"But you mustn't get into any such trouble again," said Dora to Dick.
"Think, if you had been burnt up at that fire!" cried Nellie.
"Or if those bad men had shot you," added Grace.
"Well, we came out of it with a whole skin," said Tom, "so we need not complain."
"And I guess, with Baxter gone, our troubles are about over," said Sam. But he was mistaken in his surmise, as we shall learn in the next volume of this series, entitled "The Rover Boys in Southern Waters; or, The Deserted Steam Yacht." In this volume we shall meet all of our young friends again and learn the particulars of a most peculiar happening.
When the proper time came, the rascals who had been captured were tried and sentenced to various terms of imprisonment. All that remained of Red Rock ranch was confiscated by the government, and the paper and printing machinery were destroyed.
While at the plantation, the boys had much sport hunting and fishing and riding. The girls often went along; and all too soon it was announced that the houseboat was once more ready for use, and the brief outing ashore must come to an end.
"Well, take it all in all, we have had a good time," said Dick
"Yes," answered Sam, "although we had a little more excitement than we bargained for."
"Excitement!" came from Tom. "Pooh! Life wouldn't be worth living without some excitement."