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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/5875.txt b/5875.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..82ed8d7 --- /dev/null +++ b/5875.txt @@ -0,0 +1,7777 @@ +Project Gutenberg's The Rover Boys on the Ocean, by Arthur M. Winfield + +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: The Rover Boys on the Ocean + or, A Chase for a Fortune + +Author: Arthur M. Winfield + +Posting Date: May 31, 2012 [EBook #5875] +Release Date: June, 2004 +First Posted: September 15, 2002 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ROVER BOYS ON THE OCEAN *** + + + + +Produced by John Pobuda + + + + + + + + + +THE ROVER BOYS ON THE OCEAN + +OR A CHASE FOR A FORTUNE + + +BY Arthur M. Winfield + +(Edward Stratemeyer) + + + + +INTRODUCTION + + +My dear Boys: "The Rover Boys on the Ocean" is a complete tale in +itself, but forms a companion volume to "The Rover Boys at +School," which preceded it. + +In the former volume I tried to give my young readers a glimpse +of life as it actually is in one of our famous military boarding +schools, with its brightness and shadows, its trials and +triumphs, its little plots and counterplots, its mental and +physical contests, and all that goes to make up such an +existence; in the present tale I have given a little more of +this, and also related the particulars of an ocean trip, which, +from a small and unpretentious beginning, developed into +something entirely unlooked for an outing calculated to test the +nerves of the bravest of American youths. How Dick, Tom, and +Sam, and their friends stood it, and how they triumphed over +their enemies, I will leave for the story itself to explain. +This volume will be followed by another, to be entitled, "The +Rover Boys in the jungle," telling of curious adventures in the +heart of Africa. + +As the first volume of the series was so I well received, my one +wish is that the present tale may find equal favor at your hands. + +Affectionately and sincerely yours, + +EDWARD STRATEMEYER + +September 20, 1899 + + + + +THE ROVER BOYS ON THE OCEAN + + + + +CHAPTER I + +SOMETHING ABOUT THE ROVER BOYS + + +"Luff up a little, Sam, or the _Spray_ will run on the rocks." + +"All right, Dick. I haven't got sailing down quite as fine as you +yet. How far do you suppose we are from Albany?" + +"Not over eight or nine miles. If this wind holds out we'll make +that city by six o'clock. I'll tell you what, sailing on the +Hudson suits me first-rate." + +"And it suits me, too," put in Tom Rover, addressing both of +his brothers. "I like it ten times better than staying on Uncle +Randolph's farm." + +"But I can't say that I like it better than life at Putnam Hall," +smiled Sam Rover, as he threw over the tiller of the little +yacht. "I'm quite anxious to meet Captain Putnam and Fred, +Frank, and Larry again." + +"Oh, so am I," answered Tom Rover. "But an outing on the Hudson +is just the best of a vacation. By the way, I wonder if all of +our old friends will be back?" + +"Most of them will be." + +"And our enemies?" + +"Dan Baxter won't come back," answered Dick seriously. "He ran +away to Chicago with two hundred dollars belonging to his father, +and I guess that's the end of him--so far as Putnam Hall and we +are concerned. What a bully he was!" + +"I feel it in my bones, Dick, that we'll meet Dan Baxter again," +came from Sam Rover. + +"Don't you remember that in that note he left when he ran away he +said he would take pains to get square with us some day?" + +"He was a big blower, Sam," put in Tom. "I am not afraid of him. +An his chum, Mumps, was a regular sneak coward. I hope Putnam +Hall will be free from all such fellows during the next term. +But we--Hold hard, Sam--there is another yacht bearing down +upon us!" + +Tom Rover leaped to his feet and so did Dick. Tom was right; +another craft, considerably larger than their own, was headed +directly for them. + +"Throw her over to starboard!" sang out, Dick Rover. "And be +quick about it--or we'll have a smash-up sure!" And he leaped +to his brother's, assistance, while Tom did the same. + +The Rover brothers were three in number--Dick, the oldest and +most studious; Tom next, is full of fun as an egg is full of +meat, and Sam the youngest. + +In a former volume of this series, entitled, "The Rover Boys at +School," I related how the three youths had been sent by their +uncle, Randolph Rover, to Putnam Hall, a military boarding +school, situated upon Cayuga Lake, in New York State. + +Whether the three boys were orphans or not was a question that +could not be answered. Their father, Anderson Rover, had been a +geological expert and rich mine owner, and, returning from the +West, had set sail for Africa, with the intention of exploring +the central region of that country in the hope of locating some +valuable gold mines. The boys and their uncle knew that he had +journeyed from the western coast toward the interior with a +number of natives, and that was all they did know, although they +had made numerous inquiries, and hoped for the best. The lads' +mother was dead; and all these things had happened years before +they had been sent to boarding school. + +Randolph Rover was an eccentric but kind hearted man, given over +entirely to scientific farming, of which, so far, sad to relate, +he had made a rather costly failure. He spent all of his time +over his agricultural books and in the fields, and was glad +enough to get the boys off his hands by sending them to the +military school. + +When vacation came he wondered what he should do with them during +the summer, but the problem was solved by the boys, who hated to +think of remaining on the farm, and who proposed a trip up and down +the Hudson River and through Long Island Sound, providing their +guardian would furnish the boat and bear the expense of the outing. +The outcome was the chartering of the yacht _Spray_, and all of the +boys took lessons in sailing from an old tar who knew exactly how +such a craft should be handled. + +At Putnam Hall the boys had made a number of friends, and also +several enemies, and had had several surprising adventures, as my +old readers already know. Who their friends and their enemies +were, and what further adventures were in store for the three +brothers, I will leave for the pages following to reveal. At +present let us turn our attention to the boat which seemed on +the point of running down the _Spray_. + +Like their own craft, the other boat carried but a single mast. +But the stick was at least ten feet longer than the mast of the +_Spray_, and the boat was correspondingly larger in every respect. +As she came nearer the Rover boys saw that she contained two +occupants, a boy and a somewhat elderly man. + +"Sheer off there!" cried Dick, at the top of his lungs. "Do you +want to run us down?" + +"Get out of the way yourself!" came back the answer from the boy +in the other boat. + +"We can't get out--we are almost on the rocks now!" yelled Tom. +Then he gave a start of surprise. "Why, it's Mumps!" + +"By jinks, it is John Fenwick!" muttered Dick. "I remember now +that he came from the Hudson River and that his folks owned a +boat." He raised his voice, "Are you going to sheer off or not?" + +By this time the two boats were nearly bowsprit to bowsprit, and +Sam Rover's heart almost stopped beating. But now Mumps spoke to +the man with him, and his craft, called the _Falcon_, sheered to +port, scraping the _Spray's_ side as she did so. + +"Mumps, what do you mean by such work?" demanded Dick, when the +immediate danger was past. + +"Ha! ha! I thought I would give you a scare," laughed the former +sneak of Putnam Hall. + +"You needn't be afraid but what I and old Bill Goss here know how +to keep the _Falcon_ out of danger." + +"It was foolishness to run so close," said Tom. + +"Don't you talk to me, Tom Rover. I've had enough of you, mind +that." + +"And I want you to mind and keep off next time, Mumps. If you +don't--" + +"What will you do?" + +"I'll be tempted to come aboard the _Falcon_ and give you a +thrashing." + +"You'll never set foot on my boat, and I'm not afraid of you," +roared Mumps. "You think you got the best of me at Putnam Hall, +but you didn't, and I want you to know it." + +"How is your friend, Dan Baxter?" cried Sam. "Has he landed in +jail yet?" + +"Never mind Dan Baxter," growled Mumps, growing red in the face; +and then the two yachts moved so far apart that further talk was +impossible. + +"Well, I didn't expect to meet him," muttered Dick, after the +three brothers had cooled down a bit. "He must have known we +were in this boat." + +"I saw his craft last night, down near Catskill," said Tom. +"I'll wager he has been following us up." + +"He wouldn't do that unless he had some reason for it." + +"I believe he would sink us if he could," put in Sam. "To my +mind he is almost as bad as Baxter." + +"Hardly, Sam; Dan Baxter is a thief and the son of a thief," came +from Tom. "By the way, I wonder if Arnold Baxter is still in the +hospital at Ithaca." + +"More than likely, since he was so badly hurt by that fall from +the train. If we--Look, Mumps has turned around and is +following us!" + +Sam pointed to the _Falcon_, and his brothers saw that he was +right. Soon the larger craft was again within hailing distance. + +"Hi, Mumps, what are you following us for?" demanded, Dick, as he +stepped up on the stern seat. + +"Didn't know I was following you," was the sour rejoinder. "I +have a right to sail where I please." + +"If you have any game in mind I advise you not to try it on." + +"What game would I have, Dick Rover?" + +"Some game to get yourself into trouble." + +"I know my own business." + +"Alright, you can go about your business. But don't try to step +on our toes--or you'll get the worst of it." + +"So you're going to play the part of a bully?" + +"No; I'm only giving you fair warning. If you let us alone we'll +let you alone." + +"You have been watching the movements of the _Falcon_ since day +before yesterday," went on Mumps, slowly and distinctly, as +though he expected his words to have a great effect. + +"Watching your boat--" began Dick and Tom simultaneously. + +"Yes, watching my boat--and I don't like it," answered Fenwick, +and his face grew dark. + +"Why should we watch your boat?" demanded Sam. + +"Never mind why. You've been watching her, and that's enough." + +"And why should we put ourselves out to that extent--when we are +merely out for pleasure," said Dick. "There is no fun in +watching a fellow like you, I'm sure." + +"John is right; ye have been a-watchin' this boat," growled the +old sailor named Bill Goss, who, it may be as well to state here, +was thoroughly under his younger master's thumb for reasons best +known to himself. "If I had my way I'd wollop the lot on ye!" +And he shook his fist at the occupants of the _Spray_. + +"You keep your oar out!" cried Dick sternly. "You are entirely +mistaken in your suspicions. We are not spying on you or +anybody, and if you--" + +Dick was permitted to go no further. While Bill Goss was +speaking the _Spray_ had been caught by a sudden puff of wind +and sent over to starboard. Now the _Falcon_ came on swiftly, and +in an instant her sharp bow crashed into the Rover boy's boat. +The shock of the collision caused the _Spray_ to shiver from stem +to stern, and then, with a jagged hole in her side, she began to +slowly sink. + + + + +CHAPTER II + +THE ENCOUNTER ON THE RIVER + + +For the instant after the collision occurred none of the Rover +boys uttered a word. Tom and Sam stared in amazement at Mumps, +while Dick gazed helplessly at the damage done. + +"Pull her away, quick, Bill!" cried Mumps in a low voice to the +old sailor, who at once sprang forward and shoved the two yachts +apart with a long boathook. Then the rudder of the _Falcon_ was +put hard a port, and she swung, away for a distance of half a +dozen yards. + +"We are sinking!" gasped Tom, who was the first of the three +brothers to find his voice. + +"Mumps, you rascal, what do you mean by this work?" demanded +Dick. And then, without waiting for an answer, he turned to Sam. +"Steer for the shore and beach her--if you can." + +"I don't believe we can make it, Dick. But we can try." + +"We'll have you locked up for this, Mumps," shouted Tom. + +"I couldn't help it--it was an accident," returned the former +sneak of Putnam Hall glibly. "You should have kept out of the +way." + +"We'll see about that later on." + +"Maybe you want us to help you." + +"We shan't ask you for the favor," burst out Sam. "I'd rather +drown first." But Sam did not exactly mean this. He and his +brothers could all swim, and he felt certain that they were in no +immediate danger of their lives. + +"You had better not ask any favors. I wouldn't pick you up for a +barrel of money." + +"I think we'll have to settle this in court, Mumps," said Dick, +as quietly as he could. + +"You can't prove I ran you down." + +"Don't you dare to have us hauled up," put in Bill Goss. "It was +an accident, jest as John says. I reckon as how it will teach ye +a lesson not to follow us ag'in." + +By this time the two yachts were once more so far apart that +talking from one to the other became difficult. Besides this, +the Rover boys felt that they must turn their whole attention to +the _Spray_, so no more was said. + +The yacht had been struck just at the water line and the hole +made in her side was all of six inches in diameter. Through this +the water was pouring into the hold at a lively rate. + +"We're going down as sure as guns," groaned Tom. "Steer her +right for the shore, Sam." This was done, and just as the _Spray_ +began to settle they ran upon a muddy and rocky flat about thirty +feet from the river bank proper. + +"There, we can't go down now," said Dick, with something of a +sigh of relief. "Let us lower the mainsail and jib before the +wind sends us over on our beam ends." + +The others understood the value of the advice, and soon the +mainsail of the yacht came down with a bang, and the jib +followed. The _Spray_ seemed inclined to list to port, but stopped +settling when her deck line touched the surface of the river. + +"That settles yachting for the present," said Dick in deep +disgust. + +"And the worst of it is, we haven't even a small boat to go +ashore in," added Sam. "What's to do?" + +"There is a rowboat putting out from the shore now," cried Tom. +"Hullo, there!" he shouted, and waved his hand. + +The shout was returned, and the rowboat was headed, in their +direction. As it came closer they saw that its occupant was a +middle-aged man of pleasant appearance. + +"So you had a smash-up, eh?" shouted the man, as soon as he came +near. "Anybody hurt?" + +"Our boat is hurt," answered Tom dryly. + +"Much of a hole?" + +"Big enough to put us on the bottom." + +"So I see. Want me to take you ashore?" + +"Yes," put in Dick, "if you will be kind enough to do it." + +"Certainly; always willing to aid anybody in distress. That +other craft run you down in short order, didn't she?" + +"Did you see it?" burst out Sam eagerly. + +"To be sure I did." + +"Then you know it was her fault." + +"I do. She had no right to follow you up as she did." + +"I'm glad you saw the mix-up, Mr..." + +"Martin Harris is my name. I'm an old boatman around here--keep boats +to hire, and the like. And who is this I'm to take ashore?" + +"My name is Sam Rover. These are my two brothers, Dick and Tom." + +"Do you know who it was ran into you?" + +"It was the _Falcon_, a yacht owned by a Mr. Fenwick. His son and +a man he called Bill Goss were aboard." + +At this Martin Harris drew down his mouth. "A bad set, those. I +know 'em well." + +"And we know, Fenwick, too," put in Dick, "He's a regular sneak." + +"That's right--takes after his father, who did his best to +defraud me in a boat deal. And that Bill Goss is a sneak, too, +and worse," and Martin Harris shook his head decidedly. + +"Well, we can't talk about those people now," said Dick. "We're +in a mess and must get out of it the best way we can. As you are +an old boatman, what would you advise us to do?" + +"Come ashore with me and then get Dan Haskett to take your boat +in charge and fix her up. He can stop that leak somehow and pump +her out and have her all right inside of twenty-four hours." + +"Where can we find this Haskett?" + +"Come into my boat and I'll take you to him." + +The rowboat was now close at hand, and one after another the +Rover boys stowed themselves away in the craft. Then Martin +Harris took up the oars and started for the river bank. He +turned down the stream a bit and landed them at an old dock over +which hung the sign: "Daniel Haskett, Boat Builder and Repairer +jobs Promptly Attended to--Charges Small." + +Dan Haskett proved to be an elderly man, who was somewhat deaf, +and it took the boys some time to make him understand the +situation. + +"We've had a smash-up," began Dick. + +"Cash up?" said the deaf man. "Cash up for what?" + +"We've had a smash-up!" repeated the boy in a louder tone. "We +want our boat mended." + +"What's ended?" asked the boat builder. "Your boat?" + +"Almost ended," roared Tom. "We--want--you--to--fix--up--our--boat," +he yelled. + +"Oh, all right. Where is she?" + +Dick pointed with his finger, and at once the boat builder +understood. "There's a hole in her side," bawled the boy. "We +want it patched up." + +"All right; I can do that." + +"Can we have her by tomorrow?" + +"How's that?" And Dan Haskett placed his hand to his ear. + +"Can--we--have--her--by--tomorrow?" yelled Dick. + +"I guess so. I'll have to see how badly she is damaged first." + +Haskett got out a small boat of his own and, taking Dick with +him, rowed over to the wreck. He pronounced the injury small and +said the boys could have their boat by noon the next day. The +charges would be twelve or fifteen dollars. + +"We'll be getting off cheaper than I thought," said Tom, on +Dick's return. "Ought to come out of Mumps' pocket." + +"That's so," added Sam. "By the way, I wonder what he meant by +saying we were dogging him?" + +"I can't say," replied Dick. "But I've been thinking that he +can't be up to any good, or he wouldn't be so suspicious." + +"Just exactly my idea!" burst out Tom. "Do you know what I half +imagine?" + +"Well?" + +"That Mumps is cruising around waiting for Dan Baxter to join +him." + +"But Baxter went to Chicago." + +"He won't stay there--not as long as his father is in the East. +He will be back before long, if he isn't back already." + +"But he took that money belonging to his father." + +"What of that? His father can't do anything against him, for he +himself is worse than his son, as we all know. Besides, his +father is most likely still in the hospital." + +"If you young gentlemen want to sail around until tomorrow noon, +I can take you out in one of my boats," remarked Martin Harris. +"I've got a first-class yacht, the _Searchlight_, that I can let +you have reasonably." + +"Thanks, but I would just as lief stay on shore until our boat is +mended," answered Dick. "But I want to pay you for what you did +for us," he added. + +"Oh, that's all right." + +But the boys thought otherwise, and in the end gave Martin Harris +two dollars, with which the boatman was highly pleased. + +"Remember, I saw that accident," he said, on parting. "I can +prove it was the _Falcon's_ fault." + +"We'll remember that," answered Dick. + +From time to time they had watched the _Falcon's_ course until the +yacht had disappeared down the river. + +After a short debate the brothers decided to put up at a hotel +which stood not far away, on a high cliff overlooking the noble +Hudson. + +"We've been on the water for nearly two weeks now," said Dick, +"and to sleep in a real bed will be something of a novelty." + +As it was in the height of the summer season the hotel was +crowded; but some guests were just departing, and they managed to +get a fairly good room on the second floor. This had a double +bed, and a cot was added, to accommodate Sam; Dick and Tom +sleeping together, as usual. + +It was supper time when the boys arrived, and as soon as they had +registered and washed up and combed their hair, they descended to +the spacious dining room, where fully a score of tables were set. + +"This way, please," said the head waiter, and showed them to a +table at one side, overlooking one of the wide verandas of the +hotel. + +"I'm as hungry as a bear!" exclaimed Tom. "You can't serve us +any too quick," he added, to the waiter who came up to take their +orders. + +"Yes, sah, do the best I can, sah," grinned the colored man. +"What kind of soup, please?" + +"I'll have ox-tail--" began Tom, when he happened to glance out +of the window. As his gaze fell upon a man sitting in an easy +chair on the veranda he uttered a low whistle. "By jinks, boys, +look! Josiah Crabtree, as sure as you're born!" he whispered. + + + + +CHAPTER III + +JOSIAH CRABTREE FREES HIS MIND + + +The individual to whom Tom referred had been a former master at +Putnam Hall, but his disagreeable ways had led to his dismissal +by Captain Putnam. + +Josiah Crabtree was a tall, slim individual, with a sharp face +and a very long nose. During the past term at Putnam Hall he had +been very dictatorial to the Rover boys, and it must be confessed +that they had made life anything but a bed of roses for him. +Crabtree had been very desirous of marrying a certain widow by +the name of Stanhope, but the marriage was opposed by Dora, the +widow's daughter, and as Dick was rather sweet on Dora, he had +done all he could to aid the girl in breaking off the match, even +going so far as to send Crabtree a bogus letter which had taken +the teacher out to Chicago on a hunt for a position in a private +college that had never existed. Dick knew that Crabtree was +comparatively poor and wished to marry the widow so that he could +get his hands on the fortune which the lady held in trust for her +only child. + +"It is Crabtree," said Dick, as he gave a look. + +"I wonder how he liked his trip to Chicago?" laughed Sam. +"Perhaps the Mid-West National College didn't suit his lofty +ideas." + +"Hush! don't let him hear you talk of that," returned Dick. "He +might get us into trouble." + +"What kind of soup, sah?" interrupted the waiter, and then they +broke off to give their order, and the waiter hurried off to fill +it. + +"I'd like to know if he has been around the Stanhope cottage +again," mused Dick, as he sipped his soup. + +"Dick can't bear to think of anybody around Dora," laughed Tom. + +"I don't want _him_ around," retorted the elder Rover, growing red +in the face. "He wants the Stanhopes' money and that's all he +does want. I don't believe he really loves Mrs. Stanhope." + +"But why does she encourage him?" came from Sam. "Why don't she +send him about his business?" + +"Oh, she is sickly, as you know, and he seems to have a peculiar +hypnotic influence over her, at least that's what Dora thinks." + +"What are you laughing at, Tom?" + +"I--I was thinking of the time we put the crabs in old +Crabtree's bed," answered the younger brother. + +"No, you, weren't--" + +"Well?" demanded Tom, as Dick paused. + +"You were laughing because I mentioned Dora, and--" + +"'Pon my honor I wasn't," smiled Tom, but his look belied his +words. + +"You were. If I mention her cousins, Grace and Nellie Laning, I +guess the laugh will be on you and Sam--" + +"We'll call it quits," answered Tom hurriedly. + +"They're all nice girls, eh, Sam?" + +"To be sure. But, I say, hadn't we best keep out of old +Crabtree's way?" + +"I don't know as it's necessary," said Dick. + +"I'm not afraid of him, I'm sure." + +"Oh, neither am I, if you are going to put it that way," answered +the youngest Rover. + +"If he's stopping here I'm going to have some fun with him," +grinned Tom. + +The evening meal was soon finished, and the boys took a stroll +around the grounds. They were just on the point of retiring when +Dick drew his brothers' attention to a figure that was stealing +through a nearby grove of trees. + +"There goes Crabtree." + +"I wonder where he is going," mused Sam. "Where does that path +lead to?" + +"Down to the river," came from Tom. And then he added suddenly: +"Come, let us follow him." + +"What's the good," grumbled Dick. "I'm tired out." + +"There may be some chance for fun. Come on," and thus urged Dick +and Sam followed their fun-loving brother. + +The path through the grove ran directly to the cliff overlooking +the Hudson, at a point where a series of stone steps led up from +the water's edge. As they gained a spot where they could look +down upon the river, Dick uttered a short cry. + +"Look, boys, a yacht!" he said, pointing through the moonlight. +"I'll wager it is the _Falcon_!" + +"And Mumps is coming to meet Josiah Crabtree," put in Sam. + +"But what would he want to see Crabtree about?" demanded Tom. + +"That remains to be seen. Remember at Putnam Hall the only friends +Josiah Crabtree had were Dan Baxter and Mumps." + +"That is true, Dick. See, Crabtree has his handkerchief out and +is waving it as a signal." + +"And here comes somebody up the steps. Mumps, sure enough," +whispered Sam. + +"Let us get behind the trees and learn what is going on," came +from Dick, and the three brothers lost no time in secreting +themselves in the immediate vicinity. + +"Well, John, I've been waiting for you," said Josiah Crabtree, as +Mumps came forward and the two shook hands. + +"So have I been waiting for you," returned the former sneak of +Putnam Hall. "Why didn't you come yesterday?" + +"It was impossible to do so, my lad. Is that the _Falcon_ down +there?" + +"It is." + +"Who is in charge of her?" + +"A sailor named Bill Goss." + +"Is he a--ahem--a man to be trusted?" + +"I guess I can trust him," snickered Mumps. "If he dared to give me +away, I could send him to jail." + +"You mean that you--er--have him--ahem--in your power?" + +"That's it, Mr. Crabtree." + +"Very good. And is be, a good sailor?" + +"As good as any on the river." + +"Then he can sail the yacht down the river without mishap?" + +"He can take her to Florida, if you wish to go that far." + +"No, I don't want to go that far--at least, not at present." + +"Don't you think you ought to let me in on your little game," +went on Mumps earnestly. "So far I'm in the dark." + +"You will know all very soon, John--and you shall be well paid +for what you do." + +"That's all right. But if it isn't lawful--" + +"I will protect you, never fear." + +"Where is Dan Baxter?" + +"Hush! It will be best not to mention his name, my lad." + +"'But where is he?" + +"I cannot say exactly." + +"Is he around Lake Cayuga?" + +"Well--ahem--more than likely he is. To tell the truth, he +is very anxious to see his father." + +"To bone him for some more money?" + +"I think not. Daniel thinks a great deal of his parent, and when +Mr. Baxter was so seriously injured--" + +"Dan didn't care much for that. He isn't that kind." + +"Daniel is a better boy than you think, John. He loves his +parent, and when that imp of a Rover got Mr. Baxter into trouble +Daniel was very much exercised over it." + +"Gracious, but that's rich," murmured Dick. "_I_ got him into +trouble. I guess the rascal did that for himself." + +"Well, we won't talk about that, professor," went on Mumps. "You +didn't stay in Chicago long." + +"No, I--ahem--the position offered to me did not suit my +views, so I declined it." + +"Gee-christopher!" came from Tom, and each of the Rovers could +scarcely keep from laughing. + +"I think those Rover boys put up a job on you," said Mumps. "At +least, I got an inkling that way." + +"Indeed. I would like to wring their necks, the imps!" burst out +Josiah Crabtree. "Oh, what have I not suffered at their hands! +At one hotel where I stopped they placed live crabs--But let +that pass, the subject is too painful. To come back to the +point. I can have the _Falcon_ at any time that I may need her?" + +"Yes." + +"And you will promise to say nothing to a soul about what is done +on the trip I propose?" + +"I will." + +"Very good, You see, this is a--er--a delicate matter." + +"Are you going to marry Mrs. Stanhope and use the yacht for your +honeymoon?" said Mumps somewhat slyly. + +"Hardly--although that would not be a bad idea, my lad. But +now I have a different deal on hand--something very much +different. If you do not object I'll take a look at your yacht +and interview this sailor you mention." + +"All right, come ahead." + +Mumps led the way down the rocky steps and Josiah Crabtree +followed, moving slowly that he might not fall. Creeping to the +edge of the cliff, the Rover boys saw the pair reach the _Falcon_ +and go on board. + +"Now what is in the wind?" said Dick, as soon as the pair were +out of hearing. + +"That's a conundrum," replied Tom. "I'll wager one thing though--old +Crabtree is up to no good." + +"I believe you are right. I wish we could hear the rest of what +is going on." + +"Can't we get close to the yacht?" suggested Sam. "See, the sky +is clouding over. I don't believe they will see us going down +the stairs." + +They talked the plan over for a moment, then began to descend the +steps, keeping as low down as possible and close to some brush +which grew up in the crevices of the stones. Soon the river bank +was gained at a point not over fifty feet from where the yacht +lay. + +They halted behind a large stone close to the water's edge. By +straining their eyes in the darkness they saw Mumps, Crabtree, +and Bill Goss in earnest conversation in the stern of the vessel. +A low murmur came to their ears, but not a word could be +understood. + +"We must get closer," was Dick's comment, when to the surprise of +all they saw the sailor hoist the mainsail of the _Falcon_. A +gentle breeze was blowing, and soon the yacht was leaving the +shore. They watched the craft until the gathering darkness hid +her entirely from view. + + + + +CHAPTER IV + +THE DISASTROUS RESULT OF A TRICK + + +"She's gone!" + +"Yes; and I wonder where to, Tom?" + +"I don't believe the yacht will go very far," said Sam. "Maybe +old Crabtree merely wants to see what sort of a sailing craft she +is." + +"We can watch here for a while," returned Dick. + +They sat down on a rock and waited, in the meantime discussing +the strange situation. They could reach no conclusion but that +Josiah Crabtree had some plot he wanted to put into execution. +"And it's something underhand, too," was Dick's comment. + +At last they grew tired of waiting and almost fell asleep. This +being the case they returned to the hotel and made their way to +the bed chamber. Soon each was sleeping soundly. + +When they awoke the sun was shining brightly--and it was +half-past seven o'clock. "All up!" shouted Tom, and dragged Sam +out by the foot. Soon they were dressed and made their way to +the dining room. + +They had scarcely seated themselves when Josiah Crabtree came in +and was shown to a seat directly opposite the boys. He did not +notice them at first and began to eat a dish of oatmeal silently +and rapidly. + +Tom nudged Sam, and the younger Rover nudged his oldest brother, +and a snicker went up. At this Josiah Crabtree glanced at them +carelessly. Then he started back in amazement. + +"Why--er--why--ahem--so it is you!" he stammered. "I--er--where did +you come from?" + +"We came from our bedroom," answered Tom promptly. "Where did +you come from, Mr. Crabtree?" + + "Why--er--don't be impertinent, Rover. I might say that I +came from my bedroom too." + +"I thought you came from the river," remarked Dick carelessly. + +"From the river? + +"Yes." + +"You are--ahem, mistaken, my lad. I have not been near the +river--at least, not since I came up from New York on the +boat." + +"Stopping here for the summer?" put in Sam. + +"I do not know as that is any of your business, Samuel. I am no +longer a master at Putnam Hall and when I left that place I +washed my hands of all those connected with that place." + +"A good thing for the Hall, sir," came from Tom. + +"Don't be insulting, Rover. You go your way and I'll go mine." + +"As you please, sir. You spoke to us first." + +"I'll take good care and not do it again. But this looks as if +you were following me up." + +"That's what Mumps said," cried Sam, before he had stopped to +think twice. + +"Ha! So you have met Mum--I mean John Fenwick?" + +"We met him on the river." + +"And he said you had been following him?" + +"Never mind, Mr. Crabtree, we won't talk any more," put in Dick, +with a warning glance at Sam. He turned to the waiter. "Some +fish, please, trout; and see that the biscuits are warm." + +"Yes, sah," grinned the negro. + +Tom at once took the cue. "It's going to be a warm day," he said +to Dick. + +"I wonder how sailing was last night," put in Sam slyly. + +At this Josiah Crabtree looked as black as a thundercloud. + +"You boys have been playing the sneak on me!" he cried. "Take my +advice and beware of what you do in the future." + +"I wasn't talking to you," retorted Sam. "Kindly keep your remarks to +yourself." + +By this time others were coming to the table, consequently the +cross-fire of words had to come to an end. Josiah Crabtree +finished his repast as speedily as possible and strode out of the +dining room in high but suppressed anger. + +"He's a corker," remarked Tom. "I believe he'd half kill us if +he dared." + +"I guess he hasn't forgotten how I stopped him from maltreating +Dora Stanhope," said Dick. "I wish I knew if he had been around +their place since he came back from the West." + +"Of course he has been back," said Tom. "And he'll marry Mrs. +Stanhope yet--see if he don't." + +"Not if I can help Dora prevent it," said his elder brother +firmly. + +Breakfast finished they walked out to learn what had become of +Crabtree. They were just in time to see him leaving the hotel, +valise in hand. + +"He's off," said Tom. "I wonder where he is bound?" + +"Let us follow him and find out," returned Dick, + +This did not prove to be an easy matter, for at the foot of the +hotel grounds Josiah Crabtree jumped into a stage which was in +waiting, bound for the depot. + +"He's off on the train, I guess," said Sam, and the others were +inclined to agree with him. + +Down at the river shore nothing could be seen of the _Falcon_, and +they concluded that Mumps had also taken himself off. + +The morning was spent around the hotel, in reading the +newspapers and taking it easy out on the beautiful lawn. + +"Hullo, here's a novelty!" cried Tom presently, and pointed to an +Italian who was coming up to the hotel. The fellow had a small +hand organ and a trained bear and two monkeys. The monkeys were +dressed in red, white, and blue, and sat on the bear's back as he +trotted along. + +"He's going to give us a performance," said Sam, as the Italian +came to a halt in the center of the grounds. + +"There they go!" + +The music started, and at once the bear reared himself on his +hind legs and began to dance. In the meantime the monkeys +climbed to the bear's head and began a little dance of their own. + +"Now for a little sport," whispered Tom, and started for the +hotel. + +"Be careful of yourself!" warned Dick; "That bear looks as if he +wasn't to be trifled with." + +But Tom did not heed him, his whole mind being bent on having a +laugh at the expense of the Italian and his animals. Going +around to the kitchen of the hotel, he procured a couple of sugar +cakes, pierced them with pinholes, and filled them up with +pepper. + +When he returned he found that a crowd had gathered and the +Italian was passing around the hat. While Sam and Dick +contributed several cents, Tom gave the bear one bun and divided +the other between the two monkeys. + +"Cheep! cheep!" went the monkeys, as if highly pleased. + +"You're right, they are cheap," grinned Tom. "Hope you like the +flavor." + +The monkeys began to eat ravenously, for they were nearly +starved. But they had not swallowed many mouthfuls before they +noticed something wrong. Then one threw his bun at Tom in a +rage. A second later the other monkey leaped back on the bear's +head and began to dance and scratch wildly, in the meanwhile +scattering the bun crumbs in all directions. + +"Hi! hi! whata you do to de monks?" demanded the Italian. "You +letta de monks alone!" + +"I'm not touching the monks," replied Tom, and slipped out of +sight in the crowd. + +By this time the bear had swallowed the larger portion of the bun +given to him. It was the more peppery of the two, and it brought +tears to the beast's eyes. With a roar of rage he, turned and +shook the monkey from his head and leaped away from his keeper, +dragging his chain after him. + +The monkeys were evidently not used to seeing the bear in an ugly +mood, and at once they sought safety by getting out of his reach. +One leaped into a tree and ran like a cat to the top, while the +second pounced on the shoulder of an elderly damsel, who looked +exactly what she was, a hot-tempered old maid. + +"Oh, dear!" screamed the elderly damsel. "Take the horrid thing +off! Take it off this minute!" + +"Come here, Jocko!" roared the Italian. "Come, Jocko!" and he +held out his hands. + +But Jocko had no intention of coming. Instead he clung the +closer, his two forefeet in the lady's hair. The hair was +largely false, and all of a sudden a long switch came loose and +fell to the ground. + +At this the damsel screeched at the top of her lungs and, caught +at the hair. The monkey cried, too, in concert, and then a young +man rushed in to the rescue. But Jocko's blood was up, and, +leaping to the young man's shoulder, he tore off his straw hat +and began to pull it to bits. Then, with the hat still in his +possession, he made a leap to the tree and joined his brother at +the top. + +By this time the uproar was general, and it seemed to anger the +bear still more. He had been rushing over the lawn, upsetting +easy chairs and benches, but now he charged straight for the +crowd. + +"Look out for the bear!" + +"The beast is going mad and will chew somebody up!" + +"Shoot him, somebody, before we are all killed!" + +Such were some of the cries which rang out. The Italian turned +pale with anger and alarm. + +"No shootta Marcus!" he cried. "No shootta heem. He de goodda +bear!" + +"Then catch him!" put in the proprietor of the hotel. "Catch him +and tie him up." + +But this the Italian could not do, and when the bear headed for +him he ran as hard as anybody present. Around and around the +grounds fled the people, some rushing for the hotel and the +others to the stables and to a large summer house. The bear made +first for one and then another, but at last halted in front of +the stable, which now contained the Rover boys, two ladies and an +elderly man, and two colored hostlers. + +"Shut the doors!" cried Dick, but his words were unnecessary, for +the colored men were already closing them. The bar had scarcely +been dropped into place when the bear hurled himself with all +force against the barrier. + +"He is going to break in the door!" cried one of the ladies. + +"Let us go upstairs," said the elderly gentleman, and lost no +time in leading the way. + +There was a back door to close, and one of the negroes started +for this. But just as he got close to the door he saw the bear +coming, and, uttering a wild yell, he too made for the stairs. + +Tom was close at hand, and it must be confessed that he felt +thoroughly sorry over what he had done. "I'm responsible for all +of it," he groaned. Then, as the bear stepped close to the back +door, he got behind the barrier and tried to shove it shut. + +The result was a surprise for both boy and bear, for as the beast +made a leap the edge of the door caught him, and in a twinkle the +animal was held fast by the neck between the door and its frame. + + + + +CHAPTER V + +A NEVER-TO-BE-FORGOTTEN SWIM + + +"I've got him fast! Help! Help!" + +"Tom's caught the bear!" shouted Sam. "Can you hold him, Tom?" + +"I guess I can if some of you will help me!" panted the youth. +"Hurry up!" + +Sam and Dick were on the stairs, but now both ran to their +brother's assistance, and all three pushed upon the door with all +of their strength. + +The barrier groaned and creaked and it looked as if at any +instant it would burst from its hinges. + +"Gracious, we can't hold him very long!" gasped Sam. "Can't +somebody hit the animal with a club?" + +"I reckon I can do dat!" shouted one of the hostlers, and caught +up an ax-handle which stood in one corner. As he approached the +bear, the beast uttered a roar of commingled rage and fear, and +this was so terrorizing to the colored man that he dropped the +ax-handle and ran for his very life. + +"Come back here!" cried Tom. + +"Can't do it, boss; he's gwine ter chew me up!" howled the +hostler. + +"Hold the door--I'll hit him," put in Sam and he picked up the +ax-handle. Stepping forward, struck out heavily, and the bear dropped +in a heap, completely dazed and more than half choked to death. + +By this time the Italian was again at hand. In one pocket he carried a +thin but strong line, in a twinkle he had tied one fore and one hind +leg together, so that the bear, when he got up again, could do little +but hobble along. Then from another pocket he drew a leather muzzle, +which he buckled over the beast's head. But the bear had had all of +the ugliness knocked out him and was once more as docile as ever. + +"Tom," whispered Dick. "I guess the best we can do is to get out +of this place. If folks discover the trick you played, they'll +mob you." + +"I guess you're right. But who'll settle our bill?" + +"I'll do that," said Sam. "They know I wasn't near the bear when +the rumpus started." + +So it was agreed, and while Tom and Dick left the hotel grounds. Sam +strolled into the office to pay their bill. It was some time before +the clerk came to wait on him. + +"Say, I believe, your brother started this kick-up," observed the +clerk. + +"What?" demanded Sam, in pretended astonishment. + +"I say, I think he started this kick-up." + +"What kick-up?" + +"The one with the bear, of course." + +"Why, my brothers helped to catch the beast." + +"I know that; but one of 'em started it. What do you want?" + +"I want to pay our bill. How much is it?" + +"Going to leave?" + +"Yes." + +"Think you had better, eh?" + +"We only hired our room until this noon." Sam drew himself up. +"If you want your pay you be civil." + +"Yes, but--" The clerk broke off short. "That will be six +dollars, please." + +"All right, there you are," and Sam shoved the bills over. "Now don't +say we created a muss or I'll report you to the proprietor." + +"Yes, but see here--" + +"I've not got my glasses just now. Good-by, and--" + +"That man hasn't got his monkeys yet, and--" + +"What's that to you? Are you afraid the proprietor will put one +of 'em in here in your place?" And before the clerk could say +another word Sam ran off and joined his brothers at the river +bank. + +Soon the three reached the dock where the _Spray_ lay undergoing +repairs. The deaf man was just finishing his work. + +"She'll be about as good as ever," he said, in reply to Dick's +question. "She's a fine boat." + +"I guess he says that of every boat that brings him in a job," +murmured Sam. "Come on." + +He went aboard and the others followed. Dan Haskett was paid +off, the mainsail was hoisted, and once more they stood up the +river in the direction of the State capital. It was their +intention to spend two days in Albany and then return to New York +with the yacht. This would wind up their vacation, for Putnam +Hall was to open on the following Monday. + +The day proved an ideal one, but the wind was light and the yacht +scarcely moved even with the mainsail and jib set to their +fullest. This being so, the boys got out their fishing lines and +spent an hour in trolling, and succeeded in catching several +fair-sized fish. + +"We'll have to cook our own dinner," remarked Dick. "Tom, since +you did us out of our meal at the hotel I reckon you are the one +to fall in for this work." + +At this Tom cut a wry face, but still, seeing the justice of his +elder brother's remark, he went at the dinner-getting with a +will. The yacht boasted a kerosene stove, and over this he set +fish to frying and a pot of potatoes to boiling. As the river +was calm and the yacht steady the little stove worked very well. + +They were still out of sight of Albany when the midday meal was +pronounced ready. In addition to the articles already mentioned, +they had coffee, bread and butter, and what was left of a +cocoanut pie purchased the day previous. The boys were all +hearty eaters, and the food disappeared as if by magic. + +After dinner the breeze died out utterly, and Sam proposed that +they cast anchor close to shore and take a swim. The others were +willing, and soon they had disrobed and donned their bathing +trunks and were sporting in the water to their hearts' content. + +The water was somewhat colder than they had anticipated, and the +effect upon Sam was disastrous. The youngest Rover had eaten +more heartily than either of his brothers and this made him sick +at the stomach. However, as he did not wish to alarm Dick and +Tom and so spoil their fun, he said nothing about his condition. + +"Let us race each other," suggested Tom, and started off up the +shore, with Dick close beside him. Sam brought up in the rear, +but soon gave up the contest. + +"Help!" The single cry reached the ears of Tom and Dick when +they were fully a hundred feet from the _Spray_. Both turned just +in time to behold Sam throw up his arms and sink from view. + +"Great Caesar!" burst out Dick. "What can that mean?" + +"Maybe he is only fooling," replied Tom. "Yet I wouldn't think he +would be so foolish." + +"I don't think Sam is fooling," said Dick seriously, and at once +struck out to where the youngest Rover had gone down. Of course +Tom went with him. + +To reach the spot was not an easy matter, and they were still +some distance away when they saw Sam come up again. Then there +was a wild circling of arms and the boy disappeared once more. + +"He is drowning!" gasped Dick hoarsely. + +"Come, we must save him, Tom!" + +"Yes, yes," was the puffing answer, for Tom was swimming as never +before, and for a brief instant he remembered that awful +adventure Sam had had at Humpback Falls, the summer previous. At +that time the youngest Rover had nearly lost his life in the +water. + +It was Dick who gained the spot first, just as Sam came up and +went down again--totally unconscious. Diving, the elder Rover +caught his brother around the chest, under the arms. + +"Sam, Sam, what is it?" he questioned, and as no reply came back +his heart almost stopped beating. What if his brother was dead? +The agony of the thought was terrible beyond description. + +"Can I help you?" The question came from Tom, who was now at the +side of the others. + +"Catch hold of one arm, if you will," answered Dick. "He's a +dead weight." + +"Oh!" The moan came so unexpectedly that both Tom and Dick were +amazed. Then of a sudden Sam opened his eyes and clutched Dick +by the throat. "Save me!" + +Clearly the youngest Rover was out of his mind or he would not +have taken such a hold. As it was, Dick was nearly strangled and +had to unlock the fingers by sheer force. Then Sam grabbed him +again, and it looked as if both would go down to a watery grave. + +But now Tom came to the rescue. Swimming up from behind, he +caught Sam first under one arm--and then under the other, in a +back-to-back fashion. Then he bent forward and began to tread +water, thus holding his brother's head well out of water. + +"Push us ashore, Dick!" he panted, and understanding the movement +perfectly, the elder brother did as desired. Soon all three +gained a point from which Tom could wade to the river bank with +ease. + +It was an anxious pair that bent over Sam, who rested on his back +with his eyes closed. But the youngest Rover was not allowed to +remain long in that position. Tom and Dick knew something of how +to handle a person who is nearly drowned, and they now made use +of this knowledge with all speed. Sam was rolled and hoisted up +by the ankles, and thus he got rid of a large quantity of the +water he had swallowed. + +Yet even when he came to his senses he was too weak to walk, and +Tom had to bring the _Spray_ close to shore, and the sufferer had +to be carried on board, his brothers wading up to their waists +for that purpose. + +"The first cramp I got was in the stomach," said Sam, when he +could talk. "Then it went all over me like an electric shock, +and I felt I was going to drown. What happened after that was +like some awful dream!" And he shuddered. It was a long while +before any of them got over that adventure. + + + + +CHAPTER VI + +AN UNEXPECTED MEETING + + +As just related, the boys had brought the _Spray_ as closely +inshore as possible. All were now in the cabin, Dick and Tom +attending to Sam's wants; and consequently no one noticed the +passage of one of the palatial steamers that make daily trips +between New York and the capital of the State. + +These steamers, in running so fast, cast out long rollers on both +sides that go tumbling shoreward one after another. The rollers +now caught the _Spray_ and sent her dancing up and down like a +cork. + +"Hullo, we're in danger!" shouted Tom, and rushed for the deck, +with Dick almost at his heels. The anchor was dragging, and +unless pushed off the yacht would soon be pounding on the rocks. + +"I'll put up the sail!" roared Dick. "You bring up the anchor!" + +"I guess you had better pole her off," replied Tom. +Nevertheless, he did as Dick requested, working like a beaver. + +The wind was still faint, and when the mainsail was hoisted it +failed to fill. Seeing this, Dick seized a pole and Tom did the +same. They speedily found that they could not send the yacht out +any distance. But, with a pole at the bow and another at the +stern, they managed to keep her off the rocks until the rollers +began to go down. Then they shoved off with ease and moved slowly +up the river. + +"I'll tell you what, in handling a boat you have got to have your +weather eye open all the time," observed Tom. + +"Yes, and you want to have it open on all sides of you," smiled +Dick. "If you don't, you'll catch it before you are aware." + +Sam lay on one of the tiny berths with which the _Spray_ was +provided. His face was deathly white, and, to use his own words, +he felt "as weak as a rag." + +"I'm just beginning to realize how close to death I was," he +whispered to Tom. "It was awfully good of you and Dick to do +what you did." + +"Pooh! you would do just as much for us, Sam," answered the +fun-loving brother. But, just the same, he gave Sam's hand a +tight squeeze on the quiet. + +"What was that thumping, Tom?" asked the younger brother a bit +later. + +"The rollers from a big steamer nearly put us on the rocks." + +"Gracious, more perils! Don't you think we had better give up +our outing on the water?" + +"It will come to an end in a few days, Sam. We'll make the trip +to Albany, and that will be the last of it." + +It was nightfall by the time they came up to the capital city. +Getting the necessary permission to tie up at one of the private +wharves, they locked up the cabin of the _Spray_ and went ashore. + +"Tom Rover, as I live! And Dick and Sam, too!" + +The cry came from up the street, and soon a boy of Dick's age was +running to meet them. It was Frank Harrington, their old school +chum and room-mate of Dormitory No. 6. + +"Frank!" came from the three, and a general handshaking followed. + +"What brings you here?" asked Dick. + +"Why, don't you know, my folks moved up to Albany from New +York--father's in the State Senate now, you know," returned Frank, +with pride. + +"Oh, that's so--and you are a senator's son," put in Tom. "I +guess we'll have to tip our hats to you after this and call you +Mr. Harrington." + +"Stow it, Tom, and keep your jokes until school opens," +interrupted Frank. "Yes, we live here, and I thought you knew +all about it. I sent you a letter." + +"We've been away from home for several weeks," explained Dick, +and told of their outing on the water. + +"It must be jolly. My father owns a boat, but we seldom use it. +So you are going to stay in Albany over tomorrow? If that's the +case you must come up to our house. I won't hear of your going +to a hotel." + +"Will that arrangement suit your folks?" questioned Dick. + +"Oh, yes! The girls are all away--down to Asbury Park--and +so is mother; and father and I and the servants have the whole +mansion to ourselves. I can tell you, it's just a bit lonely at +times, and I'm real glad you came," concluded Frank. + +"If your father is a senator perhaps you can get us a pass +through the Capitol building," put in Sam. + +"You won't need a pass. I'll go with you. But, Sam, you look +sick." + +Sam's tale had to be told to Frank, who, meanwhile, led the way to a +street car. Boarding this, the boys soon reached the Harrington +mansion, located on one of Albany's finest thoroughfares. Here they +met Senator Harrington and were speedily introduced. + +"I've heard of you before," smiled the senator. He was a +pleasant-looking man of forty-five. "Frank says the Rover boys +were the whole school--or something like that." + +At this there was a laugh. "I guess he must have been one of the +Rovers, then," rejoined Tom; "he was just as good as any of us." +And then there was another laugh, and the newcomers felt +perfectly at home. + +There was a concert company in town, and, receiving permission +from his father to do so, Frank took his friends to see the +performance. The singing was very good; and, despite the fact +that it was still warm weather, the concert hall was packed. + +The program was a long one, and, with the numerous encores, did +not come to an end until nearly eleven o'clock. + +"That was immense," remarked Tom, when they were coming out. "I +wish I could sing like that tenor." + +"We ought to get up a quartet at the Hall," put in Frank. "I +understand they had a singing club year before last." + +"We're going to have a banjo club," said Dick. + +"Larry Colby wrote to me about it. He has a new banjo that cost +fifteen dollars, and he--" + +Dick broke off short as a slouchy-looking man brushed against him. The +eyes of the man and the boy met, and then the man disappeared in the +crowd as if by magic. + +"Well, I never!" + +"What's the matter, Dick?" came from all the others. + +"Didn't you see him?" + +"See who?" + +"Buddy Girk, the tramp thief, the fellow who used to train with +Dan Baxter's father." + +"What, the fellow who stole your watch and broke jail at +Rootville?" came from Tom. + +"The same." + +"Where is he now?" questioned Sam. + +"I don't know. The instant he saw me he skipped." + +"I'll wager he wasn't in the crowd for any good purpose," went on +Dick, as he remembered how he had suffered the loss of his +timepiece at Buddy Girk's hands. Dick had had a good deal of +trouble in recovering the article. + +"He ought to be pointed out to the police," put in Frank. "It's +not safe to have such men at large." + +"I wish I could collar him and make him talk about father's +affairs," grumbled Tom. + +"Why, did he know anything of your father's affairs?" exclaimed +Frank Harrington, in astonishment. + +"I think so. You see, Arnold Baxter tried to defraud my father +out of some western mining property, and this Buddy Girk was +mixed up in the affair--how, I don't exactly know." + +"I see. By the way, Tom, have you heard anything of your father +yet?" + +"Not a word," and Tom's face grew sober. "It does beat all what +has become of him, doesn't it?" he added. + +"I should think you would want to go and hunt him up." + +"We've talked about that already, but Uncle Randolph, who is our +guardian, thinks it would prove a wild-goose chase. He says the +interior of Africa is a big place to hunt any man in." + +"He's right there. But still I would want to hunt for him, even +if I had to go into the very jungles to do it." + +"We'll go some day--unless father turns up," put in Dick +decidedly. "If Uncle Randolph won't go, we'll go alone. But I +would like to meet this Buddy Girk," he continued, after a brief +pause. + +The boys had to walk to the corner of the block to get aboard of +a street car, and while waiting there, somewhat in the shadow, +Sam pulled Dick by the coat sleeve. + +"There he goes!" + +"Who?" + +"Buddy Girk. See him sneaking along the buildings over there?" +and the youngest Rover pointed with his hand. + +All saw the figure, and Tom at once proposed that they follow the +fellow. Frank was willing, and away they went across the street +and also into the gloom. + +Buddy Girk was making good time past a number of business +buildings which at this hour of the night were locked and barred +up and practically deserted. + +"I wonder if he saw us start to follow him?" whispered Dick, +after several blocks had been passed. + +"I don't think so. If he had, it's more than likely that he +would have legged it to get away. He--hullo, he's going into +that alleyway!" + +As Tom spoke he pointed to an opening between two tall office +buildings. Reaching the spot they saw, at the foot of the +alleyway, a couple of tenement houses. Buddy Girk was ascending +the steps of one of the houses, and presently he disappeared +within the dark hall. + +"He must be stopping here," remarked Sam. + +"That is something worth knowing--if we want to put the police +on his track." + +"I might have him arrested at once," suggested Dick. "He may not +be here in the morning." + +"Why don't you go and have a talk with him?" came from Frank. +"He may get scared and tell you all you want to know about that +mining business." + +"By jinks, there is something in that!" cried Dick. + +"Don't you get into trouble," warned Tom. "He may prove an ugly +customer if you corner him." + +"Let's all go in," said Sam. "He won't dare to do much with four +against him." + +The subject was discussed for a few minutes, and they resolved to +follow Sam's advice, Dick to lead the way and learn just how the +land lay. + +Then all walked down the alleyway and toward the tenement, little +dreaming of the surprise in store for them. + + + + +CHAPTER VII + +DICK IS MADE A PRISONER + + +The hallway of the tenement was pitch-dark, the door standing +open for a foot or more. From a rear room came a thin stream of +light under a door and a low murmur of voices. + +"I guess he went to the rear," whispered Dick. "You wait around +the corner till I see." + +Noiselessly he entered the hallway and walked to the door of the +rear room. Listening, he heard an Irishman and his wife talking +over some factory work the man had been promised. + +"Girk can't be there," he thought, when he heard an upper door +open. + +"Hullo, Buddy, back again!" muttered a strangely familiar voice, +and then the upper door was closed and locked. + +Wondering where he had heard that voice before, Dick came forward +again and ascended the rickety stairs. They creaked dismally, +and he fully expected to see somebody come out and demand what +was going on. But nobody came, and soon the upper hall was +gained, and he reached the door which he rightfully guessed had +just been opened and closed. + +"Yes, everything is all okay," were the first words to reach his +ears. "But I had a sweet job to find Mooney. He's cracked on +music, it seems, and had gone to a concert instead of attending +to business." + +"But he won't fail us tomorrow morning?" came in a second voice, +and now Dick recognized the speaker as Arnold Baxter, his +father's worst enemy, who had been left at the hospital in Ithaca +with a broken limb and several smashed ribs. Baxter had tackled +Dick while the two were on a moving train, and, while trying to +throw the boy off, had gotten the worst of the encounter by +tumbling off himself. + +"Arnold Baxter! is it possible!" muttered Dick to himself. "He +must have a constitution like iron to get around so soon." + +"No, Mooney won't fail us," said Buddy Girk. "I gave him a +mighty good talkin' to, I did." + +"I can't afford to have him go back on us," growled Arnold +Baxter. "I'm not well enough yet to do this job alone." + +"How does your chest feel?" + +"Oh, the ribs seem to be all right. But my leg isn't. I +shouldn't wonder but what I'll have to limp more or less for the +rest of my life." + +"That puts me in mind. Whom do you reckon I clapped eyes on down +at the concert hall tonight?" + +"I'm sure I don't know. Any of our enemies?" + +"Those three Rover boys." + +"What!" Arnold Baxter pushed back his chair in amazement. "Can +they be--be following me?" he gasped. + +"No. I saw 'em by accident. They had been to the concert." + +"But they don't belong here. They live on a farm called Valley +Brook, near the village of Dexter's Corners." + +"They were with another boy--a well-dressed chap. Maybe they +are paying him a visit." + +Arnold Baxter shook his head. "I don't like this. If they have +got wind of anything..." + +"But how could they get wind?" persisted Buddy Girk. + +"That would remain to be found out. You must remember, Buddy, +that they are down on me because of that row I once had with +their father over that gold mine." + +"I know it. And, by the way, I never got nothin' out of that +deal neither," growled Buddy Girk. + +"Didn't I tell you that some papers were missing? I half believe +Anderson Rover took them with him when he set out for Africa." + +"Then they are gone for good." + +"Not if he comes back, Buddy. That man is like his boys--bound to turn +up when you least expect it. That gold mine was--What's that?" + +Arnold Baxter stopped short and leaped to his feet. A wrangle in +the hallway just outside of the door had interrupted him. + +"Vot vos you doin' here, hey?" came in a heavy German voice. "I +dink me you vos up to no goot, hey?" + +"Let me go!" came from Dick. "I have done no harm." + +"I dink you vos von sneak thief alretty! Stand still bis I find +owit." + +"It's Dutch Jake!" cried Buddy Girk. "He has collared somebody +in the hall. I'll see who it is." + +He threw open the door and allowed the light of a lamp to fall on +Dick and the burly man who had captured the youth. + +"Great smoke! It's one of dem Rover boys!" he cried, dropping +into his old-time manner of speech. "Wot are you doin' here?" + +"You know dot young feller?" demanded the man who had been +mentioned as Dutch Jake. + +"Yes, I do, and he's up to no good here," replied Buddy Girk. + +"Den maybe I best kick him owit kvick, hey?" + +"Yes--no--wait a minute." Girk turned to Arnold Baxter. "Here is that +oldest Rover boy spying on us." + +"Ha! I told you they were regular rats for that sort of work," +fumed Arnold Baxter. + +"Don't let him go." + +"Why not?" + +"He may know too much. Bring him in here till I question him." + +"Not much!" burst out Dick. "Help! Help!" + +His cries came to a sudden ending as Buddy Girk clapped a large +and somewhat dirty hand over his mouth. + +"Run him in here, Jake," said the former tramp. "He is a fellow +we have an account to settle with." + +"Is dot so? Vell, I ton't vont me no troubles," answered the +German doubtfully. + +"It's all right--he--he stole some of our money. That's +right, in with him," and Dick was run into the room, after which +Dutch Jake retired as suddenly as he had appeared. He was an +elderly man, of a queer turn of mind, and, all by himself, +occupied a garret room of the tenement. + +As soon as the door was locked Arnold Baxter faced Dick. "Now +will you keep quiet, or shall I knock you over with this?" he +demanded, and raised a heavy cane he had grown into the habit of +carrying since he had escaped from the hospital, on the very day +that the authorities were going to transfer him to the jail at +Ithaca. + +"Don't you dare to touch me, Arnold Baxter!" cried the boy +boldly. + +"Will you keep quiet?" + +"That depends. What do you want of me?" + +"You followed Girk to this place and were spying on us." + +"I think I had a right to follow Girk. He is wanted by the +authorities, as you know." + +"You heard us planning to do something." + +"Perhaps I did." + +"I know you did." + +"All right, then; don't ask me about it." + +"You think that you are a smart boy," growled Baxter uneasily. + +"Thank you for nothing." + +"Don't get impudent." + +"That is what old Crabtree used to say." + +"The Rovers always were too important for their own good, young +man." + +"We know how to do the fair thing by others--and that is more +than you!" + +"Shut up; I'm in no humor to listen to your preaching." + +"Then open the door and let me go." + +"Not just yet. I want to know how much you overheard of my talk +with Buddy Girk." + +"I reckon he heard all of it," growled the fool. + +"If I was you, Baxter, I wouldn't let him go at all." + +"You would keep him a prisoner?" + +Buddy Girk nodded. + +"But we can't guard him, Buddy." + +"We won't want to guard him. Just bind him hands and feet, and +stuff a gag in his mouth, and there you are." + +"Would you leave him in this room?" + +"I don't know." Girk scratched his tangled head of hair. "No, I +wouldn't. I'll tell you where to take him." + +He finished by whispering into Arnold Baxter's ear. At once the +rascal's face brightened, and he nodded. "Just the thing!" he +muttered. + +"It will serve him right." + +"Are you going to let me go?" demanded Dick uneasily, for he saw +that the two were plotting to do him injury. + +"No," came from both. + +Without another word Dick leaped for the door. The key was in +the lock, but ere he could turn it Buddy Girk hauled him back. A +scuffle followed, which came to a sudden termination when Arnold +Baxter raised his heavy cane and struck the boy, on the back of +the head. With a million stars dancing before his eyes, poor +Dick went down completely dazed. + +Girk lost no time in following up the advantage thus gained, and +by the time Dick felt like rising he found his hands bound behind +him and a gag of knotted cloth stuffed into his mouth. Then his +feet were fastened together, and he was rolled up in an old +blanket much the worse for wear and the want of washing. + +"Now, come on, before anybody else spots us!" exclaimed Baxter. +"If you can lift him alone I'll bring the light. I'm no good on +the carry yet." + +"All right, light the way," answered Buddy Girk, and took up the +form of the boy. + +Taking up the smoky lamp, Arnold Baxter led the way out of a rear +door to a side hallway. Here two flights of stairs led to a low +and ill ventilated cellar. The underground apartment had never +been used for anything but old rubbish, and this was piled high +on all sides. + +"Here we are," said Baxter, as he paused in front of what had +once been a stone coal bin. "Dump him in there and shut the door +on him. I don't believe he'll get out in any hurry." + +Dick's form was dropped on a heap of dirty newspapers and straw. +Then Girk and Baxter left the bin. There was a heavy door to the +place, and this they closed and shoved the rusty bolt into the +socket. In a second more they were on their way upstairs again, +and Dick was left to his fate. + + + + +CHAPTER VIII + +THE SEARCH FOR DICK + + +"Dick is taking his time, that's certain." + +The remark came from Sam, after the boys who had been left in the +alleyway had waited the best part of half an hour for the elder +Rover's reappearance. + +"Perhaps he has found something of interest," suggested Frank. + +"And perhaps he has fallen into a trap," put In Tom. "I've a +good mind to hunt him up." + +"If you go I'll go with you," said Sam. + +"I don't want to be left out here alone," said Frank. "Let us +wait a little longer." + +The best part of an hour passed, but of course nothing was seen +or heard of Dick. + +"I shan't wait any longer," began Tom, when they saw the front +door of the tenement opened and two men hurried forth. Both had +their hats pulled far down over their eyes and had their coat +collars turned up, even though the night was warm. + +"Out of sight!" cried Sam in a low voice, and they dropped down +behind the stoop of the second tenement. + +"One of those men was Buddy Girk!" ejaculated Tom, when the pair +had passed up the alleyway. + +"And don't you know who the other was?" demanded Sam. "It was +Dan Baxter's father!" + +"Impossible, Sam. Arnold Baxter is in the hospital, and--" + +"It was Dan Baxter's father, as true as I'm born, Tom. No wonder +he walked with a cane! Am I not right, Frank?" + +"I don't know, I'm sure I don't remember Dan's father. But that +was Buddy Girk, beyond a doubt." + +All of the boys were considerably excited and wondered if it +would be best to follow up the vanishing pair. + +"I'd do it if I was certain Dick was safe!" cried Tom. "I'm +going to hunt for him," he added, and before the others could +stop him he entered the tenement. He stumbled around the lower +hallway for several minutes and then called out softly: + +"Dick! Dick! Where are you?" + +No answer came back, and he continued his search. Then, lighting +a match, he mounted the rickety stairs and called out again. + +"Phat are ye a-raisin' such a row about?" demanded an Irish voice +suddenly, and a front room door was thrown open. "Can't ye let a +dasent family slape?" + +"I'm looking for my brother," replied Tom. "Sorry to disturb +you. Have you seen anything of him?" + +"Sure an' I don't know yer brother from the side av sole leather, +b'y. Go 'long an' let me an' me family slape," replied the +Irishman. + +"I've got to find my brother, sir. I'm afraid he has met with +foul play. He came to see the men who just went out." + +"Oh, is that so now? Foul play, is it? I thought them newcomers +was up to no good. I heard 'em carryin' on in their room a while +ago." + +"Which room is it, please?" + +"There ye are--the wan on the lift. Is the dure open?" + +Tom tried the door. "No, it's locked--the two men just went +out." He raised his voice. "Dick! Where are you? Dick!" + +"If yez call like that yez will have the wholt tiniment aroused," +said the Irishman. "An' it's' a bad crowd on the nixt flure, I +kin tell ye that." + +"I can't help it--I am bound to find my brother," replied Tom +desperately. + +Disappearing for a moment, the Irishman came out half dressed and +with a lighted candle in his hand. By this time Sam and Frank +had followed Tom to the upper floor. Soon several men and women +put in an appearance, including Dutch Jake. + +"Who vos dot poy you vos look for?" asked the aged German. "Vos +he der von vot was standin' by dis door apout an hour ago?" + +"I guess so," said Tom. + +"Dem mans vot got dis room open der door und took him inside." + +"Took him inside!" burst out Sam and Tom simultaneously. + +"Yah," replied Dutch Jake, but failed to add that he had had +anything to do with the capture. + +"Von of dem say dot poy vos stole some money alretty." + +"It was a cock-and-bull story to make him a prisoner," said Tom. +"I'm going to find him if I can," and he threw himself on the +door with all of his strength. + +At first the barrier refused to budge, but when Sam and Frank +also pushed, it gave way with a bang, hurling the trio to the +floor inside. + +By this time the excitement had been communicated to the next +tenement in which lived Caleb Yates, the landlord of the two +buildings. Yates, a sour-minded old man, lost no time dressing +and coming over, armed with a nightstick. + +"What does this disturbance mean?" he demanded in a high-pitched +voice. "Who broke this door in?" + +"We did," replied Tom boldly. "We want to find my brother," and +he related how Dick had disappeared. + +"I know nothing of your trouble with my tenants," said Caleb +Yates. "But I won't have my property destroyed." + +"I'm going to find my brother if I have to turn the house upside +down." + +"And I am going to find him, too," put in Sam. + +"Do you know that the men who have this room are thieves, and +that one of them broke jail at Rootville?" + +"I don't believe your yarn, boy--they looked like very +respectable gentlemen, both of them. You had better go about +your business--after you have paid me for breaking down the +door. You shan't ransack their property." + +"If you stop us, I'll call in the police and have you arrested," +came promptly from Tom. + +This threat nearly took away Caleb Yates' breath. "Arrested!" he +gasped. + +"Yes, arrested. My brother came in here, and is missing. Those +two men are our enemies. If you want to keep out of trouble you +will help us to hunt up my brother." + +"That is just what you had better do, sir," added Frank. + +"And who are you?" demanded the irate landlord. + +"I am Frank Harrington, son of Senator Harrington." + +At this unexpected announcement the jaw of the landlord dropped +perceptibly. "Why--er--I didn't know you were Senator Harrington's +son," he stammered. + +"I think if you wish to keep out of trouble you had best aid us +all you can. The young man we are after came in here a short +while ago and has utterly disappeared. I am afraid he has met +with foul play." + +"But Mr. Arson and Mr. Noble are gone." + +"Is that the names they were known under?" + +"Yes." + +"Their right names are Girk and Baxter. They left the building +just before we came up." + +"What was your brother doing here?" asked Caleb Yates in a calmer +tone. + +"He was not my brother, but my warmest friend. He was tracking +the short man, the fellow whose name is Girk. Girk once robbed +him of his watch." + +"I see. And you are sure of your men? If you are, search away, +for I want no shady characters in these houses." + +The search began immediately, several of the inmates of the +tenements taking part. Everything in the room Girk and Baxter +had occupied was turned topsy-turvy, but no trace of Dick was +brought to light until Tom looked under the table. + +"Here's his pocket-knife!" he cried, and held the article up. +"This proves that he came in here beyond a doubt." + +"Yes; but where is he now?" put in Sam. + +"They couldn't have spirited him away." + +"He can't be far off," said Frank. + +Again was the search renewed. The men had had one large room and +one small apartment, where were located a dilapidated bed and a +small writing table. On the table lay some writing material and +several scraps of paper, but they were of no value. + +The search through the rooms and hallways of the tenement lasted +fully an hour. By this time the tenants who had gathered began +to grow sleepy again, and one after another went back to their +apartments. + +"I don't think you are going to find anything," remarked Caleb +Yates. "To my way of thinking, that boy must have followed the +two men when they left." + +"He couldn't do that without our seeing him," said Sam. + +"And why not? Here's a back door, remember, and it's pretty dark +outside." + +"That may be so," returned Tom, shaking his curly head in perplexity. +"It's too bad we didn't follow Girk and Baxter up--at least as far as +the street." + +"Perhaps Dick is at our house waiting for us to come back," put +in Frank. "Let us go home and see. We can come back early in +the morning." He looked at his watch. "Do you know that it is +after two o'clock? I'm afraid my father will worry about me." + +They talked the matter over and decided to return to Frank's home +without further delay. + +It was a silent trio that walked the streets, which were now +practically deserted. Tom and Sam were much worried and Frank +hardly less so, for the senator's son and Dick had been warm +friends for years. + +When they reached the mansion they found Senator Harrington +pacing the library nervously. + +"Well, here you are at last!" he cried. "I was wondering what +had become of you." + +He listened to their tale with close attention. + +"No, Dick has not come in," he said, "at least, I think not. +Run up to the bedrooms, Frank, and see." + +Frank did as requested, and soon returned. + +"No, he isn't about," he said disappointedly, + +"It's mighty queer what became of him." + + + + +CHAPTER IX + +A LOSS OF IMPORTANCE + + +Half stunned Dick lay for a long time on the newspapers and musty +straw in the disused coal bin of the tenement cellar. + +"This is what I call tough luck," he muttered to himself, and +tried to force the somewhat loose gag from his mouth. But it +would not come. + +As soon as he felt strong enough he began to work on the rope +which bound his hands together. But the rascals who had placed +him in the cellar had done their work well, and the cord refused +to budge. + +With difficulty he managed to stand erect. The bin was not only +pitch-dark, but full of cobwebs and the latter brushed over his +face whenever he moved. Then a spider crawled on his neck, +greatly adding to his discomfort. + +Hour after hour went by, and poor Dick was wondering what the end +of the adventure would be when he heard a footstep overhead and +then came the indistinct murmur of voice. + +"Somebody is in the room overhead," he thought, and tried to make +himself heard. But before he could do this the footsteps moved +off and he heard the slamming of a door. Then all became as +quiet as before. + +An hour more went by, and the youth began to grow desperate. He +was thirsty and his mouth and nose were filled with dust and +dirt, rendering him far from comfortable. + +In moving around his foot came in contact with an empty tomato +can and this gave him an idea. He knelt down, and with the can +between his heels, tried to saw apart the rope which bound his +hands behind him. + +The position was an awkward one and the job long and tiring, but +at last the rope gave way and he found his hands free. He lost +no further time in ridding himself of the gag and the rope which +bound his feet. + +He was now free so far as his bodily movements went, but he soon +discovered that the coal bin was without any opening but a long, +narrow chute covered with an iron plate, and that the heavy door +was securely bolted. With all force he threw himself against the +door, but it refused to budge. + +Presently he remembered that he had several loose matches in his +vest pocket, and, taking out one of these, he lit it and then set +fire to a thick shaving that was handy and which, being damp, +burnt slowly. + +"Hullo, here's something of a trap-door!" he exclaimed, as he +gazed at the flooring above head. "I wonder if I can get out +that way?" + +He dropped the lighted shaving in a safe spot and put up his +hands. The cut-out spot in the flooring went up with ease and +Dick saw a fairly well furnished room beyond. Through one of the +windows of the room he saw that daybreak was at hand. + +"Great Caesar! I've been down here all night!" he ejaculated, +and, putting out the light, leaped up and drew himself through +the opening. Once in the room he put the trap down again and +rearranged the rag carpet he had shoved out of place. + +The door to the room was locked, so the boy hurried to the +window. Throwing open the blinds, he was about to leap out into +the tenement alley when a woman suddenly confronted him. She was +tall and heavy and had a red, disagreeable face. + +"What are you doing in my rooms, young fellow?" she demanded. + +"I'm trying to get out of this house!" + +"What are you--a thief?" + +"No. I was locked up in the cellar by a couple of bad men and +got out by coming through a trap-door in your floor." + +"A likely story!" sneered the woman, who had been away during the +night and had heard nothing of the search for Dick. "You look +like a sneak-thief. Anyway, you haven't any right in my rooms." + +She came closer, and, as Dick leaped to the ground, clutched him +by the arm. + +"Let me go, madam." + +"I won't. I'm going to hand you over to the police." + +"I don't think you will!" retorted Dick, and with a twist he +wrenched himself loose and started off on a run. The woman +attempted to follow him, but soon gave up the chase. + +Dick did not stop running until he was several blocks away. Then +he dropped into a walk and looked about to see, if his brothers +or Frank were anywhere in sight. + +"I suppose they couldn't make it out and went home," he mused. +"I had, better get to Frank's house without delay." + +Dick was still a block away from Senator Harrington's residence +when he espied Tom, Sam, and Frank coming toward him. + +"My gracious, where have you been?" burst out Tom, as he rushed +forward. "You look as if you'd been rolling around a dirty +cellar." + +"And that is just about what I have been doing," answered Dick +with a sickly laugh. "Do you know anything of Buddy Girk?" he +added quickly. + +"He ran away from the tenement, and Arnold Baxter was with him," +replied Sam. + +"Did you follow them?" + +"No; we tried to find out what had become of you." + +Each had to tell his story, and then Dick was led into the house. +He lost no time in brushing up and washing himself, and by that +time breakfast was ready in the dining room. + +"It's a curious adventure, truly," said Senator Harrington, as he +sat down with the boys. "I am glad you got out of it so well. +The next time you see anything of those rascals you had better +lose no time in informing the police." + +The senator was one of that class of busy men who eat breakfast +and read their morning newspaper at the same time. Having +listened to what Dick had to say, he unfolded his paper and +propped it up against a fruit dish before him. + +"Excuse me, but I am in a hurry," he remarked apologetically. "I want +to catch a train for New York at eight-thirty-five, and--hullo, what's +this! Rush & Wilder, Brokers and Bankers, Robbed! Thieves enter the +office and loot the safe! This is news certainly." + +"Rush & Wilder!" cried Frank. "Is that the firm you do business +with?" + +"Yes, Frank. They have lost over sixty-five thousand dollars, +besides a lot of unregistered bonds. That's a big loss." + +"Will you suffer?" + +"I don't know but what I shall. I'll have to let that trip to +New York go and look into this." And Senator Harrington settled +back to read the account of the robbery in full. + +"They haven't any trace of the thieves, have they?" asked Tom. + +"No. It says a rear window was broken open and the iron bars +unscrewed. The safe door was found closed but unlocked." + +"Then the thieves had the combination," put in Sam. + +"More than likely." + +"I wonder if Baxter and Girk committed that crime?" came from +Dick. "I think they would be equal to it. They were up to some +game." + +"It might be," returned Senator Harrington, with interest. "But +how would those men obtain the combination of Rush & Wilder's +safe?" + +"I'm sure I don't know, but--yes, they mentioned a man named +Mooney who was to assist them. Perhaps he is known around the +bankers' offices." + +"We can soon find out. What were you boys going to do this +morning?" + +"I was going back to the tenements to see if I couldn't have +Baxter and Girk arrested," said Dick. + +"If they learn you have escaped, they will probably clear out." + +"I suppose that's so. But I might go down and see." + +"Yes, I'd do that. Later on you can come over to Rush & Wilder's +offices." + +This was agreed to, and as soon as breakfast was over Dick and +the other boys hurried off to where Yates' tenements were +located. + +Caleb Yates was on hand, and all visited the apartment Baxter and +Buddy Girk had occupied. It was found that the men had not +returned, and it did not look as if they intended to come back. + +"They have skipped for good, take my word on it," muttered Tom, +and the others agreed with him. + +Thinking it would be useless to remain around the alleyway any +longer, the four boys left the vicinity, and, boarding a street +car, made their way to the thoroughfare upon which were located +the offices of the bankers and brokers who had been robbed. + +A crowd was collected about the place and two policemen were +keeping those outside in check. + +"I want my money!" one old man was shouting. "This is a game of +Charley Rush to do us out of our cash. I don't believe the +office was robbed at all." + +"You keep quiet, or I'll run you in," replied, one of the +policemen, and the old man lost no time in slinking out of sight. + +"Can we go in?" asked Frank, and told who he was. + +"I'll send in word and see," answered the policeman at the door. + +"Oh, Frank!" came from the main office, and Senator Harrington +beckoned to his son; and all four of the boys went in. + +They found half a dozen men present, including the members of the +firm, a detective, and the bookkeeper, a young man named +Fredericks. + +"You are the only one who had the combination besides ourselves, +Fredericks," Charles Rush was saying to the bookkeeper. "I hate +to suspect you, but--" + +"Mr. Rush, you can't think I took that money and those +securities!" gasped the bookkeeper, and fell back as if about to +faint. + +"I don't know what to think." + +"I can give you my word I was not near the offices from four +o'clock yesterday afternoon until I came this morning, after +you." + +"Have you spoken of the safe combination to anybody?" + +"No, sir." + +"Did you put the combination down in writing?" asked Mr. Wilder. + +"No, I never did anything of that sort. The combination was an +unusually easy one, as you know." + +"Yes, far too easy for our good," groaned Mr. Rush. Then he +gazed at the four boys curiously. + +"What brought you here?" he asked. + +"We thought we might know something of this affair," said Dick, +and told his story. + +"There may be something in that," said the detective. +"Especially if those men fail to turn up at that tenement again." + +"Did you mention a man named Mooney?" cried Fredericks. + +"I did." + +"Do you know this Mooney?" put in Mr. Wilder to the bookkeeper. + +"Subrug, the janitor, has a brother-in-law named Mooney--a wild +kind of a chap who used to hang around more or less." + +"We'll call Subrug in and find out where this Mooney is now," +said Charles Rush. + +The janitor proved to be a very nervous old man. "I don't know +where Mooney is," he said. "He's been a constant worry to me. +He used to borrow money, but lately I wouldn't give him any more, +and so he stopped coming around." + +"Was he ever in here?" + +The janitor thought for a moment. "I think he was, sir--about +a month ago. He started to help me clean the windows, but he was +too clumsy and I made him give it up." + +"I remember him!" cried the bookkeeper. "He was at the window, +Mr. Rush, while you were at the safe. He must have watched you +work the combination." + + + + +CHAPTER X + +TOM, SAM, AND FARMER FOX + + +For an instant there was a dead silence in the bankers' offices. +Charles Rush looked blankly at his bookkeeper. + +"I believe Fredericks is right," said Mr. Wilder, the first to +break the awkward pause. "I remember the fellow very well. I +thought at the time that he was watching Mr. Rush rather +closely." + +"You had no business to bring in a man that was not to be +trusted," growled Charles Rush, turning to the janitor. + +"Do you think he stole the stuff?" ejaculated Subrug. "Sure +Mooney wasn't smart enough for such a game." + +"Perhaps not, but he got others to help him," said Dick. "He got +Buddy Girk and Arnold Baxter, I feel positive of it." + +"The whole thing fits together pretty well," said the detective. +"If only we, can lay hands on these men the boy mentions, we'll +be all right." + +A long conversation followed, and then Dick and the others went +to the police station. + +The rooms at Yates' tenement were thoroughly searched once more, +and a watch was set for Girk and Arnold Baxter. + +But the rascals had flown and the watch proved useless. + +In the meantime two detectives tried to trace what had become of +Mooney, but this work also amounted to nothing, and it may be as +well to add here that Mooney was never heard of again, having +sailed for South America. + +Upon an accounting it was learned that Rush & Wilder were by no +means in a good financial condition and that Senator Harrington +would lose a good sum of money should they fail. + +"I'd give a thousand dollars to collar those thieves," said the +senator dismally. + +"If Arnold Baxter and Girk got that money they'll live in high +clover for a while," remarked Dick, when the excitement was over +and they had returned to Frank's home. "My! what a villain +that Baxter is proving to be! No wonder Dan was bad! It must +run in the blood." + +The robbery kept the boys in Albany several days, and this being +so, it was decided to abandon the trip on the river to New York. + +"I'll send the _Spray_ down by somebody," said Dick, "and then we +can take a train from here direct to Oak Run," and so it was +arranged. + +The trip to Oak Run proved to be uneventful. And at the railroad +station they were met by Jack Ness, the Rovers' hired man, who +had driven over with the carryall to take them home. + +"Glad to see you all looking so well," grinned the hired man. +"Getting fat as butter, Master Tom." + +"Thanks, Jack, I'm feeling fine. Any news?" + +"No, sir, none exceptin' that your uncle has had a row with Joel +Fox, who has the farm next to ours." + +"What was the row about?" questioned Dick. + +"All about some fruit, sir. We had a tree hangin' over Fox's +fence--finest pear tree on the place, that was. Fox strips the +tree at night, sir--saw him with my own eyes." + +"Oh, what cheek!" burst out Sam. "What did uncle do?" + +"Tried to talk to him, and Fox told him to mind his own business, +that he could have what fruit hung over his fence. So he could, +but not half of it hung that way, and he took every blessed +pear." + +"Fox always was a mean man," murmured Tom. "I'd like to square +accounts with him before I go back to Putnam Hall." + +"I reckoned as how you might be up to something like that," said +Ness, with another grin. "But you want to be careful. Only +yesterday Fox shot off his gun at some boys who were after his +apples." + +"Did he hit the boys?" + +"I don't think he did." + +"Who were they?" + +"I don't know. And I reckon he don't either." + +"Humph!" Tom mused for a moment. + +"I'd like to scare the mean fellow by making him think one of the +boys was killed." + +"That's an idea!" cried Sam, and winked at his brother. "Let's +do it!" + +They were soon bowling over Swift River and along the road +leading to Valley Brook farm. At the farmhouse their Uncle +Randolph and Aunt Martha stood in the dooryard to greet them. + +"Back again, safe and sound!" cried Randolph Rover. "I suppose +you feel like regular sailors." + +"Well, we do feel a little that way," laughed Sam, and returned +the warm kiss his aunt bestowed upon him. "It's nice to be home +once more." + +"Would you rather stay here than go back to Putnam Hall?" asked +his aunt quickly. + +"Oh, no, I can't say that, Aunt Martha. But it's awfully nice +here, nevertheless." + +A hot supper was awaiting them, and while they ate they told of +all that had happened since they had been away. Randolph Rover +shuddered over the way Dick had been treated. + +"Be careful, my boy," he said. "Remember, even your father could +not bring this Arnold Baxter to justice. He is evidently a +thorough-paced scoundrel, and his companion is probably just as +bad." + +"And how goes the scientific farming, Uncle Randolph?" asked Tom, +who knew how to touch his uncle in the right spot. + +"Splendidly, my boy, splendidly! I am now working on a new +rotation of crops. It will, I am certain, prove a revelation to +the entire agricultural world." + +"Did you make much money this season?" asked Sam dryly. + +"Well--er--no; in fact, we ran a little behind. But we will do finely +next year--I am certain of it. I will have some strawberries and +celery which shall astonish our State agricultural committee," +answered Randolph Rover. He was always enthusiastic, in spite of +almost constant failure. Thus far his hobby had netted him a loss of +several thousand dollars. + +It was Friday, and Saturday was to be given over to packing up +for school. Yet on Saturday morning Tom managed to call Sam +aside. + +"We'll go over to Fox's," said he. "Are you ready?" + +"I am, Tom," answered the younger brother. "And be sure and pile +it on." + +"Trust me for that," and Tom winked in a fashion that set Sam to +roaring. + +They found Joel Fox at work along the roadside, mending a part of +a stone wall which had tumbled down. Fox was a Yankee, and +miserly and sour to the very core. + +"Well, what do you want?" he demanded, as the boys came to a halt +in front of him. + +"Why, Mr. Fox, I thought you had skipped out!" cried Tom in +pretended surprise. + +"Skipped out?" + +"Yes." + +"Why should I skip out, boy?" + +"On account of Harry Smith." + +"Harry Smith? Who is he?" + +"Harry Smith of Oak Run--the boy who was shot the other day. +Didn't you hear he was dead?" + +At these words Joel Fox dropped the tools he was using and turned +pale. + +"Is--er--is the boy--er--" He could not finish. + +"It was a wicked thing to do," put in Sam. "Any man that would +shoot a boy ought to be lynched." + +"Perhaps that crowd of men were coming up here," went on Tom. +"Didn't they have a rope with them?" + +"To be sure they had a rope, Tom. And one of 'em said something +about hanging." + +"What crowd are you talking about?" stammered Joel Fox, growing +paler and paler. + +"The crowd at the depot. Did you shoot him, Mr. Fox? I can't +hardly believe it true, although I know you were mean enough to +take my uncle's pears." + +"I--er--the pears were on my property. I er--I didn't shoot at any +boy. I--er--I shot at some crows in my cornfield," stammered Joel Fox. +"Did you say a crowd of men were coming over here with a rope?" + +"You'll see fast enough, you bad man!" cried Tom, and ran off, +followed by Sam. In vain Fox tried to call them back. + +The boys went as far as a turn in the road, then hid behind some +bushes. Soon they saw Fox pick up his tools and make for his +barn. Then he came out and hurried for his house. + +"I guess he's pretty well rattled," laughed Tom. "Won't he be +mad when he learns how he has been fooled!" + +They waited for a while, but as Fox did not reappear they hurried +back home by another road, that the man might not see them. + +Tom was right when he said that the miserly old farmer was +"rattled," as it is commonly called. + +All day long the coward remained in the house, as nervous as a +cat and afraid that a crowd of men would appear at any minute to +lynch him. + +His wife did not know what to make of such actions and finally +demanded an explanation, and when it was not forthcoming +threatened him with the broom, which she had used as a weapon of +offense several times previously. + +"They say he's dead!" finally burst out Joel. "They are goin' +ter lynch me for it. Hide me, Mandy, hide me!" + +"Who is dead, Joel Fox?" + +"The boy I shot at fer stealin' them apples. Oh, they'll lynch +me; I feel it in my bones!" groaned the old man. + +"Who was it?" + +"Harry Smith of Oak Run." + +"And he is dead?" + +"So they say. But I didn't calkerlate I hit him at all," whined +Joel. + +"No more you did, for I saw him run away, and he went clear out +o' sight up the road. Who told you this?" demanded Mrs. Fox. + +"Those Rover boys, Tom an' Sam." + +"Those young imps! Joel, they are fooling you." + +"Do you really think so, Mandy?" asked the man hopefully. + +"I do. If I was you I'd go over to Oak Run and find out." + +"No, no--if it's true they'll lynch me, I know they will!" + +"Then I'll go over. I know Mrs. Smith. If he's dead there will +be crape on the door an' I won't go in," concluded Mrs. Fox. + +And getting out a horse and buckboard, she drove over to Oak Run +and to the Smiths' place. She found no crape on the door. Harry +Smith sat on the porch, his arm in a sling. Plucking up courage +she drew rein, dismounted, and walked up to the boy, who was one +of the Rover brothers friends. + +"How is your arm, Harry?" she began softly. + +"It's pretty fair," answered the boy politely. "Won't you come +in, Mrs. Fox?" + +"Well, I guess not. Harry, I'm sorry for this." + +"So am I sorry, Mrs. Fox." + +"I didn't think you would do it. Why didn't you come up to the +house an' ask for them apples?" + +The boy looked puzzled, for the simple reason that he was +puzzled. "I don't understand you. What apples?" + +"The ones you tried to steal." + +"I didn't try to steal any apples, Mrs. Fox. What makes you +think that?" + +"Didn't you try to git in our orchard when Joel fired on you?" +cried Mrs. Fox. + +"Why, I haven't been anywhere near your orchard!" + +"So?" Mrs. Fox looked bewildered. "Then--then how did you get +hurt?" she faltered. + +"Why, Mr. Wicks and I were cleaning out pa's old shotgun when it +went off accidentally, and I got a couple of the shot in my +forearm," answered Harry Smith promptly. + +The answer took away Mrs. Fox's breath. + +"Drat them boys--I knowed it!" she muttered, and drove away +without another word. Harry Smith was much puzzled, but letters +which soon after passed between him and Tom cleared up the +mystery. + +But the boys never heard of how Joel Fox fared when his wife got +home. The lady arrived "as mad as a hornet," to use a popular +saying. "You're the worst old fool ever was, Joel Fox!" were her +first words, and a bitter quarrel followed that ended only when +the man was driven out of the house with the ever-trustworthy +broom. Joel Fox wanted to go over to the Rover farm, to have it +out with Tom and Sam, but somehow he could not pluck up the +courage to make the move. + + + + +CHAPTER XI + +FUN AT PUTNAM HALL + + +"Back to Putnam Hall at last!" + +"Yes, boys, back at last! Hurrah for the dear old school, and +all the boys in it!" + +Peleg Snuggers, the general utility man of the Hall, had just +brought the boys up from Cedarville, to which place they had +journeyed from Ithaca on the regular afternoon boat running up +Cayuga Lake. With the Rovers had come Fred Garrison, Larry +Colby, and several others of their old school chums. + +(For the doings of the Putnam Hall students previous to the +arrival at that institution of the Rover boys, see The Putnam +Hall Series, the first volume of which is entitled, "The Putnam +Hall Cadets."