"What are we to do?" asked the member of the trio who had first spoken.
"We're to stay here until the rest of the crowd arrives, and watch what happens. But the main thing is to capture Ned."
All unconscious of the change in the conspirators' plans, and congratulating themselves on the success of their method in guarding against surprise, the members of the nine and their friends began assembling one by one in the barn, as it grew dusk.
Most of them were on hand, and the tables, which were boards placed across saw-horses, had been spread with the good things to eat.
"Where's Ned?" asked Bart, as he noticed that the toastmaster was not yet present.
"He and Frank are coming together," replied Fenn. "Better take a look out, fellows, and see if you can spot any of the enemy."
Several boys mounted to the hay loft and looked out of the small door formerly used to take fodder into the barn. The watchers reported the coast clear.
They came down, and were standing about the table, waiting for Ned and Frank, who were the only absentees, when a loud cry came from the direction of the cow stable door.
"Rescue! Rescue! Darewells to the rescue! They're kidnapping Ned!"
"That's Frank's voice!" cried Bart. "Come on, fellows! They've played a trick on us and they've got Ned!"