"Is that so? When did you move, Mr. Denton?"
"Only a few weeks ago, which accounts for you not having known of the change. I had a good chance to trade my place in town for a plantation, or ranch, as my son Bob calls it, and I took it. We have a fine place, and Clara will be much pleased, I am sure, to have you and your friends pay us a visit."
"Oh, mamma, let us go!" cried Dora. "I don't wish to stay on the houseboat while the repairs are being made."
The matter was talked over for an hour, and the boys and girls tookMr. Denton over the houseboat, from end to end.
"I've heard of you Rover boys," said he to Dick, Tom and Sam. "Mrs. Stanhope has written to us about you, and how you once saved her from a fellow named Josiah Crabtree. If you and your chums wish to visit our place, I'd like you to do so. I've got a son Bob who, I know, would like to meet you."
"Well, I wouldn't mind taking a trip inland," answered Dick.
"Can't we go on horseback?" put in Sam eagerly.
"We might do that."
"Certainly, you could make the trip in that way," said Mr. Denton. "But it would take some time, for the roads are not of the best down here. We usually take a train as far as Docker Crossing, and then ride the rest of the distance, twelve miles, in a carriage or on horseback."
"I'll tell you what's let do," suggested Tom. "The girls and the ladies can go with Mr. Denton on the train, and all us boys can hire horses and make the trip that way. We can leave Captain Starr and Aleck in charge of the houseboat until we get back. We need not hurry ourselves, for our time is our own."
When talked over, this plan met with universal approval, and it was decided to put it into execution without delay. Mr. Denton wished them to make an extended stay at his plantation, and the boys decided to take their own time in getting there.
"It will be just the outing on horseback that I have been looking for," said Sam. "I hope we have nothing but clear weather."
"We ought to have, after such a storm," said Fred. "See how clear the sky is to-day."
"That trip to the plantation on horseback will take about five days," said Dick. "That will make quite an outing."
"Puts me in mind of our trip out West," said Tom. "What are we going to do when night comes on? Go to some ranch, or make our own camp?"
"Oh, let us go into our own camp!" cried Songbird. "It will be such fun!"
"That's the talk," chimed in Sam.
"We can camp out on the way if the weather proves good," decided Dick. "But if it rains good and hard, I reckon all of you will be glad enough to get under cover."
"Pooh! who's afraid of a little rain," put in Fred. "Why, that will make us grow!"
So the talk ran on, and finally all arrangements were completed for the trip inland. Aleck Pop was sorry he could not accompany the boys, but Dick thought it best that he remain behind.
"You know how Captain Starr is, Aleck—a bit queer at times. TheDorais a valuable craft, and I shall feel safer if I know you are helping to keep watch over her."
"All right, Massa Dick. I will do my best to see dat no harm comes to de houseboat. But I'd like to be wid you boys, no use er talkin'."
"Perhaps you can go along next time," said Dick, and with this the colored man had to be content.
It did not take the ladies and the girls long to get ready for the trip, and they left on the following morning, the boys going to the railroad station to see them off. There was a hearty handshake all around. Then the train came in and the party was off with a waving of handkerchiefs.
"And now to get ready for our own start," came from Tom.
Through the carpenter who had taken the contract to repair the houseboat, they were introduced to a man who owned a number of horses, and for a proper consideration this individual let them have the use of the steeds they wanted. They were all good animals and used to the saddle, and the man guaranteed that the lads would not have any trouble whatever with them.
"But I want to tell you beforehand that the road is none of the best," said the horse owner. "It is pretty fair for the first fifteen miles or so, but then it is bad for thirty miles after that. You want to beware of sink holes."
"We've been on some pretty bad roads before this," answered Sam. "I guess we'll know enough to take care of ourselves."
"Well, I didn't think there would be any harm in telling you."
"Oh, that's all right."
The Rover boys were so used to traveling and to camping out that they knew exactly what to take along. The other lads were also well informed, because of the military encampments in which they had participated. They carried only what was necessary, so that their steeds might not be too heavily burdened.
"Looks like yo' was ready fo' a reg'lar outin'," remarked Aleck when they were ready for a start. "I dun hopes yo' all come back safe and sound."
"Why, of course we'll come back safe and sound!" exclaimed Sam. "What put that into your noddle, Aleck?"
"I dunno, Massa Sam. But dis am a queer country, ain't it?"
"Not in the least. We expect to have a fine outing, and nothing else."
"And we'll be back here inside of two weeks," added Dick. "That is, unless we make up our minds to stay at Mr. Denton's place for a while."
"All right, sah."
"And when we get back, I shall expect to see the houseboat in first-class order," continued Dick to Captain Starr.
"I shall do my best," answered the captain.
A moment later, all of the boys mounted their horses and the journey inland was begun. Little did they dream of the strange adventures and perils which lay ahead of them.
"Vot kind of a horse you vos call dis, annahow?"
The question came from Hans, after about four miles of the journey had been covered. So far, his steed had acted well enough, but now, without warning, the animal began to balk and paw the turf.
"Something is wrong, that is certain," replied Dick. "Perhaps you haven't got a tight enough rein, Hans."
"Dot reins vos so tight as nefer vos. I dink dis horse got somedings der madder mit him."
As the German boy finished, he gave the horse a slap on the neck with his hands. In a twinkling, up came the steed's hind heels, and poor Hans slid out of the saddle and down to the neck.
"Voah, dere!" he bawled. "Voah, I said! Vot you vants to do, annahow, drow me your head ofer? Sthop, und do it kvick!"
But the horse did not stop. Instead, he began to back, and then of a sudden he leaped high up in the air, to come down on all fours with a thump that nearly jounced poor Hans to pieces.
"Hello, Hans has got a bucking bronco!" cried Tom. "Hans, what will you take for him?"