--PUBLISHERS) + +"Glad to welcome you back, boys!" exclaimed Captain Victor +Putnam, a pleasant smile on his face. He shook hands all around. +"Did you have a nice trip?" + +"Splendid, sir," said Tom. "Oh, how do you do, Mr. Strong?" and +he ran to meet the head teacher. He could not help but think of +how different things were now to when he had first arrived at +Putnam Hall the year previous, and Josiah Crabtree had locked him +up in the guardroom for exploding a big firecracker in honor of +the occasion. + +"Well, Thomas, I hope you have left all your pranks behind," +observed George Strong. "How about it?" And his eyes twinkled. + +"Oh, I'm going in for study this session," answered Tom demurely. +And then he winked at Larry on the sly. But his words did not +deceive George Strong, who understood only too well Tom's +propensity for mischief. + +It was the first day of the term, but as the cadets kept on +arriving with every train and boat, no lessons were given out, +and the boys were allowed to do pretty much as they pleased. +They visited every nook and corner, including the classrooms, the +dormitories, the stables, and the gymnasium and boathouse, and +nearly bothered the life out of Peleg Snuggers, Mrs. Green, the +housekeeper, and Alexander Pop, the colored waiter of the mess +hall. + +"Hullo, Aleck!" cried Tom rushing up and grabbing the colored man +by the hand. "How are you--pretty well? I'm first-rate, +never was better in my life!" And he gave the hand a hard +squeeze. + +"Stop, wot yo' up to, Massah Rober!" roared the waiter, leaping +off his feet. "Wot yo' got in yo' hand?" + +"Why, nothing, Aleck, my boy. Yes, I'm feeling fine. I've +gained fifteen pounds, and--" + +"Yo' lemme go, sah-yo' is stickin' pins in my hand!" howled Pop. +"Oh, deah, now de term's dun begun we'll all be dead wid dat +boy's tricks!" he moaned, as Tom ran off, throwing away several +tiny tacks as he did so. + +"So you've come back, have you?" observed Mrs. Green, as Tom +stopped at the kitchen door. "Well, just you mind your P's and +Q's, or there will be trouble, I can tell you that, Tom Rover." + +"Why, we never had any trouble, Mrs. Green," he said soberly. +"Did we?" + +"Oh, of course not! But who stole that can of peaches right +after the Christmas holidays, and who locked one of the cows in +the back hall and nearly scared the washwoman to death? Oh, +dear, you never did anything, never!" And Mrs. Green shook her +head warningly. + +"Do you mean to say I would take a can of peaches, Mrs. Green?" asked +Tom, and then his face fell. "Oh, dear, you always did put me down as +the worst boy in the school, when--I--I--do--my--very best," and, +almost sobbing, Tom put his face up against his coat sleeve. Mrs. +Green was very tender-hearted in spite of her somewhat free tongue, +and she was all sympathy immediately. + +"There, there, Tom, I didn't mean to hurt your feelings," she +said soothingly. "I--I was only fooling. Will you have a +piece of hot mince pie? It's just out of the oven." + +"I--I don't know!" sobbed Tom. "You treat me so awful meanly!" + +"I didn't mean it--really I didn't. Come, sit down and have +the pie, that's a good boy. I'm glad you are back, and you are +better than lots of the other cadets, so there!" And Tom slid +into a seat and devoured the generous slice of pie dealt out to +him with keen relish. + +"It's really like home," he murmured presently. + +"Mrs. Green, when you die, they ought to erect an awfully big +monument over your grave." + +"But I'm not dying just yet, Tom--pray don't speak of it." + +"By the way, my aunt was dyeing when I left home," went on the +boy, as he moved toward the door. + +"Indeed. Didn't you hate to leave her?" + +"Not at all. She didn't seem to mind it." + +"What was her trouble, Tom--consumption?" + +"No, she had an old brown dress that had faded out green and she +was dyeing it black," was the soft answer, and then Tom ran for +his life. Mrs. Green did not speak to him for almost a week +after that. And yet with it all she couldn't help but like the +boy. + +Of course Peleg Snuggers came in for his full share of attention, +and the utility man had all sorts of jokes played on him until he +was almost in despair. + +"Don't, young gents, don't!" he would plead. "Oh, my! An' to +think the term's just begun!" And he mopped his brow with his +red bandanna handkerchief. + +"Peleg, you are getting handsomer every day," remarked Sam. +"It's a wonder you don't go into the beauty show in New York." + +"Wot kind of a joke is that, Master Rover?" + +"Oh, it's no joke. You are handsome. Won't you let me take your +photograph?" + +"Have you got a camera?" + +"To be sure. Here it is." Sam drew a tiny box from his pocket. + +"Now stand still and I'll take a snap shot." + +Snuggers had wanted to have his picture taken for some time, to +send to a certain girl in Cedarville in whom he was much +interested. To have a photograph taken for nothing tickled him +greatly. + +"Wait till I brush up a bit," he said, and got out a pocket comb, +with which he adjusted his hair and his stubby mustache. + +"Now stand straight and look happy!" cried Sam as a crowd collected +around. "Raise you right hand to your breast, just as all statesmen +do. Up with your chin--don't drop your left eye--close your mouth. +Now then, don't budge on your life!" + +Peleg Snuggers stood like a statue, his chin well up in the air +and his eyes set into a steady stare. Sam elevated the tiny box +and kept the man standing for fully half a minute, while the boys +behind Snuggers could scarcely keep from roaring. + +"There you are," said Sam at last. "Now wait a minute and the +picture will be finished." + +"Don't you have to print 'em in the sun?" asked Snuggers. + +"No, this is a new patented process." Sam drew a square of tin +from the box. "There you are, Peleg, and all for nothing." + +"I don't see any picture," growled Snuggers, looking at the +square blankly. + +"You must breathe on it, Peleg; then the picture will come out +beautifully. It's a little fresh yet." + +Peleg Snuggers breathed on the square of tin as directed, and +then there slowly came to view the picture of a donkey's head! +The boys gathered around set up a shout. + +"Hurrah, Peleg, what a fine picture!" + +"You've changed a little in your looks, Peleg, since you had the +last taken, eh?" + +"Your girl will fall in love with that picture, Peleg, I'm +certain of it." + +"Sam Rover, I'll git square, see if I don't!" roared the utility +man, as he dashed the square of tin to the ground. "I knowed you +was goin' to play a joke on me." And he started to walk off. + +"Why, what's the matter?" demanded Sam innocently. "Isn't it a +good picture?' + +"I'll picture you!" + +"I thought I was doing my best." + +"Show me off for a donkey! If it wasn't against the rules I'd--I'd +wollop you!" + +"A donkey! Oh, Peleg, I did nothing of the kind! Here is your +picture, on my word of honor." + +"It's a donkey's head, I say." + +"And I say it's your picture. I'll leave it to anybody in the +crowd." + +"I guess I know a donkey's head when I see it, Master Rover. I +didn't expect no such joke from you, though your brother Tom +might have played it." + +"Boys, isn't this a good picture?" demanded Sam, showing up the +other side of the tin square. + +"Why, splendid!" came from the crowd. + +"Peleg, there is some mistake here." + +"Oh, you can't joke me no more!" returned the utility man. + +"But just look!" pleaded Sam. "Isn't that a good picture of you? +If you don't say so yourself I'll give you five dollars." + +He handed the tin over again, this time with the opposite side +toward Snuggers. He had just breathed on it heavily. + +"Now blow on it," he continued, and Snuggers did as directed. +The moisture cleared away, revealing the face of the utility man +in a bit of looking-glass! + +"Oh, you're tremendously smart, you are!" muttered Snuggers, and +walked off. But he was not half as angry as he had been a few +minutes before. + + + + +CHAPTER XII + +DICK VISITS DORA STANHOPE + + +"Battalion, fall in. Attention! Carry arms!" + +It was several days later, and the cadets were out for their +first parade around the grounds. Dick still retained his +position as second lieutenant of Company A, having been +re-elected the term previous. Tom was first sergeant of Company +B, while Sam was still "a high private in the rear rank," as the +saying goes. + +The day was an ideal one in the early autumn, and Captain Putnam +and George Strong were both on hand to watch the drilling. Major +Bart Conners had graduated the year before, and his place was now +filled by Harry Blossom, formerly captain of Company A. + +"Shoulder arms!" came the next order. "Battalion, forward +march!" + +Tap! tap! tap, tap, tap! went the drums, and then the bass drum +joined in, and the two companies moved off. Soon the fifers +struck up a lively air, and away went the cadets, down the road, +around grounds, and to the mess hall for supper. + +The boys felt good to be in the ranks once more, and Captain +Putnam congratulated them on their soldierly appearance. + +"It does me good to see that you have not forgotten your former +instructions in drilling and marching," he said. "I trust that +during the present term we shall see even better results, so that +the work done here may compare favorably with that done at West +Point." + +The school had now begun to settle down, and inside of a few days +everything was working smoothly. + +"What a difference it makes to have Dan Baxter and Mumps absent!" +observed Tom to Dick. "We don't have any of the old-fashion rows +any more." + +"I'd like to know what Mumps and Josiah Crabtree were up to," put +in the elder Rover. "It's queer we didn't hear any more of them. +I'm going to get off soon and try and see Dora Stanhope. Perhaps +she knows what Crabtree is doing." + +On that day Frank Harrington received a letter from his father, +in which the senator stated that nothing more had been heard of +the men who had looted Rush & Wilder's safe. "I fancy they have +left the State, if not the country," was Mr. Harrington's +comment. + +The three Rover boys got off the next day and took a walk past +the cottages where resided the Lanings and the Stanhopes. At the +Lanings' place Nellie and Grace came out to greet them. + +"So you are back!" cried Nellie, blushing sweetly. "Father said +you were. He saw you come in at Cedarville." + +"Yes, back again, and glad to meet you," answered Tom, and gave +the girl's hand a tight squeeze, while Sam and Dick also shook +hands with both girls. + +"And how do you feel?" asked Grace of Dick. "Wasn't that +dreadful the way Mr. Baxter treated you on that train?" + +"Well, he got the worst of it," answered Dick. + +"Oh, I know that! And now they suspect him of a robbery in +Albany. Papa was reading it in one of the Ithaca papers." + +"Yes, and I guess he's guilty, Grace. But tell me, does Josiah +Crabtree worry Mrs. Stanhope any more?" continued the boy +seriously. + +"Why to be sure he does! And, oh, let me tell you something! +Dora told me that he was terribly angry over having been sent to +Chicago on a wild-goose chase." + +"I wish he had remained out there." + +"So do all of us," said Nellie Laning. "He seems bound to marry +aunty, in spite of our opposition and Dora's." + +"How is your aunt now?" + +"She is not very well. Do you know, I think Mr. Crabtree +exercises some sort of a strange influence over her." + +"I think that myself. If he could do it, I think he would +hypnotize her into marrying him. He is just rascal enough. Of +course he is after the money Mrs. Stanhope is holding in trust +for Dora." + +"He can't touch that." + +"He can--if he can get hold of it. I don't think Josiah +Crabtree cares much for the law. Is Dora home now?" + +"I believe she is. She was this morning, I know." + +"I'm going over to see her," went on Dick. "I promised to do all +I could for her in this matter of standing Crabtree off, and I'm +going to keep my word." + +As Sam and Tom wished to converse with the Laning girls a bit +longer, Dick went on ahead, telling them to follow him when they +chose. + +It did not take Dick long to reach the Stanhope homestead. As he +approached he heard loud talking on the front piazza. + +"I want nothing to do with you, Dan Baxter, and I am astonished +that you should come here to see me," came in Dora Stanhope's +voice. + +"That's all right, Dora; don't get ugly," was the reply from the +former bully of Putnam Hall. "I'm not going to hurt you." + +"I want you to go away and leave my mother and me alone." + +"Will you come and see Mr. Crabtree, as he wanted?" + +"No. If, Mr. Crabtree wants to see me let him come here." + +"But you told him you didn't want him here," said Dan Baxter. + +"Neither I do--to see mamma. But I won't go to see him; so +there! Now please leave me." + +"You're a strong-minded miss, you are," sneered Dan Baxter. "You +want taking down." + +"What's that you say?" demanded Dick, as he strode up. "Baxter, +you deserve to be knocked down for insulting this young lady." + +"Oh, Dick, is that you?" burst out Dora, her pretty face +brightening instantly. "I'm glad you came." + +"Dick Rover!" muttered the bully, and his face fell. "What +brought you here?" + +"That is my business, Baxter, So Josiah Crabtree sent you to +annoy Miss Stanhope." + +"It's none of your affair if he did." + +"I say it is my affair." + +"Do you want to get into another row with me, Dick Rover?" And +Dan Baxter clenched his fists. + +"If we fought, the battle would end as it did before--you would +be knocked out," answered Dick. "You have no right to come here +if these people want you to stay away, and you had better take +yourself off." + +"I'll go when I please. You can't make me go--nor the +Stanhopes neither," growled Dan Baxter. + +At these words Dick grew white. Dora, as old readers know, was +his dearest friend, and he could not stand having her spoken of +so rudely. For a moment the two boys glared at each, other; then +Baxter aimed a blow at Dick's face. + +The elder Rover ducked and hit out in return, landing upon +Baxter's neck. Dora gave a scream. + +"Oh, Dick! Don't fight with him!" + +"I won't--I'll run him out!" panted Dick, and leaping behind +the bully, he caught him by the collar and the back. "Out you +go, you brute!" he added, and began to run Baxter toward the open +gateway. In vain the bully tried to resist. Dick's blood was +up, and he did not release his hold or relinquish his efforts +until the bully had been pushed along the road for a distance of +fifty yards. + +"Now you dare to come back!" said Dick, shaking his fist at the +fellow. "If you come, I'll have you locked up." + +"We'll see about it, Dick Rover," snarled Dan Baxter. He paused +for an instant. "He laughs best who laughs last," he muttered, +and strode off as fast as his long legs would carry him, in the +direction of the lake. + +When Dick returned to Dora he found that the girl had sunk down +on the piazza steps nearly overcome. + +"Don't be afraid, Dora; he's gone," he said kindly. + +"Oh, Dick, I'm so afraid of him!" she gasped. + +"Was he here long before I came up?" + +"About ten minutes. He brought a message from Mr. Crabtree, who +wants to see me in Cedarville. I told him I wouldn't go--and I +won't." + +"I shouldn't either, Dora. Perhaps Crabtree only wants to get +you away from the house so that he can come here and see your +mother." + +"I never thought of that." + +"Where is your mother now?" + +"Lying down with a headache. She is getting more nervous every +day. I wish Mr. Crabtree was--was--" + +"In Halifax, I suppose," finished Dick. + +"Yes, or some other place as far off. Every time he comes near +mamma she has the strangest spells." + +"He is a bad man--no doubt of it, Dora. I almost wish we had +him back to the Hall. Then I could keep my eye on him." + +"I'm glad you are back, Dick," said the girl softly. "If there +is any trouble, you'll let me call on you, won't you?" + +"I shall expect you to call on me, Dora--the very first thing," +he returned promptly. "I wouldn't have anything happen to you or +your mother for anything in the world." + +By this time Sam and Tom were coming up, and they had to be told +about Dan Baxter. + +"He and his father are a team," said Sam. + +"I wonder if he knows what his father has done. If I meet him +I'll ask him." + +Dick had expected to pay his respects to Mrs. Stanhope, but now +thought best not to disturb her. All the boys had a short chat +with Dora, and then set out on the return to school. + +On the way the three boys discussed the situation, but could get +little satisfaction out of their talk. + +"Something is in the wind," was Dick's comment. "But what it is +time alone will reveal." + +And he was right, as events in the near future proved. + + + + +CHAPTER XIII + +THE FIRE AT THE HALL + + +Sam had been right when he said that Dan Baxter was like his +father. Parent and son were thoroughly bad, but how bad the +Rover boys and their friends were still to learn. + +On Saturday the cadets had a half-holiday, and some of them went +over to the lake to fish, Sam and Tom accompanying the party. + +While the boys were waiting for bites they espied a large +sail-boat skimming along the lake shore. As it came closer Tom +and Sam were much astonished to see that the boat contained Dan +Baxter, Josiah Crabtree, and Mumps. + +"By jinks, there is Mumps' yacht!" ejaculated Tom. "How in the +world did he get her up here?" + +"Brought her by way of the canal and the river, I suppose," +answered Sam. + +"Hullo there!" called out Larry Colby, who was in the crowd. +"Mumps, you might be in better company." + +"You keep your mouth shut!" retorted Fenwick. + +"If you talk to me, I'll come ashore and give you a thrashing," +put in Baxter. + +"I dare you to come ashore!" burst out Tom. "You'll stay where +you are if you know when you are well off." + +No more was said, and presently the boat sped out of sight around +a bend of the lake shore. Fishing proved to be good, and in the +excitement of the sport Baxter and the others were, for the time +being, forgotten. + +It was late when the boys packed up. Sam had six fish, Tom as +many more, and all of the others a fair catch. + +"We'll have fish tomorrow for breakfast, sure," said Larry. +"Hurry up, or we'll be late." + +The party started off, but had only gone a short distance when +Sam remembered that he had left his knife sticking in the stump +of a tree, and ran back to get it, in the meantime turning his +fish over to Tom. + +The fishing place was behind a grove of trees, and when Sam +reached it again he was much surprised to see Dan Baxter on +shore, he having just left the yacht, which was cruising some +distance away. + +"Hullo! so you came back to have it out with me, eh?" cried +Baxter, and before Sam could say a word, he was hurled flat and +the bully came down on top of him. + +Sam fought bravely, but was no match for the big fellow, who +began to hammer him unmercifully. Realizing how matters were +turning, the youngest Rover began to cry for help. + +"You shut up!" stormed Dan Baxter. "Shut up, or I'll give it to +you worse than ever!" + +But Sam had no intention of taking such a drubbing quietly, and +he yelled louder than ever. His cries reached Tom, who had +dropped behind to allow his brother to catch up. + +"Something is wrong," he muttered, and hanging the fish on a +bush, he ran back at the top of his speed. + +Dan Baxter heard him coming and tried to get away, but as Tom +called out, Sam's courage rose, and he grabbed the bully by the +foot and held him. + +"Let go!" roared Dan Baxter, but Sam would not, and in a second +more Tom was at hand and hit the bully such a stinging blow in +the face that Baxter went down in a heap. + +A rough-and-tumble scrimmage ensued, and it must be said that the +bully got by far the worst of it. Tom hit him again and again, +and Sam also, and when at last he staggered to his feet, one eye +was almost closed and his nose was bleeding profusely. + +"Now I guess you won't tackle any of us again," said Tom. + +"I'll get even--mark my words!" roared Baxter, and ran down the +lake shore in the direction the _Falcon_ had taken. + +When Baxter reached the yacht he was so weak he could scarcely +stand. It was a long while before he could stop his nose from +bleeding, and his eye stung with a pain that was maddening. + +"Did little Sam Rover do that?" asked Mumps, while Josiah +Crabtree looked on in curious silence. + +"Sam Rover?" snorted Baxter. "Not much! Why, the whole crowd +piled on me six or seven of them at a time. They tried to kill +me!" + +"Didn't you defend yourself, Daniel?" asked Crabtree. + +"Of course I did. I knocked two of them down and another fellow +had two of his teeth broken. But I couldn't fight all six single +handed." + +"Oh, I presume not--especially such brutes as Captain Putnam is +now raising." + +"It's a pity we can't get square with them," said Mumps. + +"Oh, I'll get square! You just wait," answered the bully +cunningly. "I'm not done with them yet by any means." + +"What will you do?" + +"Just you wait and see." + +"I don't wish to have you interfere with our plans," put in +Josiah Crabtree. + +"I won't interfere with the other plans. But I am going to get +square." + +"We've had delay enough," continued Josiah Crabtree. + +"Well, that wasn't my fault. Mumps got sick, and that's all +there is to it," growled Dan Baxter, and then went to dressing +his swollen eye once more. + +In the meantime Sam and Tom had rejoined their fellows and told +their story. All of the others were indignant at Baxter's doing +and glad to learn he had been given a sound drubbing. + +"I don't see why he hangs in this neighborhood," said Larry. +"It's a wonder he doesn't try to join his father." + +"They are probably on the outs since Dan took that two hundred +dollars," answered Tom. + +The boys were all tired that night, and the occupants of +Dormitory No. 6 retired early in consequence. + +It was a little after midnight that Dick awoke with a cough. He +sat up in bed and opened his eyes to find the room almost filled +with smoke. + +"For gracious sake!" he muttered. "What's the matter here? Sam! +Tom!" + +"What's this?" came from Larry Colby. "Is the house on fire?" +He leaped from his bed, and so did Dick. By this time the smoke +in the dormitory was getting thicker and thicker. It was coming +through the door, which stood partly open. + +"Wake up, boys; the Hall is on fire!" + +"Fire! Fire! Fire!" came from all parts of the building. + +One after another the cadets roused up. Some were completely +bewildered and did not know what to do. + +"We had better get out as soon as we can!" exclaimed Dick, as he +slipped into his trousers. "Come, Tom! come, Sam!" + +He ran for the hallway, to find it so thick with smoke that +escape in that direction seemed cut off. + +"We can't go down that way!" came from Frank. "We'd be smothered +to death." + +"Let's jump from the windows," put in Larry, who was more +frightened than any of the others. + +"No, no; don't jump yet!" cried Tom "You'll break a leg, and +maybe your neck." + +"But I don't want to be burnt up," returned Larry, his teeth +chattering. + +"Hold on, we have that rope we used when we had the feast last +summer," said Sam. "Let us tie that to the window and get down +on it." + +Sam ran to the closet and found the rope just where it had been +left, on a hook in the corner. Soon they had it out and fastened +to a bed-slat braced across the window frame. + +"Down you go, Larry!" said Dick. "Be careful; I reckon we have +plenty of time." + +Larry slid down in a jiffy, and one after another the others came +after him, Dick being the last. As the youth turned around on +the window sill he saw the fire creeping in at the door. Their +escape had taken place none too soon. + +Down on the parade ground they found a motley collection of +half-dressed cadets, instructors, servants, and others who had +been sleeping in the burning Hall. + +In the midst of the group was Captain Putnam, pale but +comparatively cool, considering the excitement under which he was +laboring. + +"Are all the boys out?" he asked of George Strong. "Line them up +and call the roll." + +The roll-call was put through in double-quick order. Only two +lads were missing, a boy named Harrison and another named Leeks. + +"Here comes Harrison!" cried Harry Blossom, and the boy limped +forth from the opposite side of the burning building. + +"I sprang from the east wing," he explained. "I guess my ankle +is sprained." And then he dropped down and was carried away from +the scene to a place of safety. + +"Where can Leeks be?" questioned Captain Putnam. "Leeks! Leeks! +Where are you?" he cried with all the power of his lungs. + +At first the only reply that came back was the roaring of the +flames, as they mounted from one section of the Hall to another. +Then, however, came a shriek from the rear end of the western +wing. + +"Help me! Save me! I don't want to be burnt up!" + +"It is Leeks!" cried Tom. "See, he is on the gutter of the +roof!" + +He pointed in the direction, and all saw the cadet, dressed in +nothing but his white gown, clinging desperately to the slates of +the roof above the gutter. He had run from the second floor to +the third and sought safety by crawling out of a dormer window. + +"Don't jump!" cried a dozen in concert. "Don't jump, Leeks!" + +"What shall I do? The flames are coming up here as fast as they +can!" groaned the cadet. "Oh, save me, somebody!" + +"Let's get the ladder," said Dick, and started for the barn, with +a score of cadets at his heels and George Strong with them. In +the meantime Captain Putnam again urged Leeks to remain where he +was. "We will save you, don't fear," he added. + +The fire below now made the scene as bright as day, and already the +neighbors were rushing to the scene, followed by the Cedarville +volunteer fire department, with their hose cart and old style +hand-pump engine. + +Soon the ladder was brought out of the barn and rushed to the +spot directly below where Leeks stood. Willing hands raised it +against the building. And then a loud groan went up. The ladder +was too short by ten feet--and it was the only ladder to be +had! + + + + +CHAPTER XIV + +THE DISAPPEARANCE OF DORA STANHOPE + + +"We can't reach him with that! He'll be burnt up before we can +get to him. See, the flames are already coming out of the +window beside him!" + +"Save me! Push the ladder up higher!" shrieked Leeks. "I can't +get down to it!" + +"Wait, I've got an idea," put in Dick, and ran behind the barn to +the garden patch. + +Soon he came back armed with a long and knotty beanpole. George +Strong was already on the ladder, and the beanpole was shoved up +to him. + +"That's all right!" came the cry. "Leeks, can't you get hold?" + +"I'll try," said the terrorized boy. + +As quickly as he could George Strong mounted to the very top of +the ladder. Then the teacher raised the beanpole, heavy end +upward, until Leeks managed to grasp it. + +"Can you steady it against the gutter?" asked the teacher. + +"I--I don't know. If I had a cord--" + +"There is a string on the window blind. Tie the end of the pole +to that." + +With trembling hands Leeks did as directed. The cord was not a +stout one, but it was sufficiently strong to keep the beanpole in +position, and that was all that was required, since the teacher +steadied it and held it up from below. + +But getting over the edge of the gutter was no easy movement, and +those on the ground held their breath as Leeks crawled to where +he could grasp the beanpole. Then the cadet came down on the run +to where his feet struck the top of the ladder. In a minute more +he and the head teacher came to the ground. + +A cheer went up. "Hurrah! Leeks is safe! Good for Mr. Strong!" +In the midst of the cries Leeks fainted and had to be carried to +the gymnasium for treatment. + +The fire had evidently started in the lower hallway of the +building, in a closet under the broad stairs. It was burning +furiously in all of the halls and toward the rear. + +As soon as Captain Putnam felt assured that the scholars and all +others were safe he organized the boys into a bucket brigade. In +the meantime Mrs. Grow, with more forethought than seemed +possible to her nature, had turned on the water pipes leading +from the water tower on the Hall roof. Thus a dozen small +streams were thrown on the fire, to which the boys soon added +their buckets of water. Then the Cedarville fire department +added their services, and fighting the fire began in earnest, +while Captain Putnam directed the removal of all furniture and +other things which could be gotten out with safety. + +"Say, but this is work!" panted Tom, as he struggled along with a +big bucket of water in each hand. + +"I only hope we succeed in saving the building." + +"We won't save all of it," replied Sam, who was laboring as hard +as anybody. "And I guess all of our clothing will be burnt up." + +"Don't say a word about dat!" put in Alexander Pop. "I dun gone +an' buy me a new pair ob checked pants las' week--an' a new +silk hat, too!" And the negro was almost ready to cry with +vexation at the thought that those new clothes, with which he had +hoped to cut such a dash, would go down in the ruin. + +It was a good two hours ere the fire was gotten under control, +and not until after sunrise was the last spark put out. Then +Captain Putnam and several of the others surveyed the damage that +had been done. + +All of the stairways had been burned away, and the plastering +from top to bottom of the three hallways was down. In the rear, +two dormitories and the garret floor had been burned out. + +"A nasty fire," said the captain to his head assistant. "I'm +afraid I will have to close down the school, at least for a +while." + +"I don't know as I would do that, captain," replied George +Strong. "The classrooms are not touched, neither are some of the +dormitories. We can bunch the boys up a bit--and I think they +would rather be bunched up than be sent home." + +The matter was talked over at some length, and in the end put to +the boys themselves, and all declared that they would rather +remain, and some added that during their spare hours they would +do all they could to put the place into shape again. + +"That will be unnecessary," said Captain Putnam. "The insurance +companies will have to do the repairing, and I shall notify them +without delay. As to the clothing that has been lost, I will +make that good to each of you." + +The fire was not yet out when Dora Stanhope appeared, in company +with John Laning and Nellie and Grace. + +"I am so afraid somebody had been burnt up!" cried Dora to Dick. +"I'm awfully glad you and your brothers are all right!" + +"We got out easily, answered Dick, but he gave Dora a bright +smile for the interest she had shown in him. + +"How did the fire start?" questioned John Laning. + +"Nobody knows," answered Tom. "Captain Putnam says it is a +complete mystery." + +"I believe the Hall was set on fire," put in Sam. "And I believe +I can point out the party who is guilty." + +"Dan Baxter?" put in Larry. + +"Yes." + +"Would he be wicked enough to do that?" cried Dora in horror. + +"Yes, I guess Dan is bad enough to do anything," said Dick. + +"He was terribly mad over the way we mauled him," came from Tom. +"He was just about ready to kill us." + +"If that's the case Captain Putnam had better have Baxter +arrested," suggested John Laning. "He is a dangerous boy to be +at large." + +Captain Putnam came up and was soon told of what had occurred. +He had not heard of the fight down at the lake, but was not +greatly surprised. + +"I do not blame you boys, since Baxter began the attack," he +said. "And I agree, he is a thoroughly bad fellow. Yes, I'll +have him arrested--providing we can locate him." + +Word had already been sent to a clothier, and a gentlemen's +outfitter, both of whom had stores in Cedarville, and before noon +these men came to the Hall, and the students were fitted out +temporarily--that is, the portion who had lost the majority of +their clothing. Then a gang of laborers and scrub-women were +sent to work to clean up the mess and make the classrooms and +unburned dormitories fit for occupation. In two days Putnam Hall +was once more in full sway, as though nothing out of the ordinary +had happened, the burnt section being boarded entirely off from +the other. + +The search for Dan Baxter began at once, but nothing could be +ascertained concerning him. A search was also made for the +_Falcon_, but that craft had disappeared from the lake. + +"Well, I hope we never hear or see anything more of Baxter," said +Sam. "I declare, he is worse than a snake in the grass." + +"I'd rather see him locked up," answered Dick grimly. "Then I'd +know he was out of the way of harming us further." + +Several days slipped by and the boys were deep in their studies, +when, late one afternoon, Dick was greatly astonished by being +told that Mrs. Stanhope was in the parlor waiting to see him. + +"She seems very much agitated," said Captain Putnam. "I am +afraid something is wrong." + +"Can you say what it is, Richard?" + +"No, sir; excepting Dan Baxter or Josiah Crabtree may have been +worrying them again." + + "Do you mean to tell me that Baxter goes to their house?" + +"He has been there several times to my knowledge. He's as sweet on +Dora Stanhope as Josiah Crabtree is anxious over Mrs. Stanhope--and +neither person deserves any encouragement." + +"I thought the engagement between Mrs. Stanhope and Crabtree was +off." + +"It was--for the time being. But it seems Mr. Crabtree isn't +going to give her up--he is too anxious to get hold of Dora's +money," and with this remark Dick hurried to the parlor. + +"Oh, Dick Rover!" cried Mrs. Stanhope, when he entered, "do tell +me what has become of Dora." + +"Dora!" he repeated in bewilderment. "I don't know, I am sure. +Has she left home?" + +"She hasn't been home since she answered your note yesterday +afternoon." + +"My note? I sent her no note." + +"But I found it lying on the dining-room table last evening, when +I came from my room. You see, I had been lying down with a +headache." + +"Mrs. Stanhope, I sent Dora no note. If she got one that was +signed with my name it was a forgery." + +"Oh, Dick Rover!" The lady had arisen on his entrance, now she +sank back into a faint. + +The youth was greatly alarmed, and at once rang for one of the +servants and also for Captain Putnam. + +"What is the matter?" asked the master of the Hall. + +"Something is very much wrong, sir," replied Dick. "Dora +Stanhope has disappeared." + +"Disappeared!" + +"Yes, sir. She received some sort of a note signed with my name." + +No more was said just then, Dick, the captain, and the servant +doing all they could to restore Mrs. Stanhope to consciousness. +When the lady finally came to her senses she could not keep from +crying bitterly. + +"Oh, where can my Dora be?" she moaned. "Something dreadful has +happened to her--I feel certain of it." + +"Where is that note?" asked Dick. + +"I left it on the mantelpiece in our dining room. It said: 'Dear +Friend Dora: Meet me as soon as you can down at the old boathouse +on the lake. I have something important to tell you,' and it was +signed 'Richard Rover.'" + +"Mrs. Stanhope, as true as I stand here, I never wrote that note +or sent it." + +"I believe you, Dick. But who did send it?" + +"Some enemy who wanted to get her away from the house--Dan +Baxter or--" Dick paused. + +"Or who?" + +"Well, Josiah Crabtree, if you must know. He hates her and he +wants to separate her from you." + +At the mention of Josiah Crabtree's name a curious shiver passed +over Mrs. Stanhope. "We--we'll not talk about Mr. Crabtree," +she faltered. "But, oh, I must have my Dora back!" And then she +came near to fainting again. + +"I would like to go over to the Stanhope cottage and +investigate," said Dick, after the lady had been placed in Mrs. +Green's care. "To my mind it won't do to lose time, either." + +"You can go, Richard," answered Captain Putnam. "But be careful +and keep out of trouble." + +"Can I take Tom and Sam with me?" + +At this the master of Putnam Hall smiled broadly. "Always like +to be together, eh? All right, I don't know but what it will be +safer for the three of you to go together," he said; and Dick +lost no time in telling his brothers. In a few minutes the trio +set off for the Stanhope cottage, little dreaming of the long +time that was to elapse before they should see Putnam Hall again. + + + + +CHAPTER XV + +DICK'S BRAVERY AND ITS REWARD + + +The three Rover boys reached the Stanhope cottage on a run, to +find nobody in charge but a washwoman, who was hanging up some +clothing in the back yard. + +Explaining the situation so far as was necessary, they went +inside and hunted up the note Mrs. Stanhope had mentioned. + +"I believe that is Dan Baxter's writing," said Dick slowly. + +"It is," came from Sam. "I know it from the flourishes on the +capitals. He was always great on flourishes." + +"We won't waste time here," went on Dick. "Let us go down to the +old boathouse." + +They were soon on the way, along a road lined with brush and +scrubby cedars, the trees which in years gone by had given +Cedarville its name. + +At the old boathouse everything was quiet and not a soul was in +sight. Walking to the end of the house float they gazed out on +the lake. + +"Not a boat anywhere," murmured Dick. "Now, what could have +become of Dora, do you suppose?" + +"It's ten to one that Baxter took her off in Mumps' boat!" cried +Tom. "By jinks, I think I see through this. Don't you remember +the plot Josiah Crabtree and Mumps were hatching? I'll wager +they are all in this, to get Dora away from her mother." + +"I believe Tom is right," came from Sam. "And if that is true, +Dora was taken off on a boat beyond a doubt.' + +"If she was it won't take very long to find her," returned Dick. +"Let us go to Cedarville and see if anybody has seen the _Falcon_." + +Dick had scarcely spoken when a small steam tug hove into sight, +bound up the lake. + +"There's a tug now!" exclaimed Tom. "Hi there! Hi!" he yelled. +"Stop!" + +The captain of the tug heard him and saw him waving his hand, +and, slowing up, made a half circle toward shore. + +"What's wanted, young man?" he asked. "Anything wrong?" + +"Yes, a good deal is wrong," replied Tom. "Have you seen a yacht +named the _Falcon_ today?" + +"No, but I saw her late yesterday afternoon," was the reply. + +"Around here?" + +"No, further down the lake. I think she was bound for Cayuga." + +"Did you notice who was on board?" + +"You seem to be very particular about it." + +"We are particular. A young lady has disappeared, and we think +she was taken away on that yacht," explained Dick, as the steam +tug came to a halt. + +"Is that so? Yes, I did see a young lady on board of her. She +called to our boat as we passed, but I thought it was only in +fun." + +"I guess she wanted you to help her," said Dick bitterly. Then +he continued suddenly: "Have you anything to do just now?" + +"No; I was going up to Ithaca to look for a tow." + +"What will you charge to take us down to Cayuga?" + +The captain of the tug thought for a moment. "Three dollars. It +ought to be worth that to find the young lady." + +"We'll go you," answered Dick promptly. "Swing in and we'll jump +aboard." + +Captain Lambert did as requested, and in a moment more the three +Rover boys were on board of the _Cedar Queen_, as the craft was +named. The captain proved to be a nice man and became thoroughly +interested in the story the lads had to tell. + +"I hope we spot the rascals," he said. "I'll certainly do all I +can for you." + +The _Cedar Queen_ was a little craft and somewhat slow, and the +boys fretted a good bit at the long time it took to reach Cayuga. + +When they ran into the harbor of the town at the foot of the lake +they looked in vain for the _Falcon_. + +"We'll take a sail around," said Captain Lambert; and this they +did, continuing the hunt until long after dark. + +"It's no use!" groaned Dick. "We've missed her." + +It took nearly all the money the boys could scrape up between +them to pay off the captain of the tug, and when they had been +landed at one of the docks they wondered what they had best do +next. + +"We've got to stay here over night," said Dick. + +"We may as well telegraph to Captain Putnam for cash," and this +they did, and put up at one of the hotels. + +The place was crowded, for there was a circus in the town and a +public auction of real estate had also taken place that day. The +boys could get only a small room, but over this they did not +complain. Their one thought was of Dora and of the rascals who had +carried her off. + +"We must get on the track somehow," said Dick. But how, was the +question. He could not sleep and after the others had retired +took a long walk, just to settle his nerves. + +Dick's walk brought him to the lot where the circus had held +forth, and for some time he watched the men as they worked under +the flaring gasoline torches, packing up what still remained on +the grounds. The tent men had to labor like slaves in rolling up +the huge stretches of canvas and in hoisting the long poles into +the wagons, and he shook his head grimly as he turned away. + +"No circus life in mine," he mused, "at least, not that part of +it." + +Dick had moved away from the grounds but a short distance when +his attention was attracted to the strange movements of two +rough-looking individuals who were hurrying off with a third man +between them. + +"I don't want to go, I tell you," the middle man muttered; "I +don't want more to drink." + +"That's all right, Mr. Castor," said one of the other men glibly. +"Just have one more glass, that's a good fellow." + +"I won't take it, so there!" cried the man called Castor. "I +know when I've had enough." + +"You've got to come along with us," put in the third man +savagely. "You owe us some money." + +"I don't owe you a cent, Fusty." + +"Yes, you do--and I'm bound to have it. Hold him, Mike, till I +go through him." + +Of a sudden there was a struggle, and the man called Castor found +himself helpless, while the fellow called Fusty began to go +through his pockets with great rapidity. + +The scene alarmed Dick, and he wondered what he had best do. +Then he made up his mind to go to Castor's assistance, and ran +forward. + +"Here, let that man alone!" he cried, as he picked up a fence +picket which happened to lie handy. "Leave him alone, I say!" + +"The Old Nick take the luck!" muttered one of the other men. +"Who's this?" + +"Help! Help!" cried Castor. + +"Let him alone, I say!" repeated Dick, and then struck at one of +the men and hit him on the arm. + +Seeing himself thus re-enforced, Castor also struck out, and +continued to call for help. + +"We might as well give it up, Fusty!" cried one of the rascals, +and took to his heels, and then there was nothing to do for the +other man but to follow him. + +"Are you hurt?" asked Dick as he helped the man who had been +assaulted to his feet. + +"Not much," was the slow reply. "Young man, you came in time and +no more." + +"Do you know those fellows who just ran away?" + +"I met them at the circus this afternoon. We had several drinks +and they became very friendly. I believe they were after my +money." + +"I think so too, Mr." + +"My name is George Castor. And who are you?" + +"I am Dick Rover, sir." + +"Rover, I must thank you for your services. I shan't forget you, +not me!" and George Castor held out his hand cordially. "I think +I made a mistake by drinking with those fellows." + +"I haven't any doubt of it, Mr. Castor." + +"Do you reside in town?" + +"No, sir; I am stopping at the hotel with my brothers. We just +came into town tonight on rather a curious errand." + +"Indeed, and what was that?" + +In a few words Dick explained the situation. He had not yet +finished when George Castor interrupted him. + +"My boy, you have done me a good turn, and now I think I can +return the compliment." + +"Do you mean to say you know something of this case?" demanded +Dick eagerly. + +"Perhaps I do. Describe this Dan Baxter as well as you can, will +you?" + +"Certainly." And Dick did so. + +"It is the same fellow. I met him last night, down near the +lumber wharves. You see, I am a lumber merchant from Brooklyn, +and I have an interest in a lumber company up here." + +"You saw Baxter? Was he alone?" + +"No, there was another man with him, a tall, slim fellow, with an +unusually sour face." + +"Josiah Crabtree to a T!" burst out Dick. "Did you notice where +they went?" + +"I did not. But I overheard their talk. They spoke about a boat +on the Hudson River, the _Flyaway_. They were to join her at +Albany." + +"Who was to join her?" + +"This Baxter, if it was he, and somebody else--a man called +Muff, or something like that." + +"Mumps! You struck them, sure enough! But did they say anything +about the girl?" + +"The tall man said that he would see to it that she was +there--whatever he meant by that." + +"I can't say any more than you, Mr. Castor. But I guess they are +going to carry Dora Stanhope through to Albany from all +appearances." + +"Then perhaps you had better follow." + +"I'd go at once if I had the money that I have telegraphed for. +You see, my brothers and I came away in a hurry, for the +Stanhopes are close friends of ours." + +"Don't let the matter of money worry you. Do you know how much I +have with me? + +"I haven't the slightest idea, sir." + +"Nearly eleven hundred dollars--and if those rascals had had +the chance they would have robbed me of every dollar of it." + +"I shouldn't think you would carry so much." + +"I don't usually; but I was paid a large bill today, and went to +the circus instead of the bank--not having seen such a show in +years. But to come back to business. Will a hundred dollars see +you through?" + +"You mean to say you will loan me that much?" + +"Perhaps I had better give it to you, as a reward for your +services." + +"I won't take it, for I don't want any reward. But I'll accept a +loan, if you'll make it, and be very much obliged to you," +continued Dick. + +"All right, then, we'll call it a loan," concluded George Castor, +and the transfer of the amount was made on the spot. Later on +Dick insisted upon returning the money. + + + + +CHAPTER XVI + +THE SEARCH FOR THE "FLYAWAY" + + +"Tom! Sam! Get up at once!" + +"What's the row now, Dick?" came sleepily from Tom. "Have you +discovered anything?" + +"Yes! I've discovered a whole lot. Get up if you want to catch +the next train." + +"The next train for where?" demanded Tom, as he hopped out of +bed. + +"The next train for Albany." + +"Have they taken Dora to Albany?" questioned Sam, as he too arose +and began to don his garments. + +"I think so," was the elder brother's reply, and while the pair +dressed, Dick told of what had occurred and what he had heard. + +"This is getting to be quite a chase," was Tom's remark. "But I +reckon you are right, and we'll land on them in the capital." + +"If we aren't too late," answered Dick. + +"I'd like to know how they are going to take Dora to Albany if +she doesn't want to go?" came from Tom, when they were dressed +and on their way to the railroad station. + +No one could answer this question. "Josiah Crabtree is a queer +stick and can do lots of queer things," was what Dick said. + +The train left at half past two in the morning, and they had not +long to wait. Once on board, they proceeded to make themselves +as comfortable as possible, each having a whole seat to himself, +and Sam and Tom went to sleep without much trouble. But Dick was +wide awake, wondering what would be the next move on reaching +Albany. + +"Poor Dora!" he murmured. "Oh, but that crowd shall be punished +for this! If she comes to harm it will almost kill Mrs. +Stanhope." And his heart sank like a lump of lead as he thought +of his dearest friend in the power of her unscrupulous enemies. + +It was just getting daylight when the long train rolled into the +spacious depot at the state capital. Only a few working people +and newsboys were stirring. Tom and Sam pulled themselves +together with long yawns. + +"Sleeping in a seat doesn't come up to a bed, by any means," +remarked Tom. "Which way now?" + +"We'll go down to the river and look for the _Flyaway_," answered +his elder brother. + +"It will be like looking for a needle in a hay-stack," said Sam. +"The boats are pretty thick here." + +"That is true, but it is the best we can do," replied the elder +Rover. + +Once along the river front they began a careful inquiry +concerning the boat of which they were in search. + +"Not much progress," remarked Tom, after two hours had been spent +in vain. "This climbing from one dock to the next is decidedly +tiring." + +"And I'm hungry," put in Sam. "I move we hunt up a restaurant." +An eating place was not far away, and, entering, they ordered a +morning meal of ham and eggs, rolls, and hot coffee. + +While they were eating a man came in and sat down close by them. +It was Martin Harris, the fellow who had come to their assistance +after the collision between the _Spray_ and the _Falcon_. + +"Hullo, how are you?" he said heartily. "Still cruising around +in your yacht?" + +"No, we just got back to Albany," replied Dick. "We've been to +school since we left you." + +"I see. How do you like going back to your studies?" + +"We liked it well enough," put in Tom. "But we left in a hurry!" +he went on, thinking Martin Harris might give them some +information. "Have you been out on the river yet this morning?" + +"Yes; just came up from our place below to do a little trading." + +"Did you see anything of a yacht called the _Flyaway_?" + +"The _Flyaway_? What sort of a looking craft is she?" + +"I can't tell you that." + +"One boat there attracted my attention," said Martin Harris +slowly. "I saw two boys and a girl on board of her." + +"How was the girl dressed?" cried Dick. + +"She had on a light-blue dress and a sailor hat." + +"And the boys?" + +"One was dressed in gray and the other in dark-blue or black." + +"That was the boat! Where did she go?" ejaculated Dick, who +remembered well how Mumps and Baxter had been attired, and the +pretty dress and hat Dora was in the habit of wearing. + +"She was bound straight down the river." + +"We must follow her." + +"That's the talk!" burst out Tom. "But how?" + +"What do you want to follow the _Flyaway_ for?" asked Martin Harris +curiously. + +"Those two boys are running away with that girl!" + +"Impossible!" + +"No, it isn't. One of the fellows--the fellow in dark clothing--is +the chap who ran into us that day." + +"Well, now, do you know I thought it looked like him," was +Harris' comment. "And, come to think of it, that boat got as far +away from me as she could." + +"Do you think you would know her again? I mean the _Flyaway_--if +we got anywhere near her?" asked Dick. + +"I think I would, lad. She had a rather dirty mainsail and jib, +and each had a new patch of white near the top. Then, too, her +rig is a little different from what we have around here. Looked +like a Southern boat." + +"Have you your boat handy?" + +"Yes, she's right at the end of this street. Do you want me to +follow up that crowd?" + +"Could your boat catch the _Flyaway_, do you think?" + +"My boat, the _Searchlight_, is as good a yacht as there is +anywhere around, if I do say it myself," answered Martin Harris +promptly. "It you don't believe it, try her and see." + +"We will try her," came promptly from Dick. "And the sooner you +begin the chase the better it will suit me." + +"All right; we'll start as soon as I've swallowed this coffee," +answered the skipper of the _Searchlight_. "But, hold on, this may +prove a long search." + +"Do you want to make terms?" + +"I wasn't thinking of that. I'll leave it to you as to what the +job is worth, after we're done. I was thinking that I haven't +any provender aboard my yacht, if we want to stay out any length +of time." + +"I'll fix that," answered Dick. "Come, Sam. You say the yacht +is at the foot of the street?" + +"Yes." + +"We'll be there in less than five minutes." + +"Where are you going--to buy provisions?" + +"Yes." + +Dick made off, followed not only by Sam, but likewise by Tom. He +found a large grocery close at hand, and here purchased some +coffee, sugar, canned meat and fish, a small quantity of +vegetables, and also several loaves of bread and some salt. To +this Tom added a box of crackers and Sam some cake and fruit, and +with their arms loaded down they hurried to the _Searchlight_. + +Martin Harris was on hand, and ready to cast off. "Hullo, you +did lay in some things?" he grinned. "I reckon you calculate +this chase to last some time." + +"We've got enough for several days, anyway--that is, all but--water," +returned Dick. + +"I've got a whole barrel full of that forward, lad." + +"Then we are ready to leave. I hope, though, we run the _Flyaway_ +down before noon," concluded the elder Rover, as he hopped on +board. + +Leaving Sam to stow away the stores as he saw fit, Dick and Tom +sprang in to assist Martin Harris, and soon the mainsail and jib +were set, and they turned away from the dock and began the +journey down the Hudson. As soon as they were clear of the other +boats, the skipper set his topsail and flying jib, and they +bowled along at a merry gait, the wind being very nearly in their +favor and neither too strong nor too slack. + +"Now I'd like to hear the particulars of this case," remarked +Martin Harris, as he proceeded to make himself comfortable at the +tiller. "You see, I want to know just what I am doing. I don't +want to get into any trouble with the law." + +"You won't get into any trouble. Nobody has a right to run off +with a girl against her will," replied Dick. + +"That's true. But why are they running off with her?" + +"I think they have been hired to do it by a man who wants to +marry the girl's mother," went on Dick, and related the +particulars of what had occurred. + +Martin Harris was deeply interested. "I reckon you have the best +end of it," he said, when the youth had finished. "And you say +this Dan Baxter is a son of the rascal who is suspected of +robbing Rush & Wilder?" + +"Yes." + +"Evidently a hard crowd." + +"You are right--and they ought all of them to be in prison," +observed Tom. "By the way, have they heard anything of those +robbers?" + +"The detectives are following up one or two clues. One report was +that this Baxter and Girk had gone to some place on Staten +Island. But I don't think they know for certain." + + + + +CHAPTER XVII + +IN WHICH DORA IS CARRIED OFF + + +Perhaps it will be as well to go back a bit and learn how poor +Dora was enticed into leaving home so unexpectedly, to the sorrow +of her mother and the anxiety of Dick and her other friends. + +Dora was hard at work sweeping out the parlor of the Stanhope +cottage when she saw from the window a boy walking up the garden +path. The youth was a stranger to her and carried a letter in +his hand. + +"Is this Mrs. Stanhope's place?" he questioned, as Dora +appeared. + +"Yes." + +"Here's a letter for Miss Dora Stanhope," and he held out the +missive. + +"Whom is it from?" + +"I don't know. A boy down by the lake gave it to me," was the +answer, and without further words the lad hurried off, having +received instructions that he must not tarry around the place +after the delivery of the communication. + +Tearing open the letter Dora read it with deep interest. + +"What can Dick have to tell me?" she mused. "Can it be something +about Mr. Crabtree? It must be." + +Dropping her work, she ran upstairs, changed her dress, put on +her hat, and started for the boathouse. + +It took her but a short while to reach the place, but to her +surprise nobody was in sight. + +"Can I have made some mistake?" she murmured; when the _Falcon_ +hove into view from around a bend in the shore line. + +"Is that Miss Stanhope?" shouted a strange man, who seemed to be +the sole occupant of the craft. + +"Yes, I am Dora Stanhope," answered the girl. + +"Dick Rover sent me over from the other side of the lake. He +told me if I saw you to take you over to Nelson Point." + +Nelson Point was a grove situated directly opposite Cedarville. +It was a place much used by excursionists and picnic parties. + +"Thank you," said Dora, never suspecting that anything was wrong. +"If you'll come in a little closer I will go with you." + +The _Falcon_ was brought in, and Dora leaped on board of the yacht. + +She had scarcely done so when Mumps and Dan Baxter stepped from +the cabin. + +"Oh, dear!" she gasped. "Where--where did you come from?" + +"Didn't quite expect to see us here, did you?" grinned the former +bully of Putnam Hall. + +"I did not," answered Dora coldly. "What--where is Dick +Rover?" + +"Over to Nelson Point." + +"Did he send you over here for me?" + +"Of course he did," said Mumps. + +"I do not believe it. This is some trick!" burst out the girl. +"I want you to put me on shore again." + +"You can't go ashore now," answered Baxter. + +"Ease her off, Goss." + +"Right you are," answered Bill Goss. "What's the course now?" + +"Straight down the lake." + +"All right." + +"You are not going to take me down the lake!" cried Dora in +increased alarm. + +"Yes, we are." + +"I--I won't go!" + +"I don't see how you are to help yourself," responded Baxter +roughly. + +"Dan Baxter, you are a brute!" + +"If you can't say anything better than that, you had better say +nothing!" muttered Baxter. + +"I will say what I please. You have no right to carry me off in +this fashion!" + +"Well, I took the right." + +"You shall be locked up for it." + +"You'll have to place me in the law's hands first." + +"I don't believe Dick Rover sent that letter at all!" + +"You can believe what you please." + +"You forged his name to it." + +"Let us talk about something else." + +"You are as bad as your father, and that is saying a good deal," +went on the poor girl bitterly. + +"See here, don't you dare to speak of my father!" roared the +bully in high anger. "My father is as good as anybody. This is +only a plot against him--gotten up by the Rovers and his other +enemies." + +Dan Baxter's manner was so terrible that Dora sank back on a camp +stool nearly overcome. Then, seeing some men at a distance, on +the shore, she set up a scream for help. + +"Here, none of that!" ejaculated Mumps, and clapped his hand over +her mouth. + +"Let me go!" she screamed. "Help! Help!" + +"We'll put her in the cabin," ordered Dan Baxter, and also caught +hold of Dora. She struggled with all the strength at her +command, but was as a baby in their grasp, and soon found herself +in the cabin with the door closed and locked behind her. + +It was then that her nerves gave way, and, throwing herself on a +couch, she burst into tears. + +"What will they do with me?" she moaned. "Oh, that I was home +again!" + +It was a long while before she could compose herself sufficiently +to sit up. In the meantime the _Falcon_ was sailing down the lake +toward Cayuga with all speed. + +"This must be some plan of Josiah Crabtree to get me away from +home," she thought. "Poor mother! I wonder what will happen to +her while I am away? If that man gets her to marry him what will +I do? I can never live with them--never!" And she heaved a +deep sigh. + +Presently she arose and walked to the single window of which the +cabin boasted. It was open, but several little iron bars had +been screwed fast on the outside. + +"They have me like a bird in a cage," she thought. "Where will +this dreadful adventure end?" + +Hour after hour went by and she was not molested. Then came a +knock on the cabin door. + +"Dora! Dora Stanhope!" came in Dan Baxter's voice. + +"Well?" + +"Will you behave yourself if I unlock the door?" + +"It is you who ought to behave yourself," she retorted. + +"Never mind about that. I have something for you to eat." + +"I don't want a mouthful." And Dora spoke the truth, for the +food would have choked her. + +"You had better have a sandwich and a glass of milk." + +"If you want to do something, give me a glass of water," she said +finally, for she wished a drink badly, the cabin was so hot and +stuffy. + +Baxter went away, and presently unlocked the door and handed her +the water, of which she drank eagerly. + +"Where are you going to take me?" she questioned, as she passed +back the glass. + +"You'll learn that all in good time, Dora. Come, why not take +the whole matter easy?" went on the bully, as he dropped into a +seat near her. + +"How can I take it easy?" + +"We won't hurt you--I'll give you my word on that." + +She was about to say that his word was not worth giving, but +restrained herself. If she angered Baxter, there was no telling +what the fellow might do. + +"Is this a plot of Josiah Crabtree's?" she asked sharply. + +Baxter started. "How did you--" he began, and stopped short. +"You had better not ask any questions." + +"Which means that you will not answer any?" + +"You can take it that way if you want to, Dora." + +"It was a mean trick you played on me." + +"Let's talk of something else. We are going to leave the _Falcon_ +soon, and I want to know if you are going with us quietly?" + +"Leave the _Falcon_?" + +"Yes, at Cayuga." + +"Are we there already?" gasped Dora in dismay. + +"We soon will be." + +"I don't wish to go with you." + +"But we want you to go. If you go quietly all will be well--and I'll +promise to see you safe home in less than twenty-four hours." + +"You wish to keep me away from home that length of time?" + +"If you must know, yes." + +"And why? So Josiah Crabtree can--can--" She did not finish. + +"So that Mr. Crabtree can interview your mother--yes," put in +Mumps, who had just appeared. "Baxter, there's no use in beating +around the bush. Crabtree is bound to marry Mrs. Stanhope, and +Dora may as well know it now as later." + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII + +STILL IN THE HANDS OF THE ENEMY + + +"That man will never marry my mother with my consent!" burst out +the unhappy girl. + +"She probably won't ask your consent," sneered Mumps. + +"She would not marry him if I was with her. He only has an +influence over her when I am away." + +"Exactly--and he knows that," put in Baxter. + +"Do you mean to say Josiah Crabtree is going to marry her now?" +demanded Dora, springing to her feet. + +"More than likely." + +"Then he--he hired you to carry me off?" + +"We'll talk about something else," said the bully. "Will you +leave the _Falcon_ quietly?" + +"Where do you want me to go?" + +"To the home of an old lady who will treat you as nicely as she +possibly can." + +Dora shook her head. "I don't wish to go anywhere excepting +home, and I won't submit a bit longer than I have to." + +"Don't be foolish!" exclaimed Mumps. "We might treat you a good +deal worse if we were of a mind to do so. Crabtree told us to +bind and gag you." + +"He did?" + +"Yes. He says you are a perfect minx." + +A few words more followed, and then both of the boys left the +cabin. + +"She won't submit," whispered Mumps. + +"What had we best do?" + +"Use the drug Crabtree gave us," answered Baxter. "It's a lucky +thing I brought that vial." + +"Yes--if we don't have any trip-up in the matter," answered the +toady, with a doubtful shake of his head. Mumps had gone into +the whole scheme rather unwillingly, but now saw no way of +backing out. + +A little later the _Falcon_ ran into the harbor of Cayuga and came +to anchor close to one of the docks. Then Baxter appeared with +some sandwiches and a glass of milk. + +"You might as well eat; it's foolish not to," he said, and set +the food on a little stand. + +By this time Dora was very hungry, and as soon as the bully had +left she applied herself to what had been brought. Poor +creature, she did not know that both sandwiches and milk had been +doctored with a drug calculated to make her dull and sleepy! + +She had hardly finished the scant meal when her eyes began to +grow heavy. Then her brain seemed to become clouded and she +could scarcely remember where she was. + +"Here's news!" cried Baxter, coming in an hour later. "We are to +join your mother and Mr. Crabtree at Albany." + +"At Albany?" she repeated slowly. "Have--have they gone +there?" + +"Yes; they are going on a honeymoon on the yacht _Flyaway_. Your +mother wants you to join her and forgive her." + +Dora heaved a long sigh. "I cannot! I cannot!" she sobbed, and +burst again into tears. + +Nevertheless, she allowed herself to be led off the _Falcon_ and to +the depot. "Your face is full of tears," said Baxter. "Here, +put this veil over it," and she was glad enough to do as bidden, +that folks might not stare at her. + +What happened afterward was very much like a dream to her. She +remembered entering the cars and crouching down in a seat, with +Baxter beside her. A long ride in the night followed, and she +slept part of the way, although troubled with a horrible +nightmare. She wanted to flee, but seemed to lack both the +physical and mental strength to do so. + +The ride at an end, Baxter and Mumps almost carried her to the +river. Here the _Flyaway_ was in waiting. Bill Goss had gone on +ahead and notified his wife that she was wanted. It may as well +be added here that Mrs. Goss was as coarse and unprincipled as +her husband. + +When Dora's mind was once more clear she found herself in a much +larger cabin than that she had formerly occupied. She lay on a +couch, and Mrs. Goss, a fat, ugly-looking creature, sat beside +her. + +"Are you awake, dear?" asked the woman as smoothly as she could. + +"Who--who are you?" asked Dora feebly. + +"I am Mrs. Goss." + +"I don't know you. Where--where is my mother--and Mr. Crabtree?" + +"You'll have to ask Mr. Baxter or Mr. Fenwick about that." + +"Do you belong on this boat?" + +"I do, when I go out with my husband." + +"Was he the man who was with those boys?" + +"Yes." + +"Where are we now?" + +"On the Hudson River, just below Albany." + +"Where are they going to take me next?" + +"You had better ask Mr. Baxter. I was only brought on board to +wait on you." + +"Then that means that they wish to take me quite a distance!" +cried Dora, and ran on deck. + +Mumps and Baxter were talking earnestly together near the bow. +At once she ran to them. + +"Where is my mother?" + +"You'll see her soon," answered the former bully of Putnam Hall. + +"It was another trick of yours!" burst out Dora. "And I think +you gave me something last night to make me sleepy." + +"What if we did?" came from Mumps. + +"You are all right now." + +"I do not want to go another step with you." Dora looked around +and saw a strange boat passing. "Help! help!" she screamed. + +At once there was another row, in which not only the boys, but +also Bill Goss and his wife, took a hand. In the end poor Dora +was marched to the cabin and put under lock and key. + +If the girl had been disheartened before, she was now absolutely +downcast. + +"They have me utterly in their power!" she moaned over and over +again. "Heaven alone knows where they will take me!" And then +she sank down on her knees and prayed that God might see her +safely through her perils. + +Her prayer seemed to calm her, and she felt that there was at +least one Power that would never desert her. + +"Poor, poor mamma, how I wish I knew what was happening to her!" +she murmured. + +Slowly the hours went by. Mrs. Goss came and went, and Dora was +even allowed to go on deck whenever no other boat was close at +hand. Thus Martin Harris saw her; but, as we know, that meeting +amounted to nothing. + +It was Mrs. Goss who served the meals, and as Dora could not +starve, she was compelled to eat what was set before her, the +fare being anything but elaborate. + +"Sorry, but we haven't got a hotel chef on board," observed Dan +Baxter, as he came in during the supper hour. "But I'll try to +get something better on board at New York." + +"Do you mean to say you intend to take me away down to that +city?" queried Dora. + +"Humph! we are going further than that." + +"And to where?" + +"Wait and see." + +"Are you afraid to tell me?" + +"I don't think it would be a wise thing to do." + +"We are just going to take a short ocean trip--" began Mumps, when +Baxter stopped him. + +"Don't talk so much--you'll spoil everything," remarked the +bully. + +"An ocean trip!" burst out Dora. "No! No! I do not wish to go +on the ocean." + +"As I said before, I think you'll go where the yacht goes." + +"Does my mother know anything of this?" + +"She knows you are away," grinned Mumps. + +"You need not tell me that!" exclaimed Dora. "You are a mean, +mean boy, so there!" And she turned on her heel and walked off. + +She wished she had learned how to swim. They were running quite +close to shore, and she felt that a good swimmer could gain land +without much effort. Then a man came out from shore in a large +flatboat. + +"Help! Help!" she cried. "Save me, and I will reward you well! +They are carrying me away from home!" + +"What's that?" called out the man, and Dora repeated her words +before any of the others could stop her. + +"All right, I'll do what I can for you," said the man, and +running up beside the yacht, which had become caught in a sudden +calm, he made fast with a boathook. + + + + +CHAPTER XIX + +DORA TRIES TO ESCAPE + + +"Now we're in a pickle!" whispered Mumps. "That man may cause us +a whole lot of trouble." + +"You let me do the talking," answered Dan Baxter. "Help Goss get +her back to the cabin." + +"I won't go back!" screamed Dora. "Let me be!" And she ran for +the rail. + +But Mumps caught hold of her and dragged her back. Then Bill +Goss approached, followed by his wife. + +"You must go below, miss," said the sailor. + +"Come, Nancy, give us a lift." + +Poor Dora found herself at once surrounded and shoved back. She +tried to call out again, but Mumps checked her with that +ever-ready hand of his. + +"Be careful!" shouted Baxter, for the benefit of the man on the +flatboat. "Treat her with care, poor girl." + +"All right," grinned Mumps. "Come, down you go," he went on, to +Dora, and literally forced her down the companionway. + +Once in the cabin she was left in Mrs. Goss' care. The door was +locked, and Goss and Mumps went on deck to learn what Baxter was +doing. + +"What does this mean?" asked the man in the flatboat. He was a +farmer, who had just been taking a load of hay across the stream. + +"Oh, it's all right," answered Baxter carelessly. "That's my +sister." + +"Your sister?" + +"Yes." + +"What's the row?" + +"No row at all--excepting that I am trying to get her back to +the asylum." + +"Is she crazy?" + +"A little bit; but not near as bad as she used to be. She got +out of the asylum in Brooklyn yesterday, and I've had my hands +full trying to get her back. She imagines she is a sea captain +and always runs off with my uncle's yacht." + +"I see. That's putty bad for your family." + +"Oh, yes; but we are getting used to it. Take care, we are going +to swing around." + +Never suspecting that he had been regaled with a string of +falsehoods, the farmer let go with his boathook, and yacht and +flatboat speedily drifted apart. + +It was with a big sigh of relief that Dan Baxter saw the flatboat +recede in the distance. + +"That was a narrow shave," he muttered. "If that fellow had +insisted on talking to Dora there would have been a whole lot of +trouble." + +In vain Dora waited for the man to come on board. He had said +that he would do what he could for her. Surely he would not +desert her! + +But as the time slipped by her heart failed her and she gave +herself up to another crying spell. This caused Mumps and Goss +to withdraw, and she was left alone again with Mrs. Goss. + +"Where are we now?" she asked at length. + +"We are approaching New York," was the answer. + +"And that man, what of him?" + +"Oh, he didn't come an board." + +It was night when the _Flyaway_ came to a landing near the upper +portion of the metropolis. The boys and Bill Goss went ashore, +leaving Dora in Mrs. Goss' care. + +"Be careful and don't let her escape," cautioned Dan Baxter. "We +won't be gone very long." + +Baxter had left for a telegraph office, expecting to receive a +message from Josiah Crabtree. + +For half an hour Mrs. Goss sat in the cabin watching Dora, who +was pacing the floor impatiently. + +"Make yourself comfortable, miss," said the woman. "It won't do +you any good to get all worked up over the matter." + +"You do not understand my situation, Mrs. Goss," faltered Dora. +"If you did understand, I am sure you wouldn't keep me a prisoner +in this fashion." + +"I am only obeying orders, miss. If I didn't my Bill would +almost kill me." + +"Is he so harsh to you?" + +"He is now. But he didn't used to be--when he didn't drink." + +"Then he drinks now?" + +"Yes; twice over what is good for him." + +"Where have they gone?" + +"To a telegraph office." + +"Didn't they say they would be back soon?" + +"Yes." + +Dora said no more, but sank down on the couch. Then an idea came +to her mind, and lying back she closed her eyes and pretended to +go to sleep. + +The woman watched her closely for a while; then, satisfied that +the girl had really dropped off, gave a long sigh of relief. + +"I guess I can get a little sleep myself," she muttered. "I +think I deserve it." + +She locked the cabin door carefully and placed the key in her +pocket. Then she stretched out in an easy chair with her feet +on a low stool. + +Dora watched her out of the corner of her eye as a cat watches a +mouse. + +Was the woman really sleeping? + +Soon Mrs. Goss' breathing became loud and irregular. + +"She must be asleep," thought Dora, and stirred slightly. + +Mrs. Goss took no notice of this, and with her heart in her +throat the girl slipped noiselessly from her resting place and +stood up. + +Still the woman took no notice, and now Dora found herself +confronted by a most difficult task. + +Without the key to the cabin door she could do nothing, and how +to obtain the much coveted article was a problem. + +With trembling hands she sought the pocket of Mrs. Goss' dress +only to find that the woman was sitting on the key! + +"Oh, dear, this is the worst yet!" she murmured. + +As she stood in the middle of the cabin in perplexity, her captor +gave a long sigh and turned partly over in her chair. + +The pocket was now free and within easy reach, and with deft +fingers Dora drew the key forth and tiptoed her way to the cabin +door. + +She was so agitated that she could hardly place the key in the +keyhole. + +The lock had been used but seldom, and the action of the salt air +had rusted it greatly. + +As the key turned there was a grating sound, which caused Mrs. +Goss to awaken with a start. + +"What's the matter? Who is there?" she cried, and turned around +to face the cabin door. + +"Come back here! Come back!" + +She started after Dora, who now had the cabin door wide open. +Away went girl and woman up the low stairs. But Dora was the +more agile of the two, and terror lent speed to her limbs. + +On the deck, however, she came to a pause. The _Flyaway_ was a +good six feet from the dock, and between lay a stretch of dark, +murky water the sight of which made her shiver. What if she +should fall in? She felt that she would surely be drowned. + +But as Mrs. Goss came closer her terror increased. She felt that +if she was caught she would be treated more harshly than ever for +having attempted to run away. + +"I'll take the chances!" she though, and leaped as best she +could. Her feet struck the very edge of the string piece beyond +and for an instant it looked as if she must go over. But she +clutched at a handy rail and quickly drew herself to a place of +safety. + +And yet safety was but temporary, for Mrs. Goss followed her in +her leap and struck the dock directly behind her. + +"Come back, you minx!" she cried, and caught Dora by the skirt. + +"I won't come back! Let me be!" screamed the girl, and tore +herself loose, ripping her garment at the same time. Then she +started up the dock as swiftly as her trembling limbs would carry +her. + +But fate was against her, for as she gained the very head of the +dock, Bill Goss appeared, followed by Baxter and Mumps. + +"Hullo, who's this?" cried the sailor. "The gal, sure as you are +born!" + +"She is running away!" called out Mrs. Goss. "Stop her!" + +"Here, this will never do," roared Dan Baxter. "Come here, Dora +Stanhope!" and he made a clutch at her. + +Soon the two boys were in pursuit, with the sailor close behind. +Fortunately for the evildoers the spot was practically deserted, +so that Dora could summon no assistance, even though she began to +call for help at the top of her lungs. + +The girl had covered less than a half-block when Baxter ranged up +alongside of her. + +"This won't work!" he said roughly. "Come back," and he held her +tight. + +"Let me go!" she screamed. "Help! Help!" + +"Close her mouth!" put in Mumps. "If this keeps on we'll have +the police down on us in no time!" + +Again his hand was placed over Dora's mouth, while Baxter caught +her from behind. Then Goss came up. + +"We'll have to carry her," said the former bully of Putnam Hall. +"Take her by the feet." + +"Wot's the meanin' o' this?" cried a voice out of the darkness, +and the crowd found themselves confronted by a dirty-looking +tramp who had been sleeping behind a pile of empty hogsheads. + +"Help me!" cried Dora. "Bring the police! Tell them I am Dora +Stanhope of Cedarville, and that I--" + +She could get no further, for Mumps cut her short. + +"Dora Stanhope," repeated the tramp. + +"If you forget this, my man," said Baxter, "here's half a dollar +for you. This lady is my cousin who is crazy. She just escaped +from an asylum." + +"T'anks!" came from the tramp, and he pocketed the money in a +hurry. Then he ran off in the darkness. + +"He's going to tell the police anyway!" cried Goss. "You had +better get away from here." + +"You are right," responded Mumps. "Hurry up; I don't want to be +arrested." + +As quickly as it could be done they carried Dora aboard of the +yacht and bundled her into the cabin. + +"Now keep her there!" cried Baxter to Mrs. Goss. "After we are +off you can explain how she got away." + +"She hit me with a stick and knocked me down," said the woman +glibly. "She shan't get away a second time." + +Once again poor Dora found herself a prisoner on board of the +_Flyaway_. Then the lines were cast off, the sails set, and they +stood off in the darkness, down New York Bay and straight for the +ocean beyond. + + + + +CHAPTER XX + +A LONG CHASE BEGUN + + +As they journeyed down the Hudson the boys and Martin Harris +scanned the river eagerly for some sign of the _Flyaway_. + +"It's ten to one she put down a pretty good distance," remarked +Dick. "They wouldn't bring Dora over here unless they were bound +for New York or some other place as far or further." + +"I believe you," said Tom. "But she may be delayed, and if what +Harris says is true the _Searchlight_ ought to make better time +than Baxter's craft." + +Several miles were covered, when, Sam, who had just come up from +the cabin, called attention to a farmer who was ferrying a load +of hay across the river. + +"If he's been at that sort of work all day he may know something +of the _Flyaway_," he suggested. + +"We'll hail him, anyway," said Tom. "It won't do any harm, +providing we don't lose any time." + +So the farmer was hailed and asked if he had seen anything of the +craft. + +"Waal now, I jest guess I did," he replied. "They war havin' +great times on board of her--a takin' care of that crazy gal." + +"A crazy girl!" cried Dick. "Who said she was crazy?" + +"One of the young men. He said she was his sister and had +escaped from some asylum. She called to me to help her. But I +don't want nuthin' to do with crazy gals. My wife's cousin was +out of his head and he cut up high jinks around the house, +a-threatenin' folks with a butcher knife." + +"That girl was not crazy, though, as it happens," said Dick +coldly. "That villain was carrying her away from home against +her will. She was no relation to him." + +"By gosh!" The farmer's face fell and he stared at the youth +blankly. "You are certain of this?" + +"Yes. We are after the crowd now. If we catch them we'll put +them in prison, just as sure as you are the greatest greeny we +ever met," continued Dick, and motioned to Harris to continue the +journey. + +The farmer wanted to "talk back," as the saying is, but could +find no words. "Well, maybe I deserved it," he muttered to +himself. "I was tuk in, no doubt on't." And he continued to +ferry his hay load along. + +"Well, we are on the right track, that's one satisfaction," said +Tom. "That farmer couldn't have done much against a man and two +big boys." + +"He could have gone ashore and got help," replied Dick. "But he +was so green he took in all that was told to him for simple +truth. How Dan Baxter must have laughed over the way his ruse +worked!" + +"Yes, and Mumps too," added Sam. "Say, we ought to punch their +heads well for them when we catch them." + +"Let us get our eggs before we cook them," said Tom. "By the +way, I'm getting hungry." + +"Ditto," came from Harris. "Will you boys see what you can +offer? I don't like to leave the tiller, for I know just how to +get the best speed out of the _Searchlight_." + +"I'll get up some kind of a meal," said Sam, who had played cook +on many previous occasions. + +Inside of half an hour he had the table set and Harris was called +down, Dick taking his place. By the time all hands had been +served they were in sight of upper New York City. + +"Now we had better take in some sail," said the old sailor. "The +yachts are pretty thick around here and we will miss the _Flyaway_ +without half trying unless we are careful." + +By the time it was dark they were pretty well down the water +front of the metropolis. A consultation was held, and it was +decided to lower the mainsail and topsail and leave only the jib +flying. + +"We can't go much further tonight, anyway," said Harris. "I +don't know but what it may be as well to tie up somewhere." + +"We'll have to do that unless we can catch some sort of clue," +responded Dick gloomily. "If they have taken her to some place +in New York we'll have a big job to find her." + +A half-hour passed, and they were on the point of turning in at a +dock when Tom gave a cry. "Look! Look!" + +"What's up, Tom!" came from Dick and Sam simultaneously. + +"Is that the _Flyaway_?" + +All gave a look and saw a large yacht moving away from a dock +just below where they had thought to stop. + +"Call Harris!" cried Dick, and Sam ran to the cabin for the +sailor, who had just gone below. + +"I reckon that's our boat," said Martin Harris, after a quick +look. + +"Hark!" cried Dick, and held up his hand. "That's Dan Baxter's +voice, just as sure as fate." + +"I believe you," returned Sam. "Come, we can run her down in no +time." + +As quickly as it could be accomplished the course of the +_Searchlight_ was changed. But the tall buildings of the city cut +off a good deal of wind, and it took several minutes before they +could get their sails filled. + +"Boat ahoy!" shouted Tom, before Dick could stop him. "Is that +the _Flyaway_?" + +"That's Tom Rover!" came back, in Mumps' voice. "They have +tracked us, after all!" + +"Tom, what made you call?" demanded Dick in disgust. "We might +have sneaked upon them unawares." + +"Never mind, I reckon we can catch them any how," returned Tom, +but he was crestfallen, nevertheless, as he realized the truth of +his elder brother's observation. "Crowd on the sail, Harris." + +"That's what I am a-doin'," came from the sailor. "We'll catch +'em before they gain the Battery." + +"Yes, but we must be careful," said Dick. "We don't want to have +a collision with some other boat." + +"No, indeed," put in Sam. "Why, if one of those big ferryboats +ran into us there would be nothing left of the _Searchlight_." + +"You jest trust me," came from Martin Harris, "I know my +business, and there won't be any accidents." + +"The other yacht is making for the Jersey shore," cried Sam, a +little later. "If we don't look out we'll lose her. There she +goes behind a big ferryboat." + +"She's going to try to bother us," grumbled Martin Harris, as he +received a warning whistle from the ferryboat and threw the yacht +over on the opposite tack. "The fellow who is sailing that boat +knows his business." + +"It's that Bill Goss, I suppose," said Tom. "There they go behind +another ferryboat." + +"It won't matter, so long as we keep her in sight," said Harris. +"We are bound to run her down sooner or later." + +Inside of half an hour the two boats had passed the Statue of +Liberty. The course of the _Flyaway_ was now straight down the +bay, and the Rover boys began to wonder where Dan Baxter and his +crowd might be bound. + +"They must have Dora a close prisoner," mused Dick, with a sad +shake of his head. "That is if they didn't leave her in New +York," he added suddenly. + +"Do you suppose they did that?" asked Sam. + +"Perhaps--there is no guessing what they did." + +"We missed it by not telegraphing back to the authorities at +Cedarville to arrest Josiah Crabtree," said Tom. "I think we can +prove that he is in this game before the curtain falls on the +last act." + +"We'll telegraph when we get back," answered Dick, never thinking +of all that was to happen ere they should see the metropolis +again. + +Gradually the lights of the city faded from view and they found +themselves traveling down the bay at a rate of five to six knots +an hour. + +"We don't seem to be gaining," remarked 'Tom, after a long +silence. "I can just about make her out and that's all." + +"But we are gaining, and you'll find it so pretty soon," answered +Martin Harris. "They had the advantage in dodging among those +other boats, but now we've got a clear stretch before us." + +On and on went the two yachts, until the _Flyaway_ was not over +five hundred feet ahead of the _Searchlight_. + +"What did I tell you?" said Harris. "We'll overtake her in less +than quarter of an hour." + +"This is a regular yacht race," smiled Dick grimly. "But it's +for more than the American Cup." + +"Keep off!" came suddenly from ahead. "Keep off, or it will be +the worse for you!" + +It was Dan Baxter who was shouting at them. The former bully of +Putnam Hall stood at the stern rail of the _Flyaway_ and was using +his hands like a trumpet. + +"You had better give up the race, Baxter!" called Dick in return. +"You can't get away from us, no matter how hard you try." + +"Keep off," repeated Baxter. "We won't stand any nonsense." + +"We are not here for nonsense," put in Tom. "What have you done +with Dora Stanhope?" + +"Don't know anything about Dora Stanhope," came back from Mumps. + +"You have her on board of your boat." + +"It's a falsehood." + +"Then you left her somewhere in New York." + +"We haven't seen her at all," put in Baxter. "If you are looking +for her you are on the wrong trail. She went away with Josiah +Crabtree." + +"Did he take her to Albany?" + +"No. They went West." + +"We do not believe you, Baxter," said Dick warmly. "You are one of the +greatest rascals I ever met--not counting your father--and the best +thing you can do is to surrender. If you don't you'll have to take the +consequences." + +"And we warn you to keep off. If you don't we'll shoot at you," +was the somewhat surprising response. + +"No, no; please don't shoot at them!" came in Dora's voice. "I +beg of you not to shoot!" + +She had escaped from Mrs. Goss' custody and now ranged up +alongside of Dan Baxter and her other enemies who were handling +the _Flyaway_. Her hair was flying wildly over her shoulders and +she trembled so she could scarcely stand. + + + + +CHAPTER XXI + +THE MEETING IN THE BAY + + +"There is Dora now!" cried Dick, and his heart leaped into his +throat at the sight of his dearest friend. + +"Dick Rover, are you there?" came from the girl in nervous tones. + +"Yes, Dora, I am here, with my brothers and a sailor friend." + +"Save me, please!" + +"We will!" came from all of the Rover boys in concert. + +"Take her below!" roared Baxter angrily, as he turned to Mrs. +Goss, who had followed Dora to the dock. "Didn't I tell you to +keep a close eye on her?" + +"She said she wished to speak to you," answered the woman. "I +thought she wanted to make terms with you." + +Mrs. Goss caught Dora by the wrist and, assisted by Mumps, +carried her below. She struggled and tried to fight them off, +and her cries, reaching Dick, made the youth long to be at her +side. + +"Let her alone, Baxter!" he cried hotly. "If you harm her you +shall pay dearly for it, remember that!" + +"Talk is cheap, Dick Rover," came back with a sneer. "Now keep +off, or I'll do as I threatened." + +"You won't dare to fire on us." + +"Won't I? Just come a little closer and you'll see." + +By this time the two yachts were not over a hundred feet apart, +the _Searchlight_ to the starboard of her rival. So, far the +countless stars had brightened up the bosom of the ocean, but now +Martin Harris noted a dark mass of clouds rolling up from the +westward. + +"We'll have it pretty dark in a few minutes," he cautioned. "If +you want to haul up close, better do it at once." + +"All right, run them down," ordered Dick, half recklessly. "I +don't care how much their boat is damaged, so long as I save the +girl. Mumps ran me down, remember." + +"I reckon I can sheer 'em all right enough," grinned Harris, who +by this time had entered fully into the spirit of the adventure. +"But will they shoot?" + +"I don't believe they have any firearms," said Tom. "And if they +have I don't think Baxter could hit the side of a house at fifty +yards." + +"Are you going to keep off or not?" yelled Baxter. "I'll give +you just ten seconds in which to make up your mind." + +"By jinks! He has got a gun!" whispered Sam, as he caught a +glint of the polished barrel. "The villain!" + +"Baxter, you are playing a foolish game," answered Dick. "What +do you intend to do with Dora Stanhope?" + +"That's my business. I shan't harm her--if you'll promise to +leave me alone." + +"Did you run off with her on Crabtree's account?" + +"It's none of your business," put in Mumps, who had just returned +to the deck, after making sure that Dora should not get away from +Mrs. Goss again for the time being. + +"It is my business." + +"You're awfully sweet on her, ain't you?" + +"Do you know it's a State's prison offense to abduct anybody?" + +"I haven't abducted anybody. She came of her own free will--at +first. It's not my fault if she's sick of her bargain now." + +"I don't believe a word you say." + +"Do as you please. But are you going to keep off or not?" + +"We'll not keep off." + +"Then I'll fire on you." + +"If you do so, we'll fire in return," said Sam. "Maybe we can +scare him too," he added, in a whisper. + +"I don't believe you've got any weapon," came from Mumps, in a +voice that the toady tried in vain to steady. If there was one +thing Mumps was afraid of it was a gun or a pistol. + +"Try us and see," said Tom. Then he raised his voice. "Harris, +bring up that brace of pistols you said were in the locker." + +"All right," answered the sailor, catching at the ruse at once; +and he hurried below, to return with two shining barrels, made of +the handles of a dipper and a tin pot. He held one of the tin +barrels out at arm's length. "Shall I fire on 'em now?" he +demanded at the top of his voice. + +"Don't!" shrieked Mumps, and dropped out of sight behind the +mainmast of the _Flyaway_. + +The toady had scarcely uttered the word when a loud report rang +out, and a pistol bullet cut its way through the mainsail of the +_Searchlight_. Baxter had fired his gun, but had taken good care to +point the weapon over the Rover boys' heads. The bully now ran +for the cabin, expecting to receive a shot in return, but of +course it did not come. + +By this time the two yachts were almost side by side and running +along at a high rate of speed. Harris got out his boathook to +catch fast to the _Flyaway_, when a cry from Tom made him pause. + +"Help me! Don't leave me behind!" + +"Great Caesar!" gasped Sam. "Tom's overboard!" + +"Down with the mainsail!" roared Harris. + +"How did he fall over the side?" + +"He tried to jump to the other boat," said Dick, who had seen the +action. "I was just thinking of doing it myself." + +With all possible speed the big sheet of the _Searchlight_ was +lowered, and then they turned as fast as the wind would permit, +to the spot where unlucky Tom was bobbing up and down on the +swells like a peanut shell. + +"Catch the line!" cried Dick, and let fly with a life preserver +attached to a fair-sized rope. His aim was a good one, and soon +Tom was being hauled aboard again with all possible speed. + +"Oh, what a mess I made of it!" he panted when he could catch his +breath. "I'm not fit to hunt jack rabbits." + +"It's lucky you weren't run down by the yacht and killed," said +Dick. "I was going to jump, but when I saw you go down I thought +better of it." + +Ten minutes of precious time had been lost, and now the _Flyaway_ +was once more far in the distance. She was heading for shore, +and soon the oncoming darkness hid her from view. + +"Now what's to be done?" questioned Sam. + +"She'll slip us sure." + +"She can't go very far," answered Harris. "The water-line around +here is rather dangerous in the dark." + +"Is that a storm coming up?" asked Dick. + +"I wouldn't be surprised." + +With care they continued on their way, taking the course they +surmised their enemies had pursued. + +"There is some kind of land!" cried Sam, who was on the watch. +"What place is that, Harris?" + +"Becker's Cove, so they call it," answered the old tar. "It's +not far from Staten Island." + +"Do you think they came in here?" + +"If they did I reckon they calculate to stay over night." + +"Why?" + +"Because they'll want a pilot otherwise. It's rather dangerous +sailing about here--especially in the dark." + +Five minutes later found them close to shore, and the sails were +lowered and the anchor cast out. + +"I'm going to land," said Dick, and, after a consultation, it was +decided that he should take Sam with him, leaving Tom and Martin +Harris to keep watch from the yacht. If either party discovered +anything, a double whistle twice repeated was to notify the +others. + +Now that Dan Baxter had actually opened fire on them, Dick wished +he had a firearm of some sort. But none was at hand, nor did he +know where to obtain such a thing in that vicinity, and the best +he and Sam could do was to cut themselves clubs out of some brush +growing not far from the shore line. + +The spot at which they had landed was by no means an inviting +one. It looked like a bit of dumping and meadow ground, and not +far away rested the remains of half a dozen partly decayed canal +boats which the tide had washed up high in the bogs years before. + +"If they landed around here I'd like to know where they went to," +grumbled Sam, after he and his big brother had trudged around for +half an hour without gaining any clue worth following. "It +begins to look as if we had missed it, doesn't it?" + +"Never give up, Sam. We have got to find them, you know." + +"Yes, if we don't break our necks before that time comes, Dick," +and as Sam spoke he went down into a meadow hole up to his knees. +Dick helped him out, and as he did so the sound of two voices +broke upon their ears. + +"You needn't come if you don't want to, Mumps," came out of the +darkness, in Dan Baxter's voice. "I only thought you would be +glad of the chance." + +"There they are," whispered Dick. "Lie down, and we'll see where +they are bound, and if Dora is with them." + +He threw himself to earth, and Sam followed. In another moment +Baxter and his toady came into plain view, although still some +distance away. + +"I'll come," came from Mumps. "But I didn't expect to meet your +father here." + +"I did. He's been here for several days. That's the reason why +I had Goss bring the _Flyaway_ over. I'm going to kill two birds +with one stone." + +"What do you mean?" + +"I'm going to carry Dora Stanhope off, just as old Crabtree +wanted, and I'm going to give my father a lift." + +"You mean that you are going to help him to escape from the +authorities?" + +"I didn't put it that way. He wants to keep out of sight." + +"It amounts to the same thing, Dan." + +"As you will. Will you come, or do you want to go back to the +yacht?" + +"I--er--I guess I'll come," faltered the toady. "But we must +be careful." + +"To be sure. I reckon I have as much at stake as you." + +The two passed out of hearing, and Dick touched his brother on +the arm. + +"Did you hear that, Sam?" he asked excitedly. + +"I did. What can it mean?" + +"Mean? It means that Dan Baxter's father is in the neighborhood +and Dan is going to call on his parent." + +"I know that, but--" + +"You are surprised that father and son are equally bad? I'm not; +I thought it all along." + +"What will you do?" + +"Follow them." + +"Will you whistle for Tom and Martin Harris?" + +"No; that might arouse suspicion. Let us follow them alone. +When they return to their yacht we can tell the others," +concluded Dick. + + + + +CHAPTER XXII + +THE BAXTERS MAKE A NEW MOVE + + +As silently as possible Dick and Sam came after Baxter and his +toady John Fenwick. The pair of evildoers left the stretch of +meadow as fast as they could, and hurried up a narrow path +leading to a half-tumbled-down brick factory. + +At the corner of the dilapidated building they paused, and Dan +Baxter emitted a long, low whistle. A silence of several seconds +followed, and then a man appeared out of the darkness. + +"Who's dat?" came the question. + +"It's me, Girk--Dan Baxter," replied the former bully of Putnam +Hall with small regard for the grammar that had been taught to +him. + +"Who's dat with you?" + +"Mumps. He's all right." + +"I don't know about dat. Yer father t'ought yer would come +alone," growled the tramp thief. + +"I've got a new movement on, Buddy. Take us to my father without +delay." + +"Is dat fellow to be trusted?" + +"Yes, you can trust me," replied Mumps with considerable +nervousness. His steps in the direction of wrong were beginning +to frighten him. + +At the start he had thought of nothing but to aid Josiah Crabtree +in his suit with Mrs. Stanhope, and had calculated that after the +marriage the running off with Dora would be overlooked. But +here he was taking the girl miles from her home and associated +with two men who had robbed a firm of bankers of many thousands +of dollars. The outlook, consequently, worried him very +much. + +"All right, den," muttered Buddy Girk. "Follow me." + +He disappeared within the ruined factory, and Baxter and Mumps +went after him. Listening intently at a broken-out window, Dick +and Sam heard them ascend to an upper floor. + +"I guess we have tracked Arnold Baxter," whispered Dick. "I +wonder if he and Girk have that stolen money and the securities +here?" + +"More than likely, Dick. Thieves don't generally leave their +booty far out of their sight, so I've been told." + +"I would like to make sure. I wonder if we can't go inside and +hear some more of their talk?" + +"We would be running a big risk. If Arnold Baxter caught us he +would--would--Well, he wouldn't be very friendly, that's +all," and Sam gave a shiver. + +"I'm going in. You can remain outside, on watch. If you want +me, whistle as we agreed." + +"But be careful, Dick!" pleaded the younger brother. + +"I will be." + +"And don't stay too long," added Sam, who did not relish being +left alone in such a forlorn looking spot, and in the intense +darkness which had now settled down over them. + +"I won't be any longer than necessary, you can depend on that," +replied the big brother. + +As silently as a cat after a mouse, Dick entered the gloomy +building and felt his way over the half-rotted floor to where the +stairs were located. + +Ascending these, he found himself in something of a hallway, the +upper floor of the building being divided into several apartments +by wooden partitions nine or ten feet in height. + +From one of the apartments shone a faint light. To this he made +his way, and, looking through a good-sized knot-hole in the +partition, he saw Arnold Baxter, Girk, and the two newcomers, +seated on several boxes and boards. On one box stood a candle +thrust in the neck of a bottle, some liquor and glasses, and a +pasteboard box containing a cold lunch. + +"So you're glad I've come, eh?" Dan Baxter was saying to his +father. + +"Yes, I am glad," was the slow reply, "that is--I want to get +away from here as soon as possible." + +"Why don't you go?" + +"I'm afraid to go up into the town. I would prefer to go away by +boat." + +"To where?" + +"To Searock, on the Jersey coast." + +"Do you want us to take you there?" + +"If you can do it, Dan. I'll give Mumps and your sailor friend +a nice little sum for your trouble." + +"And don't I get anything?" cried the son sharply. + +"To be sure, Dan." + +"How much?" + +"I'll give you a hundred dollars." + +"Pooh! What's that? I want more." + +"We'll arrange that later." + +"You and Girk are making a fortune out of this deal." + +"Not as much as you think." + +"I've read the newspapers and I know how much was in the haul. I +want a thousand dollars." + +"We'll arrange that afterward, Dan. Remember, in the future what +is mine is yours." + +"Now you're talking, dad," was the bully's quick reply. "I like +the way you are doing things, and I'm going to stick to you as +soon as this little matter Mumps and I have on hand is settled." + +"All right, you shall stay with me," responded the elder Baxter. +"Where is your boat?" + +"Not over half a mile from here." + +"All ready to sail?" + +"Yes." + +"Then let us make off at once." + +"Dat's it," put in Buddy Girk. "I'm afraid the police will let +down on us any minit." + +"The trouble is, that other boat I mentioned is after us." + +"How many are on board?" + +"The three Rover boys and an old sailor." + +"Four, and we'll be five, not counting the woman you mentioned. +I don't think I am afraid of the Rovers," returned Arnold Baxter. +"Besides, can't we get away from them in the dark without their +knowing what is up?" + +"Perhaps we can," said the son slowly. "The trouble is--What's that?" + +Dan Baxter stopped short, as a cracking sound broke upon their +ears. + +Dick had stepped on a rotten board, and it went down. His foot +was caught and held at the ankle, and before he could extricate +himself Arnold Baxter and Buddy Girk had him in their grasp. + +"Dick Rover again!" ejaculated Arnold Baxter. "Where did you +come from?" + +"Your son can tell you that," answered Dick. "Let go of me!" + +"To be sure I will!" returned the elder Baxter sarcastically. +"Are you alone?" + +"You can look for yourself." + +"I don't see no buddy here," announced Girk, as he held up the +candle. "Maybe somebody is downstairs." + +"I'll go down and see," put in Dan Baxter. + +Fearful that Sam might be caught, Dick did his best to break +away. "Sam! Sam! look out for yourself!" he yelled. "Don't let +them catch you! Call Tom and Harris, and the police, quick!" + +"Hang the luck!" muttered Arnold Baxter. "We must cut for it, +and be lively about it, too." + +"Take de swag," said Girk, referring to a tin box hidden under +the flooring of the factory. In this was hidden the money and +securities stolen from Rush and Wilder. + +He ran off to get the box. In the meantime Arnold Baxter stood +undecided as to what to do. Then he raised his fist and struck +Dick with an unexpected blow to the temple. + +"Take that, you imp!" he cried, and the youth went down at full +length more than half stunned. + +In the meantime Sam heard the rapid footsteps and the cry of +alarm, and his heart leapt to throat. Then, as Dan Baxter and +Mumps came towards him, he retreated in the direction of the +_Searchlight_, giving the danger signal as he ran. + +"I've got de box!" shouted Buddy Girk to Arnold Baxter. "Wot's +de next move?" + +"Follow me," said Dan Baxter. "And lose no time. That other boy +will soon have the whole neighborhood aroused." + +Away went the crowd out of the factory, the bully leading. Once +down in the meadow, Dan Baxter hurried them off in the direction +of a tiny cove where the _Flyaway_ lay at anchor, with Bill Goss on +watch at the stern and Mrs. Goss in the cabin with Dora. + +As quickly as they could do so, one after another tumbled on +board of the yacht. They heard cries in the distance, as Tom and +Martin Harris leaped ashore to join Sam. + +"Up the mainsail!" roared Dan Baxter, and Goss obeyed the order +with alacrity. At the same time Dan Baxter and Mumps pulled up +the anchor; and in less than two minutes the _Flyaway_ was standing +out into the bay. