"That's what I said," replied Tom coolly.

"I--I didn't have anything to do with putting a log across any road,"
mumbled the bully. "I--I've been off toward the creek."

"Have you?" asked Tom with a peculiar smile.

"I thought you might have been looking for the wrench you dropped near
the log. You should be more careful and so should Sam Snedecker, who's
hiding outside the bushes," went on our hero, for he had caught sight
of the form of Andy's crony. "I--I told him not to do it!" exclaimed
Sam as he came from his hiding place.

"Shut up!" exclaimed Andy desperately.

"Oh, I think I know your secret," continued the young inventor. "You
wanted to get even with me for outbidding you on the motor-boat. You
watched which road I took, and then, in your auto, you came a shorter
way, ahead of me. You hauled the log across the foot of the hill,
hoping, I suppose, that my machine would be broken. But, let me tell
you, it was a risky trick. Not only might I have been killed, but so
would whoever else who happened to drive down the slope over the log,
whether in a wagon or automobile. Fortunately Eradicate discovered it
in time and warned me. I ought to have you arrested, but you're not
worth it. A good thrashing is what such sneaks as you deserve!"

"You haven't got any evidence against us," sneered Andy confidently,
his old bravado coming back.

"I have all I want," replied Tom. "You needn't worry. I'm not going
to tell the police. But you've got to do one thing or I'll make you
sorry you ever tried this trick. Eradicate will help me, to don't
think you're going to escape."

"You get out of my automobile!" demanded Andy. "I'll have you arrested
if you don't."

"I'll get out because I'm ready to, but not on account of your
threats," retorted Mr. Swift's son. "Here's your wrench. Now I want
you and Sam to start up this machine and haul that log out of the way."

"S'pose I won't do it?" snapped Andy.

"Then I'll cause your arrest, besides thrashing you into the bargain!
You can take your choice of removing the log so travelers can pass or
having a good hiding, you and Sam. Eradicate, you take Sam and I'll
tackle Andy."

"Don't you dare touch me!" cried the bully, but there was a whine in
his tones.

"You let me alone or I'll tell my father!" added Sam. "I--I didn't
have nothin' to do with it, anyhow. I told Andy it would make trouble,
but he made me help him."

"Say, what's the matter with