one of the chicken houses blown to flinders by dynamite or some other explosive. About one hundred chickens were destroyed."
"Just listen to that!" gasped Tom. "Oh, the rascals!"
"And Uncle Randolph's prize stock chickens!' murmured Sam. "That must have made his heart ache!"
"I'll wager Aunt Martha was scared to death," added Tom. And Dick read on:
"Of course there was great excitement, and four of us, the detective, Ness, Pop, and myself, went after the rascals, leaving your Uncle Randolph to look after your aunt and the cook, both of whom were very much frightened. We hunted around until daylight, but without success. Then we went to the old mill in the auto, but the place was deserted. After that I notified the local authorities, and I have hired ten watchmen to guard the farm and every building on it. I have also sent for two more detectives, and I am hoping that, sooner or later, they will be able to tract the scoundrels and run them down."
"Does he say how he is feeling?" questioned
