Project Gutenberg's The Rover Boys in New York, 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 in New York or, Saving Their Father's Honor Author: Arthur M. Winfield Posting Date: May 31, 2012 [EBook #5003] Release Date: February, 2004 First Posted: April 7, 2002 Language: English Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 *** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ROVER BOYS IN NEW YORK *** Produced by Jim Weiler The Rover Boys In New York or Saving Their Father's Honor by Arthur M. Winfield COPYRIGHT, 1913, BY EDWARD STRATEMEYER INTRODUCTION My Dear Boys: This volume is a complete story in itself, but forms the seventeenth in a line issued under the general title of "The Rover Boys Series for Young Americans." As I have mentioned several times, in other volumes, this line was started with the publication of "The Rover Boys at School," "On the Ocean" and "In the Jungle." The cordial reception afforded the stories called for the publication of the next volume, "The Rover Boys Out West," and then, year after year, by the issuing of "On the Great Lakes," "In Camp," "On Land and Sea," "On the River," "On the Plains," "In Southern Waters," "On the Farm," "On Treasure Isle," "At College," "Down East," and then by "In the Air," where we last met them. The boys are not as young as they once were—indeed, in this book, Dick, the oldest, gets married and settles down to business. But all are as bright and lively as ever, and Tom is just as full of fun. When they go to New York City they have some strenuous times, and all prove their worth in more ways than one. Their father is in deep trouble and they aid him, and clear up quite a mystery. Up to this writing, the sale on this line of books is but a trifle short of one million and a quarter copies! This is to me, of course, tremendously gratifying. Again, as in the past, I thank my many readers for their interest in what I have written for them; and I trust the perusal of my works will do them good. Affectionately and sincerely yours, Arthur M. Winfield. CHAPTER I THE BOYS AT BRILL "Boys, what do you say to a trip in the Dartaway this afternoon?" "Suits me, Sam," replied Tom Rover. "Providing the breeze doesn't get too strong," returned Dick Rover, as he put up his hand to feel the air. "Oh, I don't think it will blow too much," went on Sam Rover. "I don't mind some air." "But no more storms for me!" cried his brother Tom, with a shake of his head. "That last old corker was enough for me." "Where shall we go?" questioned Dick, with a queer little smile creeping around the corners of his mouth. "Oh, my, just to hear Dick!" cried Tom, with a grin. "As if he would go anywhere but to Hope Seminary, to call on Dora!" "And as if you would go anywhere but to call on Nellie, at the same place!" retorted the oldest Rover boy. "Now, children, children'" came sweetly from Sam. "You mustn't quarrel about the dear girls. I know both of you are as much gone as can be. But ——" "And how about Grace, Sam?" said Tom. "Didn't I hear you making up some poetry about her yesterday, 'Those limpid eyes and pearly ears, and'——" "Rats, Tom! I don't make up poetry—I leave that to Songbird," interrupted the youngest Rover boy. "Just the same, it will be nice to call on the girls. They'll be looking for us some day this week." "That's right—and maybe we can give them a little ride," put in Dick Rover. "Do you remember the ride we gave Dora and Nellie, when we rescued them from Sobber, Crabtree, and the others?" asked Tom. "Not likely to forget that in a hurry," answered his big brother. "By the way, I wonder when the authorities will try those rascals?" "Not right away, I'm thinking, Dick," answered Tom. "The law is rather slow up here in these back counties." "Never mind—they will get what is coming to them sooner or later," was Sam's comment. "Abduction is rather a serious offense." "Right you are," answered Dick. "And I'll be glad to see Crabtree, Sobber, and our other enemies behind the bars. Then they won't be able to bother us any more." "That will be the end of Sobber's efforts to annex the Stanhope fortune," mused Sam. "How hard he did try to get it away from Mrs. Stanhope and the girls!" "I shouldn't have minded that had he used fair methods, Sam," returned the big brother. "But when it came to stealing and abducting——" "Hello, you fellows!" shouted a voice from behind the Rover boys. "Plotting mischief?" "Not just now, Stanley," answered Dick, as his college chum caught him by the shoulder and swung him around playfully. "Want to go for a row on the river?" asked Stanley Browne. "Not just now, Stanley. I've got a lecture to attend, and this afternoon we are going over to Hope in the biplane." "Wish I had a flying machine," said the student, wistfully. "Better swap the boat for one," suggested Sam. "No, I think rowing is safer. Some day, if you are not careful, you'll get an awful tumble from that machine." "We try to be as careful as possible," answered Dick. "Seriously, though, Stanley, I don't care for flying as much as I thought I would." "Is that so? Now, I thought you were planning a honeymoon trip by aeroplane. Think of the novelty of it!" "No, a steamboat or a parlor car will be good enough for me, when I go on a honeymoon trip," answered Dick, and for a very good reason he blushed deeply. "Hello, William Philander Tubbs!" cried Tom, as a tall, dudish-looking student crossed the college campus. "What's the price of eggs this morning?" "What is that, Tom?" questioned the stylishly-dressed youth, as he turned in the direction of the others. "I asked what was the price of eggs?" said Tom, innocently. "The—er—the price of eggs? How should I know?" stammered William Philander Tubbs in astonishment. "Weren't you in the chicken business once?" "Gracious me! No, Tom, no!" "Funny I made the mistake—and I want to know the price of eggs the worst way," went on the fun-loving Rover, innocently. "What do you want to know the price of eggs for?" questioned William Philander, curiously. "Why, you see, we've got a new problem in geometry to solve, and the price of eggs will help out," continued Tom, looking very