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116 see I was a bit excited. I thought you were following me, trying to steal my secret. But you can't get it now. I own the land. You have the papers—the deed, Ed?" he asked eagerly.

"Yes, Uncle Frank, here they are," and the stranger gave a bundle of documents to the old man, who eagerly looked them over.

"Yes—yes," he said. "It's all right. I have a clear title to the boiling spring. And now I'll explain. But in the first place, how did I get here? I seem to remember falling down"

He paused for an answer.

"You did fall," said Sammy. "Mr. Jessup and we boys found you under the bushes, and we carried you here. He has gone for the doctor."

"Hum, yes. That's very good of him—and you, especially after the way I treated you. But I hardly knew what I was doing. But I don't believe I need a doctor. I'm all right."

He really seemed so, and was able now to walk slowly about the cabin.

"I remember what happened," he went on. "I was going down to the shore to see if you were coming, Ed, for you had promised to be here to-day, when I slipped and fell. I must have struck my head on a stone, for it all got dark, and I didn't remember anything else until I saw you giving me coffee. All the rest is a blank."

"Well, you're all right now. Uncle Frank," was the answer. "I suppose I'd better tell you who I am," the newcomer went on to the boys. "My name is Edward Houghton, and Mr. Addison is my uncle. I have been doing some legal business for him for some time, and now it is all finished."

"And the medical boiling spring is my property!" cried the hermit.

"Yes, it is your property," said his nephew.