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIII + +DOWN THE STATEN ISLAND SHORE TO SANDY HOOK + + +"Dick! Dick! What ails you?" + +"My head, Sam! Arnold Baxter struck me down," came with a groan. + +"Can you get up? We want to follow them," cried Tom, as he +caught his brother by the arm. He had just reached the factory +on a dead run, lantern in hand, to find Dick. + +"I guess I can stand, Tom. But I can't run yet." + +"Here, take the lantern and I'll carry you," came quickly, and in +a moment more Tom Rover had Dick on his back and was running for +the _Searchlight_ as rapidly as the nature of the meadow land +permitted, Dick holding the light over his head so that both +might see. + +The alarm had now become general, and by the time the yacht was +gained two police officers, who had been on the hunt for harbor +thieves, appeared. + +"What's the row about?" demanded one of the officers of the law, +as he came into view. + +"Is that an officer?" questioned Dick feebly, + +"I am an officer--yes." + +"We are after some thieves and some parties who have abducted a girl. +Will you help us?" + +"Certainly, if what you say is true. Where is the crowd?" + +"They ran off in that direction," came from Sam, as he loomed up +out of the darkness. "They have a yacht out there somewhere." + +"Then we can't catch them--unless we get a boat," answered +Sergeant Brown. + +"We have a boat, out this way," and Sam pointed with his hand. +"But I guess we had better make certain that they go out first." + +"True for you, young man. Lead the way and we'll be with you." + +All ran on again, Tom bringing up in the rear with Dick. Soon +the cove previously mentioned was gained. They were just in time +to see the _Flyaway_ disappearing in the darkness. + +"Come back here!" cried Tom. "If you don't it will be the worse for +you!" + +"Don't you attempt to follow us!" came savagely from Arnold +Baxter. "If you do, somebody will get shot!" + +"By crickety, he's a bad one!" cried the second police officer. + +"Stop! I order you to stop, in the name of the law!" shouted +Sergeant Brown. + +"It's the police!" howled Mumps in sudden terror. "Oh, dear! +I knew we should catch it." + +"Shut up," muttered Dan Baxter. "Run up the jib, Goss, and be +quick about it!" + +"You do it--I'll have to steer here," answered the sailor, and +Dan Baxter leaped for the sheet mentioned. + +"Are you going to stop?" cried Sergeant Brown, after a few +seconds' pause. + +To this there was no answer. The sergeant drew his pistol, but +before he could use it, even if he so intended, the yacht was +nothing but an uncertain shadow in the gloom of the night. + +"We had better get to your boat," said the police officer. + +"All right; come on," said Sam, and showed the way, which was +decidedly uncertain. At one point there was a wide ditch to +cross, and Tom had his hands full getting Dick over. + +Martin Harris was watching for them, and had all ready to cast +off should this be required. + +"I'm mighty glad you found the police," he said to Dick, who now +felt able to do for himself once more. "Will they go with us?" + +"You are certain those folks on the other boat are thieves?" +demanded Sergeant Brown. "Carter and I don't want to go off on +any wild goose chase." + +"They are not only thieves, but abductors," said Dick. "We can +easily prove it. They must be caught if it is possible to do +so." + +"All right then, we'll go with you. Come, Carter," and the two +officers hopped on board. Soon the mainsail was set, followed by +all the other available canvas, and the _Searchlight_ was +continuing the chase which had been so curiously broken off. + +Martin Harris was in the dark so far as knowing what course the +_Flyaway_ had taken, and had to trust to luck to fall in with the +fleeing craft. + +"If she's going outside of Staten Island, I reckon I can spot her +before long," he said. + +"It looks to me as if the clouds were blowing away," said Tom. +"If they do, the starlight will help us a good deal." + +As the yacht tore along through the water, the two police +officers listened with close attention to what the boys had to +tell them. + +"If they are the men who robbed Rush & Wilder it will make a fine +haul to capture them," said Sergeant Brown. + +"We want to save Dora Stanhope as much as we want to catch those +thieves," returned Dick. "I wonder if her disappearance has been +reported to the police?" + +"I can't say. You see, Carter and I have been out all day +looking for a pair of harbor thieves who stole some clothing from +a pleasure yacht lying off the Staten Island shore." + +"Did you see anything of your men?" + +"We saw them; but they got away in a rowboat. Where they have +gone to is hard telling. But I don't imagine the theft amounted +to much--at least, it was nothing in comparison to the crimes +you are trying to run down." + +On and on went the _Searchlight_ through the night, and slowly but +surely the clouds in the heavens cleared away, letting the stars +shine down once more on the silent waters. + +Suddenly Martin Harris gave a murmur of satisfaction. "There she is." + +"The _Flyaway_!" came from several of the others. + +"Yes. Just as I thought; she is heading down the Staten Island +shore straight for Sandy Hook." + +"They are bound for Searock!" cried Dick suddenly. "Mr. Baxter +mentioned the place just before they discovered that I was spying +on them." + +"That's a good way down the New Jersey coast," said Sergeant +Brown. "Can this boat stand such a sail?" + +"Can she?" snorted Harris. "She's strong enough to go to Europe +if you want to make the trip." + +"Thank you; when I go to Europe I'll go in a steamer," laughed +the police officer. "I don't think you'd do much in a heavy +blow." + +"The _Searchlight_ would hold her own," answered the old sailor +confidently. + +The breeze was increasing, and they rounded the Narrows at a +lively rate. The swell from the ocean now struck them, and the +yacht occasionally dipped her nose a little deeper into it than +was expected. + +"Here, I don't want, to get wet!" cried Carter. "I'm no sailor, +you know." + +"You won't get much," laughed Harris. "This roll is just enough +to be pleasant." + +"Perhaps--to some people," came from the policeman, who had +never cared for the rolling deep and who was beginning to feel a +trifle seasick. Fortunately for him, however, the sickness +proved mild and of short duration. + +The _Flyaway_ was now in plain sight but too far off to be spoken. +She had every sail set to its fullest, and for the time being it +seemed impossible for the _Searchlight_ to gain upon her. Thus +mile after mile was covered, until Sandy Hook lighthouse could be +plainly seen but a short distance away. + +"We are out in the ocean now," remarked Dick an hour later. +"Gracious, when I left Cedarville I didn't think that this was +going to develop into such a long chase!" + +"Never mind how far we go, if only the chase proves a success," +answered Tom. "If we succeed in not only rescuing Dora, but also +in bringing those thieves to justice, it will be a big feather in +our caps." + +"I'm glad the police are along," came from Sam. "They must be +well armed, and I don't see how Arnold Baxter and the others will +dare resist them." + +"They will dare a good deal to keep out of prison, Sam," remarked +Dick. "They know well enough that if they are caught it may mean +a long term for each of them." + +On and on went the two yachts until Sandy Hook lighthouse was +left in the distance. Once it began to cloud over as if there +was a storm in sight, but soon the rising sun came out brightly +over the rim of the ocean. + +When it came mealtime Sam prepared the repast, and all, even the +officers of the law enjoyed what was served to them. "It gives +one an appetite, this salt air," was Sergeant Brown's comment. + +Soon they were standing down the New Jersey coast, but so far out +on the ocean that the shore line was little more than a dark +streak on the horizon. + +"Are we gaining?" That was the question each asked, not once but +a score of times. Martin Harris felt sure that they were; but if +this was so, the advantage on the side of the _Searchlight_ was but +a slight one. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIV + +SEARCHLIGHT AND LANTERN + + +"One thing is in our favor," remarked Dick, as the day wore away +and the distance between the two yachts seemed undiminished. +"Even if we don't succeed in catching them before tonight we know +where they are bound." + +"Perhaps it might be as well to hang back!" burst in Tom. "If we +remain in sight they won't land as intended." + +"The thing of it is, they may change their plans, especially if +they think your brother overheard their talk," put in the police +sergeant. "My idea is, they'll keep right on down the coast +until the darkness hides them from us. Then they'll try to sneak +in some cove or river and abandon the boat." + +"They'll have a job taking Dora Stanhope along," was Sam's +remark. "I don't believe she'll go another step willingly." + +"As if she has gone willingly!" said Dick. + +"Well, I mean she'll be more on her guard than she was, and +they'll have more of a job to make her go along." + +Night settled down gradually and found every heart full of +serious speculation. Dick was especially affected, for he had +hoped to see Dora rescued hours before. + +"Goodness only knows where they will take her by morning!" he +groaned. "I'd give almost anything to be at her side!" + +With the going down of the sun the wind died away and the sails +of the _Searchlight_ flapped idly to and fro. + +"Now it's a waiting game," announced Martin Harris. "If we can't +move neither can they." + +"Just the same, the _Flyaway_ is turning out to sea!" cried Tom. +"Now what can that mean?" + +"That may be only a blind," said Carter. + +"No, they are afraid of drifting on the sands," answered the +skipper of the _Searchlight_. "I reckon we'll have to turn out, +too," and he changed the course of the yacht. + +Darkness found both boats far out on the Atlantic and almost out +of sight of each other. + +"This is maddening!" cried Dick. "Can't we row, or do +something?" + +"Rowing wouldn't count much, I'm afraid," laughed Martin Harris. +"But don't fret. Unless I am mistaken, we'll have a breeze +before midnight." + +"And they may be out of sight long before that time!" + +"That's to be seen, lad. I'll watch the thing closely, for I'm +as anxious to catch 'em as you are." + +"I'd give a good deal for a small boat." + +"So would I." + +"I thought all yachts carried them." + +"They do generally, but mine was stove in at a Catskill dock +about a week ago and is being repaired." + +"Here comes the wind!" shouted Sam, half an hour later, and when +the _Flyaway_ was almost out of sight. "Now, Harris, let us make +the most of it." + +"We will, and I hope there isn't too much of it," was the quick +reply. + +Soon the breeze struck them, and, as it came from shore, it hit +the _Searchlight_ first and drove her fairly close to the other +yacht. But before anything could be said or done, the other +craft also moved; and then the chase began as before. + +"We're getting all we want now," announced Tom, as the wind grew +heavier. "Just look how the yacht dips her nose into the brine!" + +"We'll have to shorten sail before long," said Martin Harris. +"If we don't, a sudden gust might make us lose our stick." + +"I'd like to see the _Flyaway_ lose her mast!" cried Tom. "It +would just serve the Baxters right if they went to the bottom."' + +"No, we don't want to see that yacht harmed," put in Dick +quickly. "Remember, Dora is on board--and that stolen fortune, +too." + +Swiftly both yachts flew on their outward course, the ocean +growing more tempestuous each minute. The police officers viewed +the turn of affairs with alarm. + +"If it's not safe, let us turn back," whispered Carter. + +"Don't get scared so soon," replied Harris, who overheard the +remark. "I've been' in a worse blow than this, twice over." + +The sails were reefed, and they continued on their course. The +_Flyaway_ was now but a shadow in the gloom, and presently even +this died out. + +"The chase is over," announced Harris with disgust. "Hang the +luck anyhow!" + +"What do you, mean?" demanded Dick. + +"She's out of sight, and there is no telling now how she will +turn." + +"But she can't tack back in this wind." + +"She can make a putty good try at it, lad." + +"Not much of a one, lad. There is a little electric battery and +light in the cabin, one that was used by a professor that I took +out two years ago, when the yacht was built. He was interested +in electricity and he made the light himself. I never used it, +for I didn't understand how it worked." + +"Let us look at the light; perhaps we can do something with it," +said Dick. + +"That's the talk," came from Tom. "Anything is better than +holding your hands and doing nothing." + +Martin Harris was willing, and led the way into the cabin. +Battery and light were stored away in a couple of soap boxes, and +the boys brought them out and set them on the cabin table. + +"I think I can fix these up," said Dick, after a long +examination. "The batteries are not in very good shape, but I +think they will do. They are meant to work on the same plan as +these new electric lights for bicycles, only they are, I reckon, +more powerful." + +"Well, do what you please with the machine," said Martin Harris. +"In the meantime, I'll see what I can do with a lantern and a tin +reflector. Sometimes you can see a white sail putty good with a +tin reflector." + +He hurried to the deck again, and Sam, who was not much +interested in electricity, followed him. One of the best of the +yacht's lanterns was polished up to the last degree, and they +also polished the metal reflector until it shone like a newly +coined silver piece. + +"That's a good light!" cried Sam, when it was lit up. "Where +will you place it?" + +"Up at the top of the mast," answered the old sailor. "I'll show +you." + +It took some time to adjust the lantern just right, but this +accomplished they found that they could see for a distance of a +hundred yards or more. + +"I see the sail!" announced Harris. "Don't you--just over our +port bow?" + +"I see it," answered Sergeant Brown. "Not very far off either." + +Without delay the course of the _Searchlight_ was changed so that +she was headed directly for the _Flyaway_. + +"Keep off!" was the cry out of the darkness. "Keep off, or it +will be the worse for you!" + +"You may as well give up," shouted back the police sergeant. +"You are bound to be caught sooner or later." + +"We don't think go. If it comes to the worst, remember, we can +do a heap of fighting." + +"We can fight too," was the grim response. + +"Dora! Dora! Are you safe?" shouted Sam, with all the strength +of his youthful lungs. + +"Save me!" came back the cry. "Don't let them carry me further +away." + +"We'll do our best, don't fear." + +Dora wanted to say more, but was prevented from doing so by +Mumps, who again hurried her below. + +"You must lock her up," he said to Mrs. Goss, and once more the +unhappy girl found herself a prisoner in the cabin. + +She had hoped for much during the chase along shore, but now her +heart sank like a lump of lead and she burst into tears. + +"No use of crying," said Mrs. Goss. "It won't help you a bit." + +"I want to be free!" sobbed Dora. "Where will they take me?" + +"Never mind; you just be quiet and wait." + +"But you are running directly out into the ocean!" + +"What of that?" + +"I don't wish to go." + +"You'll have to take what comes, as I told you before." + +"Mrs. Goss, have you no pity for me?" + +"If I did have it wouldn't do you any good, Miss Dora. I've got +to do as the men folks want me to do. If I don't they'll make--" + +The woman did not finish what she was saying. A loud report rang +out on deck, followed by the distant crash of glass. Then came a +yell, followed by another report and more crashing of glassware. + +"What can that mean?" burst out Dora, but instead of answering +her, Mrs. Goss bounced out of the cabin, locking the door after +her, and hurried to the deck. + + + + +CHAPTER XXV + +A SHOT FROM THE DARKNESS + + +The shots which had reached Dora's ears had come from a gun in +the hands of Arnold Baxter. + +The man had been enraged at the sight of the lantern on the mast +of the _Searchlight_, and, taking careful aim, had sent a charge of +shot into the affair, smashing globe, reflector, and tin cup, and +scattering the oil in all directions. + +"Hurrah, I struck it!" shouted Arnold Baxter gleefully. "Now +they won't see us quite so plainly." + +"Knock out the other lantern, pop," put in Dan Baxter, and the +parent turned in the second barrel of the shotgun with equal +success. + +For an instant the deck of the _Searchlight_ seemed to be in +darkness. Sam felt a bit of hot glass strike him on the cheek +and raised his hand to brush it off. Then he felt something warm +on the back of his leg. Looking down he saw to his horror that +some of the oil from the lantern had fallen on him and that it +was ablaze! + +"Help! Help!" he shrieked. "I'm burning up!" + +His cry alarmed everybody, and all, even Dick and Tom, came +rushing to his aid. But Sergeant Brown was first, and he +promptly threw the boy down flat and, whipping off his coat, +began to beat out the flames. + +Another shot now rang out, aimed at a third lantern, but the +light was not struck. By this time Martin Harris made the +discovery that the mainsail was on fire in two places, while the +jib was also suffering. + +"This is getting hot!" he cried, when Carter opened up fire at +random, determined to do what he could. A yell and a groan +followed, and then all became quiet, and firing on both sides was +over. + +Fortunately for Sam, the flames upon his person were quickly +extinguished, and all the lad really suffered was the ruin of his +trousers and an ugly blister on the calf of his leg. But he was +badly scared, and when it was over he had almost to be carried to +the cabin. + +In the meantime Martin Harris procured several pails of water and +a long-handled swab and with these did what he could to +extinguish the fire on the sails. Several of the others joined +in, and inside of ten minutes all danger of a conflagration was +past. + +"That's the worst yet!" growled the old sailor, as he surveyed +the mainsail, which had two holes in it each is large as a +barrel. "I'd like to wring the neck of the fellow as did it, yes +I would," and he shook his head determinedly. + +"That's the end of that light," said Sergeant Brown. "What are +you going to do next?" + +"I think I can get that searchlight to work," put in Dick. "But +will it be of any use? They may start to shooting again." + +"We've got to have some kind of a light, even if it's only a +tallow candle," grumbled Harris. + +"If we haven't got a light some coastwise steamer may run us +down." + +He set to work to rig up a temporary light, and in the meantime +Dick returned to the cabin to experiment with the electric light. +He found Sam on the couch, bathing his leg with oil to take away +the sting of the bum. + +"How is it, Sam--hurt much?" + +"I suppose it might be worse," was the younger brother's reply. +"I wonder who fired that shot?" + +"One of the Baxters, more than likely. They are a cold-blooded +pair." + +"One or more of us might have been killed if we had been directly +behind the lights." + +"That is true. I don't suppose Arnold Baxter would care much if +we were. He was father's enemy, you must remember, and he said +he hated all of us." + +Sam resumed his bathing and Dick turned to the cabin table, upon +which the battery and other portions of the searchlight rested. + +Dick had always been greatly interested in electricity and +therefore the parts of the battery before him were not hard for +him to understand. + +But there was one trouble with the battery which did not reach +his eye as he turned it around and started it up. That was that +a portion of the insulation of a main wire was worn off. + +As he turned on the current there was a flash and the light +blazed up almost as bright as day. + +"That's fine!" cried Sam. "We'll be able to see the _Flyaway_ a +long distance off now." + +"Well, I only hope when we put this up it won't be knocked out +like the other lights were." + +"Of course we'll have to run that risk." + +In a minute more Dick started to carry the searchlight to the +deck. + +He had turned off the light proper, consequently the way to the +companionway was rather dark. + +He had almost reached the top of the steps when Sam heard a +scream, saw a flash of fire, and then Dick came tumbling to the +cabin floor in a heap, with the battery and light beside him. + +"My gracious, he's been shocked!" burst out the youngest Rover; +and, forgetting all about his burn, ran to his brother's +assistance. + +"What's that noise?" came from the deck. + +"Dick's been shocked by the searchlight!" cried Sam. "Come down +here, somebody, and let us see what we can do for him." + +"Shocked, is it!" cried Sergeant Brown. "If that's the case, +look out that somebody else don't catch it." + +Tom came tumbling down, followed by both police officers, and +Dick was picked up and deposited on the couch. Then Sam kicked +the searchlight and batteries into a corner. + +"They can stay there for all I care," said he. + +"They are too dangerous, unless, a chap knows just how to handle +them." + +Dick lay with his eyes wide open, but unable to move. Tom bent +down and announced that his heart was still beating. + +But little in the way of restoratives were at hand, and the most +they could do was to rub the youth's body in an attempt to +restore the circulation. + +"Oh, I hope he isn't permanently injured!" cried Tom. "If he +should turn out a cripple it would be awful!" + +"That's so," answered Sam. "Poor Dick! He's as bad off as if +those rascals had shot him." + +Slowly Dick came to his senses. But he was very weak, and soon +he discovered that he was powerless to move his left arm. + +"It's all numb," he announced. "It feels as if it was dead." + +"Let me shake it for you," said Tom, and both brothers went to +work, but with small success. The arm hung down as limp as a +rag, and the left leg was nearly as badly off, although Dick said +he could feel a slight sensation in it, like so many needles +sticking him. + +"You see, I've been afraid of that battery right along," said +Martin Harris. "The professor got shocked once, and he limped +around for a long while after." + +"But he got over it at last, didn't he?" questioned Tom eagerly. + +"I can't say about that. He went off, and I haven't seen him +since," was the unsatisfactory reply. + +The injuries to Dick and to Sam had somewhat dampened Tom's +ardor, and he wondered what they had best do next, and spoke to +the police officers about it. + +"I don't know of anything but to turn back to shore," said +Sergeant Brown. "We've lost them in the dark, and that is all +there is to it. If we go ashore we can send out an alarm, and as +soon as the _Flyaway_ is spotted, somebody will go out and arrest +everybody on board--I mean everybody but the young lady, of +course." + +"But they may come ashore in the dark." + +"And they may do that even if we stay out here--and then +they'll have more of an advantage than ever. No, I think the +best thing we can do is to turn back to the coast and make the +safest landing we can find." + +When Dick heard of this, however, he shook his head. "Don't go +back yet," he pleaded. "See if you can't make out the _Flyaway_ +somewhere. She won't dare to sail very far without a light." + +"I don't go for giving up just yet," put in Martin Harris. "As +the lad says, she'll show a light very soon now--for there is a +coastwise steamer a-coming," and he pointed in the direction of +Sandy Hook. + +He was right, and soon the many lights from the big steam vessel +could be plainly seen. She was heading almost directly for them, +but presently steered to the eastward. + +"She must be almost in the track of the _Flyaway_," went on Martin +Harris. "Just wait and see if I ain't right." + +They waited and watched eagerly, and thus five minutes passed. +Then from a distance they saw a light flash up. + +"There she is!" cried Tom. "Let us head for her at once. They +won't keep that light out long--just long enough to let that +steamer go by." + +Martin Harris was already at the tiller, and soon the _Searchlight_ +was thrown over and was again dipping her nose in the long ocean +swells. The wind had died away only to freshen more than ever, +and the chase now became a lively one. + +The enemy seemed to know that the exposure of their light had +given those on the _Searchlight_ the cue, and they were sailing as +rapidly as all of their canvas permitted. But Harris was now +handling his craft better than ever before, and slowly but surely +the distance between the two craft was diminished, until the +_Flyaway_ could be made out faintly even without a light. + +"Don't lose her again," said Dick. "We must keep at it until we +run them down completely." And Harris promised to do his best. + +It was now past midnight, and the police officers said they were +tired out and dropped into the cabin to take a nap. Dick +likewise remained below, trying to get up some circulation in the +lamed arm. + +"Can't you feel anything?" queried Tom. + +"I think I can," answered his big brother. "Yes, yes, it's +coming now!" he went on. "Thank God!" and he suddenly raised the +arm and bent the fingers of his hand. By daylight that member +of his body was nearly as well as ever. But this experience was +one which Dick has not forgotten to the present day. + +Sam had bound up his burn with a rag saturated with oil and +flour, and announced that he felt quite comfortable. "But just +let me get hold of those Baxters," he added. "I shan't stand on +any ceremony with them." + +"I don't believe any of us will," said Tom. + +"But as anxious as I am to have this over, I would just as lief +have the chase last until morning. Then we'll be better able to +see what we are doing." + +"Or trying to do," said Sam with a faint smile. + + + + +CHAPTER XXVI + +A FLAG OF TRUCE + + +Sunrise found the two yachts far out on the ocean with land +nowhere in sight. The breeze was still stiff, but it was not as +heavy as it had been, and Martin Harris was unable to decrease +the space which separated his own craft from that of the enemy. + +"You see, the _Searchlight_ is the better boat in a strong blow," +he explained. "When the wind is light the _Flyaway_ has as good a +chance of making headway as we have." + +"Well, one thing is certain," said Tom. "This chase can't last +forever." + +"It may last longer than you imagine, lad." + +"Hardly. We haven't more than enough provisions aboard to last +over today." + +"Perhaps the other boat is even worse off," said Sergeant Brown +hopefully. "If that's the case we'll starve them out." + +"I don't care what we do, so long as we rescue Dora and get that +stolen fortune," said Dick, as he dragged himself to the crowd, +followed by Sam. + +"And how's Sam?" questioned Tom, turning to his younger brother. + +"Oh, I'm all right--if it comes to fighting." + +"And you, Dick?" + +"I think I can do something--at least, I am willing to try." + +Breakfast--a rather scant meal--had just been disposed of, +when Martin Harris uttered a shout. + +"They want to do some talking," he announced. + +"Why, what do you mean?" asked Dick. + +"They are hoisting a white rag." + +"Sure enough!" ejaculated Tom, as he pointed to a flag of truce +which Dan Baxter was holding aloft, fastened to an oar. "What do +you make of that?" + +"They want to make terms," laughed Sergeant Brown. "I reckon +things are coming our way at last." + +"Do we want to talk to them?" asked Tom. + +"Let us make them surrender, and do the talking afterward," came +from Sam. + +"It won't hurt to let them talk," said the police sergeant. "We +can do as we please, anyway, after they are done." + +The matter was discussed for a moment, and then Tom tied his +handkerchief to a stick and held it up. + +"Ahoy there!" came from Arnold Baxter. "Will you honor the flag +of truce?" + +"Yes," yelled Sergeant Brown. + +"And let us have our distance after our talk is over, if we can't +come to terms?" + +"Yes." + +"All right, then; we'll come close enough to talk to you." + +Slowly and cautiously the _Flyaway_ drew nearer, until all on board +of Harris' yacht could see their enemies quite plainly. + +Arnold Baxter was armed with a shotgun, while Buddy Girk and Dan +Baxter carried pistols. Mumps kept out of sight as much as +possible, while Bill Goss attended to the steering of the boat. +Dora and Mrs. Goss were below. + +"Well, what have you got to say?" demanded Dick, as soon as the +others were within easy talking distance. + +"How many on board of that yacht?" demanded Arnold Baxter, as he +looked at the police officers glumly. + +"Enough," replied Dick. "Is that all you've got to say?" + +"Don't grow impudent, boy. It won't set well." + +"A person couldn't be impudent to such a rascal as you, Arnold +Baxter." + +"Have a care, Dick Rover. What do you propose to do?" + +"Land all of you in jail, rescue Dora Stanhope, and recover that +money you stole." + +"Indeed!" + +"Yes--indeed! Don't you think we are pretty close to doing +it?" + +"No, you are a long way off. You won't dare to break this truce +while the flags fly. If you do, I'll shoot you just as sure as +you are born." + +"I don't intend to dishonor any truce, Arnold Baxter. But, +nevertheless, you and your crowd are almost at the end of your +rope, and you know it." + +"Feeling hungry, ain't you?" put in Martin Harris. + +"You shut up!" roared Dan Baxter, for Harris had hit the nail +exactly on the head. "We'll settle this with the Rovers and the +police, not with you." + +"You'll settle with me for burning my sails and breaking my +lanterns," retorted the skipper of the _Searchlight_ wrathfully. + +"Let us come to terms," went on Arnold Baxter in a milder tone. +"I reckon what you want principally is to rescue Dora Stanhope?" + +"Yes, I want that," said Dick quickly. + +"If we hand her over to you, will you promise not to follow us +any longer?" + +"Well--er--what of that money--" began Dick, glancing at those +around him. + +"We can't let you go," interposed Sergeant Brown. "You are +wanted for that robbery in Albany." + +"We deny the robbery," said Arnold Baxter. + +"All right--you'll have a chance to clear yourself in court." + +"We are not going to court, not by a jugful," put in Buddy Girk. +"If we give up the gal that's got to end it. Otherwise, we don't +give her up, see?" + +"But you'll have to give her up later on," put in Tom. "And the +longer you keep her the more you will have to suffer for it, when +it comes to a settlement." + +"Let's give her up," whispered Mumps to Dan Baxter. To the +credit of the toady let it be said that he was heartily sick of +the affair and wished he had never entered into it. + +"You keep your mouth shut!" answered the former bully of Putnam +Hall. "My dad knows how to work this racket." + +"Somebody said something about being hungry," continued Arnold +Baxter significantly, "I imagine Miss Stanhope is as hungry as +any of us, if not more so." + +"Do you mean to say you are starving her!" cried Dick indignantly. + +"I mean to say that she will have to starve just as much as we +do," was the unsatisfactory answer. + +"And you have run out of provisions?" + +"We have run out of provisions for her, yes." + +"That means that you won't give her any more, even though you may +have some for yourselves? You are even bigger brutes than I took +you to be," concluded the elder Rover boy bitterly. + +"We've got to look out for ourselves," said Dan Baxter. "If we +let you have the girl you ought to be satisfied." + +"Let us talk to Dora," suggested Tom. + +"No, you can't see her unless you agree to our terms," said +Arnold Baxter decidedly. "If we bring her up now she may try to +get away from us." + +"You have got to submit to arrest and stand trial," said Sergeant +Brown. "There are no two ways about it. If you won't submit +quietly we'll have to fight. But let me tell you, if you fight +it will go hard with you." + +"That's right; make them give up everything," put in Tom. "I'll +fight them if it comes to the worst." + +"If only they don't harm Dora!" whispered Dick. "Think, they may +be starving her already!" + +"I don't believe they would dare, Dick." + +"Dare? I think the Baxters are cruel enough to do most anything." + +"Officer, do you know that you are on the high seas and can't +touch us?" went on Arnold Baxter, after an awkward pause. + +"I know nothing of the kind, and I'll risk what I am doing," +retorted Sergeant Brown. + +"Can't we compromise this matter?" + +"What else have you to propose?" + +"I'll tell you what I'll do. If you'll agree not to molest us +further I'll turn the girl over to you and make each of you a +present of one hundred dollars," went on Arnold Baxter nervously. + +"Want to bribe us, eh?" cried Tom. "Thanks, but we are not in +that business." + +"I never took a bribe yet, and I've been on the force six years," +put in Carter. + +"You can't bribe me," said the sergeant, in a tone that admitted +of no argument. "You must surrender absolutely or take the +consequences." + +"All right, then; we'll take the consequences," was the reckless +response. "And remember, we hold that girl, and any harm you do +us will only counteract on her head." + +"Don't you dare to harm her, you villain!" cried Dick, turning +pale. "Whatever you do you shall answer for in court." + +"Humph, Dick Rover, don't be so smart," put in Dan Baxter. "This +game is still ours, and you know it." + +"I know nothing of the kind. We will starve you out and fight +you, and you will see what the end will be, Dan Baxter," retorted +Dick; and then the two yachts began to drift apart once more. + +As the _Flyaway_ moved off, Mumps, who had disappeared for a +minute, came into sight once more. In his hand he hold something +white, which he threw with all force at the _Searchlight's_ +mainsail. + +"Take that!" he cried. "Take that, and remember me!" + +By this time the two yachts were so far apart that no more could +be said. + +"What was that you threw on their boat?" demanded Baxter, turning +to his toady. + +"A seashell," replied Mumps. "I thought I could hit Dick Rover +with it." + +"Humph, you had better take some lessons in throwing," muttered +the bully. "You didn't come within a dozen feet of him." + +"Never mind; I showed them I wasn't afraid of them," said Mumps, +and turned away. Then he looked back anxiously. "I hope they +pick it up and see what's inside!" he murmured. "Oh, but ain't I +tired of this crowd! If ever I get out of this, you can wager +I'll turn over a new leaf and cut Dan Baxter dead." + + + + +CHAPTER XXVII + +THE COLLISION IN THE FOG + + +"Hullo! Mumps isn't keeping this flag of truce very good," +remarked Sam, as the seashell dropped at his feet. + +"There is something inside of the shell," said Tom. "A bit of +paper. Perhaps it's a message?" + +"I'll soon see," returned his younger brother, and ran to where +he could not be seen from the other yacht. + +He pulled from the seashell a small, square of paper, upon which +had been hastily scrawled the following in lead pencil: + +"I will help you all I can and hope you won't prosecute me. I +will see that Dora S. gets something to eat, even if I give her +my share. They intend to go to Sand Haven if they can give you +the slip." + +"Good for Mumps! He's coming to his senses," cried Sam, and +showed the others the message. Dick read the words with much +satisfaction. + +"I hope he does stand by Dora," he said. "If so, I'll shield him +all I can when the crowd is brought up for trial." + +"If he tells the truth we may as well put into harbor and make +for Sand Haven," said Martin Harris, who had now resumed the +chase once more. + +"Yes; but he may not be telling the truth," was Sergeant Brown's +comment. "The whole thing may be a trick to get us to go to Sand +Haven while that crowd goes somewhere else." + +"I think they are tired of carrying the girl around," said +Carter. "To give her up to us would have been no hardship." + +"That's it," put in Martin Harris. "Well, I'm willing to do +whatever the crowd says." + +The matter was talked over at some length, and it was finally +decided to cruise around after the _Flyaway_ for the best part of +the day. If, when night came on, the other craft should steer in +the direction of Sand Haven, they would do likewise, and land as +soon as darkness came to cover up their movements. + +Slowly the day wore along and the two yachts kept at about the +same distance. They were both running due south, and land was +out of sight as before. + +"This is developing into a regular ocean trip and no mistake," +remarked Tom, as he dropped into a seat near the cabin. "Who +would have thought it when we left Cedarville in such a hurry?" + +"I'd like to know how things are going up there," mused Dick. +"It will be too bad if Josiah Crabtree succeeds in marrying Mrs. +Stanhope while we are away." + +"Let us hope for the best," put in Sam. + +"Hullo, the _Flyaway_ is moving eastward!" + +"What does that mean, Harris?" cried Dick. + +"It means that they want to make the most of this wind," +responded the skipper of the yacht grimly. "I'm learning a trick +or two on 'em, and I'll overreach 'em if they ain't careful." + +"You can't do it any too quick," answered Dick. "When next we +meet there won't be quite so much talking. Instead, we'll have +some acting, and pretty lively at that." + +Sergeant Brown was questioned concerning his weapons, and said he +had two pistols and Carter had the same. One of the extra +weapons was loaned to Dick and the second went to Tom. It was +decided that in case of a close brush Sam and Harris were to arm +themselves with anything that was handy, but otherwise they were +to attend to the sailing of the _Searchlight_. + +Provisions, to use Tom's way of expressing it, were now "more +than low," and as they ate the scant food dealt around, Dick +could not help but think of how Dora might be faring. + +"I'd willingly starve myself if only it would give her what she +needs," he thought. It made him sick at heart to think of how +she might be suffering. + +Mile after mile was passed, until the sun began to descend over +to the westward. The yachts were now close on to quarter of a +mile apart. + +"Here comes another steamer!" cried Tom presently. "Look here, +why can't we get some help from her?" + +"Perhaps we can!" burst out Dick. "I never thought of that." + +"Let us signal her anyway," suggested Sergeant Brown. + +A flag was run up as high as the topmast permitted, and they +headed directly for the steamer's course. + +As the ship came closer they made her out to be a big "tramp" +from the South American trade. For the benefit of those who do +not know, let me state that a tramp steamer is one going from one +port to another regardless of any regular route, the movements of +the craft depending entirely upon the freight to be picked up. + +"She sees the signal!" exclaimed Dick, after an anxious wait of +several minutes. + +Slowly the steamer came up to them, and then her ponderous +engines ceased to work. + +"What is wanted?" came in Spanish from a dark-looking man on the +forward deck. + +"Can't you talk English?" cried Dick. + +"A leetle." + +"We are after that other sail-boat. The men in her are thieves +and have abducted a girl, too. Will you help us catch them?" + +At this the man on the steamer drew down his face and held a +consultation with several behind him. + +"You are sure they are thieves?" he asked presently. + +"Yes." + +"Have they with them the money that was stolen?" + +"We are pretty certain they have." + +"And the girl?" + +"Yes." + +"And what is the reward for the girl, senor?" + +"Well, I declare!" burst out Tom. "They are after a reward the +first thing." + +"No reward yet," answered Dick. "But there may be." + +At this the South American scowled. "We cannot lose time on a +hunt that is worth nothing," he said. "We must get to Brooklyn +by tomorrow morning." + +"You won't help us bring them to justice?" + +"We cannot afford to lose the time." + +Without further words the big steamer's engines were started up +again and away she sped, leaving the _Searchlight_ to sink and rise +on the rollers left in her wake. + +"My, but that fellow is accommodating!" groaned Dick. "He isn't +doing a single thing without pay." + +"We might have bought some provisions from him," put in Martin +Harris. "I reckon he'd sell some for a round price--being so +near to the end of his voyage." + +"I don't want his stuff," remarked Sam. + +"I'm afraid it would choke me if I tried to eat it." + +The stop had given the _Flyaway_ an advantage, and she was making +the most of it. But before the gun went down those on the other +yacht saw her head for the coast once more. + +"I guess the note told the truth," said Harris. + +"Is Sand Haven near here?" questioned Tom. + +"It is not over half a mile further down the coast." + +"And how far are we out?" was the police sergeant's question. + +"Between five and six miles, as near as I can calculate." + +"Will they be able to run in by dark?" + +"I think so. You see, the wind is shifting, and it depends a +good bit on how much it veers around," concluded the old sailor. + +Slowly the sun sank in the west. It was growing cloudy and a +mist was rising. The mist made Martin Harris shake his head; +but, not wishing to alarm the others, he said nothing. + +But soon Dick noticed the mist and so did the rest. "Gracious, +supposing we get caught in a fog!" muttered Tom. + +"I was just thinking of it," returned his elder brother. "There +will be no fun in it--if we are out of sight of land." + +A quarter of an hour went by, and still no land appeared. It was +now so raw that the boys were glad enough to button their coats +tightly about them. Then, of a sudden, the fog came rolling over +them like a huge cloud, and they were unable to see a dozen yards +in any direction. + +"This is the worst yet!" groaned Sam. "What's to do now?" + +"Yes, what's to do now?" repeated Sergeant Brown. "Can you make +the coast, skipper?" + +"To be sure I can," replied Harris, as he looked at the compass. +"But I don't know about landing. You see we might stick our nose +into a sandbank before we knowed it." + +"Perhaps the fog will lift?" suggested Carter. + +"A fog like this isn't lifting in a hurry," said Dick. "Like as +not it won't move until the sun comes up tomorrow morning," and +in this guess he was right. + +A half-hour went by, and from a distance came the deep note of a +fog-horn, sounding apparently from up the shore. + +"We ought to have a horn," said Sam. "Some big boat may come +along and run us down." + +"There is a horn in the cabin pantry," replied Martin Harris. +"We might as well bring it out. If we are sunk one or more of us +will most likely be drowned." + +"Oh, don't say that!" ejaculated Carter. "I'll get the horn," +and, running below, he brought it up, and he and Sam took turns +at blowing it with all the strength of their lungs. + +"One thing is comforting; those rascals are no better off than +we are," was Tom's comment. + +"Yes; but if they founder, what will become of Dora?" + +"I don't believe any one of them would put himself out to save +her." + +"I guess you're right there, Dick. I never thought of her, poor +girl," replied the brother. + +Dick and Sergeant Brown were well up in the bow, one watching to +starboard and the other to port, for anything which might appear +through the gloom. The horn was blowing constantly, and now from +a distance came the sounds of both horns and bells. + +"We are getting close to some other ships," said Martin Harris. +"I reckon we had best take a few reefs in the mainsail and stow +away the jib," and these suggestions were carried out. + +The minutes that followed were anxious ones, for all felt that a +collision might occur at any moment. The fog was growing thicker +each instant, and this, coupled with the coming of night, seemed +to shut them in as with a pall. + +"A boat is dead ahead!" came suddenly from Dick, and Sergeant +Brown also gave a cry of warning. Then came a shock and a crash +and a splintering of wood, followed by the cries of men and boys +and the screams of a woman and a girl. + +"We've struck the _Flyaway_!" called out Tom, and then he found +himself in the water, with Sam alongside of him. + + + + +CHAPTER XXVIII + +HOME AGAIN--CONCLUSION + + +When the collision came, Dick, to save himself from injury, gave +a leap up into the air, and Sergeant Brown did the same. The +shock sent the _Searchlight_ backward, and when the youth came down +he found himself sprawling on the _Flyaway's_ deck, close beside +Dan Baxter. + +"Dick Rover!" gasped the former bully of Putnam Hall. "So it is +your boat that has run into us?" + +"Baxter, where is Dora Stanhope?" panted Dick, as soon as he +could speak. He was afraid that one or both yachts were going +down and that Dora might be drowned. Even in this extreme moment +of peril his one thought was for his girl friend. + +"Find out for yourself," burst out Baxter, and aimed a blow at +Dick's head with his fist. But the blow never reached its mark, +for Mumps hauled the bully backward. + +"We've had enough of this--at least, I've had enough," said +Fenwick, astonishing himself at his own boldness. "Dick, Dora is +in the cabin--no, she's coming up." + +"Save me!" came in a scream from the girl. + +"Oh, Dick, is it really you!" and she ran right into Dick's arms. + +By this time it was discovered that the two yachts were locked +together, the bowsprit of the _Flyaway_ having become entangled in +the rigging of the _Searchlight_. Both yachts were badly damaged, +but neither sufficiently so as to be in danger of sinking. + +"Back with you!" came from Arnold Baxter, and fired his shotgun +at the police officer. But the rocking of the boats spoiled his +aim. Then Sergeant Brown fired, and the elder Baxter went down, +shot through the left leg. + +By this time all of the evildoers realized that the final +struggle for freedom was at hand, and began to fight desperately, +Buddy Girk engaging Dick, Bill Goss facing Carter, and Mrs. Goss +beating Martin Harris back with a stew pan from the gallery. In +the meantime Tom and Sam swam back to the _Searchlight_, and +clambered on board as rapidly as possible. + +They were in time to see Carter go down, hit over the head by +Bill Goss. But that was the last of the fight, so far as the +skipper of the _Flyaway_ was concerned, for two blows, delivered by +Tom and Sam simultaneously, stretched him senseless on the deck. + +"You had better give up!" cried Tom to Dan Baxter, who was doing +what he could to get the two yachts apart. "This is our battle." + +"Not much!" muttered the bully. "Stand back, or it will be the +worse for you!" + +He sprang at Tom and shoved a pistol under the boy's very nose. +But before the weapon could be discharged, Dick, leaving Dora, +kicked the pistol from the bully's hand! + +"You villain, take that!" cried Dick, and grappled with Baxter. +Both rolled over on the deck, and, shoved by somebody from +behind, Sam rolled on top of the pair. A second later all three +rolled down the cabin stairs in a heap. + +"Oh, my back!" It was Baxter who uttered the cry, and not without +cause, for his backbone had received a hard crack on the bottom +step of the stairs. + +"You lie still!" commanded Dick, as he leaped to his feet. "If +you dare to move I'll put you out of the fight altogether." + +"Don't--don't shoot me!" panted Dan Baxter in sudden fear. + +"Do you give in?" + +"Yes." + +"Then keep still. Sam, guard him, will you? I want to see how +matters are on deck." + +"Yes, I'll guard him," answered the youngest Rover. + +The fight on deck had been short and fierce, but our friends had +had the best of it from the very start, and when Dick came up he +found but little for him to do. Arnold Baxter lay where he had +fallen, moaning piteously, while Buddy Girk and Bill Goss were in +irons. Mrs. Goss still stood at bay, flourishing her stew pan +over her head, while Mumps remained at a distance, his arms +folded over his breast and an anxious look in his eyes. + +"I won't go to prison!" shrieked Mrs. Goss. "You let me and my +husband go." + +"Mrs. Goss, you had best give in--" began Sergeant Brown, when +Tom, sneaking up behind her, snatched the stew pan from her +grasp. As she turned on the boy, Carter ran in, and in a twinkle +she was held and her hands were bound behind her. Then the crowd +turned to Mumps. + +"I submit," said the misguided boy. "Didn't I tell you in the +note that I would help you?" + +"Yes, he has tried to do better," put in Dora. + +"If it hadn't been for him I wouldn't have had a mouthful to eat +today." + +"I guess we can trust him, then," said Dick. "But, Mumps, take +care that you don't go back on us." + +"I won't go back on you," said the toady. "I'm going to cut that +crowd after this." + +"You can't make a better move," was Dick's comment. + +Now that affairs were in their own hands, our friends hardly knew +how to turn next. After a discussion it was agreed to place the +_Flyaway_ in charge of Dick and Tom, who were also to carry Dora +and Mumps. All of the others went aboard of the _Searchlight_, +Arnold Baxter being carried by the police officers, who attended +to his wound as well as the accommodations on board of the yacht +permitted. + +So far nothing had been said about the money and securities +stolen by Baxter and Girk, but they were in a locker in the +_Flyaway's_ cabin, and easily brought to light. + +"This is a big day for us," said Dick. "Won't folks at home be +astonished when they hear of what we have done?" + +"I cannot get home fast enough," said Dora. "Poor mama, if only +I knew she was safe!" + +"Josiah Crabtree shall suffer for this," said Dick. "Remember, +it was he who had you carried off by Mumps and Dan Baxter." + +The _Searchlight_ was already on the way and the _Flyaway_ came behind +her. The course was due west, and they kept on until the breakers +could be heard in the distance. Then Martin Harris bore away to the +northward. + +With the coming of daylight the fog disappeared as if by magic, +and they found themselves close to the seashore town of +Lightville. Here there was a small river, and they ran into this +and came to a safe anchor close to one of the docks. + +On going ashore Dick's first movement was to send two telegraph +messages, one to Rush & Wilder, telling them that the stolen +securities and money had been recovered, and the second to +Captain Putnam, breaking the news of Dora's safety and requesting +the master of the Hall to acquaint Mrs. Stanhope with the fact +and take steps toward Josiah Crabtree's arrest. Later on another +message was sent to Randolph Rover so that the boys' uncle might +no longer be alarmed over their safety. Sergeant Brown also +telegraphed to his superiors. + +Inside of an hour after landing, Arnold Baxter, Buddy Girk, Dan +Baxter, and the two Gosses were safely housed in the Lightville +jail. At first it was thought to arrest Mumps also, but he +begged for his liberty, and promised, if let go, to tell +everything. As some witness would be wanted when the others came +to trial he was taken at his word. + +It was a happy party that started for Cedarville that evening. +No one could have been more attentive than Dick was to Dora, and +no one could have been more appreciative than the girl of what +the three Rover boys had done for her. + +At Ithaca a surprise awaited the crowd. Frank, Fred, and Larry +were there to welcome them, and soon after Captain Putnam +appeared. + +"I am very glad to see you all safe and sound," said the captain, +as he shook hands. "You have had a regular ocean chase, and no +mistake." + +"And how is my mother?" questioned Dora quickly. + +"She is happy, Miss Stanhope; but the shock of your sudden +disappearance has made her quite ill." + +"And Josiah Crabtree?" + +"Has disappeared. Your mother said he wanted to marry her after +you went away, but she would not listen to him. I imagine that +after this he will keep his distance." + +"He had better keep his distance--if he wants to remain out of +jail," put in Dick. + +The return of the boys to Putnam Hall was the signal for a +regular jollification, and my readers can rest assured that all +of the cadets made the most of it. Captain Putnam ordered an +extra dinner for them, and in the evening a huge bonfire was +started on the campus, and, as the boys gathered around Dick, +Tom, and Sam they sang "For he's a jolly good fellow!" until they +were hoarse. It was a celebration never to be forgotten. "Just +the right sort for a home coming," as Sam expressed it. + +"Let them have it," said the master, as he looked on. "They +deserve it." + +"You are right," returned George Strong. + +"Those Rover boys have proved themselves regular heroes." + + * * * * * + +Here I will bring to a close the story of the Rover boys' doings +on the ocean while trying to rescue Dora Stanhope from her +abductors and while endeavoring to recover the fortune stolen +from Rush & Wilder. + +Words cannot describe the happiness which mother and daughter +felt when Mrs. Stanhope and Dora found themselves together once +more. Tears were freely shed, and the widow blessed the boys who +had done so much for herself and her child. She declared that +her eyes were now open to the real wickedness of Josiah Crabtree, +never more would she have anything to do with the man. + +Rush & Wilder were immensely pleased to recover what had been +taken from their safe, and when money and securities were +returned to them they rewarded the Rover boys and the others +handsomely for their work. But to this day Dick declares that +the recovery of the stolen fortune was "only a side issue." "We +were out to rescue Dora," he says. "And, thank God, we did it!" + +In due course of time the evildoers were brought to trial, and +with Mumps and the others to testify against them, all were +sentenced to various terms of imprisonment. Being wounded, +Arnold Baxter was taken, as before, to a hospital; but this time +the authorities kept a close watch on him. + +With their enemies in custody the Rover boys imagined that life +at Putnam Hall would now run along smoothly. But in this they +were mistaken. They had hardly settled down to their studies +when a strange message from over the sea started them off on a +search for their father, the particulars of which will be related +in another volume, to be entitled: "The Rover Boys in the Jungle; +or, Stirring Adventures in Africa." In this book we will not +only meet Dick, Tom, and Sam again, but also Dan Baxter and +several others with whom we are already acquainted. + +But for the time being all went well, and here we will leave the +three boys, wishing them the best of good luck in the future. + + + + +The End + + + + + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's The Rover Boys on the Ocean, by Arthur M. 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Winfield + +Release Date: June, 2004 [EBook #5875] +[Yes, we are more than one year ahead of schedule] +[This file was first posted on September 15, 2002] + +Edition: 10 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK, THE ROVER BOYS ON THE OCEAN *** + + + + +This eBook was prepared by John Pobuda. + + + + +THE ROVER BOYS ON THE OCEAN +OR A CHASE FOR A FORTUNE + +BY Arthur M. Winfield +(Edward Stratemeyer) + +INTRODUCTION + +My dear Boys: "The Rover Boys on the Ocean" is a complete tale in +itself, but forms a companion volume to "The Rover Boys at +School," which preceded it. + +In the former volume I tried to give my young readers a glimpse +of life as it actually is in one of our famous military boarding +schools, with its brightness and shadows, its trials and +triumphs, its little plots and counterplots, its mental and +physical contests, and all that goes to make up such an +existence; in the present tale I have given a little more of +this, and also related the particulars of an ocean trip, which, +from a small and unpretentious beginning, developed into +something entirely unlooked for an outing calculated to test the +nerves of the bravest of American youths. How Dick, Tom, and +Sam, and their friends stood it, and how they triumphed over +their enemies, I will leave for the story itself to explain. +This volume will be followed by another, to be entitled, "The +Rover Boys in the jungle," telling of curious adventures in the +heart of Africa. + +As the first volume of the series was so I well received, my one +wish is that the present tale may find equal favor at your hands. + +Affectionately and sincerely yours, + +EDWARD STRATEMEYER + +September 20, 1899 + + + + + +THE ROVER BOYS ON THE OCEAN + + + + +CHAPTER I + +SOMETHING ABOUT THE ROVER BOYS + + +"Luft up a little, Sam, or the Spray will run on the rocks." + +"All right, Dick. I haven't got sailing down quite as One as you +yet. How far do you suppose we are from Albany?" + +"Not over eight or nine miles. If this wind holds out we'll make +that city by six o'clock. I'll tell you what, sailing on the +Hudson suits me first-rate." + +"And it suits me, too," put in Tom Rover, addressing both of +his brothers. "I like it ten times better than staying on Uncle +Randolph's farm." + +"But I can't say that I like it better than life at Putnam Hall," +smiled Sam Rover, as he threw over the tiller of the little +yacht. "I'm quite anxious to meet Captain Putnam and Fred, +Frank, and Larry again." + +"Oh, so am I," answered Tom Rover. "But an outing on the Hudson +is just the best of a vacation. By the way, I wonder if all f +our old friends will be back?" + +"Most of them will be." + +"And our enemies?" + +"Dan Baxter won't come back," answered Dick seriously. "He ran +away to Chicago with two hundred dollars belonging to his father, +and I guess that's the end of him -- so far as Putnam Hall and we +are concerned. What a bully was!" + +"I feel it in my bones, Dick, that we'll meet Dan Baxter again," +came from Sam Rover. + +"Don't you remember that in that note he left when he ran away he +said he would take pains to get square with us some day?" + +"He was a big blower, Sam," put in Tom. "I am not afraid of him. +An his chum, Mumps, was a regular sneak coward. I hope Putnam +Hall will be free from all such fellows during the next term. +But we -- Hold hard, Sam -- there is another yacht bearing down +upon us!" + +Tom Rover leaped to his feet and so did Dick. Tom was right; +another craft, considerably larger than their own, was headed +directly for them. + +"Throw her over to starboard!" sang out, Dick Rover. "And be +quick about it -- or we'll have a smashup sure!" And he leaped +to his brother's, assistance, while Tom did the same. + +The Rover brothers were three in number -- Dick, the oldest and +most studious; Tom next, is full of fun as an egg is full of +meat, and Sam the youngest. + +In a former volume of this series, entitled, "The Rover Boys at +School," I related how the three youths had been sent by their +uncle, Randolph Rover, to Putnam Hall, a military boarding +school, situated upon Cayuga Lake, in New York State. + +Whether the three boys were orphans or not was a question that +could not be answered. Their father, Anderson Rover, had been a +geological expert and rich mine owner, and, returning from the +West, had set sail for Africa, with the intention of exploring +the central region of that country in the hope of locating some +valuable gold mines. The boys and their uncle knew that he had +journeyed from the western coast toward the interior with a +number of natives, and that was all they did know, although they +had made numerous inquiries, and hoped for the best. The lads' +mother was dead; and all these things had happened years before +they had been sent to boarding school. + +Randolph Rover was an eccentric but kind hearted man, given over +entirely to scientific farming, of which, so far, sad to relate, +he had made a rather costly failure. He spent all of his time +over his agricultural books and in the fields, and was glad +enough to get the boys off his hands by sending them to the +military school. + +When vacation came he wondered what he should do with them during +the summer, but the problem was solved by the boys, who hated to +think of remaining on the farm, and who proposed a trip up and down +the Hudson River and through Long Island Sound, providing their +guardian would furnish the boat and bear the expense of the outing. +The outcome was the chartering of the yacht Spray, and all of the +boys took lessons in sailing from an old tar who knew exactly how +such a craft should be handled. + +At Putnam Hall the boys had made a number of friends, and also +several enemies, and had had several surprising adventures, as my +old readers already know. Who their friends and their enemies +were, and what further adventures were in store for the three +brothers, I will leave for the pages following to reveal. At +present let us turn our attention to the boat which seemed on +the point of running down the Spray. + +Like their own craft, the other boat carried but a single mast. +But the stick was at least ten feet longer than the mast of the +Spray, and the boat was correspondingly larger in every respect. +As she came nearer the Rover boys saw that she contained two +occupants, a boy and a somewhat elderly man. + +"Sheer off there!" cried Dick, at the top of his lungs. "Do you +want to run us down?" + +"Get out of the way yourself!" came back the answer from the boy +in the other boat. + +"We can't get out -- we are almost on the rocks now!" yelled Tom. +Then he gave a start of surprise. "Why, it's Mumps!" + +"By jinks, it is John Fenwick!" muttered Dick. "I remember now +that he came from the Hudson River and that his folks owned a +boat." He raised his voice, "Are you going to sheer off or not?" + +By this time the two boats were nearly bowsprit to bowsprit, and +Sam Rover's heart almost stopped beating. But now Mumps spoke to +the man with him, and his craft, called the Falcon, sheered to +port, scraping the Spray's side as she did so. + +"Mumps, what do you mean by such work?" demanded Dick, when the +immediate danger was past. + +"Ha! ha! I thought I would give you a scare," laughed the former +sneak of Putnam Hall. + +"You needn't be afraid but what I and old Bill Goss here know how +to keep the Falcon out of danger." + +"It was foolishness to run so close," said Tom. + +"Don't you talk to me, Tom Rover. I've had enough of you, mind +that." + +"And I want you to mind and keep off next time, Mumps. If you +don't --" + +"What will you do?" + +"I'll be tempted to come aboard the Falcon and give you a +thrashing." + +"You'll never set foot on my boat, and I'm not afraid of you," +roared Mumps. "You think you got the best of me at Putnam Hall, +but you didn't, and I want you to know it." + +"How is your friend, Dan Baxter?" cried Sam. "Has he landed in +jail yet?" + +"Never mind Dan Baxter," growled Mumps, growing red in the face; +and then the two yachts moved so far apart that further talk was +impossible. + +"Well, I didn't expect to meet him," muttered Dick, after the +three brothers had cooled down a bit. "He must have known we +were in this boat." + +"I saw his craft last night, down near Catskill," said Tom. +"I'll wager he has been following us up." + +"He wouldn't do that unless he had some reason for it." + +"I believe he would sink us if he could," put in Sam. "To my +mind he is almost as bad as Baxter." + +"Hardly, Sam; Dan Baxter is a thief and the son of a thief," came +from Tom. "By the way, I wonder if Arnold Baxter is still in the +hospital at Ithaca." + +"More than likely, since he was so badly hurt by that fall from +the train. If we -- Look, Mumps has turned around and is +following us!" + +Sam pointed to the Falcon, and his brothers saw that he was +right. Soon the larger craft was again within hailing distance. + +"Hi, Mumps, what are you following us for?" demanded, Dick, as he +stepped up on the stern seat. + +"Didn't know I was following you," was the sour rejoinder. "I +have a right to sail where I please." + +"If you have any game in mind I advise you not to try it on." + +"What game would I have, Dick Rover?" + +"Some game to get yourself into trouble." + +"I know my own business." + +"Alright, you can go about your business. But don't try to step +on our toes - or you'll get the worst of it." + +"So you're going to play the part of a bully?" + +"No; I'm only giving you fair warning. If you let us alone we'll +let you alone." + +"You have been watching the movements of the Falcon since day +before yesterday," went on Mumps, slowly and distinctly, as +though he expected his words to have a great effect. + +"Watching your boat - " began Dick and Tom simultaneously + +"Yes, watching my boat - and I don't like it," answered Fenwick, +and his face grew dark. + +"Why should we watch your boat?" demanded Sam. + +"Never mind why. You've been watching her, and that's enough." + +"And why should we put ourselves out to that extent - when we are +merely out for pleasure," said Dick. "There is no fun in +watching a fellow like you, I'm sure." + +"John is right; ye have been a-watchin' this boat," growled the +old sailor named Bill Goss, who, it may be as well to state here, +was thoroughly under his younger master's thumb for reasons best +known to himself. "If I had my way I'd wollop the lot on ye!" +And he shook his fist at the occupants of the Spray. + +"You keep your oar out!" cried Dick sternly. "You are entirely +mistaken in your suspicions. We are not spying on you or +anybody, and if you -" + +Dick was permitted to go no further. While Bill Goss was +speaking to the Spray had been caught by a sudden puff of wind +and sent over to starboard. Now the Falcon came on swiftly, and +in an instant her sharp bow crashed into the Rover boy's boat. +The shock of the collision caused the Spray to shiver from stem +to stern, and then, with a jagged hole in her side, she began to +slowly sink. + + + + + +CHAPTER II + + +THE ENCOUNTER ON THE RIVER + + +For the instant after the collision occurred none of the Rover +boys uttered a word. Tom and Sam stared in amazement at Mumps, +while Dick gazed helplessly at the damage done. + +"Pull her away, quick, Bill!" cried Mumps in a low voice to the +old sailor, who at once sprang forward and shoved the two yachts +apart with a long boat-hook. Then the rudder of the Falcon was +put hard a port, and she swung, away for a distance of half a +dozen yards. + +"We are sinking!" gasped Tom, who was the first of the three +brothers to find his voice. + +"Mumps, you rascal, what do you mean by this work?" demanded +Dick. And then, without waiting for an answer, he turned to Sam. +"Steer for the shore and beach her -- if you can." + +"I don't believe we can make it, Dick. But we can try." + +"We'll have you locked up for this, Mumps," shouted Tom. + +"I couldn't help It -- it was an accident," returned the former +sneak of Putnam Hall glibly. "You should have kept out of the +way." + +"We'll see about that later on." + +"Maybe you want us to help you." + +"We shan't ask you for the favor," burst out Sam. "I'd rather +drown first." But Sam did not exactly mean this. He and his +brothers could all swim, and he felt certain that they were in no +immediate danger of their lives. + +"You had better not ask any favors. I wouldn't pick you up for a +barrel of money." + +"I think we'll have to settle this in court, Mumps," said Dick, +as quietly as he could. + +"You can't prove I ran you down." + +"Don't you dare to have us hauled up," put in Bill Goss. "It was +an accident, jest as John says. I reckon as how it will teach ye +a lesson not to follow us ag'in." + +By this time the two yachts were once more so far apart that +talking from one to the other became difficult. Besides this, +the Rover boys felt that they must turn their whole attention to +the Spray, so no more was said. + +The yacht had been struck just at the water line and the hole +made in her side was all of six inches in diameter. Through this +the water was pouring into the hold at a lively rate. + +"We're going down as sure as guns," groaned Tom. "Steer her +right for the shore, Sam." This was done, and just as the Spray +began to settle they ran upon a muddy and rocky flat about thirty +feet from the river bank proper. + +"There, we can't go down now," said Dick, with something of a +sigh of relief. "Let us lower the mainsail and jib before the +wind sends us over on our beam ends." + +The others understood the value of the advice, and soon the +mainsail of the yacht came down with a bang, and the jib +followed. The Spray seemed inclined to list to port, but stopped +settling when her deck line touched the surface of the river. + +"That settles yachting for the present," said Dick in deep +disgust. + +"And the worst of it is, we haven't even a small boat to go +ashore in," added Sam. "What's to do?" + +"There is a rowboat putting out from the shore now," cried Tom. +"Hullo, there!" he shouted, and waved his hand. + +The shout was returned, and the rowboat was headed, in their +direction. As it came closer they saw that its occupant was a +middle-aged man of pleasant appearance. + +"So you had a smash-up, eh?" shouted the man, as soon as he came +near. "Anybody hurt?" + +"Our boat is hurt," answered Tom dryly. + +"Much of a hole?" + +"Big enough to put us on the bottom." + +"So I see. Want me to take you ashore?" + +"Yes," put in Dick, "if you will be kind enough to do it." + +"Certainly; always willing to aid anybody in distress. That +other craft run you down in short order, didn't she?" +"Did you see it?" burst out Sam eagerly. + +"To be sure I did." + +"Then you know it was her fault." + +"I do. She had no right to follow you up as she did." + +"I'm glad you saw the mix-up, Mr..." + +"Martin Harris is my name. I'm an old boatman around here -- +keep boats to hire, and the like. And who is this I'm to take +ashore?" + +"My name is Sam Rover. These are my two brothers, Dick and Tom." + +"Do you know who it was ran into you?" + +"It was the Falcon, a yacht owned by a Mr. Fenwick. His son and +a man he called Bill Goss were aboard." + +At this Martin Harris drew down his mouth. "A bad set, those. I +know 'em well." + +"And we know, Fenwick, too," put in Dick, "He's a regular sneak." + +"That's right -- takes after his father, who did his best to +defraud me in a boat deal. And that Bill Goss is a sneak, too, +and worse," and Martin Harris shook his head decidedly. + +"Well, we can't talk about those people now," said Dick. "We're +in a mess and must get out of it the best way we can. As you are +an old boatman, what would you advise us to do?" + +"Come ashore with me and then get Dan Haskett to take your boat +in charge and fix her up. He can stop that leak somehow and pump +her out and have her all right inside of twenty-four hours." + +"Where can we find this Haskett?" + +"Come into my boat and I'll take you to him." + +The rowboat was now close at hand, and one after another the +Rover boys stowed themselves away in the craft. Then Martin +Harris took up the oars and started for the river bank. He +turned down the stream a bit and landed them at an old dock over +which hung the sign: "Daniel Haskett, Boat Builder and Repairer +jobs Promptly Attended to -- Charges Small." + +Dan Haskett proved to be an elderly man, who was somewhat deaf, +and it took the boys some time to make him understand the +situation. + +"We've had a smash-up," began Dick. + +"Cash up?" said the deaf man. "Cash UP to what?" + +"We've had a smash-up!" repeated the boy in a louder tone. "We +want our boat mended." + +"What's ended?" asked the boat builder. "Your boat?" + +"Almost ended," roared Tom. "We-want you-to-fix-up-our-boat," he +yelled. + +"Oh, all right. Where is she?" + +Dick pointed with his finger, and at once the boat builder +understood. "There's a hole in her side," bawled the boy. "We +want it patched up." + +"All right; I can do that." + +"Can we have her by tomorrow?" + +"How's that?" And Dan Haskett placed his hand to his ear. + +"Can-we-have-her-by-tomorrow?" yelled Dick. + +"I guess so. I'll have to see how badly she is damaged first." + +Haskett got out a small boat of his own and, taking Dick with +him, rowed over to the wreck. He pronounced the injury small and +said the boys could have their boat by noon the next day. The +charges would be twelve or fifteen dollars. + +"We'll be getting off cheaper than I thought," said Tom, on +Dick's return. "Ought to come out of Mumps' pocket." + +"That's so," added Sam. "By the way, I wonder what he meant by +saying we were dogging him?" + +"I can't say," replied Dick. "But I've been thinking that he +can't be up to any good, or he wouldn't be so suspicious." + +"Just exactly my idea!" burst out Tom. "Do you know what I half +imagine?" + +"Well?" + +"That Mumps is cruising around waiting for Dan Baxter to join +him." + +"But Baxter went to Chicago." + +"He won't stay there -- not as long as his father is in the East. +He will be back before long, if he isn't back already." + +"But he took that money belonging to hi! father." + +"What of that? His father can't do anything against him, for he +himself is worse than his son, as we all know. Besides, his +father is most likely still in the hospital." + +"If you young gentlemen want to sail around until tomorrow noon, +I can take you out in one of my boats," remarked Martin Harris. +"I've got a first-class yacht, the Searchlight, that I can let +you have reasonably." + +"Thanks, but I would just as lief stay on shore until our boat is +mended," answered Dick. "But I want to pay you for what you did +for us," he added. + +"Oh, that's all right." + +But the boys thought otherwise, and in the end gave Martin Harris +two dollars, with which the boatman was highly pleased. + +"Remember, I saw that accident," he said, on parting. "I can +prove it was the Falcon's fault." + +"We'll remember that," answered Dick. + +From time to time they had watched the Falcon's course until the +yacht had disappeared down the river. + +After a short debate the brothers decided to put up at a hotel +which stood not far away, on a high cliff overlooking the noble +Hudson. + +"We've been on the water for nearly two weeks now," said Dick, +"and to sleep in a real bed will be something of a novelty." + +As it was in the height of the summer season the hotel was +crowded; but some guests were just departing, and they managed to +get a fairly good room on the second floor. This had a double +bed, and a cot was added, to accommodate Sam; Dick and Tom +sleeping together, as usual. + +It was supper time when the boys arrived, and as soon as they had +registered and washed up and combed their hair, they descended to +the spacious dining room, where fully a score of tables were set. + +"This way, please," said the head waiter, and showed them to a +table at one side, overlooking one of the wide verandas of the +hotel. + +"I'm as hungry as a bear!" exclaimed Tom. "You can't serve us +any too quick," he added, to the waiter who came up to take their +orders. + +"Yes, sah, do the best I can, sah," grinned the colored man. +"What kind of soup, please?" + +"I'll have ox-tail -- " began Tom, when he happened to glance out +of the window. As his gaze fell upon a man sitting in an easy +chair on the veranda he uttered a low whistle. "By jinks, boys, +look! Josiah Crabtree, as sure as you're born!" he whispered. + + + + + +CHAPTER III + +JOSIAH CRABTREE FREES HIS MIND + +Then individual to whom Tom referred had been a former master at +Putnam Hall, but his disagreeable ways had led to his dismissal +by Captain Putnam. + +Josiah Crabtree was a tall, slim individual, with a sharp face +and a very long nose. During the past term at Putnam Hall he had +been very dictatorial to the Rover boys, and it must be confessed +that they had made life anything but a bed of roses for him. +Crabtree had been very desirous of marrying a certain widow by +the name of Stanhope, but the marriage was opposed by Dora, the +widow's daughter, and as Dick was rather sweet on Dora, he had +done all he could to aid the girl in breaking off the match, even +going so far as to send Crabtree a bogus letter which had taken +the teacher out to Chicago on a hunt for a position in a private +college that had never existed. Dick knew that Crabtree was +comparatively poor and wished to marry the widow so that he could +get his hands on the fortune which the lady held in trust for her +only child. + +"It is Crabtree," said Dick, as he gave a look. + +"I wonder how he liked his trip to Chicago?" laughed Sam. +"Perhaps the Mid-West National College didn't suit his lofty +ideas." + +"Hush! don't let him hear you talk of that," returned Dick. "He +might get us into trouble." + +"What kind of soup, sah?" interrupted the waiter, and then they +broke off to give their order, and the waiter hurried off to fill +it. + +"I'd like to know if he has been around the Stanhope cottage +again," mused Dick, as he sipped his soup. + +"Dick can't bear to think of anybody around Dora," laughed Tom. + +"I don't want him around," retorted the elder Rover, growing red +in the face. "He wants the Stanhopes' money and that's all he +does want. I don't believe he really loves Mrs. Stanhope." + +"But why does she encourage him?" came from Sam. "Why don't she +send him about his business?" + +"Oh, she is sickly, as you know, and he seems to have a peculiar +hypnotic influence over her, at least that's what Dora thinks." + +"What are you laughing at, Tom?" + +"I - I was thinking of the time we put the crabs in old +Crabtree's bed," answered the younger brother. + +"No, you, weren't -" + +"Well?" demanded Tom, as Dick paused. + +"You were laughing because I mentioned Dora, and -" + +"'Pon my honor I wasn't," smiled Tom, but his look belied his +words. + +"You were. If I mention her cousins, Grace and Nellie Laning, I +guess the laugh will be on you and Sam --" + +"We'll call it quits," answered Tom hurriedly. + +"They're all nice girls, eh, Sam?" + +"To be sure. But, I say, hadn't we best keep out of old +Crabtree's way?" + +"I don't know as it's necessary," said Dick. + +"I'm not afraid of him, I'm sure." + +"Oh, neither am I, if you are going to put it that way," answered +the youngest Rover. + +"If he's stopping here I'm going to have some fun with him," +grinned Tom. + +The evening meal was soon finished, and the boys took a stroll +around the grounds. They were just on the point of retiring when +Dick drew his brothers' attention to a figure that was stealing +through a nearby grove of trees. + +"There goes Crabtree." + +"I wonder where he is going," mused Sam. "Where does that path +lead to?" + +"Down to the river," came from Tom. And then he added suddenly: +"Come, let us follow him." + +"What's the good," grumbled Dick. "I'm tired out." + +"There may be some chance for fun. Come on," and thus urged Dick +and Sam followed their fun-loving brother. + +The path through the grove ran directly to the cliff overlooking +the Hudson, at a point where a series of stone steps led up from +the water's edge. As they gained a spot where they could look +down upon the river, Dick uttered a short cry. + +"Look, boys, a Yacht!" he said, pointing through the moonlight. +"I'll wager it is the Falcon!" + +"And Mumps is coming to meet Josiah Crabtree," put in Sam. + +"But what would he want to see Crabtree about?" demanded Tom. +"Remember at Putnam Hall the only friends Josiah Crabtree had +were Dan Baxter and Mumps." + +"That is true, Dick. See, Crabtree has his handkerchief out and +is waving it as a signal." + +"And here comes somebody up the steps. Mumps, sure enough," +whispered Sam. + +"Let us get behind the trees and learn what is going on," came +from Dick, and the three brothers lost no time in secreting +themselves in the immediate vicinity. + +"Well, John, I've been waiting for you," said Josiah Crabtree, as +Mumps came forward and the two shook hands. + +"So have I been waiting for you," returned the former sneak of +Putnam Hall. "Why didn't you come yesterday?" + +"It was impossible to do so, my lad. Is that the Falcon down +there?" + +"It is." + +"Who is in charge of her?" + +"A sailor named Bill Goss." + +"Is he a -- ahem -- a man to be trusted?" + +"I guess I can trust him," snickered Mumps. + +"If he dared to give me away, I could send him to jail." + +"You mean that you - er -- have him -- ahem -- in your power?" + +"That's it, Mr. Crabtree." + +"Very good. And is be, a good sailor?" + +"As good as any on the river." + +"Then he can sail the yacht down the river without mishap?" + +"He can take her to Florida, if you wish to go that far." + +"No, I don't want to go that far -- at least, not at present." + +"Don't you think you ought to let me in on your little game," +went on Mumps earnestly. "So far I'm in the dark." + +"You will know all very soon, John -- and you shall be well paid +for what you do." + +"That's all right. But if it isn't lawful --" + +"I will protect you, never fear." + +"Where is Dan Baxter?" + +"Hush! It will be best not to mention his name, my lad." + +"'But where is he?" + +"I cannot say exactly." + +"Is he around Lake Cayuga?" + +"Well -- ahem -- more than likely he is. To tell the truth, he +is very anxious to see his father." + +"To bone him for some more money?" + +"I think not. Daniel thinks a great deal of his parent, and when +Mr. Baxter was so seriously injured --" + +"Dan didn't care much for that. He isn't that kind." + +"Daniel is a better boy than you think, John. He loves his +parent, and when that imp of a Rover got Mr. Baxter into trouble +Daniel was very much exercised over it." + +"Gracious, but that's rich," murmured Dick. "I got him into +trouble. I guess the rascal did that for himself." + +"Well, we won't talk about that, professor," went on Mumps. "You +didn't stay in Chicago long." + +"No, I -- ahem -- the position offered to me did not suit my +views, so I declined it." + +"Gee-christopher!" came from Tom, and each of the Rovers could +scarcely keep from laughing. + +"I think those Rover boys put up a job on you," said Mumps. "At +least, I got an inkling that way." + +"Indeed. I would like to wring their necks, the imps!" burst out +Josiah Crabtree. "Oh, what have I not suffered at their hands! +At one hotel where I stopped they placed live crabs -- But let +that pass, the subject is too painful. To come back to the +point. I can have the Falcon at any time that I may need her?" + +"Yes." + +"And you will promise to say nothing to a soul about what is done +on the trip I propose?" + +"I Will." + +"Very good, You see, this is a - er -- a delicate matter." + +"Are you going to marry Mrs. Stanhope and use the yacht for your +honeymoon?" said Mumps somewhat slyly. + +"Hardly -- although that would not be a bad idea, my lad. But +now I have a different deal on hand -- something very much +different. If you do not object I'll take a look at your yacht +and interview this sailor you mention." + +"All right, come ahead." + +Mumps led the way down the rocky steps and Josiah Crabtree +followed, moving slowly that he might not fall. Creeping to the +edge of the cliff, the Rover boys saw the pair reach the Falcon +and go on board. + +"Now what is in the wind?" said Dick, as soon as the pair were +out of hearing. + +"That's a conundrum," replied Tom. "I'll wager one thing though +-- old Crabtree is up to no good." + +"I believe you are right. I wish we could hear the rest of what +is going on." + +"Can't we get close to the yacht?" suggested Sam. "See, the sky +is clouding over. I don't believe they will see us going down +the stairs." + +They talked the plan over for a moment, then began to descend the +steps, keeping as low down as possible and close to some brush +which grew up in the crevices of the stones. Soon the river bank +was gained at a point not over fifty feet from where the yacht +lay. + +They halted behind a large stone close to the water's edge. By +straining their eyes in the darkness they saw Mumps, Crabtree, +and Bill Goss in earnest conversation in the stern of the vessel. +A low murmur came to their ears, but not a word could be +understood. + +"We must get closer," was Dick's comment, when to the surprise of +all they saw the sailor hoist the mainsail of the Falcon. A +gentle breeze was blowing, and soon the yacht was leaving the +shore. They watched the craft until the gathering darkness hid +her entirely from view. + + + + + +CHAPTER IV + +THE DISASTROUS RESULT OF A TRICK + + +"She's gone!" + +"Yes; and I wonder where to, Tom?" + +"I don't believe the yacht will go very far," said Sam. "Maybe +old Crabtree merely wants to see what sort of a sailing craft she +is." + +"We can watch here for a while," returned Dick. + +They sat down on a rock and waited, in the meantime discussing +the strange situation. They could reach no conclusion but that +Josiah Crabtree had some plot he wanted to put into execution. +"And it's something underhand, too," was Dick's comment. + +At last they grew tired of waiting and almost fell asleep. This +being the case they returned to the hotel and made their way to +the bed chamber. Soon each was sleeping soundly. + +When they awoke the sun was shining brightly -- and it was +half-past seven o'clock. "All up!" shouted Tom, and dragged Sam +out by the foot. Soon they were dressed and made their way to +the dining room. + +They had scarcely seated themselves when Josiah Crabtree came in +and was shown to a seat directly opposite the boys. He did not +notice them at first and began to eat a dish of oatmeal silently +and rapidly. + +Tom nudged Sam, and the younger Rover nudged his oldest brother, +and a snicker went up. At this Josiah Crabtree glanced at them +carelessly. Then he started back in amazement. + +"Why - er - why - ahem - so it is you!" he stammered. "Er -- +where did you come from?" + +"We came from our bedroom," answered Tom promptly. "Where did +you come from, Mr. Crabtree?" + + "Why - er -- don't be impertinent, Rover. I might say that I +came from my bedroom too." + +"I thought you came from the river," remarked Dick carelessly. + +"From the river? + +"Yes." + +"You are -- ahem, mistaken, my lad. I have not been near the +river -- at least, not since I came up from New York on the +boat." + +"Stopping here for the summer?" put in Sam. + +"I do not know as that is any of your business, Samuel. I am no +longer a master at Putnam Hall and when I left that place I +washed my hands of all those connected with that place." + +"A good thing for the Hall, sir," came from Tom. + +"Don't be insulting, Rover. You go your way and I'll go mine." + +"As you please, sir. You spoke to us first." + +"I'll take good care and not do it again. But this looks as if +you were following me up." + +"That's what Mumps said," cried Sam, before he had stopped to +think twice. + +"Ha! So you have met Mum -- I mean John Fenwick?" + +"We met him on the river." + +"And he said you had been following him?" + +"Never mind, Mr. Crabtree, we won't talk any more," put in Dick, +with a warning glance at Sam. He turned to the waiter. "Some +fish, please, trout; and see that the biscuits are warm." + +"Nes, sah," grinned the negro. + +Tom at once took the cue. "It's going to be a warm day," he said +to Dick. + +"I wonder how sailing was last night," put in Sam slyly. + +At this Josiah Crabtree looked as black as a thundercloud. + +"You boys have been playing the