light across the
field. The boys kept their eyes on the corn and the peach trees, but
failed to discover any persons moving among them.

"My shotgun is empty--maybe I had better go back and load up," said the
hired man.

"Yes, do it, but hurry up," answered Dick. "I'll stay here on guard
with the pistol."

The hired man ran off toward the barn. Hardly had he disappeared when
Sam gave a short cry and pointed into the field with his hand.

"I saw somebody raise up just now and look around," he said. "He is out
of sight now."

"Where?" came from Dick and Tom quickly.

"Over yonder--by the twisted peach tree."

"I'll investigate," said Dick. "You can come along if you want to. Keep
your eyes open for both men. We don't want either to get away if we can
help it."

The three lads spread out in something of a semi-circle and advanced
slowly into the field, keeping their eyes and ears on the alert for
anything out of the ordinary. Thus they covered fifty yards, when Tom
found himself near one of the largest of the peach trees. As he passed
this a form arose quickly from under a bough, caught him by the waist
and threw him forcibly to the ground.

"Hi!" yelled Tom. "Let up!" And then he made a clutch for his
assailant, catching him by the foot. But the man broke away and went
crashing through the corn, calling on "Shelley" to follow him.

The yell from Tom attracted the attention of Dick and Sam, and they
turned to learn what had happened to their brother. As they did this a
second man leaped up from the corn in front of them and started to run
in the direction of the river.

"Stop!" called out Dick. "Stop, or I'll fire on you!" And then he
discharged his pistol into the air as a warning. The man promptly
dodged behind a row of peach trees, but kept on running as hard as
ever.

The Rover boys were now thoroughly aroused, and all three started in
pursuit of the two men. They saw the fellows leave the field and hurry
down a lane leading to Swift River.

"I believe they are going to the river. Maybe they have a boat," said
Tom.

"I shouldn't wonder," answered Dick.

"I wish they would take to a boat," said Sam. "We could follow them
easily--in Dan Bailey's boat."

"Hi, where are you?" came a shout from behind, and they saw Jack Ness
returning. "Your uncle and aunt want you to be careful--they are afraid
those villains will shoot you."

"We'll be careful," answered Tom. "But we are going to capture them if