CHAPTER IV
A MIDNIGHT SEARCH
That night was destined to be an eventful one on the Rover farm. Arriving home, Sam and Tom told of the fun they had had and Dick laughed heartily. Then all three of the boys went to bed.
About midnight came a loud shouting from the barn, followed by the report of a shotgun. This was followed by a shriek from Sarah, the cook, who was afraid that burglars had come to murder her.
"What's that?" questioned Dick, as he hopped out of bed.
"That's Jack Ness' gun," answered Tom. "Something must be wrong at the barn."
"Chicken thieves again—I'll bet a new hat," said Sam.
By this time Randolph Rover and his wife were up and were lighting a lamp. Without wait ing for them, the boys slipped on some clothing
29
