ou'll ever see it again," Tom
asserted; "but we've got one thing in our favor."

"I'm glad to hear that, Tom," the little lady told him, for she had a
great respect for the opinion of her son's chum; "tell us what it is,
won't you?"

"Everybody knows how Amasa Culpepper is getting more and more stingy
every year he lives," Tom explained. "He hates to let a dollar go
without squeezing it until it squeals, they say. Well, if Dock holds
out for a fairly decent sum I expect Amasa will keep putting him off,
and try to make him come down in his price. That's our best chance of
ever getting the paper back."

"Tom, I want you to go with me to-night and face Dock Phillips," said
Carl.

"Just as you say; we can look him up on our way to the meeting."

CHAPTER IV

THE DEFIANCE OF DOCK PHILLIPS

Remembering his promise, Tom called early for his chum. Carl lived in a
pretty little cottage with his mother, and three other children. There
was Angus, a little chap of five, Dot just three, and Elsie well turned
seven.

Everybody liked to visit the Oskamp home, there was such an air of
contentment and happiness about the entire family, despite the fact
that they missed the presence of the one who had long been their guide
and protector.

Tom was an especial favorite with the three youngsters, and they were
always ready for a romp with him when he came to spend an evening with
his chum. On this occasion however Tom did not get inside the house,
for Carl was on the lookout and hurried out of the door as soon as he
heard the gate shut.

"Hello! seems to me you're in a big hurry to-night," laughed Tom, when
he saw the other slip out of the house and come down the path to meet
him; "what's all the rush about, Carl?"

"Why, you see I knew we meant to drop in at Dock Phillips' place, and
we wouldn't want to be too late at the meeting if we happened to be
held up there," was the explanation Carl gave.

As they hurried along they talked together, and of course much of their
conversation was connected with this visit to Dock. Carl seemed hopeful
of good results, but to tell the truth Tom had his doubts.

In the first place he was a better judge of human nature than his chum,
and he knew that the Phillips boy was stubborn, as well as vicious. If
he were really guilty of having taken the paper he would be likely to
deny it vehemently through thick and thin.

Knowing how apt Carl was to become discouraged if things went aga