Part 14 (1/2)
Here an interesting bit of news awaited them, which was to the effect that, owing to some trouble with a bridge about a mile outside of Hemson, two pa.s.senger trains and a freight had been held up at the station for several hours.
”Most of the pa.s.sengers remained in the trains,” said the station agent.
”But some of 'em got restless and they went over to the hotel, and some walked down to where the bridge was being repaired.”
”Did you notice two people in particular?” asked Roger, and described Merwell and Job Haskers as well as he could.
”No, I don't remember seeing those fellows,” said the agent.
From the railroad station the boys went to the hotel, and then walked along the country road leading to the Morr place. Presently they met a man driving a milk wagon.
”Say, you had a fire last night, didn't you?” asked the driver of Roger, as he reined up.
”Yes, Mr. Platt,” answered the senator's son. ”But it didn't amount to anything.”
”How did it catch, do you know?” went on the driver of the milk wagon, curiously.
”No, we are trying to find out.”
”Maybe it was set. I see two fellers sneakin' around your place last evening,” went on Mr. Platt.
CHAPTER IX
WHAT NAT POOLE HAD TO TELL
”You saw two fellows sneaking around our place last evening?” cried Roger, with interest.
”I certainly did.”
”What did they look like?” asked Dave.
”I see 'em plainly an' I was wonderin' what they was up to,” said the driver of the milk wagon, and then he described the two persons quite minutely.
”Haskers and Merwell, beyond a doubt!” exclaimed Phil. ”Now what do you know about that!”
”It certainly is the limit!” murmured Luke.
”Wonder if they are still around?” came from Shadow. ”Say, this puts me in mind of a sto----But never mind, I'll tell it another time,” he broke off, hastily, as he saw a look of disgust on the others' faces.
”I don't believe they are around,” said Dave. ”They probably boarded the first train that went over the bridge.”
”Just what I think,” returned the senator's son.
”Think them fellers set the fire?” asked Mr. Platt, curiously.
”We feel certain of it,” replied Roger. ”They are old school enemies of ours,” he added. ”It's only one more score we've got to settle with them,” he continued, to his chums, and shut his teeth with a snap.
Nothing further could be learned concerning the mysterious visitors, and finally the boys went back to the Morr mansion, to get ready for the evening celebration. This came off as scheduled and proved a big success. Fully a hundred town folk were present, besides some from the lake and elsewhere. There were rockets and Roman candles and wheels galore, as well as several set pieces. Some fire balloons were also liberated. Senator Morr had engaged a local band of eight pieces, and if the music was not of a high order it was certainly patriotic, and that counted for a good deal.
Of course the other boys had to hear all about the proposed trip West and, incidentally, about the lost Landslide Mine. From his father and mother Roger got some more details concerning the missing property. A map was produced, and also some papers, and the son was advised to hunt up an old miner and prospector named Abe Blower.