sneak on me!" he cried. "Take my +advice and beware of what you do in the future." + +"I wasn't talking to you," retorted Sam. + +"Kindly keep your remarks to yourself." + +By this time others were coming to the table, consequently the +cross-fire of words had to come to an end. Josiah Crabtree +finished his repast as speedily as possible and strode out of the +dining room in high but suppressed anger. + +"He's a corker," remarked Tom. "I believe he'd half kill us if +he dared." + +"I guess he hasn't forgotten how I stopped him from maltreating +Dora Stanhope," said Dick. "I wish I knew if he had been around +their place since he came back from the West." + +"Of course he has been back," said Tom. "And he'll marry Mrs. +Stanhope yet -- see if he don't." + +"Not if I can help Dora prevent it," said his elder brother +firmly. + +Breakfast finished they walked out to learn what had become of +Crabtree. They were just in time to see him leaving the hotel, +valise in hand. + +"He's off," said Tom. "I wonder where he is bound?" + +"Let us follow him and find out," returned Dick, + +This did not prove to be an easy matter, for at the foot of the +hotel grounds Josiah Crabtree jumped into a stage which was in +waiting, bound for the depot. + +"He's off on the train, I guess," said Sam, and the others were +inclined to agree with him. + +Down at the river shore nothing could be seen of the Falcon, and +they concluded that Mumps had also taken himself off. + +The morning was spent around, the hotel, in reading the +newspapers and taking it easy out on the beautiful lawn. + +"Hullo, here's a novelty!" cried Tom presently, and pointed to an +Italian who was coming up to the hotel. The fellow had a small +hand organ and a trained bear and two monkeys. The monkeys were +dressed in red, white, and blue, and sat on the bear's back as he +trotted along. + +"He's going to give us a performance," said Sam, as the Italian +came to a halt in the center of the grounds. + +"There they go!" + +The music started, and at once the bear reared himself on his +hind legs and began to dance. In the meantime the monkeys +climbed to the bear's head and began a little dance of their own. + +"Now for a little sport," whispered Tom, and started for the +hotel. + +"Be careful of yourself!" warned Dick; "That bear looks as if he +wasn't to be trifled with." + +But Tom did not heed him, his whole mind being bent on having a +laugh at the expense of the Italian and his animals. Going +around to the kitchen of the hotel, he procured a couple of sugar +cakes, pierced them with pinholes, and filled them up with +pepper. + +When he returned he found that a crowd had gathered and the +Italian was passing around the hat. While Sam and Dick +contributed several cents, Tom gave the bear one bun and divided +the other between the two monkeys. + +"Cheep! cheep!" went the monkeys, as if highly pleased. + +"You're right, they are cheap," grinned Tom. "Hope you like the +flavor." + +The monkeys began to eat ravenously, for they were nearly +starved. But they had not swallowed many mouthfuls before they +noticed something wrong. Then one threw his bun at Tom in a +rage. A second later the other monkey leaped back on the bear's +head and began to dance and scratch wildly, in the meanwhile +scattering the bun crumbs in all directions. + +"Hi! hi! whata you do to de monks?" demanded the Italian. "You +letta de monks alone!" + +"I'm not touching, the monks," replied Torn, and slipped out of +sight in the crowd. + +By this time the bear had swallowed the larger portion of the bun +given to him. It was the more peppery of the two, and it brought +tears to the beast's eyes. With a roar of rage he, turned and +shook the monkey from his head and leaped away from his keeper, +dragging his chain after him. + +The monkeys were evidently not used to seeing the bear in an ugly +mood, and at once they sought safety by getting out of his reach. +One leaped into a tree and ran like a cat to the top, while the +second pounced on the shoulder of an elderly damsel, who looked +exactly what she was, a hot-tempered old maid. + +"Oh, dear!" screamed the elderly damsel. "Take the horrid thing +off! Take it off this minute!" + +"Come here, Jocko!" roared the Italian. "Come, Jocko!" and he +held out his hands. + +But Jocko had no intention of coming. Instead he clung the +closer, his two forefeet in the lady's hair. The hair was +largely false, and all of a sudden a long switch came loose and +fell to the ground. + +At this the damsel screeched at the top of her lungs and, caught +at the hair. The monkey cried, too, in concert, and then a young +man rushed in to the rescue. But Jocko's blood was up, and, +leaping to the young man's shoulder, he tore off his straw hat +and began to pull it to bits. Then, with the hat still in his +possession, he made a leap to the tree and joined his brother at +the top. + +By this time the uproar was general, and it seemed to anger the +bear still more. He had been rushing over the lawn, upsetting +easy chairs and benches, but now he charged straight for the +crowd. + +"Look out for the bear!" + +"The beast is going mad and will chew somebody up!" + +"Shoot him, somebody, before we are all killed!" + +Such were some of the cries which rang out. The Italian turned +pale with anger and alarm. + +"No shootta Marcus!" he cried. "No shootta heem. He de goodda +bear!" + +"Then catch him!" put in the proprietor of the hotel. "Catch him +and tie him up." + +But this the Italian could not do, and when the bear headed for +him he fan as hard as anybody present. Around and around the +grounds fled the people, some rushing for the, hotel and the +others to the stables and to a large summer house. The bear made +first for one and then another, but at last halted in front of +the stable, which now contained the Rover boys, two ladies and an +elderly man, and two colored hostlers. + +"Shut the doors!" cried Dick, but his words were unnecessary, for +the colored men were already closing them. The bar had scarcely +been dropped into place when the bear hurled himself with all +force against the barrier. + +"He is going to break in the door!" cried one of the ladies. + +"Let us go upstairs," said the elderly gentleman, and lost no +time in leading the way. + +There was a back door to close, and one of the negroes started +for this. But just as he got close to the door he saw the bear +coming, and, uttering a wild yell, he too made for the stairs. + +Tom was close at hand, and it must be confessed that he felt +thoroughly sorry over what he had done. "I'm responsible for all +of it," he groaned. Then, as the bear stepped close to the back +door, he got behind the barrier and tried to shove it shut. + +The result was a surprise for both boy and bear, for as the beast +made a leap the edge of the door caught him, and in a twinkle the +animal was held fast by the neck between the door and its frame. + + + + + +CHAPTER V + +A NEVER-TO-BE-FORGOTTEN SWIM + +"I've got him fast! Help! Help!" + +"Tom's caught the bear!" shouted Sam. "Can you hold him, Tom?" + +"I guess I can if some of you will help me!" panted the youth. +"Hurry up!" + +Sam and Dick were on the stairs, but now both ran to their +brother's assistance, and all three pushed upon the door with all +of their strength. + +The barrier groaned and creaked and it looked as if at any +instant it would burst from its hinges. + +"Gracious, we can't hold him very long!" gasped Sam. "Can't +somebody hit the animal with a club?" + +"I reckon I can do dat!" shouted one of the hostlers, and caught +up an ax-handle which stood in one corner. As he approached the +bear, the beast uttered a roar of commingled rage and fear, and +this was so terrorizing to the colored man that he dropped the +ax-handle and ran for his very life. + +"Come back here!" cried Tom. + +"Can't do it, boss; he's gwine ter chew me up!" howled the +hostler. + +"Hold the door -- I'll hit him," put in Sam and he picked up the +ax-handle. Stepping forward, struck out heavily, and the bear +dropped in a completely dazed and more than half choked to death. + +By this time the Italian was again at hand. In one pocket he +carried a thin but strong line, in a twinkle he had tied one fore +and one leg together, so that the bear, when he got again, could +do little but hobble along. Then another pocket he drew a +leather muzzle, which he buckled over the beast's head. But bear +had had all of the ugliness knocked out him and was once more as +docile as ever. + +"Tom," whispered Dick. "I guess the best we can do is to get out +of this place. If folks discover the trick you played, they'll +mob you." + +"I guess you're right. But who'll settle our bill?" + +"I'll do that," said Sam. "They know I wasn't near the bear when +the rumpus started." + +So it was agreed, and while Tom and Dick left hotel grounds Sam +strolled into the office to pay their bill. It was some time +before the clerk came to wait on him. + +"Say, I believe, your brother started this kick-up," observed the +clerk. + +"What?" demanded Sam, in pretended astonishment. + +"I say, I think he started this kick-up." + +"What kick-up?" + +"The one with the bear, of course." + +"Why, my brothers helped to catch the beast." + +"I know that; but one of 'em started it. What do you want?" + +"I want to pay our bill. How much is it?" + +"Going to leave?" + +"Yes." + +"Think you had better, eh?" + +"We only hired our room until this noon." Sam drew himself up. +"If you want your pay you be civil." + +"Yes, but -" The clerk broke off short. "That will be six +dollars, please." + +"All right, there you are," and Sam shoved the bills over. "Now +don't say we created a muss or I'll report you to the +proprietor." + +"Yes, but see here --" + +"I've not got my glasses just now. Good-by, and -" + +"That man hasn't got his monkeys yet, and -" + +"What's that to you? Are you afraid the proprietor will put one +of 'em in here in your place?" And before the clerk could say +another word Sam ran off and joined his brothers at the river +bank. + +Soon the three reached the dock where the Spray lay undergoing +repairs. The deaf man was, just finishing his work. + +"She'll be about as good as ever," he said, in reply to Dick's +question. "She's a fine boat." + +"I guess he says that of every boat that brings him in a job," +murmured Sam. "Come on." + +He went aboard and the others followed. Dan Haskett was paid +off, the mainsail was hoisted, and once more they stood up the +river in the direction of the State capital. It was their +intention to spend two days in Albany and then return to New York +with the yacht. This would wind up their vacation, for Putnam +Hall was to open on the following Monday. + +The day proved an ideal one, but the wind was light and the yacht +scarcely moved even with the mainsail and jib set to their +fullest. This being so, the boys got out their fishing lines and +spent an hour in trolling, and succeeded in catching several +fair-sized fish. + +"We'll have to cook our own dinner," remarked Dick. "Tom, since +you did us out of our meal at the hotel I reckon you are the one +to fall in for this work." + +At this Tom cut a wry face, but still, seeing the justice of his +elder brother's remark, he went at the dinner-getting with a +will. The yacht boasted a kerosene stove, and over this he set +fish to frying and a pot of potatoes to boiling. As the river +was calm and the yacht steady the little stove worked very well. + +They were still out of sight of Albany when the midday meal was +pronounced ready. In addition to the articles already mentioned, +they had coffee, bread and butter, and what was left of a +cocoanut pie purchased the day previous. The boys were all +hearty eaters, and the food disappeared as if by magic. + +After dinner the breeze died out utterly, and Sam proposed that +they cast anchor close to shore and take a swim. The others were +willing, and soon they had disrobed and donned their bathing +trunks and were sporting in the water to their hearts' content. + +The water was somewhat colder than they had anticipated, and the +effect upon Sam was disastrous. The youngest Rover had eaten +more heartily than either of his brothers and this made him sick +at the stomach. However, as he did not wish to alarm Dick and +Tom and so spoil their fun, he said nothing about his condition. + +"Let us race each other," suggested Tom, and started off up the +shore, with Dick close beside him. Sam brought up in the rear, +but soon gave up the contest. + +"Help!" The single cry reached the ears of Tom and Dick when +they were fully a hundred feet from the Spray. Both turned just +in time to behold Sam throw up his arms and sink from view. + +"Great Caesar!" burst out Dick. "What can that mean?" + +"Maybe he is only fooling," replied Tom. + +"Yet I wouldn't think he would be so foolish." + +"I don't think Sam is fooling," said Dick seriously, and at once +struck out to where the youngest Rover had gone down. Of course +Tom went with him. + +To reach the spot was not an easy matter, and they were still +some distance away when they saw Sam come up again. Then there +was a wild circling of arms and the boy disappeared once more. + +"He is drowning!" gasped Dick hoarsely. + +"Come, we must save him, Tom!" + +"Yes, yes," was the puffing answer, for Tom was swimming as never +before, and for a brief instant he remembered that awful +adventure Sam had had at Humpback Falls, the summer previous. At +that time the youngest Rover had nearly lost his life in the +water. + +It was Dick who gained the spot first, just as Sam came up and +went down again -- totally unconscious. Diving, the elder Rover +caught his brother around the chest, under the arms. + +"Sam, Sam, what is it?" he questioned, and as no reply came back +his heart almost stopped beating. What if his brother was dead? +The agony of the thought was terrible beyond description. + +"Can I help you?" The question came from Tom, who was now at the +side of the others. + +"Catch hold of one arm, if you will," answered Dick. "He's a +dead weight." + +"Oh!" The moan came so unexpectedly that both Tom and Dick were +amazed. Then of a sudden Sam opened his eyes and clutched Dick +by the throat. "Save me!" + +Clearly the youngest Rover was out of his mind or he would not +have taken such a hold. As it was, Dick was nearly strangled and +had to unlock the fingers by sheer force. Then Sam grabbed him +again, and it looked as if both would go down to a watery grave. + +But now Tom came to the rescue. Swimming up from behind, he +caught Sam first under one arm -- and then under the other, in a +back-to-back fashion. Then he bent forward and began to tread +water, thus holding his brother's head well out of water. + +"Push us ashore, Dick!" he panted, and understanding the movement +perfectly, the elder brother did as desired. Soon all three +gained a point from which Tom could wade to the river bank with +ease. + +It was an anxious pair that bent over Sam, who rested on his back +with his eyes closed. But the youngest Rover was not allowed to +remain long in that position. Tom and Dick knew something of how +to handle a person who is nearly drowned, and they now made use +of this knowledge with all speed. Sam was rolled and hoisted up +by the ankles, and thus he got rid of a large quantity of the +water he had swallowed. + +Yet even when he came to his senses he was too weak to walk, and +Tom had to bring the Spray close to shore, and the sufferer had +to be carried on board, his brothers wading up to their waists +for that purpose. + +"The first cramp I got was in the stomach," said Sam, when he +could talk. "Then it went all over me like an electric shock, +and I felt I was going to drown. What happened after that was +like some awful dream!" And he shuddered. It was a long while +before any of them got over that adventure. + + + + + +CHAPTER VI + +AN UNEXPECTED MEETING + +As just related, the boys had brought the Spray as closely +inshore as possible. All were now in the cabin, Dick and Tom +attending to Sam's wants; and consequently no one noticed the +passage of one of the palatial steamers that make daily trips +between New York and the capital of the State. + +These steamers, in running so fast, cast out long rollers on both +sides that go tumbling shoreward one after another. The rollers +now caught the Spray and sent her dancing up and down like a +cork. + +"Hullo, we're in danger!" shouted Tom, and rushed for the deck, +with Dick almost at his heels. The anchor was dragging, and +unless pushed off the yacht would soon be pounding on the rocks, + +"I'll put up the sail!" roared Dick. "You bring up the anchor!" + +"I guess you had better pole her off," replied Tom. +Nevertheless, he did as Dick requested, working like a beaver. + +The wind was still faint, and when the mainsail was hoisted it +failed to fill. Seeing this, Dick seized a pole and Tom did the +same. They speedily found that they could not send the yacht out +any distance. But, with a pole at the bow and another at the +stern, they managed to keep her off the rocks until the rollers +began to go down. Then they shoved off with ease and moved slowly +up the river. + +"I'll tell you what, in handling a boat you have got to have your +weather eye open all the time," observed Tom. + +"Yes, and you want to have it open on all sides of you," smiled +Dick. "If you don't, you'll catch it before you are aware." + +Sam lay on one of the tiny berths with which the Spray was +provided. His face was deathly white, and, to use his own words, +he felt "as weak as a rag." + +"I'm just beginning to realize how close to death I was," he +whispered to Tom. "It was awfully good of you and Dick to do +what you did." + +"Pooh! you would do just as much for us, Sam," answered the +fun-loving brother. But, just the same, he gave Sam's hand a +tight squeeze on the quiet. + +"What was that thumping, Tom?" asked the younger brother a bit +later. + +"The rollers from a big steamer nearly put us on the rocks." + +"Gracious, more perils! Don't you think we had better give up +our outing on the water?" + +"It will come to an end in a few days, Sam. We'll make the trip +to Albany, and that will be the last of it." + +It was nightfall by the time they came up to the capital city. +Getting the necessary permission to tie up at one of the private +wharves, they locked up the cabin of the Spray and went ashore. + +"Tom Rover, as I live! And Dick and Sam, too!" + +The cry came from up the street, and soon a boy of Dick's age was +running to meet them. It was Frank Harrington, their old school +chum and room-mate of Dormitory No. 6. + +"Frank!" came from the three, and a general handshaking followed. + +"What brings you here?" asked Dick. + +"Why, don't you know, my folks moved up to Albany from New York +-- father's in the State Senate now, you know," returned Frank, +with pride. + +"Oh, that's so -- and you are a senator's son," put in Tom. "I +guess we'll have to tip our hats to you after this and call you +Mr. Harrington." + +"Stow it, Tom, and keep your jokes until school opens," +interrupted Frank. "Yes, we live here, and I thought you knew +all about it. I sent you a letter." + +"We've been away from home for several weeks," explained Dick, +and told of their outing on the water. + +"It must be jolly. My father owns a boat, but we seldom use it. +So you are going to stay in Albany over tomorrow? If that's the +case you must come up to our house. I won't hear of your going +to a hotel." + +"Will that arrangement suit your folks?" questioned Dick. + +"Oh, yes! The girls are all away -- down to Asbury Park -- and +so is mother; and father and I and the servants have the whole +mansion to ourselves. I can tell you, it's just a bit lonely at +times, and I'm real glad you came," concluded Frank. + +"If your father is a senator perhaps you can get us a pass +through the Capitol building," put in Sam. + +"You won't need a pass. I'll go with you. But, Sam, you look +sick." + +Sam's tale had to be told to Frank, who, meanwhile, led the way +to a street car. Boarding this, the boys soon reached the +Harrington mansion, located on one of Albany's finest +thoroughfares. Here they met Senator Harrington and were +speedily introduced. + +"I've heard of you before," smiled the senator. He was a +pleasant-looking man of forty-five. "Frank says the Rover boys +were the whole school -- or something like that." + +At this there was a laugh. "I guess he must have been one of the +Rovers, then," rejoined Tom; "he was just as good as any of us." +And then there was another laugh, and the newcomers felt +perfectly at home. + +There was a concert company in town, and, receiving permission +from his father to do so, Frank took his friends to see the +performance. The singing was very good; and, despite the fact +that it was still warm weather, the concert hall was packed. + +The program was a long one, and, with the numerous encores, did +not come to an end until nearly eleven o'clock. + +"That was immense," remarked Tom, when they were coming out. "I +wish I could sing like that tenor." + +"We ought to get up a quartet at the Hall," put in Frank. "I +understand they had a singing club year before last." + +"We're going to have a banjo club," said Dick. + +"Larry Colby wrote to me about it. He has a new banjo that cost +fifteen dollars, and he..." Dick broke off short as a +slouchy-looking man brushed against him. The eyes of the man and +the boy met, and then the man disappeared in the crowd as if by +magic. + +"Well, I never!" + +"What's the matter, Dick?" came from all the others. + +"Didn't you see him?" + +"See who?" + +"Buddy Girk the tramp thief, the fellow who used to train with +Dan Baxter's father." + +"What, the fellow who stole your watch and broke jail at +Rootville?" came from Tom. + +"The same." + +"Where is he now?" questioned Sara. + +"I don't know. The instant he saw me he skipped." + +"I'll wager he wasn't in the crowd for any good purpose," went on +Dick, as he remembered how he had suffered the loss of his +timepiece at Buddy Girk's hands. Dick had had a good deal of +trouble in recovering the article. + +"He ought to be pointed out to the police," put in Frank. "It's +not safe to have such men at large." + +"I wish I could collar him and make him talk about father's +affairs," grumbled Tom. + +"Why, did he know anything of your father's affairs?" exclaimed +Frank Harrington, in astonishment. + +"I think so. You see, Arnold Baxter tried to defraud my father +out of some western mining property, and this Buddy Girk was +mixed up in the affair -- how, I don't exactly know." + +"I see. By the way, Tom, have you heard anything of your father +yet?" + +"Not a word," and Tom's face grew sober. "It does beat all what +has become of him, doesn't it?" he added. + +"I should think you would want to go and hunt him up." + +"We've talked about that already, but Uncle Randolph, who is our +guardian, thinks it would prove a wild-goose chase. He says the +interior of Africa is a big place to hunt any man in." + +"He's right there. But still I would want to hunt for him, even +if I had to go into the very jungles to do it." + +"We'll go some day -- unless father turns up," put in Dick +decidedly. "If Uncle Randolph won't go, we'll go alone. But I +would like to meet this Buddy Girk," he continued, after a brief +pause. + +The boys had to walk to the corner of the block to get aboard of +a street car, and while waiting there, somewhat in the shadow, +Sam pulled Dick by the coat sleeve. + +"There he goes!" + +"Who?" + +"Buddy Girk. See him sneaking along the buildings over there?" +and the youngest Rover pointed with his hand. + +All saw the figure, and Tom at once proposed that they follow the +fellow. Frank was willing, and away they went across the street +and also into the gloom. + +Buddy Girk was making good time past a number of business +buildings which at this hour of the night were locked and barred +up and practically deserted. + +"I wonder if he saw us start to follow him?" whispered Dick, +after several blocks had been passed. + +"I don't think so. If he had, it's more than likely that he +would have legged it to get away. He -- hullo, he's going into +that alleyway!" + +As Tom spoke he pointed to an opening between two tall office +buildings. Reaching the spot they saw, at the foot of the +alleyway, a couple of tenement houses. Buddy Girk was ascending +the steps of one of the houses, and presently he disappeared +within the dark hall. + +"He must be stopping here," remarked Sam. + +"That is something worth knowing -- if we want to put the police +on his track." + +"I might have him arrested at once," suggested Dick. "He may not +be here in the morning." + +"Why don't you go and have a talk with him?" came from Frank. +"He may get scared and tell you all you want to know about that +mining business." + +"By jinks, there is something in that!" cried Dick. + +"Don't you get into trouble," warned Tom. "He may prove an ugly +customer if you corner him." + +"Let's all go in," said Sam. "He won't dare to do much with four +against him." + +The subject was discussed for a few minutes, and they resolved to +follow Sam's advice, Dick to lead the way and learn just how the +land lay. + +Then all walked down the alleyway and toward the tenement, little +dreaming of the surprise in store for them. + + + + + +CHAPTER VII + +DICK IS MADE A PRISONER + +The hallway of the tenement was pitch-dark, the door standing +open for a foot or more. From a rear room came a thin stream of +light under a door and a low murmur of voices. + +"I guess he went to the rear," whispered Dick. "You wait around +the comer till I see." + +Noiselessly he entered the hallway and walked to the door of the +rear room. Listening, he heard an Irishman and his wife talking +over some factory work the man had been promised. + +"Girk can't be there," he thought, when he heard an upper door +open. + +"Hullo, Buddy, back again!" muttered a strangely familiar voice, +and then the upper door was closed and locked. + +Wondering where he had heard that voice before, Dick came forward +again and ascended the rickety stairs. They creaked dismally, +and he fully expected to see somebody come out and demand what +was going on. But nobody came, and soon the upper hall was +gained, and he reached the door which he rightfully guessed had +just been opened and closed. + +"Yes, everything is all okay," were the first words to reach his +ears. "But I had a sweet job to find Mooney. He's cracked on +music, it seems, and had gone to a concert instead of attending +to business." + +"But he won't fail us tomorrow morning?" came in a second voice, +and now Dick recognized the speaker as Arnold Baxter, his +father's worst enemy, who had been left at the hospital in Ithaca +with a broken limb and several smashed ribs. Baxter had tackled +Dick while the two were on a moving train, and, while trying to +throw the boy off, had gotten the worst of the encounter by +tumbling off himself. + +"Arnold Baxter! is it possible!" muttered Dick to himself. "He +must have a constitution like iron to get around so soon." + +"No, Mooney won't fail us," said Buddy Girk. "I gave him a +mighty good talkin' to, I did." + +"I can't afford to have him go back on us," growled Arnold +Baxter. "I'm not well enough yet to do this job alone." + +"How does your chest feel?" + +"Oh, the ribs seem to be all right. But my leg isn't. I +shouldn't wonder but what I'll have to limp more or less for the +rest of my life." + +"That puts me in mind. Whom do you reckon I clapped eyes on down +at the concert hall tonight?" + +"I'm sure I don't know. Any of our enemies?" + +"Those three Rover boys." + +"What!" Arnold Baxter pushed back his chair in amazement. "Can +they be -- be following me?" he gasped. + +"No. I saw 'em by accident. They had been to the concert." + +"But they don't belong here. They live on a farm called Valley +Brook, near the village of Dexter's Corners." + +"They were with another boy -- a well-dressed chap. Maybe they +are paying him a visit." + +Arnold Baxter shook his head. "I don't like this. If they have +got wind of anything..." + +"But how could they get wind?" persisted Buddy Girk. + +"That would remain to be found out. You must remember, Buddy, +that they are down on me because of that row I once had with +their father over that gold mine." + +"I know it. And, by the way, I never got nothin' out of that +deal neither," growled Buddy Girk. + +"Didn't I tell you that some papers were missing? I half believe +Anderson Rover took them with him when he set out for Africa." + +"Then they are gone for good." + +"Not if he comes back, Buddy. That man is like his boys -- bound +to turn up when you least expect it. That gold mine was -- +What's that?" + +Arnold Baxter stopped short and leaped to his feet. A wrangle in +the hallway just outside of the door had interrupted him. + +"Vot vos you doin' here, hey?" came in a heavy German voice. "I +dink me you vos up to no goot, hey?" + +"Let me go!" came from Dick. "I have done no harm." + +"I dink you vos von sneak thief alretty! Stand still bis I find +owit." + +"It's Dutch Jake!" cried Buddy Girk. "He has collared somebody +in the hall. I'll see who it is." + +He threw open the door and allowed the light of a lamp to fall on +Dick and the burly man who had captured the youth. + +"Great smoke! It's one of dem Rover boys!" he cried, dropping +into his old-time manner of speech. "Wot are you doin' here?" + +"You know dot young feller?" demanded the man who had been +mentioned as Dutch Jake. + +"Yes, I do, and he's up to no good here," replied Buddy Girk. + +"Den maybe I best kick him owit kvick, hey?" + +"Yes - no -- wait a minute." Girk turned to Arnold Baxter. +"Here is that oldest Rover boy spying on us." + +"Ha! I told you they were regular rats for that sort of work," +fumed Arnold Baxter. + +"Don't let him go." + +"Why not?" + +"He may know too much. Bring him in here till I question him." + +"Not much!" burst out Dick. "Help! Help!" + +His cries carne to a sudden ending as Buddy Girk clapped a large +and somewhat dirty hand over his mouth. + +"Run him in here, Jake," said the former tramp. "He is a fellow +we have an account to settle with." + +"Is dot so? Vell, I ton't vont me no troubles," answered the +German doubtfully. + +"It's all right - he -- he stole some of our money. That's +right, in with him," and Dick was run into the room, after which +Dutch Jake retired as suddenly as he had appeared. He was an +elderly man, of a queer turn of mind, and, all by himself, +occupied a garret room of the tenement. + +As soon as the door was locked Arnold Baxter faced Dick. "Now +will you keep quiet, or shall I knock you over with this?" he +demanded, and raised a heavy cane he had grown into the habit of +carrying since he had escaped from the hospital, on the very day +that the authorities were going to transfer him to the jail at +Ithaca. + +"Don't you dare to touch me, Arnold Baxter!" cried the boy +boldly. + +"Will you keep quiet?" + + +"That depends. What do you want of me?" + +"You followed Girk to this place and were spying on us." + +"I think I had a right to follow Girk. He is wanted by the +authorities, as you know." + +"You heard us planning to do something." + +"Perhaps I did." + +"I know you did." + +"All right, then; don't ask me about it." + +"You think that you are a smart boy," growled Baxter uneasily. + +"Thank you for nothing." + +"Don't get impudent." + +"That is what old Crabtree used to say." + +"The Rovers always were too important for their own good, young +man." + +"We know how to do the fair thing by others -- and that is more +than you!" + +"Shut up; I'm in no humor to listen to your preaching." + +"Then open the door and let me go." + +"Not just yet. I want to know how much you overheard of my talk +with Buddy Girk." + +"I reckon he heard all of it," growled the fool. + +"If I was you, Baxter, I wouldn't let him go at all." + +"You would keep him a prisoner?" + +Buddy Girk nodded. + +"But we can't guard him, Buddy." + +"We won't want to guard him. Just bind him hands and feet, and +stuff a gag in his mouth, and there you are." + +"Would you leave him in this room?" + +"I don't know." Girk scratched his tangled head of hair. "No, I +wouldn't. I'll tell you where to take him." + +He finished by whispering into Arnold Baxter's ear. At once the +rascal's face brightened, and he nodded. "Just the thing!" he +muttered. + +"It will serve him right." + +"Are you going to let me go?" demanded Dick uneasily, for he saw +that the two were plotting to do him injury. + +"No," came from both. + +Without another word Dick leaped for the door. The key was in +the lock, but ere he could turn it Buddy Girk hauled him back. A +scuffle followed, which came to a sudden termination when Arnold +Baxter raised his heavy cane and struck the boy, on the back of +the head. With a million stars dancing before his eyes, poor +Dick went down completely dazed. + +Girk lost no time in following up the advantage thus gained, and +by the time Dick felt like rising he found his hands bound behind +him and a gag of knotted cloth stuffed into his mouth. Then his +feet were fastened together, and he was rolled up in an old +blanket much the worse for wear and the want of washing. + +"Now, come on, before anybody else spots us!" exclaimed Baxter. +"If you can lift him alone I'll bring the light. I'm no good on +the carry yet." + +"All right, light the way," answered Buddy Girk, and took up the +form of the boy. + +Taking up the smoky lamp, Arnold Baxter led the way out of a rear +door to a side hallway. Here two flights of stairs led to a low +and ill ventilated cellar. The underground apartment had never +been used for anything but old rubbish, and this was piled high +on all sides. + +"Here we are," said Baxter, as he paused in front of what had +once been a stone coal bin. "Dump him in there and shut the door +on him. I don't believe he'll get out in any hurry." + +Dick's form was dropped on a heap of dirty newspapers and straw. +Then Girk and Baxter left the bin. There was a heavy door to the +place, and this they closed and shoved the rusty bolt into the +socket. In a second more they were on their way upstairs again, +and Dick was left to his fate. + + + + + +CHAPTER VIII + +THE SEARCH FOR DICK + + +"Dick is taking his time, that's certain." + +The remark came from Sam, after the boys who had been left in the +alleyway had waited the best part of half an hour for the elder +Rover's reappearance. + +"Perhaps he has found something of interest," suggested Frank. + +"And perhaps he has fallen into a trap," put In Tom. "I've a +good mind to hunt him up." + +"If you go I'll go with you," said Sam. + +"I don't want to be left out here alone," said Frank. "Let us +wait a little longer." + +The best part of an hour passed, but of course nothing was seen +or heard of Dick. + +"I shan't wait any longer," began Tom, when they saw the front +door of the tenement opened and two men hurried forth. Both had +their hats pulled far down over their eyes and had their coat +collars turned up, even though the night was warm. + +"Out of sight!" cried Sam in a low voice, and they dropped down +behind the stoop of the second tenement. + +"One of those men was Buddy Girk!" ejaculated Tom, when the pair +had passed up the alleyway. + +"And don't you know who the other was?" demanded Sam. "It was +Dan Baxter's father!" + +"Impossible, Sam. Arnold Baxter is in the hospital, and -" + +"It was Dan Baxter's father, as true as I'm born, Tom. No wonder +he walked with a cane! Am I not right, Frank?" + +"I don't know, I'm sure I don't remember Dan's father. But that +was Buddy Girk, beyond a doubt." + +All of the boys were considerably excited and wondered if it +would be best to follow up the vanishing pair. + +"I'd do it if I was certain Dick was safe!" cried Tom. "I'm +going to hunt for him," he added, and before the others could +stop him he entered the tenement. He stumbled around the lower +hallway for several minutes and then called out softly: + +"Dick! Dick! Where are you?" + +No answer came back, and he continued his search. Then, lighting +a match, he mounted the rickety stairs and called out again. + +"Phat are ye a-raisin' such a row about?" demanded an Irish voice +suddenly, and a front room door was thrown open. "Can't ye let a +dasent family slape?" + +"I'm looking for my brother," replied Tom. "Sorry to disturb +you. Have you seen anything of him?" + +"Sure an' I don't know yer brother from the side av sole leather, +Vy. Go 'long an' let me an' me family slape," replied the +Irishman. + +"I've got to find my brother, sir. I'm afraid he has met with +foul play. He came to see the men who just went out." + +"Oh, is that so now? Foul play, is it? I thought them newcomers +was up to no good. I heard 'em carryin' on in their room a while +ago." + +"Which room is it, please?" + +"There ye are -- the wan on the lift. Is the dure open?" + +Tom tried the door. "No, it's locked -- the two men just went +out." He raised his voice. "Dick! Where are you? Dick!" + +"If yez call like that yez will have the wholt tiniment aroused," +said the Irishman. "An' it's' a bad crowd on the nixt flure, I +kin tell ye that." + +"I can't help it -- I am bound to find my, brother," replied Tom +desperately. + +Disappearing for a moment, the Irishman came out half dressed and +with a lighted candle in his hand. By this time Sam and Frank +had followed Tom to the upper floor. Soon several men and women +put in an appearance, including Dutch Jake. + +"Who vos dot poy you vos look for?" asked the aged German. "Vos +he der von vot was standin' by dis door apout an hour ago?" + +"I guess so," said Tom. + +"Dem mans vot got dis room open der door und took him inside." + +"Took him inside!" burst out Sam and Tom simultaneously. + +"Yah," replied Dutch Jake, but failed to add that he had had +anything to do with the capture. + +"Von of dem say dot poy vos stole some money alretty." + +"It was a cock-and-bull story to make him a prisoner," said Tom. +"I'm going to find him if I can," and he threw himself on the +door with all of his strength. + +At first the barrier refused to budge, but when Sam and Frank +also pushed, it gave way with a bang, hurling the trio to the +floor inside. + +By this time the excitement had been communicated to the next +tenement in which lived Caleb Yates, the landlord of the two +buildings. Yates, a sour-minded old man, lost no time dressing +and coming over, armed with a nightstick. + +"What does this disturbance mean?" he demanded in a high-pitched +voice. "Who broke this door in?" + +"We did," replied Tom boldly. "We want to find my brother," and +he related how Dick had disappeared. + +"I know nothing of your trouble with my tenants," said Caleb +Yates. "But I won't have my property destroyed." + +"I'm going to find my brother if I have to turn the house upside +down." + +"And I am going to find him, too," put in Sam. + +"Do you know that the men who have this room are thieves, and +that one of them broke jail at Rootville?" + +"I don't believe your yam, boy -- Ahey looked like very +respectable gentlemen, both of them. You had better go about +your business -- after you have paid me for breaking down the +door. You shan't ransack their property." + +"If you stop us, I'll call in the police and have you arrested," +came promptly from Tom. + +This threat nearly took away Caleb Yates' breath. "Arrested!" he +gasped. + +"Yes, arrested. My brother came in here, and is missing. Those +two men are our enemies. If you want to keep out of trouble you +will help us to hunt up my brother." + +"That is just what you had better do, sir," added Frank + +"And who are you?" demanded the irate landlord. + +"I am Frank Harrington, son of Senator Harrington." + +At this unexpected announcement the jaw of the landlord dropped +perceptibly. "Why - er -- I didn't know you were Senator +Harrington's son," he stammered. + +"I think if you wish to keep out of trouble you had best aid us +all you can. The young man we are after came in here a short +while ago and has utterly disappeared. I am afraid he has met +with foul play." + +"But Mr. Arson and Mr. Noble are gone." + +"Is that the names they were known under?" + +"Yes." + +"Their right names are Girk and Baxter. They left the building +just before we came up." + +"What was your brother doing here?" asked Caleb Yates in a calmer +tone. + +"He was not my brother, but my warmest friend. He was tracking +the short man, the fellow whose name is Girk. Girk once robbed +him of his watch." + +"I see. And you are sure of your men? If you are, search away, +for I want no shady characters in these houses." + +The search began immediately, several of the inmates of the +tenements taking part. Everything in the room Girk and Baxter +had occupied was turned topsy-turvy, but no trace of Dick was +brought to light until Tom looked under the table. + +"Here's his pocket-knife!" he cried, and held the article up. +"This proves that he came in here beyond a doubt." + +"Yes; but where is, he now?" put in Sam. + +"They couldn't have spirited him away." + +"He can't be far off," said Frank. + +Again was the search renewed. The men had had one large room and +one small apartment, where were located a dilapidated bed and a +small writing table. On the table lay some writing material and +several scraps of paper, but they were of no value. + +The search through the rooms and hallways of the tenement lasted +fully an hour. By this time the tenants who had gathered began +to grow sleepy again, and one after another went back to their +apartments. + +"I don't think you are going to find anything," remarked Caleb +Yates. "To my way of thinking, that boy must have followed the +two men when they left." + +"He couldn't do that without our seeing him," said Sam. + +"And why not? Here's a back door, remember, and it's pretty dark +outside." + +"That may be so," returned Tom, shaking his curly head in +perplexity. "It's too bad we didn't follow Girk and Baxter up -- +at least as far as the street." + +"Perhaps Dick is at our house waiting for us to come back," put +in Frank. "Let us go home and see. We can come back early in +the morning." He looked at his watch. "Do you know that it is +after two o'clock? I'm afraid my father will worry about me." + +They talked the matter over and decided to return to Frank's home +without further delay. + +It was a silent trio that walked the streets, which were now +practically deserted. Tom and Sam were much worried and Frank +hardly less so, for the senator's son and Dick had been warm +friends for years. + +When they reached the mansion they found Senator Harrington +pacing the library nervously. + +"Well, here you are at last!" he cried. "I was wondering what +had become of you." + +He listened to their tale with close attention. + +"No, Dick has not come in," he said, "at least, I think not. +Run up to the bedrooms, Frank, and see." + +Frank did as requested, and soon returned. + +"No, he isn't about," he said disappointedly, + +"It's mighty queer what became of him." + + + + + +CHAPTER IX + +A LOSS OF IMPORTANCE + + +Half stunned Dick lay for a long time on the newspapers and musty +straw in the disused coal bin of the tenement cellar. + +"This is what I call tough luck," he muttered to himself, and +tried to force the somewhat loose gag from his mouth. But it +would not come. + +As soon as he felt strong enough he began to work on the rope +which bound his hands together. But the rascals who had placed +him in the cellar had done their work well, and the cord refused +to budge. + +With difficulty he managed to stand erect. The bin was not only +pitch-dark, but full of cobwebs and the latter brushed over his +face whenever he moved. Then a spider crawled on his neck, +greatly adding to his discomfort. + +Hour after hour went by, and poor Dick was wondering what the end +of the adventure would be when he heard a footstep overhead and +then came the indistinct murmur of voice. + +"Somebody is in the room overhead," he thought, and tried to make +himself heard. But before he could do this the footsteps moved +off and he heard the slamming of a door. Then all became as +quiet as before. + +An hour more went by, and the youth began to grow desperate. He +was thirsty and his mouth and nose were filled with dust and +dirt, rendering him far from comfortable. + +In moving around his foot came in contact with an empty tomato +can and this gave him an idea. He knelt down, and with the can +between his heels, tried to saw apart the rope which bound his +hands behind him. + +The position was an awkward one and the job long and tiring, but +at last the rope gave way and he found his hands free. He lost +no further time in ridding himself of the gag and the rope which +bound his feet. + +He was now free so far as his bodily movements went, but he soon +discovered that the coal bin was without any opening but a long, +narrow Chute covered with an iron plate, and that the heavy door +was securely bolted. With all force he threw himself against the +door, but it refused to budge. + +Presently he remembered that he had several loose matches in his +vest pocket, and, taking out one of these, he lit it and then set +fire to a thick shaving that was handy and which, being damp, +burnt slowly. + +"Hullo, here's something of a trap-door!" he exclaimed, as he +gazed at the flooring above head. "I wonder if I can get out +that way?" + +He dropped the lighted shaving in a safe spot and put up his +hands. The cut-out spot in the flooring went up with ease and +Dick saw a fairly well furnished room beyond. Through one of the +windows of the room he saw that daybreak was at hand. + +"Great Caesar! I've been down here all night!" he ejaculated, +and, putting out the light, leaped up and drew himself through +the opening. Once in the room he put the trap down again and +rearranged the rag carpet he had shoved out of place. + +The door to the room was locked, so the boy hurried to the +window. Throwing open the blinds, he was about to leap out into +the tenement alley when a woman suddenly confronted him. She was +tall and heavy and had a red, disagreeable face. + +"What are you doing in my rooms, young fellow?" she demanded. + +"I'm trying to get out of this house!" + +"What are you -- a thief?" + +"No. I was locked up in the cellar by a couple of bad men and +got out by coming through a trapdoor in your floor." + +"A likely story!" sneered the woman, who had been away during the +night and had heard nothing of the search for Dick. "You look +like a sneak-thief. Anyway, you haven't any right in my rooms." + +She came closer, and, as Dick leaped to the ground, clutched him +by the arm. + +"Let me go, madam." + +"I won't. I'm going to hand you over to the police." + +"I don't think you will!" retorted Dick, and with a twist he +wrenched himself loose and started off on a run. The woman +attempted to follow him, but soon gave up the chase. + +Dick did not stop running until he was several blocks away. Then +he dropped into a walk and looked about to see, if his brothers +or Frank were anywhere in sight. + +"I suppose they couldn't make it out and went home," he mused. +"I had, better get to Frank's house without delay." + +Dick was still a block away from Senator Harrington's residence +when he espied Tom, Sam, and Frank coming toward him. + +"My gracious, where have you been?" burst out Tom, as he rushed +forward. "You look as if you'd been rolling around a dirty +cellar." + +"And that is just about what I have been doing," answered Dick +with a sickly laugh. "Do you know anything of Buddy Girk?" he +added quickly. + +"He ran away from the tenement, and Arnold Baxter was with him," +replied Sam. + +"Did you follow them?" + +"No; we tried to find out what had become of you." + +Each had to tell his story, and then Dick was led into the house. +He lost no time in brushing up and washing himself, and by that +time breakfast was ready in the dining room. + +"It's a curious adventure, truly," said Senator Harrington, as he +sat down with the boys. "I am glad you got out of it so well. +The next time you see anything of those rascals you had better +lose no time in informing the police." + +The senator was one of that class of busy men who eat breakfast +and read their morning newspaper at the same time. Having +listened to what Dick had to say, he unfolded his paper and +propped it up against a fruit dish before him. + +"Excuse me, but I am in a hurry," he remarked apologetically. "I +want to catch a train for New York at eight-thirty-five, and -- +hullo, what's this! Rush & Wilder, Brokers and Bankers, Robbed! +Thieves enter the office and loot the safe! This is news +certainly." + +"Rush & Wilder!" cried Frank. "Is that the firm you do business +with?" + +"Yes, Frank. They have lost over sixty-five thousand dollars, +besides a lot of unregistered bonds. That's a big loss." + +"Will you suffer?" + +"I don't know but what I shall. I'll have to let that trip to +New York go and look into this." And Senator Harrington settled +back to read the account of the robbery in full. + +"They haven't any trace of the thieves, have they?" asked Tom. + +"No. It says a rear window was broken open and the iron bars +unscrewed. The safe door was found closed but unlocked." + +"Then the thieves had the combination," put in Sam. + +"More than likely." + +"I wonder if Baxter and Girk committed that crime?" came from +Dick. "I think they would be equal to it. They were up to some +game." + +"It might be," returned Senator Harrington, with interest. "But +how would those men obtain the combination of Rush & Wilder's +safe?" + +"I'm sure I don't know, but -- yes, they mentioned a man named +Mooney who was to assist them. Perhaps he is known around the +bankers' offices." + +"We can soon find out. What were you boys going to do this +morning?" + +"I was going back to the tenements to see if I couldn't have +Baxter and Girk arrested," said Dick. + +"If they learn you have escaped, they will probably clear out." + +"I suppose that's so. But I might go down and see." + +"Yes, I'd do that. Later on you can come over to Rush & Wilder's +offices." + +This was agreed to, and as soon as breakfast was over Dick and +the other boys hurried off to where Yates' tenements were +located. + +Caleb Yates was on hand, and all visited the apartment Baxter and +Buddy Girk had occupied. It was found that the men had not +returned, and it did not look as if they intended to come back. + +"They have skipped for good, take my word on it," muttered Tom, +and the others agreed with him. + +Thinking it would be useless to remain around the alleyway any +longer, the four boys left the vicinity, and, boarding a street +car, made their way to the thoroughfare upon which were located +the offices of the bankers and brokers who had been robbed. + +A crowd was collected about the place and two policemen were +keeping those outside in check. + +"I want my money!" one old man was shouting. "This is a game of +Charley Rush to do us out of our cash. I don't believe the +office was robbed at all." + +"You keep quiet, or I'll run you in," replied, one of the +policemen, and the old man lost no time in slinking out of sight. + +"Can we go in?" asked Frank, and told who he was. + +"I'll send in word and see," answered the policeman at the door. + +"Oh, Frank!" came from the main office, and Senator Harrington +beckoned to his son; and all four of the boys went in. + +They found half a dozen men present, including the members of the +firm, a detective, and the bookkeeper, a young man named +Fredericks. + +"You are the only one who had the combination besides ourselves, +Fredericks," Charles Rush was saying to the bookkeeper. "I hate +to suspect you, but -" + +"Mr. Rush, you can't think I took that money and those +securities!" gasped the bookkeeper, and fell back as if about to +faint. + +"I don't know what to think." + +"I can give you my word I was not near the offices from four +o'clock yesterday afternoon until I came this morning, after +you." + +"Have you spoken of the safe combination to anybody?" + +"No, sir." + +"Did you put the combination down in writing?" asked Mr. Wilder. + +"No, I never did anything of that sort. The combination was an +unusually easy one, as you know." + +"Yes, far too easy for our good," groaned Mr. Rush. Then he +gazed at the four boys curiously. + +"What brought you here?" he asked. + +"We thought we might know something of this affair," said Dick, +and told his story. + +"There may be something in that," said the detective. +"Especially if those men fail to turn up at that tenement again." + +"Did you mention a man named Mooney?" cried Fredericks. + +"I did." + +"Do you know this Mooney?" put in Mr. Wilder to the bookkeeper. + +"Subrug, the janitor, has a brother-in-law named Mooney -- a wild +kind of a chap who used to hang around more or less." + +"We'll call Subrug in and find out where this Mooney is now," +said Charles Rush. + +The janitor proved to be a very nervous old man. "I don't know +where Mooney is," he said. "He's been a constant worry to me. +He used to borrow money, but lately I wouldn't give him any more, +and so he stopped coming around." + +"Was he ever in here?" + +The janitor thought for a moment. "I think he was, sir -- about +a month ago. He started to help me clean the windows, but he was +too clumsy and I made him give it up." + +"I remember him!" cried the bookkeeper. "He was at the window, +Mr. Rush, while you were at the safe. He must have watched you +work the combination." + + + + + +CHAPTER X + +TOM, SAM, AND FARMER FOX + + +For an instant there was a dead silence in the bankers' offices. +Charles Rush looked blankly at his bookkeeper. + +"I believe Fredericks is right," said Mr. Wilder, the first to +break the awkward pause. "I remember the fellow very well. I +thought at the time that he was watching Mr. Rush rather +closely." + +"You had no business to bring in a man that was not to be +trusted," growled Charles Rush, turning to the janitor. + +"Do you think he stole the stuff?" ejaculated Subrug. "Sure +Mooney wasn't smart enough for such a game." + +"Perhaps not, but he got others to help him," said Dick. "He got +Buddy Girk and Arnold Baxter, I feel positive of it." + +"The whole thing fits together pretty well," said the detective. +"If only we, can lay hands on these men the boy mentions, we'll +be all right." + +A long conversation followed, and then Dick and the others went +to the police station. + +The rooms at Yates' tenement were thoroughly searched once more, +and a watch was set for Girk and Arnold Baxter. + +But the rascals had flown and the watch proved useless. + +In the meantime two detectives tried to trace what had become of +Mooney, but this work also amounted to nothing, and it may be as +well to add here that Mooney was never heard of again, having +sailed for South America. + +Upon an accounting it was learned that Rush & Wilder were by no +means in a good financial condition and that Senator Harrington +would lose a good sum of money should they fail. + +"I'd give a thousand dollars to collar those thieves," said the +senator dismally. + +"If Arnold Baxter and Girk got that money they'll live in high +clover for a while," remarked Dick, when the excitement was over +and they had returned to Frank's home. "My! what a villain +that Baxter is proving to be! No wonder Dan was bad! It must +run in the blood." + +The robbery kept the boys in Albany several days, and this being +so, it was decided to abandon the trip on the river to New York. + +"I'll send the Spray down by somebody," said Dick, "and then we +can take a train from here direct to Oak Run," and so it was +arranged. + +The trip to Oak Run proved to be uneventful. And at the railroad +station they were met by Jack Ness, the Rovers' hired man, who +had driven over with the carryall to take them home. + +"Glad to see you all looking so well," grinned the hired man. +"Getting fat as butter, Master Tom." + +"Thanks, Jack, I'm feeling fine. Any news?" + +"No, sir, none exceptin' that your uncle has had a row with Joel +Fox, who has the farm next to ours." + +"What was the row about?" questioned Dick. + +"All about some fruit, sir. We had a tree hangin' over Fox's +fence -- finest pear tree on the place, that was. Fox strips the +tree at night, sir -- saw him with my own eyes." + +"Oh, what cheek!" burst out Sam. "What did uncle do?" + +"Tried to talk to him, and Fox told him to mind his own business, +that he could have what fruit hung over his fence. So he could, +but not half of it hung that way, and he took every blessed +pear." + +"Fox always was a mean man," murmured Tom. "I'd like to square +accounts with him before I go back to Putnam Hall." + +"I reckoned as how you might be up to something like that," said +Ness, with another grin. "But you want to be careful. Only +yesterday Fox shot off his gun at some boys who were after his +apples." + +"Did he hit the boys?" + +"I don't think he did." + +"Who were they?" + +"I don't know. And I reckon he don't either." + +"Humph!" Tom mused for a moment. + +"I'd like to scare the mean fellow by making him think one of the +boys was killed." + +"That's an idea!" cried Sam, and winked at his brother. "Let's +do it!" + +They were soon bowling over Swift River and along the road +leading to Valley Brook farm. At the farmhouse their Uncle +Randolph and Aunt Martha stood in the dooryard to greet them. + +"Back again, safe and sound!" cried Randolph Rover. "I suppose +you feel like regular sailors." + +"Well, we do feel a little that way," laughed Sam, and returned +the warm kiss his aunt bestowed upon him. "It's nice to be home +once more." + +"Would you rather stay here than go back to Putnam Hall?" asked +his aunt quickly. + +"Oh, no, I can't say that, Aunt Marth. But it's awfully nice +here, nevertheless." + +A hot supper was awaiting them, and while they ate they told of +all that had happened since they had been away. Randolph Rover +shuddered over the way Dick had been treated. + +"Be careful, my boy," he said. "Remember, even your father could +not bring this Arnold Baxter to justice. He is evidently a +thorough-paced scoundrel, and his companion is probably just as +bad." + +"And how goes the scientific farming, Uncle Randolph?" asked Tom, +who knew how to touch his uncle in the right spot. + +"Splendidly, my boy, splendidly! I am now working on a new +rotation of crops. It will, I am certain, prove a revelation to +the entire agricultural world." + +"Did you make much money this season?" asked Sam dryly. + +"Well -- er -- no; in fact, we ran a little behind. But we will +do finely next year -- I am certain of it. I will have some +strawberries and celery which shall astonish our State +agricultural committee," answered Randolph Rover. He was always +enthusiastic, in spite of almost constant failure. Thus far his +hobby had netted him a loss of several thousand dollars. + +It was Friday, and Saturday was to be given over to packing up +for school. Yet on Saturday morning Tom managed to call Sam +aside. + +"We'll go over to Fox's," said he. "Are you ready?" + +"I am, Tom," answered the younger brother. "And be sure and pile +it on." + +"Trust me for that," and Tom winked in a fashion that set Sam to +roaring. + +They found Joel Fox at work along the roadside, mending a part of +a stone wall which had tumbled down. Fox was a Yankee, and +miserly and sour to the very core. + +"Well, what do you want?" he demanded, as the boys came to a halt +in front of him. + +"Why, Mr. Fox, I thought you had skipped out!" cried Tom in +pretended surprise. + +"Skipped out?" + +"Yes." + +"Why should I skip out, boy?" + +"On account of Harry Smith." + +"Harry Smith? Who is he?" + +"Harry Smith of Oak Run -- the boy who was shot the other day. +Didn't you hear he was dead?" + +At these words Joel Fox dropped the tools he was using and turned +pale. + +"Is - er -- is the boy-- er-" He could not finish. + +"It was a wicked thing to do," put in Sam. "Any man that would +shoot a boy ought to be lynched." + +"Perhaps that crowd of men were coming up here," went on Tom. +"Didn't they have a rope with them?" + +"To be sure they had a rope, Tom. And one of 'em said something +about hanging." + +"What crowd are you talking about?" stammered Joel Fox, growing +paler and paler. + +"The crowd at the depot. Did you shoot him, Mr. Fox? I can't +hardly believe it true, although I know you were mean enough to +take my uncle's pears." + +"I - er -- the pears were on my property. I er -- I didn't shoot +at any boy. I - er -- I shot at some crows in my cornfield," +stammered Joel Fox. "Did you say a crowd of men were coming over +here with a rope?" + +"You'll see fast enough, you bad man!" cried Tom, and ran off, +followed by Sam. In vain Fox tried to call them back. + +The boys went as far as a turn in the road, then hid behind some +bushes. Soon they saw Fox pick up his tools and make for his +barn. Then he came out and hurried for his house. + +"I guess he's pretty well rattled," laughed Tom. "Won't he be +mad when he learns how he has been fooled!" + +They waited for a while, but as Fox did not reappear they hurried +back home by another road, that the man might not see them. + +Tom was right when he said that the miserly old farmer was +"rattled," as it is commonly called. + +All day long the coward remained in the house, as nervous as a +cat and afraid that a crowd of men would appear at any minute to +lynch him. + +His wife did not know what to make of such actions and finally +demanded an explanation, and when it was not forthcoming +threatened him with the broom, which she had used as a weapon of +offense several times previously. + +"They say he's dead!" finally burst out Joel. "They are goin' +ter lynch me for it. Hide me, Mandy, hide me!" + +"Who is dead, Joel Fox?" + +"The boy I shot at fer stealin' them apples. Oh, they'll lynch +me; I feel it in my bones!" groaned the old man. + +"Who was it?" + +"Harry Smith of Oak Run." + +"And he is dead?" + +"So they say. But I didn't calkerlate I hit him at all," whined +Joel. + +"No more you did, for I saw him run away, and he went clear out +o' sight up the road. Who told you this?" demanded Mrs. Fox. + +"Those Rover boys, Tom an' Sam." + +"Those young imps! Joel, they are fooling you." + +"Do you really think so, Mandy?" asked the man hopefully. + +"I do. If I was you I'd go over to Oak Run and find out." + +'No, no -- if it's true they'll lynch me, I know they will!" + +"Then I'll go over. I know Mrs. Smith. If he's dead there will +be crape on the door an' I won't go in," concluded Mrs. Fox. + +And getting out a horse and buckboard, she drove over to Oak Run +and to the Smiths' place. She found no crape on the door. Harry +Smith sat on the porch, his arm in a sling. Plucking up courage +she drew rein, dismounted, and walked up to the boy, who was one +of the Rover brothers friends. + +"How is your arm, Harry?" she began softly. + +"It's pretty fair," answered the boy politely. "Won't you come +in, Mrs. Fox?" + +"Well, I guess not. Harry, I'm sorry for this." + +"So am I sorry, Mrs. Fox." + +"I didn't think you would do it. Why didn't you come up to the +house an' ask for them apples?" + +The boy looked puzzled, for the simple reason that he was +puzzled. "I don't understand you. What apples?" + +"The ones you tried to steal." + +"I didn't try to steal any apples, Mrs. Fox. What makes you +think that?" + +"Didn't you try to git in our orchard when Joel fired on you?" +cried Mrs. Fox. + +"Why, I haven't been anywhere near your orchard!" + +"So?" Mrs. Fox looked bewildered. "Then -- then how did you get +hurt?" she faltered. + +"Why, Mr. Wicks and I were cleaning out pa's old shotgun when it +went off accidentally, and I got a couple of the shot in my +forearm," answered Harry Smith promptly. + +The answer took away Mrs. Fox's breath. + +"Drat them boys -- I knowed it!" she muttered, and drove away +without another word. Harry Smith was much puzzled, but letters +which soon after passed between him and Tom cleared up the +mystery. + +But the boys never heard of how Joel Fox fired when his wife got +home. The lady arrived "as mad as a hornet," to use a popular +saying. "You're the worst old fool ever was, Joel Fox!" were her +first words, and a bitter quarrel followed that ended only when +the man was driven out of the house with the ever-trustworthy +broom. Joe Fox wanted to go over to the Rover farm, to have it +out with Tom and Sam, but somehow he could not pluck up the +courage to make the move. + + + + + +CHAPTER XI + +FUN AT PUTNAM HALL + + +"Back to Putnam Hall at last!" + +"Yes, boys, back at last! Hurrah for the dear old school, and +all the boys in it!" + +Peleg Snuggers, the general utility man of the Hall, had just +brought the boys up from Cedarville, to which place they had +journeyed from Ithaca on the regular afternoon boat running up +Cayuga Lake. With the Rovers had come Fred Garrison, Larry +Colby, and several others of their old school chums. + +(For the doings of the Putnam Hall students previous to the +arrival at that institution of the Rover boys, see The Putnam +Hall Series, the first volume of which is entitled, "The Putnam +Hall Cadets." -- PUBLISHERS) + +"Glad to welcome you back, boys!" exclaimed Captain Victor +Putnam, a pleasant smile on his face. He shook hands all around. +"Did you have a nice trip?" + +"Splendid, sir," said Tom. "Oh, how do you do, Mr. Strong?" and +he ran to meet the head teacher. He could not help but think of +how different things were now to when he had first arrived at +Putnam Hall the year previous, and Josiah Crabtree had locked him +up in the guardroom for exploding a big firecracker in honor of +the occasion. + +"Well, Thomas, I hope you have left all your pranks behind," +observed George Strong. "How about it?" And his eyes twinkled. + +"Oh, I'm going in for study this session," answered Tom demurely. +And then he winked at Larry on the sly. But his words did not +deceive George Strong, who understood only too well Tom's +propensity for mischief. + +It was the first day of the term, but as the cadets kept on +arriving with every train and boat, no lessons were given out, +and the boys were allowed to do pretty much as they pleased. +They visited every nook and corner, including the classrooms, the +dormitories, the stables, and the gymnasium and boathouse, and +nearly bothered the life out of Peleg Snuggers, Mrs. Green, the +housekeeper, and Alexander Pop, the colored waiter of the mess +hall. + +"Hullo, Aleck!" cried Tom rushing up and grabbing the colored man +by the hand. "How are you -- pretty well? I'm first-rate, +never was better in my life!" And he gave the hand a hard +squeeze. + +"Stop, wot yo' up to, Massah Rober!" roared the waiter, leaping +off his feet. "Wot yo' got in yo' hand?" + +"Why, nothing, Aleck, my boy. Yes, I'm feeling fine. I've +gained fifteen pounds, and -" + +"Yo' lemme go, sah-yo' is stickin' pins in my hand!" howled Pop. +"Oh, deah, now de term's dun begun we'll all be dead wid dat +boy's tricks!" he moaned, as Tom ran off, throwing away several +tiny tacks as he did so. + +"So you've come back, have you?" observed Mrs. Green, as Tom +stopped at the kitchen door. "Well, just you mind your P's and +Q's, or there will be trouble, I can tell you that, Tom Rover." + +"Why, we never had any trouble, Mrs. Green," he said soberly. +"Did we?" + +"Oh, of course not! But who stole that can of peaches right +after the Christmas holidays, and who locked one of the cows in +the back hall and nearly scared the washwoman to death? Oh, +dear, you never did anything, never!" And Mrs. Green shook her +head warningly. + +"Do you mean to say I would take a can of peaches, Mrs. Green?" +asked Tom, and then his face fell. "Oh, dear, you always did put +me down as the worst boy in the school, when I do my very best," +and, almost sobbing, Torn put his face up against his coat +sleeve. Mrs. Green was very tender-hearted in, spite of her +somewhat free tongue, and she was all sympathy immediately. + +"There, there, Tom, I didn't mean to hurt your feelings," she +said soothingly. "I -- I was only fooling. Will you have a +piece of hot mince pie? It's just out of the oven." + +"I - I don't know!" sobbed Tom. "You treat me so awful meanly!" + +"I didn't mean it -- really I didn't. Come, sit down and have +the pie, that'sa good boy. I'm glad you are back, and you are +better than lots of the other cadets, so there!" And Tom slid +into a seat and devoured the generous slice of pie dealt out to +him with keen relish. + +"It's really like home," he murmured presently. + +'Mrs. Green, when you die, they ought to erect an awfully big +monument over your grave." + +"But I'm not dying just yet, Tom -- pray don't speak of it." + +"By the way, my aunt was dyeing when I left home," went on the +boy, as he moved toward the door. + +"Indeed. Didn't you hate to leave her?" + +"Not at all. She didn't seem to mind it." + +"What was her trouble, Tom -- consumption?" + +"No, she had an old brown dress that had faded out green and she +was dyeing it black," was the soft answer, and then Tom ran for +his life. Mrs. Green did not speak to him for almost a week +after that. And yet with it all she couldn't help but like the +boy. + +Of course Peleg Snuggers came in for his full share of attention, +and the utility man had all sorts of jokes played on him until he +was almost in despair. + +"Don't, young gents, don't!" he would plead. "Oh, my! An' to +think the term's just begun!" And he mopped his brow with his +red bandanna handkerchief. + +"Peleg, you are getting handsomer every day," remarked Sam. +"It's a wonder you don't go into the beauty show in New York." + +"Wot kind of a joke is that, Master Rover?" + +"Oh, it's no joke. You are handsome. Won't you let me take your +photograph?" + +"Have you got a camera?" + +"To be sure. Here it is." Sam drew a tiny box from his pocket. + +"Now stand still and I'll take a snap shot." + +Snuggers had wanted to have his picture taken for some time, to +send to a certain girl in Cedarville in whom he was much +interested. To have a photograph taken for nothing tickled him +greatly. + +"Wait till I brush up a bit," he said, and got out a pocket comb, +with which he adjusted his hair and his stubby mustache. + +"Now stand straight and look happy!" cried Sam as a crowd +collected around. "Raise you right hand to your breast, just as +all statesmen do. Up with your chin -- don't drop your left eye +-- close your mouth. Now then, don't budge on your life!" + +Peleg Snuggers stood like a statue, his chin well up in the air +and his eyes set into a steady stare. Sam elevated the tiny box +and kept the man standing for fully half a minute, while the boys +behind Snuggers could scarcely keep from roaring. + +"There you are," said Sam at last. "Now wait a minute and the +picture will be finished." + +"Don't you have to print 'em in the sun?" asked Snuggers. + +"No, this is a new patented process." Sam drew a square of tin +from the box. "There you are, Peleg, and all for nothing." + +"I don't see any picture," growled Snuggers, looking at the +square blankly. + +"You must breathe on it, Peleg; then the picture will come out +beautifully. It's a little fresh yet." + +Peleg Snuggers breathed on the square of tin as directed, and +then there slowly came to view the picture of a donkey's head! +The boys gathered around set up a shout. + +"Hurrah, Peleg, what a fine picture!" + +"You've changed a little in your looks, Peleg, since you had the +last taken, eh?" + +"Your girl will fall in love with that picture, Peleg, I'm +certain of it." + +"Sam Rover, I'll git square, see if I don't!" roared the utility +man, as he dashed the square of tin to the ground. "I knowed you +was goin' to play a joke on me." And he started to walk off. + +"Why, what's the matter?" demanded Sam innocently. "Isn't it a +good picture?' + +"I'll picture you!" + +"I thought I was doing my best." + +"Show me off for a donkey! If it wasn't against the rules I'd -- +I'd wollop you!" + +"A donkey! Oh, Peleg, I did nothing of the kind! Here is your +picture, on my word of honor." + +"It's a donkey's head, I say." + +"And I say it's your picture. I'll leave it to anybody in the +crowd." + +"I guess I know a donkey's head when I see it, Master Rover. I +didn't expect no such joke from you, though your brother Tom +might have played it." + +"Boys, isn't this a good picture?" demanded Sam, showing up the +other side of the tin square. + +"Why, splendid!" came from the crowd. + +"Peleg, there is some mistake here." + +"Oh, you can't joke me no more!" returned the utility man. + +"But just look!" pleaded Sam. "Isn't that a good picture of you? +If you don't say so yourself I'll give you five dollars." + +He handed the tin over again, this time with the opposite side +toward Snuggers. He had just breathed on it heavily. + +"Now blow on it," he continued, and Snuggers did as directed. +The moisture cleared away, revealing the face of the utility man +in a bit of looking-glass! + +"Oh, you're tremendously smart, you are!" muttered Snuggers, and +walked off. But he was not half as angry as he had been a few +minutes before. + + + + + +CHAPTER XII + +DICK VISITS DORA STANHOPE + + +"Battalion, fall in. Attention! Carry arms!" + +It was several days later, and the cadets were out for their +first parade around the grounds. Dick still retained his +position as second lieutenant of Company A, having been +re-elected the term previous. Tom was first sergeant of Company +B, while Sam was still "a high private in the rear rank," as the +saying goes. + +The day was an ideal one in the early autumn, and Captain Putnam +and George Strong were both on hand to watch the drilling. Major +Bart Conners had graduated the year before, and his place was now +filled by Harry Blossom, formerly captain of Company A. + +"Shoulder arms!" came the next order. "Battalion, forward +march!" + +Tap! tap! tap, tap, tap! went the drums, and then the bass drum +joined in, and the two companies moved off. Soon the fifers +struck up a lively air, and away went the cadets, down the road, +around grounds, and to the mess hall for supper. + +The boys felt good to be in the ranks once more, and Captain +Putnam congratulated them on their soldierly appearance. + +"It does me good to see that you have not forgotten your former +instructions in drilling and marching," he said. "I trust that +during the present term we shall see even better results, so that +the work done here may compare favorably with that done at West +Point." + +The school had now begun to settle down, and inside of a few days +everything was working smoothly. + +"What a difference it makes to have Dan Baxter and Mumps absent!" +observed Tom to Dick. "We don't have any of the old-fashion rows +any more." + +"I'd like to know what Mumps and Josiah Crabtree were up to," put +in the elder Rover. "It's queer we didn't hear any more of them. +I'm going to get off soon and try and see Dora Stanhope. Perhaps +she knows what Crabtree is doing." + +On that day Frank Harrington received a letter from his father, +in which the senator stated that nothing more had been heard of +the men who had looted Rush & Wilder's safe. "I fancy they have +left the State, if not the country," was Mr. Harrington's +comment. + +The three Rover boys got off the next day and took a walk past +the cottages where resided the Lanings and the Stanhopes. At the +Lanings' place Nellie and Grace came out to greet them. + +"So you are back!" cried Nellie, blushing sweetly. "Father said +you were. He saw you come in at Cedarville." + +"Yes, back again, and glad to meet you," answered Tom, and gave +the girl's hand a tight squeeze, while Sam and Dick also shook +hands with both girls. + +"And how do you feel?" asked Grace of Dick. "Wasn't that +dreadful the way Mr. Baxter treated you on that train?" + +"Well, he got the worst of it," answered Dick. + +"Oh, I know that! And now they suspect him of a robbery in +Albany. Papa was reading it in one of the Ithaca papers." + +"Yes, and I guess he's guilty, Grace. But tell me, does Josiah +Crabtree worry Mrs. Stanhope any more?" continued the boy +seriously. + +"Why to be sure he does! And, oh, let me tell you something! +Dora told me that he was terribly angry over having been sent to +Chicago on a wild-goose chase." + +"I wish he had remained out there." + +"So do all of us," said Nellie Laning. "He seems bound to marry +aunty, in spite of our opposition and Dora's." + +"How is your aunt now?" + +"She is not very well. Do you know, I think Mr. Crabtree +exercises some sort of a strange influence over her." + +"I think that myself. If he could do it, I think he would +hypnotize her into marrying him. He is just rascal enough. Of +course he is after the money Mrs. Stanhope is holding in trust +for Dora." + +"He can't touch that." + +"He can -- if he can get hold of it. I don't think Josiah +Crabtree cares much for the law. Is Dora home now?" + +"I believe she is. She was this morning, I know." + +"I'm going over to see her," went on Dick. "I promised to do all +I could for her in this matter of standing Crabtree off, and I'm +going to keep my word." + +As Sam and Tom wished to converse with the Laning girls a bit +longer, Dick went on ahead, telling them to follow him when they +chose. + +It did not take Dick long to reach the Stanhope homestead. As he +approached he heard loud talking on the front piazza. + +"I want nothing to do with you, Dan Baxter, and I am astonished +that you should come here to see me," came in Dora Stanhope's +voice. + +"That's all right, Dora; don't get ugly," was the reply from the +former bully of Putnam Hall. "I'm not going to hurt you." + +"I want you to go away and leave my mother and me alone." + +"Will you come and see Mr. Crabtree, as he wanted?" + +"No. If, Mr. Crabtree wants to see me let him come here." + +"But you told him you didn't want him here," said Dan Baxter. + +"Neither I do -- to see mamma. But I won't go to see him; so +there! Now please leave me." + +"You're a strong-minded miss, you are," sneered Dan Baxter. "You +want taking down." + +"What's that you say?" demanded Dick, as he strode up. "Baxter, +you deserve to be knocked down for insulting this young lady." + +"Oh, Dick, is that you?" burst out Dora, her pretty face +brightening instantly. "I'm glad you came." + +"Dick Rover!" muttered the bully, and his face fell. "What +brought you here?" + +"That is my business, Baxter, So Josiah Crabtree sent you to +annoy Miss Stanhope." + +"It's none of your affair if he did." + +"I say it is my affair." + +"Do you want to get into another row with me, Dick Rover?" And +Dan Baxter clenched his fists. + +"If we fought, the battle would end as it did before -- you would +be knocked out," answered Dick. "You have no right to come here +if these people want you to stay away, and you had better take +yourself off." + +"I'll go when I please. You can't make me go -- nor the +Stanhopes neither," growled Dan Baxter. + +At these words Dick grew white. Dora, as old readers know, was +his dearest friend, and he could not stand having her spoken of +so rudely. For a moment the two boys glared at each, other; then +Baxter aimed a blow at Dick's face. + +The elder Rover ducked and hit out in return, landing upon +Baxter's neck. Dora gave a scream. + +"Oh, Dick! Don't fight with him!" + +"I won't -- I'll run him out!" panted Dick, and leaping behind +the bully, he caught him by the collar and the back. "Out you +go, you brute!" he added, and began to run Baxter toward the open +gateway. In vain the bully tried to resist. Dick's blood was +up, and he did not release his hold or relinquish his efforts +until the bully had been pushed along the road for a distance of +fifty yards. + +"Now you dare to come back!" said Dick, shaking his fist at the +fellow. "If you come, I'll have you locked up." + +"We'll see about it, Dick Rover," snarled Dan Baxter. He paused +for an instant. "He laughs best who laughs last," he muttered, +and strode off as fast as his long legs would carry him, in the +direction of the lake. + +When Dick returned to Dora he found that the girl had sunk down +on the piazza steps nearly overcome. + +"Don't be afraid, Dora; he's gone," he said kindly. + +"Oh, Dick, I'm so afraid of him!" she gasped. + +"Was he here long before I came up?" + +"About ten minutes. He brought a message from Mr. Crabtree, who +wants to see me in Cedarville. I told him I wouldn't go -- and I +won't." + +"I shouldn't either, Dora. Perhaps Crabtree only wants to get +you away from the house so that he can come here and see your +mother." + +"I never thought of that." + +"Where is your mother now?" + +"Lying down with a headache. She is getting more nervous every +day. I wish Mr. Crabtree was - was --" + +"In Halifax, I suppose," finished Dick. + +"Yes, or some other place as far off. Every time he comes near +mamma she has the strangest spells." + +"He is a bad man -- no doubt of it, Dora. I almost wish we had +him back to the Hall. Then I could keep my eye on him." + +"I'm glad you are back, Dick," said the girl softly. "If there +is any trouble, you'll let me call on you, won't you?" + +"I shall expect you to call on me, Dora -- the very first thing," +he returned promptly. "I wouldn't have anything happen to you or +your mother for anything in the world." + +By this time Sam and Tom were coming up, and they had to be told +about Dan Baxter. + +"He and his father are a team," said Sam. + +"I wonder if he knows what his father has done. If I meet him +I'll ask him." + +Dick had expected to pay his respects to Mrs. Stanhope, but now +thought best not to disturb her. All the boys had a short chat +with Dora, and then set out on the return to school. + +On the way the three boys discussed the situation, but could get +little satisfaction out of their talk. + +"Something is in the wind," was Dick's comment. "But what it is +time alone will reveal." + +And he was right, as events in the near future proved. + + + + + +CHAPTER XIII + +THE FIRE AT THE HALL + + +Sam had been right when he said that Dan Baxter was like his +father. Parent and son were thoroughly bad, but how bad the +Rover boys and their friends were still to learn. + +On Saturday the cadets had a half-holiday, and some of them went +over to the lake to fish, Sam and Tom accompanying the party. + +While the boys were waiting for bites they espied a large +sail-boat skimming along the lake shore. As it came closer Tom +and Sam were much astonished to see that the boat contained Dan +Baxter, Josiah Crabtree, and Mumps. + +"By jinks, there is Mumps' yacht!" ejaculated Tom. "How in the +world did he get her up here?" + +"Brought her by way of the canal and the river, I suppose," +answered Sam. + +"Hullo there!" called out Larry Colby, who was in the crowd. +"Mumps, you might be in better company." + +"You keep your mouth shut!" retorted Fenwick. + +"If you talk to me, I'll come ashore and give you a thrashing," +put in Baxter. + +"I dare you to come ashore!" burst out Tom. "You'll stay where +you are if you know when you are well off." + +No more was said, and presently the boat sped out of sight around +a bend of the lake shore. Fishing proved to be good, and in the +excitement of the sport Baxter and the others were, for the time +being, forgotten. + +It was late when the boys packed up. Sam had six fish, Tom as +many more, and all of the others a fair catch. + +"We'll have fish tomorrow for breakfast, sure," said Larry. +"Hurry up, or we'll be late." + +The party started off, but had only gone a short distance when +Sam remembered that he had left his knife sticking in the stump +of a tree, and ran back to get it, in the meantime turning his +fish over to Tom. + +The fishing place was behind a grove of trees, and when Sam +reached it again he was much surprised to see Dan Baxter on +shore, he having just left the yacht, which was cruising some +distance away. + +"Hullo! so you came back to have it out with me, eh?" cried +Baxter, and before Sam could say a word, he was hurled flat and +the bully came down on top of him. + +Sam fought bravely, but was no match for the big fellow, who +began to hammer him unmercifully. Realizing how matters were +turning, the youngest Rover began to cry for help. + +"You shut up!" stormed Dan Baxter. "Shut up, or I'll give it to +you worse than ever!" + +But Sam had no intention of taking such a drubbing quietly, and +he yelled louder than ever. His cries reached Tom, who had +dropped behind to allow his brother to catch up. + +"Something is wrong," he muttered, and hanging the fish on a +bush, he ran back at the top of his speed. + +Dan Baxter heard him coming and tried to get away, but as Tom +called out, Sam's courage rose, and he grabbed the bully by the +foot and held him. + +"Let go!" roared Dan Baxter, but Sam would not, and in a second +more Tom was at hand and hit the bully such a stinging blow in +the face that Baxter went down in a heap. + +A rough-and-tumble scrimmage ensued, and it must be said that the +bully got by far the worst of it. Tom hit him again and again, +and Sam also, and when at last he staggered to his feet, one eye +was almost closed and his nose was bleeding profusely. + +"Now I guess you won't tackle any of us again," said Tom. + +"I'll get even-mark my words!" roared Baxter, and ran down the +lake shore in the direction the Falcon had taken. + +When Baxter reached the yacht he was so weak he could scarcely +stand. It was a long while before he could stop his nose from +bleeding, and his eye stung with a pain that was maddening. + +"Did little Sam Rover do that?" asked Mumps, while Josiah +Crabtree looked on in curious silence. + +"Sam Rover?" snorted Baxter. "Not much! Why, the whole crowd +piled on me six or seven of them at a time. They tried to kill +me!" + +"Didn't you defend yourself, Daniel?" asked Crabtree. + +"Of course I did. I knocked two of them down and another fellow +had two of his teeth broken. But I couldn't fight all six single +handed." + +"Oh, I presume not -- especially such brutes as Captain Putnam is +now raising." + +"It's a pity we can't get square with them," said Mumps. + +"Oh, I'll get square! You just wait," answered the bully +cunningly. "I'm not done with them yet by any means." + +"What will you do?" + +"Just you wait and see." + +"I don't wish to have you interfere with our plans," put in +Josiah Crabtree. + +"I won't interfere with the other plans. But I am going to get +square." + +"We've had delay enough," continued Josiah Crabtree. + +"Well, that wasn't my fault. Mumps got sick, and that's all +there is to it," growled Dan Baxter, and then went to dressing +his swollen eye once more. + +In the meantime Sam and Tom had rejoined their fellows and told +their story. All of the others were indignant at Baxter's doing +and glad to learn he had been given a sound drubbing. + +"I don't see why he hangs in this neighborhood," said Larry. +"It's a wonder he doesn't try to join his father." + +"They are probably on the outs since Dan took that two hundred +dollars," answered Tom. + +The boys were all tired that night, and the occupants of +Dormitory No. 6 retired early in consequence. + +It was a little after midnight that Dick awoke with a cough. He +sat up in bed and opened his eyes to find the room almost filled +with smoke. + +"For gracious sake!" he muttered. "What's the matter here? Sam! +Tom!" + +"What's this?" came from Larry Colby. "Is the house on fire?" +He leaped from his bed, and so did Dick. By this time the smoke +in the dormitory was getting thicker and thicker. It was coming +through the door, which stood partly open. + +"Wake up, boys; the Hall is on fire!" + +"Fire! Fire! Fire!" came from all parts of the building. + +One after another the cadets roused up. Some were completely +bewildered and did not know what to do. + +"We had better get out as soon as we can!" exclaimed Dick, as he +slipped into his trousers. "Come, Tom! come, Sam!" + +He ran for the hallway, to find it so thick with smoke that +escape in that direction seemed cut off. + +"We can't go down that way!" came from Frank. "We'd be smothered +to death." + +"Let's jump from the windows," put in Larry, who was more +frightened than any of the others. + +"No, no; don't jump yet!" cried Tom "You'll break a leg, and +maybe your neck." + +"But I don't want to be burnt up," returned Larry, his teeth +chattering. + +"Hold on, we have that rope we used when we had the feast last +summer," said Sam. "Let us tie that to the window and get down +on it." + +Sam ran to the closet and found the rope just where it had been +left, on a hook in the corner. Soon they had it out and fastened +to a bed-slat braced across the window frame. + +"Down you go, Larry!" said Dick. "Be careful; I reckon we have +plenty of time." + +Larry slid down in a jiffy, and one after another the others came +after him, Dick being the last. As the youth turned around on +the window sill he saw the fire creeping in at the door. Their +escape had taken place none too soon. + +Down on the parade ground they found a motley collection of +half-dressed cadets, instructors, servants, and others who had +been sleeping in the burning Hall. + +In the midst of the group was Captain Putnam, pale but +comparatively cool, considering the excitement under which he was +laboring. + +"Are all the boys out?" he asked of George Strong. "Line them up +and call the roll." + +The roll-call was put through in double-quick order. Only two +lads were missing, a boy named Harrison and another named Leeks. + +"Here comes Harrison!" cried Harry Blossom, and the boy limped +forth from the opposite side of the burning building. + +"I sprang from the east wing," he explained. "I guess my ankle +is sprained." And then he dropped down and was carried away from +the scene to a place of safety. + +"Where can Leeks be?" questioned Captain Putnam. "Leeks! Leeks! +Where are you?" he cried with all the power of his lungs. + +At first the only reply that came back was the roaring of the +flames, as they mounted from one section of the Hall to another. +Then, however, came a shriek from the rear end of the western +wing. + +"Help me! Save me! I don't want to be burnt up!" + +"It is Leeks!" cried Tom. "See, he is on the gutter of the +roof!" + +He pointed in the direction, and all saw the cadet, dressed in +nothing but his white gown, clinging desperately to the slates of +the roof above the gutter. He had run from the second floor to +the third and sought safety by crawling out of a dormer window. + +"Don't jump!" cried a dozen in concert. "Don't jump, Leeks!" + +"What shall I do? The flames are coming up here as fast as they +can!" groaned the cadet. "Oh, save me, somebody!" + +"Let's get the ladder," said Dick, and started for the barn, with +a score of cadets at his heels and George Strong with them. In +the meantime Captain Putnam again urged Leeks to remain where he +was. "We will save you, don't fear," he added. + +The fire below now made the scene as rig as day, and already the +neighbors were rushing to the scene, followed by the Cedarville +volunteer fire department, with their hose cart and old style +hand-pump engine. + +Soon the ladder was brought out of the barn and rushed to the +spot directly below where Leeks stood. Willing hands raised it +against the building. And then a loud groan went up. The ladder +was too short by ten feet -- and it was the only ladder to be +had! + + + + + +CHAPTER XIV + +THE DISAPPEAPANCE OF DORA STANHOPE + +"We can't reach him with that! He'll be burnt up before we can +get to him. See, the flames are already coming out of the +window beside him!" + +"Save me! Push the ladder up higher!" shrieked Leeks. "I can't +get down to it!" + +"Wait, I've got an idea," put in Dick, and ran behind the barn to +the garden patch. + +Soon he came back armed with a long and knotty beanpole. George +Strong was already on the ladder, and the beanpole was shoved up +to him. + +"That's all right!" came the cry. "Leeks, can't you get hold?" + +"I'll try," said the terrorized boy. + +As quickly as he could George Strong mounted to the very top of +the ladder. Then the teacher raised the beanpole, heavy end +upward, until Leeks managed to grasp it. + +"Can you steady it against the gutter?" asked the teacher. + +"I -- I don't know. If I had a cord -" + +"There is a string on the window blind. Tie the end of the pole +to that." + +With trembling hands Leeks did as directed. The cord was not a +stout one, but it was sufficiently strong to keep the beanpole in +position, and that was all that was required, since the teacher +steadied it and held it up from below. + +But getting over the edge of the gutter was no easy movement, and +those on the ground held their breath as Leeks crawled to where +he could grasp the beanpole. Then the cadet came down on the run +to where his feet struck the top of the ladder. In a minute more +he and the head teacher came to the ground. + +A cheer went up. "Hurrah! Leeks is safe! Good for Mr. Strong!" +In the midst of the cries Leeks fainted and had to be carried to +the gymnasium for treatment. + +The fire had evidently started in the lower hallway of the +building, in a closet under the broad stairs. It was burning +furiously in all of the halls and toward the rear. + +As soon as Captain Putnam felt assured that the scholars and all +others were safe he organized the boys into a bucket brigade. In +the meantime Mrs. Grow, with more forethought than seemed +possible to her nature, had turned on the water pipes leading +from the water tower on the Hall roof. Thus a dozen small +streams were thrown on the fire, to which the boys soon added +their buckets of water. Then the Cedarville fire department +added their services, and fighting the fire began in earnest, +while Captain Putnam directed the removal of all furniture and +other things which could be gotten out with safety. + +"Say, but this is work!" panted Tom, as he struggled along with a +big bucket of water in each hand. + +"I only hope we succeed in saving the building." + +"We won't save all of it," replied Sam, who was laboring as hard +as anybody. "And I guess all of our clothing will be burnt up." + +"Don't say a word about dat!" put in Alexander Pop. "I dun gone +an' buy me a new pair ob checked pants las' week -- an' a new +silk hat, too!" And the negro was almost ready to cry with +vexation at the thought that those new clothes, with which he had +hoped to cut such a dash, would go down in the ruin. + +It was a good two hours ere the fire was gotten under control, +and not until after sunrise was the last spark put out. Then +Captain Putnam and several of the others surveyed the damage that +had been done. + +All of the stairways had been burned away, and the plastering +from top to bottom of the three hallways was down. In the rear, +two dormitories and the garret floor had been burned out. + +"A nasty fire," said the captain to his head assistant. "I'm +afraid I will have to close down the school, at least for a +while." + +"I don't know as I would do that, captain," replied George +Strong. "The classrooms are not touched, neither are some of the +dormitories. We can bunch the boys up a bit -- and I think they +would rather be bunched up than be sent home." + +The matter was talked over at some length, and in the end put to +the boys themselves, and all declared that they would rather +remain, and some added that during their spare hours they would +do all they could to put the place into shape again. + +"That will be unnecessary," said Captain Putnam. "The insurance +companies will have to do the repairing, and I shall notify them +without delay. As to the clothing that has been lost, I will +make that good to each of you." + +The fire was not yet out when Dora Stanhope appeared, in company +with John Laning and Nellie and Grace. + +"I am so afraid somebody had been burnt up!" cried Dora to Dick. +"I'm awfully glad you and your brothers are all right!" + +"We got out easily, answered Dick, but he gave Dora a bright +smile for the interest she had shown in him. + +"How did the fire start?" questioned John Laning. + +"Nobody knows," answered Tom. "Captain Putnam says it is a +complete mystery." + +"I believe the Hall was set on fire," put in Sam. "And I believe +I can point out the party who is guilty." + +"Dan Baxter?" put in Larry. + +"Yes." + +"Would he be wicked enough to do that?" cried Dora in horror. + +"Yes, I guess Dan is bad enough to do anything," said Dick. + +"He was terribly mad over the way we mauled him," came from Tom. +"He was just about, ready to kill us." + +"If that's the case Captain Putnam had better have Baxter +arrested," suggested John Laning. "He is a dangerous boy to be +at large." + +Captain Putnam came up and was soon told of what had