"I gif him avay!" bawled the poor German youth. "Oh!"
For the steed had made another leap, and now Hans went over his neck in a jiffy, to land in a heap of dust on the side of the road. Then the horse took to his heels and disappeared up the trail like a flash.
"Are you hurt?" questioned Dick, leaping to the ground and running to the German youth's assistance.
"Vere is dot horse?" sang out Hans as he scrambled up and wiped the dust from his mouth and eyes. He was not injured, but was greatly excited.
"The horse has run away."
"Vell, I nefer! Go after him, somepotty!"
"I'll go after him!" cried Tom.
"So will I," added Fred, and away they sped, with Sam and Songbird after them.
"Be careful!" called Dick. "That horse may prove to be a pretty high-strung beast."
"I think I can manage him," cried Tom. "But we have got to locate him first."
Those in pursuit of the horse had to travel the best part of a mile before they came in sight of the animal, quietly grazing by the roadside.
"Looks as meek as a lamb," observed Fred. "Whoa, there!" he called out.
At the call, the horse pricked up his ears and looked at them curiously.Then he took half a dozen steps forward.
"He is going to run away again!" came in a warning from Songbird.
"Not to-day!" sang out Tom, and riding forward, he leaned over and caught the dangling reins. Then, watching his chance, he leaped into the other saddle.
Scarcely had he done this, than the runaway steed began to prance, and kicked up his heels as before. But Tom was on guard, and try his best, the horse could not dislodge the boy.
"Beware, Tom!" cried Sam. "Don't let him throw you, or he may step on you!"
"I don't intend to let him throw me!" was the panting answer.
Finding he could not throw Tom, the horse adopted new tactics. He gave a sudden bound forward and was off with the speed of the wind.
"He is running away with Tom!"
On and on went the steed, and Tom did his best to pull him in, but without result. Then the fun-loving youth smiled grimly and shut his teeth hard.
"All right, Old Fireworks, if you want to run, I'll give you all you want of it," he murmured.
On and on they flew, until a bend in the road shut off the others from view. A mile was covered, and the horse showed signs of slackening his speed.
"No, you don't," said Tom. "You wanted to run, now keep it up for a while," and he slapped the animal vigorously.
Away went the horse, and another quarter of a mile was passed. Then the horse slackened up once more.
"Another run, please," said Tom, and slapped him as before. The horse went on, but at a reduced speed, and came to a halt before another quarter mile was passed.
"Had about enough, eh?" questioned Tom. "Well, you can run a little more, just for good measure."
By the time the next run came to an end, the horse was covered with foam and tired out, for the road was very rough. Tom now turned him back and made him journey along at a fairly good rate of speed.
"Well, I declare, here comes Tom back!" cried Fred on catching sight of the fun-loving Rover. "Are you hurt?"
"Not a bit."
"And the horse?" asked Sam.
"As meek as a lamb—shouldn't wish for a better animal. He wanted a little run, that's all, and I gave it to him."
Soon Dick came up, with Hans riding behind him. The German boy looked at the captured horse with awe.
"Did he bite you?" he questioned.
"No."
"Didn't he hurt you at all?"
"Nary a hurt, Hansy."
"Vonderful!"
"Do you want him back?"
"Not for a dousand tollars, Tom. Of I got to ride him, I valk," continued Hans decidedly.
"Then, supposing you try my horse. He is gentle enough."
"Ton't you been afraid of dot beast?"
"No."
"All right, den, I dook your horse. But of you got killed, it ton't vos mine funeral," added Hans warningly.
The animal Tom had been riding was close by, and soon the German youth was in the saddle and the journey was resumed. They could not go fast, however, for Tom's horse was all but exhausted.
"I think he has learned his lesson," said Tom to his brothers. And so it proved, for after that single "kick-up," the horse gave them no further trouble.
About four o'clock that afternoon, they rode into a place called Harpertown, which was something of a horse-trading center. Some of the horse dealers thought they had come in to do some trading, but lost interest when the boys told them that they were simply on a journey to the Denton plantation.
"We may as well stop here for a while," said Sam. "Perhaps we can get a good supper at the hotel."
"Thought we were going to camp out," remarked Fred. "Build our own camp fire, and all that?"
"We can try that to-morrow, when we are among the hills," said Dick, and by a vote it was decided to stay in Harpertown for supper.
They put up their horses at the livery stable attached to the hotel, and then went to the lavatory to wash up. On coming out and going to the general room of the hostelry, Dick ran into a man who looked familiar to him.
"Why, how do you do, Mr. Monday?" he cried, and put out his hand.
The man looked startled at being addressed so unexpectedly. Then he recognized Dick, and smiled faintly.
"How do you do, Dick Rover?" he said. "I didn't expect to run across you down here."
"Are you at work here, Mr. Monday?"
"Hush! Please do not mention my name," said James Monday hastily. He was a detective who had once done some work for Dick's father, after which he had given up his private practice to take a position with the United States Government.
"All right, just as you please." Dick lowered his voice. "I suppose you are on a case down here?"
James Monday nodded.
"Can I help you in any way?"
"I think not, Rover. Where are you bound?"
"To a plantation about a hundred miles from here," and the eldestRover gave a few particulars.
"Well, I wish you luck," said the government detective. "Now, do me a favor, will you?" he asked earnestly. "Don't act as if you know me, and don't tell anybody who I am."
"I'll comply willingly."
"If your brothers recognize me, ask them to do the same."
"I will."
"I am looking up some rascals and I don't want them to get on to the fact that I am a detective."
"I understand."
At that moment a heavy-set individual with a shock of bushy hair came slouching in. At once James Monday took his departure, the newcomer gazing after him curiously.
Dick waited a moment, and then rejoined Sam and Tom.
"Dick, we just caught sight of a man we know," said Sam. "Can you guess whom?"
