Part 1 (1/2)

The Rover Boys on a Hunt.

by Arthur M. Winfield (Edward Stratemeyer).

INTRODUCTION

MY DEAR BOYS: This book is a complete story in itself, but forms the fourth volume in a line issued under the general t.i.tle, ”The Second Rover Boys Series for Young Americans.”

As mentioned in some volumes of the first series, this line was started years ago with the publication of ”The Rover Boys at School,” ”On the Ocean,” and ”In the Jungle,” in which I introduced my readers to d.i.c.k, Tom and Sam Rover. The twenty volumes of the first series related the doings of these three youths while attending Putnam Hall Military Academy, Brill College, and while on numerous outings.

Having acquired a thorough education, the three young men established themselves in business and were married. Presently d.i.c.k Rover became the father of a son and a daughter, and so did his brother Sam, while Tom Rover became the father of twin boys. The four lads were later on sent to boarding school, as related in the first volume of this second series, ent.i.tled ”The Rover Boys at Colby Hall.”

From Colby Hall the scene was s.h.i.+fted to ”Snowshoe Island,” where the lads went for a winter outing. Then they came back to the military academy, and later on partic.i.p.ated in the annual encampment, as related in the third volume, ent.i.tled ”The Rover Boys under Canvas.”

In the present volume the scene is s.h.i.+fted from lively times at Colby Hall to still more livelier times in the woods, to which the lads journeyed for a season of hunting. They came upon a mysterious house in the forest, and there uncovered a secret which I will leave the pages that follow to relate.

Once more I wish to thank my numerous readers for the many nice things they have said about these ”Rover Boys” books. I trust that the reading of the volumes will do them all good.

Affectionately and sincerely yours,

EDWARD STRATEMEYER.

CHAPTER I

THE BOBSLED RACE

”All ready, boys?”

”Wait a minute, Jack.”

”Can't wait; life is too short!” cried Jack Rover gayly. He was seated at the front of a long bobsled holding six boys. ”Remember, we've got to be back at the Hall in half an hour.”

”Please don't mention it!” pleaded Randy Rover, his cousin.

”Hi, you fellows! are you going to race or not?” came from another youth on a bobsled standing close by.

”You bet we're going to race!” sang out Fred Rover, who was at the tail end of the first sled. ”And we'll beat you, too, Bill Glutts!”

”You will, like fun!” grumbled the cadet addressed, a rather heavy-set and by-no-means pre-possessing youth. ”Come on now, unless you're afraid.”

”We're afraid of n.o.body!” sang out Andy Rover, and, leaning sideways from where he sat on the bobsled, he scooped up a handful of loose snow and threw it playfully at Glutts.

”Hi, you! what do you mean?” roared Bill Glutts in anger, as the snow landed directly behind his right ear.

”h.e.l.lo! I guess it must have begun to snow again,” cried Randy Rover, mischievously.

”I'll 'snow' you!” retorted Glutts. ”I guess you fellows are afraid to race. That's why you are cutting up.”