search was made, there was nothing found upon his person to identify
him. He had no money, and it was believed that his pockets had been
gone through by his assailants. He was taken to the hospital where he
was lying unconscious, and in a serious condition.

Mr. Dexter bought copies of both morning papers, which was a great
extravagance for him. He was quite proud of the part his son had taken
in the affair, and the notoriety which had come to his family. Rod and
Phil read every word on their trip up the river that afternoon. It was
the first time they had ever seen their names in print, and they felt
very important. This was increased when they saw people looking at
them, and pointing them out as the boys who had figured in the affair
of the night before.

Parson Dan's eyes opened wide with astonishment when he opened his
paper, which arrived just before dinner, and read to his wife the story
of the assault in the city.

"Well done for the boys!" he exclaimed, as he laid the paper aside, and
began his meal. "I wish they had caught the rascals who did that deed."

"The boys might have got badly hurt," Mrs. Royal replied. "I am very
thankful that they escaped without any harm. What terrible things take
place in cities. We live such quiet lives here that we little realise
what is going on elsewhere."

"I do hope that the police will get those fellows," the parson mused.
"The paper says that there have been several hold-ups lately, and it is
believed that they have been done by the same ones who made the assault
last night. I am anxious to see Rod to hear what he has to say."