"Mr. Day-of-the-week," put in Tom.
Dick put up his hand warningly.
"Don't mention that to a soul," he whispered. "I was just talking to him. He is here on special business, and he wants nobody to know him."
"Then we'll be as mum as a mouse in a cheese," answered Sam.
"Correct," joined in Tom. "But what's his game?"
"I don't know," answered Dick. But he was destined to find out ere he was many days older.
The long ride had made all of the boys hungry, and when they procured supper at the hotel they cleaned up nearly everything that was set before them.
"Nothing the matter with your appetites," observed a sour-looking individual who sat next to Tom at the table.
"Nothing at all, sir," answered the fun-loving youth. "What made you think there was?"
"Eh?"
"What made you think there was something wrong with our internal machinery, whereby we might be wanting in a proper regard for victuals?"
The man stared at Tom, and while a few at the table snickered, the man himself looked more sour than ever.
"See here, don't you poke fun at me!" he cried.
"Never dreamed of it, my dear sir," said Tom, unruffled. "By the way, how's your heart?"
"Why—er—my heart's all right."
"Glad to hear it. Yesterday I heard of a donkey who had his heart on the wrong side of his body. Odd case, wasn't it?"
"See here, you young imp, do you mean to call me a—er—a donkey?" and the man grew red in the face.
"A donkey? Why, no, sir! What put such a notion in your head?"
"You said—"
"So I did. Go on."
"You said—"
"So you said before."
"You said—"
"You said that before. You said, I said, and I said, so I did. It's perfectly clear, as the strainer said to the tea."
By this time, all sitting at the table were on a broad grin. As a matter of fact, the sour-looking man was not liked in that locality, and the boarders were glad to see somebody "take him down."
"I won't put up with your foolishness!" stormed the man. "I am not a donkey, and I want you to know it."
"Well, I am glad you mentioned it," said Tom calmly. "Now, there won't be the least occasion for a mistake."
"Don't insult me!"
"No, sir; I am not looking for work."
"Eh?"
"I said I wasn't looking for work."
"What do you mean by that?"
"That, sir, is a mystery puzzle, and there is a reward of one herring bone for the correct solution. Answers must be sent in on one side of the paper only, and have a certificate added that the sender has not got cold feet."
At this quaint humor, some at the table laughed outright. The sour-looking individual looked thoroughly enraged.
"I—I'll settle with you another time, young man!" he roared, and dashed from the room.
"Tom, you made it rather warm for him," remarked Dick.
"Well, he had no right to find fault with our appetites," grumbledTom. "We are paying for our meals, and I am going to eat what I please."
"And I don't blame you, young man," said a gentleman sitting opposite. "Sladen is very disagreeable to us all and makes himself especially obnoxious to newcomers. He imagines the hotel is here for his especial benefit."
"Well, he wants to treat me fairly, or I'll give him as good as he sends, and better."
During the evening Sladen made himself particularly disagreeable to the Rovers and their chums. This set Tom to thinking, and he asked one of the hotel men what business the man was in and where he usually kept himself.
"He is a traveling salesman," was the answer. "He sells horse and cattle medicine."
"Oh, I see," said Tom, and set his brain to work to play some joke on the sour-looking vender of stock remedies.
Tom's chance came sooner than expected. A batch of colored folks had drifted into the place under the impression that a certain planter was going to give them work at big wages. They were a worthless lot, the scum of other plantations, and nobody wanted them.
Sitting down, Tom penned the following note and got it to one of the negroes in a roundabout fashion:
"The man who wants you and all of the others is Sandy Sladen. He does not dare to say so here at the hotel, but all of you had better go up to him on the sly and tell him you are ready to work, and ask for a dollar in advance—that's the sign that it is all right. Do not let him put you off, as he may want to test you. This is the chance of your life."
The communication was signed with a scrawl that might mean anything. The negro read it and passed it to his friends. All were mystified, but they decided that they must do as the letter said, and without loss of time.
Sladen was sitting in the reading-room of the hotel smoking a cheap cigar, when he was told a negro wished to see him.
"Very well, send him in," he said in his loud, consequential tone.
The burly negro came in almost on tiptoes and, putting his mouth close to Sladen's ear, whispered:
"I'se ready to go to work, sah. Hadn't yo' bettah gib me a dollah, sah?"
"What's that?" demanded the traveling man.
The negro repeated his words in a slightly louder tone.
"I don't want you to work for me!" cried the sour-looking individual."Get out!"
"Dat's all right, sah. I can do it, sah."
"I don't want you."
"Yes, yo' do, sah. Won't you han' ober dat dollah, sah? It will come in mighty useful, sah."
"Say, you're crazy!" cried the traveling man.
By this time two other colored men were coming in. Both approached as secretly as had the first.
"I'se ready to go to work fo' you, sah," said each, and added: "KinI hab dat dollah?"
"Look here, what does this mean?" roared the irate man. "Get away from here, before I boot you out!"
But the negroes did not go, and in a few minutes more three others entered. Soon the reading-room was full of them, all talking in an excited manner.
"We'se ready to work fo' you!" they cried.
"Give me a chance fust?" bawled one big, coal-black fellow.
"No, de fust job comes to me!" put in the man who had received the letter.
"Dat job is mine!" called out a third. "Ain't dat so?" and he caughtSladen by the arm.
This was a signal for the others, and soon they completely surrounded the traveling man, who tried in vain to ward them off.
"Give us dat dollah!" called out several.
"We want work, an' yo' has got to gib it to us."
"Yo' can't bring us to dis town fo' nuffin!"
They pushed and hustled the traveling man all around the room, while the rest of the guests looked on in amazement. Tom and his friends stood by the door and enjoyed the scene immensely.
"He is surely getting all that is coming to him," observed Fred.
