just as soon have it happen to me, too!"

"I'll go, if Tom goes," put in Nellie. "I don't want to go anywhere near
those horrid men."

"Someone will have to run the touring car," said Dick.

"I can do that,--if you will look after the girls," answered Sam,
promptly; and so it was finally arranged. A few minutes later the
prisoners were marched off by the sheriff and his men and Sam. Dick and
Tom, and the two girls, went ahead, to walk to where the biplane had
been left among the trees.

The girls were a little frightened at first, but did their best not to
show it. Dora sat as close to Dick as she could, and Tom held Nellie in
a seat in front of him. Up into the air rushed the _Dartaway_ and both
girls gave a little gasp. Dick did not sail high, nor did he put on much
speed, since there was no need.

"I see something in the road!" cried Tom, after they had been sailing
along for several minutes. "It's the auto, with the sheriff's crowd, and
the prisoners!" And then Dick swept down close to the turnout and Sam
gave three blasts on the horn, to let them know he saw them. Then the
biplane and the touring car continued on the way to Plankville.

News of the intended arrest had been circulated, and a crowd was in
waiting at the sheriff's office when they arrived. As it was past
midnight, the hearing was a brief one, and soon the prisoners were
placed behind the bars, to await the further action of the law. Then the
Rovers and the girls were told they could go where they pleased so long
as they agreed to appear when wanted.

"We'll appear all right enough!" cried Tom. "Why, Mr. Sheriff, you
couldn't beat us away with a club! We intend to see to it that every one
of those rascals gets what is coming to him!"

"I reckon you've got a good enough case," answered the county official,
grimly.

The hotel keeper had been at the hearing and he readily offered to give
the girls a room next to that occupied by himself and his wife, and give
the boys rooms also. And he likewise agreed to get the party a
substantial midnight supper.

"But we must send word to the folks first," said Dora.

"Yes," answered Dick. And this was soon done, although they had to get a
telegraph operator out of bed to do it. But as the man was well paid for
his trouble, he did not mind this.

"And now to get back to Hope and to Brill!" cried Tom, the following
morning, when the boys and girls were dining again. "How shall we go?"

"We've got to get