Chapter I: Introduction

MY DEAR BOYS: This book is a complete story in itself, but forms the fourth volume in a line issued under the general title, "The Second Rover Boys Series for Young Americans."

As mentioned in some volumes of the first series, this line was started years ago with the publication of "The Rover Boys at School," "On the Ocean," and "In the Jungle," in which I introduced my readers to Dick, Tom and Sam Rover. The twenty volumes of the first series related the doings of these three youths while attending Putnam Hall Military Academy, Brill College, and while on numerous outings.

Having acquired a thorough education, the three young men established themselves in business and were married. Presently Dick Rover became the father of a son and a daughter, and so did his brother Sam, while Tom Rover became the father of twin boys. The four lads were later on sent to boarding school, as related in the first volume of this second series, entitled "The Rover Boys at Colby Hall."

From Colby Hall the scene was shifted to "Snowshoe Island," where the lads went for a winter outing. Then they came back to the military academy, and later on participated in the annual encampment, as related in the third volume, entitled "The Rover Boys under Canvas."

In the present volume the scene is shifted from lively times at Colby Hall to still more livelier times in the woods, to which the lads journeyed for a season of hunting. They came upon a mysterious house in the forest, and there uncovered a secret which I will leave the pages that follow to relate.

Once more I wish to thank my numerous readers for the many nice things they have said about these "Rover Boys" books. I trust that the reading of the volumes will do them all good.

Affectionately and sincerely yours,

EDWARD STRATEMEYER.

CONTENTS

I THE BOBSLED RACE

II ABOUT THE ROVERS

III NEWS OF IMPORTANCE

IV SOMETHING ABOUT CEDAR LODGE

V THE DEFEAT OF THE BULLY

VI AT THE MOVING PICTURE THEATER

VII THE END OF THE TERM

VIII CHRISTMAS AT HOME

IX THE RAILROAD ACCIDENT

X THE RESCUE

XI ON THE WAY TO CEDAR LODGE

XII AT THE FROZEN-UP SPRING

XIII THE MEETING ON THE ROAD

XIV THE FIRST HUNT

XV A CRY FOR HELP

XVI UNDESIRABLE VISITORS

XVII NEW YEAR'S DAY IN CAMP

XVIII FISHING THROUGH THE ICE

XIX LETTERS FROM HOME

XX LOST IN THE WOODS

XXI A NIGHT UNDER THE CLIFF

XXII AT TONY DUVAL'S CAMP

XXIII SIX BIG SNOWBALLS

XXIV A CONVERSATION OF IMPORTANCE

XXV THE MYSTERIOUS HOUSE IN THE WOODS

XXVI WHAT THE BIG BARN CONTAINED

XXVII THE COMING OF THE WOLVES

XXVIII THE MAN IN THE GREY OVERCOAT

XXIX WHAT HAPPENED AT THE LODGE

XXX THE EXPOSURE--CONCLUSION