o had drawn near when the eldest Rover was talking to
the government detective.

"Getting ready to leave, stranger?" he said in a pleasant tone.

"Yes, we are going to start right after breakfast."

"Bound for the Denton plantation, so I hear?"

"Yes. Do you know Mr. Denton?"

"I met him once or twice--when he was in business in Braxbury. A nice
man, so I understand."

"Yes, he is a very nice man."

"It might be that you are related to him?"

"No."

"That's a nice hoss you've been riding."

"I find him so," answered Dick shortly. He did not fancy the appearance
of the man who was speaking to him.

"Looks something like a horse was here yesterday and the day before,"
continued the man, following Dick up. "I reckon you remember him?"

Dick did remember, for the horse had been ridden by James Monday.

"By the way, who was your friend?" added the man with assumed
carelessness, but eying Dick closely.

"I can't tell you anything about him," was the sharp answer. "Have
you a horse here?" continued Dick, to change the subject.

"Certainly. Then you didn't know the man?"

"Oh, I met him once or twice, years ago--when he was in business up
in New York." And without waiting to be questioned further, Dick
walked out of the stable. The man eyed him as closely as he had the
government detective the day previous.

"He isn't much more than a boy, but I'd like to know if he is out
here only for pleasure or on business," said the man to himself. "We
can't be too careful in our work," and he smiled grimly.

"That fellow wants to know too much," said the eldest Rover in talking
it over with his brother Sam. "I must say I don't like his looks at all."

"Nor I, Dick. I'll wager he has some game up his sleeve."

"Perhaps he is the fellow Mr. Monday is watching?"

"That is possible, too. He was certainly very inquisitive."

After a good breakfast, the Rovers and their friends prepared to
resume their journey. From the landlord of the hotel they obtained
information regarding the roads and trails to follow.

"They ain't none of the best," said the hotel man. "But they are the
best we possess, so you'll have to put up with them," and he laughed
at his little joke.

They were soon on the way. A good night's rest had put all in the
best of humor, and they joked and sang as they rode along.

"Songbird, this ride ought to be full of inspirations for you,"
remarked Fred.

"I'll wager he is chockful of poetry at this