Chapter I: Introduction

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

The volumes issued in the First and Second Series so far number twenty-eight, and of these the publishers have already sold _over three million copies_! To me this is an astonishing number, and I must confess that I am tremendously pleased over the way in which the boys and girls, as well as their parents, have stood by me in my efforts to entertain them.

In the initial volume of the First Series, “The Rover Boys at School,” I introduced my readers to Dick, Tom and Sam Rover and their friends and relatives. This book and those which immediately followed related the adventures of the three Rover boys at Putnam Hall Military Academy, Brill College and while on many outings.

Having graduated from college, the three young men established themselves in business in New York City and became married to their girl sweethearts. Dick Rover was blessed with a son and a daughter, as was likewise his brother Sam, while Tom Rover became the proud father of twin boys. As the four youths were of a lively disposition, it was considered best by their parents to send them to a boarding school, and in the first volume of the Second Series, entitled “The Rover Boys at Colby Hall,” I related what took place while they were attending that institution. From Colby Hall the scene was shifted to “Snowshoe Island” and then to stirring adventures while “Under Canvas.” Then the boys went “On a Hunt” and later to “The Land of Luck.” Then came further adventures at “Big Horn Ranch,” at “Big Bear Lake,” and then when “Shipwrecked,” where we last met them.

In the present book the scene is laid first during the final days at Colby Hall and then on Sunset Trail in the far West. The boys had good times and also some strenuous adventures, all of which are related in the pages that follow.

Once more I wish to thank the young people for their interest in my books and for the many pleasing letters they have written to me. I trust that the reading of these books will do them all good.

Affectionately and sincerely yours,

EDWARD STRATEMEYER.

CONTENTS

CHAPTER PAGE
I. WHAT HAPPENED ON THE LAKE 1
II. SOMETHING ABOUT THE ROVERS 11
III. AN UNEXPECTED EXPLOSION 22
IV. THE ACCUSATION 34
V. THE MAN ON THE ROAD 44
VI. SAM ROVER BRINGS NEWS 54
VII. FINAL EXAMINATIONS 64
VIII. WHAT HAPPENED TO THE GIRLS 74
IX. THE LAST NIGHT AT COLBY HALL 85
X. TIT FOR TAT 95
XI. A MYSTERIOUS PLOT 105
XII. HOME ONCE MORE 114
XIII. A NEW ACQUAINTANCE 123
XIV. OFF FOR THE WEST 133
XV. AN OLD FRIEND TURNS UP 143
XVI. A PLOT AGAINST THE ROVERS 152
XVII. FOUR BOYS AND A BULL 162
XVIII. A NARROW ESCAPE 171
XIX. THE DISAPPEARANCE OF LEW BILLINGS 182
XX. AT THE ROLLING THUNDER MINE 192
XXI. OUT ON SUNSET TRAIL 201
XXII. THE MOUNTAIN LION 211
XXIII. AT LAKE GANSEN 221
XXIV. THE TIMBER WOLVES 231
XXV. WHAT HAPPENED AT THE LOG CABIN 241
XXVI. THREE DEMANDS 252
XXVII. PRISONERS IN THE CAVE 262
XXVIII. TRYING TO ESCAPE 273
XXIX. ANOTHER DEMAND 284
XXX. THE ROUND-UP――CONCLUSION 296

THE ROVER BOYS ON
SUNSET TRAIL