serious. "What is it, Tom?" "It's this, Tubby, my boy. If the diameter of an egg ten degrees west of its North Pole is two and eleven-tenths inches, what is the value of the shell unfilled? I thought you might help me out on that." "Tom, you are poking fun at me!" cried the dudish student, as a snicker went up from the other youths. "And please don't call me Tubby, I beg of you," pleaded William Philander. "All right, Billy Gander," murmured Tom. "It shan't occur again." "Billy Gander! That is worse than Tubby!" groaned the dudish youth. "Oh, you are awful!" he added, and strode off, trying to look very indignant. "Poor Tubbs, I wonder if he will ever be sensible and get over his dudish ways," was Dick's comment. "I doubt it—for it seems to be born in him," returned Sam. "But he's a good sort with it all," ventured Stanley Browne. "First-rate," agreed Tom. "But I—well, I simply can't help poking fun at him when he's around, he's such a dandy, and so lordly in his manner." "Here comes Songbird!" interrupted Sam. "And, see, he is writing verses, as usual. I wonder——" "Look!" exclaimed Dick. "Oh! There's a collision for you!" William Philander Tubbs had started across the campus with his head high in the air. He was looking to one side and did not notice the approach of another student, who was coming forward thoughtfully, carrying a pad in one hand and writing as he walked. There was a sudden meeting of the pair, and the pad fell to the ground and with it the fancy headgear the dudish student was wearing. "Oh, I—er—I beg your pardon, really I do, don't you know!" stammered William Philander. "Great Hannibal's tombstone!" spluttered the other student. "What are you trying to do, Tubbs, knock me down?" "I beg your pardon, Powell, I didn't see you coming," answered the other, as he picked up his hat and commenced to brush it off with care. "You must be getting blind," growled John Powell, otherwise known as Songbird. "Confound the luck—you spoilt one of my best rhymes," he added, as he stooped to pick up his writing pad. "Sorry, upon my honor I am," returned William Philander. "Can I help you out on it?" "I don't think you can. Did you ever try to write poetry—real poetry, I mean?" "No, my dear boy, no. I'm afraid I would not be equal to it." "Then I don't see how you are going to help me," murmured Songbird, and he passed on a few steps, coming to a halt presently to jot down some words on his pad. "Hello, Songbird!" called out Tom. "How is the Muse to-day, red-hot?" For a moment John Powell did not answer, but kept on writing. Then his face broke out into a sudden smile. "There, that's it!" he cried. "I've got it at last! I knew I'd get it if I kept at it long enough." "Knew you'd get what, the measles?" asked the fun-loving Tom. "'Measles' nothing!" snorted the would-be poet. "I have been writing a poem on 'The Springtime of Love,' and I wished to show how——" "'The Springtime of Love!'" interrupted Tom. "That must be a second cousin to the ditty entitled ''Tis Well to Meet Her at the Well.'" "I never heard of such a poem," answered Songbird, with a serious air. "How does it go?" "It doesn't go, Songbird; it stands still. But what have you got on the pad?" "Yes, let us hear the latest effusion," put in Sam. "But not if it takes too long," was Dick's comment. "I've only got about ten minutes before that lecture on 'The Cave Dwellers.'" "I can give Songbird six minutes," said Stanley, as he consulted his watch. "This is—er—something of a private poem," stammered Songbird. "I wrote it for a—er—for a personal friend of mine." "Minnie Sanderson!" cried Sam, mentioning the name of a farmer's daughter with whom all were well acquainted, and a young lady Songbird called on occasionally. "Read it, anyway, Songbird," said Dick. "Well, if you care to hear it," responded the would-be poet, and he began to read from the pad: "In early Spring, when flowers bloom In garden and on fields afar, My thoughts go out to thee, sweet love, And then I wonder where you are! When pansies show their varied hues And birds are singing as they soar, I listen and I look, and dream Of days when we shall meet once more!" "Grand! fine! immense!" murmured Tom. "Byron couldn't hold a candle to that, Songbird!" "I listen to the tiny brook That winds its way o'er rock and sand And in the running water see A face that—that—that——" "Go ahead, Songbird!" cried Sam, as the would-be poet stumbled and halted. "I—er—I had the last line, but Tubbs knocked it out of me," grumbled Songbird. "And say, he knocked something else out of me!" he exclaimed suddenly. "I was going to tell you an important bit of news." "You were?" cried Dick. "What?" "The word just came in over the telephone, from the weekly newspaper office. Doctor Wallington said you would want to know about it." "But what is it?" demanded Sam, impatiently. "Josiah Crabtree has escaped from jail." "Escaped!" ejaculated Tom. "Why, we were just talking about him!" put in Dick "When did this happen?" "Last night, so the newspaper man said. It seems there was a small fire at the jail—down in the kitchen. There was great excitement, for supper was just being served. In the excitement three of the prisoners, who were out of their cells, escaped. Josiah Crabtree was one of them." "Too bad!" murmured Sam. "And we thought he was safe!" "This spells Trouble for us," was Tom's comment, and Dick nodded his head, to show that he was of the same opinion. CHAPTER II ABOUT THE PAST "Did you get any more particulars?" asked Sam, of the college poet. "No. The newspaper man was busy, so the Doctor said, and didn't have time to go into details," answered Songbird. "Did he say who the other prisoners were who got away?" asked Dick. "Yes, a tramp who was up for robbing a man on the road and a bank clerk who took some money from the bank." "None of the crowd we are interested in," said Tom. "I'm glad of it," returned his older brother. "It is bad enough for Crabtree to get away. I hope they keep a strict guard over the others after this." "Oh, they will, rest assured of that," came from Stanley Browne. "The head jailer will get a raking over the coals for this, mark