"Say, he vos so mad like a bumbles bee," came from Hans.
"If you don't go away, I'll call an officer!" came frantically from the traveling man. "I don't want to hire anybody."
"Yes, yo' do!" was the chorus. "Give us dat dollah!"
By this time the owner of the hotel had heard of the excitement, and he came bustling in.
"See here," he said to Sladen, "you can't use this hotel for an employment office. If you want to hire help, you have got to do it on the outside."
"I don't want help!" stormed the traveling man.
"These men say you sent for them."
"Maybe he wants them to try some of his horse remedies," suggested a man who did not like Sladen. "If so, I advise them not to take the job." And a general laugh arose at the sally.
"You have got to get out of here," said the hotel man, speaking to the negroes. "And you must go, too," he added to the traveling man.
"Me?"
"Yes, you. You have made trouble enough around here. After this, when you come to town, you can go to some other hotel."
"This is an outrage!"
"We want a job, or some money!" bawled two of the colored men. And they rushed at Sladen and began to shake him violently. He pushed them away and started for the door. They went after him, and in the hallway he got into a free fight and almost had his coat torn from his back.
"I'll get even with somebody for this!" he almost foamed. "If I find out who played this joke on me—"
"Go on, and do your talking outside," interrupted the hotel proprietor, and then the disgruntled traveling man had to leave, with the angry mob of colored men following him. He was so pestered by the latter that he had to take a train out of town the very next morning.
"That was piling it on pretty thick, Tom," said Dick, after the excitement was over.
"He deserved it, Dick. I made some inquiries around the hotel, and not a single person liked him. He was the torment of all the hired help, and was keeping them in hot water continually."
"Well, if he finds you out, he'll make it warm for you."
"I intend to keep mum," answered the fun-loving Rover, and he did keep mum. It may be added here that he never met Sladen again.
Dick was down in the stable attached to the hotel on the following morning, when a man came in and approached him. He was the same individual who had drawn near when the eldest Rover was talking to the government detective.
"Getting ready to leave, stranger?" he said in a pleasant tone.
"Yes, we are going to start right after breakfast."
"Bound for the Denton plantation, so I hear?"
"Yes. Do you know Mr. Denton?"
"I met him once or twice—when he was in business in Braxbury. A nice man, so I understand."
"Yes, he is a very nice man."
"It might be that you are related to him?"
"No."
"That's a nice hoss you've been riding."
"I find him so," answered Dick shortly. He did not fancy the appearance of the man who was speaking to him.
"Looks something like a horse was here yesterday and the day before," continued the man, following Dick up. "I reckon you remember him?"
Dick did remember, for the horse had been ridden by James Monday.
"By the way, who was your friend?" added the man with assumed carelessness, but eying Dick closely.
"I can't tell you anything about him," was the sharp answer. "Have you a horse here?" continued Dick, to change the subject.
"Certainly. Then you didn't know the man?"
"Oh, I met him once or twice, years ago—when he was in business up in New York." And without waiting to be questioned further, Dick walked out of the stable. The man eyed him as closely as he had the government detective the day previous.
"He isn't much more than a boy, but I'd like to know if he is out here only for pleasure or on business," said the man to himself. "We can't be too careful in our work," and he smiled grimly.
"That fellow wants to know too much," said the eldest Rover in talking it over with his brother Sam. "I must say I don't like his looks at all."
"Nor I, Dick. I'll wager he has some game up his sleeve."
"Perhaps he is the fellow Mr. Monday is watching?"
"That is possible, too. He was certainly very inquisitive."
After a good breakfast, the Rovers and their friends prepared to resume their journey. From the landlord of the hotel they obtained information regarding the roads and trails to follow.
"They ain't none of the best," said the hotel man. "But they are the best we possess, so you'll have to put up with them," and he laughed at his little joke.
They were soon on the way. A good night's rest had put all in the best of humor, and they joked and sang as they rode along.
"Songbird, this ride ought to be full of inspirations for you," remarked Fred.
"I'll wager he is chockful of poetry at this minute," put in Dick.
"Then, for gracious' sake, turn on the spigot before you explode, Songbird," cried Tom. "Don't pen up your brilliant ideas when they want to flow."
"An idea just popped into my head," said the so-styled poet. "Now you have asked me, you have got to stand for it." And in a deep voice he commenced:
"The road is dusty, the road is long,But we can cheer our way with song,And as we ride with gladsome hearts—"
"Each one can wish he had some tarts," finished Tom, and continued:
"Or pies, or cakes, or ice-cream rare—Good things that make a fellow stare!"
"Don't mention ice-cream!" cried Fred. "Oh, but wouldn't it be fine on such a hot day as this?"
"No ice-cream in this poetry," came from Songbird. "Listen!" and he went on:
"The road doth wind by forests deep,Where soft the welcome shadows creep.Down the valley, up the hill,And then beside the rippling rill.The welcome flowers line the way,Throughout the livelong summer day,The birds are flitting to and fro—"
"They love to flit and flit, you know," came from the irrepressibleTom, and he added:
"The bullfrog hops around the marsh,His welcome note is rather harsh.The lone mosquito shows his bill,And, boring deep, secures his fill."
"Hold on, there!" came from Dick. "I draw the line on mosquitoes in poetry. They can do their own singing."
"And stinging," added Fred gayly.
"Mape I vos make some boultry vonce, ain't it?" said Hans calmly.
"That's it, Hans," cried Sam. "Go ahead, by all means." And the German youth started:
"Der sky vos green, der grass vos plue—I sit town to an oyster stew;Der pirds vos singing all der night—You vill get choked of your collar is tight!Oh, see der rooster scratching hay—Ven der pand begins to blay!At night der sun goes town to ped—Und cofers mid clouds his old red head!At night der moon she vinks at me—"
"—for making such bad poetree!" finished Tom, and added with a groan: "Hans, did you really make that all up by yourself?"
