CHAPTER XXVII
THE BURNING OF THE RANCH
Left to themselves, Tom and Dick scarcely knew what to do for the time being. What was to become of Sam they did not know, but they felt that the outlook was darker than ever.
"Dick, we must get out!" cried Tom at length "I can't stand this sort of thing."
"I can't stand it myself. But how are we going to get out? That door is like the wall, for strength."
There was more noise overhead, but presently this ceased, and all became as quiet as a tomb.
"What do you make of it, now?" came from the fun-loving Rover.
"I think they have left the ranch, Tom."
"Left—for good?"
"Perhaps. They know that James Monday will make it warm for them. That letter put them on their guard."
"What a fool I was to deliver it, Dick! I ought to be kicked for doing it. If we had only opened it and read it!"
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