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!"
CHAPTER IV
NED HEARS STRANGE TALK
There was a rush for the stairs leading from the barn down into the cow
stable.
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