Page:Hugh Pendexter--The young timber-cruisers.djvu/72

 along the line claimed by Nace, has every appearance of being genuine. The surveyor’s private mark, two circles linked and crossed by an arrow, is there, as well as the initials of the original owners.”

“They’ve got us unless the unexpected turns up,” said Abner, simply, turning the paper over and over in his hands. “Nace is too good a politician to buck up against us in the courts unless he’s sure his line will stand law.”

“He may have us, but he is a scoundrel and anything he’s in is usually rotten at the core. Now I am positive that he is swindling us out of eighty acres of the best spruce timber in the State and I’m sending you up there to prove that fact.” And Hatton’s iron jaws clicked loudly.

“I’ll do everything I can,” simply replied Abner, rising to go. “I suppose I’d better cruise Mt. Jim on the way up so’s not to excite any suspicion.”

“Sure; and don’t let even the guide know your destination till you’re most there,” added Hatton.

“I understand; I’m not much of a talker,” reminded Abner, walking to the door.

He was still deep in thought when Stanley