my words." "The Stanhopes and the Lanings will be sorry to learn that Crabtree got away," said Sam. "I wonder if they aren't searching for him," mused Sam. "Oh, they'll search for all of them," put in Songbird. "I think the newspaper man said the sheriff had a posse out." "Too bad!" said Dick, shaking his head gravely. "And just when we felt sure old Crabtree wouldn't be able to give us any more trouble!" "It beats the nation, what that man can do!" cried Sam. "Maybe be hypnotized one of the jailers—just as he hypnotized Mrs. Stanhope years ago. "He'd be equal to it—if he got the chance," answered Tom; and then all of the students had to go in to their classes. To those who have read the previous volumes in this "Rover Boys Series" of books, the lads we have just met will need no special introduction. For the benefit of my new readers, however, let me state that the Rover boys were three in number, Dick being the oldest, fun-loving Tom coming next, and Sam being about a year younger still. When at home they lived with their father, Anderson Rover, and their Uncle Randolph and Aunt Martha on a beautiful farm called Valley Brook, in New York State. Years before, and while their father was in Africa, the three boys had been sent by their uncle to Putnam Hall Military Academy, as related in detail in the first volume of this series, called "The Rover Boys at School." At the Hall they had made a number of friends, including Songbird Powell and the dudish student, William Philander Tubbs. They had also made some enemies, who did their best to bring the Rover boys to grief, but without success. A term at school had been followed by a short cruise on the ocean, and then a trip to the jungles of Africa, whither the lads went to find their father, who had disappeared. Then, during vacation, the boys took a trip West, and then another trip on the Great Lakes. After that they went in the mountains, and then came back to Putnam Hall, to go into camp with their fellow cadets. This term at Putnam Hall was followed by a long journey on land and sea, to a far-away island of the Pacific, where the boys and their friends had to play "Robinson Crusoe" for a while. Then they returned to this country, and, in a houseboat, sailed down the Ohio and the Mississippi Rivers. After leaving the Mississippi they took an outing on the plains, and then went down into southern waters, where, in the Gulf of Mexico, they solved the mystery of a deserted steam yacht. "And now for home and a big rest!" said Dick, and they went back to the farm. But here something very unusual occurred, and the boys had as lively a time as ever. While at school the three Rover boys had become well acquainted with three girls, Dora Stanhope and her cousins, the two Laning sisters, Nellie and Grace. Dora was the only daughter of Mrs. Stanhope, a widow, and soon she and Dick became the warmest of friends, while Tom was quite taken by Nellie, and Sam often "paired off" with Grace. In those days Josiah Crabtree had been an instructor at Putnam Hall. He was very dictatorial, and none of the cadets liked him, and the Rovers liked him still less when they learned that he was trying to practically hypnotize Mrs. Stanhope into marrying him, so that he could get control of the fortune which the widow was holding in trust for Dora. They foiled the teacher's efforts to wed the lady, and in the end Josiah Crabtree had to leave Putnam Hall. Later still he was arrested for some of his misdeeds and given a short sentence in jail. The Stanhope fortune, as a part of the money coming to the Stanhopes and the Lanings was called, had come to Mr. Stanhope in a peculiar way, and some outsiders claimed the treasure, which, at that time, was secreted in a spot among the West Indies called Treasure Isle. There was a lively chase to get there first, but the Rovers won out, and because of this their enemies were more bitter than ever. The boys had finished their term at Putnam Hall and on their return home became students at Brill College, a fine institution of learning of the Middle West. At the same time Dora, Nellie, and Grace became pupils at Hope Seminary, located not many miles from Brill. At the college the Rovers made many friends, including Stanley Browne, already introduced, and Will, otherwise known as "Spud," Jackson, a lad who loved potatoes, and who also loved to tell big yarns. A term at college had been followed by a trip down East, taken for a peculiar reason, and then, while on a visit home, the three lads had become the possessors of an up-to-date biplane, which they named the Dartaway. In the biplane, as related in the volume before this, called "The Rover Boys in the Air," our heroes made a somewhat spectacular trip from the farm to the college campus, much to the amazement of their fellow collegians and their instructors. Later they made a trip through the air to Hope Seminary, and at that time Dick was delighted to place upon Dora's finger a diamond engagement sing. A short while later an alarming thing occurred. The boys were out in the Dartaway when they met Grace on the road and learned that Dora and Nellie had been abducted by Josiah Crabtree, Tad Sobber, and some of their other old enemies. They gave chase in the biplane, and, after several adventures, located the girls in a lonely mansion in the country, where they were prisoners, in charge of Sobber's aunt The boys at once went for the authorities, and, after something of a fight, the rascals were made prisoners, and the girls were rescued and taken back to the Seminary. "You will appear against these scoundrels?" asked the sheriff, Jackson Fells, of the Rover boys, as they were about to leave the sheriff's office at Plankville. "We'll appear all right enough," Tom had answered. "Why, Mr. Sheriff, you couldn't beat us away with a club!" And so it had been arranged that the Rover boys should appear in court against the evildoers whenever wanted. Then Crabtree, Sobber, and the others had been put under lock and key in the old-fashioned country jail; and there, for the time being, the matter had rested. "I wish we could learn more about Crabtree's escape," remarked