is the time
we are going to round 'em up, every one!"

A few further directions were given by the sheriff, and then he and the
three Rover boys advanced to the front door of the old mansion. At the
same time, with pistol in hand, the officer named Thompson remained
where he was, while he named Rapp walked around to guard the rear.

The door was unlocked, for those inside had not dreamed of being
disturbed. On tiptoes the party entered the dark hallway. To keep out
the cold, the door to the sitting room had been closed. From within the
room came a murmur of voices.

"Well then, that's settled," came from Tad Sobber.

"I think we ought to have more money," grumbled Koswell.

"You will be getting your full share," said Josiah Crabtree, tartly.

"And you'll be getting what is coming to you in another minute!"
chuckled Tom.

Advancing to the door the sheriff paused for a moment and then threw it
wide open, at the same time holding up a brace of pistols.

"Hands up!" he cried sternly. "Hands up, all of you, in the name of the
law!"

CHAPTER XXX

THE ROUND-UP--CONCLUSION

"What's this?"

"It's the Rovers!"

"Who is this man--an officer?"

"We are caught!"

"Let me get out of here!"

These and various other exclamations rent the air, when those in the
sitting room of the mansion beheld the sheriff of the county and the
three Rover boys standing at the doorway, each armed. All leaped to
their feet and every one present tried to get out of range of the
sheriff's pistols.

"The game is up, gentlemen," went on Sheriff Fells. "The best thing you
can do is to submit quietly. I've got fifteen men outside to take care
of you."

"Caught!" burst out Bart Larkspur hoarsely, and sank on a chair all but
overcome. "Oh, why did I go into this scheme!"

"The--there is--er--some mistake!" stammered Josiah Crabtree, whose
face had gone the color of white chalk.

"Yes, a big mistake, Crabtree--and you and the others are going to pay
for it," answered Dick.

"I'll not submit!" yelled Tad Sobber, and sneaking up behind Koswell he
sent that individual flying into the sheriff. Then he leaped towards one
of the windows. At the same moment Crabtree leaped for another window.

But the Rover boys were too quick for them, and while the sheriff
continued to cover Koswell and the so-called doctor, and also kept an
eye on Larkspur, the lads leaped on their old enemies. With a rapid
swing of his right hand, Tom gave Sobb