t to the bottom of this affair. Now,
youngsters, spin your yarn."

The boys needed no second bidding. They spoke by turns, and gave a clear
and convincing account of their unpleasant adventure. They did not
forget to describe the thrilling slaughter of the deer. This part of the
narrative caused the loggers to open their eyes and stare
incredulously. They slapped their horny hands against their knees.

"That chap tells a heap what ain't true," said Sparwick, when Jerry
had finished the concluding part of the tale. "I found the sleds,
an' reckoned their owners had lost 'em. As fur me shootin' at the
lads--why, that's the biggest lie of all. I never laid eyes on 'em
until now."

But no one seemed to believe the rascal. Indeed, they heaped him with
ugly names, and made not a few unpleasant threats. Thomson interfered in
behalf of peace.

"Everybody knows that Kyle Sparwick can't keep his hands off other
people's property," he said. "He's seen the inside of more'n one jail.
Thar's where he oughter go this time, only I reckon no one's goin' ter
take him down ter Bangor. Now, I've got a propersition ter make
-pervided it suits these youngsters. If Kyle Sparwick will agree ter do
a week's work here we won't prosecute him."

This suggestion was approved.

"What's yer answer, prisoner?" demanded Thomson.

"I reckon it's yes," muttered Sparwick.

He added something in an undertone as his evil eyes glanced at the boys.

"Then the thing's settled," said Thomson. "You can tuck yerself into
that bunk yonder just as soon as you please. And now about that kill of
deer. We ain't had any fresh meat fur quiet a spell, an' I reckon it'll
taste good. Here's a propersition for you, youngsters. We'll bring the
venison to camp, an' give you all you kin carry. The rest we'll keep fur
our trouble. How's that?"

The boys gladly assented, and ten minutes later half-a-dozen of the
loggers started for the distant spot. They took with them lanterns, and
a long hand-sled. There was no time to lose, for wolves were likely to
scent the meat.

Thomson stayed behind and made himself agreeable to the young visitors.
He soon knew all about them, and when he heard they were going to
Chesumcook Lake, he gave them some valuable information about the
locality.

Then he instructed the cook to prepare a warm supper, of which the boys
ate greedily.

It was now close to midnight, and they eagerly took possession of the
cozy bunks that were assigne