r seeing those fellows," said the agent.

From the railroad station the boys went to the hotel, and then walked
along the country road leading to the Morr place. Presently they met a
man driving a milk wagon.

"Say, you had a fire last night, didn't you?" asked the driver of Roger,
as he reined up.

"Yes, Mr. Platt," answered the senator's son. "But it didn't amount to
anything."

"How did it catch, do you know?" went on the driver of the milk wagon,
curiously.

"No, we are trying to find out."

"Maybe it was set. I see two fellers sneakin' around your place last
evening," went on Mr. Platt.

CHAPTER IX

WHAT NAT POOLE HAD TO TELL

"You saw two fellows sneaking around our place last evening?" cried
Roger, with interest.

"I certainly did."

"What did they look like?" asked Dave.

"I see 'em plainly an' I was wonderin' what they was up to," said the
driver of the milk wagon, and then he described the two persons quite
minutely.

"Haskers and Merwell, beyond a doubt!" exclaimed Phil. "Now what do you
know about that!"

"It certainly is the limit!" murmured Luke.

"Wonder if they are still around?" came from Shadow. "Say, this puts me
in mind of a sto----But never mind, I'll tell it another time," he broke
off, hastily, as he saw a look of disgust on the others' faces.

"I don't believe they are around," said Dave. "They probably boarded the
first train that went over the bridge."

"Just what I think," returned the senator's son.

"Think them fellers set the fire?" asked Mr. Platt, curiously.

"We feel certain of it," replied Roger. "They are old school enemies of
ours," he added. "It's only one more score we've got to settle with
them," he continued, to his chums, and shut his teeth with a snap.

Nothing further could be learned concerning the mysterious visitors, and
finally the boys went back to the Morr mansion, to get ready for the
evening celebration. This came off as scheduled and proved a big
success. Fully a hundred town folk were present, besides some from the
lake and elsewhere. There were rockets and Roman candles and wheels
galore, as well as several set pieces. Some fire balloons were also
liberated. Senator Morr had engaged a local band of eight pieces, and if
the music was not of a high order it was certainly patriotic, and that
counted for a good deal.

Of course the other boys had to hear all about the proposed trip West
and, incidentally, about the lost Landslide Mine