"Sure I did," was the proud answer.
"You must have had to eat an awful lot of mince pie to do it," put in Sam.
"Vot has mince bie to do mit boultry?"
"It's got a lot to do with such poetry as that," murmured Songbird in disgust.
"Oh, I know vots der madder. You vos jealous of me, hey?"
"Sure he is jealous, Hans," said Dick. "Songbird couldn't make up such poetry in a hundred years."
"It runs in der family," went on the German boy calmly. "Mine granfadder he vonce wrote a song. Da sung him py a funeral."
"Did it kill anybody?" asked Fred.
"Not much! It vos a brize song. He got a dollar for doing it."
"It must run in the family, like wooden legs among the soldiers," said Tom, and there the fun for the time being came to an end.
The road now ran up a hill, and then they came to a thick patch of timber. Before they left the timber, they rested for their mid-day lunch, camping out, as suited them.
"This is something like," remarked Fred. "I think it first-rate."
"It is very nice to be outdoors when it doesn't rain," answered Dick.
"How nice it would be if we had the girls along," said Sam.
"Oh, ho! Sam is pining for Grace!" cried Tom teasingly.
"Pooh! you needn't to blow," returned the youngest Rover, blushing. "Last night you called out for Nellie in your sleep. You must have been dreaming of her."
"I'll dream you!" burst out Tom, getting as red as Sam had been, and he made a move as if to throw a cup of coffee at his brother.
"Children! children!" said Dick sweetly. "I am—er—amazed."
"He's sorry because you forgot to mention Dora," said the irrepressibleTom. "Now, Dora is just the cutest—"
"Avast, Tom, or you will get it," said Dick. "We haven't got the girls with us, so let us drop the subject."
It was very pleasant in the timber, and they did not leave until thoroughly rested. Near at hand was a small but pure stream, and here they washed up and watered their horses.
While the others were at the stream, Tom wandered off in the direction of the road. Now they saw him coming back full of excitement.
"Whom do you suppose I saw on the road?" he said.
"Give it up," returned Fred.
"Dan Baxter."
"Baxter!" came in a chorus.
"Yes. He was with that fellow who was at the hotel, the chap with the bushy hair," added Tom to Dick. "The man who asked so many questions."
"Were they on horseback?" asked Sam.
"Yes. When Baxter saw me, he looked frightened. I called to him to stop, but he wouldn't do it."
"Where were the pair going?" asked Dick with interest.
"In the same direction we are going."
"Perhaps we can catch up with them," went on Dick. "Anyway, it is worth trying."
A minute later all were in the saddle and on the trail once more.
"It's odd that Dan Baxter should be out here," observed Sam as they journeyed along. "Can he be following us?"
"It is possible," returned Dick. "You know he would do almost anything to harm us."
"He has got to keep his distance," said Fred. "I shan't put up with any more of his games."
When they came to a turn of the road, they saw Dan Baxter and the bushy-haired man a long distance ahead. The former bully of Putnam Hall was on the lookout for them and at once urged his steed onward at an increased rate of speed.
"He means to get away if he possibly can," cried Songbird. "If we want to catch him, we have got to do our utmost."
On and on they rode, until another turn hid Baxter and his companion from view again.
The bully was frightened, for he did not know what would happen to him if he was caught by the Rovers and their friends in such a lonely spot as this.
The man who was with him, a fellow named Sack Todd, noticed his anxiety, and smiled grimly to himself.
"You're mighty anxious to git away from them fellows," he remarked.
"Well, if I am, what of it?" returned Dan Baxter sharply. So many things had gone wrong lately that he was thoroughly out of humor.
"Oh, I allow you have a perfect right to give 'em the go-by if you want to," answered Sack Todd. "I wouldn't mind helpin' you a bit—maybe. Tell me about 'em, will you?"
"They are fellows I hate, and I've always hated them!" cried the bully fiercely. "We used to go to the same boarding academy, and they did their best to get me into trouble. Then I tried to get square, and that put me in hot water and I had to leave. After that, we had more trouble. They tried to prove I was a criminal."
"I see. Go on."
"It's a long story. I hate 'em, and I'd do almost anything to get square with them."
"Good for you!" cried Sack Todd. "I like a fellow who wants to stand up for himself. But just now you are running away."
"I can't stand up against such a crowd alone. But some day it will be different."
"Let us turn down a side road," said Sack Todd. "That will throw 'em off the scent."
He was a good judge of character, and fancied he could read Baxter's story fairly well. The young man had come down in the world, and he was bitter against everybody and everything.
They passed down a side path and then on to a trail that was all but hidden by the grass and bushes.
"It's a short cut to Cottonton," said the man. "We can reach there in no time by this trail. Very few, though, know of the route."
As they rode along the half-hidden trail, he questioned Dan Baxter more closely than ever, and as a result learned as much as he cared to know. He realized that the former bully was hard up and ready to do almost anything to make some money. What he had possessed, he had spent in gambling and other forms of fast living.
"Perhaps I can put you in the way of making some money," said Sack Todd slowly. "That is, if you are not over particular as to what it is," he added, looking at Baxter sharply.
"I'm not looking for hard work, thank you," was the ready answer. "I am not used to that sort of thing, and couldn't stand it."
"This sort of work would be easy enough. But it would require judgment—and a little nerve at first."
"Well, I think I have fairly good judgment, and, as for nerve—why, try me, that's all."
"Then there is another point to the business. You'd have to drive some pretty sharp bargains."
"I can do that."
"Sometimes the goods are not exactly as represented—"
"I guess I understand, and that wouldn't stop me," and Dan Baxter grinned. "But I'd want pretty good pay."
"I think I can make that suitable—after we know each other better," said Sack Todd.
