CHAPTER VIII 

LAST DAYS ON THE FARM 

"I believe you are right," said Tom, after he, too, had looked over some of the bits of paper strewn around. "Here is the word 'box' and here is the word 'Saturday.'" 

"Yes, and here are the words, 'fast freight,'" added Sam. "This was nothing more than a letter box for the freight thieves." 

"But why was it placed here?" questioned Dick. "It's a very out-of-the-way place and hard to get to." 

"Maybe somebody had to come this way," answered Tom. "See, here is something of a trail." 

"Yes, and here are those same big footprints!" exclaimed Sam. "For all we know they may lead to some house or hut on the mountainside." 

Having picked up the majority of the bits of paper and put them in their pockets for future examination, the three Rover boys followed the path or trail they had discovered. It led along the mountainside to where there was a small clearing, backed up by a series of rocks from which a spring gushed forth, sparkling brightly in the sunshine. 

"I'd like to get another drink," said Sam; "I am terribly thirsty to-day." 

"Wait!" warned Dick, and caught his youngest brother by the arm. 

"What's up, Dick?" 

"I see a log cabin--over yonder, among the trees." 

"Yes, and I see Dangler!" yelled Tom, suddenly. "There he goes, with a big bundle over his shoulder!" And he pointed to the rear of the log cabin. A man was just disappearing behind a fringe of brushwood. The bundle he carried appeared to be tied up in a horse blanket. He was running as hard as he could. 
Were the letters intact?
had looked over some of the bits of paper strewn around. 