Over the snow to where, according to Ted Franklin, the Jallow lumbermen
had last been seen cutting the valuable timber, went Mr. Ford and his
little party, including the boys and girls. There was eager anticipation
in their demeanor.

"What do you suppose your father will do?" asked Mollie of Grace, as
they rode along in the big sled, for, out of consideration of Paddy's
leg, they rode instead of walked.

"I don't know," was the answer. "But I guess daddy has his plans all
made."

"I just hope that Alice Jallow sees how we come out ahead!" went on
Mollie, half-vindictively.

"Mollie!" reproached Betty, gently.

"I don't care. She--she's a--cat!"

Mr. Ford, Paddy and Allen were consulting with the court officer, Will
and Frank were discussing a prospective hunting trip, and the girls were
planning Christmas surprises as the sled slid on.

"Here's the new line," said Paddy, as they came to a pile of stones.
"And there's where it ought to be," he added, as they drove across the
valuable strip in dispute. There was a difference of nearly a mile.

"That is my recollection of it," said Mr. Ford. "Owing to the death of
the surveyor, and the destruction of some of his records, I was unable
to prove it, though."

"Well, you can now," retorted Paddy, significantly.

Soon they heard the sound of axes and, in answer to a nod from Mr. Ford,
the horses were turned in that direction.

Suddenly from behind a tree stepped the burly form of Hank Smither.

"You can't go any further!" he growled. "Turn back an' git off this
land! You're trespassin'!"

"Oh, I think not," said Mr. Ford, pleasantly.

"Well, I tell you you be! Git off, 'fore I----"

"Now I advise you to go slow, my big friend," put in the constable. "I'm
from the court, and I have authority in this matter that goes above even
Jallow's."

"All I know is that my orders is not to let any one on here exceptin'
Mr. Jallow's men," growled Hank.

"Where is Mr. Jallow?" asked Mr. Ford.

"Over there," and Hank pointed.

"Then we'll settle with him. Drive on, Ted."

"I don't see how I kin let ye!" whined Hank. He had lost much of his
bluster now.

"You don't have to let us. We'll do it without, Hank!" spoke Paddy,
suddenly. At the sound of his voice--for up to now Hank had not seen the
lumberman--the burly guard started slightly.

"Paddy Malone!" he gasped. "You back!"

"Yes, and I guess Jallow won't be any more glad to see me than you are,"
was the grim