He continued to draw Baxter out, and hinted at a scheme to make big money. At last, the former bully of Putnam Hall could stand it no longer.
"See here," he cried. "If you mean business, spit out what is in your mind. You can trust me with anything. I am not of the milk-and-water sort. I am out for money, first, last and all the time."
"Then you are a fellow after my own heart," answered the man. "I reckon we can come to terms. But not just yet."
"Well, I've got to have something pretty quick. I am next to dead-broke."
"Perhaps I can help you out a bit."
"I wish you would."
"Here is twenty dollars. I reckon that will prove that I am taking an interest in you." And the bright, crisp bill was handed over.
"Money talks!" cried Dan Baxter. He gazed at the bank note in genuine pleasure. "I am much obliged."
"Here is where I must leave you," went on Sack Todd as they reached a crossing in the trails. "Keep right on, and you'll soon come in sight of Cottonton. Meet me there to-night at the Planters' Rest."
"I will."
"You had better keep out of sight—if those Rovers are on your trail."
"Trust me to lay low," said Baxter with a short laugh.
In another moment the former bully of Putnam Hall found himself alone.Sack Todd had galloped off at a high rate of speed.
"He is certainly an odd sort," mused Baxter. "But I guess he means to do right by me, or he wouldn't lend me a twenty so readily. He must be used to handling big money, by the roll of bills he carried. I wish I possessed such a roll. There must have been several hundred dollars in it, at least."
He felt to make sure that the bill was safe in his pocket, and then continued on his journey. Several times he looked back, but he could see nothing of the Rover boys or their friends.
Dan Baxter felt particularly downcast and desperate. Since the capture of Lew Flapp, he had been without a companion in whom to confide, and the peculiar loneliness among utter strangers was beginning to tell on him. This was one reason why he had told Sack Todd so much of his story.
Coming to the end of the timber and brush-wood, he saw, lying before him in something of a valley, the town of Cottonton, consisting of several well laid out streets and an outlying district of pretty homes. At a distance was the regular road, but so far his enemies were not in sight.
The ride had made Baxter hungry and, reaching the town, he lost no time in hunting up a modest restaurant on a side street, where, he hoped, the Rovers would not find him.
"What can you give me for dinner?" he asked. "I want something good."
A number of dishes were named over, and he selected roast beef, potatoes, beans, coffee and pie. He was quickly served, and pitched in with a will.
"Riding makes a fellow feel hungry," he explained to the proprietor of the eating house, who hovered near.
"Yes, sah, so it does. Going to stay in town, sah?"
"I don't know yet. I'm just looking around."
"Yes, sah, certainly. If you stay, I'll be pleased to furnish meals regularly, sah."
"I'll remember that."
Having disposed of the meal and also an extra cup of coffee, Dan Baxter called for a cigar and lit it. Then he hauled out the twenty-dollar bill. As he did so, he gave a slight start. He had handled a good deal of money in his time, and the bank bill looked just a bit peculiar to him.
"What if it isn't good?" he asked himself.
"Forty-five cents, please," said the restaurant keeper. His usual price for such a meal was thirty cents, but he thought Baxter could stand the raise.
"Sorry I haven't a smaller bill," answered the bully coolly. "I ought to have asked the bank cashier to give me smaller bills."
"I reckon I can change it, sah," said the restaurant man, thinking only of the extra fifteen cents he was to receive.
"Take out half a dollar and have a cigar on me," continued Baxter magnanimously.
"Yes, sah; thank you, sah!" said the man.
He fumbled around, and in a minute counted out nineteen dollars and a half in change. Pocketing the amount, the bully walked out, mounted his horse once more and rode away.
"Nice chap, to pay forty-five cents and then treat me to a cigar," thought the restaurant keeper. "Wish I had that sort coming in every day."
He lit the cigar and smoked it with a relish, particularly so as it had not cost him anything. He put the twenty-dollar bill away, to use when he should go to a neighboring city to buy some household goods, two days later.
When he went to buy his things, they came to twenty-six dollars, and he passed over the new twenty-dollar bill, and also an old one received some weeks before.
"I'll have to get change at the bank," said the store keeper, and left his place to do so. In a few minutes he came back in a hurry.
"See here," he cried. "They tell me one of these bills is a counterfeit."
"A counterfeit!" gasped the restaurant man.
"So the bank cashier says."
"Which bill?"
"The new one."
"You don't mean it! Why, I took that bill in only a couple of days ago."
"Then you got stuck, Mr. Golden."
"Is he sure it's a counterfeit?"
"Dead certain of it. He says it's rather a clever imitation, and that a number of them are afloat around these parts. Where did you get it?"
"A stranger gave it to me," groaned the restaurant keeper. "I thought he was mighty smooth. He treated me to a cigar! I wish I had him here!"
"You had better watch out for him."
"Sure I will. But I suppose he'll know enough to keep out of my way," added the man who had been victimized.
The Rovers reached Cottonton without catching sight of Dan Baxter again, nor did they locate him while stopping at the town.
"He knows enough to keep out of our way," remarked Dick. "Even now he may be watching every move we make."
They did not remain in Cottonton long, and that night found them once more on a trail leading to another patch of timber. All were in excellent spirits, and Hans enlivened the time by singing a song in his broken English in a manner which convulsed them all.
"Hans would make his fortune on the variety stage," remarked Fred."His manner is too funny for anything."
"Vot you said apout a stage?" demanded the German youth. "I ton't vos ride on no stage ven I got a goot horse alretty."
"Fred wants you to go on the stage," said Sam,
"He thinks you might play Shakespeare," said Tom.
"Vot kind of a play is dot Shakespeares?"
"It's a farce in 'steen acts and twice as many scenes," said Dick."You might play the double-tongued mute."
"I like not such a blay. I like dot blay vere da vos all killed off kvick."