occurred. +He had not heard of the fight down at the lake, but was not +greatly surprised. + +"I do not blame you boys, since Baxter began the attack," he +said. "And I agree, he is a thoroughly bad fellow. Yes, I'll +have him arrested -- providing we can locate him." + +Word had already been sent to a clothier, and a gentlemen's +outfitter, both of whom had stores in Cedarville, and before noon +these men came to the Hall, and the students were fitted out +temporarily -- that is, the portion who had lost the majority of +their clothing. Then a gang of laborers and scrub-women were +sent to work to clean up the mess and make the classrooms and +unburned dormitories fit for occupation. In two days Putnam Hall +was once more in full sway, as though nothing out of the ordinary +had happened, the burnt section being boarded entirely off from +the other. + +The search for Dan Baxter began at once, but nothing could be +ascertained concerning him. A search was also made for the +Falcon, but that craft had disappeared from the lake. + +"Well, I hope we never hear or see anything more of Baxter," said +Sam. "I declare, he is worse than a snake in the grass." + +"I'd rather see him locked up," answered Dick grimly. "Then I'd +know he was out of the way of harming us further." + +Several days slipped by and the boys were deep in their studies, +when, late one afternoon, Dick was greatly astonished by being +told that Mrs. Stanhope was in the parlor waiting to see him. + +"She seems very much agitated," said Captain Putnam. "I am +afraid something is wrong." + +"Can you say what it is, Richard?" + +"No, sir; excepting Dan Baxter or Josiah Crabtree may have been +worrying them again" + + "Do you mean to tell me that Baxter goes to their house?" + +"He has been there several times to my knowledge. He's as sweet +on Dora Stanhope as Josiah Crabtree is anxious over Mrs. Stanhope +-- and neither person deserves any encouragement." + +"I thought the engagement between Mrs. Stanhope and Crabtree was +off." + +"It was -- for the time being. But it seems Mr. Crabtree isn't +going to give her up -- he is too anxious to get hold of Dora's +money," and with this remark Dick hurried to the parlor. + +"Oh, Dick Rover!" cried Mrs. Stanhope, when he entered, "do tell +me what has become Of Dora.' + +"Dora!" he repeated in bewilderment. "I don't know, I am sure. +Has she left home?" + +"She hasn't been home since she answered your note yesterday +afternoon." + +"My note? I sent her no note." + +"But I found it lying on the dining-room table last evening, when +I came from my room. You see, I had been lying down with a +headache." + +"Mrs. Stanhope, I sent Dora no note. If she got one that was +signed with my name it was a forgery." + +"Oh, Dick Rover!" The lady had arisen on his entrance, now she +sank back into a faint. + +The youth was greatly alarmed, and at once rang for one of the +servants and also for Captain Putnam. + +"What is the matter?" asked the master of the Hall. + +"Something is very much wrong, sir," replied Dick. "Dora +Stanhope has disappeared." + +"Disappeared!" + +"Yes, sir. She received some sort of a note signed with my name." + +No more was said just then, Dick, the captain, and the servant +doing all they could to restore Mrs. Stanhope to consciousness. +When the lady finally came to her senses she could not keep from +crying bitterly. + +"Oh, where can my Dora be?" she moaned. "Something dreadful has +happened to her -- I feel certain of it." + +"Where is that note?" asked Dick. + +"I left it on the mantelpiece in our dining room. It said: 'Dear +Friend Dora: Meet me as soon as you can down at the old boathouse +on the lake. I have something important to tell you,' and it was +signed 'Richard Rover.'" + +"Mrs. Stanhope, as true as I stand here, I never wrote that note +or sent it." + +"I believe you, Dick. But who did send it?" + +"Some enemy who wanted to get her away from the house -- Dan +Baxter or --" Dick paused. + +"Or who?" + +"Well, Josiah Crabtree, if you must know. He hates her and he +wants to separate her from you." + +At the mention of Josiah Crabtree's name a curious shiver passed +over Mrs. Stanhope. "We -- we'll not talk about Mr. Crabtree," +she faltered. "But, oh, I must have my Dora back!" And then she +came near to fainting again. + +"I would like to go over to the Stanhope cottage and +investigate," said Dick, after the lady had been placed in Mrs. +Green's care. "To my mind it won't do to lose time, either." + +"You can go, Richard," answered Captain Putnam. "But be careful +and keep out of trouble." + +"Can I take Tom and Sam with me?" I + +At this the master of Putnam Hall smiled broadly. "Always like +to be together, eh? All right, I don't know but what it will be +safer for the three of you to go together," he said; and Dick +lost no time in telling his brothers. In a few minutes the trio +set off for the Stanhope cottage, little dreaming of the long +time that was to elapse before they should see Putnam Hall again. + + + + + +CHAPTER XV + +DICK'S BRAVERY AND ITS REWARD + +The three Rover boys reached the Stanhope cottage on a run, to +find nobody in charge but a washwoman, who was hanging up some +clothing in the back yard. + +Explaining the situation so far as was necessary, they went +inside and hunted up the note Mrs. Stanhope had mentioned. + +"I believe that is Dan Baxter's writing," said Dick slowly. + +"It is," came from Sam. "I know it from the flourishes on the +capitals. He was always great on flourishes." + +"We won't waste time here," went on Dick. "Let us go down to the +old boathouse." + +They were soon on the way, along a road lined with brush and +scrubby cedars, the trees which in years gone by had given +Cedarville its name. + +At the old boathouse everything was quiet and not a soul was in +sight. Walking to the end of the house float they gazed out on +the lake. + +"Not a boat anywhere," murmured Dick. "Now, what could have +become of Dora, do you suppose?" + +"It's ten to one that Baxter took her off in Mumps' boat!" cried +Tom. "By jinks, I think I see through this. Don't you remember +the plot Josiah Crabtree and Mumps were hatching? I'll wager +they are all in this, to get Dora away from her mother." + +"I believe Tom is right," came from Sam. "And if that is true, +Dora was taken off on a boat beyond a doubt.' + +"If she was it won't take very long to find her," returned Dick. +"Let us go to Cedarville and see if anybody has seen the Falcon." + +Dick had scarcely spoken when a small steam tug hove into sight, +bound up the lake. + +"There's a tug now!" exclaimed Tom. "Hi there! Hi!" he yelled. +"Stop!" + +The captain of the tug heard him and saw him waving his hand, +and, slowing up, made a half circle toward shore. + +"What's wanted, young man?" he asked. "Anything wrong?" + +"Yes, a good deal is wrong," replied Tom. "Have you seen a yacht +named the Falcon today?" + +"No, but I saw her late yesterday afternoon," was the reply. + +"Around here?" + +"No, further down the lake. I think she was bound for Cayuga." + +"Did you notice who was on board?" + +"You seem to be very particular about it." + +"We are particular. A young lady has disappeared, and we think +she was taken away on that yacht," explained Dick, as the steam +tug came to a halt. + +"Is that so? Yes, I did see a young lady on board of her. She +called to out boat as we passed, but I thought it was only in +fun." + +"I guess she wanted you to help her," said Dick bitterly. Then +he continued suddenly: "Have you anything to do just now?" + +"No; I was going up to Ithaca to look for a tow." + +"What will you charge to take us down to Cayuga?" + +The captain of the tug thought for a moment. "Three dollars. It +ought to be worth that to find the young lady." + +"We'll go you," answered Dick promptly. "Swing in and we'll jump +aboard." + +Captain Lambert did as requested, and in a moment more the three +Rover boys were on board of the Cedar Queen, as the craft was +named. The captain proved to be a nice man and became thoroughly +interested in the story the lads had to tell. + +"I hope we spot the rascals," he said. "I'll certainly do all I +can for you." + +The Cedar Queen was a little craft and somewhat slow, and the +boys fretted a good bit at the long time it took to reach Cayuga. + +When they ran into the harbor of the town at the foot of the lake +they looked in vain for the Falcon. + +"We'll take a sail around," said Captain Lambert; and this they +did, continuing the hunt until long after dark. + +"It's no use!" groaned Dick. "We've missed her." + +It took nearly all the money the boys could scrape up between +them to pay off the captain of the tog, and when they had been +landed at one of the docks they wondered what they had best do +next. + +"We've got to stay here over night," said Dick. + +"We may as well telegraph to Captain Putnam for cash," and this +they did, and put up at one of the hotels. + +The place was crowded, for there was a, circus in the town and a +public auction of real estate had also taken place that day. The +boys could get only a small room, but over this they did not +complain. Their one thought was of and the rascals who had +carried her off. + +"We most get on the track somehow," said Dick. But how, was the +question. He could not sleep and after the others had retired +took a long walk, just to settle his nerves. + +Dick's walk brought him to the lot where the circus had held +forth, and for some time he watched the men as they worked under +the flaring gasoline torches, packing up what still remained on +the grounds. The tent men had to labor like slaves in rolling up +the huge stretches of canvas and in hoisting the long poles into +the wagons, and he shook his head grimly as he turned away. + +"No circus life in mine," he mused, "at least, not that part of +it." + +Dick had moved away from the grounds but a short distance when +his attention was attracted to the strange movements of two +rough-looking individuals who were hurrying off with a third man +between them. + +"I don't want to go, I tell you," the middle man muttered; "I +don't want more to drink." + +"That's all right, Mr. Castor," said one of the other men glibly. +"Just have one more glass, that's a good fellow." + +"I won't take it, so there!" cried the man called Castor. "I +know when I've had enough." + +"You've got to come along with us," put in the third man +savagely. "You owe us some money." + +"I don't owe you a cent, Fusty." + +"Yes, you do -- and I'm bound to have it. Hold him, Mike, till I +go through him." + +Of a sudden there was a struggle, and the man called Castor found +himself helpless, while the fellow called Fusty began to go +through his pockets with great rapidity. + +The scene alarmed Dick, and he wondered what he had best do. +Then he made up his mind to go to Castor's assistance, and ran +forward. + +"Here, let that man alone!" he cried, as he picked up a fence +picket which happened to lie handy. "Leave him alone, I say!" + +"The Old Nick take the luck!" muttered one of the other men. +"Who's this?" + +"Help! Help!" cried Castor. + +"Let him alone, I say!" repeated Dick, and then struck at one of +the men and hit him on the arm. + +Seeing himself thus re-enforced, Castor also struck out, and +continued to call for help. + +"We might as well give it up, Fusty!" cried one of the rascals, +and took to his heels, and then there was nothing to do for the +other man but to follow him. + +"Are you hurt?" asked Dick as he helped the man who had been +assaulted to his feet. + +"Not much," was the slow reply. "Young man, you came in time and +no more." + +"Do you know those fellows who just ran away?" + +"I met them at the circus this afternoon. We had several drinks +and they became very friendly. I believe they were after my +money." + +"I think so too, Mr." + +"My name is George Castor. And who are you?" + +"I am Dick Rover, sir." + +"Rover, I must thank you for your services. I shan't forget you, +not me!" and George Castor held out his hand cordially. "I think +I made a mistake by drinking with those fellows." + +"I haven't any doubt of it, Mr. Castor." + +"Do you reside in town?" + +"No, sir; I am stopping at the hotel with my brothers. We just +came into town tonight on rather a curious errand." + +"Indeed, and what was that?" + +In a few words Dick explained the situation. He had not yet +finished when George Castor interrupted him. + +"My boy, you have done me a good turn, and now I think I can +return the compliment." + +"Do you mean to say you know something of this case?" demanded +Dick eagerly. + +"Perhaps I do. Describe this Dan Baxter as well as you can, will +you?" + +"Certainly." And Dick did so. + +"It is the same fellow. I met him last night, down near the +lumber wharves. You see, I am a lumber merchant from Brooklyn, +and I have an interest in a lumber company up here." + +"You saw Baxter? Was he alone?" + +"No, there was another man with him, a tall, slim fellow, with an +unusually sour face." + +"Josiah Crabtree to a T!" burst out Dick. "Did you notice where +they went?" + +"I did not. But I overheard their talk. They spoke about a boat +on the Hudson River, the Flyaway. They were to join her at +Albany." + +"Who was to join her?" + +"This Baxter, if it was he, and somebody else -- a man called +Muff, or something like that." + +"Mumps! You struck them, sure enough! But did they say anything +about the girl?" + +"The tall man said that he would see to it that she was there -- +whatever he meant by that." + +"I can't say any more than you, Mr. Castor. But I guess they are +going to carry Dora Stanhope through to Albany from all +appearances." + +"Then perhaps you had better follow." + +"I'd go at once if I had the money that I have telegraphed for. +You see, my brothers and I came away in a hurry, for the +Stanhopes are close friends of ours." + +"Don't let the matter of money worry you. Do you know how much I +have with me? + +"I haven't the slightest idea, sir." + +"Nearly eleven hundred dollars -- and if those rascals had had +the chance they would have robbed me of every dollar of it." + +"I shouldn't think you would carry so much." + +"I don't usually; but I was paid a large bill today, and went to +the circus instead of the bank -- not having seen such a show in +years. But to come back to business. Will a hundred dollars see +you through?" + +"You mean to say you will loan me that much?" + +"Perhaps I had better give it to you, as a reward for your +services." + +"I won't take it, for I don't want any reward. But I'll accept a +loan, if you'll make it, and be very much obliged to you," +continued Dick. + +"All right, then, we'll call it a loan," concluded George Castor, +and the transfer of the amount was made on the spot. Later on +Dick insisted upon returning the money. + + + + + +CHAPTER XVI + +THE SEARCH FOR THE "FLYAWAY" + +"Tom! Sam! Get up at once!" + +"What's the row now, Dick?" came sleepily from Tom. "Have you +discovered anything?" + +"Yes! I've discovered a whole lot. Get up if you want to catch +the next train." + +"The next train for where?" demanded Tom, as he hopped out of +bed. + +"The next train for Albany." + +"Have they taken Dora to Albany?" questioned Sam, as he too arose +and began to don his garments. + +"I think so," was the elder brother's reply, and while the pair +dressed, Dick told of what had occurred and what he had heard. + +"This is getting to be quite a chase," was Tom's remark. "But I +reckon you are right, and we'll land on them in the capital." + +"If we aren't too late," answered Dick. + +"I'd like to know how they are going to take Dora to Albany if +she doesn't want to go?" came from Tom, when they were dressed +and on their way to the railroad station. + +No one could answer this question. "Josiah Crabtree is a queer +stick and can do lots of queer things," was what Dick said. + +The train left at half past two in the morning, and they had not +long to wait. Once on board, they proceeded to make themselves +as comfortable as possible, each having a whole seat to himself, +and Sam and Tom went to sleep without much trouble. But Dick was +wide awake, wondering what would be the next move on reaching +Albany. + +Poor Doral he murmured. "Oh, but that crowd shall be punished +for this! If she comes to harm it will almost kill Mrs. +Stanhope." And his heart sank like a lump of lead as he thought +of his dearest friend in the power of her unscrupulous enemies. + +It was just getting daylight when the long train rolled into the +spacious depot at the state capital. Only a few working people +and newsboys were stirring. Tom and Sam pulled themselves +together with long yawns. + +"Sleeping in a seat doesn't come up to a bed, by any means," +remarked Tom. "Which way now?" + +"We'll go down to the river and look for the Flyaway," answered +his elder brother. + +"It will be like looking for a needle in a hay-stack," said Sam. +"The boats are pretty thick here." + +"That is true, but it is the best we can do," replied the elder +Rover. + +Once along the river front they began a careful inquiry +concerning the boat of which they were in search. + +"Not much progress," remarked Tom, after two hours had been spent +in vain. "This climbing from one dock to the next is decidedly +tiring." + +"And I'm hungry," put in Sam. "I move we hunt up a restaurant." +An eating place was not far away, and, entering, they ordered a +morning meal of ham and eggs, rolls, and hot coffee. + +While they were eating a man came in and sat down close by them. +It was Martin Harris, the fellow who had come to their assistance +after the collision between the Spray and the Falcon. + +"Hullo, how are you?" he said heartily. "Still cruising around +in your yacht?" + +"No, we just got back to Albany," replied Dick. "We've been to +school since we left you." + +"I see. How do, you like going back to your studies?" + +"We liked it well enough," put in Tom. "But we left in a hurry!" +he went on, thinking Martin Harris might give them some +information. "Have you been out on the river yet this morning?" + +"Yes; just came up from our place below to do a little trading." + +"Did you see anything of a yacht called the Flyaway?" + +"The Flyaway? What sort of a looking craft is she?" + +"I can't tell you that." + +"One boat there attracted my attention," said Martin Harris +slowly. "I saw two boys and a girl on board of her." + +"How was the girl dressed?" cried Dick. + +"She had on a light-blue dress and a sailor hat." + +"And the boys?" + +"One was dressed in gray and the other in dark-blue or black." + +"That was the boat! Where did she go?" ejaculated Dick, who +remembered well how Mumps and Baxter had been attired, and the +pretty dress and hat Dora was in the habit of wearing. + +"She was bound straight down the river." + +"We must follow her." + +"That's the talk!" burst out Tom. "But how?" + +"What do you want to follow the Flyaway for?" asked Martin Harris +curiously. + +"Those two boys are running away with that girl!" + +"Impossible!" + +"No, it isn't. One of the fellows -- the fellow in dark clothing +-- is the chap who ran into us that day." + +"Well, now, do you know I thought it looked like him," was +Harris' comment. "And, come to think of it, that boat got as far +away from me as she could." + +"Do you think you would know her again? I mean the Flyaway -- if +we got anywhere near her?" asked Dick. + +"I think I would, lad. She had a rather dirty mainsail and jib, +and each had a new patch of white near the top. Then, too, her +rig is a little different from what we have around here. Looked +like a Southern boat." + +"Have you your boat handy?" + +"Yes, she's right at the end of this street. Do you want me to +follow up that crowd?" + +"Could your boat catch the Flyaway, do you think?" + +"My boat, the Searchlight, is as good a yacht as there is +anywhere around, if I do say it myself," answered Martin Harris +promptly. "It you don't believe it, try her and see." + +"We will try her," came promptly from Dick. "And the sooner you +begin the chase the better it will suit me." + +"All right; we'll start as soon as I've swallowed this coffee," +answered the skipper of the Searchlight. "But, hold on, this may +prove a long search." + +"Do you want to make terms?" + +"I wasn't thinking of that. I'll leave it to you as to what the +job is worth, after we're done. I was thinking that I haven't +any provender aboard my yacht, if we want to stay out any length +of time." + +"I'll fix that," answered Dick. "Come, Sam. You say the yacht +is at the foot of the street?" + +"Yes." + +"We'll be there in less than five minutes." + +"Where are you going -- to buy provisions?" + +"Yes." + +Dick made off, followed not only by Sam, but likewise by Tom. He +found a large grocery close at hand, and here purchased some +coffee, sugar, canned meat and fish, a small quantity of +vegetables, and also several loaves of bread and some salt. To +this Tom added a box of crackers and Sam some cake and fruit, and +with their arms loaded down they hurried to the Searchlight. + +Martin Harris was on hand, and ready to cast off. "Hullo, you +did lay in some things?" he grinned. "I reckon you calculate +this chase to last some time." + +"We've got enough for several days, anyway -- that is, all but -- +water," returned Dick. + +"I've got a whole barrel full of that forward, lad." + +"Then we are ready to leave. I hope, though, we run the Flyaway +down before noon," concluded the elder Rover, as he hopped on +board. + +Leaving Sam to stow away the stores as he saw fit, Dick and Tom +sprang in to assist Martin Harris, and soon the mainsail and jib +were set, and they turned away from the dock and began the +journey down the Hudson. As soon as they were clear of the other +boats, the skipper set his topsail and flying jib, and they +bowled along at a merry gait, the wind being very nearly in their +favor and neither too strong nor too slack. + +"Now I'd like to hear the particulars of this case," remarked +Martin Harris, as he proceeded to make himself comfortable at the +tiller. "You see, I want to know just what I am doing. I don't +want to get into any trouble with the law." + +"You won't get into any trouble. Nobody has a right to run off +with a girl against her will," replied Dick. + +"That's true. But why are they running off with her?" + +"I think they have been hired to do it by a man who wants to +marry the girl's mother," went on Dick, and related the +particulars of what had occurred. + +Martin Harris was deeply interested. "I reckon you have the best +end of it," he said, when the youth had finished. "And you say +this Dan Baxter is a son of the rascal who is suspected of +robbing Rush & Wilder?" + +"Yes." + +"Evidently a hard crowd." + +"You are right -- and they ought all of them to be in prison," +observed Tom. "By the way, have they heard anything of those +robbers?" + +"The detectives are following up one or two clues. One report was +that this Baxter and Girk had gone to some place on Staten +Island. But I don't think they know for certain." + + + + + +CHAPTER XVII + +IN WHICH DORA IS CARRIED OFF + + +Perhaps it will be as well to go back a bit and learn how poor +Dora was enticed into leaving home so unexpectedly, to the sorrow +of her mother and the anxiety of Dick and her other friends. + +Dora was hard at work sweeping out the parlor of the Stanhope +cottage when she saw from the window a boy walking up the garden +path. The youth was a stranger to her and carried a letter in +his hand. + +"Is this Mrs. Stanhope's place?" he questioned, as Dora +appeared. + +"Yes." + +"Here's a letter for Miss Dora Stanhope," and he held out the +missive. + +"Whom is it from?" + +"I don't know. A boy down by the lake gave it to me," was the +answer, and without further words the lad hurried off, having +received instructions that he must not tarry around the place +after the delivery of the communication. + +Tearing open the letter Dora read it with deep interest. + +"What can Dick have to tell me?" she mused. "Can it be something +about Mr. Crabtree? It must be." + +Dropping her work, she ran upstairs, changed her dress, put on +her hat, and started for the boathouse. + +It took her but a short while to reach the place, but to her +surprise nobody was in sight. + +"Can I have made some mistake?" she murmured; when the Falcon +hove into view from around a bend in the shore line. + +"Is that Miss Stanhope?" shouted a strange man, who seemed to be +the sole occupant of the craft. + +"Yes, I am Dora Stanhope," answered the girl. + +"Dick Rover sent me over from the other side of the lake. He +told me if I saw you to take you over to Nelson Point." + +Nelson Point was a grove situated directly opposite Cedarville. +It was a place much used by excursionists and picnic parties. + +"Thank you," said Dora, never suspecting that anything was wrong. +"If you'll come in a little closer I will go with you." + +The Falcon was brought in, and Dora leaped on board of the yacht. + +She had scarcely done so when Mumps and Dan Baxter stepped from +the cabin. + +"Oh, dear!" she gasped. "Where - where did you come from?" + +"Didn't quite expect to see us here, did you?" grinned the former +bully of Putnam Hall. + +"I did not," answered Dora coldly. "What -- where is Dick +Rover?" + +"Over to Nelson Point." + +"Did he send you over here for me?" + +"Of course he did," said Mumps. + +"I do not believe it. This is some trick!" burst out the girl. +"I want you to put me on shore again." + +"You can't go ashore now," answered Baxter. + +"Ease her off, Goss." + +"Right you are," answered Bill Goss. "What's the course now?" + +"Straight down the lake." + +"All right." + +"You are not going to take me down the lake!" cried Dora in +increased alarm. + +"Yes, we are." + +"I - I won't go!" + +"I don't see how you are to help yourself," responded Baxter +roughly. + +"Dan Baxter, you are a brute!" + +"If you can't say anything better than that, you had better say +nothing!" muttered Baxter. + +"I will say what I please. You have no right to carry me off in +this fashion!" + +"Well, I took the right." + +"You shall be locked up for it." + +"You'll have to place me in the law's hands first." + +"I don't believe Dick Rover sent that letter at all!" + +"You can believe what you please." + +"You forged his name to it." + +"Let us talk about something else." + +"You are as bad as your father, and that is saying a good deal," +went on the poor girl bitterly. + +"See here, don't you dare to speak of my father!" roared the +bully in high anger. "My father is as good as anybody. This is +only a plot against him -- gotten up by the Rovers and his other +enemies." + +Dan Baxter's manner was so terrible that Dora sank back on a camp +stool nearly overcome. Then, seeing some men at a distance, on +the shore, she set up a scream for help. + +"Here, none of that!" ejaculated Mumps, and clapped his hand over +her mouth. + +"Let me go!" she screamed. "Help! Help!" + +"We'll put her in the cabin," ordered Dan Baxter, and also caught +hold of Dora. She struggled with all the strength at her +command, but was as a baby in their grasp, and soon found herself +in the cabin with the door closed and locked behind her. + +It was then that her nerves gave way, and, throwing herself on a +couch, she burst into tears. + +"What will they do with me?" she moaned. "Oh, that I was home +again!" + +It was a long while before she could compose herself sufficiently +to sit up. In the meantime the Falcon was sailing down the lake +toward Cayuga with all speed. + +"This must be some plan of Josiah Crabtree to get me away from +home," she thought. "Poor mother! I wonder what will happen to +her while I am away? If that man gets her to marry him what will +I do? I can never live with them -- never!" And she heaved a +deep sigh. + +Presently she arose and walked to the single window of which the +cabin boasted. It was open, but several little iron bars had +been screwed fast on the outside. + +"They have me like a bird in a cage," she thought. "Where will +this dreadful adventure end?" + +Hour after hour went by and she was not molested. Then came a +knock on the cabin door. + +"Dora! Dora Stanhope!" came in Dan Baxter's voice. + +"Well?" + +"Will you behave yourself if I unlock the door?" + +"It is you who ought to behave yourself," she retorted. + +"Never mind about that. I have something for you to eat." + +"I don't want a mouthful." And Dora spoke the truth, for the +food would have choked her. + +"You had better have a sandwich and a glass of milk." + +"If you want to do something, give me a glass of water," she said +finally, for she wished a drink badly, the cabin was so hot and +stuffy. + +Baxter went away, and presently unlocked the door and handed her +the water, of which she drank eagerly. + +"Where are you going to take me?" she questioned, as she passed +back the glass. + +"You'll learn that all in good time, Dora. Come, why not take +the whole matter easy?" went on the bully, as he dropped into a +seat near her. + +"How can I take it easy?" + +"We won't hurt you -- I'll give you my word on that." + +She was about to say that his word was not worth giving, but +restrained herself. If she angered Baxter, there was no telling +what the follow might do. + +"Is this a plot of Josiah Crabtree's?" she asked sharply. + +Baxter started. "How did you -" he began, and stopped short. +"You had better not ask any questions." + +"Which means that you will not answer any?" + +"You can take it that way if you want to, Dora." + +"It was a mean trick you played on me." + +"Let's talk of something else. We are going to leave the Falcon +soon, and I want to know if you are going with us quietly?" + +"Leave the Falcon?" + +"Yes, at Cayuga." + +"Are we there already?" gasped Dora in dismay. + +'We soon will be." + +"I don't wish to go with you." + +"But we want you to go. If you go quietly all will be well -- +and I'll promise to see you safe home in less than twenty-four +hours." + +"You, wish to keep, me away from home that length of time?" + +"If you must know, yes." + +"And why? So Josiah Crabtree can - can -" She did not finish. + +"So that Mr. Crabtree can interview your mother-yes," put in +Mumps, who had just appeared. "Baxter, there's no use in beating +around the bush. Crabtree is bound to marry Mrs. Stanhope, and +Dora may as well know it now as later." + + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII + +STILL IN THE HANDS OF THE ENEMY + + +"That man will never marry my mother with my consent!" burst out +the unhappy girl. + +"She probably won't ask your consent," sneered Mumps. + +"She would not marry him if I was with her. He only has an +influence over her when I am away." + +"Exactly -- and he knows that," put in Baxter. + +"Do you mean to say Josiah Crabtree is going to marry her now?" +demanded Dora, springing to her feet. + +"More than likely." + +"Then he -- he hired you to carry me off?" + +"We'll talk about something else," said the bully. "Will you +leave the Falcon quietly?" + +"Where do you want me to go?" + +"To the home of an old lady who will treat you as nicely as she +possibly can." + +Dora shook her head. "I don't wish to go anywhere excepting +home, and I won't submit a bit longer than I have to." + +"Don't be foolish!" exclaimed Mumps. "We might treat you a good +deal worse if we were of a mind to do so. Crabtree told us to +bind and gag you." + +"He did?" + +"Yes. He says you are a perfect minx." + +A few words more followed, and then both of the boys left the +cabin. + +"She won't submit," whispered Mumps. + +"What had we best do?" + +"Use the drug Crabtree gave us," answered Baxter. "It's a lucky +thing I brought that vial." + +"Yes -- if we don't have any trip-up in the matter," answered the +toady, with a doubtful shake of his head. Mumps had gone into +the whole scheme rather unwillingly, but now saw no way of +backing out. + +A little later the Falcon ran into the harbor of Cayuga and came +to anchor close to one of the docks. Then Baxter appeared with +some sandwiches and a glass of milk. + +"You might as well eat; it's foolish not to," he said, and set +the food on a little stand. + +By this time Dora was very hungry, and as soon as the bully had +left she applied herself to what had been brought. Poor +creature, she did not know that both sandwiches and milk had been +doctored with a drug calculated to make her dull and sleepy! + +She had hardly finished the scant meal when her eyes began to +grow heavy. Then her brain seemed to become clouded and she +could scarcely remember where she was. + +"Here's news!" cried Baxter, coming in an hour later. "We are to +join your mother and Mr. Crabtree at Albany." + +"At Albany?" she repeated slowly. "Have -- have they gone +there?" + +"Yes; they are going on a honeymoon on the yacht Flyaway. Your +mother wants you to join her and forgive her." + +Dora heaved a long sigh. "I cannot! I cannot!" she sobbed, and +burst again into tears. + +Nevertheless, she allowed herself to be led off the Falcon and to +the depot. "Your face is full of tears," said Baxter. "Here, +put this veil over it," and she was glad enough to do as bidden, +that folks might not stare at her. + +What happened afterward was very much like a dream to her. She +remembered entering the cars and crouching down in a seat, with +Baxter beside her. A long ride in the night followed, and she +slept part of the way, although troubled with a horrible +nightmare. She wanted to flee, but seemed to lack both the +physical and mental strength to do so. + +The ride at an end, Baxter and Mumps almost carried her to the +river. Here the Flyaway was in waiting. Bill Goss had gone on +ahead and notified his wife that she was wanted. It may as well +be added here that Mrs. Goss was as coarse and unprincipled as +her husband. + +When Dora's mind was once more clear she found herself in a much +larger cabin than that she had formerly occupied. She lay on a +couch, and Mrs. Goss, a fat, ugly-looking creature, sat beside +her. + +"Are you awake, dear?" asked the woman as smoothly as she could. + +"Who -- who are you?" asked Dora feebly. + +"I am Mrs. Goss." + +"I don't know you. Here -- where is my mother, and Mr. +Crabtree?" + +"You'll have to ask Mr. Baxter or Mr. Fenwick about that." + +"Do you belong on this boat?" + +"I do, when I go out with my husband." + +"Was he the man who was with those boys?" + +"Yes." + +"Where are we now?" + +'On the Hudson River, just below Albany." + +"Where are they going to take me next?" + +"You had better ask Mr. Baxter. I was only brought on board to +wait on you." + +"Then that means that they wish to take me quite a distance!" +cried Dora, and ran on deck. + +Mumps and Baxter were talking earnestly together near the bow. +At once she ran to them. + +"Where is my mother?" + +"You'll see her soon," answered the former bully of Putnam Hall. + +"It was another trick of yours!" burst out Dora. "And I think +you gave me something last night to make me sleepy." + +"What if we did?" came from Mumps. + +"You are all right now." + +"I do not want to go another step with you." Dora looked around +and saw a strange boat passing. "Help! help!" she screamed. + +At once there was another row, in which not only the boys, but +also Bill Goss and his wife, took a hand. In the end poor Dora +was marched to the cabin and put under lock and key. + +If the girl had been disheartened before, she was now absolutely +downcast. + +"They have me utterly in their power!" she moaned over and over +again. "Heaven alone knows where they will take me!" And then +she sank down on her knees and prayed that God might see her +safely through her perils. + +Her prayer seemed to calm her, and she felt that there was at +least one Power that would never desert her. + +"Poor, poor mamma, how I wish I knew what was happening to her!" +she murmured. + +Slowly the hours went by. Mrs. Goss came and went, and Dora was +even allowed to go on deck whenever no other boat was close at +hand. Thus Martin Harris saw her; but, as we know, that meeting +amounted to nothing. + +It was Mrs. Goss who served the meals, and as Dora could not +starve, she was compelled to eat what was set before her, the +fare being anything but elaborate. + +"Sorry, but we haven't got a hotel chef on board," observed Dan +Baxter, as he came in during the supper hour. "But I'll try to +get something better on board at New York." + +"Do you mean to say you intend to take me away down to that +city?" queried Dora. + +"Humph! we are going further than that." + +"And to where?" + +"Wait and see." + +"Are you afraid to tell me?" + +"I don't think it would be a wise thing to do...' + +"We are just going to take a short ocean trip," began Mumps, when +Baxter stopped him. + +"Don't talk so much -- you'll spoil everything," remarked the +bully. + +"An ocean trip!" burst out Dora. "No! No! I do not wish to go +on the ocean." + +"As I said before, I think you'll go where the yacht goes." + +"Does my mother know anything of this?" + +"She knows you are away," grinned Mumps. + +"You need not tell me that!" exclaimed Dora. "You are a mean, +mean boy, so there!" And she turned on her heel and walked off. + +She wished she had learned how to swim. They were running quite +close to shore, and she felt that a good swimmer could gain land +without much effort. Then a man came out from shore in a large +flatboat. + +"Help! Help!" she cried. "Save me, and I will reward you well! +They are carrying me away from home!" + +"What's that?" called out the man, and Dora repeated her words +before any of the others could stop her. + +"All right, I'll do what I can for you," said the man, and +running up beside the yacht, which had become caught in a sudden +calm, he made fast with a boathook. + + + + + +CHAPTER XIX + +DORA TRIES TO ESCAPE + +"Now we're in a pickle!" whispered Mumps. "That man may cause us +a whole lot of trouble." + +"You let me do the talking," answered Dan Baxter. "Help Goss get +her back to the cabin." + +"I won't go back!" screamed Dora. "Let me be!" And she ran for +the rail. + +But Mumps caught hold of her and dragged her back. Then Bill +Goss approached, followed by his wife. + +"You must go below, miss," said the sailor. + +"Come, Nancy, give us a lift." + +Poor Dora found herself at once surrounded and shoved back. She +tried to call out again, but Mumps checked her with that +ever-ready hand of his. + +"Be careful!" shouted Baxter, for the benefit of the man on the +flatboat. "Treat her with care, poor girl." + +"All right," grinned Mumps. "Come, down you go," he went on, to +Dora, and literally forced her down the companionway. + +Once in the cabin she was left in Mrs. Goss' care. The door was +locked, and Goss and Mumps went on deck to learn what Baxter was +doing. + +"What does this mean?" asked the man in the flatboat. He was a +farmer, who had just been taking a load of hay across the stream. + +"Oh, it's all right," answered Baxter carelessly. "That's my +sister." + +"Your sister?" + +"Yes." + +"What's the row?" + +"No row at all -- excepting that I am trying to get her back to +the asylum." + +"Is she crazy?" + +"A little bit; but not near as bad as she used to be. She got +out of the asylum in Brooklyn yesterday, and I've had my hands +full trying to get her back. She imagines she is a sea captain +and always runs off with my uncle's yacht." + +"I see. That's putty bad for your family." + +"Oh, yes; but we are getting used to it. Take care, we are going +to swing around." + +Never suspecting that he had been regaled with a string of +falsehoods, the farmer let go with his, boathook, and yacht and +flatboat speedily drifted apart. + +It was with a big sigh of relief that Dan Baxter saw the flatboat +recede in the distance. + +"That was a narrow shave," he muttered. "If that fellow had +insisted on talking to Dora there would have been a whole lot of +trouble." + +In vain Dora waited for the man to come on board. He had said +that he would do what he could for her. Surely he would not +desert her! + +But as the time slipped by her heart failed her and she gave +herself up to another crying spell. This caused Mumps and Goss +to withdraw, and she was left alone again with Mrs. Goss. + +"Where are we now?" she asked at length. + +"We are approaching New York," was the answer. + +"And that man, what of him?" + +"Oh, he didn't come an board." + +It was night when the Flyaway came to a landing near the upper +portion of the metropolis. The boys and Bill Goss went ashore, +leaving Dora in Mrs. Goss' care. + +"Be careful and don't let her escape," cautioned Dan Baxter. "We +won't be gone very long." + +Baxter had left for a telegraph office, expecting to receive a +message from Josiah Crabtree. + +For half an hour Mrs. Goss sat in the cabin watching Dora, who +was pacing the floor impatiently. + +"Make yourself comfortable, miss," said the woman. "It won't do +you any good to get all worked up over the matter." + +"You do not understand my situation, Mrs. Goss," faltered Dora. +"If you did understand, I am sure you wouldn't keep me a prisoner +in this fashion." + +"I am only obeying orders, miss. If I didn't my Bill would +almost kill me." + +"Is he so harsh to you?" + +"He is now. But he didn't used to be -- when he didn't drink." + +"Then he drinks now?" + +"Yes; twice over what is good for him." + +"Where have they gone?" + +"To a telegraph office." + +"Didn't they say they would be back soon?" + +"Yes." + +Dora said no more, but sank down on the couch. Then an idea came +to her mind, and lying back she closed her eyes and pretended to +go to sleep. + +The woman watched her closely for a while; then, satisfied that +the girl had really dropped off, gave a long sigh of relief. + +"I guess I can get a little sleep myself," she muttered. "I +think I deserve it." + +She locked the cabin door carefully and placed the key in her +pocket. Then she stretched out in an easy chair with her feet +on a low stool. + +Dora watched her out of the corner of her eye as a cat watches a +mouse. + +Was the woman really sleeping? + +Soon Mrs. Goss' breathing became loud and irregular. + +"She must be asleep," thought Dora, and stirred slightly. + +Mrs. Goss took no notice of this, and with her heart in her +throat the girl slipped noiselessly from her resting place and +stood up. + +Still the woman took no notice, and now Dora found herself +confronted by a most difficult task. + +Without the key to the cabin door she could do nothing, and how +to obtain the much coveted article was a problem. + +With trembling hands she sought the pocket of Mrs. Goss' dress +only to find that the woman was sitting on the key! + +"Oh, dear, this is the worst yet!" she murmured. + +As she stood in the middle of the cabin in perplexity, her captor +gave a long sigh and turned partly over in her chair. + +The pocket was now free and within easy reach, and with deft +fingers Dora drew the key forth and tiptoed her way to the cabin +door. + +She was so agitated that she could hardly place the key in the +keyhole. + +The lock had been used but seldom, and the action of the salt air +had rusted it greatly. + +As the key turned there was a grating sound, which caused Mrs. +Goss to awaken with a start. + +"What's the matter? Who is there?" she cried, and turned around +to face the cabin door. + +"Come back here! Come back!" + +She started after Dora, who now had the cabin door wide open. +Away went girl and woman up the low stairs. But Dora was the +more agile of the two, and terror lent speed to her limbs. + +On the deck, however, she came to a pause. The Flyaway was a +good six feet from the dock, and between lay a stretch of dark, +murky water the sight of which made her shiver. What if she +should fall in? She felt that she would surely be drowned. + +But as Mrs. Goss came closer her terror increased. She felt that +if she was caught she would be treated more harshly than ever for +having attempted to run away. + +"I'll take the chances!" she though, and leaped as best she +could. Her feet struck the very edge of the string piece beyond +and for an instant it looked as if she must go over. But she +clutched at a handy rail and quickly drew herself to a place of +safety. + +And yet safety was but temporary, for Mrs. Goss followed her in +her leap and struck the dock directly behind her. + +"Come back, you minx!" she cried, and caught Dora by the skirt. + +"I won't come back! Let me be!" screamed the girl, and tore +herself loose, ripping her garment at the same time. Then she +started up the dock as swiftly as her trembling limbs would carry +her. + +But fate was against her, for as she gained the very head of the +dock, Bill Goss appeared, followed by Baxter and Mumps. + +"Hullo, who's this?" cried the sailor. "The gal, sure as you are +born!" + +"She is running away!" called out Mrs. Goss. "Stop her!" + +"Here, this will never do," roared Dan Baxter. "Come here, Dora +Stanhope!" and he made a clutch at her. + +Soon the two boys were in pursuit, with the sailor close behind. +Fortunately for the evildoers the spot was practically deserted, +so that Dora could summon no assistance, even though she began to +call for help at the top of her lungs. + +The girl had covered less than a half-block when Baxter ranged up +alongside of her. + +"This won't work!" he said roughly. "Come back," and he held her +tight. + +"Let me go!" she screamed. "Help! Help!" + +"Close her mouth!" put in Mumps. "If this keeps on we'll have +the police down on us in no time!" + +Again his hand was placed over Dora's mouth, while Baxter caught +her from behind. Then Goss came up. + +"We'll have to carry her," said the former bully of Putnam Hall. +"Take her by the feet." + +"Wot's the meanin' o' this?" cried a voice out of the darkness, +and the crowd found themselves confronted by a dirty-looking +tramp who had been sleeping behind a pile of empty hogsheads. + +"Help me!" cried Dora. "Bring the police! Tell them I am Dora +Stanhope of Cedarville, and that I -" + +She could get no further, for Mumps cut her short. + +"Dora Stanhope," repeated the tramp. + +"If you forget this, my man," said Baxter, "here's half a dollar +for you. This lady is my cousin who is crazy. She just escaped +from an asylum." + +"Vanks!" came from the tramp, and he pocketed the money in a +hurry. Then he ran off in the darkness. + +"He's going to tell the police anyway!" cried Goss. "You had +better get away from here." + +"You are right," responded Mumps. "Hurry up; I don't want to be +arrested." + +As quickly as it could be done they carried Dora aboard of the +yacht and bundled her into the cabin. + +"Now keep her there!" cried Baxter to Mrs. Goss. "After we are +off you can explain how she got away." + +"She hit me with a stick and knocked me down," said the woman +glibly. "She shan't get away a second time." + +Once again poor Dora found herself a prisoner on board of the +Flyaway. Then the lines were cast off, the sails set, and they +stood off in the darkness, down New York Bay and straight for the +ocean beyond. + + + + + +CHAPTER XX + +A LONG CHASE BEGUN + + +As they journeyed down the Hudson the boys and Martin Harris +scanned, the river eagerly for some sign of the Flyaway. + +"It's ten to one she put down a pretty good distance," remarked +Dick. "They wouldn't bring Dora over here unless they were bound +for New York or some other place as far or further." + +"I believe you," said Tom. "But she may be delayed, and if what +Harris says is true the Searchlight ought to make better time +than Baxter's craft." + +Several miles were covered, when, Sam, who had just come up from +the cabin, called attention to a farmer who was ferrying a load +of hay across the river. + +"If he's been at that sort of work all day he may know something +of the Flyaway," he suggested. + +"We'll hail him, anyway," said Torn. "It won't do any harm, +providing we don't lose any time." + +So the farmer was hailed and asked if he bad seen anything of the +craft. + +"Waal now, I jest guess I did," he replied. "They war havin' +great times on board of her - a takin' care of that crazy gal." + +"A crazy girl!" cried Dick. "Who said she was crazy?" + +"One of the young men. He said she was his sister and had +escaped from some asylum. She called to me to help her. But I +don't want nuthin' to do with crazy gals. My wife's cousin was +out of his head and he cut up high jinks around the house, +a-threatenin' folks with a butcher knife." + +"That girl was not crazy, though, as it happens," said Dick +coldly. "That villain was carrying her away from home against +her will. She was no relation to him." + +"By gosh!" The farmer's face fell and he stared at the youth +blankly. "You are certain of this?" + +"Yes. We are after the crowd now. If we catch them we'll put +them in prison, just as sure as you are the greatest greeny we +ever met," continued Dick, and motioned to Harris to continue the +journey. + +The farmer wanted to "talk back," as the saying is, but could +find no words. "Well, maybe I deserved it," he muttered to +himself. "I was tuk in, no doubt on't." And he continued to +ferry his hay load along. + +"Well, we are on the right track, that's one satisfaction," said +Tom. "That farmer couldn't have done much against a man and two +big boys." + +"He could have gone ashore and got help," replied Dick. "But he +was so green he took in all that was told to him for simple +truth. How Dan Baxter must have laughed over the way his ruse +worked!" + +"Yes, and Mumps too," added Sam. "Say, we ought to punch their +heads well for them when we catch them." + +"Let us get our eggs before we cook them," said Tom. "By the +way, I'm getting hungry." + +"Ditto," came from Harris. "Will you boys see what you can +offer? I don't like to leave the tiller, for I know just how to +get the best speed out of the Searchlight." + +"I'll get up some kind of a meal," said Sam, who had played cook +on many previous occasions. + +Inside of half an hour he had the table set and Harris was called +down, Dick taking his place. By the time all hands had been +served they were in sight of upper New York City. + +"Now we had better take in some sail," said the old sailor. "The +yachts are pretty thick around here and we will miss the Flyaway +without half trying unless we are careful." + +By the time it was dark they were pretty well down the water +front of the metropolis. A consultation was held, and it was +decided to lower the mainsail and topsail and leave only the jib +flying. + +"We can't go much further tonight, anyway," said Harris. "I +don't know but what it may be as well to tie up somewhere." + +"We'll have to do that unless we can catch some sort of clue," +responded Dick gloomily. "If they have taken her to some place +in New York we'll have a big job to find her." + +A half-hour passed, and they were on the point of turning in at a +dock when Tom gave a cry. "Look! Look!" + +"What's up, Tom!" came from Dick and Sam simultaneously. + +"Is that the Flyaway?" + +All gave a look and saw a large yacht moving away from a dock +just below where they had thought to stop. + +"Call Harris!" cried Dick, and Sam ran to the cabin for the +sailor, who had just gone below. + +"I reckon that's our boat," said Martin Harris, after a quick +look. + +"Hark!" cried Dick, and held up his hand. "That's Dan Baxter's +voice, just as sure as fate." + +"I believe you," returned Sam. "Come, we can run her down in no +time." + +As quickly as it could be accomplished the course of the +Searchlight was changed. But the tall buildings of the city cut +off a good deal of wind, and it took several minutes before they +could get their sails filled. + +"Boat ahoy!" shouted Tom, before Dick could stop him. "Is that +the Flyaway?" + +"That's Tom Rover!" came back, in Mumps' voice. "They have +tracked us, after all!" + +"Tom, what made you call?" demanded Dick in disgust. "We might +have sneaked upon them unawares." + +"Never mind, I reckon we can catch them any how," returned Tom, +but he was crestfallen, nevertheless, as he realized the truth of +his elder brother's observation. "Crowd on the sail, Harris." + +"That's what I am a-doin'," came from the sailor. "We'll catch +'em before they gain the Battery." + +"Yes, but we must be careful," said Dick. "We don't want to have +a collision with some other boat." + +"No, indeed," put in Sam. "Why, if one of those big ferryboats +ran into us there would be nothing left of the Searchlight." + +"You jest trust me," came from Martin Harris, "I know my +business, and there won't be any accidents." + +"The other yacht is making for the Jersey, shore," cried Sam, a +little later. "If we don't look out we'll lose her. There she +goes behind' a big ferryboat." + +"She's going to try to bother us," grumbled Martin Harris, as he +received a warning whistle from the ferryboat and threw the yacht +over on the opposite tack. "The fellow who is sailing that boat +knows his business." + +"Is that Bill Goss, I suppose," said Tom. "There they go behind +another ferryboat." + +"It won't matter, so long as we keep her in sight," said Harris. +"We are bound to run her down sooner or later." + +Inside of half an hour the two boats had passed the Statute of +Liberty. The course of the Flyaway was now straight down the +bay, and the Rover boys began to wonder where Dan Baxter and his +crowd might be bound. + +"They must have Dora a close prisoner," mused Dick, with a sad +shake of his head. "That is if they didn't leave her in New +York," he added suddenly. + +"Do you suppose they did that?" asked Sam. + +"Perhaps -- there is no guessing what they did." + +"We missed it by not telegraphing, back to the authorities at +Cedarville to arrest Josiah Crabtree," said Tom. "I think we can +prove that he is in this game before the curtain falls on the +last act." + +"We'll telegraph when we get back," answered Dick, never thinking +of all that was to happen ere they should see the metropolis +again. + +Gradually the lights of the city faded from view and they found +themselves traveling down the bay at a rate of five to six knots +an hour. + +"We don't seem to be gaining," remarked 'Tom, after a long +silence. "I can just about make her out and that's all." + +"But we are gaining, and you'll find it so pretty soon," answered +Martin Harris. "They had the advantage in dodging among those +other boats, but now we've got a clear stretch before us." + +On and on went the two yachts, until the Flyaway was not over +five hundred feet ahead of the Searchlight. + +"What did I tell you?" said Harris. "We'll overtake her in less +than quarter of an hour." + +"This is a regular yacht race," smiled Dick grimly. "But it's +for more than the American Cup." + +"Keep off!" came suddenly from ahead. "Keep off, or it will be +the worse for you!" + +It was Dan Baxter who was shouting at them. The former bully of +Putnam Hall stood at the stern rail of the Flyaway and was using +his hands like a trumpet. + +"You had better give up the race, Baxter!" called Dick in return. +"You can't get away from us, no matter how hard you try." + +"Keep off." repeated Baxter. "We won't stand any nonsense." + +"We are not here for nonsense," put in Tom. "What have you done +with Dora Stanhope?" + +"Don't know anything about Dora Stanhope," came back from Mumps. + +"You have her on board of your boat." + +"It's a falsehood." + +"Then you left her somewhere in New York." + +"We haven't seen her at all," put in Baxter. If you are looking +for her you are on the wrong trail. She went away with Josiah +Crabtree." + +"Did he take her to Albany?" + +"No. They went West." + +"We do not believe you, Baxter," said Dick warmly. "You are one +of the greatest rascals I ever met -- not counting your father -- +and the best thing you can do is to surrender. If you don't +you'll have to take the consequences." + +"And we warn you to keep off. If you don't we'll shoot at you," +was the somewhat surprising response. + +"No, no; please don't shoot at them!" came in Dom's voice. "I +beg of you not to shoot!" + +She had escaped from Mrs. Goss' custody and now ranged up +alongside of Dan Baxter and her other enemies who were handling +the Flyaway. Her hair was flying wildly over her shoulders and +she trembled so she could scarcely stand. + + + + + +CHAPTER XXL + +THE MEETING IN THE BAY + +"There is Dora now!" cried Dick, and his heart leaped into his +throat at the sight of his dearest friend. + +"Dick Rover, are you there?" came from the girl in nervous tones. + +"Yes, Dora, I am here, with my brothers and a sailor friend." + +"Save me, please!" + +"We will!" came from all of the Rover boys in concert. + +"Take her below!" roared Baxter angrily, as he turned to Mrs. +Goss, who had followed Dora to the dock. "Didn't I tell you to +keep a close eye on her?" + +"She said she wished to speak to you," answered the woman. "I +thought she wanted to make terms with you." + +Mrs. Goss caught Dora by the wrist and, assisted by Mumps, +carried her below. She struggled and tried to fight them off, +and her cries, reaching Dick, made the youth long to be at her +side. + +"Let her alone, Baxter!" he cried hotly. "If you harm her you +shall pay dearly for it, remember that!" + +"Talk is cheap, Dick Rover," came back with a sneer. "Now keep +off, or I'll do as I threatened." + +"You won't dare to fire on us." + +"Won't I? Just come a little closer and you'll see." + +By this time the two yachts were not over a hundred feet apart, +the Searchlight to the starboard of her rival. So, far the +countless stars had brightened up the bosom of the ocean, but now +Martin Harris noted a dark mass of clouds rolling up from the +westward. + +"We'll have it pretty dark in a few minutes," he cautioned. "If +you want to haul up close, better do it at once." + +"All right, run them down," ordered Dick, half recklessly. "I +don't care how much their boat is damaged, so long as I save the +girl. Mumps ran me down, remember." + +"I reckon I can sheer 'me all right enough," grinned Harris, who +by this time had entered fully into the spirit of the adventure. +"But will they shoot?" + +"I don't believe they have any firearms," said Tom. "And if they +have I don't think Baxter could hit the side of a house at fifty +yards." + +"Are you going to keep off or not?" yelled Baxter. "I'll give +you just ten seconds in which to make up your mind." + +"By jinks! He has got a gun!" whispered Sam, as he caught a +glint of the polished barrel. "The villain!" + +"Baxter, you are playing a foolish game," answered Dick. "What +do you intend to do with Dora Stanhope?" + +"That's my business. I shan't harm her -- if you'll promise to +leave me alone." + +"Did you run off with her on Crabtree's account?" + +"It's none of your business," put in Mumps, who had just returned +to the deck, after making sure that Dora should not get away from +Mrs. Goss again for the time being. + +"It is my business." + +"You're awfully sweet on her, ain't you?" + +"Do you know it's a State's prison offense to abduct anybody?" + +"I haven't abducted anybody. She came of her own free will -- at +first. It's not my fault if she's sick of her bargain now." + +"I don't believe a word you say." + +"Do as you please. But are you going to keep off or not?" + +"We'll not keep off." + +"Then I'll fire on you." + +"If you do so, we'll fire in return," said Sam. "Maybe we can +scare him too," he added, in a whisper. + +"I don't believe you've got any weapon," came from Mumps, in a +voice that the toady tried in vain to steady. If there was one +thing Mumps was afraid of it was a gun or a pistol. + +"Try us and see," said Tom. Then he raised his voice. "Harris, +bring up that brace of pistols you said were in the locker." + +"All right," answered the sailor, catching at the ruse at once; +and he hurried below, to return with two shining barrels, made of +the handles of a dipper and a tin pot. He held one of the tin +barrels out at arm's length. "Shall I fire on 'em now?" he +demanded at the top of his voice. + +"Don't!" shrieked Mumps, and dropped out of sight behind the +mainmast of the Flyaway. + +The toady had scarcely uttered the word when a loud report rang +out, and a pistol bullet cut its way through the mainsail of the +Searchlight. Baxter had fired his gun, but had taken good can to +point the weapon over the Rover boys' heads. The bully now ran +for the cabin, expecting to receive a shot in return, but of +course it did not come. + +By this time the two yachts were almost side by side and running +along at a high rate of speed. Harris got out his boathook to +catch fast to the Flyaway, when a cry from Tom made him pause. + +"Help me! Don't leave me behind!" + +"Great Caesar!" gasped Sam. "Tom's overboard!" + +"Down with the mainsail!" roared Harris. + +"How did he fall over the side?" + +"He tried to jump to the other boat," said Dick, who had seen the +action. "I was just thinking of doing it myself." + +With all possible speed the big sheet of the Searchlight was +lowered, and then they turned as fast as the wind would permit, +to the spot where unlucky Tom was bobbing up and down on the +swells like a peanut shell. + +"Catch the line!" cried Dick, and let fly with a life preserver +attached to a fair-sized rope. His aim was a good one, and soon +Tom was being hauled aboard again with all possible speed. + +"Oh, what a mess I made of it!" he panted when he could catch his +breath. "I'm not fit to hunt jack rabbits." + +"It's lucky you weren't run down by the yacht and killed," said +Dick. "I was going to jump, but when I saw you go down I thought +better of it." + +Ten minutes of precious time had been lost, and now the Flyaway +was once more far in the distance. She was heading for shore, +and soon the oncoming darkness hid her from view. + +"Now what's to be done?" questioned Sam. + +"She'll slip us sure." + +"She can't go very far," answered Harris. "The water-line around +here is rather dangerous in the dark." + +"Is that a storm coming up?" asked Dick. + +"I wouldn't be surprised." + +With care they continued on their way, taking the course they +surmised their enemies had pursued. + +"There is some kind of land!" cried Sam, who was on the watch. +"What place is that, Harris?" + +"Becker's Cove, so they call it," answered the old tar. "It's +not far from Staten Island." + +"Do you think they came in here?" + +"If they did I reckon they calculate to stay over night." + +"Why?" + +"Because they'll want a pilot otherwise. It's rather dangerous +sailing about here -- especially in the dark." + +Five minutes later found them close to shore, and the sails were +lowered and the anchor cast out. + +"I'm going to land," said Dick, and, after a consultation, it was +decided that he should take Sam with him, leaving Tom and Martin +Harris to keep watch from the yacht. If either party discovered +anything, a double whistle twice repeated was to notify the +others. + +Now that Dan Baxter had actually opened fire on them, Dick wished +he had a firearm of some sort. But none was at hand, nor did he +know where to obtain such a thing in that vicinity, and the best +he and Sam could do was to cut themselves clubs out of some brush +growing not far from the shore line. + +The spot at which they had landed was by no means an inviting +one. It looked like a bit of dumping and meadow ground, and not +far away rested the remains of half a dozen partly decayed canal +boats which the tide had washed up high in the bogs years before. + +"If they landed around here I'd like to know where they went to," +grumbled Sam, after he and his big brother had trudged around for +half an hour without gaining any clue worth following. "It +begins to took as if we had missed it, doesn't it?" + +"Never give up, Sam. We have got to find them, you know." + +"Yes, if we don't break our necks before that time comes, Dick," +and as Sam spoke he went down into a meadow hole up to his knees. +Dick helped him out, and as, he did so the sound of two voices +broke upon their ears. + +"You needn't come if you don't want to, Mumps," came out of the +darkness, in Dan Baxter's voice. "I only thought you would be +glad of the chance." + +"There they are," whispered Dick. "Lie down, and we'll see where +they are bound, and if Dora is with them." + +He threw, himself to earth, and Sam followed. In another moment +Baxter and his toady came into plain view, although still some +distance away. + +"I'll come," came from Mumps. "But I didn't expect to meet your +father here." + +"I did. He's been here for several days. That's the reason why +I had Goss bring the Flyaway over. I'm going to kill two birds +with one stone." + +"What do you mean?" + +"I'm going to carry Dora Stanhope off, just as old Crabtree +wanted, and I'm going to give my father a lift." + +"You mean that you are going to help him to escape from the +authorities?" + +"I didn't put it that way. He wants to keep, out of sight." + +"It amounts to the same thing, Dan." + +"As you will. Will you come, or do you want to go back to the +yacht?" + +"I -- er -- I guess I'll come," faltered the toady. "But we must +be careful." + +"To be sure. I reckon I have as much at stake as you." + +The two passed out of hearing, and Dick touched his brother on +the arm. + +"Did you hear that, Sam?" he asked excitedly. + +"I did. What can it mean?" + +"Mean? It means that Dan Baxter's father is in the neighborhood +and Dan is going to call on his parent." + +"I know that, but -" + +'You are surprised that father and son are equally bad? I'm not; +I thought it all along." + +"What will you do?" + +"Follow them." + +"Will you whistle for Tom and Martin Harris?" + +"No; that might arouse suspicion. Let us follow them alone. +When they return to their yacht we can tell the others," +concluded Dick. + + + + + +CHAPTER XXIL + +THE BAXTERS MAKE A NEW MOVE + +As silently as possible Dick and Sam came after Baxter and his +toady John Fenwick. The pair of evildoers left the stretch of +meadow as fast as they could, and hurried up a narrow path +leading to a half-tumbled-down brick factory. + +At the corner of the dilapidated building they paused, and Dan +Baxter emitted a long, low whistle. A silence of several seconds +followed, and then a man appeared out of the darkness. + +"Who's dat?" came the question. + +"It's me, Girk -- Dan Baxter," replied the former bully of Putnam +Hall with small regard for the grammar that had been taught to +him. + +"Who's dat with you?" + +"Mumps. He's all right." + +"I don't know about dat. Yer father t'ought yer would come +alone," growled the tramp thief. + +"I've got a new movement on, Buddy. Take us to my father without +delay." + +"Is dat fellow to be trusted?" + +"Yes, you can trust me," replied Mumps with considerable +nervousness. His steps in the direction of wrong were beginning +to frighten him. + +At the start he had thought of nothing but to aid Josiah Crabtree +in his suit with Mrs. Stanhope, and had calculated that after the +marriage the running off with Dora would be overlooked. But +here he was taking the girl miles from her home and associated +with two men who had robbed a firm of bankers of many thousands +of dollars. The outlook, consequently, worried him very +much. + +"All right, den," muttered Buddy Girk. "Follow me." + +He disappeared within the ruined factory, and Baxter and Mumps +went after him. Listening intently at a broken-out window, Dick +and Sam heard them ascend to an upper floor. + +"I guess we have tracked Arnold Baxter," whispered Dick. "I +wonder if he and Girk have that stolen money and the securities +here?" + +"More than likely, Dick. Thieves don't generally leave their +booty far out of their sight, so I've been told." + +"I would like to make sure. I wonder if we can't go inside and +hear some more of their talk?" + +"We would be running a big risk. If Arnold Baxter caught us he +would -- would -- Well, he wouldn't be very friendly, that's +all," and Sam gave a shiver. + +"I'm going in. You can remain outside, on watch. If you want +me, whistle as we agreed." + +"But be careful, Dick!" pleaded the younger brother. + +"I will be." + +"And don't stay too long," added Sam, who did not relish being +left alone in such a forlorn looking spot, and in the intense +darkness which had now settled down over them. + +"I won't be any longer than necessary, you can depend on that," +replied the big brother. + +As silently as a cat after a mouse, Dick entered the gloomy +building and felt his way over the half-rotted floor to where the +stairs were located. + +Ascending these, he found himself in something of a hallway, the +upper floor of the building being divided into several apartments +by wooden partitions nine or ten feet in height. + +From one of the apartments shone a faint light. To this he made +his way, and, looking through a good-sized knot-hole in the +partition, he saw Arnold Baxter, Girk, and the two newcomers, +seated on several boxes and boards. On one box stood a candle +thrust in the neck of a bottle, some liquor and glasses, and a +pasteboard box containing a cold lunch. + +"So you're glad I've come, eh?" Dan Baxter was saying to his +father. + +"Yes, I am glad," was the slow reply, "that is -- I want to get +away from here as soon as possible." + +"Why don't you go?" + +"I'm afraid to go up into the town. I would prefer to go away by +boat." + +"To where?" + +"To Searock, on the Jersey coast." + +"Do you want us to take you there?" + +"If you can do it, Dan. I'll give Mumps and .your sailor friend +a nice little sum for your trouble." + +"And don't I get anything?" cried the son sharply. + +"To be sure, Dan." + +"How much?" + +"I'll give you a hundred dollars." + +"Pooh! What's that? I want more." + +"We'll arrange that later." + +"You and Girk are making a fortune out of this deal." + +"Not as much as you think." + +"I've read the newspapers and I know how much was in the haul. I +want a thousand dollars." + +"We'll arrange that afterward, Dan. Remember, in the future what +is mine is yours." + +"Now you're talking, dad," was the bully's quick reply. "I like +the way you are doing things, and I'm going to stick to you as +soon as this little matter Mumps and I have on hand is settled." + +"All right, you shall stay with me," responded the elder Baxter. +"Where is your boat?" + +"Not over half a mile from here." + +"All ready to sail?" + +"Yes." + +'Then let us make off at once." + +"Dat's it," put in Buddy Girk. "I'm afraid the police will let +down on us any minit." + +"The trouble is, that other boat I mentioned is after us." + +"How many are on board?" + +"The three Rover boys and an old sailor." + +"Four, and we'll be five, not counting the woman you mentioned. +I don't think I am afraid of the Rovers," returned Arnold Baxter. +"Besides, can't we get away from them in the dark without their +knowing what is up?" + +"Perhaps we can," said the son slowly. "The trouble is -- +What's that?" + +Dan Baxter stopped short, as a cracking sound broke upon their +ears. + +Dick had stepped on a rotten board, and it went down. His foot +was caught and held at the ankle, and before he could extricate +himself Arnold Baxter and Buddy Girk had him in their grasp. + +"Dick Rover again!" ejaculated Arnold Baxter. "Where did you +come from?" + +"Your son can tell you that," answered Dick. "Let go of me!" + +"To be sure I will!" returned the elder Baxter sarcastically. +"Are you alone?" + +"You can look for yourself." + +"I don't see no buddy here," announced Girk, as he held up the +candle. "Maybe somebody is downstairs." + +"I'll go down and see," put in Dan Baxter. + +Fearful that Sam might be caught, Dick did his best to break +away. "Sam! Sam! look out for yourself!" he yelled. "Don't let +them catch you! Call Tom and Harris, and the police, quick!" + +"Hang the luck!" muttered Arnold Baxter. "We must cut for it, +and be lively about it, too." + +"Take de swag," said Girk, referring to a tin box hidden under +the flooring of the factory. In this was hidden the money and +securities stolen from Rush and Wilder. + +He ran off to get the box. In the meantime Arnold Baxter stood +undecided as to what to do. Then he raised his fist and struck +Dick with an unexpected blow to the temple. + +"Take that, you imp!" he cried, and the youth went down at full +length more than half stunned. + +In the meantime Sam heard the rapid footsteps and the cry of +alarm, and his heart leapt to throat. Then, as Dan Baxter and +Mumps came towards him, he retreated in the direction of the +Searchlight, giving the danger signal as he ran. + +"I've got de box!" shouted Buddy Girk to Arnold Baxter. "Wot's +de next move?" + +"Follow me," said Dan Baxter. "And lose no time. That other boy +will soon have the whole neighborhood aroused." + +Away went the crowd out of the factor, the bully leading. Once +down in the meadow, Dan Baxter hurried them off in the direction +of a tiny cove where the Flyaway lay at anchor, with Bill Goss on +watch at the stern and Mrs. Goss in the cabin with Dora. + +As quickly as they could do so, one after another tumbled on +board of the yacht. They heard cries in the distance, as Tom and +Martin Harris leaped ashore to join Sam. + +"Up the mainsail!" roared Dan Baxter, and Goss obeyed the order +with alacrity. At the same time Dan Baxter and Mumps pulled up +the anchor; and in less than two minutes the Flyaway was standing +out into the bay. + + + + + +CHAPTER XXIII + +DOWN THE STATEN ISLAND SHORE TO SANDY HOOK + +"Dick! Dick! What ails you?" + +"My head, Sam! Arnold Baxter struck me down," came with a groan. + +"Can you get up? We want to follow them," cried Tom, as he +caught his brother by the arm. He had just reached the factory +on a dead run, lantern in hand, to find Dick. + +"I guess I can stand, Tom. But I can't run yet." + +"Here, take the lantern and I'll carry you," came quickly, and in +a moment more Tom Rover had Dick on his back and was running for +the Searchlight as rapidly as the nature of the meadow land +permitted, Dick holding the light over his head so that both +might see. + +The alarm had now become general, and by the time the yacht was +gained two police officers, who had been on the hunt for harbor +thieves, appeared. + +"What's the row about?" demanded one of the officers of the law, +as he came into view. + +"Is that an officer?" questioned Dick feebly, + +"I am an officer -- yes." + +"We are after some thieves and some parties who have abducted a +girl. Will you help +us?" + +"Certainly, if what you say is true. Where is the crowd?" + +"They ran off in that direction," came from Sam, as he loomed up +out of the darkness. "They have a yacht out there somewhere." + +"Then we can't catch them -- unless we get a boat," answered +Sergeant Brown. + +"We have a boat, out this way," and Sam pointed with his hand. +"But I guess we had better make certain that they go out first." + +"True for you, young man. Lead the way and we'll be with you." + +All ran on again, Tom bringing up in the rear with Dick. Soon +the cove previously mentioned was gained. They were just in time +to see the Flyaway disappearing in the darkness. + +"Come back here!" cried Tom. "If you don't it, will be the +worse for you!" + +"Don't you attempt to follow us!" came savagely from Arnold +Baxter. "If you do, somebody will get shot!" + +"By crickety, he's a bad one!" cried the second police officer. + +"Stop! I order you to stop, in the name of the law!" shouted +Sergeant Brown. + +"It's the police!" howled Mumps in sudden terror. "Oh, dear! +I knew we should catch it." + +"Shut up," muttered Dan Baxter. "Run up the jib, Goss, and be +quick about it!" + +"You do it -- I'll have to steer here," answered the sailor, and +Dan Baxter leaped for the sheet mentioned. + +"Are you going to stop?" cried Sergeant Brown, after a few +seconds' pause. + +To this there was no answer. The sergeant drew his pistol, but +before he could use it, even if he so intended, the yacht was +nothing but an uncertain shadow in the gloom of the night. + +"We had better get to your boat," said the police officer. + +"All right; come on," said Sam, and showed the way, which was +decidedly uncertain. At one point there was a wide ditch to +cross, and Tom had his hands full getting Dick over. + +Martin Harris was watching for them, and had all ready to cast +off should this be required. + +"I'm mighty glad you found the police," he said to Dick, who now +felt able to do for himself once more. "Will they go with us?" + +"You are certain those folks on the other boat are thieves?" +demanded Sergeant Brown. "Carter and I don't want to go off on +any wild goose chase." + +"They are not only thieves, but abductors," said Dick. "We can +easily prove it. They must be caught if it is possible to do +so." + +"All right then, we'll go with you. Come, Carter," and the two +officers hopped on board. Soon the mainsail was set, followed by +all the other available canvas, and the Searchlight was +continuing the chase which had been so curiously broken off. + +Martin Harris was in the dark so far as knowing what course the +Flyaway had taken, and had to trust to luck to fall in with the +fleeing craft. + +"If she's going outside of Staten Island, I reckon I can spot her +before long," he said. + +"It looks to me as if the clouds were blowing away," said Tom. +"If they do, the starlight will help us a good deal." + +As the yacht tore along through the water, the two police +officers listened with close attention to what the boys had to +tell them. + +"If they are the men who robbed Rush & Wilder it will make a fine +haul to capture them," said Sergeant Brown. + +"We want to save Dora Stanhope as much as we want to catch those +thieves," returned Dick. "I wonder if her disappearance has been +reported to the police?" + +"I can't say. You see, Carter and I have been out all day +looking for a pair of harbor thieves who stole some clothing from +a pleasure yacht lying off the Staten Island shore." + +"Did you see anything of your men?" + +"We saw them; but they got away in a rowboat. Where they have +gone to is hard telling. But I don't imagine the theft amounted +to much -- at least, it was nothing in comparison to the crimes +you are trying to run down." + +On and on went the Searchlight through the night, and slowly but +surely the clouds in the heavens cleared away, letting the stars +shine down once more on the silent waters. + +Suddenly Martin Harris gave a murmur of satisfaction. "There she +is." + +"The Flyaway!" came from several of the others. + +"Yes. Just as I thought; she is heading down the Staten Island +shore straight for Sandy Hook." + +"They are bound for Searock!" cried Dick suddenly. "Mr. Baxter +mentioned the place just before they discovered that I was spying +on them." + +"That's a good way down the New Jersey coast," said Sergeant +Brown. "Can this boat stand such a sail?" + +"Can she?" snorted Harris. "She's strong enough to go to Europe +if you want to make the trip." + +"Thank you; when I go to Europe I'll go in a steamer," laughed +the police officer. "I don't think you'd do much in a heavy +blow." + +"The Searchlight would hold her own," answered the old sailor +confidently. + +The breeze was increasing, and they rounded the Narrows at a +lively rate. The swell from the ocean now struck them, and the +yacht occasionally dipped her nose a. little deeper into it than +was expected. + +"Here, I don't want, to get wet!" cried Carter. "I'm no sailor, +you know." + +"You won't get much," laughed Harris. "This roll is just enough +to be pleasant." + +"Perhaps -- to some people," came from the policeman, who had +never cared for the rolling deep and who was beginning to feel a +trifle seasick. Fortunately for him, however, the sickness +proved mild and of short duration. + +The Flyaway was now in plain sight but too far off to be spoken. +She had every sail set to its fullest, and for the time being it +seemed impossible for the Searchlight to gain upon her. Thus +mile after mile was covered, until Sandy Hook lighthouse could be +plainly seen but a short distance away. + +"We are out in the ocean now," remarked Dick an hour later. +"Gracious, when I left Cedarville I didn't think that this was +going to develop into such a long chase!" + +"Never mind how far we go, if only the chase proves a success," +answered Tom. "If we succeed in not only rescuing Dora, but also +in bringing those thieves to justice, it will be a big feather in +our caps." + +"I'm glad the police are along," came from Sam. "They must be +well armed, and I don't see how Arnold Baxter and the others will +dare resist them." + +"They will dare a good deal to keep out of prison, Sam," remarked +Dick. "They know well enough that if they are caught it may mean +a long term for each of them." + +On and on went the two yachts until Sandy Hook lighthouse was +left in the distance. Once it began to cloud over as if there +was a storm in sight, but soon the rising sun came out brightly +over the rim of the ocean. + +When it came mealtime Sam prepared the repast, and all, even the +officers of the law enjoyed what was served to them. "It gives +one an appetite, this salt air," was Sergeant Brown's comment. + +Soon they were standing down the New Jersey coast, but so far out +on the ocean that the shore line was little more than a dark +streak on the horizon. + +"Are we gaining?" That was the question each asked, not once but +a score of times. Martin Harris felt sure that they were; but if +this was so, the advantage on the side of the Searchlight was but +a slight one. + + + + + +CHAPTER XXIV + +SEARCHLIGHT AND LANTERN + +"One thing is in our favor," remarked Dick, as the day wore away +and the distance between the two yachts seemed undiminished. +"Even if we don't succeed in catching them before tonight we know +where they are bound." + +"Perhaps it might be as well to hang back!" burst in Tom. "If we +remain in sight they won't land as intended." + +"The thing of it is, they may change their plans, especially if +they think your brother overheard their talk," put in the police +sergeant. "My idea is, they'll keep right on down the coast +until the darkness hides them from us. Then they'll try to sneak +in some cove or river and abandon the boat." + +"They'll have a job taking Dora Stanhope along," was Sam's +remark. "I don't believe she'll go another step willingly." + +"As if she has gone willingly!" said Dick. + +"Well, I mean she'll be more on her guard than she was, and +they'll have more of a job to make her go along." + +Night settled down gradually and found every heart full of +serious speculation. Dick was especially affected, for he had +hoped to see Dora rescued hours before. + +"Goodness only knows where they will take her by morning!" he +groaned. "I'd give almost anything to be at her side!" + +With the going down of the sun the wind died away and the sails +of the Searchlight flapped idly to and fro. + +"Now it's a waiting game," announced Martin Harris. "If we can't +move neither can they." + +"Just the same, the Flyaway is turning out to sea!" cried Tom. +"Now what can that mean?" + +"That may be only a blind," said Carter. + +"No, they are afraid of drifting on the sands," answered the +skipper of the Searchlight. "I reckon we'll have to turn out, +too," and he changed the course of the yacht. + +Darkness found both boats far out on the Atlantic and almost out +of sight of each other. + +"This is maddening!" cried Dick. "Can't we row, or do +something?" + +"Rowing wouldn't count much, I'm afraid," laughed Martin Harris. +"But don't fret. Unless I am mistaken, we'll have a breeze +before midnight." + +"And they may be out of sight long before that time!" + +"That's to be seen, lad. I'll watch the thing closely, for I'm +as anxious to catch 'em as you are." + +"I'd give a good deal for a small boat." + +"So would I." + +"I thought all yachts carried them." + +"They do generally, but mine was stove in at a Catskill dock +about a week ago and is being repaired." + +"Here comes the wind!" shouted Sam, half an hour later, and when +the Flyaway was almost out of sight. "Now, Harris, let us make +the most of it." + +"We will, and I hope there isn't too much of it," was the quick +reply. + +Soon the breeze struck them, and, as it came from shore, it hit +the Searchlight first and drove her fairly close to the other +yacht. But before anything could be said or done, the other +craft also moved; and then the chase began as before. + +"We're getting all we want now," announced Tom, as the wind grew +heavier. "Just look how the yacht dips her nose into the brine!" + +"We'll have to shorten sail before long," said Martin Harris. +"If we don't, a sudden gust might make us lose our stick." + +"I'd like to see the Flyaway lose her mast!" cried Tom. "It +would just serve the Baxters right if they went to the bottom."' + +"No, we don't want to see that yacht harmed," put in Dick +quickly. "Remember, Dora is on board -- and that stolen fortune, +too." + +Swiftly both yachts flew on their outward course, the ocean +growing more tempestuous each minute. The police officers viewed +the turn of affairs with alarm. + +"If it's not safe, let us turn back," whispered Carter. + +"Don't get scared so soon," replied Harris, who overheard the +remark. "I've been' in a worse blow than this, twice over." + +The sails were reefed, and they continued on their course. The +Flyaway was now but a shadow in the gloom, and presently even +this died out. + +"The chase is over," announced Harris with disgust. "Hang the +luck anyhow!" + +"What do you, mean?" demanded Dick. + +"She's out of sight, and there is no telling now how she will +turn." + +"But she can't tack back in this wind." + +"She can make a putty good try at it, lad." + +"Not much of a one, lad. There is a little electric battery and +light in the cabin, one that was used by a professor that I took +out two years ago, when the yacht was built. He was interested +in electricity and he made the light himself. I never used it, +for I didn't understand how it worked." + +"Let us look at the light; perhaps we can do something with it," +said Dick. + +"That's the talk," came from Tom. "Anything is better than +holding your hands and doing nothing." + +Martin Harris was willing, and led the way into the cabin. +Battery and light were stored away in a couple of soap boxes, and +the boys brought them out and set them on the cabin table. + +"I think I can fix these up," said Dick, after a long +examination. "The batteries are not in very good shape, but I +think they will do. They are meant to work on the same plan as +these new electric lights for bicycles, only they are, I reckon, +more powerful." + +"Well, do what you please with the machine," said Martin Harris. +"In the meantime, I'll see what I can do with a lantern and a tin +reflector. Sometimes you can see a white sail putty good with a +tin reflector." + +He hurried to the deck again, and Sam, who was not much +interested in electricity, followed him. One of the best of the +yacht's lanterns was polished up to the last degree, and they +also polished the metal reflector until it shone like a newly +coined silver piece. + +"That's a good light!" cried Sam, when it was lit up. "Where +will you place it?" + +"Up at the top of the mast," answered the old sailor. "I'll show +you." + +It took some time to adjust the lantern just right, but this +accomplished they found that they could see for a distance of a +hundred yards or more. + +"I see the sail!" announced Harris. "Don't you -- just over our +port bow?" + +"I see it," answered Sergeant Brown. "Not very far off either." + +Without delay the course of the Searchlight was changed so that +she was headed directly for the Flyaway. + +"Keep off!" was the cry out of the darkness. "Keep off, or it +will be the worse for you!" + +"You may as well give up," shouted back the police sergeant. +"You are bound to be caught sooner or later." + +"We don't think go. If it comes to the worst, remember, we can +do a heap of fighting." + +"We can fight too," was the grim response. + +"Dora! Dora! Are you safe?" shouted Sam, with all the strength +of his youthful lungs. + +"Save me!" came back the cry. "Don't let them carry me further +away." + +"We'll do our best, don't fear." + +Dora wanted to say more, but was prevented from doing so by +Mumps, who again hurried her below. + +"You must lock her up," he said to Mrs. Goss, and once more the +unhappy girl found herself a prisoner in the cabin. + +She had hoped for much during the chase along shore, but now her +heart sank like a lamp of lead and she burst into tears. + +"No use of crying," said Mrs. Goss. "It won't help you a bit." + +"I want to be free!" sobbed Dora. "Where will they take me?" + +"Never mind; you just be quiet and wait." + +"But you are running directly out into the ocean!" + +"What of that?" + +"I don't wish to go." + +"You'll have to take what comes, as I told you before." + +"Mrs. Goss, have you no pity, for me?" + +"If I did have it wouldn't do you any good, Miss Dora. I've got +to do as the men folks want me to do. If I don't they'll make --" + +The woman did not finish what she was saying. A loud report rang +out on deck, followed by the distant crash of glass. Then came a +yell, followed by another report and more crashing of glassware. + +"What can that mean?" burst out Dora, but instead of answering +her, Mrs. Goss bounced out of the cabin, locking the door after +her, and hurried to the deck. + + + + + +CHAPTER XXV + +A SHOT FROM THE DARKNESS + +The shots which had reached Dora's ears had come from a gun in +the hands of Arnold Baxter. + +The man had been enraged at the sight of the lantern on the mast +of the Searchlight, and, taking careful aim, had sent a charge of +shot into the affair, smashing globe, reflector, and tin cup, and +scattering the oil in all directions. + +"Hurrah, I struck it!" shouted Arnold Baxter gleefully. "Now +they won't see us quite so plainly." + +"Knock out the other lantern, pop," put in Dan Baxter, and the +parent turned in the second barrel of the shotgun with equal +success. + +For an instant the deck of the Searchlight seemed to be in +darkness. Sam felt a bit of hot glass strike him on the cheek +and raised his hand to brush it off. Then he felt something warm +on the back of his leg. Looking down he saw to his horror that +some of the oil from the lantern had fallen on him and that it +was ablaze! + +"Help! Help!" he shrieked. "I'm burning up!" + +His cry alarmed everybody, and all, even Dick and Tom, came +rushing to his aid. But Sergeant Brown was first, and he +promptly threw the boy down flat and, whipping off his coat, +began to beat out the flames. + +Another shot now rang out, aimed at a third lantern, but the +light was not struck. By this time Martin Harris made the +discovery that the mainsail was on fire in two places, while the +jib was also suffering. + +"This is getting hot!" he cried, when Carter opened up fire at +random, determined to do what he could. A yell and a groan +followed, and then all became quiet, and firing on both sides was +over. + +Fortunately for Sam, the flames upon his person were quickly +extinguished, and all the lad really suffered was the ruin of his +trousers and an ugly blister on the calf of his leg. But he was +badly scared, and when it was over he had almost to be carried to +the cabin. + +In the meantime Martin Harris procured several pails of water and +a long-handled swab and with these did what he could to +extinguish the fire on the sails. Several of the others joined +in, and inside of ten minutes all danger of a conflagration was +past. + +"That's the worst yet!" growled the old sailor, as he surveyed +the mainsail, which had two holes in it each is large as a +barrel. "I'd like to wring the neck of the fellow as did it, yes +I would," and he shook his head determinedly. + +"That's the end of that light," said Sergeant Brown. "What are +you going to do next?" + +"I think I can get that searchlight to work," put in Dick. "But +will it be of any use? They may start to shooting again." + +"We've got to have some kind of a light, even if it's only a +tallow candle," grumbled Harris. + +"If we haven't got a light some coastwise steamer may run us +down." + +He set to work to rig up a temporary light, and in the meantime +Dick returned to the cabin to experiment with the electric light. +He found Sam on the couch, bathing his leg with oil to take away +the sting of the bum. + +"How is it, Sam -- hurt much?" + +"I suppose it might be worse," was the younger brother's reply. +"I wonder who fired that shot?" + +"One of the Baxters, more than likely. They are a cold-blooded +pair." + +"One or more of us might have been killed if we had been directly +behind the lights." + +"That is true. I don't suppose Arnold Baxter would care much if +we were. He was father's enemy, you must remember, and he said +he hated all of us." + +Sam resumed his bathing and Dick turned to the cabin table, upon +which the battery and other portions of the searchlight rested. + +Dick had always been greatly interested in electricity and +therefore the parts of the battery before him were not hard for +him to understand. + +But there was one trouble with the battery which did not reach +his eye as he turned it around and started it up. That was that +a portion of the insulation of a main wire was worn off. + +As he turned on the current there was a flash and the light +blazed up almost as bright as day. + +"That's fine!" cried Sam. "We'll be able to see the Flyaway a +long distance off now." + +"Well, I only hope when we put this up it won't be knocked out +like the other lights were." + +"Of course we'll have to run that risk." + +In a minute more Dick started to carry the searchlight to the +deck. + +He had turned off the light proper, consequently the way to the +companionway was rather dark. + +He had almost reached the top of the steps when Sam heard a +scream, saw a flash of fire, and then Dick came tumbling to the +cabin floor in a heap, with the battery and light beside him. + +"My gracious, he's been shocked!" burst out the youngest Rover; +and, forgetting all about his burn, ran to his brother's +assistance. + +"What's that noise?" came from the deck. + +"Dick's been shocked by the searchlight!" cried Sam. "Come down +here, somebody, and let us see what we can do for him." + +"Shocked, is it!" cried Sergeant Brown. "If that's the case, +look out that somebody else don't catch it." + +Tom came tumbling down, followed by both police officers, and +Dick was picked up and deposited on the couch. Then Sam kicked +the searchlight and batteries into a corner. + +"They can stay there for all I care," said he. + +"They are too dangerous, unless, a chap knows just how to handle +them." + +Dick lay with his eyes wide open, but unable to move. Tom bent +down and announced that his heart was still beating. + +But little in the way of restoratives were at hand, and the most +they could do was to rub the youth's body in an attempt to +restore the circulation. + +"Oh, I hope he isn't permanently injured!" cried Tom. "If he +should turn out a cripple it would be awful!" + +"That's so," answered Sam. "Poor Dick! He's as bad off as if +those rascals had shot him." + +Slowly Dick came to his senses. But he was very weak, and soon +he discovered that he was powerless to move his left arm. + +"It's all numb," he announced. "It feels as if it was dead." + +"Let me shake it for you," said Tom, and both brothers went to +work, but with small success. The arm hung down as limp as a +rag, and the left leg was nearly as badly off, although Dick said +he could feel a slight sensation in it, like so many needles +sticking him. + +"You see, I've been afraid of that battery right along," said +Martin Harris. "The professor got shocked once, and he limped +around for a long while after." + +"But he got over it at last, didn't he?" questioned Tom eagerly. + +"I can't say about that. He went off, and I haven't seen him +since," was the unsatisfactory reply. + +The injuries to Dick and to Sam had somewhat dampened Tom's +ardor, and he wondered what they had best do next, and spoke to +the police officers about it. + +"I don't know of anything but to turn back to shore," said +Sergeant Brown. "We've lost them in the dark, and that is all +there is to it. If we go ashore we can send out an alarm, and as +soon as the Flyaway is spotted, somebody will go out and arrest +everybody on board -- I mean everybody but the young lady, of +course." + +"But they may come ashore in the dark." + +"And they may do that even if we stay out here -- and then +they'll have more of an advantage than ever. No, I think the +best thing we can do is to turn back to the coast and make the +safest landing we can find." + +When Dick heard of this, however, he shook his head. "Don't go +back yet," he pleaded. "See if you can't make out the Flyaway +somewhere. She won't dare to sail very far without a light." + +"I don't go for giving