oices. They tried to make out what was being said, but could not.

Left to themselves, the three Rovers turned to the opening that had
been made in the wall. A match was lit for a moment, so that Tom
could see just what had been done, and then all three set to work to
continue the task. It was certainly hard work, and their progress
was exasperatingly slow.

"If we only had a pick or a crowbar we could get these stones out in
no time," grunted Tom, as he pulled away with all his strength.

The noise overhead continued, and a little later they heard some men
come down in another portion of the cellar.

"We must save the plates, at all events," they heard Sack Todd say.
"We can't duplicate them, now old Messmer is dead."

"Yes, save the plates, by all means," put in Andy Jimson.

"Do you think the ranch is surrounded?" asked another of the crowd.

"It may be."

"Then the sooner we get out, the better," growled another.

The men passed on, so that the Rover boys could not hear more of the
talk.

"I believe they are going to leave the place," whispered Sam excitedly.

"If they go, what will they do with us?" put in Tom.

"Perhaps they will force us to go with them," answered Dick.

There was now more bustle and confusion about the ranch, and they
heard a wagon drive up to a door, load up and drive away again. Then
some horses were brought up from the stable.

"Something is doing, that is certain," murmured Dick.

He had scarcely spoken when there was a movement at the door of the
cell and, by the light of a lantern, the boys found themselves
confronted by Sack Todd, Andy Jimson and Dan Baxter.

"So you think the youngest is the best to take along," said Sack Todd
to Baxter.

"Yes; the family think more of him than of any one," answered the bully.

"All right. Sam Rover, come out of that!"

"What do you want me for?" asked the youngest Rover.

"I want to talk to you."

Sam walked from the cell, and the door was at once fastened as before.
Then Sack Todd caught the youth by the arm.

"Now, march upstairs, and be lively about it. We have no time to waste."

"But--"

"No 'buts' now, Rover. We'll talk later on," growled the ranch owner
savagely. "Just now I've got my mind full of other things."

Sam was led to the main floor of the ranch, and then without ado his
hands were fastened behind him. Then he was told to march outside.
Here two light wagons were in waiting, and he was bundled into one,
al