“I will tell you all about it,” answered Lon, who had no intention of bothering his companion, and had only delayed the explanation of his plans because his thoughts were running faster than his words. “In the first place, the barn is between the road and the river. As soon as we have got the things ready for the blaze, we will touch them off, and then make for the river; then we shall meet nobody to molest or make us afraid.” “That’s good,” added Matt approvingly. “Of course it is; and there is no such thing as fail about this plan. We will keep out of sight in the bushes by the river, till everybody in town has gone to sleep.” “Do you mean to stay in that hole till morning?” asked Matt, who did not like the idea. “Not at all; only till the folks are gone. You see, it wouldn’t do to move about while the people are looking at the fire, for we should be seen.” “But won’t the engines come to the river for water?” suggested Matt. “No: the pond at the foot of the hill isn’t half as far from the barn as the river, and they will take water from that. Nobody will come near us, you may depend upon that.” “Where shall we go after the folks in town have all gone to bed?” asked Matt. “About midnight we will follow the river up to the creek, and go on board of the old sail-boat. There is a nice little breeze blowing now, and it would carry us down to the Sound in two or three hours.” “Bully for you, Lon!” exclaimed Matt, who was delighted with this plan. He had often thought of making a trip to the Sound in this boat; for, like most boys, he was fond of adventure. In accordance with this plan, the young villains made their way to the barn. Lon had prepared the combustibles. He had a slow-match, which was to burn down when they had placed half a mile or more between themselves and the barn; then it was to light a bunch of block matches, and this would communicate the fire to a heap of combustibles under the floor of the barn. Unfortunately, every thing worked as had been intended, and the boys were in their hiding-place some time before the fire broke out. Of course no one would see them in the road, or anywhere near the fire. Each kept up the courage of the other; and, if either had been alone, he would not have had the pluck to do the evil deed. If they had been alone they might have repented of the crime, and considered the consequences; but they talked of the trip to New York, and stifled their consciences with the glories of the excursion to the great city. It was late in August; and the weather was pleasant, though rather cool at night. It would be fine sailing on the Sound. At midnight they walked to the creek, and got into the old boat. CHAPTER VI. DOWN THE RIVER. “Now we are all right,” said Lon, as he stepped into the boat. “I don’t think any one has seen us,” added Matt, following his companion. “No one could have seen us.” “Shall we start now?”