INTRODUCTION

My Dear Boys:  This book is a complete story in itself, but forms the nineteenth volume in a line issued under the general title of “The Rover Boys Series for Young Americans.”

As I have mentioned in several other volumes, this series was started a number of years ago with the publication of “The Rover Boys at School,” “On the Ocean,” and “In the Jungle.”  I am happy to say the books were so well liked that they were followed, year after year, by the publication of “The Rover Boys Out West,” “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,” “In the Air,” “In New York,” and finally “In Alaska,” where we last met the lads.

During all these adventures the Rover boys have been growing older.  Dick is now married and conducting his father’s business in New York City and elsewhere.  ’The fun-loving Tom and his sturdy younger brother, Sam, are at Brill College.  The particulars are given of a great baseball game; and then Tom and Sam return home, to he startled by a most unusual message from Dick, calling them to New York immediately.  Some bonds of great value have mysteriously disappeared, and unless these are recovered the Rover fortune may be seriously impaired.  What the boys did under these circumstances, I will leave the pages which follow to disclose.

Once more thanking my host of young readers for the interest they have taken in my books, I remain,

Affectionately and sincerely yours,

Arthur M. Winfield.
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CHAPTER I

At the river

“Sam!”

No answer.

“I say, Sam, can’t you listen for just a moment?”

“Oh, Tom, please don’t bother me now!” and Sam Rover, with a look of worry on his face, glanced up for a moment from his writing-table.  “I’ve got to finish this theme before to-morrow morning.”

“Oh, I know!  But listen!” And Tom Rover’s face showed his earnestness.  “Last night it was full moonlight, and to-night it is going to be equally clear.  Why can’t we get out the auto and pay a visit to Hope?  You know we promised the girls that we would be up some afternoon or evening this week.”

“Sounds good, Tom, but even if we went after, supper, could we get there in time?  You know all visitors have to leave before nine o’clock.”

“We can get there if we start as soon as we finish eating.  Can’t you finish the theme after we get back?  Maybe I can help you.”

“Help me?  On this theme!” Sam grinned broadly.  “Tom, you don’t know what you are talking about.  Do you know what this theme is on?”

“No, but I can help you if I have to.”

“This is on ‘The Theory Concerning the Evolution of——­’”