The Rover Boys in New York | Page 5

Stanley Browne,
already introduced, and Will, otherwise known as "Spud," Jackson, a
lad who loved potatoes, and who also loved to tell big yarns.
A term at college had been followed by a trip down East, taken for a
peculiar reason, and then, while on a visit home, the three lads had
become the possessors of an up-to-date biplane, which they named the
Dartaway. In the biplane, as related in the volume before this, called
"The Rover Boys in the Air," our heroes made a somewhat spectacular
trip from the farm to the college campus, much to the amazement of
their fellow collegians and their instructors. Later they made a trip
through the air to Hope Seminary, and at that time Dick was delighted
to place upon Dora's finger a diamond engagement sing.
A short while later an alarming thing occurred. The boys were out in
the Dartaway when they met Grace on the road and learned that Dora
and Nellie had been abducted by Josiah Crabtree, Tad Sobber, and
some of their other old enemies. They gave chase in the biplane, and,
after several adventures, located the girls in a lonely mansion in the
country, where they were prisoners, in charge of Sobber's aunt The
boys at once went for the authorities, and, after something of a fight,
the rascals were made prisoners, and the girls were rescued and taken
back to the Seminary.
"You will appear against these scoundrels?" asked the sheriff, Jackson
Fells, of the Rover boys, as they were about to leave the sheriff's office
at Plankville.
"We'll appear all right enough," Tom had answered. "Why, Mr. Sheriff,
you couldn't beat us away with a club!" And so it had been arranged
that the Rover boys should appear in court against the evildoers
whenever wanted. Then Crabtree, Sobber, and the others had been put
under lock and key in the old-fashioned country jail; and there, for the
time being, the matter had rested.

"I wish we could learn more about Crabtree's escape," remarked Tom,
as he and his brothers entered the main building of the college.
"So do I," added Sam. "Can't we telephone over to Plankville, to
Sheriff Fells?"
"More than likely the sheriff is out, hunting for Crabtree and the
others," answered Dick. "But I'll tell you what we might do-- if the
weather stays good," he added, suddenly.
"Sail to Plankville in the Dartaway?" queried both of the others.
"Yes, if Doctor Wallington will give us permission."
"He ought to-- since we are so much interested in this case," returned
Tom.
"We'll find out, as soon as the morning session is over," said the eldest
Rover boy; and then all hurried to their classes, for the final bell had
ceased to ring.
It was hard work for the boys to keep their minds on their lessons. Dick,
especially, was very serious, and for a good reason. Something was
worrying him greatly-- something of which Tom and Sam knew little.
What it was we shall learn later.
The boys had a quarter of an hour after classes before going to lunch,
and they immediately sought out Doctor Wallington, whom they found
in his private office.
"Yes, it is too bad that that rascal Crabtree escaped," said the head of
the college. "I can well imagine that you are worried-- since he has
caused you and your friends so much trouble in the past. Let us hope
that the authorities will quickly recapture him."
"Have you had any further word, sir?" asked Dick.
"I had word at eleven o'clock, from the newspaper office. Up to that
time he had not been located."

"We wish to ask a favor," went on Dick, and spoke about the proposed
trip to Plankville.
"Very well, you may go, and in your biplane if you deem it safe," said
the worthy doctor. Secretly he was quite proud of the students' success
with the Dartaway, as it had advertised Brill College not a little.
"Possibly we won't be able to get back until to-morrow," said Tom.
"We may be detained, or it may storm
"Take your time on the trip. Only be careful that you have no
accidents."
"We'll try to be careful," answered Dick, with a grim smile. "We don't
want a tumble if we can help it."
"It is a grand sport," answered the head of the college. "Before long I
expect to see aeroplanes in constant use."
"Wouldn't you like to go up with us some day, Doctor?" questioned
Tom, slyly.
"Well-- er-- perhaps, Thomas. But not just yet. I wish-- er-- to see them
more in general use first." And then the doctor bowed the students out.
The boys lost no time in preparing for the trip to Plankville. After a
somewhat hasty lunch they put on their flying