up just yet," put in Martin Harris. "As +the lad says, she'll show a light very soon now -- for there is a +coastwise steamer a-coming," and he pointed in the direction of +Sandy Hook. + +He was right, and soon the many lights from the big steam vessel +could be plainly seen. She was heading almost directly for them, +but presently steered to the eastward. + +"She must be almost in the track of the Flyaway," went on Martin +Harris. "Just wait and see if I ain't right." + +They waited and watched eagerly, and thus five minutes passed. +Then from a distance they saw a light flash up. + +"There she is!" cried Tom. "Let us head for her at once. They +won't keep that light out long -- just long enough to let that +steamer go by." + +Martin Harris was already at the tiller, and soon the Searchlight +was thrown over and was again dipping her nose in the long ocean +swells. The wind had died away only to freshen more than ever, +and the chase now became a lively one. + +The enemy seemed to know that the exposure of their light had +given those on the Searchlight the cue, and they were sailing as +rapidly as all of their canvas permitted. But Harris was now +handling his craft better than ever before, and slowly but surely +the distance between the two craft was diminished, until the +Flyaway could be made out faintly even without a light. + +"Don't lose her again," said Dick. "We must keep at it until we +run them down completely." And Harris promised to do his best. + +It was now past midnight, and the police officers said they were +tired out and dropped into the cabin to take a nap. Dick +likewise remained below, trying to get up some circulation in the +lamed arm. + +"Can't you feel anything?" queried Tom. + +"I think I can," answered his big brother. "Yes, yes, it's +coming now!" he went on. "Thank God!" and he suddenly raised the +arm and bent the fingers of his hand. By daylight that member +of his body was nearly as well as ever. But this experience was +one which Dick has not forgotten to the present day. + +Sam had bound up his burn with a rag saturated with oil and +flour, and announced that he felt quite comfortable. "But just +let me get hold of those Baxters," he added. "I shan't stand on +any ceremony with them." + +"I don't believe any of us will," said Tom. + +"But as anxious as I am to have this over, I would just as lief +have the chase last until morning. Then we'll be better able to +see what we are doing." + +"Or trying to do," said Sam with a faint smile. + + + + + +CHAPTER XXVI + +A FLAG OF TRUCE + +Sunrise found the two yachts far out on the ocean with land +nowhere in sight. The- breeze was still stiff, but it was not as +heavy as it had been, and Martin Harris was unable to decrease +the space which separated his own craft from that of the enemy. + +"You see, the Searchlight is the better boat in a strong blow," +he explained. "When the wind is light the Flyaway has as good a +chance of making headway as we have." + +"Well, one thing is certain," said Tom. "This chase can't last +forever." + +"It may last longer than you imagine, lad." + +"Hardly. We haven't more than enough provisions aboard to last +over today." + +"Perhaps the other boat is even worse off," said Sergeant Brown +hopefully. "If that's the case we'll starve them out." + +"I don't care what we do, so long as we rescue Dora and get that +stolen fortune," said Dick, as he dragged himself to the crowd, +followed by Sam. + +"And how's Sam?" questioned Tom, turning to his younger brother. + +"Oh, I'm all right -- if it comes to fighting." + +"And you, Dick?" + +"I think I can do something -- at least, I am willing to try." + +Breakfast -- a rather scant meal -- had just been disposed of, +when Martin Harris uttered a shout. + +"They want to do some talking," he announced. + +"Why, what do you mean?" asked Dick. + +"They are hoisting a white rag." + +"Sure enough!" ejaculated Tom, as he pointed to a flag of truce +which Dan Baxter was holding aloft, fastened to an oar. "What do +you make of that?" + +"They want to make terms," laughed Sergeant Brown. "I reckon +things are coming our way at last." + +"Do we want to talk to them?" asked Tom. + +"Let us make them surrender, and do the talking afterward," came +from Sam. + +"It won't hurt to let them talk," said the police sergeant. "We +can do as we please, anyway, after they are done." + +The matter was discussed for a moment, and then Tom tied his +handkerchief to a stick and held it up. + +"Ahoy there!" came from Arnold Baxter. "Will you honor the flag +of truce?" + +"Yes," yelled Sergeant Brown. + +"And let us have our distance after our talk is over, if we can't +come to terms?" + +"Yes." + +"All right, then; we'll come close enough to talk to you." + +Slowly and cautiously the Flyaway drew nearer, until all on board +of Harris' yacht could see their enemies quite plainly. + +Arnold Baxter was armed with a shotgun, while Buddy Girk and Dan +Baxter carried pistols. Mumps kept out of sight as much as +possible, while Bill Goss attended to the steering of the boat. +Dora and Mrs. Goss were below. + +"Well, what have you got to say?" demanded Dick, as soon as the +others were within easy talking distance. + +"How many on board of that yacht?" demanded Arnold Baxter, as he +looked at the police officers glumly. + +"Enough," replied Dick. "Is that all you've got to say?" + +"Don't grow impudent, boy. It won't set well." + +"A person couldn't be impudent to such a rat such as you, Arnold +Baxter." + +"Have a care, Dick Rover. What do you propose to do?" + +"Land all of you in jail, rescue Dora Stanhope, and recover that +money you stole." + +"Indeed!" + +"Yes -- indeed! Don't you think we are pretty close to doing +it?" + +"No, you are a long way off. You won't dare to break this truce +while the flags fly. If you do, I'll shoot you just as sure as +you are born." + +"I don't intend to dishonor any truce, Arnold Baxter. But, +nevertheless, you and your crowd are almost at the end of your +rope, and you know it." + +"Feeling hungry, ain't you?" put in Martin Harris. + +"You shut up!" roared Dan Baxter, for Harris had hit the nail +exactly on the head. "We'll settle this with the Rovers and the +police, not with you." + +"You'll settle with me for burning my sails and breaking my +lanterns," retorted the skipper of the Searchlight wrathfully. + +"Let us come to terms," went on Arnold Baxter in a milder tone. +"I reckon what you want principally is to rescue Dora Stanhope?" + +"Yes, I want that," said Dick quickly. + +"If we hand her over to you, will you promise not to follow us +any longer?" + +"Well - er - what of that money?" began Dick, glancing at those +around him. + +"We can't let you go," interposed Sergeant Brown. "You are +wanted for that robbery in Albany." + +"We deny the robbery," said Arnold Baxter. + +"All right -- you'll have a chance to clear yourself in court." + +"We are not going to court, not by a jugful," put in Buddy Girk. +"If we give up the gal that's got to end it. Otherwise, we don't +give her up, see?" + +"But you'll have to give her up later on," put in Tom. "And the +longer you keep her the more you will have to suffer for it, when +it comes to a settlement." + +"Let's give her up," whispered Mumps to Dan Baxter. To the +credit of the toady let it be said that he was heartily sick of +the affair and wished he had never entered into it. + +"You keep your mouth shut!" answered the former bully of Putnam +Hall. "My dad knows how to work this racket." + +"Somebody said something about being hungry," continued Arnold +Baxter significantly, "I imagine Miss Stanhope is as hungry as +any of us, if not more so." + +"Do you mean to say you are starving her!" cried Dick +indignantly. + +"I mean to say that she will have to starve just as much as we +do," was the unsatisfactory answer. + +"And you have run out of provisions?" + +"We have run out of provisions for her, yes." + +"That means that you won't give her any more, even though you may +have some for yourselves? You are even bigger brutes than I took +you to be," concluded the elder Rover boy bitterly. + +"We've got to look out for ourselves," said Dan Baxter. "If we +let you have the girl you ought to be satisfied." + +"Let us talk to Dora," suggested Tom. + +"No, you can't see her unless you agree to our terms," said +Arnold Baxter decidedly. "If we bring her up now she may try to +get away from us." + +"You have got to submit to arrest and stand trial," said Sergeant +Brown. "There are no two ways about it. If you won't submit +quietly we'll have to fight. But let me tell you, if you fight +it will go hard with you." + +"That's right; make them give up everything," put in Tom. "I'll +fight them if it comes to the worst." + +"If only they don't harm Dora!" whispered Dick. "Think, they may +be starving her already!" + +"I don't believe they would dare, Dick." + +"Dare? I think the Baxters are cruel enough to do most +anything." + +"Officer, do you know that you are on the high seas and can't +touch us?" went on Arnold Baxter, after an awkward pause. + +"I know nothing of the kind, and I'll risk what I am doing," +retorted Sergeant Brown. + +"Can't we compromise this matter?" + +"What else have you to propose?" + +"I'll tell you what I'll do. If you'll agree not to molest us +further I'll turn the girl over to you and make each of you a +present of one hundred dollars," went on Arnold Baxter nervously. + +"Want to bribe us, eh?" cried Tom. "Thanks, but we are not in +that business." + +"I never took a bribe yet, and I've been on the force six years," +put in Carter. + +"You can't bribe me," said the sergeant, in a tone that admitted +of no argument. "You must surrender absolutely or take the +consequences." + +"All right, then; we'll take the consequences," was the reckless +response. "And remember, we hold that girl, and any harm you do +us will only counteract on her head." + +"Don't you dare to harm her, you villain!" cried Dick, turning +pale. "Whatever you do you shall answer for in court." + +"Humph, Dick Rover, don't be so smart," put in Dan Baxter. "This +game is still ours, and you know it." + +"I know nothing of the kind. We will starve you out and fight +you, and you will see what the end will be, Dan Baxter," retorted +Dick; and then the two yachts began to drift apart once more. + +As the Flyaway moved off, Mumps, who had disappeared for a +minute, came into sight once more. In his hand he hold something +white, which he threw with all force at the Searchlight's +mainsail. + +"Take that!" he cried. "Take that, and remember me!" + +By this time the two yachts were so far apart that no more could +be said. + +"What was that you threw on their boat?" demanded Baxter, turning +to his toady. + +"A seashell," replied Mumps. "I thought I could hit Dick Rover +with it." + +"Humph, you had better take some lessons in throwing," muttered +the bully. "You didn't come within a dozen feet of him." + +"Never mind; I showed them I wasn't afraid of them," said Mumps, +and turned away. Then he looked back anxiously. "I hope they +pick it up and see what's inside!" he murmured. "Oh, but ain't I +tired of this crowd! If ever I get out of this, you can wager +I'll turn over a new leaf and cut Dan Baxter dead." + + + + + +CHAPTER XXVII + +THE COLLISION IN THE FOG + +"Hullo! Mumps isn't keeping this flag of truce very good," +remarked Sam, as the seashell dropped at his feet. + +"There is something inside of the shell," said Tom. "A bit of +paper. Perhaps it's a message?" + +"I'll soon see," returned his younger brother, and ran to where +he could not be seen from the other yacht. + +He pulled from the seashell a small, square of paper, upon which +had been hastily scrawled the following in lead pencil: + +"I will help you all I can and hope you won't prosecute me. I +will see that Dora S. gets something to eat, even if I give her +my share. They intend to go to Sand Haven if they can give you +the slip." + +"Good for Mumps! He's coming to his senses," cried Sam, and +showed the others the message. Dick read the words with much +satisfaction. + +"I hope he does stand by Dora," he said. "If so, I'll shield him +all I can when the crowd is brought up for trial." + +"If he tells the truth we may as well put into harbor and make +for Sand Haven," said Martin Harris, who had now resumed the +chase once more. + +"Yes; but he may not be telling the truth," was Sergeant Brown's +comment. "The whole thing may be a trick to get us to go to Sand +Haven while that crowd goes somewhere else." + +"I think they are tired of carrying the girl around," said +Carter. "To give her up to us would have been no hardship." + +"That's it," put in Martin Harris. "Well, I'm willing to do +whatever the crowd says." + +The matter was talked over at some length, and it was finally +decided to cruise around after the Flyaway for the best-part of +the day. If, when night came on, the other craft should steer in +the direction of Sand Haven, they would do likewise, and land as +soon as darkness came to cover up their movements. + +Slowly the day wore along and the two yachts kept at about the +same distance. They were both running due south, and land was +out of sight as before. + +"This is developing into a regular ocean trip and no mistake," +remarked Tom, as he dropped into a seat near the cabin. "Who +would have thought it when we left Cedarville in such a hurry?" + +"I'd like to know how things are going up there," mused Dick. +"It will be too bad if Josiah Crabtree succeeds in marrying Mrs. +Stanhope while we are away." + +"Let us hope for the best," put in Sam. + +"Hullo, the Flyaway is moving eastward!" + +"What does that mean, Harris?" cried Dick. + +"It means that they want to make the most of this wind," +responded the skipper of the yacht grimly. "I'm learning a trick +or two on 'em, and I'll overreach 'em if they ain't careful." + +"You can't do it any too quick," answered Dick. "When next we +meet there won't be quite so much talking. Instead, we'll have +some acting, and pretty lively at that." + +Sergeant Brown was questioned concerning his weapons, and said he +had two pistols and Carter had the same. One of the extra +weapons was loaned to Dick and the second went to Tom. It was +decided that in case of a close brush Sam and Harris were to arm +themselves with anything that was handy, but otherwise they were +to attend to the sailing of the Searchlight. + +Provisions, to use Tom's way of expressing it, were now "more +than low," and as they ate the scant food dealt around, Dick +could not help but think of how Dora might be faring. + +"I'd willingly starve myself if only it would give her what she +needs," he thought. It made him sick at heart to think of how +she might be suffering. + +Mile after mile was passed, until the sun began to descend over +to the westward. The yachts were now close on to quarter of a +mile apart. + +"Here comes another steamer!" cried Tom presently. "Look here, +why can't we get some help from her?" + +"Perhaps we can!" burst out Dick. "I never thought of that." + +"Let us signal her anyway," suggested Sergeant Brown. + +A flag was run up as high as the topmast permitted, and they +headed directly for the steamer's course. + +As the ship came closer they made her out to be a big "tramp" +from the South American trade. For the benefit of those who do +not know, let me state that a tramp steamer is one going from one +port to another regardless of any regular route, the movements of +the craft depending entirely upon the freight to be picked up. + +"She sees the signal!" exclaimed Dick, after an anxious wait of +several minutes. + +Slowly the steamer came up to them, and then her ponderous +engines ceased to work. + +"What is wanted?" came in Spanish from a dark-looking man on the +forward deck. + +"Can't you talk English?" cried Dick. + +"A leetle." + +"We are after that other sail-boat. The men in her are thieves +and have abducted a girl, too. Will you help us catch them?" + +At this the man on the steamer drew down his face and held a +consultation with several behind him. + +"You are sure they are thieves?" he asked presently. + +"Yes." + +"Have they with them the money that was stolen?" + +"We are pretty certain they have." + +"And the girl?" + +"Yes" + +"And what is the reward for the girl, senor?" + +"Well, I declare!" burst out Tom. "They are after a reward the +first thing." + +"No reward yet," answered Dick. "But there may be." + +At this the South American scowled. "We cannot lose time on a +hunt that is worth nothing," he said. "We must get to Brooklyn +by tomorrow morning." + +"You won't help us bring them to justice?" + +"We cannot afford to lose the time." + +Without further words the big steamer's engines were started up +again and away she sped, leaving the Searchlight to sink and rise +on the rollers left in her wake. + +"My, but that fellow is accommodating!" groaned Dick. "He isn't +doing a single thing without pay." + +"We might have bought some provisions from him," put in Martin +Harris. "I reckon he'd sell some for a round price -- being so +near to the end of his voyage." + +"I don't want his stuff," remarked Sam. + +"I'm afraid it would choke me if I tried to eat it." + +The stop had given the Flyaway an advantage, and she was making, +the most of it. But before the gun went down those on the other +yacht saw her head for the coast once more. + +"I guess the note told the truth," said Harris. + +"Is Sand Haven near here?" questioned Tom. + +"It is not over half a mile further down the coast." + +"And how far are we out?" was the police sergeant's question. + +"Between five and six miles, as near as I can calculate." + +"Will they be able to run in by dark?" + +"I think so. You see, the wind is shifting, and it depends a +good bit on how much it veers around," concluded the old sailor. + +Slowly the sun sank in the west. It was growing cloudy and a +mist was rising. The mist made Martin Harris shake his head; +but, not wishing to alarm the others, he said nothing. + +But soon Dick noticed the mist and so did the rest. "Gracious, +supposing we get caught in a fog!" muttered Tom. + +"I was just thinking of it," returned his elder brother. "There +will be no fun in it -- if we are out of sight of land." + +A quarter of an hour went by, and still no land appeared. It was +now so raw that the boys were glad enough to button their coats +tightly about them. Then, of a sudden, the fog came rolling over +them like a huge cloud, and they were unable to see a dozen yards +in any direction. + +"This is the worst yet!" groaned Sam. "What's to do now?" + +"Yes, what's to do now?" repeated Sergeant Brown. "Can you make +the coast, skipper?" + +"To be sure I can," replied Harris, as he looked at the compass. +"But I don't know about landing. You see we might stick our nose +into a sandbank before we knowed it." + +"Perhaps the fog will lift?" suggested Carter. + +"A fog like this isn't lifting in a hurry," said Dick. "Like as +not it won't move until the sun comes up tomorrow morning," and +in this guess he was right. + +A half-hour went by, and from a distance came the deep note of a +fog-horn, sounding apparently from up the shore. + +"We ought to have a horn," said Sam. "Some big boat may come +along and run us down." + +"There is a horn in the cabin pantry," replied Martin Harris. +"We might as well bring it out. If we are sunk one or more of us +will most likely be drowned." + +"Oh, don't say that!" ejaculated Carter. "I'll get the horn," +and, running below, he brought it up, and he and Sam took turns +at blowing it with all the strength of their lungs. + +"One thing is comforting; those rascals are, no better off than +we are," was Tom's comment. + +"Yes; but if they founder, what will become of Dora?" + +"I don't believe any one of them would put himself out to save +her." + +"I guess you're right there, Dick. I never thought of her, poor +girl," replied the brother. + +Dick and Sergeant Brown were well up in the bow, one watching to +starboard and the other to port, for anything which might appear +through the gloom. The horn was blowing constantly, and now from +a distance came the sounds of both horns and bells. + +"We are getting close to some other ships," said Martin Harris. +"I reckon we had best take a few reefs in the mainsail and stow +away the jib," and these suggestions were carried out. + +The minutes that followed, were anxious ones, for all felt that a +collision might occur at any moment. The fog was growing thicker +each instant, and this, coupled with the coming of night, seemed +to shut them in as with a pall. + +"A boat is dead ahead!" came suddenly from Dick, and Sergeant +Brown also gave a cry of warning. Then came a shock and a crash +and a splintering of wood, followed by the cries of men and boys +and the screams of a woman and a girl. + +"We've struck the Flyaway!" called out Tom, and then he found +himself in the water, with Sam alongside of him. + + + + + +CHAPTER XXVIII + +HOME AGAIN -- CONCLUSION + +When the collision came, Dick, to save himself from injury, gave +a leap up into the air, and Sergeant Brown did the same. The +shock sent the Searchlight backward, and when the youth came down +he found himself sprawling on the Flyaway's deck, close beside +Dan Baxter. + +"Dick Rover!" gasped the former bully of Putnam Hall. "So it is +your boat that has run into us?" + +"Baxter, where is Dora Stanhope?" panted Dick, as soon as he +could speak. He was afraid that one or both yachts were going +down and that Dora might be drowned. Even in this extreme moment +of peril his one thought was for his girl friend. + +"Find out for yourself," burst out Baxter, and aimed a blow at +Dick's head with his fist. But the blow never reached its mark, +for Mumps hauled the bully backward. + +"We've had enough of this -- at least, I've had enough," said +Fenwick, astonishing himself at his own boldness. "Dick, Dora is +in the cabin - no, she's coming up." + +"Save me!" came in a scream from the girl. + +"Oh, Dick, is it really you!" and she ran right into Dick's arms. + +By this time it was discovered that the two yachts were locked +together, the bowsprit of the Flyaway having become entangled in +the rigging of the Searchlight. Both yachts were badly damaged, +but neither sufficiently so as to be in danger of sinking. + +"Back with you!" came from Arnold Baxter, and fired his shotgun +at the police officer. But the rocking of the boats spoiled his +aim. Then Sergeant Brown fired, and the elder Baxter went down, +shot through the left leg. + +By this time all of the evildoers realized that the final +struggle for freedom was at hand, and began to fight desperately, +Buddy Girk engaging Dick, Bill Goss facing Carter, and Mrs. Goss +beating Martin Harris back with a stew pan from the gallery. In +the meantime Tom and Sam swam back to the Searchlight, and +clambered on board as rapidly as possible. + +They were in time to see Carter go down, hit over the head by +Bill Goss. But that was the last of the fight, so far as the +skipper of the Flyaway was concerned, for two blows, delivered by +tom and Sam simultaneously, stretched him senseless on the deck. + I + +"You had better give up!" cried Tom to Dan Baxter, who was doing +what he could to get the two yachts apart. "This is our battle." + +"Not much!" muttered the bully. "Stand back, or it will be the +worse for you!" + +He sprang at Tom and shoved a pistol under the boy's very nose. +But before the weapon could be discharged, Dick, leaving Dora, +kicked the pistol from the bully's hand! + +"You villain, take that!" cried Dick, and grappled with Baxter. +Both rolled over on the deck, and shoved by somebody from +behind, Sam rolled on top of the pair. A second later all three +rolled down the cabin stairs in a heap. + +"Oh, my back!" It was Baxter who uttered the cry, and not without +cause, for his backbone had received a hard crack on the bottom +step of the stairs. + +"You lie still!" commanded Dick, as he leaped to his feet. "If +you dare to move I'll put you out of the fight altogether." + +"Don't -- don't shoot me!" panted Dan Baxter in sudden fear. + +"Do you give in?" + +"Yes." + +"Then keep still. Sam, guard him, will you? I want to see how +matters are on deck." + +"Yes, I'll guard him," answered the youngest Rover. + +The fight on deck had been short and fierce, but our friends had +had the best of it from the very start, and when Dick came up he +found but little for him to do. Arnold Baxter lay where he had +fallen, moaning piteously, while Buddy Girk and Bill Goss were in +irons. Mrs. Goss still stood at bay, flourishing her stew pan +over her head, while Mumps remained at a distance, his arms +folded over his breast and an anxious look in his eyes. + +"I won't go to prison!" shrieked Mrs. Goss. "You let me and my +husband go." + +"Mrs. Goss, you had best give in -" began Sergeant Brown, when +Tom, sneaking up behind her, snatched the stew pan from her +grasp. As she turned on the boy, Carter ran in, and in a twinkle +she was held and her hands were bound behind her. Then the crowd +turned to Mumps. + +"I submit," said the misguided boy. "Didn't I tell you in the +note that I would help you?" + +"Yes, he has tried to do better," put in Dora. + +"If it hadn't been for him I wouldn't have had a mouthful to eat +today." + +"I guess we can trust him, then," said Dick. "But, Mumps, take +care that you don't go back on us." + +"I won't go back on you," said the toady. "I'm going to cut that +crowd after this." + +"You can't make a better move," was Dick's comment. + +Now that affairs were in their own hands, our friends hardly knew +how to turn next. After a discussion it was agreed to place the +Flyaway in charge of Dick and Tom, who were also to carry Dora +and Mumps. All of the others went aboard of the Searchlight, +Arnold Baxter being carried by the police officers, who attended +to his wound as well as the accommodations on board of the yacht +permitted. + +So far nothing had been said about the money and securities +stolen by Baxter and Girk, but they were in a locker in the +Flyaway's cabin, and easily brought to light. + +"This is a big day for us," said Dick. "Won't folks at home be +astonished when they hear of what we have done?" + +"I cannot get home fast enough," said Dora. "Poor mama, if only +I knew she was safe!" + +"Josiah Crabtree shall suffer for this," said Dick. "Remember, +it was he who had you carried off by Mumps and Dan Baxter." + +The Searchlight was already on the way and the Flyaway me behind +her. The course was due west, and they kept on until the +breakers could be heard in the distance. Then Martin Harris +bore away to the northward. + +With the coming of daylight the fog disappeared as if by magic, +and they found themselves close to the seashore town of +Lightville. Here there was a small river, and they ran into this +and came to a safe anchor close to one of the docks. + +On going ashore Dick's first movement was to send two telegraph +messages, one to Rush & Wilder, telling them that the stolen +securities and money had been recovered, and the second to +Captain Putnam, breaking the news of Dora's safety and requesting +the master of the Hall to acquaint Mrs. Stanhope with the fact +and take steps toward Josiah Crabtree's arrest. Later another +message was sent to Randolph Rover so that the boys' uncle might +no longer be alarmed over their safety. Sergeant Brown also +telegraphed to his superiors. + +Inside of an hour after landing, Arnold Baxter, Buddy Girk, Dan +Baxter, and the two Gosses were safely housed in the Lightville +jail. At first it was thought to arrest Mumps also, but he +begged for his liberty, and promised, if let go to tell +everything. As some witness would be wanted when the others came +to trial he was taken at his word. + +It was a happy party that started for Cedarville that evening. +No one could have been more attentive than Dick was to Dora, and +no one could have been more appreciative than the girl of what +the three Rover boys had done for her. + +At Ithaca a surprise awaited the crowd. Frank, Fred, and Larry +were there to welcome them, and soon after Captain Putnam +appeared. + +"I am very glad to see you all safe and sound," said the captain, +as he shook hands. "You have had a regular ocean chase, and no +mistake." + +"And how is my mother?" questioned Dora quickly. + +"She is happy, Miss Stanhope; but the shock of your sudden +disappearance has made her quite ill." + +"And Josiah Crabtree?" + +"Has disappeared. Your mother said he wanted to marry her after +you went away, but she would not listen to him. I imagine that +after this he will keep his, distance." + +"He had better keep his distance -- if he wants to remain out of +jail," put in Dick. + +The return of the boys to Putnam Hall was the signal for a +regular jollification, and my readers can rest assured that all +of the cadets made the most of it. Captain Putnam ordered an +extra dinner for them, and in the evening a huge bonfire was +started on the campus, and, as the boys gathered around Dick, +Tom, and Sam they sang "For he's a jolly good fellow!" until they +were hoarse. It was a celebration never to be forgotten. "Just +the right sort for a home coming," as Sam expressed it. + +"Let them have it," said the master, as he looked on. "They +deserve it." + +"You are right," returned George Strong. + +"Those Rover boys have proved themselves regular heroes." + +Here I will bring to a close the story of the Rover boys' doings +on the ocean while trying to rescue Dora Stanhope from her +abductors and while endeavoring to recover the fortune stolen +from Rush & Wilder. + +Words cannot describe the happiness which mother and daughter +felt when Mrs. Stanhope and Dom found themselves together once +more. Tears were freely shed, and the widow blessed the boys who +had done so much for herself and her child. She declared that +her eyes were now to the real wickedness of Josiah Crabtree, +never more would she have anything to do with the man. + +Rush & Wilder were immensely pleased to recover what had been +taken from their safe, and when money and securities were +returned to them they rewarded the Rover boys and the others +handsomely for their work. But to this day Dick declares that +the recovery of the stolen fortune was "only a side issue." "We +were out to rescue Dora," he says. "And, thank God, we did it!" + +In due course of time the evildoers were brought to trial, and +with Mumps and the others to testify against them, all were +sentenced to various terms of imprisonment. Being wounded, +Arnold Baxter was taken, as before, to a hospital; but this time +the authorities kept a close watch on him. + +With their enemies in custody the Rover boys imagined that life +at Putnam Hall would now run along smoothly. But in this they +were mistaken. They had hardly settled down to their studies +when a strange message from over the sea started them off on a +search for their father, the particulars of which will be related +in another volume, to be entitled: "The Rover Boys in the jungle; +or, Stirring Adventures in Africa." In this book we will not +only meet Dick, Tom, and Sam again, but also Dan Baxter and +several others with whom we are already acquainted. + +But for the time being all went well, and here we will leave the +three boys, wishing them the best of good luck in the future. + + +The End + + + + + + + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK, THE ROVER BOYS ON THE OCEAN *** + +This file should be named rboce10.txt or rboce10.zip +Corrected EDITIONS of our eBooks get a new NUMBER, rboce11.txt +VERSIONS based on separate sources get new LETTER, rboce10a.txt + +Project Gutenberg eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the US +unless a copyright notice is included. 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Do not change or edit the +header without written permission. + +Please read the "legal small print," and other information about the +eBook and Project Gutenberg at the bottom of this file. Included is +important information about your specific rights and restrictions in +how the file may be used. You can also find out about how to make a +donation to Project Gutenberg, and how to get involved. + + +**Welcome To The World of Free Plain Vanilla Electronic Texts** + +**eBooks Readable By Both Humans and By Computers, Since 1971** + +*****These eBooks Were Prepared By Thousands of Volunteers!***** + + +Title: The Rover Boys on the Ocean + +Author: Arthur M. Winfield (Edward Stratemeyer) + +Release Date: June, 2004 [EBook #5875] +[Yes, we are more than one year ahead of schedule] +[This file was first posted on September 15, 2002] +[Most recently updated on July 25, 2007] + +Edition: 11 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK, THE ROVER BOYS ON THE OCEAN *** + + + + +This eBook was prepared by John Pobuda. + + + + +THE ROVER BOYS ON THE OCEAN +OR A CHASE FOR A FORTUNE + +BY Arthur M. Winfield +(Edward Stratemeyer) + + + + +INTRODUCTION + + +My dear Boys: "The Rover Boys on the Ocean" is a complete tale in +itself, but forms a companion volume to "The Rover Boys at +School," which preceded it. + +In the former volume I tried to give my young readers a glimpse +of life as it actually is in one of our famous military boarding +schools, with its brightness and shadows, its trials and +triumphs, its little plots and counterplots, its mental and +physical contests, and all that goes to make up such an +existence; in the present tale I have given a little more of +this, and also related the particulars of an ocean trip, which, +from a small and unpretentious beginning, developed into +something entirely unlooked for an outing calculated to test the +nerves of the bravest of American youths. How Dick, Tom, and +Sam, and their friends stood it, and how they triumphed over +their enemies, I will leave for the story itself to explain. +This volume will be followed by another, to be entitled, "The +Rover Boys in the jungle," telling of curious adventures in the +heart of Africa. + +As the first volume of the series was so I well received, my one +wish is that the present tale may find equal favor at your hands. + +Affectionately and sincerely yours, + +EDWARD STRATEMEYER + +September 20, 1899 + + + + +THE ROVER BOYS ON THE OCEAN + + + + +CHAPTER I + +SOMETHING ABOUT THE ROVER BOYS + + +"Luff up a little, Sam, or the _Spray_ will run on the rocks." + +"All right, Dick. I haven't got sailing down quite as fine as you +yet. How far do you suppose we are from Albany?" + +"Not over eight or nine miles. If this wind holds out we'll make +that city by six o'clock. I'll tell you what, sailing on the +Hudson suits me first-rate." + +"And it suits me, too," put in Tom Rover, addressing both of +his brothers. "I like it ten times better than staying on Uncle +Randolph's farm." + +"But I can't say that I like it better than life at Putnam Hall," +smiled Sam Rover, as he threw over the tiller of the little +yacht. "I'm quite anxious to meet Captain Putnam and Fred, +Frank, and Larry again." + +"Oh, so am I," answered Tom Rover. "But an outing on the Hudson +is just the best of a vacation. By the way, I wonder if all of +our old friends will be back?" + +"Most of them will be." + +"And our enemies?" + +"Dan Baxter won't come back," answered Dick seriously. "He ran +away to Chicago with two hundred dollars belonging to his father, +and I guess that's the end of him--so far as Putnam Hall and we +are concerned. What a bully he was!" + +"I feel it in my bones, Dick, that we'll meet Dan Baxter again," +came from Sam Rover. + +"Don't you remember that in that note he left when he ran away he +said he would take pains to get square with us some day?" + +"He was a big blower, Sam," put in Tom. "I am not afraid of him. +An his chum, Mumps, was a regular sneak coward. I hope Putnam +Hall will be free from all such fellows during the next term. +But we--Hold hard, Sam--there is another yacht bearing down +upon us!" + +Tom Rover leaped to his feet and so did Dick. Tom was right; +another craft, considerably larger than their own, was headed +directly for them. + +"Throw her over to starboard!" sang out, Dick Rover. "And be +quick about it--or we'll have a smash-up sure!" And he leaped +to his brother's, assistance, while Tom did the same. + +The Rover brothers were three in number--Dick, the oldest and +most studious; Tom next, is full of fun as an egg is full of +meat, and Sam the youngest. + +In a former volume of this series, entitled, "The Rover Boys at +School," I related how the three youths had been sent by their +uncle, Randolph Rover, to Putnam Hall, a military boarding +school, situated upon Cayuga Lake, in New York State. + +Whether the three boys were orphans or not was a question that +could not be answered. Their father, Anderson Rover, had been a +geological expert and rich mine owner, and, returning from the +West, had set sail for Africa, with the intention of exploring +the central region of that country in the hope of locating some +valuable gold mines. The boys and their uncle knew that he had +journeyed from the western coast toward the interior with a +number of natives, and that was all they did know, although they +had made numerous inquiries, and hoped for the best. The lads' +mother was dead; and all these things had happened years before +they had been sent to boarding school. + +Randolph Rover was an eccentric but kind hearted man, given over +entirely to scientific farming, of which, so far, sad to relate, +he had made a rather costly failure. He spent all of his time +over his agricultural books and in the fields, and was glad +enough to get the boys off his hands by sending them to the +military school. + +When vacation came he wondered what he should do with them during +the summer, but the problem was solved by the boys, who hated to +think of remaining on the farm, and who proposed a trip up and down +the Hudson River and through Long Island Sound, providing their +guardian would furnish the boat and bear the expense of the outing. +The outcome was the chartering of the yacht _Spray_, and all of the +boys took lessons in sailing from an old tar who knew exactly how +such a craft should be handled. + +At Putnam Hall the boys had made a number of friends, and also +several enemies, and had had several surprising adventures, as my +old readers already know. Who their friends and their enemies +were, and what further adventures were in store for the three +brothers, I will leave for the pages following to reveal. At +present let us turn our attention to the boat which seemed on +the point of running down the _Spray_. + +Like their own craft, the other boat carried but a single mast. +But the stick was at least ten feet longer than the mast of the +_Spray_, and the boat was correspondingly larger in every respect. +As she came nearer the Rover boys saw that she contained two +occupants, a boy and a somewhat elderly man. + +"Sheer off there!" cried Dick, at the top of his lungs. "Do you +want to run us down?" + +"Get out of the way yourself!" came back the answer from the boy +in the other boat. + +"We can't get out--we are almost on the rocks now!" yelled Tom. +Then he gave a start of surprise. "Why, it's Mumps!" + +"By jinks, it is John Fenwick!" muttered Dick. "I remember now +that he came from the Hudson River and that his folks owned a +boat." He raised his voice, "Are you going to sheer off or not?" + +By this time the two boats were nearly bowsprit to bowsprit, and +Sam Rover's heart almost stopped beating. But now Mumps spoke to +the man with him, and his craft, called the _Falcon_, sheered to +port, scraping the _Spray's_ side as she did so. + +"Mumps, what do you mean by such work?" demanded Dick, when the +immediate danger was past. + +"Ha! ha! I thought I would give you a scare," laughed the former +sneak of Putnam Hall. + +"You needn't be afraid but what I and old Bill Goss here know how +to keep the _Falcon_ out of danger." + +"It was foolishness to run so close," said Tom. + +"Don't you talk to me, Tom Rover. I've had enough of you, mind +that." + +"And I want you to mind and keep off next time, Mumps. If you +don't--" + +"What will you do?" + +"I'll be tempted to come aboard the _Falcon_ and give you a +thrashing." + +"You'll never set foot on my boat, and I'm not afraid of you," +roared Mumps. "You think you got the best of me at Putnam Hall, +but you didn't, and I want you to know it." + +"How is your friend, Dan Baxter?" cried Sam. "Has he landed in +jail yet?" + +"Never mind Dan Baxter," growled Mumps, growing red in the face; +and then the two yachts moved so far apart that further talk was +impossible. + +"Well, I didn't expect to meet him," muttered Dick, after the +three brothers had cooled down a bit. "He must have known we +were in this boat." + +"I saw his craft last night, down near Catskill," said Tom. +"I'll wager he has been following us up." + +"He wouldn't do that unless he had some reason for it." + +"I believe he would sink us if he could," put in Sam. "To my +mind he is almost as bad as Baxter." + +"Hardly, Sam; Dan Baxter is a thief and the son of a thief," came +from Tom. "By the way, I wonder if Arnold Baxter is still in the +hospital at Ithaca." + +"More than likely, since he was so badly hurt by that fall from +the train. If we--Look, Mumps has turned around and is +following us!" + +Sam pointed to the _Falcon_, and his brothers saw that he was +right. Soon the larger craft was again within hailing distance. + +"Hi, Mumps, what are you following us for?" demanded, Dick, as he +stepped up on the stern seat. + +"Didn't know I was following you," was the sour rejoinder. "I +have a right to sail where I please." + +"If you have any game in mind I advise you not to try it on." + +"What game would I have, Dick Rover?" + +"Some game to get yourself into trouble." + +"I know my own business." + +"Alright, you can go about your business. But don't try to step +on our toes--or you'll get the worst of it." + +"So you're going to play the part of a bully?" + +"No; I'm only giving you fair warning. If you let us alone we'll +let you alone." + +"You have been watching the movements of the _Falcon_ since day +before yesterday," went on Mumps, slowly and distinctly, as +though he expected his words to have a great effect. + +"Watching your boat--" began Dick and Tom simultaneously. + +"Yes, watching my boat--and I don't like it," answered Fenwick, +and his face grew dark. + +"Why should we watch your boat?" demanded Sam. + +"Never mind why. You've been watching her, and that's enough." + +"And why should we put ourselves out to that extent--when we are +merely out for pleasure," said Dick. "There is no fun in +watching a fellow like you, I'm sure." + +"John is right; ye have been a-watchin' this boat," growled the +old sailor named Bill Goss, who, it may be as well to state here, +was thoroughly under his younger master's thumb for reasons best +known to himself. "If I had my way I'd wollop the lot on ye!" +And he shook his fist at the occupants of the _Spray_. + +"You keep your oar out!" cried Dick sternly. "You are entirely +mistaken in your suspicions. We are not spying on you or +anybody, and if you--" + +Dick was permitted to go no further. While Bill Goss was +speaking the _Spray_ had been caught by a sudden puff of wind +and sent over to starboard. Now the _Falcon_ came on swiftly, and +in an instant her sharp bow crashed into the Rover boy's boat. +The shock of the collision caused the _Spray_ to shiver from stem +to stern, and then, with a jagged hole in her side, she began to +slowly sink. + + + + +CHAPTER II + +THE ENCOUNTER ON THE RIVER + + +For the instant after the collision occurred none of the Rover +boys uttered a word. Tom and Sam stared in amazement at Mumps, +while Dick gazed helplessly at the damage done. + +"Pull her away, quick, Bill!" cried Mumps in a low voice to the +old sailor, who at once sprang forward and shoved the two yachts +apart with a long boathook. Then the rudder of the _Falcon_ was +put hard a port, and she swung, away for a distance of half a +dozen yards. + +"We are sinking!" gasped Tom, who was the first of the three +brothers to find his voice. + +"Mumps, you rascal, what do you mean by this work?" demanded +Dick. And then, without waiting for an answer, he turned to Sam. +"Steer for the shore and beach her--if you can." + +"I don't believe we can make it, Dick. But we can try." + +"We'll have you locked up for this, Mumps," shouted Tom. + +"I couldn't help it--it was an accident," returned the former +sneak of Putnam Hall glibly. "You should have kept out of the +way." + +"We'll see about that later on." + +"Maybe you want us to help you." + +"We shan't ask you for the favor," burst out Sam. "I'd rather +drown first." But Sam did not exactly mean this. He and his +brothers could all swim, and he felt certain that they were in no +immediate danger of their lives. + +"You had better not ask any favors. I wouldn't pick you up for a +barrel of money." + +"I think we'll have to settle this in court, Mumps," said Dick, +as quietly as he could. + +"You can't prove I ran you down." + +"Don't you dare to have us hauled up," put in Bill Goss. "It was +an accident, jest as John says. I reckon as how it will teach ye +a lesson not to follow us ag'in." + +By this time the two yachts were once more so far apart that +talking from one to the other became difficult. Besides this, +the Rover boys felt that they must turn their whole attention to +the _Spray_, so no more was said. + +The yacht had been struck just at the water line and the hole +made in her side was all of six inches in diameter. Through this +the water was pouring into the hold at a lively rate. + +"We're going down as sure as guns," groaned Tom. "Steer her +right for the shore, Sam." This was done, and just as the _Spray_ +began to settle they ran upon a muddy and rocky flat about thirty +feet from the river bank proper. + +"There, we can't go down now," said Dick, with something of a +sigh of relief. "Let us lower the mainsail and jib before the +wind sends us over on our beam ends." + +The others understood the value of the advice, and soon the +mainsail of the yacht came down with a bang, and the jib +followed. The _Spray_ seemed inclined to list to port, but stopped +settling when her deck line touched the surface of the river. + +"That settles yachting for the present," said Dick in deep +disgust. + +"And the worst of it is, we haven't even a small boat to go +ashore in," added Sam. "What's to do?" + +"There is a rowboat putting out from the shore now," cried Tom. +"Hullo, there!" he shouted, and waved his hand. + +The shout was returned, and the rowboat was headed, in their +direction. As it came closer they saw that its occupant was a +middle-aged man of pleasant appearance. + +"So you had a smash-up, eh?" shouted the man, as soon as he came +near. "Anybody hurt?" + +"Our boat is hurt," answered Tom dryly. + +"Much of a hole?" + +"Big enough to put us on the bottom." + +"So I see. Want me to take you ashore?" + +"Yes," put in Dick, "if you will be kind enough to do it." + +"Certainly; always willing to aid anybody in distress. That +other craft run you down in short order, didn't she?" + +"Did you see it?" burst out Sam eagerly. + +"To be sure I did." + +"Then you know it was her fault." + +"I do. She had no right to follow you up as she did." + +"I'm glad you saw the mix-up, Mr..." + +"Martin Harris is my name. I'm an old boatman around here--keep boats +to hire, and the like. And who is this I'm to take ashore?" + +"My name is Sam Rover. These are my two brothers, Dick and Tom." + +"Do you know who it was ran into you?" + +"It was the _Falcon_, a yacht owned by a Mr. Fenwick. His son and +a man he called Bill Goss were aboard." + +At this Martin Harris drew down his mouth. "A bad set, those. I +know 'em well." + +"And we know, Fenwick, too," put in Dick, "He's a regular sneak." + +"That's right--takes after his father, who did his best to +defraud me in a boat deal. And that Bill Goss is a sneak, too, +and worse," and Martin Harris shook his head decidedly. + +"Well, we can't talk about those people now," said Dick. "We're +in a mess and must get out of it the best way we can. As you are +an old boatman, what would you advise us to do?" + +"Come ashore with me and then get Dan Haskett to take your boat +in charge and fix her up. He can stop that leak somehow and pump +her out and have her all right inside of twenty-four hours." + +"Where can we find this Haskett?" + +"Come into my boat and I'll take you to him." + +The rowboat was now close at hand, and one after another the +Rover boys stowed themselves away in the craft. Then Martin +Harris took up the oars and started for the river bank. He +turned down the stream a bit and landed them at an old dock over +which hung the sign: "Daniel Haskett, Boat Builder and Repairer +jobs Promptly Attended to--Charges Small." + +Dan Haskett proved to be an elderly man, who was somewhat deaf, +and it took the boys some time to make him understand the +situation. + +"We've had a smash-up," began Dick. + +"Cash up?" said the deaf man. "Cash up for what?" + +"We've had a smash-up!" repeated the boy in a louder tone. "We +want our boat mended." + +"What's ended?" asked the boat builder. "Your boat?" + +"Almost ended," roared Tom. "We--want--you--to--fix--up--our--boat," +he yelled. + +"Oh, all right. Where is she?" + +Dick pointed with his finger, and at once the boat builder +understood. "There's a hole in her side," bawled the boy. "We +want it patched up." + +"All right; I can do that." + +"Can we have her by tomorrow?" + +"How's that?" And Dan Haskett placed his hand to his ear. + +"Can--we--have--her--by--tomorrow?" yelled Dick. + +"I guess so. I'll have to see how badly she is damaged first." + +Haskett got out a small boat of his own and, taking Dick with +him, rowed over to the wreck. He pronounced the injury small and +said the boys could have their boat by noon the next day. The +charges would be twelve or fifteen dollars. + +"We'll be getting off cheaper than I thought," said Tom, on +Dick's return. "Ought to come out of Mumps' pocket." + +"That's so," added Sam. "By the way, I wonder what he meant by +saying we were dogging him?" + +"I can't say," replied Dick. "But I've been thinking that he +can't be up to any good, or he wouldn't be so suspicious." + +"Just exactly my idea!" burst out Tom. "Do you know what I half +imagine?" + +"Well?" + +"That Mumps is cruising around waiting for Dan Baxter to join +him." + +"But Baxter went to Chicago." + +"He won't stay there--not as long as his father is in the East. +He will be back before long, if he isn't back already." + +"But he took that money belonging to his father." + +"What of that? His father can't do anything against him, for he +himself is worse than his son, as we all know. Besides, his +father is most likely still in the hospital." + +"If you young gentlemen want to sail around until tomorrow noon, +I can take you out in one of my boats," remarked Martin Harris. +"I've got a first-class yacht, the _Searchlight_, that I can let +you have reasonably." + +"Thanks, but I would just as lief stay on shore until our boat is +mended," answered Dick. "But I want to pay you for what you did +for us," he added. + +"Oh, that's all right." + +But the boys thought otherwise, and in the end gave Martin Harris +two dollars, with which the boatman was highly pleased. + +"Remember, I saw that accident," he said, on parting. "I can +prove it was the _Falcon's_ fault." + +"We'll remember that," answered Dick. + +From time to time they had watched the _Falcon's_ course until the +yacht had disappeared down the river. + +After a short debate the brothers decided to put up at a hotel +which stood not far away, on a high cliff overlooking the noble +Hudson. + +"We've been on the water for nearly two weeks now," said Dick, +"and to sleep in a real bed will be something of a novelty." + +As it was in the height of the summer season the hotel was +crowded; but some guests were just departing, and they managed to +get a fairly good room on the second floor. This had a double +bed, and a cot was added, to accommodate Sam; Dick and Tom +sleeping together, as usual. + +It was supper time when the boys arrived, and as soon as they had +registered and washed up and combed their hair, they descended to +the spacious dining room, where fully a score of tables were set. + +"This way, please," said the head waiter, and showed them to a +table at one side, overlooking one of the wide verandas of the +hotel. + +"I'm as hungry as a bear!" exclaimed Tom. "You can't serve us +any too quick," he added, to the waiter who came up to take their +orders. + +"Yes, sah, do the best I can, sah," grinned the colored man. +"What kind of soup, please?" + +"I'll have ox-tail--" began Tom, when he happened to glance out +of the window. As his gaze fell upon a man sitting in an easy +chair on the veranda he uttered a low whistle. "By jinks, boys, +look! Josiah Crabtree, as sure as you're born!" he whispered. + + + + +CHAPTER III + +JOSIAH CRABTREE FREES HIS MIND + + +The individual to whom Tom referred had been a former master at +Putnam Hall, but his disagreeable ways had led to his dismissal +by Captain Putnam. + +Josiah Crabtree was a tall, slim individual, with a sharp face +and a very long nose. During the past term at Putnam Hall he had +been very dictatorial to the Rover boys, and it must be confessed +that they had made life anything but a bed of roses for him. +Crabtree had been very desirous of marrying a certain widow by +the name of Stanhope, but the marriage was opposed by Dora, the +widow's daughter, and as Dick was rather sweet on Dora, he had +done all he could to aid the girl in breaking off the match, even +going so far as to send Crabtree a bogus letter which had taken +the teacher out to Chicago on a hunt for a position in a private +college that had never existed. Dick knew that Crabtree was +comparatively poor and wished to marry the widow so that he could +get his hands on the fortune which the lady held in trust for her +only child. + +"It is Crabtree," said Dick, as he gave a look. + +"I wonder how he liked his trip to Chicago?" laughed Sam. +"Perhaps the Mid-West National College didn't suit his lofty +ideas." + +"Hush! don't let him hear you talk of that," returned Dick. "He +might get us into trouble." + +"What kind of soup, sah?" interrupted the waiter, and then they +broke off to give their order, and the waiter hurried off to fill +it. + +"I'd like to know if he has been around the Stanhope cottage +again," mused Dick, as he sipped his soup. + +"Dick can't bear to think of anybody around Dora," laughed Tom. + +"I don't want _him_ around," retorted the elder Rover, growing red +in the face. "He wants the Stanhopes' money and that's all he +does want. I don't believe he really loves Mrs. Stanhope." + +"But why does she encourage him?" came from Sam. "Why don't she +send him about his business?" + +"Oh, she is sickly, as you know, and he seems to have a peculiar +hypnotic influence over her, at least that's what Dora thinks." + +"What are you laughing at, Tom?" + +"I--I was thinking of the time we put the crabs in old +Crabtree's bed," answered the younger brother. + +"No, you, weren't--" + +"Well?" demanded Tom, as Dick paused. + +"You were laughing because I mentioned Dora, and--" + +"'Pon my honor I wasn't," smiled Tom, but his look belied his +words. + +"You were. If I mention her cousins, Grace and Nellie Laning, I +guess the laugh will be on you and Sam--" + +"We'll call it quits," answered Tom hurriedly. + +"They're all nice girls, eh, Sam?" + +"To be sure. But, I say, hadn't we best keep out of old +Crabtree's way?" + +"I don't know as it's necessary," said Dick. + +"I'm not afraid of him, I'm sure." + +"Oh, neither am I, if you are going to put it that way," answered +the youngest Rover. + +"If he's stopping here I'm going to have some fun with him," +grinned Tom. + +The evening meal was soon finished, and the boys took a stroll +around the grounds. They were just on the point of retiring when +Dick drew his brothers' attention to a figure that was stealing +through a nearby grove of trees. + +"There goes Crabtree." + +"I wonder where he is going," mused Sam. "Where does that path +lead to?" + +"Down to the river," came from Tom. And then he added suddenly: +"Come, let us follow him." + +"What's the good," grumbled Dick. "I'm tired out." + +"There may be some chance for fun. Come on," and thus urged Dick +and Sam followed their fun-loving brother. + +The path through the grove ran directly to the cliff overlooking +the Hudson, at a point where a series of stone steps led up from +the water's edge. As they gained a spot where they could look +down upon the river, Dick uttered a short cry. + +"Look, boys, a yacht!" he said, pointing through the moonlight. +"I'll wager it is the _Falcon_!" + +"And Mumps is coming to meet Josiah Crabtree," put in Sam. + +"But what would he want to see Crabtree about?" demanded Tom. + +"That remains to be seen. Remember at Putnam Hall the only friends +Josiah Crabtree had were Dan Baxter and Mumps." + +"That is true, Dick. See, Crabtree has his handkerchief out and +is waving it as a signal." + +"And here comes somebody up the steps. Mumps, sure enough," +whispered Sam. + +"Let us get behind the trees and learn what is going on," came +from Dick, and the three brothers lost no time in secreting +themselves in the immediate vicinity. + +"Well, John, I've been waiting for you," said Josiah Crabtree, as +Mumps came forward and the two shook hands. + +"So have I been waiting for you," returned the former sneak of +Putnam Hall. "Why didn't you come yesterday?" + +"It was impossible to do so, my lad. Is that the _Falcon_ down +there?" + +"It is." + +"Who is in charge of her?" + +"A sailor named Bill Goss." + +"Is he a--ahem--a man to be trusted?" + +"I guess I can trust him," snickered Mumps. "If he dared to give me +away, I could send him to jail." + +"You mean that you--er--have him--ahem--in your power?" + +"That's it, Mr. Crabtree." + +"Very good. And is be, a good sailor?" + +"As good as any on the river." + +"Then he can sail the yacht down the river without mishap?" + +"He can take her to Florida, if you wish to go that far." + +"No, I don't want to go that far--at least, not at present." + +"Don't you think you ought to let me in on your little game," +went on Mumps earnestly. "So far I'm in the dark." + +"You will know all very soon, John--and you shall be well paid +for what you do." + +"That's all right. But if it isn't lawful--" + +"I will protect you, never fear." + +"Where is Dan Baxter?" + +"Hush! It will be best not to mention his name, my lad." + +"'But where is he?" + +"I cannot say exactly." + +"Is he around Lake Cayuga?" + +"Well--ahem--more than likely he is. To tell the truth, he +is very anxious to see his father." + +"To bone him for some more money?" + +"I think not. Daniel thinks a great deal of his parent, and when +Mr. Baxter was so seriously injured--" + +"Dan didn't care much for that. He isn't that kind." + +"Daniel is a better boy than you think, John. He loves his +parent, and when that imp of a Rover got Mr. Baxter into trouble +Daniel was very much exercised over it." + +"Gracious, but that's rich," murmured Dick. "_I_ got him into +trouble. I guess the rascal did that for himself." + +"Well, we won't talk about that, professor," went on Mumps. "You +didn't stay in Chicago long." + +"No, I--ahem--the position offered to me did not suit my +views, so I declined it." + +"Gee-christopher!" came from Tom, and each of the Rovers could +scarcely keep from laughing. + +"I think those Rover boys put up a job on you," said Mumps. "At +least, I got an inkling that way." + +"Indeed. I would like to wring their necks, the imps!" burst out +Josiah Crabtree. "Oh, what have I not suffered at their hands! +At one hotel where I stopped they placed live crabs--But let +that pass, the subject is too painful. To come back to the +point. I can have the _Falcon_ at any time that I may need her?" + +"Yes." + +"And you will promise to say nothing to a soul about what is done +on the trip I propose?" + +"I will." + +"Very good, You see, this is a--er--a delicate matter." + +"Are you going to marry Mrs. Stanhope and use the yacht for your +honeymoon?" said Mumps somewhat slyly. + +"Hardly--although that would not be a bad idea, my lad. But +now I have a different deal on hand--something very much +different. If you do not object I'll take a look at your yacht +and interview this sailor you mention." + +"All right, come ahead." + +Mumps led the way down the rocky steps and Josiah Crabtree +followed, moving slowly that he might not fall. Creeping to the +edge of the cliff, the Rover boys saw the pair reach the _Falcon_ +and go on board. + +"Now what is in the wind?" said Dick, as soon as the pair were +out of hearing. + +"That's a conundrum," replied Tom. "I'll wager one thing though--old +Crabtree is up to no good." + +"I believe you are right. I wish we could hear the rest of what +is going on." + +"Can't we get close to the yacht?" suggested Sam. "See, the sky +is clouding over. I don't believe they will see us going down +the stairs." + +They talked the plan over for a moment, then began to descend the +steps, keeping as low down as possible and close to some brush +which grew up in the crevices of the stones. Soon the river bank +was gained at a point not over fifty feet from where the yacht +lay. + +They halted behind a large stone close to the water's edge. By +straining their eyes in the darkness they saw Mumps, Crabtree, +and Bill Goss in earnest conversation in the stern of the vessel. +A low murmur came to their ears, but not a word could be +understood. + +"We must get closer," was Dick's comment, when to the surprise of +all they saw the sailor hoist the mainsail of the _Falcon_. A +gentle breeze was blowing, and soon the yacht was leaving the +shore. They watched the craft until the gathering darkness hid +her entirely from view. + + + + +CHAPTER IV + +THE DISASTROUS RESULT OF A TRICK + + +"She's gone!" + +"Yes; and I wonder where to, Tom?" + +"I don't believe the yacht will go very far," said Sam. "Maybe +old Crabtree merely wants to see what sort of a sailing craft she +is." + +"We can watch here for a while," returned Dick. + +They sat down on a rock and waited, in the meantime discussing +the strange situation. They could reach no conclusion but that +Josiah Crabtree had some plot he wanted to put into execution. +"And it's something underhand, too," was Dick's comment. + +At last they grew tired of waiting and almost fell asleep. This +being the case they returned to the hotel and made their way to +the bed chamber. Soon each was sleeping soundly. + +When they awoke the sun was shining brightly--and it was +half-past seven o'clock. "All up!" shouted Tom, and dragged Sam +out by the foot. Soon they were dressed and made their way to +the dining room. + +They had scarcely seated themselves when Josiah Crabtree came in +and was shown to a seat directly opposite the boys. He did not +notice them at first and began to eat a dish of oatmeal silently +and rapidly. + +Tom nudged Sam, and the younger Rover nudged his oldest brother, +and a snicker went up. At this Josiah Crabtree glanced at them +carelessly. Then he started back in amazement. + +"Why--er--why--ahem--so it is you!" he stammered. "I--er--where did +you come from?" + +"We came from our bedroom," answered Tom promptly. "Where did +you come from, Mr. Crabtree?" + + "Why--er--don't be impertinent, Rover. I might say that I +came from my bedroom too." + +"I thought you came from the river," remarked Dick carelessly. + +"From the river? + +"Yes." + +"You are--ahem, mistaken, my lad. I have not been near the +river--at least, not since I came up from New York on the +boat." + +"Stopping here for the summer?" put in Sam. + +"I do not know as that is any of your business, Samuel. I am no +longer a master at Putnam Hall and when I left that place I +washed my hands of all those connected with that place." + +"A good thing for the Hall, sir," came from Tom. + +"Don't be insulting, Rover. You go your way and I'll go mine." + +"As you please, sir. You spoke to us first." + +"I'll take good care and not do it again. But this looks as if +you were following me up." + +"That's what Mumps said," cried Sam, before he had stopped to +think twice. + +"Ha! So you have met Mum--I mean John Fenwick?" + +"We met him on the river." + +"And he said you had been following him?" + +"Never mind, Mr. Crabtree, we won't talk any more," put in Dick, +with a warning glance at Sam. He turned to the waiter. "Some +fish, please, trout; and see that the biscuits are warm." + +"Yes, sah," grinned the negro. + +Tom at once took the cue. "It's going to be a warm day," he said +to Dick. + +"I wonder how sailing was last night," put in Sam slyly. + +At this Josiah Crabtree looked as black as a thundercloud. + +"You boys have been playing the sneak on me!" he cried. "Take my +advice and beware of what you do in the future." + +"I wasn't talking to you," retorted Sam. "Kindly keep your remarks to +yourself." + +By this time others were coming to the table, consequently the +cross-fire of words had to come to an end. Josiah Crabtree +finished his repast as speedily as possible and strode out of the +dining room in high but suppressed anger. + +"He's a corker," remarked Tom. "I believe he'd half kill us if +he dared." + +"I guess he hasn't forgotten how I stopped him from maltreating +Dora Stanhope," said Dick. "I wish I knew if he had been around +their place since he came back from the West." + +"Of course he has been back," said Tom. "And he'll marry Mrs. +Stanhope yet--see if he don't." + +"Not if I can help Dora prevent it," said his elder brother +firmly. + +Breakfast finished they walked out to learn what had become of +Crabtree. They were just in time to see him leaving the hotel, +valise in hand. + +"He's off," said Tom. "I wonder where he is bound?" + +"Let us follow him and find out," returned Dick, + +This did not prove to be an easy matter, for at the foot of the +hotel grounds Josiah Crabtree jumped into a stage which was in +waiting, bound for the depot. + +"He's off on the train, I guess," said Sam, and the others were +inclined to agree with him. + +Down at the river shore nothing could be seen of the _Falcon_, and +they concluded that Mumps had also taken himself off. + +The morning was spent around the hotel, in reading the +newspapers and taking it easy out on the beautiful lawn. + +"Hullo, here's a novelty!" cried Tom presently, and pointed to an +Italian who was coming up to the hotel. The fellow had a small +hand organ and a trained bear and two monkeys. The monkeys were +dressed in red, white, and blue, and sat on the bear's back as he +trotted along. + +"He's going to give us a performance," said Sam, as the Italian +came to a halt in the center of the grounds. + +"There they go!" + +The music started, and at once the bear reared himself on his +hind legs and began to dance. In the meantime the monkeys +climbed to the bear's head and began a little dance of their own. + +"Now for a little sport," whispered Tom, and started for the +hotel. + +"Be careful of yourself!" warned Dick; "That bear looks as if he +wasn't to be trifled with." + +But Tom did not heed him, his whole mind being bent on having a +laugh at the expense of the Italian and his animals. Going +around to the kitchen of the hotel, he procured a couple of sugar +cakes, pierced them with pinholes, and filled them up with +pepper. + +When he returned he found that a crowd had gathered and the +Italian was passing around the hat. While Sam and Dick +contributed several cents, Tom gave the bear one bun and divided +the other between the two monkeys. + +"Cheep! cheep!" went the monkeys, as if highly pleased. + +"You're right, they are cheap," grinned Tom. "Hope you like the +flavor." + +The monkeys began to eat ravenously, for they were nearly +starved. But they had not swallowed many mouthfuls before they +noticed something wrong. Then one threw his bun at Tom in a +rage. A second later the other monkey leaped back on the bear's +head and began to dance and scratch wildly, in the meanwhile +scattering the bun crumbs in all directions. + +"Hi! hi! whata you do to de monks?" demanded the Italian. "You +letta de monks alone!" + +"I'm not touching the monks," replied Tom, and slipped out of +sight in the crowd. + +By this time the bear had swallowed the larger portion of the bun +given to him. It was the more peppery of the two, and it brought +tears to the beast's eyes. With a roar of rage he, turned and +shook the monkey from his head and leaped away from his keeper, +dragging his chain after him. + +The monkeys were evidently not used to seeing the bear in an ugly +mood, and at once they sought safety by getting out of his reach. +One leaped into a tree and ran like a cat to the top, while the +second pounced on the shoulder of an elderly damsel, who looked +exactly what she was, a hot-tempered old maid. + +"Oh, dear!" screamed the elderly damsel. "Take the horrid thing +off! Take it off this minute!" + +"Come here, Jocko!" roared the Italian. "Come, Jocko!" and he +held out his hands. + +But Jocko had no intention of coming. Instead he clung the +closer, his two forefeet in the lady's hair. The hair was +largely false, and all of a sudden a long switch came loose and +fell to the ground. + +At this the damsel screeched at the top of her lungs and, caught +at the hair. The monkey cried, too, in concert, and then a young +man rushed in to the rescue. But Jocko's blood was up, and, +leaping to the young man's shoulder, he tore off his straw hat +and began to pull it to bits. Then, with the hat still in his +possession, he made a leap to the tree and joined his brother at +the top. + +By this time the uproar was general, and it seemed to anger the +bear still more. He had been rushing over the lawn, upsetting +easy chairs and benches, but now he charged straight for the +crowd. + +"Look out for the bear!" + +"The beast is going mad and will chew somebody up!" + +"Shoot him, somebody, before we are all killed!" + +Such were some of the cries which rang out. The Italian turned +pale with anger and alarm. + +"No shootta Marcus!" he cried. "No shootta heem. He de goodda +bear!" + +"Then catch him!" put in the proprietor of the hotel. "Catch him +and tie him up." + +But this the Italian could not do, and when the bear headed for +him he ran as hard as anybody present. Around and around the +grounds fled the people, some rushing for the hotel and the +others to the stables and to a large summer house. The bear made +first for one and then another, but at last halted in front of +the stable, which now contained the Rover boys, two ladies and an +elderly man, and two colored hostlers. + +"Shut the doors!" cried Dick, but his words were unnecessary, for +the colored men were already closing them. The bar had scarcely +been dropped into place when the bear hurled himself with all +force against the barrier. + +"He is going to break in the door!" cried one of the ladies. + +"Let us go upstairs," said the elderly gentleman, and lost no +time in leading the way. + +There was a back door to close, and one of the negroes started +for this. But just as he got close to the door he saw the bear +coming, and, uttering a wild yell, he too made for the stairs. + +Tom was close at hand, and it must be confessed that he felt +thoroughly sorry over what he had done. "I'm responsible for all +of it," he groaned. Then, as the bear stepped close to the back +door, he got behind the barrier and tried to shove it shut. + +The result was a surprise for both boy and bear, for as the beast +made a leap the edge of the door caught him, and in a twinkle the +animal was held fast by the neck between the door and its frame. + + + + +CHAPTER V + +A NEVER-TO-BE-FORGOTTEN SWIM + + +"I've got him fast! Help! Help!" + +"Tom's caught the bear!" shouted Sam. "Can you hold him, Tom?" + +"I guess I can if some of you will help me!" panted the youth. +"Hurry up!" + +Sam and Dick were on the stairs, but now both ran to their +brother's assistance, and all three pushed upon the door with all +of their strength. + +The barrier groaned and creaked and it looked as if at any +instant it would burst from its hinges. + +"Gracious, we can't hold him very long!" gasped Sam. "Can't +somebody hit the animal with a club?" + +"I reckon I can do dat!" shouted one of the hostlers, and caught +up an ax-handle which stood in one corner. As he approached the +bear, the beast uttered a roar of commingled rage and fear, and +this was so terrorizing to the colored man that he dropped the +ax-handle and ran for his very life. + +"Come back here!" cried Tom. + +"Can't do it, boss; he's gwine ter chew me up!" howled the +hostler. + +"Hold the door--I'll hit him," put in Sam and he picked up the +ax-handle. Stepping forward, struck out heavily, and the bear dropped +in a heap, completely dazed and more than half choked to death. + +By this time the Italian was again at hand. In one pocket he carried a +thin but strong line, in a twinkle he had tied one fore and one hind +leg together, so that the bear, when he got up again, could do little +but hobble along. Then from another pocket he drew a leather muzzle, +which he buckled over the beast's head. But the bear had had all of +the ugliness knocked out him and was once more as docile as ever. + +"Tom," whispered Dick. "I guess the best we can do is to get out +of this place. If folks discover the trick you played, they'll +mob you." + +"I guess you're right. But who'll settle our bill?" + +"I'll do that," said Sam. "They know I wasn't near the bear when +the rumpus started." + +So it was agreed, and while Tom and Dick left the hotel grounds. Sam +strolled into the office to pay their bill. It was some time before +the clerk came to wait on him. + +"Say, I believe, your brother started this kick-up," observed the +clerk. + +"What?" demanded Sam, in pretended astonishment. + +"I say, I think he started this kick-up." + +"What kick-up?" + +"The one with the bear, of course." + +"Why, my brothers helped to catch the beast." + +"I know that; but one of 'em started it. What do you want?" + +"I want to pay our bill. How much is it?" + +"Going to leave?" + +"Yes." + +"Think you had better, eh?" + +"We only hired our room until this noon." Sam drew himself up. +"If you want your pay you be civil." + +"Yes, but--" The clerk broke off short. "That will be six +dollars, please." + +"All right, there you are," and Sam shoved the bills over. "Now don't +say we created a muss or I'll report you to the proprietor." + +"Yes, but see here--" + +"I've not got my glasses just now. Good-by, and--" + +"That man hasn't got his monkeys yet, and--" + +"What's that to you? Are you afraid the proprietor will put one +of 'em in here in your place?" And before the clerk could say +another word Sam ran off and joined his brothers at the river +bank. + +Soon the three reached the dock where the _Spray_ lay undergoing +repairs. The deaf man was just finishing his work. + +"She'll be about as good as ever," he said, in reply to Dick's +question. "She's a fine boat." + +"I guess he says that of every boat that brings him in a job," +murmured Sam. "Come on." + +He went aboard and the others followed. Dan Haskett was paid +off, the mainsail was hoisted, and once more they stood up the +river in the direction of the State capital. It was their +intention to spend two days in Albany and then return to New York +with the yacht. This would wind up their vacation, for Putnam +Hall was to open on the following Monday. + +The day proved an ideal one, but the wind was light and the yacht +scarcely moved even with the mainsail and jib set to their +fullest. This being so, the boys got out their fishing lines and +spent an hour in trolling, and succeeded in catching several +fair-sized fish. + +"We'll have to cook our own dinner," remarked Dick. "Tom, since +you did us out of our meal at the hotel I reckon you are the one +to fall in for this work." + +At this Tom cut a wry face, but still, seeing the justice of his +elder brother's remark, he went at the dinner-getting with a +will. The yacht boasted a kerosene stove, and over this he set +fish to frying and a pot of potatoes to boiling. As the river +was calm and the yacht steady the little stove worked very well. + +They were still out of sight of Albany when the midday meal was +pronounced ready. In addition to the articles already mentioned, +they had coffee, bread and butter, and what was left of a +cocoanut pie purchased the day previous. The boys were all +hearty eaters, and the food disappeared as if by magic. + +After dinner the breeze died out utterly, and Sam proposed that +they cast anchor close to shore and take a swim. The others were +willing, and soon they had disrobed and donned their bathing +trunks and were sporting in the water to their hearts' content. + +The water was somewhat colder than they had anticipated, and the +effect upon Sam was disastrous. The youngest Rover had eaten +more heartily than either of his brothers and this made him sick +at the stomach. However, as he did not wish to alarm Dick and +Tom and so spoil their fun, he said nothing about his condition. + +"Let us race each other," suggested Tom, and started off up the +shore, with Dick close beside him. Sam brought up in the rear, +but soon gave up the contest. + +"Help!" The single cry reached the ears of Tom and Dick when +they were fully a hundred feet from the _Spray_. Both turned just +in time to behold Sam throw up his arms and sink from view. + +"Great Caesar!" burst out Dick. "What can that mean?" + +"Maybe he is only fooling," replied Tom. "Yet I wouldn't think he +would be so foolish." + +"I don't think Sam is fooling," said Dick seriously, and at once +struck out to where the youngest Rover had gone down. Of course +Tom went with him. + +To reach the spot was not an easy matter, and they were still +some distance away when they saw Sam come up again. Then there +was a wild circling of arms and the boy disappeared once more. + +"He is drowning!" gasped Dick hoarsely. + +"Come, we must save him, Tom!" + +"Yes, yes," was the puffing answer, for Tom was swimming as never +before, and for a brief instant he remembered that awful +adventure Sam had had at Humpback Falls, the summer previous. At +that time the youngest Rover had nearly lost his life in the +water. + +It was Dick who gained the spot first, just as Sam came up and +went down again--totally unconscious. Diving, the elder Rover +caught his brother around the chest, under the arms. + +"Sam, Sam, what is it?" he questioned, and as no reply came back +his heart almost stopped beating. What if his brother was dead? +The agony of the thought was terrible beyond description. + +"Can I help you?" The question came from Tom, who was now at the +side of the others. + +"Catch hold of one arm, if you will," answered Dick. "He's a +dead weight." + +"Oh!" The moan came so unexpectedly that both Tom and Dick were +amazed. Then of a sudden Sam opened his eyes and clutched Dick +by the throat. "Save me!" + +Clearly the youngest Rover was out of his mind or he would not +have taken such a hold. As it was, Dick was nearly strangled and +had to unlock the fingers by sheer force. Then Sam grabbed him +again, and it looked as if both would go down to a watery grave. + +But now Tom came to the rescue. Swimming up from behind, he +caught Sam first under one arm--and then under the other, in a +back-to-back fashion. Then he bent forward and began to tread +water, thus holding his brother's head well out of water. + +"Push us ashore, Dick!" he panted, and understanding the movement +perfectly, the elder brother did as desired. Soon all three +gained a point from which Tom could wade to the river bank with +ease. + +It was an anxious pair that bent over Sam, who rested on his back +with his eyes closed. But the youngest Rover was not allowed to +remain long in that position. Tom and Dick knew something of how +to handle a person who is nearly drowned, and they now made use +of this knowledge with all speed. Sam was rolled and hoisted up +by the ankles, and thus he got rid of a large quantity of the +water he had swallowed. + +Yet even when he came to his senses he was too weak to walk, and +Tom had to bring the _Spray_ close to shore, and the sufferer had +to be carried on board, his brothers wading up to their waists +for that purpose. + +"The first cramp I got was in the stomach," said Sam, when he +could talk. "Then it went all over me like an electric shock, +and I felt I was going to drown. What happened after that was +like some awful dream!" And he shuddered. It was a long while +before any of them got over that adventure. + + + + +CHAPTER VI + +AN UNEXPECTED MEETING + + +As just related, the boys had brought the _Spray_ as closely +inshore as possible. All were now in the cabin, Dick and Tom +attending to Sam's wants; and consequently no one noticed the +passage of one of the palatial steamers that make daily trips +between New York and the capital of the State. + +These steamers, in running so fast, cast out long rollers on both +sides that go tumbling shoreward one after another. The rollers +now caught the _Spray_ and sent her dancing up and down like a +cork. + +"Hullo, we're in danger!" shouted Tom, and rushed for the deck, +with Dick almost at his heels. The anchor was dragging, and +unless pushed off the yacht would soon be pounding on the rocks. + +"I'll put up the sail!" roared Dick. "You bring up the anchor!" + +"I guess you had better pole her off," replied Tom. +Nevertheless, he did as Dick requested, working like a beaver. + +The wind was still faint, and when the mainsail was hoisted it +failed to fill. Seeing this, Dick seized a pole and Tom did the +same. They speedily found that they could not send the yacht out +any distance. But, with a pole at the bow and another at the +stern, they managed to keep her off the rocks until the rollers +began to go down. Then they shoved off with ease and moved slowly +up the river. + +"I'll tell you what, in handling a boat you have got to have your +weather eye open all the time," observed Tom. + +"Yes, and you want to have it open on all sides of you," smiled +Dick. "If you don't, you'll catch it before you are aware." + +Sam lay on one of the tiny berths with which the _Spray_ was +provided. His face was deathly white, and, to use his own words, +he felt "as weak as a rag." + +"I'm just beginning to realize how close to death I was," he +whispered to Tom. "It was awfully good of you and Dick to do +what you did." + +"Pooh! you would do just as much for us, Sam," answered the +fun-loving brother. But, just the same, he gave Sam's hand a +tight squeeze on the quiet. + +"What was that thumping, Tom?" asked the younger brother a bit +later. + +"The rollers from a big steamer nearly put us on the rocks." + +"Gracious, more perils! Don't you think we had better give up +our outing on the water?" + +"It will come to an end in a few days, Sam. We'll make the trip +to Albany, and that will be the last of it." + +It was nightfall by the time they came up to the capital city. +Getting the necessary permission to tie up at one of the private +wharves, they locked up the cabin of the _Spray_ and went ashore. + +"Tom Rover, as I live! And Dick and Sam, too!" + +The cry came from up the street, and soon a boy of Dick's age was +running to meet them. It was Frank Harrington, their old school +chum and room-mate of Dormitory No. 6. + +"Frank!" came from the three, and a general handshaking followed. + +"What brings you here?" asked Dick. + +"Why, don't you know, my folks moved up to Albany from New +York--father's in the State Senate now, you know," returned Frank, +with pride. + +"Oh, that's so--and you are a senator's son," put in Tom. "I +guess we'll have to tip our hats to you after this and call you +Mr. Harrington." + +"Stow it, Tom, and keep your jokes until school opens," +interrupted Frank. "Yes, we live here, and I thought you knew +all about it. I sent you a letter." + +"We've been away from home for several weeks," explained Dick, +and told of their outing on the water. + +"It must be jolly. My father owns a boat, but we seldom use it. +So you are going to stay in Albany over tomorrow? If that's the +case you must come up to our house. I won't hear of your going +to a hotel." + +"Will that arrangement suit your folks?" questioned Dick. + +"Oh, yes! The girls are all away--down to Asbury Park--and +so is mother; and father and I and the servants have the whole +mansion to ourselves. I can tell you, it's just a bit lonely at +times, and I'm real glad you came," concluded Frank. + +"If your father is a senator perhaps you can get us a pass +through the Capitol building," put in Sam. + +"You won't need a pass. I'll go with you. But, Sam, you look +sick." + +Sam's tale had to be told to Frank, who, meanwhile, led the way to a +street car. Boarding this, the boys soon reached the Harrington +mansion, located on one of Albany's finest thoroughfares. Here they +met Senator Harrington and were speedily introduced. + +"I've heard of you before," smiled the senator. He was a +pleasant-looking man of forty-five. "Frank says the Rover boys +were the whole school--or something like that." + +At this there was a laugh. "I guess he must have been one of the +Rovers, then," rejoined Tom; "he was just as good as any of us." +And then there was another laugh, and the newcomers felt +perfectly at home. + +There was a concert company in town, and, receiving permission +from his father to do so, Frank took his friends to see the +performance. The singing was very good; and, despite the fact +that it was still warm weather, the concert hall was packed. + +The program was a long one, and, with the numerous encores, did +not come to an end until nearly eleven o'clock. + +"That was immense," remarked Tom, when they were coming out. "I +wish I could sing like that tenor." + +"We ought to get up a quartet at the Hall," put in Frank. "I +understand they had a singing club year before last." + +"We're going to have a banjo club," said Dick. + +"Larry Colby wrote to me about it. He has a new banjo that cost +fifteen dollars, and he--" + +Dick broke off short as a slouchy-looking man brushed against him. The +eyes of the man and the boy met, and then the man disappeared in the +crowd as if by magic. + +"Well, I never!" + +"What's the matter, Dick?" came from all the others. + +"Didn't you see him?" + +"See who?" + +"Buddy Girk, the tramp thief, the fellow who used to train with +Dan Baxter's father." + +"What, the fellow who stole your watch and broke jail at +Rootville?" came from Tom. + +"The same." + +"Where is he now?" questioned Sam. + +"I don't know. The instant he saw me he skipped." + +"I'll wager he wasn't in the crowd for any good purpose," went on +Dick, as he remembered how he had suffered the loss of his +timepiece at Buddy Girk's hands. Dick had had a good deal of +trouble in recovering the article. + +"He ought to be pointed out to the police," put in Frank. "It's +not safe to have such men at large." + +"I wish I could collar him and make him talk about father's +affairs," grumbled Tom. + +"Why, did he know anything of your father's affairs?" exclaimed +Frank Harrington, in astonishment. + +"I think so. You see, Arnold Baxter tried to defraud my father +out of some western mining property, and this Buddy Girk was +mixed up in the affair--how, I don't exactly know." + +"I see. By the way, Tom, have you heard anything of your father +yet?" + +"Not a word," and Tom's face grew sober. "It does beat all what +has become of him, doesn't it?" he added. + +"I should think you would want to go and hunt him up." + +"We've talked about that already, but Uncle Randolph, who is our +guardian, thinks it would prove a wild-goose chase. He says the +interior of Africa is a big place to hunt any man in." + +"He's right there. But still I would want to hunt for him, even +if I had to go into the very jungles to do it." + +"We'll go some day--unless father turns up," put in Dick +decidedly. "If Uncle Randolph won't go, we'll go alone. But I +would like to meet this Buddy Girk," he continued, after a brief +pause. + +The boys had to walk to the corner of the block to get aboard of +a street car, and while waiting there, somewhat in the shadow, +Sam pulled Dick by the coat sleeve. + +"There he goes!" + +"Who?" + +"Buddy Girk. See him sneaking along the buildings over there?" +and the youngest Rover pointed with his hand. + +All saw the figure, and Tom at once proposed that they follow the +fellow. Frank was willing, and away they went across the street +and also into the gloom. + +Buddy Girk was making good time past a number of business +buildings which at this hour of the night were locked and barred +up and practically deserted. + +"I wonder if he saw us start to follow him?" whispered Dick, +after several blocks had been passed. + +"I don't think so. If he had, it's more than likely that he +would have legged it to get away. He--hullo, he's going into +that alleyway!" + +As Tom spoke he pointed to an opening between two tall office +buildings. Reaching the spot they saw, at the foot of the +alleyway, a couple of tenement houses. Buddy Girk was ascending +the steps of one of the houses, and presently he disappeared +within the dark hall. + +"He must be stopping here," remarked Sam. + +"That is something worth knowing--if we want to put the police +on his track." + +"I might have him arrested at once," suggested Dick. "He may not +be here in the morning." + +"Why don't you go and have a talk with him?" came from Frank. +"He may get scared and tell you all you want to know about that +mining business." + +"By jinks, there is something in that!" cried Dick. + +"Don't you get into trouble," warned Tom. "He may prove an ugly +customer if you corner him." + +"Let's all go in," said Sam. "He won't dare to do much with four +against him." + +The subject was discussed for a few minutes, and they resolved to +follow Sam's advice, Dick to lead the way and learn just how the +land lay. + +Then all walked down the alleyway and toward the tenement, little +dreaming of the surprise in store for them. + + + + +CHAPTER VII + +DICK IS MADE A PRISONER + + +The hallway of the tenement was pitch-dark, the door standing +open for a foot or more. From a rear room came a thin stream of +light under a door and a low murmur of voices. + +"I guess he went to the rear," whispered Dick. "You wait around +the corner till I see." + +Noiselessly he entered the hallway and walked to the door of the +rear room. Listening, he heard an Irishman and his wife talking +over some factory work the man had been promised. + +"Girk can't be there," he thought, when he heard an upper door +open. + +"Hullo, Buddy, back again!" muttered a strangely familiar voice, +and then the upper door was closed and locked. + +Wondering where he had heard that voice before, Dick came forward +again and ascended the rickety stairs. They creaked dismally, +and he fully expected to see somebody come out and demand what +was going on. But nobody came, and soon the upper hall was +gained, and he reached the door which he rightfully guessed had +just been opened and closed. + +"Yes, everything is all okay," were the first words to reach his +ears. "But I had a sweet job to find Mooney. He's cracked on +music, it seems, and had gone to a concert instead of attending +to business." + +"But he won't fail us tomorrow morning?" came in a second voice, +and now Dick recognized the speaker as Arnold Baxter, his +father's worst enemy, who had been left at the hospital in Ithaca +with a broken limb and several smashed ribs. Baxter had tackled +Dick while the two were on a moving train, and, while trying to +throw the boy off, had gotten the worst of the encounter by +tumbling off himself. + +"Arnold Baxter! is it possible!" muttered Dick to himself. "He +must have a constitution like iron to get around so soon." + +"No, Mooney won't fail us," said Buddy Girk. "I gave him a +mighty good talkin' to, I did." + +"I can't afford to have him go back on us," growled Arnold +Baxter. "I'm not well enough yet to do this job alone." + +"How does your chest feel?" + +"Oh, the ribs seem to be all right. But my leg isn't. I +shouldn't wonder but what I'll have to limp more or less for the +rest of my life." + +"That puts me in mind. Whom do you reckon I clapped eyes on down +at the concert hall tonight?" + +"I'm sure I don't know. Any of our enemies?" + +"Those three Rover boys." + +"What!" Arnold Baxter pushed back his chair in amazement. "Can +they be--be following me?" he gasped. + +"No. I saw 'em by accident. They had been to the concert." + +"But they don't belong here. They live on a farm called Valley +Brook, near the village of Dexter's Corners." + +"They were with another boy--a well-dressed chap. Maybe they +are paying him a visit." + +Arnold Baxter shook his head. "I don't like this. If they have +got wind of anything..." + +"But how could they get wind?" persisted Buddy Girk. + +"That would remain to be found out. You must remember, Buddy, +that they are down on me because of that row I once had with +their father over that gold mine." + +"I know it. And, by the way, I never got nothin' out of that +deal neither," growled Buddy Girk. + +"Didn't I tell you that some papers were missing? I half believe +Anderson Rover took them with him when he set out for Africa." + +"Then they are gone for good." + +"Not if he comes back, Buddy. That man is like his boys--bound to turn +up when you least expect it. That gold mine was--What's that?" + +Arnold Baxter stopped short and leaped to his feet. A wrangle in +the hallway just outside of the door had interrupted him. + +"Vot vos you doin' here, hey?" came in a heavy German voice. "I +dink me you vos up to no goot, hey?" + +"Let me go!" came from Dick. "I have done no harm." + +"I dink you vos von sneak thief alretty! Stand still bis I find +owit." + +"It's Dutch Jake!" cried Buddy Girk. "He has collared somebody +in the hall. I'll see who it is." + +He threw open the door and allowed the light of a lamp to fall on +Dick and the burly man who had captured the youth. + +"Great smoke! It's one of dem Rover boys!" he cried, dropping +into his old-time manner of speech. "Wot are you doin' here?" + +"You know dot young feller?" demanded the man who had been +mentioned as Dutch Jake. + +"Yes, I do, and he's up to no good here," replied Buddy Girk. + +"Den maybe I best kick him owit kvick, hey?" + +"Yes--no--wait a minute." Girk turned to Arnold Baxter. "Here is that +oldest Rover boy spying on us." + +"Ha! I told you they were regular rats for that sort of work," +fumed Arnold Baxter. + +"Don't let him go." + +"Why not?" + +"He may know too much. Bring him in here till I question him." + +"Not much!" burst out Dick. "Help! Help!" + +His cries came to a sudden ending as Buddy Girk clapped a large +and somewhat dirty hand over his mouth. + +"Run him in here, Jake," said the former tramp. "He is a fellow +we have an account to settle with." + +"Is dot so? Vell, I ton't vont me no troubles," answered the +German doubtfully. + +"It's all right--he--he stole some of our money. That's +right, in with him," and Dick was run into the room, after which +Dutch Jake retired as suddenly as he had appeared. He was an +elderly man, of a queer turn of mind, and, all by himself, +occupied a garret room of the tenement. + +As soon as the door was locked Arnold Baxter faced Dick. "Now +will you keep quiet, or shall I knock you over with this?" he +demanded, and raised a heavy cane he had grown into the habit of +carrying since he had escaped from the hospital, on the very day +that the authorities were going to transfer him to the jail at +Ithaca. + +"Don't you dare to touch me, Arnold Baxter!" cried the boy +boldly. + +"Will you keep quiet?" + +"That depends. What do you want of me?" + +"You followed Girk to this place and were spying on us." + +"I think I had a right to follow Girk. He is wanted by the +authorities, as you know." + +"You heard us planning to do something." + +"Perhaps I did." + +"I know you did." + +"All right, then; don't ask me about it." + +"You think that you are a smart boy," growled Baxter uneasily. + +"Thank you for nothing." + +"Don't get impudent." + +"That is what old Crabtree used to say." + +"The Rovers always were too important for their own good, young +man." + +"We know how to do the fair thing by others--and that is more +than you!" + +"Shut up; I'm in no humor to listen to your preaching." + +"Then open the door and let me go." + +"Not just yet. I want to know how much you overheard of my talk +with Buddy Girk." + +"I reckon he heard