "The two lads who are utilized by the author to emphasize the + details of the work done during that memorable time were real + boys who lived on the banks of the York river, and who aided the + Jersey spy in his dangerous occupation. In the guise of fishermen + the lads visit Yorktown, are suspected of being spies, and put + under arrest. Morgan risks his life to save them. The final + escape, the thrilling encounter with a squad of red coats, when + they are exposed equally to the bullets of friends and foes, told + in a masterly fashion, makes of this volume one of the most + entertaining books of the year."--=Inter-Ocean.= + + =The Young Scout:= The Story of a West Point Lieutenant. By + EDWARD S. ELLIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. + + The crafty Apache chief Geronimo but a few years ago was the most + terrible scourge of the southwest border. The author has woven, + in a tale of thrilling interest, all the incidents of Geronimo's + last raid. The hero is Lieutenant James Decker, a recent graduate + of West Point. Ambitious to distinguish himself the young man + takes many a desperate chance against the enemy and on more than + one occasion narrowly escapes with his life. In our opinion Mr. + Ellis is the best writer of Indian stories now before the public. + + =Adrift in the Wilds:= The Adventures of Two Shipwrecked Boys. + By EDWARD S. ELLIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. + + Elwood Brandon and Howard Lawrence are en route for San + Francisco. Off the coast of California the steamer takes fire. + The two boys reach the shore with several of the passengers. + Young Brandon becomes separated from his party and is captured by + hostile Indians, but is afterwards rescued. This is a very + entertaining narrative of Southern California. + + =A Young Hero;= or, Fighting to Win. By EDWARD S. ELLIS. 12mo, + cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. + + This story tells how a valuable solid silver service was stolen + from the Misses Perkinpine, two very old and simple minded + ladies. Fred Sheldon, the hero of this story, undertakes to + discover the thieves and have them arrested. After much time + spent in detective work, he succeeds in discovering the silver + plate and winning the reward. The story is told in Mr. Ellis' + most fascinating style. Every boy will be glad to read this + delightful book. + + =Lost in the Rockies.= A Story of Adventure in the Rocky + Mountains. By EDWARD S. ELLIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, + price $1. + + Incident succeeds incident, and adventure is piled upon + adventure, and at the end the reader, be he boy or man, will have + experienced breathless enjoyment in this romantic story + describing many adventures in the Rockies and among the Indians. + + =A Jaunt Through Java:= The Story of a Journey to the Sacred + Mountain. By EDWARD S. ELLIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, + price $1.00. + + The interest of this story is found in the thrilling adventures + of two cousins, Hermon and Eustace Hadley, on their trip across + the island of Java, from Samarang to the Sacred Mountain. In a + land where the Royal Bengal tiger, the rhinoceros, and other + fierce beasts are to be met with, it is but natural that the + heroes of this book should have a lively experience. There is not + a dull page in the book. + + =The Boy Patriot.= A Story of Jack, the Young Friend of + Washington. By EDWARD S. ELLIS. 12mo, cloth, olivine edges, + illustrated, price $1.50. + + "There are adventures of all kinds for the hero and his friends, + whose pluck and ingenuity in extricating themselves from awkward + fixes are always equal to the occasion. It is an excellent story + full of honest, manly, patriotic efforts on the part of the hero. + A very vivid description of the battle of Trenton is also found + in this story."--=Journal of Education.= + + =A Yankee Lad's Pluck.= How Bert Larkin Saved his Father's + Ranch in Porto Rico. By WM. P. CHIPMAN. 12mo, cloth, + illustrated, price $1.00. + + "Bert Larkin, the hero of the story, early excites our + admiration, and is altogether a fine character such as boys will + delight in, whilst the story of his numerous adventures is very + graphically told. This will, we think, prove one of the most + popular boys' books this season."--=Gazette.= + + =A Brave Defense.= A Story of the Massacre at Fort Griswold in + 1781. By WILLIAM P. CHIPMAN. