Their uncle and aunt were much worried over their prolonged absence and overjoyed to see them return unharmed.
"I was so afraid one of you might get shot or something," said Mrs.
Rover.

"Some of those, chickens thieves are desperate characters." "Those men were more than chicken thieves," answered Dick.

And he told his uncle and aunt of the conversation overheard at the old mill.
"It is a great pity that they got away," said Randolph Rover.
"What do you imagine they are after, Uncle Randolph ?" questioned Sam.
"I do not know, excepting it may be some mining stocks or a deed to some property.

Perhaps your father will be able to explain it when he gets back." The authorities were notified, but they failed to apprehend the men.
It was learned that the boat they had used had been stolen from, a point near Oak Run, and the craft was returned to its owner.

That they had used the old mill for a stopping place was evidenced by the remains of numerous meals found there.