all of it," growled the fool. + +"If I was you, Baxter, I wouldn't let him go at all." + +"You would keep him a prisoner?" + +Buddy Girk nodded. + +"But we can't guard him, Buddy." + +"We won't want to guard him. Just bind him hands and feet, and +stuff a gag in his mouth, and there you are." + +"Would you leave him in this room?" + +"I don't know." Girk scratched his tangled head of hair. "No, I +wouldn't. I'll tell you where to take him." + +He finished by whispering into Arnold Baxter's ear. At once the +rascal's face brightened, and he nodded. "Just the thing!" he +muttered. + +"It will serve him right." + +"Are you going to let me go?" demanded Dick uneasily, for he saw +that the two were plotting to do him injury. + +"No," came from both. + +Without another word Dick leaped for the door. The key was in +the lock, but ere he could turn it Buddy Girk hauled him back. A +scuffle followed, which came to a sudden termination when Arnold +Baxter raised his heavy cane and struck the boy, on the back of +the head. With a million stars dancing before his eyes, poor +Dick went down completely dazed. + +Girk lost no time in following up the advantage thus gained, and +by the time Dick felt like rising he found his hands bound behind +him and a gag of knotted cloth stuffed into his mouth. Then his +feet were fastened together, and he was rolled up in an old +blanket much the worse for wear and the want of washing. + +"Now, come on, before anybody else spots us!" exclaimed Baxter. +"If you can lift him alone I'll bring the light. I'm no good on +the carry yet." + +"All right, light the way," answered Buddy Girk, and took up the +form of the boy. + +Taking up the smoky lamp, Arnold Baxter led the way out of a rear +door to a side hallway. Here two flights of stairs led to a low +and ill ventilated cellar. The underground apartment had never +been used for anything but old rubbish, and this was piled high +on all sides. + +"Here we are," said Baxter, as he paused in front of what had +once been a stone coal bin. "Dump him in there and shut the door +on him. I don't believe he'll get out in any hurry." + +Dick's form was dropped on a heap of dirty newspapers and straw. +Then Girk and Baxter left the bin. There was a heavy door to the +place, and this they closed and shoved the rusty bolt into the +socket. In a second more they were on their way upstairs again, +and Dick was left to his fate. + + + + +CHAPTER VIII + +THE SEARCH FOR DICK + + +"Dick is taking his time, that's certain." + +The remark came from Sam, after the boys who had been left in the +alleyway had waited the best part of half an hour for the elder +Rover's reappearance. + +"Perhaps he has found something of interest," suggested Frank. + +"And perhaps he has fallen into a trap," put In Tom. "I've a +good mind to hunt him up." + +"If you go I'll go with you," said Sam. + +"I don't want to be left out here alone," said Frank. "Let us +wait a little longer." + +The best part of an hour passed, but of course nothing was seen +or heard of Dick. + +"I shan't wait any longer," began Tom, when they saw the front +door of the tenement opened and two men hurried forth. Both had +their hats pulled far down over their eyes and had their coat +collars turned up, even though the night was warm. + +"Out of sight!" cried Sam in a low voice, and they dropped down +behind the stoop of the second tenement. + +"One of those men was Buddy Girk!" ejaculated Tom, when the pair +had passed up the alleyway. + +"And don't you know who the other was?" demanded Sam. "It was +Dan Baxter's father!" + +"Impossible, Sam. Arnold Baxter is in the hospital, and--" + +"It was Dan Baxter's father, as true as I'm born, Tom. No wonder +he walked with a cane! Am I not right, Frank?" + +"I don't know, I'm sure I don't remember Dan's father. But that +was Buddy Girk, beyond a doubt." + +All of the boys were considerably excited and wondered if it +would be best to follow up the vanishing pair. + +"I'd do it if I was certain Dick was safe!" cried Tom. "I'm +going to hunt for him," he added, and before the others could +stop him he entered the tenement. He stumbled around the lower +hallway for several minutes and then called out softly: + +"Dick! Dick! Where are you?" + +No answer came back, and he continued his search. Then, lighting +a match, he mounted the rickety stairs and called out again. + +"Phat are ye a-raisin' such a row about?" demanded an Irish voice +suddenly, and a front room door was thrown open. "Can't ye let a +dasent family slape?" + +"I'm looking for my brother," replied Tom. "Sorry to disturb +you. Have you seen anything of him?" + +"Sure an' I don't know yer brother from the side av sole leather, +b'y. Go 'long an' let me an' me family slape," replied the +Irishman. + +"I've got to find my brother, sir. I'm afraid he has met with +foul play. He came to see the men who just went out." + +"Oh, is that so now? Foul play, is it? I thought them newcomers +was up to no good. I heard 'em carryin' on in their room a while +ago." + +"Which room is it, please?" + +"There ye are--the wan on the lift. Is the dure open?" + +Tom tried the door. "No, it's locked--the two men just went +out." He raised his voice. "Dick! Where are you? Dick!" + +"If yez call like that yez will have the wholt tiniment aroused," +said the Irishman. "An' it's' a bad crowd on the nixt flure, I +kin tell ye that." + +"I can't help it--I am bound to find my brother," replied Tom +desperately. + +Disappearing for a moment, the Irishman came out half dressed and +with a lighted candle in his hand. By this time Sam and Frank +had followed Tom to the upper floor. Soon several men and women +put in an appearance, including Dutch Jake. + +"Who vos dot poy you vos look for?" asked the aged German. "Vos +he der von vot was standin' by dis door apout an hour ago?" + +"I guess so," said Tom. + +"Dem mans vot got dis room open der door und took him inside." + +"Took him inside!" burst out Sam and Tom simultaneously. + +"Yah," replied Dutch Jake, but failed to add that he had had +anything to do with the capture. + +"Von of dem say dot poy vos stole some money alretty." + +"It was a cock-and-bull story to make him a prisoner," said Tom. +"I'm going to find him if I can," and he threw himself on the +door with all of his strength. + +At first the barrier refused to budge, but when Sam and Frank +also pushed, it gave way with a bang, hurling the trio to the +floor inside. + +By this time the excitement had been communicated to the next +tenement in which lived Caleb Yates, the landlord of the two +buildings. Yates, a sour-minded old man, lost no time dressing +and coming over, armed with a nightstick. + +"What does this disturbance mean?" he demanded in a high-pitched +voice. "Who broke this door in?" + +"We did," replied Tom boldly. "We want to find my brother," and +he related how Dick had disappeared. + +"I know nothing of your trouble with my tenants," said Caleb +Yates. "But I won't have my property destroyed." + +"I'm going to find my brother if I have to turn the house upside +down." + +"And I am going to find him, too," put in Sam. + +"Do you know that the men who have this room are thieves, and +that one of them broke jail at Rootville?" + +"I don't believe your yarn, boy--they looked like very +respectable gentlemen, both of them. You had better go about +your business--after you have paid me for breaking down the +door. You shan't ransack their property." + +"If you stop us, I'll call in the police and have you arrested," +came promptly from Tom. + +This threat nearly took away Caleb Yates' breath. "Arrested!" he +gasped. + +"Yes, arrested. My brother came in here, and is missing. Those +two men are our enemies. If you want to keep out of trouble you +will help us to hunt up my brother." + +"That is just what you had better do, sir," added Frank. + +"And who are you?" demanded the irate landlord. + +"I am Frank Harrington, son of Senator Harrington." + +At this unexpected announcement the jaw of the landlord dropped +perceptibly. "Why--er--I didn't know you were Senator Harrington's +son," he stammered. + +"I think if you wish to keep out of trouble you had best aid us +all you can. The young man we are after came in here a short +while ago and has utterly disappeared. I am afraid he has met +with foul play." + +"But Mr. Arson and Mr. Noble are gone." + +"Is that the names they were known under?" + +"Yes." + +"Their right names are Girk and Baxter. They left the building +just before we came up." + +"What was your brother doing here?" asked Caleb Yates in a calmer +tone. + +"He was not my brother, but my warmest friend. He was tracking +the short man, the fellow whose name is Girk. Girk once robbed +him of his watch." + +"I see. And you are sure of your men? If you are, search away, +for I want no shady characters in these houses." + +The search began immediately, several of the inmates of the +tenements taking part. Everything in the room Girk and Baxter +had occupied was turned topsy-turvy, but no trace of Dick was +brought to light until Tom looked under the table. + +"Here's his pocket-knife!" he cried, and held the article up. +"This proves that he came in here beyond a doubt." + +"Yes; but where is he now?" put in Sam. + +"They couldn't have spirited him away." + +"He can't be far off," said Frank. + +Again was the search renewed. The men had had one large room and +one small apartment, where were located a dilapidated bed and a +small writing table. On the table lay some writing material and +several scraps of paper, but they were of no value. + +The search through the rooms and hallways of the tenement lasted +fully an hour. By this time the tenants who had gathered began +to grow sleepy again, and one after another went back to their +apartments. + +"I don't think you are going to find anything," remarked Caleb +Yates. "To my way of thinking, that boy must have followed the +two men when they left." + +"He couldn't do that without our seeing him," said Sam. + +"And why not? Here's a back door, remember, and it's pretty dark +outside." + +"That may be so," returned Tom, shaking his curly head in perplexity. +"It's too bad we didn't follow Girk and Baxter up--at least as far as +the street." + +"Perhaps Dick is at our house waiting for us to come back," put +in Frank. "Let us go home and see. We can come back early in +the morning." He looked at his watch. "Do you know that it is +after two o'clock? I'm afraid my father will worry about me." + +They talked the matter over and decided to return to Frank's home +without further delay. + +It was a silent trio that walked the streets, which were now +practically deserted. Tom and Sam were much worried and Frank +hardly less so, for the senator's son and Dick had been warm +friends for years. + +When they reached the mansion they found Senator Harrington +pacing the library nervously. + +"Well, here you are at last!" he cried. "I was wondering what +had become of you." + +He listened to their tale with close attention. + +"No, Dick has not come in," he said, "at least, I think not. +Run up to the bedrooms, Frank, and see." + +Frank did as requested, and soon returned. + +"No, he isn't about," he said disappointedly, + +"It's mighty queer what became of him." + + + + +CHAPTER IX + +A LOSS OF IMPORTANCE + + +Half stunned Dick lay for a long time on the newspapers and musty +straw in the disused coal bin of the tenement cellar. + +"This is what I call tough luck," he muttered to himself, and +tried to force the somewhat loose gag from his mouth. But it +would not come. + +As soon as he felt strong enough he began to work on the rope +which bound his hands together. But the rascals who had placed +him in the cellar had done their work well, and the cord refused +to budge. + +With difficulty he managed to stand erect. The bin was not only +pitch-dark, but full of cobwebs and the latter brushed over his +face whenever he moved. Then a spider crawled on his neck, +greatly adding to his discomfort. + +Hour after hour went by, and poor Dick was wondering what the end +of the adventure would be when he heard a footstep overhead and +then came the indistinct murmur of voice. + +"Somebody is in the room overhead," he thought, and tried to make +himself heard. But before he could do this the footsteps moved +off and he heard the slamming of a door. Then all became as +quiet as before. + +An hour more went by, and the youth began to grow desperate. He +was thirsty and his mouth and nose were filled with dust and +dirt, rendering him far from comfortable. + +In moving around his foot came in contact with an empty tomato +can and this gave him an idea. He knelt down, and with the can +between his heels, tried to saw apart the rope which bound his +hands behind him. + +The position was an awkward one and the job long and tiring, but +at last the rope gave way and he found his hands free. He lost +no further time in ridding himself of the gag and the rope which +bound his feet. + +He was now free so far as his bodily movements went, but he soon +discovered that the coal bin was without any opening but a long, +narrow chute covered with an iron plate, and that the heavy door +was securely bolted. With all force he threw himself against the +door, but it refused to budge. + +Presently he remembered that he had several loose matches in his +vest pocket, and, taking out one of these, he lit it and then set +fire to a thick shaving that was handy and which, being damp, +burnt slowly. + +"Hullo, here's something of a trap-door!" he exclaimed, as he +gazed at the flooring above head. "I wonder if I can get out +that way?" + +He dropped the lighted shaving in a safe spot and put up his +hands. The cut-out spot in the flooring went up with ease and +Dick saw a fairly well furnished room beyond. Through one of the +windows of the room he saw that daybreak was at hand. + +"Great Caesar! I've been down here all night!" he ejaculated, +and, putting out the light, leaped up and drew himself through +the opening. Once in the room he put the trap down again and +rearranged the rag carpet he had shoved out of place. + +The door to the room was locked, so the boy hurried to the +window. Throwing open the blinds, he was about to leap out into +the tenement alley when a woman suddenly confronted him. She was +tall and heavy and had a red, disagreeable face. + +"What are you doing in my rooms, young fellow?" she demanded. + +"I'm trying to get out of this house!" + +"What are you--a thief?" + +"No. I was locked up in the cellar by a couple of bad men and +got out by coming through a trap-door in your floor." + +"A likely story!" sneered the woman, who had been away during the +night and had heard nothing of the search for Dick. "You look +like a sneak-thief. Anyway, you haven't any right in my rooms." + +She came closer, and, as Dick leaped to the ground, clutched him +by the arm. + +"Let me go, madam." + +"I won't. I'm going to hand you over to the police." + +"I don't think you will!" retorted Dick, and with a twist he +wrenched himself loose and started off on a run. The woman +attempted to follow him, but soon gave up the chase. + +Dick did not stop running until he was several blocks away. Then +he dropped into a walk and looked about to see, if his brothers +or Frank were anywhere in sight. + +"I suppose they couldn't make it out and went home," he mused. +"I had, better get to Frank's house without delay." + +Dick was still a block away from Senator Harrington's residence +when he espied Tom, Sam, and Frank coming toward him. + +"My gracious, where have you been?" burst out Tom, as he rushed +forward. "You look as if you'd been rolling around a dirty +cellar." + +"And that is just about what I have been doing," answered Dick +with a sickly laugh. "Do you know anything of Buddy Girk?" he +added quickly. + +"He ran away from the tenement, and Arnold Baxter was with him," +replied Sam. + +"Did you follow them?" + +"No; we tried to find out what had become of you." + +Each had to tell his story, and then Dick was led into the house. +He lost no time in brushing up and washing himself, and by that +time breakfast was ready in the dining room. + +"It's a curious adventure, truly," said Senator Harrington, as he +sat down with the boys. "I am glad you got out of it so well. +The next time you see anything of those rascals you had better +lose no time in informing the police." + +The senator was one of that class of busy men who eat breakfast +and read their morning newspaper at the same time. Having +listened to what Dick had to say, he unfolded his paper and +propped it up against a fruit dish before him. + +"Excuse me, but I am in a hurry," he remarked apologetically. "I want +to catch a train for New York at eight-thirty-five, and--hullo, what's +this! Rush & Wilder, Brokers and Bankers, Robbed! Thieves enter the +office and loot the safe! This is news certainly." + +"Rush & Wilder!" cried Frank. "Is that the firm you do business +with?" + +"Yes, Frank. They have lost over sixty-five thousand dollars, +besides a lot of unregistered bonds. That's a big loss." + +"Will you suffer?" + +"I don't know but what I shall. I'll have to let that trip to +New York go and look into this." And Senator Harrington settled +back to read the account of the robbery in full. + +"They haven't any trace of the thieves, have they?" asked Tom. + +"No. It says a rear window was broken open and the iron bars +unscrewed. The safe door was found closed but unlocked." + +"Then the thieves had the combination," put in Sam. + +"More than likely." + +"I wonder if Baxter and Girk committed that crime?" came from +Dick. "I think they would be equal to it. They were up to some +game." + +"It might be," returned Senator Harrington, with interest. "But +how would those men obtain the combination of Rush & Wilder's +safe?" + +"I'm sure I don't know, but--yes, they mentioned a man named +Mooney who was to assist them. Perhaps he is known around the +bankers' offices." + +"We can soon find out. What were you boys going to do this +morning?" + +"I was going back to the tenements to see if I couldn't have +Baxter and Girk arrested," said Dick. + +"If they learn you have escaped, they will probably clear out." + +"I suppose that's so. But I might go down and see." + +"Yes, I'd do that. Later on you can come over to Rush & Wilder's +offices." + +This was agreed to, and as soon as breakfast was over Dick and +the other boys hurried off to where Yates' tenements were +located. + +Caleb Yates was on hand, and all visited the apartment Baxter and +Buddy Girk had occupied. It was found that the men had not +returned, and it did not look as if they intended to come back. + +"They have skipped for good, take my word on it," muttered Tom, +and the others agreed with him. + +Thinking it would be useless to remain around the alleyway any +longer, the four boys left the vicinity, and, boarding a street +car, made their way to the thoroughfare upon which were located +the offices of the bankers and brokers who had been robbed. + +A crowd was collected about the place and two policemen were +keeping those outside in check. + +"I want my money!" one old man was shouting. "This is a game of +Charley Rush to do us out of our cash. I don't believe the +office was robbed at all." + +"You keep quiet, or I'll run you in," replied, one of the +policemen, and the old man lost no time in slinking out of sight. + +"Can we go in?" asked Frank, and told who he was. + +"I'll send in word and see," answered the policeman at the door. + +"Oh, Frank!" came from the main office, and Senator Harrington +beckoned to his son; and all four of the boys went in. + +They found half a dozen men present, including the members of the +firm, a detective, and the bookkeeper, a young man named +Fredericks. + +"You are the only one who had the combination besides ourselves, +Fredericks," Charles Rush was saying to the bookkeeper. "I hate +to suspect you, but--" + +"Mr. Rush, you can't think I took that money and those +securities!" gasped the bookkeeper, and fell back as if about to +faint. + +"I don't know what to think." + +"I can give you my word I was not near the offices from four +o'clock yesterday afternoon until I came this morning, after +you." + +"Have you spoken of the safe combination to anybody?" + +"No, sir." + +"Did you put the combination down in writing?" asked Mr. Wilder. + +"No, I never did anything of that sort. The combination was an +unusually easy one, as you know." + +"Yes, far too easy for our good," groaned Mr. Rush. Then he +gazed at the four boys curiously. + +"What brought you here?" he asked. + +"We thought we might know something of this affair," said Dick, +and told his story. + +"There may be something in that," said the detective. +"Especially if those men fail to turn up at that tenement again." + +"Did you mention a man named Mooney?" cried Fredericks. + +"I did." + +"Do you know this Mooney?" put in Mr. Wilder to the bookkeeper. + +"Subrug, the janitor, has a brother-in-law named Mooney--a wild +kind of a chap who used to hang around more or less." + +"We'll call Subrug in and find out where this Mooney is now," +said Charles Rush. + +The janitor proved to be a very nervous old man. "I don't know +where Mooney is," he said. "He's been a constant worry to me. +He used to borrow money, but lately I wouldn't give him any more, +and so he stopped coming around." + +"Was he ever in here?" + +The janitor thought for a moment. "I think he was, sir--about +a month ago. He started to help me clean the windows, but he was +too clumsy and I made him give it up." + +"I remember him!" cried the bookkeeper. "He was at the window, +Mr. Rush, while you were at the safe. He must have watched you +work the combination." + + + + +CHAPTER X + +TOM, SAM, AND FARMER FOX + + +For an instant there was a dead silence in the bankers' offices. +Charles Rush looked blankly at his bookkeeper. + +"I believe Fredericks is right," said Mr. Wilder, the first to +break the awkward pause. "I remember the fellow very well. I +thought at the time that he was watching Mr. Rush rather +closely." + +"You had no business to bring in a man that was not to be +trusted," growled Charles Rush, turning to the janitor. + +"Do you think he stole the stuff?" ejaculated Subrug. "Sure +Mooney wasn't smart enough for such a game." + +"Perhaps not, but he got others to help him," said Dick. "He got +Buddy Girk and Arnold Baxter, I feel positive of it." + +"The whole thing fits together pretty well," said the detective. +"If only we, can lay hands on these men the boy mentions, we'll +be all right." + +A long conversation followed, and then Dick and the others went +to the police station. + +The rooms at Yates' tenement were thoroughly searched once more, +and a watch was set for Girk and Arnold Baxter. + +But the rascals had flown and the watch proved useless. + +In the meantime two detectives tried to trace what had become of +Mooney, but this work also amounted to nothing, and it may be as +well to add here that Mooney was never heard of again, having +sailed for South America. + +Upon an accounting it was learned that Rush & Wilder were by no +means in a good financial condition and that Senator Harrington +would lose a good sum of money should they fail. + +"I'd give a thousand dollars to collar those thieves," said the +senator dismally. + +"If Arnold Baxter and Girk got that money they'll live in high +clover for a while," remarked Dick, when the excitement was over +and they had returned to Frank's home. "My! what a villain +that Baxter is proving to be! No wonder Dan was bad! It must +run in the blood." + +The robbery kept the boys in Albany several days, and this being +so, it was decided to abandon the trip on the river to New York. + +"I'll send the _Spray_ down by somebody," said Dick, "and then we +can take a train from here direct to Oak Run," and so it was +arranged. + +The trip to Oak Run proved to be uneventful. And at the railroad +station they were met by Jack Ness, the Rovers' hired man, who +had driven over with the carryall to take them home. + +"Glad to see you all looking so well," grinned the hired man. +"Getting fat as butter, Master Tom." + +"Thanks, Jack, I'm feeling fine. Any news?" + +"No, sir, none exceptin' that your uncle has had a row with Joel +Fox, who has the farm next to ours." + +"What was the row about?" questioned Dick. + +"All about some fruit, sir. We had a tree hangin' over Fox's +fence--finest pear tree on the place, that was. Fox strips the +tree at night, sir--saw him with my own eyes." + +"Oh, what cheek!" burst out Sam. "What did uncle do?" + +"Tried to talk to him, and Fox told him to mind his own business, +that he could have what fruit hung over his fence. So he could, +but not half of it hung that way, and he took every blessed +pear." + +"Fox always was a mean man," murmured Tom. "I'd like to square +accounts with him before I go back to Putnam Hall." + +"I reckoned as how you might be up to something like that," said +Ness, with another grin. "But you want to be careful. Only +yesterday Fox shot off his gun at some boys who were after his +apples." + +"Did he hit the boys?" + +"I don't think he did." + +"Who were they?" + +"I don't know. And I reckon he don't either." + +"Humph!" Tom mused for a moment. + +"I'd like to scare the mean fellow by making him think one of the +boys was killed." + +"That's an idea!" cried Sam, and winked at his brother. "Let's +do it!" + +They were soon bowling over Swift River and along the road +leading to Valley Brook farm. At the farmhouse their Uncle +Randolph and Aunt Martha stood in the dooryard to greet them. + +"Back again, safe and sound!" cried Randolph Rover. "I suppose +you feel like regular sailors." + +"Well, we do feel a little that way," laughed Sam, and returned +the warm kiss his aunt bestowed upon him. "It's nice to be home +once more." + +"Would you rather stay here than go back to Putnam Hall?" asked +his aunt quickly. + +"Oh, no, I can't say that, Aunt Martha. But it's awfully nice +here, nevertheless." + +A hot supper was awaiting them, and while they ate they told of +all that had happened since they had been away. Randolph Rover +shuddered over the way Dick had been treated. + +"Be careful, my boy," he said. "Remember, even your father could +not bring this Arnold Baxter to justice. He is evidently a +thorough-paced scoundrel, and his companion is probably just as +bad." + +"And how goes the scientific farming, Uncle Randolph?" asked Tom, +who knew how to touch his uncle in the right spot. + +"Splendidly, my boy, splendidly! I am now working on a new +rotation of crops. It will, I am certain, prove a revelation to +the entire agricultural world." + +"Did you make much money this season?" asked Sam dryly. + +"Well--er--no; in fact, we ran a little behind. But we will do finely +next year--I am certain of it. I will have some strawberries and +celery which shall astonish our State agricultural committee," +answered Randolph Rover. He was always enthusiastic, in spite of +almost constant failure. Thus far his hobby had netted him a loss of +several thousand dollars. + +It was Friday, and Saturday was to be given over to packing up +for school. Yet on Saturday morning Tom managed to call Sam +aside. + +"We'll go over to Fox's," said he. "Are you ready?" + +"I am, Tom," answered the younger brother. "And be sure and pile +it on." + +"Trust me for that," and Tom winked in a fashion that set Sam to +roaring. + +They found Joel Fox at work along the roadside, mending a part of +a stone wall which had tumbled down. Fox was a Yankee, and +miserly and sour to the very core. + +"Well, what do you want?" he demanded, as the boys came to a halt +in front of him. + +"Why, Mr. Fox, I thought you had skipped out!" cried Tom in +pretended surprise. + +"Skipped out?" + +"Yes." + +"Why should I skip out, boy?" + +"On account of Harry Smith." + +"Harry Smith? Who is he?" + +"Harry Smith of Oak Run--the boy who was shot the other day. +Didn't you hear he was dead?" + +At these words Joel Fox dropped the tools he was using and turned +pale. + +"Is--er--is the boy--er--" He could not finish. + +"It was a wicked thing to do," put in Sam. "Any man that would +shoot a boy ought to be lynched." + +"Perhaps that crowd of men were coming up here," went on Tom. +"Didn't they have a rope with them?" + +"To be sure they had a rope, Tom. And one of 'em said something +about hanging." + +"What crowd are you talking about?" stammered Joel Fox, growing +paler and paler. + +"The crowd at the depot. Did you shoot him, Mr. Fox? I can't +hardly believe it true, although I know you were mean enough to +take my uncle's pears." + +"I--er--the pears were on my property. I er--I didn't shoot at any +boy. I--er--I shot at some crows in my cornfield," stammered Joel Fox. +"Did you say a crowd of men were coming over here with a rope?" + +"You'll see fast enough, you bad man!" cried Tom, and ran off, +followed by Sam. In vain Fox tried to call them back. + +The boys went as far as a turn in the road, then hid behind some +bushes. Soon they saw Fox pick up his tools and make for his +barn. Then he came out and hurried for his house. + +"I guess he's pretty well rattled," laughed Tom. "Won't he be +mad when he learns how he has been fooled!" + +They waited for a while, but as Fox did not reappear they hurried +back home by another road, that the man might not see them. + +Tom was right when he said that the miserly old farmer was +"rattled," as it is commonly called. + +All day long the coward remained in the house, as nervous as a +cat and afraid that a crowd of men would appear at any minute to +lynch him. + +His wife did not know what to make of such actions and finally +demanded an explanation, and when it was not forthcoming +threatened him with the broom, which she had used as a weapon of +offense several times previously. + +"They say he's dead!" finally burst out Joel. "They are goin' +ter lynch me for it. Hide me, Mandy, hide me!" + +"Who is dead, Joel Fox?" + +"The boy I shot at fer stealin' them apples. Oh, they'll lynch +me; I feel it in my bones!" groaned the old man. + +"Who was it?" + +"Harry Smith of Oak Run." + +"And he is dead?" + +"So they say. But I didn't calkerlate I hit him at all," whined +Joel. + +"No more you did, for I saw him run away, and he went clear out +o' sight up the road. Who told you this?" demanded Mrs. Fox. + +"Those Rover boys, Tom an' Sam." + +"Those young imps! Joel, they are fooling you." + +"Do you really think so, Mandy?" asked the man hopefully. + +"I do. If I was you I'd go over to Oak Run and find out." + +"No, no--if it's true they'll lynch me, I know they will!" + +"Then I'll go over. I know Mrs. Smith. If he's dead there will +be crape on the door an' I won't go in," concluded Mrs. Fox. + +And getting out a horse and buckboard, she drove over to Oak Run +and to the Smiths' place. She found no crape on the door. Harry +Smith sat on the porch, his arm in a sling. Plucking up courage +she drew rein, dismounted, and walked up to the boy, who was one +of the Rover brothers friends. + +"How is your arm, Harry?" she began softly. + +"It's pretty fair," answered the boy politely. "Won't you come +in, Mrs. Fox?" + +"Well, I guess not. Harry, I'm sorry for this." + +"So am I sorry, Mrs. Fox." + +"I didn't think you would do it. Why didn't you come up to the +house an' ask for them apples?" + +The boy looked puzzled, for the simple reason that he was +puzzled. "I don't understand you. What apples?" + +"The ones you tried to steal." + +"I didn't try to steal any apples, Mrs. Fox. What makes you +think that?" + +"Didn't you try to git in our orchard when Joel fired on you?" +cried Mrs. Fox. + +"Why, I haven't been anywhere near your orchard!" + +"So?" Mrs. Fox looked bewildered. "Then--then how did you get +hurt?" she faltered. + +"Why, Mr. Wicks and I were cleaning out pa's old shotgun when it +went off accidentally, and I got a couple of the shot in my +forearm," answered Harry Smith promptly. + +The answer took away Mrs. Fox's breath. + +"Drat them boys--I knowed it!" she muttered, and drove away +without another word. Harry Smith was much puzzled, but letters +which soon after passed between him and Tom cleared up the +mystery. + +But the boys never heard of how Joel Fox fared when his wife got +home. The lady arrived "as mad as a hornet," to use a popular +saying. "You're the worst old fool ever was, Joel Fox!" were her +first words, and a bitter quarrel followed that ended only when +the man was driven out of the house with the ever-trustworthy +broom. Joel Fox wanted to go over to the Rover farm, to have it +out with Tom and Sam, but somehow he could not pluck up the +courage to make the move. + + + + +CHAPTER XI + +FUN AT PUTNAM HALL + + +"Back to Putnam Hall at last!" + +"Yes, boys, back at last! Hurrah for the dear old school, and +all the boys in it!" + +Peleg Snuggers, the general utility man of the Hall, had just +brought the boys up from Cedarville, to which place they had +journeyed from Ithaca on the regular afternoon boat running up +Cayuga Lake. With the Rovers had come Fred Garrison, Larry +Colby, and several others of their old school chums. + +(For the doings of the Putnam Hall students previous to the +arrival at that institution of the Rover boys, see The Putnam +Hall Series, the first volume of which is entitled, "The Putnam +Hall Cadets."--PUBLISHERS) + +"Glad to welcome you back, boys!" exclaimed Captain Victor +Putnam, a pleasant smile on his face. He shook hands all around. +"Did you have a nice trip?" + +"Splendid, sir," said Tom. "Oh, how do you do, Mr. Strong?" and +he ran to meet the head teacher. He could not help but think of +how different things were now to when he had first arrived at +Putnam Hall the year previous, and Josiah Crabtree had locked him +up in the guardroom for exploding a big firecracker in honor of +the occasion. + +"Well, Thomas, I hope you have left all your pranks behind," +observed George Strong. "How about it?" And his eyes twinkled. + +"Oh, I'm going in for study this session," answered Tom demurely. +And then he winked at Larry on the sly. But his words did not +deceive George Strong, who understood only too well Tom's +propensity for mischief. + +It was the first day of the term, but as the cadets kept on +arriving with every train and boat, no lessons were given out, +and the boys were allowed to do pretty much as they pleased. +They visited every nook and corner, including the classrooms, the +dormitories, the stables, and the gymnasium and boathouse, and +nearly bothered the life out of Peleg Snuggers, Mrs. Green, the +housekeeper, and Alexander Pop, the colored waiter of the mess +hall. + +"Hullo, Aleck!" cried Tom rushing up and grabbing the colored man +by the hand. "How are you--pretty well? I'm first-rate, +never was better in my life!" And he gave the hand a hard +squeeze. + +"Stop, wot yo' up to, Massah Rober!" roared the waiter, leaping +off his feet. "Wot yo' got in yo' hand?" + +"Why, nothing, Aleck, my boy. Yes, I'm feeling fine. I've +gained fifteen pounds, and--" + +"Yo' lemme go, sah-yo' is stickin' pins in my hand!" howled Pop. +"Oh, deah, now de term's dun begun we'll all be dead wid dat +boy's tricks!" he moaned, as Tom ran off, throwing away several +tiny tacks as he did so. + +"So you've come back, have you?" observed Mrs. Green, as Tom +stopped at the kitchen door. "Well, just you mind your P's and +Q's, or there will be trouble, I can tell you that, Tom Rover." + +"Why, we never had any trouble, Mrs. Green," he said soberly. +"Did we?" + +"Oh, of course not! But who stole that can of peaches right +after the Christmas holidays, and who locked one of the cows in +the back hall and nearly scared the washwoman to death? Oh, +dear, you never did anything, never!" And Mrs. Green shook her +head warningly. + +"Do you mean to say I would take a can of peaches, Mrs. Green?" asked +Tom, and then his face fell. "Oh, dear, you always did put me down as +the worst boy in the school, when--I--I--do--my--very best," and, +almost sobbing, Tom put his face up against his coat sleeve. Mrs. +Green was very tender-hearted in spite of her somewhat free tongue, +and she was all sympathy immediately. + +"There, there, Tom, I didn't mean to hurt your feelings," she +said soothingly. "I--I was only fooling. Will you have a +piece of hot mince pie? It's just out of the oven." + +"I--I don't know!" sobbed Tom. "You treat me so awful meanly!" + +"I didn't mean it--really I didn't. Come, sit down and have +the pie, that's a good boy. I'm glad you are back, and you are +better than lots of the other cadets, so there!" And Tom slid +into a seat and devoured the generous slice of pie dealt out to +him with keen relish. + +"It's really like home," he murmured presently. + +"Mrs. Green, when you die, they ought to erect an awfully big +monument over your grave." + +"But I'm not dying just yet, Tom--pray don't speak of it." + +"By the way, my aunt was dyeing when I left home," went on the +boy, as he moved toward the door. + +"Indeed. Didn't you hate to leave her?" + +"Not at all. She didn't seem to mind it." + +"What was her trouble, Tom--consumption?" + +"No, she had an old brown dress that had faded out green and she +was dyeing it black," was the soft answer, and then Tom ran for +his life. Mrs. Green did not speak to him for almost a week +after that. And yet with it all she couldn't help but like the +boy. + +Of course Peleg Snuggers came in for his full share of attention, +and the utility man had all sorts of jokes played on him until he +was almost in despair. + +"Don't, young gents, don't!" he would plead. "Oh, my! An' to +think the term's just begun!" And he mopped his brow with his +red bandanna handkerchief. + +"Peleg, you are getting handsomer every day," remarked Sam. +"It's a wonder you don't go into the beauty show in New York." + +"Wot kind of a joke is that, Master Rover?" + +"Oh, it's no joke. You are handsome. Won't you let me take your +photograph?" + +"Have you got a camera?" + +"To be sure. Here it is." Sam drew a tiny box from his pocket. + +"Now stand still and I'll take a snap shot." + +Snuggers had wanted to have his picture taken for some time, to +send to a certain girl in Cedarville in whom he was much +interested. To have a photograph taken for nothing tickled him +greatly. + +"Wait till I brush up a bit," he said, and got out a pocket comb, +with which he adjusted his hair and his stubby mustache. + +"Now stand straight and look happy!" cried Sam as a crowd collected +around. "Raise you right hand to your breast, just as all statesmen +do. Up with your chin--don't drop your left eye--close your mouth. +Now then, don't budge on your life!" + +Peleg Snuggers stood like a statue, his chin well up in the air +and his eyes set into a steady stare. Sam elevated the tiny box +and kept the man standing for fully half a minute, while the boys +behind Snuggers could scarcely keep from roaring. + +"There you are," said Sam at last. "Now wait a minute and the +picture will be finished." + +"Don't you have to print 'em in the sun?" asked Snuggers. + +"No, this is a new patented process." Sam drew a square of tin +from the box. "There you are, Peleg, and all for nothing." + +"I don't see any picture," growled Snuggers, looking at the +square blankly. + +"You must breathe on it, Peleg; then the picture will come out +beautifully. It's a little fresh yet." + +Peleg Snuggers breathed on the square of tin as directed, and +then there slowly came to view the picture of a donkey's head! +The boys gathered around set up a shout. + +"Hurrah, Peleg, what a fine picture!" + +"You've changed a little in your looks, Peleg, since you had the +last taken, eh?" + +"Your girl will fall in love with that picture, Peleg, I'm +certain of it." + +"Sam Rover, I'll git square, see if I don't!" roared the utility +man, as he dashed the square of tin to the ground. "I knowed you +was goin' to play a joke on me." And he started to walk off. + +"Why, what's the matter?" demanded Sam innocently. "Isn't it a +good picture?' + +"I'll picture you!" + +"I thought I was doing my best." + +"Show me off for a donkey! If it wasn't against the rules I'd--I'd +wollop you!" + +"A donkey! Oh, Peleg, I did nothing of the kind! Here is your +picture, on my word of honor." + +"It's a donkey's head, I say." + +"And I say it's your picture. I'll leave it to anybody in the +crowd." + +"I guess I know a donkey's head when I see it, Master Rover. I +didn't expect no such joke from you, though your brother Tom +might have played it." + +"Boys, isn't this a good picture?" demanded Sam, showing up the +other side of the tin square. + +"Why, splendid!" came from the crowd. + +"Peleg, there is some mistake here." + +"Oh, you can't joke me no more!" returned the utility man. + +"But just look!" pleaded Sam. "Isn't that a good picture of you? +If you don't say so yourself I'll give you five dollars." + +He handed the tin over again, this time with the opposite side +toward Snuggers. He had just breathed on it heavily. + +"Now blow on it," he continued, and Snuggers did as directed. +The moisture cleared away, revealing the face of the utility man +in a bit of looking-glass! + +"Oh, you're tremendously smart, you are!" muttered Snuggers, and +walked off. But he was not half as angry as he had been a few +minutes before. + + + + +CHAPTER XII + +DICK VISITS DORA STANHOPE + + +"Battalion, fall in. Attention! Carry arms!" + +It was several days later, and the cadets were out for their +first parade around the grounds. Dick still retained his +position as second lieutenant of Company A, having been +re-elected the term previous. Tom was first sergeant of Company +B, while Sam was still "a high private in the rear rank," as the +saying goes. + +The day was an ideal one in the early autumn, and Captain Putnam +and George Strong were both on hand to watch the drilling. Major +Bart Conners had graduated the year before, and his place was now +filled by Harry Blossom, formerly captain of Company A. + +"Shoulder arms!" came the next order. "Battalion, forward +march!" + +Tap! tap! tap, tap, tap! went the drums, and then the bass drum +joined in, and the two companies moved off. Soon the fifers +struck up a lively air, and away went the cadets, down the road, +around grounds, and to the mess hall for supper. + +The boys felt good to be in the ranks once more, and Captain +Putnam congratulated them on their soldierly appearance. + +"It does me good to see that you have not forgotten your former +instructions in drilling and marching," he said. "I trust that +during the present term we shall see even better results, so that +the work done here may compare favorably with that done at West +Point." + +The school had now begun to settle down, and inside of a few days +everything was working smoothly. + +"What a difference it makes to have Dan Baxter and Mumps absent!" +observed Tom to Dick. "We don't have any of the old-fashion rows +any more." + +"I'd like to know what Mumps and Josiah Crabtree were up to," put +in the elder Rover. "It's queer we didn't hear any more of them. +I'm going to get off soon and try and see Dora Stanhope. Perhaps +she knows what Crabtree is doing." + +On that day Frank Harrington received a letter from his father, +in which the senator stated that nothing more had been heard of +the men who had looted Rush & Wilder's safe. "I fancy they have +left the State, if not the country," was Mr. Harrington's +comment. + +The three Rover boys got off the next day and took a walk past +the cottages where resided the Lanings and the Stanhopes. At the +Lanings' place Nellie and Grace came out to greet them. + +"So you are back!" cried Nellie, blushing sweetly. "Father said +you were. He saw you come in at Cedarville." + +"Yes, back again, and glad to meet you," answered Tom, and gave +the girl's hand a tight squeeze, while Sam and Dick also shook +hands with both girls. + +"And how do you feel?" asked Grace of Dick. "Wasn't that +dreadful the way Mr. Baxter treated you on that train?" + +"Well, he got the worst of it," answered Dick. + +"Oh, I know that! And now they suspect him of a robbery in +Albany. Papa was reading it in one of the Ithaca papers." + +"Yes, and I guess he's guilty, Grace. But tell me, does Josiah +Crabtree worry Mrs. Stanhope any more?" continued the boy +seriously. + +"Why to be sure he does! And, oh, let me tell you something! +Dora told me that he was terribly angry over having been sent to +Chicago on a wild-goose chase." + +"I wish he had remained out there." + +"So do all of us," said Nellie Laning. "He seems bound to marry +aunty, in spite of our opposition and Dora's." + +"How is your aunt now?" + +"She is not very well. Do you know, I think Mr. Crabtree +exercises some sort of a strange influence over her." + +"I think that myself. If he could do it, I think he would +hypnotize her into marrying him. He is just rascal enough. Of +course he is after the money Mrs. Stanhope is holding in trust +for Dora." + +"He can't touch that." + +"He can--if he can get hold of it. I don't think Josiah +Crabtree cares much for the law. Is Dora home now?" + +"I believe she is. She was this morning, I know." + +"I'm going over to see her," went on Dick. "I promised to do all +I could for her in this matter of standing Crabtree off, and I'm +going to keep my word." + +As Sam and Tom wished to converse with the Laning girls a bit +longer, Dick went on ahead, telling them to follow him when they +chose. + +It did not take Dick long to reach the Stanhope homestead. As he +approached he heard loud talking on the front piazza. + +"I want nothing to do with you, Dan Baxter, and I am astonished +that you should come here to see me," came in Dora Stanhope's +voice. + +"That's all right, Dora; don't get ugly," was the reply from the +former bully of Putnam Hall. "I'm not going to hurt you." + +"I want you to go away and leave my mother and me alone." + +"Will you come and see Mr. Crabtree, as he wanted?" + +"No. If, Mr. Crabtree wants to see me let him come here." + +"But you told him you didn't want him here," said Dan Baxter. + +"Neither I do--to see mamma. But I won't go to see him; so +there! Now please leave me." + +"You're a strong-minded miss, you are," sneered Dan Baxter. "You +want taking down." + +"What's that you say?" demanded Dick, as he strode up. "Baxter, +you deserve to be knocked down for insulting this young lady." + +"Oh, Dick, is that you?" burst out Dora, her pretty face +brightening instantly. "I'm glad you came." + +"Dick Rover!" muttered the bully, and his face fell. "What +brought you here?" + +"That is my business, Baxter, So Josiah Crabtree sent you to +annoy Miss Stanhope." + +"It's none of your affair if he did." + +"I say it is my affair." + +"Do you want to get into another row with me, Dick Rover?" And +Dan Baxter clenched his fists. + +"If we fought, the battle would end as it did before--you would +be knocked out," answered Dick. "You have no right to come here +if these people want you to stay away, and you had better take +yourself off." + +"I'll go when I please. You can't make me go--nor the +Stanhopes neither," growled Dan Baxter. + +At these words Dick grew white. Dora, as old readers know, was +his dearest friend, and he could not stand having her spoken of +so rudely. For a moment the two boys glared at each, other; then +Baxter aimed a blow at Dick's face. + +The elder Rover ducked and hit out in return, landing upon +Baxter's neck. Dora gave a scream. + +"Oh, Dick! Don't fight with him!" + +"I won't--I'll run him out!" panted Dick, and leaping behind +the bully, he caught him by the collar and the back. "Out you +go, you brute!" he added, and began to run Baxter toward the open +gateway. In vain the bully tried to resist. Dick's blood was +up, and he did not release his hold or relinquish his efforts +until the bully had been pushed along the road for a distance of +fifty yards. + +"Now you dare to come back!" said Dick, shaking his fist at the +fellow. "If you come, I'll have you locked up." + +"We'll see about it, Dick Rover," snarled Dan Baxter. He paused +for an instant. "He laughs best who laughs last," he muttered, +and strode off as fast as his long legs would carry him, in the +direction of the lake. + +When Dick returned to Dora he found that the girl had sunk down +on the piazza steps nearly overcome. + +"Don't be afraid, Dora; he's gone," he said kindly. + +"Oh, Dick, I'm so afraid of him!" she gasped. + +"Was he here long before I came up?" + +"About ten minutes. He brought a message from Mr. Crabtree, who +wants to see me in Cedarville. I told him I wouldn't go--and I +won't." + +"I shouldn't either, Dora. Perhaps Crabtree only wants to get +you away from the house so that he can come here and see your +mother." + +"I never thought of that." + +"Where is your mother now?" + +"Lying down with a headache. She is getting more nervous every +day. I wish Mr. Crabtree was--was--" + +"In Halifax, I suppose," finished Dick. + +"Yes, or some other place as far off. Every time he comes near +mamma she has the strangest spells." + +"He is a bad man--no doubt of it, Dora. I almost wish we had +him back to the Hall. Then I could keep my eye on him." + +"I'm glad you are back, Dick," said the girl softly. "If there +is any trouble, you'll let me call on you, won't you?" + +"I shall expect you to call on me, Dora--the very first thing," +he returned promptly. "I wouldn't have anything happen to you or +your mother for anything in the world." + +By this time Sam and Tom were coming up, and they had to be told +about Dan Baxter. + +"He and his father are a team," said Sam. + +"I wonder if he knows what his father has done. If I meet him +I'll ask him." + +Dick had expected to pay his respects to Mrs. Stanhope, but now +thought best not to disturb her. All the boys had a short chat +with Dora, and then set out on the return to school. + +On the way the three boys discussed the situation, but could get +little satisfaction out of their talk. + +"Something is in the wind," was Dick's comment. "But what it is +time alone will reveal." + +And he was right, as events in the near future proved. + + + + +CHAPTER XIII + +THE FIRE AT THE HALL + + +Sam had been right when he said that Dan Baxter was like his +father. Parent and son were thoroughly bad, but how bad the +Rover boys and their friends were still to learn. + +On Saturday the cadets had a half-holiday, and some of them went +over to the lake to fish, Sam and Tom accompanying the party. + +While the boys were waiting for bites they espied a large +sail-boat skimming along the lake shore. As it came closer Tom +and Sam were much astonished to see that the boat contained Dan +Baxter, Josiah Crabtree, and Mumps. + +"By jinks, there is Mumps' yacht!" ejaculated Tom. "How in the +world did he get her up here?" + +"Brought her by way of the canal and the river, I suppose," +answered Sam. + +"Hullo there!" called out Larry Colby, who was in the crowd. +"Mumps, you might be in better company." + +"You keep your mouth shut!" retorted Fenwick. + +"If you talk to me, I'll come ashore and give you a thrashing," +put in Baxter. + +"I dare you to come ashore!" burst out Tom. "You'll stay where +you are if you know when you are well off." + +No more was said, and presently the boat sped out of sight around +a bend of the lake shore. Fishing proved to be good, and in the +excitement of the sport Baxter and the others were, for the time +being, forgotten. + +It was late when the boys packed up. Sam had six fish, Tom as +many more, and all of the others a fair catch. + +"We'll have fish tomorrow for breakfast, sure," said Larry. +"Hurry up, or we'll be late." + +The party started off, but had only gone a short distance when +Sam remembered that he had left his knife sticking in the stump +of a tree, and ran back to get it, in the meantime turning his +fish over to Tom. + +The fishing place was behind a grove of trees, and when Sam +reached it again he was much surprised to see Dan Baxter on +shore, he having just left the yacht, which was cruising some +distance away. + +"Hullo! so you came back to have it out with me, eh?" cried +Baxter, and before Sam could say a word, he was hurled flat and +the bully came down on top of him. + +Sam fought bravely, but was no match for the big fellow, who +began to hammer him unmercifully. Realizing how matters were +turning, the youngest Rover began to cry for help. + +"You shut up!" stormed Dan Baxter. "Shut up, or I'll give it to +you worse than ever!" + +But Sam had no intention of taking such a drubbing quietly, and +he yelled louder than ever. His cries reached Tom, who had +dropped behind to allow his brother to catch up. + +"Something is wrong," he muttered, and hanging the fish on a +bush, he ran back at the top of his speed. + +Dan Baxter heard him coming and tried to get away, but as Tom +called out, Sam's courage rose, and he grabbed the bully by the +foot and held him. + +"Let go!" roared Dan Baxter, but Sam would not, and in a second +more Tom was at hand and hit the bully such a stinging blow in +the face that Baxter went down in a heap. + +A rough-and-tumble scrimmage ensued, and it must be said that the +bully got by far the worst of it. Tom hit him again and again, +and Sam also, and when at last he staggered to his feet, one eye +was almost closed and his nose was bleeding profusely. + +"Now I guess you won't tackle any of us again," said Tom. + +"I'll get even--mark my words!" roared Baxter, and ran down the +lake shore in the direction the _Falcon_ had taken. + +When Baxter reached the yacht he was so weak he could scarcely +stand. It was a long while before he could stop his nose from +bleeding, and his eye stung with a pain that was maddening. + +"Did little Sam Rover do that?" asked Mumps, while Josiah +Crabtree looked on in curious silence. + +"Sam Rover?" snorted Baxter. "Not much! Why, the whole crowd +piled on me six or seven of them at a time. They tried to kill +me!" + +"Didn't you defend yourself, Daniel?" asked Crabtree. + +"Of course I did. I knocked two of them down and another fellow +had two of his teeth broken. But I couldn't fight all six single +handed." + +"Oh, I presume not--especially such brutes as Captain Putnam is +now raising." + +"It's a pity we can't get square with them," said Mumps. + +"Oh, I'll get square! You just wait," answered the bully +cunningly. "I'm not done with them yet by any means." + +"What will you do?" + +"Just you wait and see." + +"I don't wish to have you interfere with our plans," put in +Josiah Crabtree. + +"I won't interfere with the other plans. But I am going to get +square." + +"We've had delay enough," continued Josiah Crabtree. + +"Well, that wasn't my fault. Mumps got sick, and that's all +there is to it," growled Dan Baxter, and then went to dressing +his swollen eye once more. + +In the meantime Sam and Tom had rejoined their fellows and told +their story. All of the others were indignant at Baxter's doing +and glad to learn he had been given a sound drubbing. + +"I don't see why he hangs in this neighborhood," said Larry. +"It's a wonder he doesn't try to join his father." + +"They are probably on the outs since Dan took that two hundred +dollars," answered Tom. + +The boys were all tired that night, and the occupants of +Dormitory No. 6 retired early in consequence. + +It was a little after midnight that Dick awoke with a cough. He +sat up in bed and opened his eyes to find the room almost filled +with smoke. + +"For gracious sake!" he muttered. "What's the matter here? Sam! +Tom!" + +"What's this?" came from Larry Colby. "Is the house on fire?" +He leaped from his bed, and so did Dick. By this time the smoke +in the dormitory was getting thicker and thicker. It was coming +through the door, which stood partly open. + +"Wake up, boys; the Hall is on fire!" + +"Fire! Fire! Fire!" came from all parts of the building. + +One after another the cadets roused up. Some were completely +bewildered and did not know what to do. + +"We had better get out as soon as we can!" exclaimed Dick, as he +slipped into his trousers. "Come, Tom! come, Sam!" + +He ran for the hallway, to find it so thick with smoke that +escape in that direction seemed cut off. + +"We can't go down that way!" came from Frank. "We'd be smothered +to death." + +"Let's jump from the windows," put in Larry, who was more +frightened than any of the others. + +"No, no; don't jump yet!" cried Tom "You'll break a leg, and +maybe your neck." + +"But I don't want to be burnt up," returned Larry, his teeth +chattering. + +"Hold on, we have that rope we used when we had the feast last +summer," said Sam. "Let us tie that to the window and get down +on it." + +Sam ran to the closet and found the rope just where it had been +left, on a hook in the corner. Soon they had it out and fastened +to a bed-slat braced across the window frame. + +"Down you go, Larry!" said Dick. "Be careful; I reckon we have +plenty of time." + +Larry slid down in a jiffy, and one after another the others came +after him, Dick being the last. As the youth turned around on +the window sill he saw the fire creeping in at the door. Their +escape had taken place none too soon. + +Down on the parade ground they found a motley collection of +half-dressed cadets, instructors, servants, and others who had +been sleeping in the burning Hall. + +In the midst of the group was Captain Putnam, pale but +comparatively cool, considering the excitement under which he was +laboring. + +"Are all the boys out?" he asked of George Strong. "Line them up +and call the roll." + +The roll-call was put through in double-quick order. Only two +lads were missing, a boy named Harrison and another named Leeks. + +"Here comes Harrison!" cried Harry Blossom, and the boy limped +forth from the opposite side of the burning building. + +"I sprang from the east wing," he explained. "I guess my ankle +is sprained." And then he dropped down and was carried away from +the scene to a place of safety. + +"Where can Leeks be?" questioned Captain Putnam. "Leeks! Leeks! +Where are you?" he cried with all the power of his lungs. + +At first the only reply that came back was the roaring of the +flames, as they mounted from one section of the Hall to another. +Then, however, came a shriek from the rear end of the western +wing. + +"Help me! Save me! I don't want to be burnt up!" + +"It is Leeks!" cried Tom. "See, he is on the gutter of the +roof!" + +He pointed in the direction, and all saw the cadet, dressed in +nothing but his white gown, clinging desperately to the slates of +the roof above the gutter. He had run from the second floor to +the third and sought safety by crawling out of a dormer window. + +"Don't jump!" cried a dozen in concert. "Don't jump, Leeks!" + +"What shall I do? The flames are coming up here as fast as they +can!" groaned the cadet. "Oh, save me, somebody!" + +"Let's get the ladder," said Dick, and started for the barn, with +a score of cadets at his heels and George Strong with them. In +the meantime Captain Putnam again urged Leeks to remain where he +was. "We will save you, don't fear," he added. + +The fire below now made the scene as bright as day, and already the +neighbors were rushing to the scene, followed by the Cedarville +volunteer fire department, with their hose cart and old style +hand-pump engine. + +Soon the ladder was brought out of the barn and rushed to the +spot directly below where Leeks stood. Willing hands raised it +against the building. And then a loud groan went up. The ladder +was too short by ten feet--and it was the only ladder to be +had! + + + + +CHAPTER XIV + +THE DISAPPEARANCE OF DORA STANHOPE + + +"We can't reach him with that! He'll be burnt up before we can +get to him. See, the flames are already coming out of the +window beside him!" + +"Save me! Push the ladder up higher!" shrieked Leeks. "I can't +get down to it!" + +"Wait, I've got an idea," put in Dick, and ran behind the barn to +the garden patch. + +Soon he came back armed with a long and knotty beanpole. George +Strong was already on the ladder, and the beanpole was shoved up +to him. + +"That's all right!" came the cry. "Leeks, can't you get hold?" + +"I'll try," said the terrorized boy. + +As quickly as he could George Strong mounted to the very top of +the ladder. Then the teacher raised the beanpole, heavy end +upward, until Leeks managed to grasp it. + +"Can you steady it against the gutter?" asked the teacher. + +"I--I don't know. If I had a cord--" + +"There is a string on the window blind. Tie the end of the pole +to that." + +With trembling hands Leeks did as directed. The cord was not a +stout one, but it was sufficiently strong to keep the beanpole in +position, and that was all that was required, since the teacher +steadied it and held it up from below. + +But getting over the edge of the gutter was no easy movement, and +those on the ground held their breath as Leeks crawled to where +he could grasp the beanpole. Then the cadet came down on the run +to where his feet struck the top of the ladder. In a minute more +he and the head teacher came to the ground. + +A cheer went up. "Hurrah! Leeks is safe! Good for Mr. Strong!" +In the midst of the cries Leeks fainted and had to be carried to +the gymnasium for treatment. + +The fire had evidently started in the lower hallway of the +building, in a closet under the broad stairs. It was burning +furiously in all of the halls and toward the rear. + +As soon as Captain Putnam felt assured that the scholars and all +others were safe he organized the boys into a bucket brigade. In +the meantime Mrs. Grow, with more forethought than seemed +possible to her nature, had turned on the water pipes leading +from the water tower on the Hall roof. Thus a dozen small +streams were thrown on the fire, to which the boys soon added +their buckets of water. Then the Cedarville fire department +added their services, and fighting the fire began in earnest, +while Captain Putnam directed the removal of all furniture and +other things which could be gotten out with safety. + +"Say, but this is work!" panted Tom, as he struggled along with a +big bucket of water in each hand. + +"I only hope we succeed in saving the building." + +"We won't save all of it," replied Sam, who was laboring as hard +as anybody. "And I guess all of our clothing will be burnt up." + +"Don't say a word about dat!" put in Alexander Pop. "I dun gone +an' buy me a new pair ob checked pants las' week--an' a new +silk hat, too!" And the negro was almost ready to cry with +vexation at the thought that those new clothes, with which he had +hoped to cut such a dash, would go down in the ruin. + +It was a good two hours ere the fire was gotten under control, +and not until after sunrise was the last spark put out. Then +Captain Putnam and several of the others surveyed the damage that +had been done. + +All of the stairways had been burned away, and the plastering +from top to bottom of the three hallways was down. In the rear, +two dormitories and the garret floor had been burned out. + +"A nasty fire," said the captain to his head assistant. "I'm +afraid I will have to close down the school, at least for a +while." + +"I don't know as I would do that, captain," replied George +Strong. "The classrooms are not touched, neither are some of the +dormitories. We can bunch the boys up a bit--and I think they +would rather be bunched up than be sent home." + +The matter was talked over at some length, and in the end put to +the boys themselves, and all declared that they would rather +remain, and some added that during their spare hours they would +do all they could to put the place into shape again. + +"That will be unnecessary," said Captain Putnam. "The insurance +companies will have to do the repairing, and I shall notify them +without delay. As to the clothing that has been lost, I will +make that good to each of you." + +The fire was not yet out when Dora Stanhope appeared, in company +with John Laning and Nellie and Grace. + +"I am so afraid somebody had been burnt up!" cried Dora to Dick. +"I'm awfully glad you and your brothers are all right!" + +"We got out easily, answered Dick, but he gave Dora a bright +smile for the interest she had shown in him. + +"How did the fire start?" questioned John Laning. + +"Nobody knows," answered Tom. "Captain Putnam says it is a +complete mystery." + +"I believe the Hall was set on fire," put in Sam. "And I believe +I can point out the party who is guilty." + +"Dan Baxter?" put in Larry. + +"Yes." + +"Would he be wicked enough to do that?" cried Dora in horror. + +"Yes, I guess Dan is bad enough to do anything," said Dick. + +"He was terribly mad over the way we mauled him," came from Tom. +"He was just about ready to kill us." + +"If that's the case Captain Putnam had better have Baxter +arrested," suggested John Laning. "He is a dangerous boy to be +at large." + +Captain Putnam came up and was soon told of what had occurred. +He had not heard of the fight down at the lake, but was not +greatly surprised. + +"I do not blame you boys, since Baxter began the attack," he +said. "And I agree, he is a thoroughly bad fellow. Yes, I'll +have him arrested--providing we can locate him." + +Word had already been sent to a clothier, and a gentlemen's +outfitter, both of whom had stores in Cedarville, and before noon +these men came to the Hall, and the students were fitted out +temporarily--that is, the portion who had lost the majority of +their clothing. Then a gang of laborers and scrub-women were +sent to work to clean up the mess and make the classrooms and +unburned dormitories fit for occupation. In two days Putnam Hall +was once more in full sway, as though nothing out of the ordinary +had happened, the burnt section being boarded entirely off from +the other. + +The search for Dan Baxter began at once, but nothing could be +ascertained concerning him. A search was also made for the +_Falcon_, but that craft had disappeared from the lake. + +"Well, I hope we never hear or see anything more of Baxter," said +Sam. "I declare, he is worse than a snake in the grass." + +"I'd rather see him locked up," answered Dick grimly. "Then I'd +know he was out of the way of harming us further." + +Several days slipped by and the boys were deep in their studies, +when, late one afternoon, Dick was greatly astonished by being +told that Mrs. Stanhope was in the parlor waiting to see him. + +"She seems very much agitated," said Captain Putnam. "I am +afraid something is wrong." + +"Can you say what it is, Richard?" + +"No, sir; excepting Dan Baxter or Josiah Crabtree may have been +worrying them again." + + "Do you mean to tell me that Baxter goes to their house?" + +"He has been there several times to my knowledge. He's as sweet on +Dora Stanhope as Josiah Crabtree is anxious over Mrs. Stanhope--and +neither person deserves any encouragement." + +"I thought the engagement between Mrs. Stanhope and Crabtree was +off." + +"It was--for the time being. But it seems Mr. Crabtree isn't +going to give her up--he is too anxious to get hold of Dora's +money," and with this remark Dick hurried to the parlor. + +"Oh, Dick Rover!" cried Mrs. Stanhope, when he entered, "do tell +me what has become of Dora." + +"Dora!" he repeated in bewilderment. "I don't know, I am sure. +Has she left home?" + +"She hasn't been home since she answered your note yesterday +afternoon." + +"My note? I sent her no note." + +"But I found it lying on the dining-room table last evening, when +I came from my room. You see, I had been lying down with a +headache." + +"Mrs. Stanhope, I sent Dora no note. If she got one that was +signed with my name it was a forgery." + +"Oh, Dick Rover!" The lady had arisen on his entrance, now she +sank back into a faint. + +The youth was greatly alarmed, and at once rang for one of the +servants and also for Captain Putnam. + +"What is the matter?" asked the master of the Hall. + +"Something is very much wrong, sir," replied Dick. "Dora +Stanhope has disappeared." + +"Disappeared!" + +"Yes, sir. She received some sort of a note signed with my name." + +No more was said just then, Dick, the captain, and the servant +doing all they could to restore Mrs. Stanhope to consciousness. +When the lady finally came to her senses she could not keep from +crying bitterly. + +"Oh, where can my Dora be?" she moaned. "Something dreadful has +happened to her--I feel certain of it." + +"Where is that note?" asked Dick. + +"I left it on the mantelpiece in our dining room. It said: 'Dear +Friend Dora: Meet me as soon as you can down at the old boathouse +on the lake. I have something important to tell you,' and it was +signed 'Richard Rover.'" + +"Mrs. Stanhope, as true as I stand here, I never wrote that note +or sent it." + +"I believe you, Dick. But who did send it?" + +"Some enemy who wanted to get her away from the house--Dan +Baxter or--" Dick paused. + +"Or who?" + +"Well, Josiah Crabtree, if you must know. He hates her and he +wants to separate her from you." + +At the mention of Josiah Crabtree's name a curious shiver passed +over Mrs. Stanhope. "We--we'll not talk about Mr. Crabtree," +she faltered. "But, oh, I must have my Dora back!" And then she +came near to fainting again. + +"I would like to go over to the Stanhope cottage and +investigate," said Dick, after the lady had been placed in Mrs. +Green's care. "To my mind it won't do to lose time, either." + +"You can go, Richard," answered Captain Putnam. "But be careful +and keep out of trouble." + +"Can I take Tom and Sam with me?" + +At this the master of Putnam Hall smiled broadly. "Always like +to be together, eh? All right, I don't know but what it will be +safer for the three of you to go together," he said; and Dick +lost no time in telling his brothers. In a few minutes the trio +set off for the Stanhope cottage, little dreaming of the long +time that was to elapse before they should see Putnam Hall again. + + + + +CHAPTER XV + +DICK'S BRAVERY AND ITS REWARD + + +The three Rover boys reached the Stanhope cottage on a run, to +find nobody in charge but a washwoman, who was hanging up some +clothing in the back yard. + +Explaining the situation so far as was necessary, they went +inside and hunted up the note Mrs. Stanhope had mentioned. + +"I believe that is Dan Baxter's writing," said Dick slowly. + +"It is," came from Sam. "I know it from the flourishes on the +capitals. He was always great on flourishes." + +"We won't waste time here," went on Dick. "Let us go down to the +old boathouse." + +They were soon on the way, along a road lined with brush and +scrubby cedars, the trees which in years gone by had given +Cedarville its name. + +At the old boathouse everything was quiet and not a soul was in +sight. Walking to the end of the house float they gazed out on +the lake. + +"Not a boat anywhere," murmured Dick. "Now, what could have +become of Dora, do you suppose?" + +"It's ten to one that Baxter took her off in Mumps' boat!" cried +Tom. "By jinks, I think I see through this. Don't you remember +the plot Josiah Crabtree and Mumps were hatching? I'll wager +they are all in this, to get Dora away from her mother." + +"I believe Tom is right," came from Sam. "And if that is true, +Dora was taken off on a boat beyond a doubt.' + +"If she was it won't take very long to find her," returned Dick. +"Let us go to Cedarville and see if anybody has seen the _Falcon_." + +Dick had scarcely spoken when a small steam tug hove into sight, +bound up the lake. + +"There's a tug now!" exclaimed Tom. "Hi there! Hi!" he yelled. +"Stop!" + +The captain of the tug heard him and saw him waving his hand, +and, slowing up, made a half circle toward shore. + +"What's wanted, young man?" he asked. "Anything wrong?" + +"Yes, a good deal is wrong," replied Tom. "Have you seen a yacht +named the _Falcon_ today?" + +"No, but I saw her late yesterday afternoon," was the reply. + +"Around here?" + +"No, further down the lake. I think she was bound for Cayuga." + +"Did you notice who was on board?" + +"You seem to be very particular about it." + +"We are particular. A young lady has disappeared, and we think +she was taken away on that yacht," explained Dick, as the steam +tug came to a halt. + +"Is that so? Yes, I did see a young lady on board of her. She +called to our boat as we passed, but I thought it was only in +fun." + +"I guess she wanted you to help her," said Dick bitterly. Then +he continued suddenly: "Have you anything to do just now?" + +"No; I was going up to Ithaca to look for a tow." + +"What will you charge to take us down to Cayuga?" + +The captain of the tug thought for a moment. "Three dollars. It +ought to be worth that to find the young lady." + +"We'll go you," answered Dick promptly. "Swing in and we'll jump +aboard." + +Captain Lambert did as requested, and in a moment more the three +Rover boys were on board of the _Cedar Queen_, as the craft was +named. The captain proved to be a nice man and became thoroughly +interested in the story the lads had to tell. + +"I hope we spot the rascals," he said. "I'll certainly do all I +can for you." + +The _Cedar Queen_ was a little craft and somewhat slow, and the +boys fretted a good bit at the long time it took to reach Cayuga. + +When they ran into the harbor of the town at the foot of the lake +they looked in vain for the _Falcon_. + +"We'll take a sail around," said Captain Lambert; and this they +did, continuing the hunt until long after dark. + +"It's no use!" groaned Dick. "We've missed her." + +It took nearly all the money the boys could scrape up between +them to pay off the captain of the tug, and when they had been +landed at one of the docks they wondered what they had best do +next. + +"We've got to stay here over night," said Dick. + +"We may as well telegraph to Captain Putnam for cash," and this +they did, and put up at one of the hotels. + +The place was crowded, for there was a circus in the town and a +public auction of real estate had also taken place that day. The +boys could get only a small room, but over this they did not +complain. Their one thought was of Dora and of the rascals who had +carried her off. + +"We must get on the track somehow," said Dick. But how, was the +question. He could not sleep and after the others had retired +took a long walk, just to settle his nerves. + +Dick's walk brought him to the lot where the circus had held +forth, and for some time he watched the men as they worked under +the flaring gasoline torches, packing up what still remained on +the grounds. The tent men had to labor like slaves in rolling up +the huge stretches of canvas and in hoisting the long poles into +the wagons, and he shook his head grimly as he turned away. + +"No circus life in mine," he mused, "at least, not that part of +it." + +Dick had moved away from the grounds but a short distance when +his attention was attracted to the strange movements of two +rough-looking individuals who were hurrying off with a third man +between them. + +"I don't want to go, I tell you," the middle man muttered; "I +don't want more to drink." + +"That's all right, Mr. Castor," said one of the other men glibly. +"Just have one more glass, that's a good fellow." + +"I won't take it, so there!" cried the man called Castor. "I +know when I've had enough." + +"You've got to come along with us," put in the third man +savagely. "You owe us some money." + +"I don't owe you a cent, Fusty." + +"Yes, you do--and I'm bound to have it. Hold him, Mike, till I +go through him." + +Of a sudden there was a struggle, and the man called Castor found +himself helpless, while the fellow called Fusty began to go +through his pockets with great rapidity. + +The scene alarmed Dick, and he wondered what he had best do. +Then he made up his mind to go to Castor's assistance, and ran +forward. + +"Here, let that man alone!" he cried, as he picked up a fence +picket which happened to lie handy. "Leave him alone, I say!" + +"The Old Nick take the luck!" muttered one of the other men. +"Who's this?" + +"Help! Help!" cried Castor. + +"Let him alone, I say!" repeated Dick, and then struck at one of +the men and hit him on the arm. + +Seeing himself thus re-enforced, Castor also struck out, and +continued to call for help. + +"We might as well give it up, Fusty!" cried one of the rascals, +and took to his heels, and then there was nothing to do for the +other man but to follow him. + +"Are you hurt?" asked Dick as he helped the man who had been +assaulted to his feet. + +"Not much," was the slow reply. "Young man, you came in time and +no more." + +"Do you know those fellows who just ran away?" + +"I met them at the circus this afternoon. We had several drinks +and they became very friendly. I believe they were after my +money." + +"I think so too, Mr." + +"My name is George Castor. And who are you?" + +"I am Dick Rover, sir." + +"Rover, I must thank you for your services. I shan't forget you, +not me!" and George Castor held out his hand cordially. "I think +I made a mistake by drinking with those fellows." + +"I haven't any doubt of it, Mr. Castor." + +"Do you reside in town?" + +"No, sir; I am stopping at the hotel with my brothers. We just +came into town tonight on rather a curious errand." + +"Indeed, and what was that?" + +In a few words Dick explained the situation. He had not yet +finished when George Castor interrupted him. + +"My boy, you have done me a good turn, and now I think I can +return the compliment." + +"Do you mean to say you know something of this case?" demanded +Dick eagerly. + +"Perhaps I do. Describe this Dan Baxter as well as you can, will +you?" + +"Certainly." And Dick did so. + +"It is the same fellow. I met him last night, down near the +lumber wharves. You see, I am a lumber merchant from Brooklyn, +and I have an interest in a lumber company up here." + +"You saw Baxter? Was he alone?" + +"No, there was another man with him, a tall, slim fellow, with an +unusually sour face." + +"Josiah Crabtree to a T!" burst out Dick. "Did you notice where +they went?" + +"I did not. But I overheard their talk. They spoke about a boat +on the Hudson River, the _Flyaway_. They were to join her at +Albany." + +"Who was to join her?" + +"This Baxter, if it was he, and somebody else--a man called +Muff, or something like that." + +"Mumps! You struck them, sure enough! But did they say anything +about the girl?" + +"The tall man said that he would see to it that she was +there--whatever he meant by that." + +"I can't say any more than you, Mr. Castor. But I guess they are +going to carry Dora Stanhope through to Albany from all +appearances." + +"Then perhaps you had better follow." + +"I'd go at once if I had the money that I have telegraphed for. +You see, my brothers and I came away in a hurry, for the +Stanhopes are close friends of ours." + +"Don't let the matter of money worry you. Do you know how much I +have with me? + +"I haven't the slightest idea, sir." + +"Nearly eleven hundred dollars--and if those rascals had had +the chance they would have robbed me of every dollar of it." + +"I shouldn't think you would carry so much." + +"I don't usually; but I was paid a large bill today, and went to +the circus instead of the bank--not having seen such a show in +years. But to come back to business. Will a hundred dollars see +you through?" + +"You mean to say you will loan me that much?" + +"Perhaps I had better give it to you, as a reward for your +services." + +"I won't take it, for I don't want any reward. But I'll accept a +loan, if you'll make it, and be very much obliged to you," +continued Dick. + +"All right, then, we'll call it a loan," concluded George Castor, +and the transfer of the amount was made on the spot. Later on +Dick insisted upon returning the money. + + + + +CHAPTER XVI + +THE SEARCH FOR THE "FLYAWAY" + + +"Tom! Sam! Get up at once!" + +"What's the row now, Dick?" came sleepily from Tom. "Have you +discovered anything?" + +"Yes! I've discovered a whole lot. Get up if you want to catch +the next train." + +"The next train for where?" demanded Tom, as he hopped out of +bed. + +"The next train for Albany." + +"Have they taken Dora to Albany?" questioned Sam, as he too arose +and began to don his garments. + +"I think so," was the elder brother's reply, and while the pair +dressed, Dick told of what had occurred and what he had heard. + +"This is getting to be quite a chase," was Tom's remark. "But I +reckon you are right, and we'll land on them in the capital." + +"If we aren't too late," answered Dick. + +"I'd like to know how they are going to take Dora to Albany if +she doesn't want to go?" came from Tom, when they were dressed +and on their way to the railroad station. + +No one could answer this question. "Josiah Crabtree is a queer +stick and can do lots of queer things," was what Dick said. + +The train left at half past two in the morning, and they had not +long to wait. Once on board, they proceeded to make themselves +as comfortable as possible, each having a whole seat to himself, +and Sam and Tom went to sleep without much trouble. But Dick was +wide awake, wondering what would be the next move on reaching +Albany. + +"Poor Dora!" he murmured. "Oh, but that crowd shall be punished +for this! If she comes to harm it will almost kill Mrs. +Stanhope." And his heart sank like a lump of lead as he thought +of his dearest friend in the power of her unscrupulous enemies. + +It was just getting daylight when the long train rolled into the +spacious depot at the state capital. Only a few working people +and newsboys were stirring. Tom and Sam pulled themselves +together with long yawns. + +"Sleeping in a seat doesn't come up to a bed, by any means," +remarked Tom. "Which way now?" + +"We'll go down to the river and look for the _Flyaway_," answered +his elder brother. + +"It will be like looking for a needle in a hay-stack," said Sam. +"The boats are pretty thick here." + +"That is true, but it is the best we can do," replied the elder +Rover. + +Once along the river front they began a careful inquiry +concerning the boat of which they were in search. + +"Not much progress," remarked Tom, after two hours had been spent +in vain. "This climbing from one dock to the next is decidedly +tiring." + +"And I'm hungry," put in Sam. "I move we hunt up a restaurant." +An eating place was not far away, and, entering, they ordered a +morning meal of ham and eggs, rolls, and hot coffee. + +While they were eating a man came in and sat down close by them. +It was Martin Harris, the fellow who had come to their assistance +after the collision between the _Spray_ and the _Falcon_. + +"Hullo, how are you?" he said heartily. "Still cruising around +in your yacht?" + +"No, we just got back to Albany," replied Dick. "We've been to +school since we left you." + +"I see. How do you like going back to your studies?" + +"We liked it well enough," put in Tom. "But we left in a hurry!" +he went on, thinking Martin Harris might give them some +information. "Have you been out on the river yet this morning?" + +"Yes; just came up from our place below to do a little trading." + +"Did you see anything of a yacht called the _Flyaway_?" + +"The _Flyaway_? What sort of a looking craft is she?" + +"I can't tell you that." + +"One boat there attracted my attention," said Martin Harris +slowly. "I saw two boys and a girl on board of her." + +"How was the girl dressed?" cried Dick. + +"She had on a light-blue dress and a sailor hat." + +"And the boys?" + +"One was dressed in gray and the other in dark-blue or black." + +"That was the boat! Where did she go?" ejaculated Dick, who +remembered well how Mumps and Baxter had been attired, and the +pretty dress and hat Dora was in the habit of wearing. + +"She was bound straight down the river." + +"We must follow her." + +"That's the talk!" burst out Tom. "But how?" + +"What do you want to follow the _Flyaway_ for?" asked Martin Harris +curiously. + +"Those two boys are running away with that girl!" + +"Impossible!" + +"No, it isn't. One of the fellows--the fellow in dark clothing--is +the chap who ran into us that day." + +"Well, now, do you know I thought it looked like him," was +Harris' comment. "And, come to think of it, that boat got as far +away from me as she could." + +"Do you think you would know her again? I mean the _Flyaway_--if +we got anywhere near her?" asked Dick. + +"I think I would, lad. She had a rather dirty mainsail and jib, +and each had a new patch of white near the top. Then, too, her +rig is a little different from what we have around here. Looked +like a Southern boat." + +"Have you your boat handy?" + +"Yes, she's right at the end of this street. Do you want me to +follow up that crowd?" + +"Could your boat catch the _Flyaway_, do you think?" + +"My boat, the _Searchlight_, is as good a yacht as there is +anywhere around, if I do say it myself," answered Martin Harris +promptly. "It you don't believe it, try her and see." + +"We will try her," came promptly from Dick. "And the sooner you +begin the chase the better it will suit me." + +"All right; we'll start as soon as I've swallowed this coffee," +answered the skipper of the _Searchlight_. "But, hold on, this may +prove a long search." + +"Do you want to make terms?" + +"I wasn't thinking of that. I'll leave it to you as to what the +job is worth, after we're done. I was thinking that I haven't +any provender aboard my yacht, if we want to stay out any length +of time." + +"I'll fix that," answered Dick. "Come, Sam. You say the yacht +is at the foot of the street?" + +"Yes." + +"We'll be there in less than five minutes." + +"Where are you going--to buy provisions?" + +"Yes." + +Dick made off, followed not only by Sam, but likewise by Tom. He +found a large grocery close at hand, and here purchased some +coffee, sugar, canned meat and fish, a small quantity of +vegetables, and also several loaves of bread and some salt. To +this Tom added a box of crackers and Sam some cake and fruit, and +with their arms loaded down they hurried to the _Searchlight_. + +Martin Harris was on hand, and ready to cast off. "Hullo, you +did lay in some things?" he grinned. "I reckon you calculate +this chase to last some time." + +"We've got enough for several days, anyway--that is, all but--water," +returned Dick. + +"I've got a whole barrel full of that forward, lad." + +"Then we are ready to leave. I hope, though, we run the _Flyaway_ +down before noon," concluded the elder Rover, as he hopped on +board. + +Leaving Sam to stow away the stores as he saw fit, Dick and Tom +sprang in to assist Martin Harris, and soon the mainsail and jib +were set, and they turned away from the dock and began the +journey down the Hudson. As soon as they were clear of the other +boats, the skipper set his topsail and flying jib, and they +bowled along at a merry gait, the wind being very nearly in their +favor and neither too strong nor too slack. + +"Now I'd like to hear the particulars of this case," remarked +Martin Harris, as he proceeded to make himself comfortable at the +tiller. "You see, I want to know just what I am doing. I don't +want to get into any trouble with the law." + +"You won't get into any trouble. Nobody has a right to run off +with a girl against her will," replied Dick. + +"That's true. But why are they running off with her?" + +"I think they have been hired to do it by a man who wants to +marry the girl's mother," went on Dick, and related the +particulars of what had occurred. + +Martin Harris was deeply interested. "I reckon you have the best +end of it," he said, when the youth had finished. "And you say +this Dan Baxter is a son of the rascal who is suspected of +robbing Rush & Wilder?" + +"Yes." + +"Evidently a hard crowd." + +"You are right--and they ought all of them to be in prison," +observed Tom. "By the way, have they heard anything of those +robbers?" + +"The detectives are following up one or two clues. One report was +that this Baxter and Girk had gone to some place on Staten +Island. But I don't think they know for certain." + + + + +CHAPTER XVII + +IN WHICH DORA IS CARRIED OFF + + +Perhaps it will be as well to go back a bit and learn how poor +Dora was enticed into leaving home so unexpectedly, to the sorrow +of her mother and the anxiety of Dick and her other friends. + +Dora was hard at work sweeping out the parlor of the Stanhope +cottage when she saw from the window a boy walking up the garden +path. The youth was a stranger to her and carried a letter in +his hand. + +"Is this Mrs. Stanhope's place?" he questioned, as Dora +appeared. + +"Yes." + +"Here's a letter for Miss Dora Stanhope," and he held out the +missive. + +"Whom is it from?" + +"I don't know. A boy down by the lake gave it to me," was the +answer, and without further words the lad hurried off, having +received instructions that he must not tarry around the place +after the delivery of the communication. + +Tearing open the letter Dora read it with deep interest. + +"What can Dick have to tell me?" she mused. "Can it be something +about Mr. Crabtree? It must be." + +Dropping her work, she ran upstairs, changed her dress, put on +her hat, and started for the boathouse. + +It took her but a short while to reach the place, but to her +surprise nobody was in sight. + +"Can I have made some mistake?" she murmured; when the _Falcon_ +hove into view from around a bend in the shore line. + +"Is that Miss Stanhope?" shouted a strange man, who seemed to be +the sole occupant of the craft. + +"Yes, I am Dora Stanhope," answered the girl. + +"Dick Rover sent me over from the other side of the lake. He +told me if I saw you to take you over to Nelson Point." + +Nelson Point was a grove situated directly opposite Cedarville. +It was a place much used by excursionists and picnic parties. + +"Thank you," said Dora, never suspecting that anything was wrong. +"If you'll come in a little closer I will go with you." + +The _Falcon_ was brought in, and Dora leaped on board of the yacht. + +She had scarcely done so when Mumps and Dan Baxter stepped from +the cabin. + +"Oh, dear!" she gasped. "Where--where did you come from?" + +"Didn't quite expect to see us here, did you?" grinned the former +bully of Putnam Hall. + +"I did not," answered Dora coldly. "What--where is Dick +Rover?" + +"Over to Nelson Point." + +"Did he send you over here for me?" + +"Of course he did," said Mumps. + +"I do not believe it. This is some trick!" burst out the girl. +"I want you to put me on shore again." + +"You can't go ashore now," answered Baxter. + +"Ease her off, Goss." + +"Right you are," answered Bill Goss. "What's the course now?" + +"Straight down the lake." + +"All right." + +"You are not going to take me down the lake!" cried Dora in +increased alarm. + +"Yes, we are." + +"I--I won't go!" + +"I don't see how you are to help yourself," responded Baxter +roughly. + +"Dan Baxter, you are a brute!" + +"If you can't say anything better than that, you had better say +nothing!" muttered Baxter. + +"I will say what I please. You have no right to carry me off in +this fashion!" + +"Well, I took the right." + +"You shall be locked up for it." + +"You'll have to place me in the law's hands first." + +"I don't believe Dick Rover sent that letter at all!" + +"You can believe what you please." + +"You forged his name to it." + +"Let us talk about something else." + +"You are as bad as your father, and that is saying a good deal," +went on the poor girl bitterly. + +"See here, don't you dare to speak of my father!" roared the +bully in high anger. "My father is as good as anybody. This is +only a plot against him--gotten up by the Rovers and his other +enemies." + +Dan Baxter's manner was so terrible that Dora sank back on a camp +stool nearly overcome. Then, seeing some men at a distance, on +the shore, she set up a scream for help. + +"Here, none of that!" ejaculated Mumps, and clapped his hand over +her mouth. + +"Let me go!" she screamed. "Help! Help!" + +"We'll put her in the cabin," ordered Dan Baxter, and also caught +hold of Dora. She struggled with all the strength at her +command, but was as a baby in their grasp, and soon found herself +in the cabin with the door closed and locked behind her. + +It was then that her nerves gave way, and, throwing herself on a +couch, she burst into tears. + +"What will they do with me?" she moaned. "Oh, that I was home +again!" + +It was a long while before she could compose herself sufficiently +to sit up. In the meantime the _Falcon_ was sailing down the lake +toward Cayuga with all speed. + +"This must be some plan of Josiah Crabtree to get me away from +home," she thought. "Poor mother! I wonder what will happen to +her while I am away? If that man gets her to marry him what will +I do? I can never live with them--never!" And she heaved a +deep sigh. + +Presently she arose and walked to the single window of which the +cabin boasted. It was open, but several little iron bars had +been screwed fast on the outside. + +"They have me like a bird in a cage," she thought. "Where will +this dreadful adventure end?" + +Hour after hour went by and she was not molested. Then came a +knock on the cabin door. + +"Dora! Dora Stanhope!" came in Dan Baxter's voice. + +"Well?" + +"Will you behave yourself if I unlock the door?" + +"It is you who ought to behave yourself," she retorted. + +"Never mind about that. I have something for you to eat." + +"I don't want a mouthful." And Dora spoke the truth, for the +food would have choked her. + +"You had better have a sandwich and a glass of milk." + +"If you want to do something, give me a glass of water," she said +finally, for she wished a drink badly, the cabin was so hot and +stuffy. + +Baxter went away, and presently unlocked the door and handed her +the water, of which she drank eagerly. + +"Where are you going to take me?" she questioned, as she passed +back the glass. + +"You'll learn that all in good time, Dora. Come, why not take +the whole matter easy?" went on the bully, as he dropped into a +seat near her. + +"How can I take it easy?" + +"We won't hurt you--I'll give you my word on that." + +She was about to say that his word was not worth giving, but +restrained herself. If she angered Baxter, there was no telling +what the fellow might do. + +"Is this a plot of Josiah Crabtree's?" she asked sharply. + +Baxter started. "How did you--" he began, and stopped short. +"You had better not ask any questions." + +"Which means that you will not answer any?" + +"You can take it that way if you want to, Dora." + +"It was a mean trick you played on me." + +"Let's talk of something else. We are going to leave the _Falcon_ +soon, and I want to know if you are going with us quietly?" + +"Leave the _Falcon_?" + +"Yes, at Cayuga." + +"Are we there already?" gasped Dora in dismay. + +"We soon will be." + +"I don't wish to go with you." + +"But we want you to go. If you go quietly all will be well--and I'll +promise to see you safe home in less than twenty-four hours." + +"You wish to keep me away from home that length of time?" + +"If you must know, yes." + +"And why? So Josiah Crabtree can--can--" She did not finish. + +"So that Mr. Crabtree can interview your mother--yes," put in +Mumps, who had just appeared. "Baxter, there's no use in beating +around the bush. Crabtree is bound to marry Mrs. Stanhope, and +Dora may as well know it now as later." + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII + +STILL IN THE HANDS OF THE ENEMY + + +"That man will never marry my mother with my consent!" burst out +the unhappy girl. + +"She probably won't ask your consent," sneered Mumps. + +"She would not marry him if I was with her. He only has an +influence over her when I am away." + +"Exactly--and he knows that," put in Baxter. + +"Do you mean to say Josiah Crabtree is going to marry her now?" +demanded Dora, springing to her feet. + +"More than likely." + +"Then he--he hired you to carry me off?" + +"We'll talk about something else," said the bully. "Will you +leave the _Falcon_ quietly?" + +"Where do you want me to go?" + +"To the home of an old lady who will treat you as nicely as she +possibly can." + +Dora shook her head. "I don't wish to go anywhere excepting +home, and I won't submit a bit longer than I have to." + +"Don't be foolish!" exclaimed Mumps. "We might treat you a good +deal worse if we were of a mind to do so. Crabtree told us to +bind and gag you." + +"He did?" + +"Yes. He says you are a perfect minx." + +A few words more followed, and then both of the boys left the +cabin. + +"She won't submit," whispered Mumps. + +"What had we best do?" + +"Use the drug Crabtree gave us," answered Baxter. "It's a lucky +thing I brought that vial." + +"Yes--if we don't have any trip-up in the matter," answered the +toady, with a doubtful shake of his head. Mumps had gone into +the whole scheme rather unwillingly, but now saw no way of +backing out. + +A little later the _Falcon_ ran into the harbor of Cayuga and came +to anchor close to one