He was not one to keep us in the dark so long."

"I cannot believe my brother dead, and the boys will not believe
it either. Do you know what Dick said to me before he left for
school? He said, that if we didn't get word he was going to
Africa some day to hunt his father up."

"To Africa! What will that boy do in such a jungle, and among
such fierce natives? He will be killed!"

"Perhaps not. The boy is uncommonly shrewd, when it comes to
dealing with his enemies. Just look how nicely he and Tom and Sam
served Arnold Baxter and those others. It was wonderful doings --
for, boys."

"Yes, but they may not be so successful always, Randolph. I
should hate to see them run into any more, danger."

"So should I, my dear. But they will take care of themselves, I
feel that more and more every day," concluded Randolph Rover; and
there, for the time being, the subject was dropped.

"I wonder what has become of old Josiah Crabtree?" remarked Dick
Rover, as he and his brothers walked around the parade ground to
inspect several improvement which Captain Putnam had caused to be
made.

"I'm sure I can't guess," answered Tom.

"Like as not he became scared to death. I suppose you'll be