Part 41 (1/2)
Never before had he realized how much they were to him.
”Come on--no time to talk now,” said d.i.c.k, in a low voice. ”We'll get away from here first.”
”But those rascals--” began Sam.
”We'll take care of them, Sam, never fear.”
The boys led their father from the cellar and across the back yard to the barn. From the barn a lane ran to the main road. The lane had a hedge that practically hid it from the house.
”Wait here, in the barn,” said d.i.c.k. ”But keep out of sight.”
”Where are you going?” asked Tom.
”To watch on the road for a wagon or an auto, to take us to the nearest town or railroad station.”
”Going to leave those men here, d.i.c.k?”
”Not much! I thought Sam might take dad back to New York, while you and I had it out with Crabtree and the others.”
”Good! I'm with you!” cried Tom.
d.i.c.k posted himself on the highway, and presently saw a covered wagon approaching, drawn by a spirited team. The driver was a young man, evidently from some nearby town.
”Going to town?” asked d.i.c.k, as he stopped the fellow.
”Yes, want a ride?” and the young man smiled.
”I don't, but another fellow, my brother, and my father, do,” said d.i.c.k. ”If you'll take them, we'll pay you.”
”All right,” was the answer. ”Come right along.”
”How far is it to the railroad station?” went on d.i.c.k.
”About two miles.”
”Will you take 'em over?”
”Sure--I'm going there myself.”
d.i.c.k hurried back to the barn, and soon Sam and Mr. Rover were in the wagon. Before Sam left his big brother gave him some instructions in private. Then the wagon went on through the rain.
”Thank heaven! dad is safe!” murmured Tom, when the wagon had disappeared. ”I hope Sam doesn't let him out of his sight until those business affairs are settled up.”
”He is going to take him to the Outlook Hotel first,” answered d.i.c.k.
”But he is going to do more than that, Tom--if it is possible.”
”What?”
”I told him to stop in that town and send some help here--a police official, or a constable, or some men. Crabtree has got to go back to jail, and I think we ought to have Pelter and j.a.pson locked up, too--although that may depend upon what father may have to say.”