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, + price $1.00. + + Perhaps no more gallant fight against fearful odds took place + during the Revolutionary War than that at Fort Griswold, Groton + Heights, Conn., in 1781. The boys are real boys who were actually + on the muster rolls, either at Fort Trumbull on the New London + side, or of Fort Griswold on the Groton side of the Thames. The + youthful reader who follows Halsey Sanford and Levi Dart and Tom + Malleson, and their equally brave comrades, through their + thrilling adventures will be learning something more than + historical facts; they will be imbibing lessons of fidelity, of + bravery, of heroism, and of manliness, which must prove + serviceable in the arena of life. + + =The Young Minuteman.= A Story of the Capture of General + Prescott in 1777. By WILLIAM P. CHIPMAN. 12mo, cloth, + illustrated, price $1.00. + + This story is based upon actual events which occurred during the + British occupation of the waters of Narragansett Bay. Darius Wale + and William Northrop belong to "the coast patrol." The story is a + strong one, dealing only with actual events. There is, however, + no lack of thrilling adventure, and every lad who is fortunate + enough to obtain the book will find not only that his historical + knowledge is increased, but that his own patriotism and love of + country are deepened. + + =For the Temple:= A Tale of the Fall of Jerusalem. By G. A. + HENTY. With illustrations by S. J. SOLOMON. 12mo, cloth, + olivine edges, price $1.00. + + "Mr. Henty's graphic prose picture of the hopeless Jewish + resistance to Roman sway adds another leaf to his record of the + famous wars of the world. The book is one of Mr. Henty's + cleverest efforts."--=Graphic.= + + =Roy Gilbert's Search:= A Tale of the Great Lakes. By WM. P. + CHIPMAN. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. + + A deep mystery hangs over the parentage of Roy Gilbert. He + arranges with two schoolmates to make a tour of the Great Lakes + on a steam launch. The three boys visit many points of interest + on the lakes. Afterwards the lads rescue an elderly gentleman and + a lady from a sinking yacht. Later on the boys narrowly escape + with their lives. The hero is a manly, self-reliant boy, whose + adventures will be followed with interest. + + =The Slate Picker:= The Story of a Boy's Life in the Coal + Mines. By HARRY PRENTICE. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price + $1.00. + + This is a story of a boy's life in the coal mines of + Pennsylvania. Ben Burton, the hero, had a hard road to travel, + but by grit and energy he advanced step by step until he found + himself called upon to fill the position of chief engineer of the + Kohinoor Coal Company. This is a book of extreme interest to + every boy reader. + + =The Boy Cruisers;= or, Paddling in Florida. By ST. GEORGE + RATHBORNE. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. + + Andrew George and Rowland Carter start on a canoe trip along the + Gulf coast, from Key West to Tampa, Florida. Their first + adventure is with a pair of rascals who steal their boats. Next + they run into a gale in the Gulf. After that they have a lively + time with alligators and Andrew gets into trouble with a band of + Seminole Indians. Mr. Rathborne knows just how to interest the + boys, and lads who are in search of a rare treat will do well to + read this entertaining story. + + =Captured by Zulus:= A Story of Trapping in Africa. By HARRY + PRENTICE. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. + + This story details the adventures of two lads, Dick Elsworth and + Bob Harvey, in the wilds of South Africa. By stratagem the Zulus + capture Dick and Bob and take them to their principal kraal or + village. The lads escape death by digging their way out of the + prison hut by night. They are pursued, but the Zulus finally give + up pursuit. Mr. Prentice tells exactly how wild-beast collectors + secure specimens on their native stamping grounds, and these + descriptions make very entertaining reading. + + =Tom the Ready;= or, Up from the Lowest. By RANDOLPH HILL. + 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. + + This is a dramatic narrative of the unaided rise of a fearless, + ambitious boy from the lowest round of fortune's ladder to wealth + and the governorship of his native State. Tom Seacomb begins life + with a purpose, and eventually overcomes those who oppose him. + How he manages to win the battle is told by Mr. Hill in a + masterful way that thrills the reader and holds his attention and + sympathy to the end. + + =Captain Kidd's Gold:= The True Story of an Adventurous Sailor + Boy. By JAMES FRANKLIN FITTS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, + price $1.00. + + There is something fascinating to the average youth in the very + idea of buried treasure. A vision arises before his eyes of + swarthy Portuguese and Spanish rascals, with black beards and + gleaming eyes. There were many famous sea rovers, but none more + celebrated than Capt. Kidd. Paul Jones Garry inherits a document + which locates a considerable treasure buried by two of Kidd's + crew. The hero of this book is an ambitious, persevering lad, of + salt-water New England ancestry, and his efforts to reach the + island and secure the money form one of the most absorbing tales + for our youth that has come from the press. + + =The Boy Explorers:= The Adventures of Two Boys in Alaska. By + HARRY PRENTICE. