tly the long standing
differences between the pair had been patched up at last.

"What I've got to say, I can say in very few words," came from Ruth's
father, as he confronted Mr. Brown and Professor Lemm. "You have tried
to carry matters here with a high hand, and the result has been that you
have laid yourselves liable to a suit at law, while those two young
rascals are liable to go to prison."

"Oh, Dad! don't let them have us arrested!" pleaded Slugger.

"I don't want to bother with the law--I want to be left alone," said
Uncle Barney in a low voice.

"This island belongs to my relative here--Mr. Barnard Stevenson,"
proceeded Ruth's father. "He has a free and clear title to it, as I well
know. I understand something of your underhanded work, Brown. And I
understand, too, how you and Professor Lemm found out that this island
contained some very valuable zinc ore beds. But your scheme to gain
possession of this place has fallen through."

"Don't be so sure of that!" snarled Slugger's father.

"I am sure of it. Unless you leave my relative here alone, you are going
to get yourself into pretty hot water. And not only that--if you bother
him again, I'll see to it that your son and that other young man are
sent to prison for what they have done."

"Say! will you let us go if my dad gives up his claim to the island?"
broke in Slugger eagerly.

"If your father and Professor Lemm will promise never to bother Barnard
Stevenson in the future, I think he'll be willing to let this case
against you drop."

"All right then. Dad, let's do that. We don't want the old island,
anyhow!"

"You can't do anything without those deeds," added Nappy.

"Shut up! You boys make me sick!" grunted Mr. Brown.

"But Martell is right--we can't do anything without the deeds,"
whispered Professor Lemm. He was growing more fearful every moment over
the outcome of what had taken place.

More words followed, but in the end Mr. Brown and Professor Lemm
promised to let their so-called claim on Snowshoe Island drop. Then
Slugger and Nappy were released, and all were told to take their
departure as soon as possible.

"You think you're smart, don't you?" grumbled Slugger to Jack, when he
was ready to go. "You just wait, Jack Rover! I'm not going to forget you
and your cousins in a hurry!"

"And I won't forget you, either!" added Nappy Martell.

What these two unworthies did in the future to worry the Rovers will be
told in another volume,