Tom, as he and his brothers entered the main building of the college. "So do I," added Sam. "Can't we telephone over to Plankville, to Sheriff Fells?" "More than likely the sheriff is out, hunting for Crabtree and the others," answered Dick. "But I'll tell you what we might do—if the weather stays good," he added, suddenly. "Sail to Plankville in the Dartaway?" queried both of the others. "Yes, if Doctor Wallington will give us permission." "He ought to—since we are so much interested in this case," returned Tom. "We'll find out, as soon as the morning session is over," said the eldest Rover boy; and then all hurried to their classes, for the final bell had ceased to ring. It was hard work for the boys to keep their minds on their lessons. Dick, especially, was very serious, and for a good reason. Something was worrying him greatly—something of which Tom and Sam knew little. What it was we shall learn later. The boys had a quarter of an hour after classes before going to lunch, and they immediately sought out Doctor Wallington, whom they found in his private office. "Yes, it is too bad that that rascal Crabtree escaped," said the head of the college. "I can well imagine that you are worried—since he has caused you and your friends so much trouble in the past. Let us hope that the authorities will quickly recapture him." "Have you had any further word, sir?" asked Dick. "I had word at eleven o'clock, from the newspaper office. Up to that time he had not been located." "We wish to ask a favor," went on Dick, and spoke about the proposed trip to Plankville. "Very well, you may go, and in your biplane if you deem it safe," said the worthy doctor. Secretly he was quite proud of the students' success with the Dartaway, as it had advertised Brill College not a little. "Possibly we won't be able to get back until to-morrow," said Tom. "We may be detained, or it may storm." "Take your time on the trip. Only be careful that you have no accidents." "We'll try to be careful," answered Dick, with a grim smile. "We don't want a tumble if we can help it." "It is a grand sport," answered the head of the college. "Before long I expect to see aeroplanes in constant use." "Wouldn't you like to go up with us some day, Doctor?" questioned Tom, slyly. "Well—er—perhaps, Thomas. But not just yet. I wish—er—to see them more in general use first." And then the doctor bowed the students out. The boys lost no time in preparing for the trip to Plankville. After a somewhat hasty lunch they put on their flying suits and then went down to where the Dartaway was housed, in one of the buildings attached to the gymnasium. "Looks to be all right," remarked Dick, after an inspection of the flying machine, and while Sam and Tom were filling the gasoline tank and the oil distributor. The engine was tried out for a minute, and found to be in perfect order. As usual, as soon as the explosions of the motor were heard, a crowd commenced to gather, to see the start of the flight. "Wish you luck!" cried Stanley. "Say, look out that you don't forget how to stop and sail to the North Pole!" sang out Spud Jackson. "As if that could really occur!" murmured William Philander Tubbs, with a lofty look of, disdain. "Sure it could happen," returned Spud, good-naturedly. "Why, I heard of an airman who went up once and forgot how to turn his machine down, and he went around and around in a circle for sixteen hours. And then he dropped ker-plunk right on top of a baker's wagon and smashed twenty- six pies—all because his gasoline gave out." "Ridiculous!" murmured William Philander. "Absolute fact, Tubbs," responded Spud, earnestly. "Come with me, some day, and I'll show you where the pies made a dent in the street when the flying machine struck 'em." And then a general laugh went up, and the dudish student stepped back in the crowd, out of sight. "All aboard!" sang out Dick, as he hopped into the driver's seat and took hold of the wheel. "Start her up, somebody!" Sam and Tom got aboard and willing hands grasped the propellers and gave each a twist. Bang! bang! bang! went the explosions, and soon the propellers were revolving swiftly, and then with a swoop the Dartaway ran over the campus on its wheels and suddenly arose in the air. A cheer went up, and the students threw up their caps. Then Dick swung around in a quarter circle and headed directly for Plankville. It was an ideal day for flying, not too hot or too cold, and with very little breeze, and that of the "steady" kind, not likely to develop "holes"—the one great terror of all airmen. "Wish we had the girls along," remarked Sam, when they were well on the way. "Not for this trip, Sam," answered Dick, grimly. "We have got our work cut out for us." "Why, what do you mean?" "If old Crabtree hasn't been caught yet me must see if we can't round him up." CHAPTER III A USELESS HUNT "Say, that's the talk!" cried Tom, quickly. "I hadn't thought of that,—but it's just what we ought to do." "It won't be easy, Tom," said his younger brother. "The chances are that Crabtree has made good use of his time. He may be hundreds of miles away—bound for the West or the South, or Canada or Europe." "Well, we can have a try at finding him, anyway," put in Dick. "Sometimes a criminal sticks close to the jail until the excitement is over, Look at those fellows who escaped from jail in New York City not long ago. The detectives thought they had gone to Chicago or St. Louis, and all the while they were on the East Side, right in New York!" "Oh, my! but wouldn't I just like to land on old Crabtree!" muttered Tom. "I think I'd be apt to put him in the hospital first and jail afterwards! He certainly deserves it—for all the trouble he has caused us and our—er—friends." "'Friends' is good, with Dick engaged to marry Dora and you as good as engaged to Nellie," snorted Sam "Precisely, and you and Grace making goo-goo eyes at each other," added Tom, with a wink at his younger brother. Then he quickly changed the subject. "Dick, do you think you can strike a straight course for Plankville?" "I'll try it," was the answer. "I don't think I'll go much out of the way." The Dartaway