They reached the river bank an hour before noon, and here Dick had figured he would have to wait until his chums kept the agreed upon noon-time rendezvous.
This was rendered unnecessary, however, when they saw a boy rowing a flatboat down the river. They hailed him and arranged to have him stay and watch the horses for a couple of hours, while the Ranger and Dick rowed LeBlanc across the river and lodged him in the lock-up.
Dick then got into communication with the sheriff, who charged the constable to guard the prisoner with every precaution, and under no circumstances was he to be allowed bail by the Justice of the Peace, should any be offered.
The Ranger left after receiving the hearty thanks of Dick, and he set out in a hurry for the mine. He found his chums just on the point of heading for the river, and then ensued many explanations.
Great was the delight of the chums when Dick produced the bag of tourmalines, which he kept until the end of his story, and then displayed with a dramatic gesture.
Not a word was said to Dick about his father’s having been found, but the fat boy could not help but notice the tension that prevailed about the camp. Twice Garry left the mine to go to the telegraph office, but with no result. The next day at noon, however, he received a brief wire from his father. It said:
“Operation a success. Bring Dick and hurry to Boston. Come to Massachusetts Homeopathic Hospital.”
Arrangements were hastily made to close up their summer’s stay. Dick was still in the dark, but his chums would not yet enlighten him. Nate Webster was to remain in charge of the mining, and when Garry proposed that he hire George Washington Dudley, the gum-hunter, and any other help that he needed, Nate agreed enthusiastically, for he and Dud were old friends of years ago.
The long trip to Boston was finally ended, and guiding the perplexed Dick, they got a taxi at the North Station and rushed to the hospital. Here they were met by Mr. Boone. He took Dick to one side and quietly told him that the Hermit was his father and that he had recovered his mind and memory after the operation. Dick was led to the private room, and there Mr. Boone left father and son together for a few moments. When the doctor finally shooed Dick out of the room, he silently grasped the hands of Mr. Boone and his chums, but his voice was too choked for utterance.
And so we leave the Ranger Boys, who had displayed real nerve and bravery throughout their summer. Dick received his reward, in the finding of his father. Phil’s share of the mine would permit him to attend Farnham Hall with his chums that year.