"Neither do I like it." "Baxter at liberty may mean trouble for father and for us." "I begin to see now what Dan Baxter meant," ejaculated Tom suddenly. "I'll wager he knew all along what his father and the friend were up to." "I wonder who the stranger was? He must have been a very skillful forger to forge the governor's signature and the other signatures too." "He must be some old pal to Baxter. Don't you remember father said Baxter was thick with several fellows in the West before he came out here?" "Let us write to father about this at once." This was agreed to, and Dick began to pen the letter without delay. While he was at work Sam came in and was acquainted with the news. "It's just like the Baxters," said the youngest Rover. "After this, I'll be prepared to expect anything of them. I'd like to know where he has gone? Perhaps out West." "Out West?" cried Dick and Tom simultaneously. "Certainly. Didn't he swear to get the best of us regarding that mine matter?" "By gum!" murmured Tom. "Dick, we can't send that letter any too quick. Perhaps we had better telegraph." "Oh, father may have the news already." Dick glanced at the newspaper again. "Hullo, I missed this," he cried. "Missed what?" came from both of the others. "The paper says Baxter's escape occurred several days ago. The prison' officials kept it to themselves at first, hoping the detectives would re-capture the criminal." "And that paper was printed yesterday morning. At any rate, Baxter has had his liberty for at least five days. I must say I don't like this at all. We'll telegraph to father without delay." Looking out of the window Dick saw Captain Putnam walking on the parade ground. He ran down to interview the master of the Hall. "Why, yes, you can go to Cedarville at once, if you deem it important," said the captain. "Peleg Snuggers can drive you down." "Thank you, captain," said Dick, and ran to the stables. He found the utility man at work cleaning out a stall, and soon had Snuggers hitching up. Inside of ten minutes Dick was on the way to town. As he bowled along, little did he dream of how long it would be before he should see dear old Putnam Hall again. While passing the Stanhope cottage Dick saw Dora at work over a flower bed in the front garden. "Just going to Cedarville on a little errand," he shouted, and waved his hand to her, and she waved in return. In the back garden was Aleck, and the negro, flourished a hoe as a salute. The telegraph office at Cedarville was not a large place, and but few private messages were received there. As Dick drove up the operator looked at him and at Snuggers. "Hullo, I was just going to send a message up to your place," he said to the utility man. "All right, I'll take it," replied Snuggers. "You can pay me for the messenger service," he added with a grin. "Whom is the message for, if I may ask?" questioned Dick quickly. "For Richard Rover." "That's myself. Let me have it at once."