ans," said the deputy.

"This island is private property. I have hired its use for a certain
term. I will allow you on it only under proper legal motion. Have you a
search warrant?" Hammond asked the deputy.

"I ain't got a warrant. I don't need a warrant for a couple of Indians.
They ain't got any standing in this community. I know Indians all right.
You give 'em over."

"I do not even acknowledge that the two individuals you demand are under
my control. At least, I know very well that no United States court can
touch the young woman, Wonota, except through her guardian. That guardian
is her father. I don't see him here--do you?"

"You'd better produce him," threatened the deputy.

"You can't make me. Go back and get proper authority--if you can,"
advised Mr. Hammond. "And don't come here again--either of you--without
proper authority. Willie!"

"On the job," said the boatman, grinning.

"Don't let these fellows upon the island again--not even on the dock. Not
unless they are armed with a proper warrant."

He turned his back on the visitors and started toward the nearest
bungalow.

"You'll be sorry for this, Hammond!" shouted Horatio Bilby. "I'll get you
yet, and don't you forget it."

"To get me, as you call it, you will have to have both right and might on
your side, Bilby. And just now you do not seem to have either," was the
Parthian shot the president of the Alectrion Corporation sent over his
shoulder.

Willie hustled the deputy and the fat man back into their launch.

"Go on away from here," advised Willie. "I know you, Tom Satchett--known
you all my life. All you are fit for is to jump a few fishermen and game
hunters that break the law. This job is too big for you. You're up
against money and influence, both, this time."

"I won't forget you, Willie," growled the deputy. "You'll want something
of me some time----"

"I want something of you right now," put in the boatman. "A good reason
for punching you. Go on into your boat before I find it."

So the pair retreated. But Ruth came to Mr. Hammond in some little
disturbance.

"What shall we do?" she demanded. "Suppose they take Wonota away before
the picture is finished?"

"They won't. At least, I don't believe the court will allow it. I will
telegraph to a good lawyer and have him come up here and watch
proceedings."

"But, if it should happen, we would be in a bad fix, Mr. Hammond. Mr.
Hooley says nobody could double for Wonota."

"Let