"Good gracious! Hans wants to go in for tragedy!" ejaculated Tom."Who would think he was so bloodthirsty. If you keep on like that,Hansy, dear, I'll be afraid you'll murder us in our sleep."
"I like dem murders. Da vos alvays make dem goose skins mine back town."
At this there was a general roar.
"'Goose skins' is good," came from Fred.
"Vot you laffin' at, hey?" demanded Hans.
"Nothing."
"Dere don't been noddings to laugh at by a murder, not so?"
"That's true, Hansy," said Sam.
"Maybe of you vos killed, you vould sit ub and laugh at him, hey?"
"I shouldn't laugh," said Tom. "I'd keep quiet about it."
"Yah, I know you, Tom Rofer. I bet you sixteen cents I vos a better actor mans as you been," continued Hans, warming up.
"I don't doubt it, Hansy. Some day we'll put you on the stage."
"Of I got on der stage, I make me a hundred dollars a veek, I pet you my head!"
"Maybe you'd make two hundred, Hans," suggested Songbird.
"You all peen jealous of vot I can do. But some day I vos show you, you see!" cried the German youth, and rode on ahead, somewhat out of sorts.
They had resolved to camp out that night in true hunter fashion, and approaching a spot that looked inviting, they came to a halt. The place was some distance from the road and ideal in many respects, being on high ground and with a spring of pure water flowing into a tiny brook but fifty feet away.
As they had no tent, they proceeded to make a shelter of boughs, and covered the flooring with the same material. In the meantime, a campfire was lit, and two of the number set about preparing the supper which had been brought along.
"This is all very well, when one has his stuff with him," observed Fred. "But if we had to go out and shoot game or catch fish, it would be a different story."
"Pooh, as if we haven't done that!" cried Tom. "I shouldn't like anything better than to go out into the woods for a month."
By the time the shelter was in readiness for the night, the supper was cooked, and all sat around the campfire to partake of the meal. A certain part of it had been slightly burnt, but to this nobody paid attention, although it would have been noticed if this had occurred at home or at a hotel. But camping out makes such a difference, doesn't it, boys?
"Supposing some wild animals came along to eat us up?" said Sam when they were finishing their meal.
"Are there any wild animals around here?" questioned Songbird.
"I am sure I don't know. There may be bobcats in the timber."
"Vot is a popcat?" asked Hans.
"It's a kind of a wildcat—very strong and very fierce."
"Of dot peen der case, I ton't vonts to meet Mr. Popcat."
"I don't think any of us want to meet such a beast," said Tom. "Is anybody to stay on guard to-night?"
"Don't ask me—I'm too dead tired," said Dick promptly.
"Nor me!" came from the others.
"Let us go to sleep and venture it," said Sam. "I don't think a thing will come near us."
So it was decided, and as soon as the campfire began to die down, one after another of the boys retired. Songbird was the last to lie down, and soon he was slumbering as peacefully as the rest.
Sam had been sleeping perhaps three hours, when he woke up with a slight start. He sat up and tried to pierce the darkness around him.
"Did anybody call?" he questioned after a pause.
Nobody answered, and he listened attentively. The horses had been tethered in the bushes close to the shelter, and now he heard several of the animals move around uneasily.
"Something must be disturbing them," he told himself. "I'll have to get up and see what it is."
At first, he thought he would arouse some of the others, but all appeared to be sleeping so soundly he hated to do so.
"They won't thank me for waking them up, unless it is worth while," was what he told himself.
He arose and felt his way over the others who lay between himself and the opening of the shelter. Outside, there was no moon, but the stars were shining brightly, and he could make out objects that were not too far off.
As he moved toward the horses, he heard a rustling in the bushes. He strained his eyes and made out a dark form stealing along close to the ground.
"A wild beast!" he muttered. "I wish I had a gun."
He turned back to the shelter and aroused Dick, and then Tom. This awoke all of the others.
"What's the matter?" questioned Dick, as he got out a pistol.
"Some sort of a wild animal is prowling around this place."
"Py chiminy! Vos it von of dem catpobs?" ejaculated Hans, turning pale.
"I don't know what it is."
"Where is it now?" came from Fred.
"I don't know that, either. It was slinking around yonder bushes a minute ago."
"Let us stir up the fire," put in Songbird. "All wild animals hate a big blaze." And he set the example, and Hans helped to heap up the brushwood.
"I ton't vont to become acquainted mit dem catpobs nohow," said theGerman youth. "He can go avay so kvick like he come."
After the fire was brightened, there came a painful pause. Each boy was on his guard, with eyes straining from their sockets.
"I see something!" cried Fred suddenly.
"Where?" asked the others in a breath.
"There—but it's gone now."
Again they waited, and soon came a rustling on the other side of the camp, followed by the cracking of a bone which had been thrown away during the evening repast.
"There he is!"
"Shoot him!"
"No, don't shoot!" burst out Tom. "I know what it is."
"What?"
"Nothing but a dog."
"Nonsense."
"I say it is." Tom began to whistle. "Come here, old boy," he went on. "Good dog, come here."
At this, the animal stopped crunching the bone and came forward slowly and suspiciously. It was indeed a large, black dog, with curly hair and lean sides.
"Hullo!" cried Sam. "Come here, that's a good dog. Say, fellows, he looks half starved."
"Are you sure it ain't no catpob?" queried Hans anxiously.
"Yes, Hans," answered Songbird. "He is nothing but a dog, and rather friendly at that."
The dog came closer, wagging his tail slowly and suspiciously. Dick put out his hand and patted him, and then he waved his tail in a vigorous fashion.
"He is willing enough to be friends," said the eldest Rover. "I shouldn't be surprised if he is homeless."
"In that case, we might adopt him," said Tom, who loved a nice dog.
