fence down, I didn't tech that nuther!" He
paused to catch his breath, "Where was Ham killed? I didn't hear of
anybuddy gitting struck by a train."

"Oh, I don't know who the man was, or where he was struck," answered
Tom, as he started to walk away. "But they are after you, Mr. Ricks. If
I was you, I'd pack my valise and hike for California, or Sing Sing, or
some other place."

"I ain't going to run away, Tom Rover, and you can't make me," was the
wild reply. "I ain't teched Ham, nor his cat, nor his dog, nor the fence
nuther, I tell ye! It's an outrage to say so! I'll sue them newspapers
fer a million dollars damages!"

"I'd make it two millions," answered Tom, calmly, and then started for
the automobile, followed by his brothers.

"But see here," went on the stationmaster. "I want to know----"

"Sorry, but we haven't time now," put in Dick. "Hurry, Tom!" he
whispered.

"It's Ham Ludd coming!" added Sam. "Let's get out--before the fat's in
the fire!"

And off the three Rover boys ran to the automobile and were soon rolling
away from the railroad station. But they did not go far.

"I'm going back and watch the fun," said Tom, and leaped out, and ran up
behind the station, while his brothers followed him.

CHAPTER XI

OFF FOR BRILL COLLEGE

When old Ricks saw his neighbor approaching he could not at first
believe his eyes. Then he ran up to the man, who was a particularly sour
individual.

"Say, I thought you was dead," he gasped.

"Dead?" returned Ham Ludd. "Do I look like I was dead?" And he glared
savagely at Ricks. "I ain't dead, not by a jugful!"

"Humph! Well, if you ain't dead, mebbe you'll explain about that cat,
an' dog," went on old Ricks.

"Wot about 'em?"

"You told folks I poisoned the cat and starved the dog to death."

"I did not."

"You did--it was in the newspapers!" bawled old Ricks, commencing to
dance around.

"I didn't! Where's them newspapers?" asked Ham Ludd, also growing
excited.

"I ain't got 'em, but Tom Rover said----"

And then suddenly old Ricks stopped short. He was commencing to "smell a
mouse," as the saying is.

"Wot did Tom Rover say?" demanded Ham Ludd.

"Never mind wot he said," grumbled the stationmaster. "Only you be
careful o' wot you say about me in the future, Ham Ludd, thet's all!"

"Huh! I guess that Rover boy has been a'jokin' you ag'in, Ricky," said
Ludd, with a grin. "How about thet busted-up bonfire, an' that snaky
cigar? Ha! ha! h