had a powerful motor, and once on the right trail the eldest Rover advanced his gasoline and spark, and they went rushing through the air at express-train speed. The boys were provided with face guards, so they did not mind this. They did not fly high, and so kept the railroad and other familiar objects fairly well in view. They passed over several villages, the inhabitants gazing up at them in open-mouthed wonder, and finally came in sight of a big church spire that they knew belonged in Plankville. Then Dick slowed down the engine, and soon they floated down in an open field close to the main street and not a great distance from the sheriff's office and the jail. "Well, it certainly didn't take long to get here," cried Tom, as he consulted his watch. A man who lived close by was approaching and he readily agreed, for a small amount, to guard the biplane. "Have they caught those men who escaped from the jail?" asked Sam, of the man. "Got two on 'em," was the reply. "Dacker and Penfield." "What of Crabtree?" asked Dick. "Nuthin' doin', up to an hour ago. The sheriff is out with about ten men, lookin' fer him." "Then there is no use of our going to the sherif's office," said Dick to his brothers "We'll go right to the jail." "Will they let us in?" asked Sam. "In the office, yes. We won't want to go to the cells," answered Dick, with a short laugh. When they reached the office of the jail they found several men present, including the head keeper and one of the State detectives. The keeper had seen the Rover boys at the time of the capture of Crabtree and the others and he smiled a little as he shook hands. "Bad business," he said, in answer to a question Dick put. "But I can't exactly blame my men for what happened." "Weren't you here at the time?" asked Tom. "No, I was out of town—calling on my mother, who is very old and quite sick. There was a fire in the pantry off the kitchen, and for a few minutes it looked as if the old jail would burn to the ground. Of course the guards got excited, and all they thought of was to put out the blaze—and it's a good thing they did that. That's how the prisoners got away. I suppose you've heard that we rounded up two of them." "Yes," answered Dick. "Have they any idea what became of Crabtree?" "I haven't. If the sheriff knows anything he hasn't told it. By the way, boys, I'll tell you something, now you are here. That man is a hypnotist!" "We know it," said Dick "I thought I told you." "He tried to hypnotize one of the men one day,—almost got away, doing it!" "Did he hire any lawyer to defend him?" asked Tom, curiously. "I don't know about a lawyer. He had a man out to see him, several times. The two were very friendly." "They were?" cried Dick. "I never knew Josiah Crabtree had any friends, outside of the rascals he associated with. Who was the man?" "He gave his name as John Smith. But I guess that was false, for he acted as if he didn't want to be known." "What kind of a looking man was he?" asked Sam. "Why, he was a tall, thin fellow with a very pointed chin, and bushy black hair and heavy black eyebrows. When he spoke his voice had a regular rumble to it." At this description the Rover boys shook their heads. They could think of nobody they had met who would fit the picture. "When was that man here last?" asked Dick. "A couple of days ago. I didn't like him for a cent, but as the prisoners haven't been convicted of any crimes as yet I had to let 'em see their friends," explained the jail keeper. "What of Sobber, Larkspur and the others?" questioned Tom. "All safe enough. Nobody else is going to get out of here if I can help it," and the keeper shook his head decidedly. The boys remained at the jail for a while longer, and heard the particulars of how the fire had originated and of how the prisoners had gotten away. Two of the men had kept together, but Crabtree had gone off by himself, and the last seen of him was when he was running for the river, which flowed some distance back of the jail. "Let us go down to the river and take a look around," suggested Dick, at last, and bidding the jailer good-bye, they hurried away. Along the river bank they found several men and boys, all looking for Crabtree, some thinking there might be a reward offered for the capture of the criminal. The Rovers joined in the hunt for the best part of an hour, but without success. "It's worse than looking for a pin in a haystack," grumbled Tom, presently. "We might as well give it up." "Let us walk around the town and see if we can learn anything," suggested his big brother. They walked down the main street of Plankville from end to end, questioning several people they knew. At last they got word that a mysterious automobile had passed through the town about midnight of the day Josiah Crabtree had broken from jail. But who had been in the touring car nobody could tell. "He may have escaped in that," declared Dick. "And if he did, that man who came to see him at the jail had the car," added Sam. "Just what I think," cried Tom. "Well, if he got away in an auto there is no use of our looking for him here," he added, with a sigh. Nevertheless, the boys hung around Plankville for an hour longer. Then they got aboard of the Dartaway, and with Tom at the wheel, and Dick with a pair of field glasses to his eyes, swung in several circles about the neighborhood. "No use," declared the oldest Rover boy, at last. "It is getting late. We might as well return to college. We can do nothing here." "Haven't we got time to go to Hope?" asked Sam, a bit wistfully. "Well, I don't know," answered his big brother, just as wistfully. "Let us take time—Doctor Wallington didn't want us to hurry back," put in Tom. "I think the girls ought to know about this, so as to be on guard, in case old Crabtree tries to molest them again." As the lads were all of one mind, the biplane was headed in the direction of Hope. As before, the flying machine swung through the air at a good rate of speed, and half an hour before sundown they came in sight of the Seminary buildings. "Wonder where they are?" mused Dick, as the biplane came to earth at the spot where they had landed