"I believe they are going to leave the place," whispered Sam excitedly.
"If they go, what will they do with us?" put in Tom.
"Perhaps they will force us to go with them," answered Dick.
There was now more bustle and confusion about the ranch, and they heard a wagon drive up to a door, load up and drive away again. Then some horses were brought up from the stable.
"Something is doing, that is certain," murmured Dick.
He had scarcely spoken when there was a movement at the door of the cell and, by the light of a lantern, the boys found themselves confronted by Sack Todd, Andy Jimson and Dan Baxter.
"So you think the youngest is the best to take along," said Sack Todd to Baxter.
"Yes; the family think more of him than of any one," answered the bully.
"All right. Sam Rover, come out of that!"
"What do you want me for?" asked the youngest Rover.
"I want to talk to you."
Sam walked from the cell, and the door was at once fastened as before. Then Sack Todd caught the youth by the arm.