"Let us try him on something to eat," put in Songbird. "There is no meat left on that bone."
Some things had been saved for breakfast, and a portion was set before the newcomer. He devoured it greedily and wagged his tail furiously.
"He feels at home now," said Dick, and he was right. The dog leaped up, first on one and then another, and licked their hands.
"What's your name?" asked Tom, and the dog wagged his tail and gave a low, joyful bark.
"Better call him Wags," suggested Sam. "He seems to be death on keeping that tail going."
"Wags it is," announced Tom. "How do you like it, Wags, old boy?"And the dog barked again and leaped up and down several times in joy.
"Vell, he vos goot enough," was Hans' comment. "Bud I ton't see vy he couldn't introduce himselluf by der daydime alretty. I vos going to ped again," and he rubbed his eyes sleepily.
"So am I going to bed," said Fred. "Tom, are you going to stay awake to watch the dog?"
"No, he is going to sleep with me," answered the fun-loving youth."Come on, Wags, get your nightcap and come to bed."
He made a certain move of his hand and the canine suddenly sat upon his haunches and cocked his head to one side.
"Hullo, he's a trick dog!" exclaimed Dick. "Shake hands," and the dog did so. Then, as Sam snapped his fingers, the animal began to walk around the camp on his hind legs.
"I'll wager he knows a lot of tricks," said Tom. "And, if so, he must be valuable."
"Then whoever owns him will want him back," was Songbird's comment.
"Well, I guess he can travel with us until somebody claims him," saidTom; and so it was decided.
On the following morning there was the promise of a storm in the air, and the boys felt a bit blue over the prospects. But, by nine o'clock, the sun came out as brightly as ever and they were correspondingly elated.
"I don't care to do any camping out in wet weather," said Fred. "I got enough of that at the Hall."
"Well, when you camp out, you must take what comes, as the shark said when he swallowed a naval officer and found a sword sticking in his throat," answered Tom. "We can't have the weather built to order for anybody."
Wags was up and moving around, with his tail wagging as furiously as ever. He seemed to feel perfectly at home.
"Acts as if he had known us all our lives," said Dick. "He is certainly a fine creature, or he will be after he is fed up a bit."
"If he belongs around here, I don't see how he should be starved," said Sam.
"Well, you must remember, there are some pretty poor folks living in these parts, Sam. The colored folks are passionately fond of dogs, and very often they don't have enough to support themselves."
"I am going to claim Wags as my own until his rightful owner comes along," announced Tom. "Maybe I'll even take him home with me. Our old dog is dead."
This was final, and nobody saw fit to dispute the decision. So Wags was given his breakfast, after which the party struck camp, and the journey for the Denton plantation was continued.
The timber passed, they came out on a long stretch of prairie land leading to the high hills beyond.
"Here we are on the plains!" cried Sam. "Who wants to race?" And off he rode at top speed, with some of the others following. Even Wags seemed to enjoy the brush, and barked continually as he ran ahead and leaped up before one horse and then another.
Sam's wild ride on the plains lasted rather longer than the others had anticipated, and when it came to an end, all found themselves away from the beaten trail which they had been pursuing. They came to a sudden stop and gazed around in perplexity.
"Here's a mess," said Dick.
"Where's the trail?"
"That is what I want to know."
"I think it is over yonder."
"I think it is in the opposite direction."
All of the boys began to talk at once, and then followed a dead silence for several seconds.
"One thing is certain—the trail can't be in two directions," said Tom.
"He can pe if he vos krooked," said Hans wisely.
"It was a fairly straight trail," observed Fred. "I can't see how we happened to leave it."
"I was following Sam," said Songbird. "You can't blame me."
"So was I following Sam," added several of the others.
"And I was having a good time on the horse," said the youngest Rover. "I thought in the bunch there would be at least one who would look after the trail."
"So it is really nobody's fault," said Dick quickly, to avoid a possible quarrel. "The question is: how are we going to find the trail again?"
"I know how," put in Hans calmly.
"How?"
"Look for him."
"Thanks, awfully," said Tom. "That is a bright as a burnt-out match."
"Just the same, that is what we will have to do, Tom," said Dick."Let us divide up, and some go to the right and some to the left."
This was considered a good plan and was carried out without delay.Ten minutes later, Songbird set up a shout:
"Upon this ground,The trail is found.All come right hereAnd see it clear."
"Good for Songbird!" cried Tom. "He gets a last year's tomato as a reward. Songbird, will you have it in tissue paper or a trunk?"
"Well, the trail is plain enough," was Dick's comment, as he came riding up. "I can't see how we missed such a well-defined path."
The run had tired their horses somewhat, and all were willing to proceed further on a walk. They were coming to a fringe of bushes on the plain, and here found a stream of water.
"Not a ranch or a plantation of any kind in sight," announced Fred as he gazed around while some of the steeds obtained a drink. "What a wilderness certain portions of our country are!"
"Plenty of chances for emigrants," returned Songbird. "We are a long way from being filled up."
"The trouble is, so I have heard father say, so many of the emigrants stay in the big cities, rather than come out to the country," put in Sam.
Having rested for a spell at the brook, they proceeded on their way once more. The air was growing warmer and, as the sun mounted higher in the sky, they wished they were in the shadow of a forest once more.
"What a journey it must be to cover some of the immense Western plains on horseback," remarked Songbird. "To ride for miles and miles—maybe all day—without seeing a cabin or a human being."
"We know something of that," answered Dick. "We liked our trip outWest, though," he added.
Toward the middle of the afternoon they reached the first stunted growth of timber growing at the base of the hills toward which they had been journeying. At noon, as it was so hot, they had not stopped for lunch, and now they proceeded to make themselves comfortable on a patch of thick grass. Even Wags was willing to lie down and stretch out. The dog acted as if he had been a member of the party since starting from home.