before. "If they are around they must have heard us," answered Tom. "The engine makes noise enough to wake the dead." And this was well expressed, for the motor, like many of the flying machine kind, had no muffler attached, and the explosions were not unlike the firing of a gatling gun. Some girls had seen them come down, and presently the boys saw three figures hurrying towards them. "Oh, what made you come so late?" cried Grace, as she rushed up and shook hands with Sam and then with the others. "We thought you might come to-day," put in Nellie, as she beamed on Tom, and extended both hands. "I heard the machine first," declared Dora, and came straight to Dick, who did not hesitate to give her the hearty kiss to which he thought his engagement entitled him. "We have been to Plankville," came from Tom and Sam, in a breath. "Have you heard the news?" questioned their big brother, and he looked anxiously from Dora to her cousins. "What news?" cried Dora, quickly. "We have heard nothing unusual." "Josiah Crabtree broke out of the Plankville jail and ran away." "Oh, Dick!" and Dora grew suddenly pale. "Do you really mean it?" "When was this?" demanded Nellie. "Tell us all about it," supplemented Grace. "We can't tell you any more than what we have heard," answered Sam. "We just got word ourselves this morning." Then the boys told their story and answered innumerable questions which the girls put to them. "This will be bad news for mother," said Dora, to Dick. "She is afraid of Josiah Crabtree, and always has been—because of his strange hypnotic power." "I don't think he will dare to show himself—at least, not for a while, Dora," he answered. "He knows only too well that the jail is waiting to receive him." "That strange man with the bushy eyebrows and the pointed chin must have helped him to get away," was Nellie's comment. "So we think," answered Tom. "But who was he?" questioned her sister. "That's a conundrum we can't answer," returned Sam. "I think he was waiting around with that auto, and as soon as the fire started Crabtree saw the chance he wanted and got out." "Maybe Crabtree started the fire?" suggested Dora. "No, that was purely an accident—so the jailer says. The wind blew a curtain against a lamp and the burning curtain fell into some excelsior in a box of new dishes. The excelsior made quite a blaze and a lot of smoke, and everybody in the jail was badly frightened for a while." After that the talk became general, and quite unconsciously Dick and Dora strolled off by themselves, down towards a tiny brook that flowed past the campus grounds. "You must be very careful, Dora, now that Crabtree is at liberty," said the eldest Rover boy. "I wouldn't have him run off with you again for the world," he added, tenderly. "I shall watch out, Dick,—and I'll make the others watch out, too." And then, as he squeezed her hand, she added, in a lower voice: "How is that other matter coming along?" "Not very well, Dora," and Dick's face became more serious than ever. "Can't your father manage it?" "I don't think so. You see, he isn't in very good health—he breaks down every once in a while. Those business matters worry him a great deal." "Can't your uncle help him?" "No, Uncle Randolph means well, but he is no business man—he showed that when he allowed those men to swindle him out of those bonds," went on Dick, referring to an event which has been related in detail in "The Rover Boys on the Farm." "But what can you do, Dick?" questioned the girl, earnestly. "I think I'll have to quit college and take up the matter myself," answered Dick Rover. CHAPTER IV THE END OF THE "DARTAWAY" "Quit college? Oh, Dick, do you want to do that?" "Not exactly, Dora—and yet I don't think I am exactly fitted for a professional career. That seems to be more in Tom and Sam's line. I like business, and I'd enjoy getting into something big, something worth while. I think I could handle those matters, if father would only let me try. And then there is another thing, Dora," went on the youth, looking squarely into his companion's face. "Perhaps you can guess what that is." She blushed deeply. "What?" she whispered. "I want to marry you, and take you some place where I know you'll be safe from such creatures as Crabtree and Sobber and Larkspur—and I want the right to look after your mother, too." "Oh, Dick!" And she clung tightly to his arm. "Aren't you willing, Dora?" "Yes." She looked at him frankly. "Yes, Dick, whenever you say." "And your mother——" "Mamma depends upon me in everything, and she has told me to do just as we thought best." Dick gave a swift look around. Nobody was in sight at that moment. He pressed Dora to him. "You best and dearest sweetheart in all the world!" he cried, in a low tone. "Then I can depend on you? We'll be the happiest couple in the whole world!" "Indeed, yes, Dick!" And Dora's eyes fairly beamed with happiness as she snuggled closer to him. "But about your father," she continued, a moment later. "I am selfish to forget him. Then he is not so well?" "He is fairly well, but he gets a bad spell ever so often, and then to attend to business is out of the question. But that isn't the worst of it. He has gotten tangled up in some sort of financial scheme with some brokers in New York City and it is worrying him half to death. He has told me something about it, but I don't know half as much as I'd like to know." "Then you must find out, Dick, and help him all you possibly can," declared the girl, promptly. "I'm looking for a letter from home every day—I mean one telling about these financial affairs. As soon as it comes I'll know what to do." All too soon the boys' visit to Hope Seminary had to come to an end. Sam and Tom returned to the biplane and gave the motor a brief "try-out," which noise reached Dick's ears just as he was trying to break away from Dora. He gave her a last hug and a kiss and then ran to join his brothers. "The best of friends must part, as the hook said to the eye!" sang out Tom, merrily. "I believe you are anxious to leave us!" returned Nellie, teasingly. "Sure thing!" he retorted, promptly. "I planned to get away an hour before I came." And