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. + + Two boys, Raymond and Spencer Manning, travel to Alaska to join + their father in search of their uncle. On their arrival at Sitka + the boys with an Indian guide set off across the mountains. The + trip is fraught with perils that test the lads' courage to the + utmost. All through their exciting adventures the lads + demonstrate what can be accomplished by pluck and resolution, and + their experience makes one of the most interesting tales ever + written. + + =The Island Treasure;= or, Harry Darrel's Fortune. By FRANK H. + CONVERSE. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. + + Harry Darrel, having received a nautical training on a + school-ship, is bent on going to sea. A runaway horse changes his + prospects. Harry saves Dr. Gregg from drowning and afterward + becomes sailing-master of a sloop yacht. Mr. Converse's stories + possess a charm of their own which is appreciated by lads who + delight in good healthy tales that smack of salt water. + + =Guy Harris:= The Runaway. By HARRY CASTLEMON. 12mo, cloth, + illustrated, price $1.00. + + Guy Harris lived in a small city on the shore of one of the Great + Lakes. He is persuaded to go to sea, and gets a glimpse of the + rough side of life in a sailor's boarding house. He ships on a + vessel and for five months leads a hard life. The book will + interest boys generally on account of its graphic style. This is + one of Castlemon's most attractive stories. + + =Julian Mortimer:= A Brave Boy's Struggle for Home and Fortune. + By HARRY CASTLEMON. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1. + + The scene of the story lies west of the Mississippi River, in the + days when emigrants made their perilous way across the great + plains to the land of gold. There is an attack upon the wagon + train by a large party of Indians. Our hero is a lad of uncommon + nerve and pluck. Befriended by a stalwart trapper, a real rough + diamond, our hero achieves the most happy results. + + =By Pike and Dyke:= A Tale of the Rise of the Dutch Republic. + By G. A. HENTY. With illustrations by MAYNARD BROWN. 12mo, + cloth, olivine edges, price $1.00. + + "Boys with a turn for historical research will be enchanted with + the book, while the rest who only care for adventure will be + students in spite of themselves."--=St. James's Gazette.= + + =St. George for England:= A Tale of Cressy and Poitiers. By G. + A. HENTY. With illustrations by GORDON BROWNE. 12mo, cloth, + olivine edges, price $1.00. + + "A story of very great interest for boys. In his own forcible + style the author has endeavored to show that determination and + enthusiasm can accomplish marvellous results; and that courage is + generally accompanied by magnanimity and gentleness."--=Pall Mall + Gazette.= + + =Captain Bayley's Heir:= A Tale of the Gold Fields of + California. By G. A. HENTY. With illustrations by H. M. + PAGET. 12mo, cloth, olivine edges, price $1.00. + + "Mr. Henty is careful to mingle instruction with entertainment; + and the humorous touches, especially in the sketch of John Holl, + the Westminster dustman, Dickens himself could hardly have + excelled."--=Christian Leader.= + + =Budd Boyd's Triumph;= or, The Boy Firm of Fox Island. By + WILLIAM P. CHIPMAN. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. + + The scene of this story is laid on the upper part of Narragansett + Bay, and the leading incidents have a strong salt-water flavor. + The two boys, Budd Boyd and Judd Floyd, being ambitious and clear + sighted, form a partnership to catch and sell fish. Budd's pluck + and good sense carry him through many troubles. In following the + career of the boy firm of Boyd & Floyd, the youthful reader will + find a useful lesson--that industry and perseverance are bound to + lead to ultimate success. + + =Lost in the Canyon:= Sam Willett's Adventures on the Great + Colorado. By ALFRED R. CALHOUN. