"Don't ask me," answered Dan Baxter recklessly. "He don't half trust me any more. He says I'm only good to sponge on him," and the former bully of Putnam Hall gave a bitter laugh. "Well, I haven't followed these Rovers all the way from Valley Brook farm to here for nothing," went on Henry Bradner. "Your father wanted 'em watched, and I've watched 'em ever since they came home from that boarding academy. It was a big job, too." "Didn't they suspect you?" "One of 'em said he thought he had seen me before." And Bradner laughed. "It was at the Valley Brook Church. I followed them to the church just to keep my word to your father." "And you are certain Mr. Rover isn't coming West?" "No, he's laid up with a game leg, and won't move for a month. I got that straight from the hired man." There was a pause. "What do you reckon I had best do next?" "Telegraph to my father at Denver--you know his assumed name, and let him advise you. I suppose the boys and that Wumble will go straight through to the mining district now." "More than likely." "Then father and Roebuck will have to stop them out there, although how it's to be done I don't know." At this juncture a waiter came forward, and closed down the window, and the balance of the conversation was lost to the two Rover boys. CHAPTER XX JUST A LITTLE TOO LATE "What do you think of that?" whispered Dick, as he led the way back to the sidewalk. "It's all as plain as day," replied his brother. "This Bradner was set to watch the house immediately after the robbery occurred. More than likely he was around at the time of the robbery." "Do you suppose he is the man who helped Arnold Baxter to escape from prison on that forged pardon?" "Creation! It may be so!" ejaculated Tom. "I'll tell you one thing: we ought to have them both arrested at once." "I don't know about that," mused the elder Rover. "If we do that then how are we to find out where Arnold Baxter is, or this fellow they called Roebuck?" "But they may slip through our fingers if we don't have them locked up." The two brothers talked the matter ever, and then decided, late as it was, to call upon Jack Wumble for advice. "You can go for him," said Dick. "I'll continue to watch this place. If they leave I'll throw bits of paper on the sidewalk and you can follow the trail just as if we were playing a game of hare and hounds." Tom made off at top speed, carefully noting the street and number, so that he would not miss his way when returning. Left to himself Dick went into the alleyway again and looked through the window as before. Dan Baxter and Bradner were still conversing, but the youth could not hear what was said. Presently the pair at the table arose, settled for their drinks and came out of the place.