"Two sleds
an' a lot of truck!"

"I borrowed 'em up at the camp," said Sparwick, carelessly. "I've got
spruce gum packed under the blankets. I oughter realize on it purty
handsome."

He glanced at the sleds; then tilted his chair back.

"Much obliged fur the grub," he added. "I reckon I'll take a sleep now,
so's ter pull out at daybreak."

"Look here, Kyle Sparwick," said Thomson. "We happen ter need an extry
hand badly. Can't you stay a day or two?"

Sparwick pulled at his short beard.

"I'm afeard not," he replied, slowly. "I've got pressin' business down
at----"

Bang! the window came down with a crash as Jerry's fingers knocked the
plug of wood from under it. The frightened boys jumped back. They heard
excited shouts and cries inside.

"Come on," exclaimed Hamp. "We must face the music. I think we're sure
of square treatment."

He led his companions around the angle of the house. Just as they
reached the door it was flung open by a noisy crowd of loggers.

The boys were dragged inside, and clamored at by a dozen indignant
voices. They tried vainly to explain. Finally Thomson restored a
semblance of order, and quieted the mob.

"Now, what does this here mean?" he demanded. "You chaps were sneakin'
an' spyin' outside that winder. Don't deny it."

"We didn't mean any harm," stoutly protested Jerry. "We can explain our
actions. We came here after our sleds. There they are in the corner, and
that's the man who stole them from us three hours ago."

He singled out Sparwick from the crowd, and pointed at him.

The detected thief was in a tight place, but he was not prepared to give
up. He made a bold attempt at bluffing.

"Them sleds are mine," he cried. "I'll wring yer neck, you young liar."

He sprang forward, and seized Jerry by the collar. He lifted him clear
off his feet, and swung him in air.

A chorus of indignant cries rang out. There was a rush from all sides.

"Drop the youngster," yelled Thomson; and when Sparwick refused to
obey, he struck him forcibly on the arm.

Jerry dropped to the floor, and quickly regained his feet.

"I'm telling the truth," he cried, huskily. "Those are our sleds. I can
describe every article on them."

The ruffian made another rush at the lad, but was jerked back. The
loggers seemed to be against Sparwick to a man. Evidently they knew his
reputation.

"Sit down thar," commanded Thomson, pointing to a chair. "An' don't yer
make no sneak fur the door. We'll ge