of the animals either at Omaha or Chicago,
although one or two steeds, including one belonging to the former owners
of Big Horn Ranch had been sent further east.

"I guess it was one of the early thefts that took Haddon to Haven Point,"
declared Jack, and in that surmise he was correct.

With this evidence against them, Haddon, Jillson and Dusenbury were
submitted to a severe gruelling, each being examined separately. Finally
Dusenbury broke down completely and admitted that he and the other two
had fired John Calder's barn after stealing his noted pair of gray
horses. The horses had been shipped out of town, and were later on
recovered, as were also Mr. Powell's Blackbird and several other of the
animals.

When Bud Haddon's effects were examined many pawn tickets were
discovered, and following up the clues thus afforded Colonel Colby
managed to get back many of the articles stolen from the school. These
included Professor Duke's heirloom watch and a number of the things lost
by our friends.

At first it was thought that Brassy might be prosecuted, but when Bud
Haddon was brought to trial for the thefts the State used the youth as a
witness against the fellow, and consequently Brassy was allowed to go
free. He, however, received a stern lecture from Colonel Colby and was
then told that he had better not return to the Hall.

"I don't think I want to come back," said Brassy. "A whole lot of the
fellows would never forgive me for what I did." And in this surmise he
was probably correct. Brassy returned to his uncle's ranch, and that was
the last heard of him for a long time.

With the mystery of the robbery at Colby Hall and of the missing horses
cleared up, the Rover boys and all the other young folks at Big Horn
Ranch turned their attention once more to having a good time. Sam Rover
went back to New York to take charge of the offices in Wall Street, and
that gave Dick Rover and his wife a chance to come out and pay the ranch
a visit.

"We've certainly had some strenuous times here," remarked Jack one day.

And he was right. But other strenuous times were still in store for the
lads, and what some of these were will be related in the next volume, to
be entitled, "The Rover Boys at Big Bear Lake; or, The Camps of the Rival
Cadets."

"Big Horn Ranch is a delightful place," said Ruth. "I never thought a
spot where they raised cattle could be so interesting."

"Is your father going to stay out here and become a r