."

"And we don't want fish," was the retort. "Come, Shane, open your
door. We want to talk to you. It's important, and there may be
something in it for you."

"Yes--trouble, more or less. I can't see anything else," was the
grumbling response. "Wait a minute."

Cora looked over the bushes. She could see the men grouped in front of
the cabin door. Then she saw it open, and a broad beam of light shoot
out.

"Come in," invited Denny, and the plotters entered.

"Now's our chance!" exclaimed Cora, her heart beating rapidly. "We
must see what those men do. We may have to give evidence."

"Oh, dear!" sighed Marita. "I never could do it. I'd faint, sure."

"Do what?" asked Cora.

"Give evidence."

"Don't worry. You won't have to do anything hard, dear," was the
gentle answer, as Cora slipped her arm about the timid girl.

"Oh, I'll do anything you girls do," was the quick answer. "I want to
help."

"And we want your help," whispered Bess. "But, Cora, can't we go
closer? We ought to look in and see what happens."

"Brave Bess!" murmured Lottie. "You are certainly coming on finely."

The plotters were now inside the cabin, so that it was safe for the
girls to advance. This they did until they were once more in a
position where they could look in the window of the cabin.

They saw a strange sight. Old Denny Shane, brave and rugged,
confronted the four men who had called on him. In one hand he grasped
the red oar, while the other rested on the back of the chair from
which he had risen.

"Well, Mr. Shane," said the man Cora knew as Bruce. "We come to see
you on business."

"What kind?" asked the old man, and the girls could see him look
around as though seeking help or a means of escape. But there was no
fear in his eyes. Only defiance.

"We might as well get to business at once," said one of the men,
sharply. That was Kelly.

"That's right," agreed Moran. "Make him an offer. If he doesn't want
to take it then we'll talk another kind of talk. And be quick about
it."

"I want no business with you!" cried Denny, sharply. "Why do you come
here bothering me?"

"You know why!" exclaimed Bruce. "You are concerned in the Lewis land
matter. You can testify as to who owns it."

"Well, supposin' I can?" asked the old man, defiantly. "What is that
to you?"

"Lots to us, and it may mean a great deal to you, also!" snapped out
Kelly. "You may have some papers, too."

"I may," returned Denny, "but you'll not get