then she playfully boxed his ear, at which he chased her around the biplane and gave her a hearty smack just below her own pretty ear. "Tom Rover!" she gasped. But, somehow, she looked pleased, nevertheless. "All in the family!" sang out the fun-loving Rover, coolly. "As the lady said when she kissed her cow." "Who is going to run the Dartaway back?" questioned Sam. "I think it's my turn at the wheel." "It's rather dark, Sam," answered Dick. "But you can try it—if you want to." "All right—I think I can see as much as you or Tom," responded the youngest Rover. "If I get off the course, and you find it out, let me know." Darkness was settling down when the boys finally bid the girls good-bye and flew away. "Beware of old Crabtree!" sang out Dick. "We'll watch out!" answered Nellie. "Indeed we will!" came from Dora and Grace. "If you catch sight of him, have him arrested!" yelled Sam, and then the biplane sailed out of hearing. Sam knew how to handle the Dartaway almost as well as did Dick and Tom, and as there was but little wind, and the flying machine appeared to be in good condition, the others did not doubt but what Sam would make a fine flight of the trip. "Keep a little to the south," called out Dick, after Hope had been left behind and when they were sailing over some broad fields. "If you do that you can follow the old turnpike for quite a distance." "I thought I'd run for the railroad tracks," answered the lad at the steering wheel. "You can do that later—after we pass that big farmhouse with the four barns." Running along in the air is a different proposition from running on the ground, and the air-man has to be careful about the lay of the land below him or he will soon go astray from his course. The earth looks altogether different when viewed from the sky from what it does when looked at from a level, and when an air-man is five or six hundred feet up he has all he can do to make out what is below him. It had begun to cloud up a little and this made it darker than ever. After following the turn-pike for nearly two miles, Sam veered slightly to catch the railroad tracks and the gleam of the signal lights. "I can follow the lights best of all!" he shouted, into Dick's ear. "It's too dark to see the road." "All right, follow the railroad right to Ashton," answered the oldest Rover boy, naming the town that was the railroad station for Brill College. The cloudiness increased rapidly, and long before Ashton was gained it commenced to blow, gently at first, and then stronger and stronger. Evidently a storm was in the air. "We are going to catch it!" was Tom's comment. "Oh, I don't think it will storm just yet," returned Sam. "Watch yourself, Sam!" cried Dick, warningly. "If the wind gets too strong bring her down in the first field we come to." "I will," was the answer. They were now flying close to the railroad tracks. Presently they saw a glare of light illuminate the rails and a long line of freight cars, drawn by a big locomotive, passed beneath them. "Wish that was going our way—we could follow it with ease," said Sam, as the train disappeared from view, leaving the landscape below darker than ever. The youngest Rover boy now had to give the Dartaway all of his attention. The breeze was coming in fitful gusts, sending the biplane first to one side and then to the other. They struck a "bank," and he had to use all his wit and courage to bring the flying machine to a level keel once more. "Better go down!" cried Tom. "This is getting dangerous." "Don't go down here!" sang out Dick. "There are woods on both sides of the track!" Sam had been working the horizontal rudder, to bring the biplane down, but at Dick's words he shifted again and they went up. "I'll tell you when we reach an open field," went on the oldest Rover. "Say, this sure is some blow!" he added. Another fitful gust struck the Dartaway and for one brief moment it looked as if the biplane would be turned over. Had this occurred the machine would have dropped like a shot and most likely all of the boys would have been killed. But Sam was on guard, and worked his levers like lightning. As quickly as she had tipped, the Dartaway righted herself, and then they shot upward on a long slant. "Phew! that was some escape!" muttered Tom. "Dick, can't you see any open field where we can land?" "Must be one ahead," was the answer. "I fancy——" Dick did not finish, for at that moment came a blast of air stronger than any that had gone before. The Dartaway spun around, left the railroad tracks, made a semi-circle, and then came back again. As it made the final turn there was a crack like that of a pistol. "What was that?" cried Tom. "Was it the engine?" "No, it was one of the stays!" answered Dick. He glanced around. "The right plane is giving 'way! Sam, let her down, as quick as you can!" "On the tracks!" gasped the lad at the wheel. "Yes—anywhere—before we tumble!" The biplane was already out of control. Sam manipulated the rudders as best he could, and likewise the ailerons, and the machine dropped in several wild dashes. "The train!" yelled Tom. "Look out for the express!" There was another gleam of light along the railroad tracks. The evening express was approaching, running at topmost speed, to make up some lost time. The biplane was coming down swiftly. It veered towards the woods beside the railroad tracks. Then it took another wild turn and hung directly over the railroad. The boys were speechless, not knowing what to do. The light of the express train kept coming closer and closer. Crash! the biplane had struck the earth, directly beside the railroad tracks. One end of the machine rested across the rails, the other end hung in the bushes bordering the tracks. As they struck Tom and Dick were thrown out—the former into the bushes and the latter on the tracks. Sam kept at the wheel, the force of the intact smashing the landing wheels beneath him. For the instant all three boys were too stunned to do anything. Then, as the gleam from the express train came closer, Tom let out a wild cry. "Jump! Jump for your lives! We haven't a moment to lose!" "Dick!" screamed Sam. "Save Dick! He is on