I wondered if it had anything to do with the
dispute over the land."

"We think so, but we can't be sure," said Will. "I have written to
father about it, and he has asked us to be on our guard. Jallow may be
planning some trick to get more land away from dad."

"Oh, I wish this unpleasant dispute was all over!" sighed Grace. "It
makes it so uncertain!"

"Well, don't worry," advised Allen. "We're having a good time up here."

"And we'll have more fun when I get what I've sent for," said Will
mysteriously.

"What is it?" asked Grace. "Another box of chocolates?"

"Nonsense! Always chocolates!" cried her brother. "No, this is better.
Did you inquire about it when you were in town, Mr. Blackford?" for Will
had been corresponding with the young man.

"Yes, and they said it would be shipped this week."

"Good! Then I'll get it next, and we'll astonish the girls."

"Mean thing--not to tell!" pouted Grace. But Will was obdurate.

The storm kept up all night, and part of the next day. The snow was so
deep that skating and ice boating were out of the question. But the
young people could go on sledding excursions, which they did, Mr.
Franklin furnishing the horses and sleigh.

This was a new kind of fun, and was enjoyed to the utmost. They went to
near-by towns, and had oyster suppers, going to informal dances
afterward. Mr. Blackford stayed, and as he could do little business
while thus snow-bound he made arrangements to remain in camp a week or
two. The boys and girls were glad to have him, as he was good company,
and knew no end of games for an evening entertainment.

Meanwhile, though the young folks often went off in the woods, they had
no further clashes with the Jallows. They did not call on their rivals,
though Mrs. Jallow, meeting the girls once or twice, pressed them to
come.

"But she just wants to ask us questions about father's business,"
decided Grace. "We'll not go."

And they did not, for it would have been embarrassing for poor Amy.

Once or twice the girls had a sight of Hank Smither patroling the
dividing line between the two properties, but he said nothing, and his
dog growled. The girls were careful to keep on Mr. Ford's land.

Then came a miserable week, when it rained and rained and rained again.
Much of the snow was washed away, and the boys and girls had to stay in
their cabins most of the time. Then it was that Mr. Blackford proved his
worth, for he was a royal entertainer, and when he