My Dear Boys: This volume is a complete story in itself, butforms the seventeenth in a line issued under the general title of "The RoverBoys Series for Young Americans."
As I have mentioned several times, in other volumes, thisline was started with the publication of "The Rover Boys at School," "Onthe Ocean" and "In the Jungle." The cordial reception afforded the storiescalled for the publication of the next volume, "The Rover Boys Out West,"and then, year after year, by the issuing of "On the Great Lakes," "In Camp,""On Land and Sea," "On the River," "On the Plains," "In Southern Waters,""On the Farm," "On Treasure Isle," "At College," "Down East," and then by"In the Air," where we last met them.
The boys are not as young as they once were—indeed, inthis book, Dick, the oldest, gets married and settles down to business. Butall are as bright and lively as ever, and Tom is just as full of fun. Whenthey go to New York City they have some strenuous times, and all prove theirworth in more ways than one. Their father is in deep trouble and they aidhim, and clear up quite a mystery.
Up to this writing, the sale on this line of books isbut a trifle short of one million and a quarter copies! This is to me, ofcourse, tremendously gratifying. Again, as in the past, I thank my many readersfor their interest in what I have written for them; and I trust the perusalof my works will do them good.
Affectionately and sincerely yours,
Arthur M. Winfield.
"Boys, what do you say to a trip in theDartaway this afternoon?"
"Suits me, Sam," replied Tom Rover.
"Providing the breeze doesn't get too strong," returnedDick Rover, as he put up his hand to feel the air.
"Oh, I don't think it will blow too much," went on SamRover. "I don't mind some air."
"But no more storms for me!" cried his brother Tom, witha shake of his head. "That last old corker was enough for me."
"Where shall we go?" questioned Dick, with a queer littlesmile creeping around the corners of his mouth.
"Oh, my, just to hear Dick!" cried Tom, with a grin. "Asif he would go anywhere but to Hope Seminary, to call on Dora!"
"And as if you would go anywhere but to call on Nellie,at the same place!" retorted the oldest Rover boy.
"Now, children, children'" came sweetly from Sam. "Youmustn't quarrel about the dear girls. I know both of you are as much goneas can be. But——"
"And how about Grace, Sam?" said Tom. "Didn't I hear youmaking up some poetry about her yesterday, 'Those limpid eyes and pearlyears, and'——"
"Rats, Tom! I don't make up poetry—I leave that to Songbird,"interrupted the youngest Rover boy. "Just the same, it will be nice to callon the girls. They'll be looking for us some day this week."
"That's right—and maybe we can give them a little ride,"put in Dick Rover.
"Do you remember the ride we gave Dora and Nellie, whenwe rescued them from Sobber, Crabtree, and the others?" asked Tom.
"Not likely to forget that in a hurry," answered his bigbrother. "By the way, I wonder when the authorities will try those rascals?"
"Not right away, I'm thinking, Dick," answered Tom. "Thelaw is rather slow up here in these back counties."
"Never mind—they will get what is coming to them sooneror later," was Sam's comment.
"Abduction is rather a serious offense."
"Right you are," answe