of the docks. Then Baxter appeared with +some sandwiches and a glass of milk. + +"You might as well eat; it's foolish not to," he said, and set +the food on a little stand. + +By this time Dora was very hungry, and as soon as the bully had +left she applied herself to what had been brought. Poor +creature, she did not know that both sandwiches and milk had been +doctored with a drug calculated to make her dull and sleepy! + +She had hardly finished the scant meal when her eyes began to +grow heavy. Then her brain seemed to become clouded and she +could scarcely remember where she was. + +"Here's news!" cried Baxter, coming in an hour later. "We are to +join your mother and Mr. Crabtree at Albany." + +"At Albany?" she repeated slowly. "Have--have they gone +there?" + +"Yes; they are going on a honeymoon on the yacht _Flyaway_. Your +mother wants you to join her and forgive her." + +Dora heaved a long sigh. "I cannot! I cannot!" she sobbed, and +burst again into tears. + +Nevertheless, she allowed herself to be led off the _Falcon_ and to +the depot. "Your face is full of tears," said Baxter. "Here, +put this veil over it," and she was glad enough to do as bidden, +that folks might not stare at her. + +What happened afterward was very much like a dream to her. She +remembered entering the cars and crouching down in a seat, with +Baxter beside her. A long ride in the night followed, and she +slept part of the way, although troubled with a horrible +nightmare. She wanted to flee, but seemed to lack both the +physical and mental strength to do so. + +The ride at an end, Baxter and Mumps almost carried her to the +river. Here the _Flyaway_ was in waiting. Bill Goss had gone on +ahead and notified his wife that she was wanted. It may as well +be added here that Mrs. Goss was as coarse and unprincipled as +her husband. + +When Dora's mind was once more clear she found herself in a much +larger cabin than that she had formerly occupied. She lay on a +couch, and Mrs. Goss, a fat, ugly-looking creature, sat beside +her. + +"Are you awake, dear?" asked the woman as smoothly as she could. + +"Who--who are you?" asked Dora feebly. + +"I am Mrs. Goss." + +"I don't know you. Where--where is my mother--and Mr. Crabtree?" + +"You'll have to ask Mr. Baxter or Mr. Fenwick about that." + +"Do you belong on this boat?" + +"I do, when I go out with my husband." + +"Was he the man who was with those boys?" + +"Yes." + +"Where are we now?" + +"On the Hudson River, just below Albany." + +"Where are they going to take me next?" + +"You had better ask Mr. Baxter. I was only brought on board to +wait on you." + +"Then that means that they wish to take me quite a distance!" +cried Dora, and ran on deck. + +Mumps and Baxter were talking earnestly together near the bow. +At once she ran to them. + +"Where is my mother?" + +"You'll see her soon," answered the former bully of Putnam Hall. + +"It was another trick of yours!" burst out Dora. "And I think +you gave me something last night to make me sleepy." + +"What if we did?" came from Mumps. + +"You are all right now." + +"I do not want to go another step with you." Dora looked around +and saw a strange boat passing. "Help! help!" she screamed. + +At once there was another row, in which not only the boys, but +also Bill Goss and his wife, took a hand. In the end poor Dora +was marched to the cabin and put under lock and key. + +If the girl had been disheartened before, she was now absolutely +downcast. + +"They have me utterly in their power!" she moaned over and over +again. "Heaven alone knows where they will take me!" And then +she sank down on her knees and prayed that God might see her +safely through her perils. + +Her prayer seemed to calm her, and she felt that there was at +least one Power that would never desert her. + +"Poor, poor mamma, how I wish I knew what was happening to her!" +she murmured. + +Slowly the hours went by. Mrs. Goss came and went, and Dora was +even allowed to go on deck whenever no other boat was close at +hand. Thus Martin Harris saw her; but, as we know, that meeting +amounted to nothing. + +It was Mrs. Goss who served the meals, and as Dora could not +starve, she was compelled to eat what was set before her, the +fare being anything but elaborate. + +"Sorry, but we haven't got a hotel chef on board," observed Dan +Baxter, as he came in during the supper hour. "But I'll try to +get something better on board at New York." + +"Do you mean to say you intend to take me away down to that +city?" queried Dora. + +"Humph! we are going further than that." + +"And to where?" + +"Wait and see." + +"Are you afraid to tell me?" + +"I don't think it would be a wise thing to do." + +"We are just going to take a short ocean trip--" began Mumps, when +Baxter stopped him. + +"Don't talk so much--you'll spoil everything," remarked the +bully. + +"An ocean trip!" burst out Dora. "No! No! I do not wish to go +on the ocean." + +"As I said before, I think you'll go where the yacht goes." + +"Does my mother know anything of this?" + +"She knows you are away," grinned Mumps. + +"You need not tell me that!" exclaimed Dora. "You are a mean, +mean boy, so there!" And she turned on her heel and walked off. + +She wished she had learned how to swim. They were running quite +close to shore, and she felt that a good swimmer could gain land +without much effort. Then a man came out from shore in a large +flatboat. + +"Help! Help!" she cried. "Save me, and I will reward you well! +They are carrying me away from home!" + +"What's that?" called out the man, and Dora repeated her words +before any of the others could stop her. + +"All right, I'll do what I can for you," said the man, and +running up beside the yacht, which had become caught in a sudden +calm, he made fast with a boathook. + + + + +CHAPTER XIX + +DORA TRIES TO ESCAPE + + +"Now we're in a pickle!" whispered Mumps. "That man may cause us +a whole lot of trouble." + +"You let me do the talking," answered Dan Baxter. "Help Goss get +her back to the cabin." + +"I won't go back!" screamed Dora. "Let me be!" And she ran for +the rail. + +But Mumps caught hold of her and dragged her back. Then Bill +Goss approached, followed by his wife. + +"You must go below, miss," said the sailor. + +"Come, Nancy, give us a lift." + +Poor Dora found herself at once surrounded and shoved back. She +tried to call out again, but Mumps checked her with that +ever-ready hand of his. + +"Be careful!" shouted Baxter, for the benefit of the man on the +flatboat. "Treat her with care, poor girl." + +"All right," grinned Mumps. "Come, down you go," he went on, to +Dora, and literally forced her down the companionway. + +Once in the cabin she was left in Mrs. Goss' care. The door was +locked, and Goss and Mumps went on deck to learn what Baxter was +doing. + +"What does this mean?" asked the man in the flatboat. He was a +farmer, who had just been taking a load of hay across the stream. + +"Oh, it's all right," answered Baxter carelessly. "That's my +sister." + +"Your sister?" + +"Yes." + +"What's the row?" + +"No row at all--excepting that I am trying to get her back to +the asylum." + +"Is she crazy?" + +"A little bit; but not near as bad as she used to be. She got +out of the asylum in Brooklyn yesterday, and I've had my hands +full trying to get her back. She imagines she is a sea captain +and always runs off with my uncle's yacht." + +"I see. That's putty bad for your family." + +"Oh, yes; but we are getting used to it. Take care, we are going +to swing around." + +Never suspecting that he had been regaled with a string of +falsehoods, the farmer let go with his boathook, and yacht and +flatboat speedily drifted apart. + +It was with a big sigh of relief that Dan Baxter saw the flatboat +recede in the distance. + +"That was a narrow shave," he muttered. "If that fellow had +insisted on talking to Dora there would have been a whole lot of +trouble." + +In vain Dora waited for the man to come on board. He had said +that he would do what he could for her. Surely he would not +desert her! + +But as the time slipped by her heart failed her and she gave +herself up to another crying spell. This caused Mumps and Goss +to withdraw, and she was left alone again with Mrs. Goss. + +"Where are we now?" she asked at length. + +"We are approaching New York," was the answer. + +"And that man, what of him?" + +"Oh, he didn't come an board." + +It was night when the _Flyaway_ came to a landing near the upper +portion of the metropolis. The boys and Bill Goss went ashore, +leaving Dora in Mrs. Goss' care. + +"Be careful and don't let her escape," cautioned Dan Baxter. "We +won't be gone very long." + +Baxter had left for a telegraph office, expecting to receive a +message from Josiah Crabtree. + +For half an hour Mrs. Goss sat in the cabin watching Dora, who +was pacing the floor impatiently. + +"Make yourself comfortable, miss," said the woman. "It won't do +you any good to get all worked up over the matter." + +"You do not understand my situation, Mrs. Goss," faltered Dora. +"If you did understand, I am sure you wouldn't keep me a prisoner +in this fashion." + +"I am only obeying orders, miss. If I didn't my Bill would +almost kill me." + +"Is he so harsh to you?" + +"He is now. But he didn't used to be--when he didn't drink." + +"Then he drinks now?" + +"Yes; twice over what is good for him." + +"Where have they gone?" + +"To a telegraph office." + +"Didn't they say they would be back soon?" + +"Yes." + +Dora said no more, but sank down on the couch. Then an idea came +to her mind, and lying back she closed her eyes and pretended to +go to sleep. + +The woman watched her closely for a while; then, satisfied that +the girl had really dropped off, gave a long sigh of relief. + +"I guess I can get a little sleep myself," she muttered. "I +think I deserve it." + +She locked the cabin door carefully and placed the key in her +pocket. Then she stretched out in an easy chair with her feet +on a low stool. + +Dora watched her out of the corner of her eye as a cat watches a +mouse. + +Was the woman really sleeping? + +Soon Mrs. Goss' breathing became loud and irregular. + +"She must be asleep," thought Dora, and stirred slightly. + +Mrs. Goss took no notice of this, and with her heart in her +throat the girl slipped noiselessly from her resting place and +stood up. + +Still the woman took no notice, and now Dora found herself +confronted by a most difficult task. + +Without the key to the cabin door she could do nothing, and how +to obtain the much coveted article was a problem. + +With trembling hands she sought the pocket of Mrs. Goss' dress +only to find that the woman was sitting on the key! + +"Oh, dear, this is the worst yet!" she murmured. + +As she stood in the middle of the cabin in perplexity, her captor +gave a long sigh and turned partly over in her chair. + +The pocket was now free and within easy reach, and with deft +fingers Dora drew the key forth and tiptoed her way to the cabin +door. + +She was so agitated that she could hardly place the key in the +keyhole. + +The lock had been used but seldom, and the action of the salt air +had rusted it greatly. + +As the key turned there was a grating sound, which caused Mrs. +Goss to awaken with a start. + +"What's the matter? Who is there?" she cried, and turned around +to face the cabin door. + +"Come back here! Come back!" + +She started after Dora, who now had the cabin door wide open. +Away went girl and woman up the low stairs. But Dora was the +more agile of the two, and terror lent speed to her limbs. + +On the deck, however, she came to a pause. The _Flyaway_ was a +good six feet from the dock, and between lay a stretch of dark, +murky water the sight of which made her shiver. What if she +should fall in? She felt that she would surely be drowned. + +But as Mrs. Goss came closer her terror increased. She felt that +if she was caught she would be treated more harshly than ever for +having attempted to run away. + +"I'll take the chances!" she though, and leaped as best she +could. Her feet struck the very edge of the string piece beyond +and for an instant it looked as if she must go over. But she +clutched at a handy rail and quickly drew herself to a place of +safety. + +And yet safety was but temporary, for Mrs. Goss followed her in +her leap and struck the dock directly behind her. + +"Come back, you minx!" she cried, and caught Dora by the skirt. + +"I won't come back! Let me be!" screamed the girl, and tore +herself loose, ripping her garment at the same time. Then she +started up the dock as swiftly as her trembling limbs would carry +her. + +But fate was against her, for as she gained the very head of the +dock, Bill Goss appeared, followed by Baxter and Mumps. + +"Hullo, who's this?" cried the sailor. "The gal, sure as you are +born!" + +"She is running away!" called out Mrs. Goss. "Stop her!" + +"Here, this will never do," roared Dan Baxter. "Come here, Dora +Stanhope!" and he made a clutch at her. + +Soon the two boys were in pursuit, with the sailor close behind. +Fortunately for the evildoers the spot was practically deserted, +so that Dora could summon no assistance, even though she began to +call for help at the top of her lungs. + +The girl had covered less than a half-block when Baxter ranged up +alongside of her. + +"This won't work!" he said roughly. "Come back," and he held her +tight. + +"Let me go!" she screamed. "Help! Help!" + +"Close her mouth!" put in Mumps. "If this keeps on we'll have +the police down on us in no time!" + +Again his hand was placed over Dora's mouth, while Baxter caught +her from behind. Then Goss came up. + +"We'll have to carry her," said the former bully of Putnam Hall. +"Take her by the feet." + +"Wot's the meanin' o' this?" cried a voice out of the darkness, +and the crowd found themselves confronted by a dirty-looking +tramp who had been sleeping behind a pile of empty hogsheads. + +"Help me!" cried Dora. "Bring the police! Tell them I am Dora +Stanhope of Cedarville, and that I--" + +She could get no further, for Mumps cut her short. + +"Dora Stanhope," repeated the tramp. + +"If you forget this, my man," said Baxter, "here's half a dollar +for you. This lady is my cousin who is crazy. She just escaped +from an asylum." + +"T'anks!" came from the tramp, and he pocketed the money in a +hurry. Then he ran off in the darkness. + +"He's going to tell the police anyway!" cried Goss. "You had +better get away from here." + +"You are right," responded Mumps. "Hurry up; I don't want to be +arrested." + +As quickly as it could be done they carried Dora aboard of the +yacht and bundled her into the cabin. + +"Now keep her there!" cried Baxter to Mrs. Goss. "After we are +off you can explain how she got away." + +"She hit me with a stick and knocked me down," said the woman +glibly. "She shan't get away a second time." + +Once again poor Dora found herself a prisoner on board of the +_Flyaway_. Then the lines were cast off, the sails set, and they +stood off in the darkness, down New York Bay and straight for the +ocean beyond. + + + + +CHAPTER XX + +A LONG CHASE BEGUN + + +As they journeyed down the Hudson the boys and Martin Harris +scanned the river eagerly for some sign of the _Flyaway_. + +"It's ten to one she put down a pretty good distance," remarked +Dick. "They wouldn't bring Dora over here unless they were bound +for New York or some other place as far or further." + +"I believe you," said Tom. "But she may be delayed, and if what +Harris says is true the _Searchlight_ ought to make better time +than Baxter's craft." + +Several miles were covered, when, Sam, who had just come up from +the cabin, called attention to a farmer who was ferrying a load +of hay across the river. + +"If he's been at that sort of work all day he may know something +of the _Flyaway_," he suggested. + +"We'll hail him, anyway," said Tom. "It won't do any harm, +providing we don't lose any time." + +So the farmer was hailed and asked if he had seen anything of the +craft. + +"Waal now, I jest guess I did," he replied. "They war havin' +great times on board of her--a takin' care of that crazy gal." + +"A crazy girl!" cried Dick. "Who said she was crazy?" + +"One of the young men. He said she was his sister and had +escaped from some asylum. She called to me to help her. But I +don't want nuthin' to do with crazy gals. My wife's cousin was +out of his head and he cut up high jinks around the house, +a-threatenin' folks with a butcher knife." + +"That girl was not crazy, though, as it happens," said Dick +coldly. "That villain was carrying her away from home against +her will. She was no relation to him." + +"By gosh!" The farmer's face fell and he stared at the youth +blankly. "You are certain of this?" + +"Yes. We are after the crowd now. If we catch them we'll put +them in prison, just as sure as you are the greatest greeny we +ever met," continued Dick, and motioned to Harris to continue the +journey. + +The farmer wanted to "talk back," as the saying is, but could +find no words. "Well, maybe I deserved it," he muttered to +himself. "I was tuk in, no doubt on't." And he continued to +ferry his hay load along. + +"Well, we are on the right track, that's one satisfaction," said +Tom. "That farmer couldn't have done much against a man and two +big boys." + +"He could have gone ashore and got help," replied Dick. "But he +was so green he took in all that was told to him for simple +truth. How Dan Baxter must have laughed over the way his ruse +worked!" + +"Yes, and Mumps too," added Sam. "Say, we ought to punch their +heads well for them when we catch them." + +"Let us get our eggs before we cook them," said Tom. "By the +way, I'm getting hungry." + +"Ditto," came from Harris. "Will you boys see what you can +offer? I don't like to leave the tiller, for I know just how to +get the best speed out of the _Searchlight_." + +"I'll get up some kind of a meal," said Sam, who had played cook +on many previous occasions. + +Inside of half an hour he had the table set and Harris was called +down, Dick taking his place. By the time all hands had been +served they were in sight of upper New York City. + +"Now we had better take in some sail," said the old sailor. "The +yachts are pretty thick around here and we will miss the _Flyaway_ +without half trying unless we are careful." + +By the time it was dark they were pretty well down the water +front of the metropolis. A consultation was held, and it was +decided to lower the mainsail and topsail and leave only the jib +flying. + +"We can't go much further tonight, anyway," said Harris. "I +don't know but what it may be as well to tie up somewhere." + +"We'll have to do that unless we can catch some sort of clue," +responded Dick gloomily. "If they have taken her to some place +in New York we'll have a big job to find her." + +A half-hour passed, and they were on the point of turning in at a +dock when Tom gave a cry. "Look! Look!" + +"What's up, Tom!" came from Dick and Sam simultaneously. + +"Is that the _Flyaway_?" + +All gave a look and saw a large yacht moving away from a dock +just below where they had thought to stop. + +"Call Harris!" cried Dick, and Sam ran to the cabin for the +sailor, who had just gone below. + +"I reckon that's our boat," said Martin Harris, after a quick +look. + +"Hark!" cried Dick, and held up his hand. "That's Dan Baxter's +voice, just as sure as fate." + +"I believe you," returned Sam. "Come, we can run her down in no +time." + +As quickly as it could be accomplished the course of the +_Searchlight_ was changed. But the tall buildings of the city cut +off a good deal of wind, and it took several minutes before they +could get their sails filled. + +"Boat ahoy!" shouted Tom, before Dick could stop him. "Is that +the _Flyaway_?" + +"That's Tom Rover!" came back, in Mumps' voice. "They have +tracked us, after all!" + +"Tom, what made you call?" demanded Dick in disgust. "We might +have sneaked upon them unawares." + +"Never mind, I reckon we can catch them any how," returned Tom, +but he was crestfallen, nevertheless, as he realized the truth of +his elder brother's observation. "Crowd on the sail, Harris." + +"That's what I am a-doin'," came from the sailor. "We'll catch +'em before they gain the Battery." + +"Yes, but we must be careful," said Dick. "We don't want to have +a collision with some other boat." + +"No, indeed," put in Sam. "Why, if one of those big ferryboats +ran into us there would be nothing left of the _Searchlight_." + +"You jest trust me," came from Martin Harris, "I know my +business, and there won't be any accidents." + +"The other yacht is making for the Jersey shore," cried Sam, a +little later. "If we don't look out we'll lose her. There she +goes behind a big ferryboat." + +"She's going to try to bother us," grumbled Martin Harris, as he +received a warning whistle from the ferryboat and threw the yacht +over on the opposite tack. "The fellow who is sailing that boat +knows his business." + +"It's that Bill Goss, I suppose," said Tom. "There they go behind +another ferryboat." + +"It won't matter, so long as we keep her in sight," said Harris. +"We are bound to run her down sooner or later." + +Inside of half an hour the two boats had passed the Statue of +Liberty. The course of the _Flyaway_ was now straight down the +bay, and the Rover boys began to wonder where Dan Baxter and his +crowd might be bound. + +"They must have Dora a close prisoner," mused Dick, with a sad +shake of his head. "That is if they didn't leave her in New +York," he added suddenly. + +"Do you suppose they did that?" asked Sam. + +"Perhaps--there is no guessing what they did." + +"We missed it by not telegraphing back to the authorities at +Cedarville to arrest Josiah Crabtree," said Tom. "I think we can +prove that he is in this game before the curtain falls on the +last act." + +"We'll telegraph when we get back," answered Dick, never thinking +of all that was to happen ere they should see the metropolis +again. + +Gradually the lights of the city faded from view and they found +themselves traveling down the bay at a rate of five to six knots +an hour. + +"We don't seem to be gaining," remarked 'Tom, after a long +silence. "I can just about make her out and that's all." + +"But we are gaining, and you'll find it so pretty soon," answered +Martin Harris. "They had the advantage in dodging among those +other boats, but now we've got a clear stretch before us." + +On and on went the two yachts, until the _Flyaway_ was not over +five hundred feet ahead of the _Searchlight_. + +"What did I tell you?" said Harris. "We'll overtake her in less +than quarter of an hour." + +"This is a regular yacht race," smiled Dick grimly. "But it's +for more than the American Cup." + +"Keep off!" came suddenly from ahead. "Keep off, or it will be +the worse for you!" + +It was Dan Baxter who was shouting at them. The former bully of +Putnam Hall stood at the stern rail of the _Flyaway_ and was using +his hands like a trumpet. + +"You had better give up the race, Baxter!" called Dick in return. +"You can't get away from us, no matter how hard you try." + +"Keep off," repeated Baxter. "We won't stand any nonsense." + +"We are not here for nonsense," put in Tom. "What have you done +with Dora Stanhope?" + +"Don't know anything about Dora Stanhope," came back from Mumps. + +"You have her on board of your boat." + +"It's a falsehood." + +"Then you left her somewhere in New York." + +"We haven't seen her at all," put in Baxter. "If you are looking +for her you are on the wrong trail. She went away with Josiah +Crabtree." + +"Did he take her to Albany?" + +"No. They went West." + +"We do not believe you, Baxter," said Dick warmly. "You are one of the +greatest rascals I ever met--not counting your father--and the best +thing you can do is to surrender. If you don't you'll have to take the +consequences." + +"And we warn you to keep off. If you don't we'll shoot at you," +was the somewhat surprising response. + +"No, no; please don't shoot at them!" came in Dora's voice. "I +beg of you not to shoot!" + +She had escaped from Mrs. Goss' custody and now ranged up +alongside of Dan Baxter and her other enemies who were handling +the _Flyaway_. Her hair was flying wildly over her shoulders and +she trembled so she could scarcely stand. + + + + +CHAPTER XXI + +THE MEETING IN THE BAY + + +"There is Dora now!" cried Dick, and his heart leaped into his +throat at the sight of his dearest friend. + +"Dick Rover, are you there?" came from the girl in nervous tones. + +"Yes, Dora, I am here, with my brothers and a sailor friend." + +"Save me, please!" + +"We will!" came from all of the Rover boys in concert. + +"Take her below!" roared Baxter angrily, as he turned to Mrs. +Goss, who had followed Dora to the dock. "Didn't I tell you to +keep a close eye on her?" + +"She said she wished to speak to you," answered the woman. "I +thought she wanted to make terms with you." + +Mrs. Goss caught Dora by the wrist and, assisted by Mumps, +carried her below. She struggled and tried to fight them off, +and her cries, reaching Dick, made the youth long to be at her +side. + +"Let her alone, Baxter!" he cried hotly. "If you harm her you +shall pay dearly for it, remember that!" + +"Talk is cheap, Dick Rover," came back with a sneer. "Now keep +off, or I'll do as I threatened." + +"You won't dare to fire on us." + +"Won't I? Just come a little closer and you'll see." + +By this time the two yachts were not over a hundred feet apart, +the _Searchlight_ to the starboard of her rival. So, far the +countless stars had brightened up the bosom of the ocean, but now +Martin Harris noted a dark mass of clouds rolling up from the +westward. + +"We'll have it pretty dark in a few minutes," he cautioned. "If +you want to haul up close, better do it at once." + +"All right, run them down," ordered Dick, half recklessly. "I +don't care how much their boat is damaged, so long as I save the +girl. Mumps ran me down, remember." + +"I reckon I can sheer 'em all right enough," grinned Harris, who +by this time had entered fully into the spirit of the adventure. +"But will they shoot?" + +"I don't believe they have any firearms," said Tom. "And if they +have I don't think Baxter could hit the side of a house at fifty +yards." + +"Are you going to keep off or not?" yelled Baxter. "I'll give +you just ten seconds in which to make up your mind." + +"By jinks! He has got a gun!" whispered Sam, as he caught a +glint of the polished barrel. "The villain!" + +"Baxter, you are playing a foolish game," answered Dick. "What +do you intend to do with Dora Stanhope?" + +"That's my business. I shan't harm her--if you'll promise to +leave me alone." + +"Did you run off with her on Crabtree's account?" + +"It's none of your business," put in Mumps, who had just returned +to the deck, after making sure that Dora should not get away from +Mrs. Goss again for the time being. + +"It is my business." + +"You're awfully sweet on her, ain't you?" + +"Do you know it's a State's prison offense to abduct anybody?" + +"I haven't abducted anybody. She came of her own free will--at +first. It's not my fault if she's sick of her bargain now." + +"I don't believe a word you say." + +"Do as you please. But are you going to keep off or not?" + +"We'll not keep off." + +"Then I'll fire on you." + +"If you do so, we'll fire in return," said Sam. "Maybe we can +scare him too," he added, in a whisper. + +"I don't believe you've got any weapon," came from Mumps, in a +voice that the toady tried in vain to steady. If there was one +thing Mumps was afraid of it was a gun or a pistol. + +"Try us and see," said Tom. Then he raised his voice. "Harris, +bring up that brace of pistols you said were in the locker." + +"All right," answered the sailor, catching at the ruse at once; +and he hurried below, to return with two shining barrels, made of +the handles of a dipper and a tin pot. He held one of the tin +barrels out at arm's length. "Shall I fire on 'em now?" he +demanded at the top of his voice. + +"Don't!" shrieked Mumps, and dropped out of sight behind the +mainmast of the _Flyaway_. + +The toady had scarcely uttered the word when a loud report rang +out, and a pistol bullet cut its way through the mainsail of the +_Searchlight_. Baxter had fired his gun, but had taken good care to +point the weapon over the Rover boys' heads. The bully now ran +for the cabin, expecting to receive a shot in return, but of +course it did not come. + +By this time the two yachts were almost side by side and running +along at a high rate of speed. Harris got out his boathook to +catch fast to the _Flyaway_, when a cry from Tom made him pause. + +"Help me! Don't leave me behind!" + +"Great Caesar!" gasped Sam. "Tom's overboard!" + +"Down with the mainsail!" roared Harris. + +"How did he fall over the side?" + +"He tried to jump to the other boat," said Dick, who had seen the +action. "I was just thinking of doing it myself." + +With all possible speed the big sheet of the _Searchlight_ was +lowered, and then they turned as fast as the wind would permit, +to the spot where unlucky Tom was bobbing up and down on the +swells like a peanut shell. + +"Catch the line!" cried Dick, and let fly with a life preserver +attached to a fair-sized rope. His aim was a good one, and soon +Tom was being hauled aboard again with all possible speed. + +"Oh, what a mess I made of it!" he panted when he could catch his +breath. "I'm not fit to hunt jack rabbits." + +"It's lucky you weren't run down by the yacht and killed," said +Dick. "I was going to jump, but when I saw you go down I thought +better of it." + +Ten minutes of precious time had been lost, and now the _Flyaway_ +was once more far in the distance. She was heading for shore, +and soon the oncoming darkness hid her from view. + +"Now what's to be done?" questioned Sam. + +"She'll slip us sure." + +"She can't go very far," answered Harris. "The water-line around +here is rather dangerous in the dark." + +"Is that a storm coming up?" asked Dick. + +"I wouldn't be surprised." + +With care they continued on their way, taking the course they +surmised their enemies had pursued. + +"There is some kind of land!" cried Sam, who was on the watch. +"What place is that, Harris?" + +"Becker's Cove, so they call it," answered the old tar. "It's +not far from Staten Island." + +"Do you think they came in here?" + +"If they did I reckon they calculate to stay over night." + +"Why?" + +"Because they'll want a pilot otherwise. It's rather dangerous +sailing about here--especially in the dark." + +Five minutes later found them close to shore, and the sails were +lowered and the anchor cast out. + +"I'm going to land," said Dick, and, after a consultation, it was +decided that he should take Sam with him, leaving Tom and Martin +Harris to keep watch from the yacht. If either party discovered +anything, a double whistle twice repeated was to notify the +others. + +Now that Dan Baxter had actually opened fire on them, Dick wished +he had a firearm of some sort. But none was at hand, nor did he +know where to obtain such a thing in that vicinity, and the best +he and Sam could do was to cut themselves clubs out of some brush +growing not far from the shore line. + +The spot at which they had landed was by no means an inviting +one. It looked like a bit of dumping and meadow ground, and not +far away rested the remains of half a dozen partly decayed canal +boats which the tide had washed up high in the bogs years before. + +"If they landed around here I'd like to know where they went to," +grumbled Sam, after he and his big brother had trudged around for +half an hour without gaining any clue worth following. "It +begins to look as if we had missed it, doesn't it?" + +"Never give up, Sam. We have got to find them, you know." + +"Yes, if we don't break our necks before that time comes, Dick," +and as Sam spoke he went down into a meadow hole up to his knees. +Dick helped him out, and as he did so the sound of two voices +broke upon their ears. + +"You needn't come if you don't want to, Mumps," came out of the +darkness, in Dan Baxter's voice. "I only thought you would be +glad of the chance." + +"There they are," whispered Dick. "Lie down, and we'll see where +they are bound, and if Dora is with them." + +He threw himself to earth, and Sam followed. In another moment +Baxter and his toady came into plain view, although still some +distance away. + +"I'll come," came from Mumps. "But I didn't expect to meet your +father here." + +"I did. He's been here for several days. That's the reason why +I had Goss bring the _Flyaway_ over. I'm going to kill two birds +with one stone." + +"What do you mean?" + +"I'm going to carry Dora Stanhope off, just as old Crabtree +wanted, and I'm going to give my father a lift." + +"You mean that you are going to help him to escape from the +authorities?" + +"I didn't put it that way. He wants to keep out of sight." + +"It amounts to the same thing, Dan." + +"As you will. Will you come, or do you want to go back to the +yacht?" + +"I--er--I guess I'll come," faltered the toady. "But we must +be careful." + +"To be sure. I reckon I have as much at stake as you." + +The two passed out of hearing, and Dick touched his brother on +the arm. + +"Did you hear that, Sam?" he asked excitedly. + +"I did. What can it mean?" + +"Mean? It means that Dan Baxter's father is in the neighborhood +and Dan is going to call on his parent." + +"I know that, but--" + +"You are surprised that father and son are equally bad? I'm not; +I thought it all along." + +"What will you do?" + +"Follow them." + +"Will you whistle for Tom and Martin Harris?" + +"No; that might arouse suspicion. Let us follow them alone. +When they return to their yacht we can tell the others," +concluded Dick. + + + + +CHAPTER XXII + +THE BAXTERS MAKE A NEW MOVE + + +As silently as possible Dick and Sam came after Baxter and his +toady John Fenwick. The pair of evildoers left the stretch of +meadow as fast as they could, and hurried up a narrow path +leading to a half-tumbled-down brick factory. + +At the corner of the dilapidated building they paused, and Dan +Baxter emitted a long, low whistle. A silence of several seconds +followed, and then a man appeared out of the darkness. + +"Who's dat?" came the question. + +"It's me, Girk--Dan Baxter," replied the former bully of Putnam +Hall with small regard for the grammar that had been taught to +him. + +"Who's dat with you?" + +"Mumps. He's all right." + +"I don't know about dat. Yer father t'ought yer would come +alone," growled the tramp thief. + +"I've got a new movement on, Buddy. Take us to my father without +delay." + +"Is dat fellow to be trusted?" + +"Yes, you can trust me," replied Mumps with considerable +nervousness. His steps in the direction of wrong were beginning +to frighten him. + +At the start he had thought of nothing but to aid Josiah Crabtree +in his suit with Mrs. Stanhope, and had calculated that after the +marriage the running off with Dora would be overlooked. But +here he was taking the girl miles from her home and associated +with two men who had robbed a firm of bankers of many thousands +of dollars. The outlook, consequently, worried him very +much. + +"All right, den," muttered Buddy Girk. "Follow me." + +He disappeared within the ruined factory, and Baxter and Mumps +went after him. Listening intently at a broken-out window, Dick +and Sam heard them ascend to an upper floor. + +"I guess we have tracked Arnold Baxter," whispered Dick. "I +wonder if he and Girk have that stolen money and the securities +here?" + +"More than likely, Dick. Thieves don't generally leave their +booty far out of their sight, so I've been told." + +"I would like to make sure. I wonder if we can't go inside and +hear some more of their talk?" + +"We would be running a big risk. If Arnold Baxter caught us he +would--would--Well, he wouldn't be very friendly, that's +all," and Sam gave a shiver. + +"I'm going in. You can remain outside, on watch. If you want +me, whistle as we agreed." + +"But be careful, Dick!" pleaded the younger brother. + +"I will be." + +"And don't stay too long," added Sam, who did not relish being +left alone in such a forlorn looking spot, and in the intense +darkness which had now settled down over them. + +"I won't be any longer than necessary, you can depend on that," +replied the big brother. + +As silently as a cat after a mouse, Dick entered the gloomy +building and felt his way over the half-rotted floor to where the +stairs were located. + +Ascending these, he found himself in something of a hallway, the +upper floor of the building being divided into several apartments +by wooden partitions nine or ten feet in height. + +From one of the apartments shone a faint light. To this he made +his way, and, looking through a good-sized knot-hole in the +partition, he saw Arnold Baxter, Girk, and the two newcomers, +seated on several boxes and boards. On one box stood a candle +thrust in the neck of a bottle, some liquor and glasses, and a +pasteboard box containing a cold lunch. + +"So you're glad I've come, eh?" Dan Baxter was saying to his +father. + +"Yes, I am glad," was the slow reply, "that is--I want to get +away from here as soon as possible." + +"Why don't you go?" + +"I'm afraid to go up into the town. I would prefer to go away by +boat." + +"To where?" + +"To Searock, on the Jersey coast." + +"Do you want us to take you there?" + +"If you can do it, Dan. I'll give Mumps and your sailor friend +a nice little sum for your trouble." + +"And don't I get anything?" cried the son sharply. + +"To be sure, Dan." + +"How much?" + +"I'll give you a hundred dollars." + +"Pooh! What's that? I want more." + +"We'll arrange that later." + +"You and Girk are making a fortune out of this deal." + +"Not as much as you think." + +"I've read the newspapers and I know how much was in the haul. I +want a thousand dollars." + +"We'll arrange that afterward, Dan. Remember, in the future what +is mine is yours." + +"Now you're talking, dad," was the bully's quick reply. "I like +the way you are doing things, and I'm going to stick to you as +soon as this little matter Mumps and I have on hand is settled." + +"All right, you shall stay with me," responded the elder Baxter. +"Where is your boat?" + +"Not over half a mile from here." + +"All ready to sail?" + +"Yes." + +"Then let us make off at once." + +"Dat's it," put in Buddy Girk. "I'm afraid the police will let +down on us any minit." + +"The trouble is, that other boat I mentioned is after us." + +"How many are on board?" + +"The three Rover boys and an old sailor." + +"Four, and we'll be five, not counting the woman you mentioned. +I don't think I am afraid of the Rovers," returned Arnold Baxter. +"Besides, can't we get away from them in the dark without their +knowing what is up?" + +"Perhaps we can," said the son slowly. "The trouble is--What's that?" + +Dan Baxter stopped short, as a cracking sound broke upon their +ears. + +Dick had stepped on a rotten board, and it went down. His foot +was caught and held at the ankle, and before he could extricate +himself Arnold Baxter and Buddy Girk had him in their grasp. + +"Dick Rover again!" ejaculated Arnold Baxter. "Where did you +come from?" + +"Your son can tell you that," answered Dick. "Let go of me!" + +"To be sure I will!" returned the elder Baxter sarcastically. +"Are you alone?" + +"You can look for yourself." + +"I don't see no buddy here," announced Girk, as he held up the +candle. "Maybe somebody is downstairs." + +"I'll go down and see," put in Dan Baxter. + +Fearful that Sam might be caught, Dick did his best to break +away. "Sam! Sam! look out for yourself!" he yelled. "Don't let +them catch you! Call Tom and Harris, and the police, quick!" + +"Hang the luck!" muttered Arnold Baxter. "We must cut for it, +and be lively about it, too." + +"Take de swag," said Girk, referring to a tin box hidden under +the flooring of the factory. In this was hidden the money and +securities stolen from Rush and Wilder. + +He ran off to get the box. In the meantime Arnold Baxter stood +undecided as to what to do. Then he raised his fist and struck +Dick with an unexpected blow to the temple. + +"Take that, you imp!" he cried, and the youth went down at full +length more than half stunned. + +In the meantime Sam heard the rapid footsteps and the cry of +alarm, and his heart leapt to throat. Then, as Dan Baxter and +Mumps came towards him, he retreated in the direction of the +_Searchlight_, giving the danger signal as he ran. + +"I've got de box!" shouted Buddy Girk to Arnold Baxter. "Wot's +de next move?" + +"Follow me," said Dan Baxter. "And lose no time. That other boy +will soon have the whole neighborhood aroused." + +Away went the crowd out of the factory, the bully leading. Once +down in the meadow, Dan Baxter hurried them off in the direction +of a tiny cove where the _Flyaway_ lay at anchor, with Bill Goss on +watch at the stern and Mrs. Goss in the cabin with Dora. + +As quickly as they could do so, one after another tumbled on +board of the yacht. They heard cries in the distance, as Tom and +Martin Harris leaped ashore to join Sam. + +"Up the mainsail!" roared Dan Baxter, and Goss obeyed the order +with alacrity. At the same time Dan Baxter and Mumps pulled up +the anchor; and in less than two minutes the _Flyaway_ was standing +out into the bay. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIII + +DOWN THE STATEN ISLAND SHORE TO SANDY HOOK + + +"Dick! Dick! What ails you?" + +"My head, Sam! Arnold Baxter struck me down," came with a groan. + +"Can you get up? We want to follow them," cried Tom, as he +caught his brother by the arm. He had just reached the factory +on a dead run, lantern in hand, to find Dick. + +"I guess I can stand, Tom. But I can't run yet." + +"Here, take the lantern and I'll carry you," came quickly, and in +a moment more Tom Rover had Dick on his back and was running for +the _Searchlight_ as rapidly as the nature of the meadow land +permitted, Dick holding the light over his head so that both +might see. + +The alarm had now become general, and by the time the yacht was +gained two police officers, who had been on the hunt for harbor +thieves, appeared. + +"What's the row about?" demanded one of the officers of the law, +as he came into view. + +"Is that an officer?" questioned Dick feebly, + +"I am an officer--yes." + +"We are after some thieves and some parties who have abducted a girl. +Will you help us?" + +"Certainly, if what you say is true. Where is the crowd?" + +"They ran off in that direction," came from Sam, as he loomed up +out of the darkness. "They have a yacht out there somewhere." + +"Then we can't catch them--unless we get a boat," answered +Sergeant Brown. + +"We have a boat, out this way," and Sam pointed with his hand. +"But I guess we had better make certain that they go out first." + +"True for you, young man. Lead the way and we'll be with you." + +All ran on again, Tom bringing up in the rear with Dick. Soon +the cove previously mentioned was gained. They were just in time +to see the _Flyaway_ disappearing in the darkness. + +"Come back here!" cried Tom. "If you don't it will be the worse for +you!" + +"Don't you attempt to follow us!" came savagely from Arnold +Baxter. "If you do, somebody will get shot!" + +"By crickety, he's a bad one!" cried the second police officer. + +"Stop! I order you to stop, in the name of the law!" shouted +Sergeant Brown. + +"It's the police!" howled Mumps in sudden terror. "Oh, dear! +I knew we should catch it." + +"Shut up," muttered Dan Baxter. "Run up the jib, Goss, and be +quick about it!" + +"You do it--I'll have to steer here," answered the sailor, and +Dan Baxter leaped for the sheet mentioned. + +"Are you going to stop?" cried Sergeant Brown, after a few +seconds' pause. + +To this there was no answer. The sergeant drew his pistol, but +before he could use it, even if he so intended, the yacht was +nothing but an uncertain shadow in the gloom of the night. + +"We had better get to your boat," said the police officer. + +"All right; come on," said Sam, and showed the way, which was +decidedly uncertain. At one point there was a wide ditch to +cross, and Tom had his hands full getting Dick over. + +Martin Harris was watching for them, and had all ready to cast +off should this be required. + +"I'm mighty glad you found the police," he said to Dick, who now +felt able to do for himself once more. "Will they go with us?" + +"You are certain those folks on the other boat are thieves?" +demanded Sergeant Brown. "Carter and I don't want to go off on +any wild goose chase." + +"They are not only thieves, but abductors," said Dick. "We can +easily prove it. They must be caught if it is possible to do +so." + +"All right then, we'll go with you. Come, Carter," and the two +officers hopped on board. Soon the mainsail was set, followed by +all the other available canvas, and the _Searchlight_ was +continuing the chase which had been so curiously broken off. + +Martin Harris was in the dark so far as knowing what course the +_Flyaway_ had taken, and had to trust to luck to fall in with the +fleeing craft. + +"If she's going outside of Staten Island, I reckon I can spot her +before long," he said. + +"It looks to me as if the clouds were blowing away," said Tom. +"If they do, the starlight will help us a good deal." + +As the yacht tore along through the water, the two police +officers listened with close attention to what the boys had to +tell them. + +"If they are the men who robbed Rush & Wilder it will make a fine +haul to capture them," said Sergeant Brown. + +"We want to save Dora Stanhope as much as we want to catch those +thieves," returned Dick. "I wonder if her disappearance has been +reported to the police?" + +"I can't say. You see, Carter and I have been out all day +looking for a pair of harbor thieves who stole some clothing from +a pleasure yacht lying off the Staten Island shore." + +"Did you see anything of your men?" + +"We saw them; but they got away in a rowboat. Where they have +gone to is hard telling. But I don't imagine the theft amounted +to much--at least, it was nothing in comparison to the crimes +you are trying to run down." + +On and on went the _Searchlight_ through the night, and slowly but +surely the clouds in the heavens cleared away, letting the stars +shine down once more on the silent waters. + +Suddenly Martin Harris gave a murmur of satisfaction. "There she is." + +"The _Flyaway_!" came from several of the others. + +"Yes. Just as I thought; she is heading down the Staten Island +shore straight for Sandy Hook." + +"They are bound for Searock!" cried Dick suddenly. "Mr. Baxter +mentioned the place just before they discovered that I was spying +on them." + +"That's a good way down the New Jersey coast," said Sergeant +Brown. "Can this boat stand such a sail?" + +"Can she?" snorted Harris. "She's strong enough to go to Europe +if you want to make the trip." + +"Thank you; when I go to Europe I'll go in a steamer," laughed +the police officer. "I don't think you'd do much in a heavy +blow." + +"The _Searchlight_ would hold her own," answered the old sailor +confidently. + +The breeze was increasing, and they rounded the Narrows at a +lively rate. The swell from the ocean now struck them, and the +yacht occasionally dipped her nose a little deeper into it than +was expected. + +"Here, I don't want, to get wet!" cried Carter. "I'm no sailor, +you know." + +"You won't get much," laughed Harris. "This roll is just enough +to be pleasant." + +"Perhaps--to some people," came from the policeman, who had +never cared for the rolling deep and who was beginning to feel a +trifle seasick. Fortunately for him, however, the sickness +proved mild and of short duration. + +The _Flyaway_ was now in plain sight but too far off to be spoken. +She had every sail set to its fullest, and for the time being it +seemed impossible for the _Searchlight_ to gain upon her. Thus +mile after mile was covered, until Sandy Hook lighthouse could be +plainly seen but a short distance away. + +"We are out in the ocean now," remarked Dick an hour later. +"Gracious, when I left Cedarville I didn't think that this was +going to develop into such a long chase!" + +"Never mind how far we go, if only the chase proves a success," +answered Tom. "If we succeed in not only rescuing Dora, but also +in bringing those thieves to justice, it will be a big feather in +our caps." + +"I'm glad the police are along," came from Sam. "They must be +well armed, and I don't see how Arnold Baxter and the others will +dare resist them." + +"They will dare a good deal to keep out of prison, Sam," remarked +Dick. "They know well enough that if they are caught it may mean +a long term for each of them." + +On and on went the two yachts until Sandy Hook lighthouse was +left in the distance. Once it began to cloud over as if there +was a storm in sight, but soon the rising sun came out brightly +over the rim of the ocean. + +When it came mealtime Sam prepared the repast, and all, even the +officers of the law enjoyed what was served to them. "It gives +one an appetite, this salt air," was Sergeant Brown's comment. + +Soon they were standing down the New Jersey coast, but so far out +on the ocean that the shore line was little more than a dark +streak on the horizon. + +"Are we gaining?" That was the question each asked, not once but +a score of times. Martin Harris felt sure that they were; but if +this was so, the advantage on the side of the _Searchlight_ was but +a slight one. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIV + +SEARCHLIGHT AND LANTERN + + +"One thing is in our favor," remarked Dick, as the day wore away +and the distance between the two yachts seemed undiminished. +"Even if we don't succeed in catching them before tonight we know +where they are bound." + +"Perhaps it might be as well to hang back!" burst in Tom. "If we +remain in sight they won't land as intended." + +"The thing of it is, they may change their plans, especially if +they think your brother overheard their talk," put in the police +sergeant. "My idea is, they'll keep right on down the coast +until the darkness hides them from us. Then they'll try to sneak +in some cove or river and abandon the boat." + +"They'll have a job taking Dora Stanhope along," was Sam's +remark. "I don't believe she'll go another step willingly." + +"As if she has gone willingly!" said Dick. + +"Well, I mean she'll be more on her guard than she was, and +they'll have more of a job to make her go along." + +Night settled down gradually and found every heart full of +serious speculation. Dick was especially affected, for he had +hoped to see Dora rescued hours before. + +"Goodness only knows where they will take her by morning!" he +groaned. "I'd give almost anything to be at her side!" + +With the going down of the sun the wind died away and the sails +of the _Searchlight_ flapped idly to and fro. + +"Now it's a waiting game," announced Martin Harris. "If we can't +move neither can they." + +"Just the same, the _Flyaway_ is turning out to sea!" cried Tom. +"Now what can that mean?" + +"That may be only a blind," said Carter. + +"No, they are afraid of drifting on the sands," answered the +skipper of the _Searchlight_. "I reckon we'll have to turn out, +too," and he changed the course of the yacht. + +Darkness found both boats far out on the Atlantic and almost out +of sight of each other. + +"This is maddening!" cried Dick. "Can't we row, or do +something?" + +"Rowing wouldn't count much, I'm afraid," laughed Martin Harris. +"But don't fret. Unless I am mistaken, we'll have a breeze +before midnight." + +"And they may be out of sight long before that time!" + +"That's to be seen, lad. I'll watch the thing closely, for I'm +as anxious to catch 'em as you are." + +"I'd give a good deal for a small boat." + +"So would I." + +"I thought all yachts carried them." + +"They do generally, but mine was stove in at a Catskill dock +about a week ago and is being repaired." + +"Here comes the wind!" shouted Sam, half an hour later, and when +the _Flyaway_ was almost out of sight. "Now, Harris, let us make +the most of it." + +"We will, and I hope there isn't too much of it," was the quick +reply. + +Soon the breeze struck them, and, as it came from shore, it hit +the _Searchlight_ first and drove her fairly close to the other +yacht. But before anything could be said or done, the other +craft also moved; and then the chase began as before. + +"We're getting all we want now," announced Tom, as the wind grew +heavier. "Just look how the yacht dips her nose into the brine!" + +"We'll have to shorten sail before long," said Martin Harris. +"If we don't, a sudden gust might make us lose our stick." + +"I'd like to see the _Flyaway_ lose her mast!" cried Tom. "It +would just serve the Baxters right if they went to the bottom."' + +"No, we don't want to see that yacht harmed," put in Dick +quickly. "Remember, Dora is on board--and that stolen fortune, +too." + +Swiftly both yachts flew on their outward course, the ocean +growing more tempestuous each minute. The police officers viewed +the turn of affairs with alarm. + +"If it's not safe, let us turn back," whispered Carter. + +"Don't get scared so soon," replied Harris, who overheard the +remark. "I've been' in a worse blow than this, twice over." + +The sails were reefed, and they continued on their course. The +_Flyaway_ was now but a shadow in the gloom, and presently even +this died out. + +"The chase is over," announced Harris with disgust. "Hang the +luck anyhow!" + +"What do you, mean?" demanded Dick. + +"She's out of sight, and there is no telling now how she will +turn." + +"But she can't tack back in this wind." + +"She can make a putty good try at it, lad." + +"Not much of a one, lad. There is a little electric battery and +light in the cabin, one that was used by a professor that I took +out two years ago, when the yacht was built. He was interested +in electricity and he made the light himself. I never used it, +for I didn't understand how it worked." + +"Let us look at the light; perhaps we can do something with it," +said Dick. + +"That's the talk," came from Tom. "Anything is better than +holding your hands and doing nothing." + +Martin Harris was willing, and led the way into the cabin. +Battery and light were stored away in a couple of soap boxes, and +the boys brought them out and set them on the cabin table. + +"I think I can fix these up," said Dick, after a long +examination. "The batteries are not in very good shape, but I +think they will do. They are meant to work on the same plan as +these new electric lights for bicycles, only they are, I reckon, +more powerful." + +"Well, do what you please with the machine," said Martin Harris. +"In the meantime, I'll see what I can do with a lantern and a tin +reflector. Sometimes you can see a white sail putty good with a +tin reflector." + +He hurried to the deck again, and Sam, who was not much +interested in electricity, followed him. One of the best of the +yacht's lanterns was polished up to the last degree, and they +also polished the metal reflector until it shone like a newly +coined silver piece. + +"That's a good light!" cried Sam, when it was lit up. "Where +will you place it?" + +"Up at the top of the mast," answered the old sailor. "I'll show +you." + +It took some time to adjust the lantern just right, but this +accomplished they found that they could see for a distance of a +hundred yards or more. + +"I see the sail!" announced Harris. "Don't you--just over our +port bow?" + +"I see it," answered Sergeant Brown. "Not very far off either." + +Without delay the course of the _Searchlight_ was changed so that +she was headed directly for the _Flyaway_. + +"Keep off!" was the cry out of the darkness. "Keep off, or it +will be the worse for you!" + +"You may as well give up," shouted back the police sergeant. +"You are bound to be caught sooner or later." + +"We don't think go. If it comes to the worst, remember, we can +do a heap of fighting." + +"We can fight too," was the grim response. + +"Dora! Dora! Are you safe?" shouted Sam, with all the strength +of his youthful lungs. + +"Save me!" came back the cry. "Don't let them carry me further +away." + +"We'll do our best, don't fear." + +Dora wanted to say more, but was prevented from doing so by +Mumps, who again hurried her below. + +"You must lock her up," he said to Mrs. Goss, and once more the +unhappy girl found herself a prisoner in the cabin. + +She had hoped for much during the chase along shore, but now her +heart sank like a lump of lead and she burst into tears. + +"No use of crying," said Mrs. Goss. "It won't help you a bit." + +"I want to be free!" sobbed Dora. "Where will they take me?" + +"Never mind; you just be quiet and wait." + +"But you are running directly out into the ocean!" + +"What of that?" + +"I don't wish to go." + +"You'll have to take what comes, as I told you before." + +"Mrs. Goss, have you no pity for me?" + +"If I did have it wouldn't do you any good, Miss Dora. I've got +to do as the men folks want me to do. If I don't they'll make--" + +The woman did not finish what she was saying. A loud report rang +out on deck, followed by the distant crash of glass. Then came a +yell, followed by another report and more crashing of glassware. + +"What can that mean?" burst out Dora, but instead of answering +her, Mrs. Goss bounced out of the cabin, locking the door after +her, and hurried to the deck. + + + + +CHAPTER XXV + +A SHOT FROM THE DARKNESS + + +The shots which had reached Dora's ears had come from a gun in +the hands of Arnold Baxter. + +The man had been enraged at the sight of the lantern on the mast +of the _Searchlight_, and, taking careful aim, had sent a charge of +shot into the affair, smashing globe, reflector, and tin cup, and +scattering the oil in all directions. + +"Hurrah, I struck it!" shouted Arnold Baxter gleefully. "Now +they won't see us quite so plainly." + +"Knock out the other lantern, pop," put in Dan Baxter, and the +parent turned in the second barrel of the shotgun with equal +success. + +For an instant the deck of the _Searchlight_ seemed to be in +darkness. Sam felt a bit of hot glass strike him on the cheek +and raised his hand to brush it off. Then he felt something warm +on the back of his leg. Looking down he saw to his horror that +some of the oil from the lantern had fallen on him and that it +was ablaze! + +"Help! Help!" he shrieked. "I'm burning up!" + +His cry alarmed everybody, and all, even Dick and Tom, came +rushing to his aid. But Sergeant Brown was first, and he +promptly threw the boy down flat and, whipping off his coat, +began to beat out the flames. + +Another shot now rang out, aimed at a third lantern, but the +light was not struck. By this time Martin Harris made the +discovery that the mainsail was on fire in two places, while the +jib was also suffering. + +"This is getting hot!" he cried, when Carter opened up fire at +random, determined to do what he could. A yell and a groan +followed, and then all became quiet, and firing on both sides was +over. + +Fortunately for Sam, the flames upon his person were quickly +extinguished, and all the lad really suffered was the ruin of his +trousers and an ugly blister on the calf of his leg. But he was +badly scared, and when it was over he had almost to be carried to +the cabin. + +In the meantime Martin Harris procured several pails of water and +a long-handled swab and with these did what he could to +extinguish the fire on the sails. Several of the others joined +in, and inside of ten minutes all danger of a conflagration was +past. + +"That's the worst yet!" growled the old sailor, as he surveyed +the mainsail, which had two holes in it each is large as a +barrel. "I'd like to wring the neck of the fellow as did it, yes +I would," and he shook his head determinedly. + +"That's the end of that light," said Sergeant Brown. "What are +you going to do next?" + +"I think I can get that searchlight to work," put in Dick. "But +will it be of any use? They may start to shooting again." + +"We've got to have some kind of a light, even if it's only a +tallow candle," grumbled Harris. + +"If we haven't got a light some coastwise steamer may run us +down." + +He set to work to rig up a temporary light, and in the meantime +Dick returned to the cabin to experiment with the electric light. +He found Sam on the couch, bathing his leg with oil to take away +the sting of the bum. + +"How is it, Sam--hurt much?" + +"I suppose it might be worse," was the younger brother's reply. +"I wonder who fired that shot?" + +"One of the Baxters, more than likely. They are a cold-blooded +pair." + +"One or more of us might have been killed if we had been directly +behind the lights." + +"That is true. I don't suppose Arnold Baxter would care much if +we were. He was father's enemy, you must remember, and he said +he hated all of us." + +Sam resumed his bathing and Dick turned to the cabin table, upon +which the battery and other portions of the searchlight rested. + +Dick had always been greatly interested in electricity and +therefore the parts of the battery before him were not hard for +him to understand. + +But there was one trouble with the battery which did not reach +his eye as he turned it around and started it up. That was that +a portion of the insulation of a main wire was worn off. + +As he turned on the current there was a flash and the light +blazed up almost as bright as day. + +"That's fine!" cried Sam. "We'll be able to see the _Flyaway_ a +long distance off now." + +"Well, I only hope when we put this up it won't be knocked out +like the other lights were." + +"Of course we'll have to run that risk." + +In a minute more Dick started to carry the searchlight to the +deck. + +He had turned off the light proper, consequently the way to the +companionway was rather dark. + +He had almost reached the top of the steps when Sam heard a +scream, saw a flash of fire, and then Dick came tumbling to the +cabin floor in a heap, with the battery and light beside him. + +"My gracious, he's been shocked!" burst out the youngest Rover; +and, forgetting all about his burn, ran to his brother's +assistance. + +"What's that noise?" came from the deck. + +"Dick's been shocked by the searchlight!" cried Sam. "Come down +here, somebody, and let us see what we can do for him." + +"Shocked, is it!" cried Sergeant Brown. "If that's the case, +look out that somebody else don't catch it." + +Tom came tumbling down, followed by both police officers, and +Dick was picked up and deposited on the couch. Then Sam kicked +the searchlight and batteries into a corner. + +"They can stay there for all I care," said he. + +"They are too dangerous, unless, a chap knows just how to handle +them." + +Dick lay with his eyes wide open, but unable to move. Tom bent +down and announced that his heart was still beating. + +But little in the way of restoratives were at hand, and the most +they could do was to rub the youth's body in an attempt to +restore the circulation. + +"Oh, I hope he isn't permanently injured!" cried Tom. "If he +should turn out a cripple it would be awful!" + +"That's so," answered Sam. "Poor Dick! He's as bad off as if +those rascals had shot him." + +Slowly Dick came to his senses. But he was very weak, and soon +he discovered that he was powerless to move his left arm. + +"It's all numb," he announced. "It feels as if it was dead." + +"Let me shake it for you," said Tom, and both brothers went to +work, but with small success. The arm hung down as limp as a +rag, and the left leg was nearly as badly off, although Dick said +he could feel a slight sensation in it, like so many needles +sticking him. + +"You see, I've been afraid of that battery right along," said +Martin Harris. "The professor got shocked once, and he limped +around for a long while after." + +"But he got over it at last, didn't he?" questioned Tom eagerly. + +"I can't say about that. He went off, and I haven't seen him +since," was the unsatisfactory reply. + +The injuries to Dick and to Sam had somewhat dampened Tom's +ardor, and he wondered what they had best do next, and spoke to +the police officers about it. + +"I don't know of anything but to turn back to shore," said +Sergeant Brown. "We've lost them in the dark, and that is all +there is to it. If we go ashore we can send out an alarm, and as +soon as the _Flyaway_ is spotted, somebody will go out and arrest +everybody on board--I mean everybody but the young lady, of +course." + +"But they may come ashore in the dark." + +"And they may do that even if we stay out here--and then +they'll have more of an advantage than ever. No, I think the +best thing we can do is to turn back to the coast and make the +safest landing we can find." + +When Dick heard of this, however, he shook his head. "Don't go +back yet," he pleaded. "See if you can't make out the _Flyaway_ +somewhere. She won't dare to sail very far without a light." + +"I don't go for giving up just yet," put in Martin Harris. "As +the lad says, she'll show a light very soon now--for there is a +coastwise steamer a-coming," and he pointed in the direction of +Sandy Hook. + +He was right, and soon the many lights from the big steam vessel +could be plainly seen. She was heading almost directly for them, +but presently steered to the eastward. + +"She must be almost in the track of the _Flyaway_," went on Martin +Harris. "Just wait and see if I ain't right." + +They waited and watched eagerly, and thus five minutes passed. +Then from a distance they saw a light flash up. + +"There she is!" cried Tom. "Let us head for her at once. They +won't keep that light out long--just long enough to let that +steamer go by." + +Martin Harris was already at the tiller, and soon the _Searchlight_ +was thrown over and was again dipping her nose in the long ocean +swells. The wind had died away only to freshen more than ever, +and the chase now became a lively one. + +The enemy seemed to know that the exposure of their light had +given those on the _Searchlight_ the cue, and they were sailing as +rapidly as all of their canvas permitted. But Harris was now +handling his craft better than ever before, and slowly but surely +the distance between the two craft was diminished, until the +_Flyaway_ could be made out faintly even without a light. + +"Don't lose her again," said Dick. "We must keep at it until we +run them down completely." And Harris promised to do his best. + +It was now past midnight, and the police officers said they were +tired out and dropped into the cabin to take a nap. Dick +likewise remained below, trying to get up some circulation in the +lamed arm. + +"Can't you feel anything?" queried Tom. + +"I think I can," answered his big brother. "Yes, yes, it's +coming now!" he went on. "Thank God!" and he suddenly raised the +arm and bent the fingers of his hand. By daylight that member +of his body was nearly as well as ever. But this experience was +one which Dick has not forgotten to the present day. + +Sam had bound up his burn with a rag saturated with oil and +flour, and announced that he felt quite comfortable. "But just +let me get hold of those Baxters," he added. "I shan't stand on +any ceremony with them." + +"I don't believe any of us will," said Tom. + +"But as anxious as I am to have this over, I would just as lief +have the chase last until morning. Then we'll be better able to +see what we are doing." + +"Or trying to do," said Sam with a faint smile. + + + + +CHAPTER XXVI + +A FLAG OF TRUCE + + +Sunrise found the two yachts far out on the ocean with land +nowhere in sight. The breeze was still stiff, but it was not as +heavy as it had been, and Martin Harris was unable to decrease +the space which separated his own craft from that of the enemy. + +"You see, the _Searchlight_ is the better boat in a strong blow," +he explained. "When the wind is light the _Flyaway_ has as good a +chance of making headway as we have." + +"Well, one thing is certain," said Tom. "This chase can't last +forever." + +"It may last longer than you imagine, lad." + +"Hardly. We haven't more than enough provisions aboard to last +over today." + +"Perhaps the other boat is even worse off," said Sergeant Brown +hopefully. "If that's the case we'll starve them out." + +"I don't care what we do, so long as we rescue Dora and get that +stolen fortune," said Dick, as he dragged himself to the crowd, +followed by Sam. + +"And how's Sam?" questioned Tom, turning to his younger brother. + +"Oh, I'm all right--if it comes to fighting." + +"And you, Dick?" + +"I think I can do something--at least, I am willing to try." + +Breakfast--a rather scant meal--had just been disposed of, +when Martin Harris uttered a shout. + +"They want to do some talking," he announced. + +"Why, what do you mean?" asked Dick. + +"They are hoisting a white rag." + +"Sure enough!" ejaculated Tom, as he pointed to a flag of truce +which Dan Baxter was holding aloft, fastened to an oar. "What do +you make of that?" + +"They want to make terms," laughed Sergeant Brown. "I reckon +things are coming our way at last." + +"Do we want to talk to them?" asked Tom. + +"Let us make them surrender, and do the talking afterward," came +from Sam. + +"It won't hurt to let them talk," said the police sergeant. "We +can do as we please, anyway, after they are done." + +The matter was discussed for a moment, and then Tom tied his +handkerchief to a stick and held it up. + +"Ahoy there!" came from Arnold Baxter. "Will you honor the flag +of truce?" + +"Yes," yelled Sergeant Brown. + +"And let us have our distance after our talk is over, if we can't +come to terms?" + +"Yes." + +"All right, then; we'll come close enough to talk to you." + +Slowly and cautiously the _Flyaway_ drew nearer, until all on board +of Harris' yacht could see their enemies quite plainly. + +Arnold Baxter was armed with a shotgun, while Buddy Girk and Dan +Baxter carried pistols. Mumps kept out of sight as much as +possible, while Bill Goss attended to the steering of the boat. +Dora and Mrs. Goss were below. + +"Well, what have you got to say?" demanded Dick, as soon as the +others were within easy talking distance. + +"How many on board of that yacht?" demanded Arnold Baxter, as he +looked at the police officers glumly. + +"Enough," replied Dick. "Is that all you've got to say?" + +"Don't grow impudent, boy. It won't set well." + +"A person couldn't be impudent to such a rascal as you, Arnold +Baxter." + +"Have a care, Dick Rover. What do you propose to do?" + +"Land all of you in jail, rescue Dora Stanhope, and recover that +money you stole." + +"Indeed!" + +"Yes--indeed! Don't you think we are pretty close to doing +it?" + +"No, you are a long way off. You won't dare to break this truce +while the flags fly. If you do, I'll shoot you just as sure as +you are born." + +"I don't intend to dishonor any truce, Arnold Baxter. But, +nevertheless, you and your crowd are almost at the end of your +rope, and you know it." + +"Feeling hungry, ain't you?" put in Martin Harris. + +"You shut up!" roared Dan Baxter, for Harris had hit the nail +exactly on the head. "We'll settle this with the Rovers and the +police, not with you." + +"You'll settle with me for burning my sails and breaking my +lanterns," retorted the skipper of the _Searchlight_ wrathfully. + +"Let us come to terms," went on Arnold Baxter in a milder tone. +"I reckon what you want principally is to rescue Dora Stanhope?" + +"Yes, I want that," said Dick quickly. + +"If we hand her over to you, will you promise not to follow us +any longer?" + +"Well--er--what of that money--" began Dick, glancing at those +around him. + +"We can't let you go," interposed Sergeant Brown. "You are +wanted for that robbery in Albany." + +"We deny the robbery," said Arnold Baxter. + +"All right--you'll have a chance to clear yourself in court." + +"We are not going to court, not by a jugful," put in Buddy Girk. +"If we give up the gal that's got to end it. Otherwise, we don't +give her up, see?" + +"But you'll have to give her up later on," put in Tom. "And the +longer you keep her the more you will have to suffer for it, when +it comes to a settlement." + +"Let's give her up," whispered Mumps to Dan Baxter. To the +credit of the toady let it be said that he was heartily sick of +the affair and wished he had never entered into it. + +"You keep your mouth shut!" answered the former bully of Putnam +Hall. "My dad knows how to work this racket." + +"Somebody said something about being hungry," continued Arnold +Baxter significantly, "I imagine Miss Stanhope is as hungry as +any of us, if not more so." + +"Do you mean to say you are starving her!" cried Dick indignantly. + +"I mean to say that she will have to starve just as much as we +do," was the unsatisfactory answer. + +"And you have run out of provisions?" + +"We have run out of provisions for her, yes." + +"That means that you won't give her any more, even though you may +have some for yourselves? You are even bigger brutes than I took +you to be," concluded the elder Rover boy bitterly. + +"We've got to look out for ourselves," said Dan Baxter. "If we +let you have the girl you ought to be satisfied." + +"Let us talk to Dora," suggested Tom. + +"No, you can't see her unless you agree to our terms," said +Arnold Baxter decidedly. "If we bring her up now she may try to +get away from us." + +"You have got to submit to arrest and stand trial," said Sergeant +Brown. "There are no two ways about it. If you won't submit +quietly we'll have to fight. But let me tell you, if you fight +it will go hard with you." + +"That's right; make them give up everything," put in Tom. "I'll +fight them if it comes to the worst." + +"If only they don't harm Dora!" whispered Dick. "Think, they may +be starving her already!" + +"I don't believe they would dare, Dick." + +"Dare? I think the Baxters are cruel enough to do most anything." + +"Officer, do you know that you are on the high seas and can't +touch us?" went on Arnold Baxter, after an awkward pause. + +"I know nothing of the kind, and I'll risk what I am doing," +retorted Sergeant Brown. + +"Can't we compromise this matter?" + +"What else have you to propose?" + +"I'll tell you what I'll do. If you'll agree not to molest us +further I'll turn the girl over to you and make each of you a +present of one hundred dollars," went on Arnold Baxter nervously. + +"Want to bribe us, eh?" cried Tom. "Thanks, but we are not in +that business." + +"I never took a bribe yet, and I've been on the force six years," +put in Carter. + +"You can't bribe me," said the sergeant, in a tone that admitted +of no argument. "You must surrender absolutely or take the +consequences." + +"All right, then; we'll take the consequences," was the reckless +response. "And remember, we hold that girl, and any harm you do +us will only counteract on her head." + +"Don't you dare to harm her, you villain!" cried Dick, turning +pale. "Whatever you do you shall answer for in court." + +"Humph, Dick Rover, don't be so smart," put in Dan Baxter. "This +game is still ours, and you know it." + +"I know nothing of the kind. We will starve you out and fight +you, and you will see what the end will be, Dan Baxter," retorted +Dick; and then the two yachts began to drift apart once more. + +As the _Flyaway_ moved off, Mumps, who had disappeared for a +minute, came into sight once more. In his hand he hold something +white, which he threw with all force at the _Searchlight's_ +mainsail. + +"Take that!" he cried. "Take that, and remember me!" + +By this time the two yachts were so far apart that no more could +be said. + +"What was that you threw on their boat?" demanded Baxter, turning +to his toady. + +"A seashell," replied Mumps. "I thought I could hit Dick Rover +with it." + +"Humph, you had better take some lessons in throwing," muttered +the bully. "You didn't come within a dozen feet of him." + +"Never mind; I showed them I wasn't afraid of them," said Mumps, +and turned away. Then he looked back anxiously. "I hope they +pick it up and see what's inside!" he murmured. "Oh, but ain't I +tired of this crowd! If ever I get out of this, you can wager +I'll turn over a new leaf and cut Dan Baxter dead." + + + + +CHAPTER XXVII + +THE COLLISION IN THE FOG + + +"Hullo! Mumps isn't keeping this flag of truce very good," +remarked Sam, as the seashell dropped at his feet. + +"There is something inside of the shell," said Tom. "A bit of +paper. Perhaps it's a message?" + +"I'll soon see," returned his younger brother, and ran to where +he could not be seen from the other yacht. + +He pulled from the seashell a small, square of paper, upon which +had been hastily scrawled the following in lead pencil: + +"I will help you all I can and hope you won't prosecute me. I +will see that Dora S. gets something to eat, even if I give her +my share. They intend to go to Sand Haven if they can give you +the slip." + +"Good for Mumps! He's coming to his senses," cried Sam, and +showed the others the message. Dick read the words with much +satisfaction. + +"I hope he does stand by Dora," he said. "If so, I'll shield him +all I can when the crowd is brought up for trial." + +"If he tells the truth we may as well put into harbor and make +for Sand Haven," said Martin Harris, who had now resumed the +chase once more. + +"Yes; but he may not be telling the truth," was Sergeant Brown's +comment. "The whole thing may be a trick to get us to go to Sand +Haven while that crowd goes somewhere else." + +"I think they are tired of carrying the girl around," said +Carter. "To give her up to us would have been no hardship." + +"That's it," put in Martin Harris. "Well, I'm willing to do +whatever the crowd says." + +The matter was talked over at some length, and it was finally +decided to cruise around after the _Flyaway_ for the best part of +the day. If, when night came on, the other craft should steer in +the direction of Sand Haven, they would do likewise, and land as +soon as darkness came to cover up their movements. + +Slowly the day wore along and the two yachts kept at about the +same distance. They were both running due south, and land was +out of sight as before. + +"This is developing into a regular ocean trip and no mistake," +remarked Tom, as he dropped into a seat near the cabin. "Who +would have thought it when we left Cedarville in such a hurry?" + +"I'd like to know how things are going up there," mused Dick. +"It will be too bad if Josiah Crabtree succeeds in marrying Mrs. +Stanhope while we are away." + +"Let us hope for the best," put in Sam. + +"Hullo, the _Flyaway_ is moving eastward!" + +"What does that mean, Harris?" cried Dick. + +"It means that they want to make the most of this wind," +responded the skipper of the yacht grimly. "I'm learning a trick +or two on 'em, and I'll overreach 'em if they ain't careful." + +"You can't do it any too quick," answered Dick. "When next we +meet there won't be quite so much talking. Instead, we'll have +some acting, and pretty lively at that." + +Sergeant Brown was questioned concerning his weapons, and said he +had two pistols and Carter had the same. One of the extra +weapons was loaned to Dick and the second went to Tom. It was +decided that in case of a close brush Sam and Harris were to arm +themselves with anything that was handy, but otherwise they were +to attend to the sailing of the _Searchlight_. + +Provisions, to use Tom's way of expressing it, were now "more +than low," and as they ate the scant food dealt around, Dick +could not help but think of how Dora might be faring. + +"I'd willingly starve myself if only it would give her what she +needs," he thought. It made him sick at heart to think of how +she might be suffering. + +Mile after mile was passed, until the sun began to descend over +to the westward. The yachts were now close on to quarter of a +mile apart. + +"Here comes another steamer!" cried Tom presently. "Look here, +why can't we get some help from her?" + +"Perhaps we can!" burst out Dick. "I never thought of that." + +"Let us signal her anyway," suggested Sergeant Brown. + +A flag was run up as high as the topmast permitted, and they +headed directly for the steamer's course. + +As the ship came closer they made her out to be a big "tramp" +from the South American trade. For the benefit of those who do +not know, let me state that a tramp steamer is one going from one +port to another regardless of any regular route, the movements of +the craft depending entirely upon the freight to be picked up. + +"She sees the signal!" exclaimed Dick, after an anxious wait of +several minutes. + +Slowly the steamer came up to them, and then her ponderous +engines ceased to work. + +"What is wanted?" came in Spanish from a dark-looking man on the +forward deck. + +"Can't you talk English?" cried Dick. + +"A leetle." + +"We are after that other sail-boat. The men in her are thieves +and have abducted a girl, too. Will you help us catch them?" + +At this the man on the steamer drew down his face and held a +consultation with several behind him. + +"You are sure they are thieves?" he asked presently. + +"Yes." + +"Have they with them the money that was stolen?" + +"We are pretty certain they have." + +"And the girl?" + +"Yes" + +"And what is the reward for the girl, senor?" + +"Well, I declare!" burst out Tom. "They are after a reward the +first thing." + +"No reward yet," answered Dick. "But there may be." + +At this the South American scowled. "We cannot lose time on a +hunt that is worth nothing," he said. "We must get to Brooklyn +by tomorrow morning." + +"You won't help us bring them to justice?" + +"We cannot afford to lose the time." + +Without further words the big steamer's engines were started up +again and away she sped, leaving the _Searchlight_ to sink and rise +on the rollers left in her wake. + +"My, but that fellow is accommodating!" groaned Dick. "He isn't +doing a single thing without pay." + +"We might have bought some provisions from him," put in Martin +Harris. "I reckon he'd sell some for a round price--being so +near to the end of his voyage." + +"I don't want his stuff," remarked Sam. + +"I'm afraid it would choke me if I tried to eat it." + +The stop had given the _Flyaway_ an advantage, and she was making +the most of it. But before the gun went down those on the other +yacht saw her head for the coast once more. + +"I guess the note told the truth," said Harris. + +"Is Sand Haven near here?" questioned Tom. + +"It is not over half a mile further down the coast." + +"And how far are we out?" was the police sergeant's question. + +"Between five and six miles, as near as I can calculate." + +"Will they be able to run in by dark?" + +"I think so. You see, the wind is shifting, and it depends a +good bit on how much it veers around," concluded the old sailor. + +Slowly the sun sank in the west. It was growing cloudy and a +mist was rising. The mist made Martin Harris shake his head; +but, not wishing to alarm the others, he said nothing. + +But soon Dick noticed the mist and so did the rest. "Gracious, +supposing we get caught in a fog!" muttered Tom. + +"I was just thinking of it," returned his elder brother. "There +will be no fun in it--if we are out of sight of land." + +A quarter of an hour went by, and still no land appeared. It was +now so raw that the boys were glad enough to button their coats +tightly about them. Then, of a sudden, the fog came rolling over +them like a huge cloud, and they were unable to see a dozen yards +in any direction. + +"This is the worst yet!" groaned Sam. "What's to do now?" + +"Yes, what's to do now?" repeated Sergeant Brown. "Can you make +the coast, skipper?" + +"To be sure I can," replied Harris, as he looked at the compass. +"But I don't know about landing. You see we might stick our nose +into a sandbank before we knowed it." + +"Perhaps the fog will lift?" suggested Carter. + +"A fog like this isn't lifting in a hurry," said Dick. "Like as +not it won't move until the sun comes up tomorrow morning," and +in this guess he was right. + +A half-hour went by, and from a distance came the deep note of a +fog-horn, sounding apparently from up the shore. + +"We ought to have a horn," said Sam. "Some big boat may come +along and run us down." + +"There is a horn in the cabin pantry," replied Martin Harris. +"We might as well bring it out. If we are sunk one or more of us +will most likely be drowned." + +"Oh, don't say that!" ejaculated Carter. "I'll get the horn," +and, running below, he brought it up, and he and Sam took turns +at blowing it with all the strength of their lungs. + +"One thing is comforting; those rascals are no better off than +we are," was Tom's comment. + +"Yes; but if they founder, what will become of Dora?" + +"I don't believe any one of them would put himself out to save +her." + +"I guess you're right there, Dick. I never thought of her, poor +girl," replied the brother. + +Dick and Sergeant Brown were well up in the bow, one watching to +starboard and the other to port, for anything which might appear +through the gloom. The horn was blowing constantly, and now from +a distance came the sounds of both horns and bells. + +"We are getting close to some other ships," said Martin Harris. +"I reckon we had best take a few reefs in the mainsail and stow +away the jib," and these suggestions were carried out. + +The minutes that followed were anxious ones, for all felt that a +collision might occur at any moment. The fog was growing thicker +each instant, and this, coupled with the coming of night, seemed +to shut them in as with a pall. + +"A boat is dead ahead!" came suddenly from Dick, and Sergeant +Brown also gave a cry of warning. Then came a shock and a crash +and a splintering of wood, followed by the cries of men and boys +and the screams of a woman and a girl. + +"We've struck the _Flyaway_!" called out Tom, and then he found +himself in the water, with Sam alongside of him. + + + + +CHAPTER XXVIII + +HOME AGAIN--CONCLUSION + + +When the collision came, Dick, to save himself from injury, gave +a leap up into the air, and Sergeant Brown did the same. The +shock sent the _Searchlight_ backward, and when the youth came down +he found himself sprawling on the _Flyaway's_ deck, close beside +Dan Baxter. + +"Dick Rover!" gasped the former bully of Putnam Hall. "So it is +your boat that has run into us?" + +"Baxter, where is Dora Stanhope?" panted Dick, as soon as he +could speak. He was afraid that one or both yachts were going +down and that Dora might be drowned. Even in this extreme moment +of peril his one thought was for his girl friend. + +"Find out for yourself," burst out Baxter, and aimed a blow at +Dick's head with his fist. But the blow never reached its mark, +for Mumps hauled the bully backward. + +"We've had enough of this--at least, I've had enough," said +Fenwick, astonishing himself at his own boldness. "Dick, Dora is +in the cabin--no, she's coming up." + +"Save me!" came in a scream from the girl. + +"Oh, Dick, is it really you!" and she ran right into Dick's arms. + +By this time it was discovered that the two yachts were locked +together, the bowsprit of the _Flyaway_ having become entangled in +the rigging of the _Searchlight_. Both yachts were badly damaged, +but neither sufficiently so as to be in danger of sinking. + +"Back with you!" came from Arnold Baxter, and fired his shotgun +at the police officer. But the rocking of the boats spoiled his +aim. Then Sergeant Brown fired, and the elder Baxter went down, +shot through the left leg. + +By this time all of the evildoers realized that the final +struggle for freedom was at hand, and began to fight desperately, +Buddy Girk engaging Dick, Bill Goss facing Carter, and Mrs. Goss +beating Martin Harris back with a stew pan from the gallery. In +the meantime Tom and Sam swam back to the _Searchlight_, and +clambered on board as rapidly as possible. + +They were in time to see Carter go down, hit over the head by +Bill Goss. But that was the last of the fight, so far as the +skipper of the _Flyaway_ was concerned, for two blows, delivered by +Tom and Sam simultaneously, stretched him senseless on the deck. + +"You had better give up!" cried Tom to Dan Baxter, who was doing +what he could to get the two yachts apart. "This is our battle." + +"Not much!" muttered the bully. "Stand back, or it will be the +worse for you!" + +He sprang at Tom and shoved a pistol under the boy's very nose. +But before the weapon could be discharged, Dick, leaving Dora, +kicked the pistol from the bully's hand! + +"You villain, take that!" cried Dick, and grappled with Baxter. +Both rolled over on the deck, and, shoved by somebody from +behind, Sam rolled on top of the pair. A second later all three +rolled down the cabin stairs in a heap. + +"Oh, my back!" It was Baxter who uttered the cry, and not without +cause, for his backbone had received a hard crack on the bottom +step of the stairs. + +"You lie still!" commanded Dick, as he leaped to his feet. "If +you dare to move I'll put you out of the fight altogether." + +"Don't--don't shoot me!" panted Dan Baxter in sudden fear. + +"Do you give in?" + +"Yes." + +"Then keep still. Sam, guard him, will you? I want to see how +matters are on deck." + +"Yes, I'll guard him," answered the youngest Rover. + +The fight on deck had been short and fierce, but our friends had +had the best of it from the very start, and when Dick came up he +found but little for him to do. Arnold Baxter lay where he had +fallen, moaning piteously, while Buddy Girk and Bill Goss were in +irons. Mrs. Goss still stood at bay, flourishing her stew pan +over her head, while Mumps remained at a distance, his arms +folded over his breast and an anxious look in his eyes. + +"I won't go to prison!" shrieked Mrs. Goss. "You let me and my +husband go." + +"Mrs. Goss, you had best give in--" began Sergeant Brown, when +Tom, sneaking up behind her, snatched the stew pan from her +grasp. As she turned on the boy, Carter ran in, and in a twinkle +she was held and her hands were bound behind her. Then the crowd +turned to Mumps. + +"I submit," said the misguided boy. "Didn't I tell you in the +note that I would help you?" + +"Yes, he has tried to do better," put in Dora. + +"If it hadn't been for him I wouldn't have had a mouthful to eat +today." + +"I guess we can trust him, then," said Dick. "But, Mumps, take +care that you don't go back on us." + +"I won't go back on you," said the toady. "I'm going to cut that +crowd after this." + +"You can't make a better move," was Dick's comment. + +Now that affairs were in their own hands, our friends hardly knew +how to turn next. After a discussion it was agreed to place the +_Flyaway_ in charge of Dick and Tom, who were also to carry Dora +and Mumps. All of the others went aboard of the _Searchlight_, +Arnold Baxter being carried by the police officers, who attended +to his wound as well as the accommodations on board of the yacht +permitted. + +So far nothing had been said about the money and securities +stolen by Baxter and Girk, but they were in a locker in the +_Flyaway's_ cabin, and easily brought to light. + +"This is a big day for us," said Dick. "Won't folks at home be +astonished when they hear of what we have done?" + +"I cannot get home fast enough," said Dora. "Poor mama, if only +I knew she was safe!" + +"Josiah Crabtree shall suffer for this," said Dick. "Remember, +it was he who had you carried off by Mumps and Dan Baxter." + +The _Searchlight_ was already on the way and the _Flyaway_ came behind +her. The course was due west, and they kept on until the breakers +could be heard in the distance. Then Martin Harris bore away to the +northward. + +With the coming of daylight the fog disappeared as if by magic, +and they found themselves close to the seashore town of +Lightville. Here there was a small river, and they ran into this +and came to a safe anchor close to one of the docks. + +On going ashore Dick's first movement was to send two telegraph +messages, one to Rush & Wilder, telling them that the stolen +securities and money had been recovered, and the second to +Captain Putnam, breaking the news of Dora's safety and requesting +the master of the Hall to acquaint Mrs. Stanhope with the fact +and take steps toward Josiah Crabtree's arrest. Later on another +message was sent to Randolph Rover so that the boys' uncle might +no longer be alarmed over their safety. Sergeant Brown also +telegraphed to his superiors. + +Inside of an hour after landing, Arnold Baxter, Buddy Girk, Dan +Baxter, and the two Gosses were safely housed in the Lightville +jail. At first it was thought to arrest Mumps also, but he +begged for his liberty, and promised, if let go, to tell +everything. As some witness would be wanted when the others came +to trial he was taken at his word. + +It was a happy party that started for Cedarville that evening. +No one could have been more attentive than Dick was to Dora, and +no one could have been more appreciative than the girl of what +the three Rover boys had done for her. + +At Ithaca a surprise awaited the crowd. Frank, Fred, and Larry +were there to welcome them, and soon after Captain Putnam +appeared. + +"I am very glad to see you all safe and sound," said the captain, +as he shook hands. "You have had a regular ocean chase, and no +mistake." + +"And how is my mother?" questioned Dora quickly. + +"She is happy, Miss Stanhope; but the shock of your sudden +disappearance has made her quite ill." + +"And Josiah Crabtree?" + +"Has disappeared. Your mother said he wanted to marry her after +you went away, but she would not listen to him. I imagine that +after this he will keep his distance." + +"He had better keep his distance--if he wants to remain out of +jail," put in Dick. + +The return of the boys to Putnam Hall was the signal for a +regular jollification, and my readers can rest assured that all +of the cadets made the most of it. Captain Putnam ordered an +extra dinner for them, and in the evening a huge bonfire was +started on the campus, and, as the boys gathered around Dick, +Tom, and Sam they sang "For he's a jolly good fellow!" until they +were hoarse. It was a celebration never to be forgotten. "Just +the right sort for a home coming," as Sam expressed it. + +"Let them have it," said the master, as he looked on. "They +deserve it." + +"You are right," returned George Strong. + +"Those Rover boys have proved themselves regular heroes." + + * * * * * + +Here I will bring to a close the story of the Rover boys' doings +on the ocean while trying to rescue Dora Stanhope from her +abductors and while endeavoring to recover the fortune stolen +from Rush & Wilder. + +Words cannot describe the happiness which mother and daughter +felt when Mrs. Stanhope and Dora found themselves together once +more. Tears were freely shed, and the widow blessed the boys who +had done so much for herself and her child. She declared that +her eyes were now open to the real wickedness of Josiah Crabtree, +never more would she have anything to do with the man. + +Rush & Wilder were immensely pleased to recover what had been +taken from their safe, and when money and securities were +returned to them they rewarded the Rover boys and the others +handsomely for their work. But to this day Dick declares that +the recovery of the stolen fortune was "only a side issue." "We +were out to rescue Dora," he says. "And, thank God, we did it!" + +In due course of time the evildoers were brought to trial, and +with Mumps and the others to testify against them, all were +sentenced to various terms of imprisonment. Being wounded, +Arnold Baxter was taken, as before, to a hospital; but this time +the authorities kept a close watch on him. + +With their enemies in custody the Rover boys imagined that life +at Putnam Hall would now run along smoothly. But in this they +were mistaken. They had hardly settled down to their studies +when a strange message from over the sea started them off on a +search for their father, the particulars of which will be related +in another volume, to be entitled: "The Rover Boys in the Jungle; +or, Stirring Adventures in Africa." In this book we will not +only meet Dick, Tom, and Sam again, but also Dan Baxter and +several others with whom we are already acquainted. + +But for the time being all went well, and here we will leave the +three boys, wishing them the best of good luck in the future. + + +The End + + + + + + + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK, THE ROVER BOYS ON THE OCEAN *** + +This file should be named rboce11.txt or rboce11.zip +Corrected EDITIONS of our eBooks get a new NUMBER, rboce12.txt +VERSIONS based on separate sources get new LETTER, rboce10a.txt + +Project Gutenberg eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the US +unless a copyright notice is included. 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