and then around the Great Lakes. I trust the lake air will do her
much good, and that we won't hear or see anything of Mr. Crabtree
while we are on the water."

"I'd like to go with you on that trip," answered Dick. "I have no
doubt you will have a grand time."

Little did he dream of all the perils that trip was to lead to, and
of how he and his brothers would be mixed up in them.

In the meantime the others had journeyed up the hill to where the
road branched off in three directions. At this point Joel Darwell
pointed out two newly-made holes in the earth, about fifteen feet
apart.

"See them?" he cried. "Well, that is where I placed the danger
sign, and I am willing to swear to it."

"And so am I," added the workman who was along.

"Well, there is no danger signal here now," returned Tom, glancing
around. Some bushes torn up beside the road attracted his
attention, and he hurried toward them. "Here you are!"

He pointed to a cleared spot behind the bushes and there, on the
ground, lay the torn-up posts and boards. Evidently somebody had
dragged them thither in great haste.

"It's the work of some thorough rascal!" cried Sam. "Somebody who
meant mischief to our stage."