the tracks!" "Where?" "There!" and Sam pointed with one hand, while he clambered down from his seat. The seat was broken and his coat got caught in the splinters, and it was several seconds before he could release himself. Tom looked to where his brother pointed and saw Dick lying in a heap, face downward. The fall had been sufficient to stun him and he was thus unable to help himself. Tom did not hesitate over what to do. Dick was very dear to him and never for an instant did he consider the risk he was running in going to the rescue. He made a flying leap from the bushes to the tracks and took another leap to his brother's side. "Get up, Dick," he yelled. "Here, let me get you off the tracks! The train is coming!" Only a faint groan answered him. Dick was still too dazed to think or to act. Tom caught hold of his brother and raised him up, and commenced to drag him to the other side of the tracks, away from the wrecked biplane. As he did this there came a shrill warning shriek from the locomotive whistle. The engineer had seen the obstruction on the tracks and had put on brakes, in a vain endeavor to stop the express. As Tom commenced to haul Dick across the tracks, Sam came bounding to his assistance, the shreds of his torn coat flapping behind him. He caught his big brother by one arm. "Hurry!" he yelled, hoarsely. "The express is almost here!" Both boys made a wild leap to the edge of the railroad, dragging Dick between them. Tom got his foot caught in the rails and almost pitched headlong. They fairly fell into the bushes, and Dick went down with them. Then the express thundered up, the whistle shrieking loudly and the sparks flying from the wheels where the brakes gripped them. The locomotive struck the Dartaway, and the next instant the biplane was smashed to pieces, the broken parts flying in all directions! CHAPTER V TWO VISITORS "That's the last of the Dartaway!" "Are you hurt, Dick?" "My, wasn't that a narrow escape!" "A minute later and it would have been all up with us!" "I—I guess I'm all right," stammered Dick, putting one hand to his forehead, where a lump was rapidly rising. "I got some fall though!" he added, grimly. "Look what hit me!" cried Sam, picking up a section of a bamboo stick—one which had supported one of the planes of the flying machine. "I'm glad we weren't closer to that smash-up!" Having plowed through the biplane, the express train had come to a halt with the last car standing not a great distance beyond the scene of the collision. Already the trainmen were hurrying out, some with lanterns, to learn if anybody had been killed or hurt. "Why, it's an airship!" cried the conductor. "How in the name of Adam did that get here?" "Here are three fellows!" cried the engineer, as the rays of a lantern revealed the Rover boys. "Were you in that flying machine?" he called. "We were," answered Tom, grimly. "Anybody hurt?" "My brother got a bad tumble and is partly stunned." "We didn't hit anybody, did we?" questioned the engineer, anxiously. "Nothing but the biplane," answered Sam. "You made mince-meat of that." "How did you happen to land on the track?" asked the fireman. "The wind put the machine out of control and we came down quicker than we wanted to," explained Sam. "Then you came along—before we had a chance to drag the biplane off the tracks." "Well, I'm glad I didn't hit anybody," said the engineer, in tones of relief. "We had a close shave," returned Tom, and then he and Sam told of how they had struck, and of how Dick had been dragged out of the way. By this time the oldest Rover boy was feeling more like himself and he managed to stand up, even though somewhat dizzy. "Well, we're losing time," said the conductor, consulting his watch by the light of his lantern. "We'll have to get into Ashton and report this." "And somebody has got to pay for the biplane," said Tom. "I don't see as it is our fault," answered the trainman, and then he gave the order to go ahead—after it had been ascertained that the track was clear. "We'll ride to Ashton with you," said Dick. "No use of staying with this wreckage," he added, to his brothers. "We can drive down to-morrow and look it over. I don't think it is worth much." "Never mind—I am glad nobody was seriously hurt," returned Sam. "I guess we all feel that way," added Tom. It was a run of only a few minutes to Ashton. On the way the conductor of the train took the Rover boys' names and address. "I don't see how you can blame us for smashing the flying machine," he said. "You had no business to come down on the track." "We might have gotten our biplane off the track, if you had halted the train," returned Dick. "We could have dragged it into the bushes." "I don't know about that." As soon as the train rolled into Ashton the bays alighted. The only other passenger to get off was one of the local storekeepers. "You were lucky boys," said the man, pleasantly. He knew them by sight, for they had traded at his shop. "That's true, Mr. Striker," said Dick. "But we don't seem to be lucky just now." "How's that?" "There isn't a conveyance of any kind here to take us to Brill, and I must say I don't feel like walking." "You go around to Carson's livery stable. He'll take you over to the college," answered Mr. Striker. The livery stable was but a short distance away and they found the proprietor on hand, reading a newspaper and smoking his pipe. "It's a wonder you wouldn't have a rig over at the depot, to meet the main trains," grumbled Tom. "'Twouldn't pay," answered Neal Carson. "I tried it once, and earned two dollars and a half in two weeks. Folks that want me can come here for me." "Well, we want to get to Brill College," said Dick. "All right, but it will cost you fifty cents each." "Very well." The livery stable keeper hustled around and soon had a team ready. The boys were glad enough to take it easy in the carriage, and on the way to college but little was said. "Rather late, young gentlemen," remarked Professor Blackie, sharply, as they entered. "We had an accident, Professor," returned Dick. "An accident?" and the instructor was all attention. "Our biplane got smashed up," put in Tom....