“We’re a fine set of heroes,” remarked Sam, grinningly, as he and Tom walked back in the direction of the swimming hole.  “Wouldn’t it have been rich if we had rushed in to save that fellow in the boat, and spoiled the picture.”

“Don’t mention it, Sam,” pleaded Tom.  “That sure was one on us.”  And then both laughed heartily over the way they had been fooled.

Reaching the swimming hole, it did not take the youths long to get into the water.  Remembering what Jack Ness had said about being careful, they moved around cautiously.

“Here is a tree root that ought to be removed,” remarked Sam, after diving down.  “A fellow could easily catch fast on it.”

“Maybe we had better put up a danger sign,” suggested his brother, and getting out a note book he carried, he tore a page from it and wrote as follows: 

Danger!

Look Out for the Tree Roots!

“There!  That ought to do some good,” he went on, as he pinned the notice fast to the nearest tree trunk.  The boys enjoyed their swim thoroughly.  They indulged in many monkey-shines, and also had a little race to the opposite bank and back.  This race was won by Tom, but Sam proved a very close second.

“Now then, I guess we had better hurry home, or we may be late for lunch,” said Sam, after consulting his watch.  “It is quarter of twelve.”

Much refreshed, the lads started back for the farmhouse.  They were still some distance away when they saw Jack Ness hurrying towards them.

“I say, gents!” called out the hired man.  “You’re wanted at the house right away.”

“What’s the matter, Jack?” demanded Tom, quickly.  “Is father worse?”

“No, it ain’t that, Master Tom.  It’s a telegram what come for you.”

“A telegram?” repeated Sam.  “Do you know where it is from?”

“Your uncle said it was from Mr. Dick.”

“Then there must be important news,” said Tom, and without further words both youths started on a swift gait for the house.  Their aunt and uncle saw them coming, and ran out on the back porch to meet them.  Their aunt held up her hand warningly.

“Now don’t make any noise, boys,” she pleaded.  “We must not disturb your father.”

“What is it?  What’s the news?”

“It’s a telegram from Dick,” answered their Uncle Randolph.  “I can’t quite make it out, but, evidently, it is very important.  Here it is.”

He fumbled in the pocket of his coat, and brought forth the yellow envelope and handed it to Tom.  Taking out the telegram, the youth read it, with Sam looking over his shoulder.  It ran as follows: 

“If possible, I want Sam and Tom to come to New York at once.  Very
important.  Do not alarm father.

“Richard Rover.”

“What do you make of this, Tom?” asked Sam, after he had read the telegram several times.

“I don’t know what to make of it, Sam.  But one thing is certain:  Dick needs us.  Something out of the ordinary has happened.”