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, + price $1. + + This story hinges on a fortune left to Sam Willett, the hero, and + the fact that it will pass to a disreputable relative if the lad + dies before he shall have reached his majority. The story of his + father's peril and of Sam's desperate trip down the great canyon + on a raft, and how the party finally escape from their perils is + described in a graphic style that stamps Mr. Calhoun as a master + of his art. + + =Captured by Apes:= The Wonderful Adventures of a Young Animal + Trainer. By HARRY PRENTICE. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price + $1.00. + + Philip Garland, a young animal collector and trainer, sets sail + for Eastern seas in quest of a new stock of living curiosities. + The vessel is wrecked off the coast of Borneo, and young Garland + is cast ashore on a small island, and captured by the apes that + overran the place. Very novel indeed is the way by which the + young man escapes death. Mr. Prentice is a writer of undoubted + skill. + + =Under Drake's Flag:= A Tale of the Spanish Main. By G. A. + HENTY. With illustrations by GORDON BROWNE. 12mo, cloth, + olivine edges, price $1.00. + + "There is not a dull chapter, nor, indeed, a dull page in the + book; but the author has so carefully worked up his subject that + the exciting deeds of his heroes are never incongruous nor + absurd."--=Observer.= + + =By Sheer Pluck:= A Tale of the Ashanti War. By G. A. HENTY. + With illustrations by GORDON BROWNE. 12mo, cloth, olivine + edges, price $1.00. + + The author has woven, in a tale of thrilling interest, all the + details of the Ashanti campaign, of which he was himself a + witness. + + "Mr. Henty keeps up his reputation as a writer of boys' stories. + 'By Sheer Pluck' will be eagerly read."--=Athenaeum.= + + =With Lee in Virginia:= A Story of the American Civil War. By + G. A. HENTY. With illustrations by GORDON BROWNE. 12mo, + cloth, olivine edges, price $1.00. + + "One of the best stories for lads which Mr. Henty has yet + written. The picture is full of life and color, and the stirring + and romantic incidents are skillfully blended with the personal + interest and charm of the story."--=Standard.= + + =By England's Aid;= or, The Freeing of the Netherlands + (1585-1604). By G. A. HENTY. With illustrations by ALFRED + PEARSE. 12mo, cloth, olivine edges, price $1.00. + + "It is an admirable book for youngsters. It overflows with + stirring incident and exciting adventure, and the color of the + era and of the scene are finely reproduced. The illustrations add + to its attractiveness."--=Boston Gazette.= + + * * * * * + +For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the +publisher, A. L. BURT, 52-58 Duane Street, New York. + + + + + Transcriber's Note: + + Variations in the use of hyphens and alternative spelling have + been retained as they appear in the original except as in the + following changes: + + Page 5 friendship for you. changed to + friendship for you, + + 12 and he was he was on his way changed to + and he was on his way + + 14 I should have have been somewhere changed to + I should have been somewhere + + 55 might he obliged to changed to + might be obliged to + + 88 thay may make it disagreeable changed to + they may make it disagreeable + + 146 in a box-buggy changed to + in a box buggy + + 151 his own propperty changed to + his own property + + 153 Hello! Helo-o-o! changed to + Hello! Hello-o-o! + + 156 A SOUVENIR OF THE THIEVES changed to + A SOUVENIR OF THE THIEVES. + + 180 call the case on of changed to + call the case one of + + 225 said Bob, and before changed to + said Bob, "and before + + 234 an hour bfore it changed to + an hour before it + + 238 this was followd by changed to + this was followed by + + 242 it was, prefering to changed to + it was, preferring to + + 258 they might lose. "The Harnett" changed to + they might lose "The Harnett" + + And in the advertisements: + + Page 5 South Carolina in in 1780 changed to + South Carolina in 1780 + + 6 price $1,00 in Corporal Lige's Recruit changed to + price $1.00 + + 8 illustrated, price $1.00 in The Boy Cruisers changed to + illustrated, price $1.00. + + 10 price $1, in Lost in the Canyon changed to + price $1. + + 10 cloth, illustrated. in Captured by Apes changed to + cloth, illustrated, + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's Ralph Gurney's Oil Speculation, by James Otis + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK RALPH GURNEY'S OIL SPECULATION *** + +***** This file should be named 27984.txt or 27984.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/2/7/9/8/27984/ + +Produced by Roger Frank, Suzanne Shell and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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