"I went by the upper road and I had to pass that new roadhouse, the place called the Red Horseshoe.

Well, who was sitting on the piazza but Jerry Koswell and Bart Larkspur.

They had been having a gay time, I guess, and both were talking loudly.

When they saw me they called to me to stop, and then they asked me if you fellows had come back to Brill." "What did you tell them ?" asked Tom.
"I told them no, but that you were expected in a few days.

Then both of them began to brag, and said they had it in for all three of you Rovers." "Did they say what they intended to do ?" questioned Tom.
"Not exactly, but Koswell intimated that if you didn't look out you might be blown up." "Blown up!" exclaimed Dick, and he thought instantly of what Tad Sobber and Josiah Crabtree had said to Dora and Nellie.
"That's what he said.