stole my uncle's traction company bonds," explained Dick.
"What can he be doing here?"
"I don't know. There he goes, over the fence!"
"He is running towards the side road!" exclaimed Sam. "Come on after him!"
"Wait till we get our hats and coats," said Tom, and ran back to pick up the articles mentioned. This took a couple of minutes, and by the time he came back Merrick was out of sight.
The three Rovers ran to the side road, Fred Garrison and Mr. Laning with them.
"I wish I had a pistol," remarked John Laning. "No telling how desperate a character that villain may be."
"I'd like to know if he came on foot or with a horse," said Dick.
"Do you think he followed us to this place?" asked Sam.
"I am sure I don't know. The whole thing looks mighty queer to me."
There was no moon, but the stars were shining brightly, so they could see fairly well on the road. As they reached a bend Tom pointed forward.
"There he is, just going into the bushes!"
"He had better not go that way," was Mr. Laning's remark, "unless he knows the ground well."
