"Only a few weeks ago, which accounts for you not having known of the change. I had a good chance to trade my place in town for a plantation, or ranch, as my son Bob calls it, and I took it. We have a fine place, and Clara will be much pleased, I am sure, to have you and your friends pay us a visit."
"Oh, mamma, let us go!" cried Dora. "I don't wish to stay on the houseboat while the repairs are being made."
The matter was talked over for an hour, and the boys and girls took Mr. Denton over the houseboat, from end to end.
"I've heard of you Rover boys," said he to Dick, Tom and Sam. "Mrs. Stanhope has written to us about you, and how you once saved her from a fellow named Josiah Crabtree. If you and your chums wish to visit our place, I'd like you to do so. I've got a son Bob who, I know, would like to meet you."
"Well, I wouldn't mind taking a trip inland," answered Dick.
"Can't we go on horseback?" put in Sam eagerly.
"We might do that."
"Certainly, you could make the trip in that way," said Mr. Denton. "But it would take some time, for the roads are not of the best down
