Evidently they were in league with Merrick and under his directions.
"We must capture those fellows by all means," whispered Tom, excitedly.

"If we do, maybe we can find out where Merrick is." "Yes, and Tad Sobber, too," added Sam, who had not forgotten the poisonous snake episode at Putnam Hall.
"They weren't after chickens--that was only a blind," said Dick.
"They want to get something from the house--some papers that Merrick wants." "They must be valuable," said Sam.
"Father has all sorts of valuable papers," went on Tom.

"Bonds, deeds to mining properties, and such.

But I thought he had the most of those in a safe deposit vault in the city." "So he has," answered Dick.

"Maybe these fellows would be fooled even if they got into Uncle Randolph's house.