was just wondering, that's all," answered Lieutenant Wingate
thoughtfully.

Hippy asked who owned the timber adjoining the section, but Tom did not
know that any individual owned it because the map showed that it was
still a part of the state forest reserve.

"You see these maps were issued some months ago, and many changes may
have taken place in that time, though they are really supposed to be up
to date."

"Is Willy likely to be up here to-day, Tom?"

"No. I asked him to keep within easy reach of the Overland camp at night
while we are away."

Willy, being a man of his word, guarded the Overland camp jealously for
two nights, but on the morning of the next day, just before daybreak, he
started to go upstream and look for the two absent men, his
understanding being that they were to be away but one night. He was
hiking along the river bank when Hippy, who had remained with the horses
while his companion went into the forest for a final brief survey before
starting for home, discovered the Indian who hailed him.

"How do?" greeted the Indian.

"Nothing wrong at camp, is there?" questioned the Overland Rider
anxiously.

"No. Me come see where Big Friends go."

"That is fine. You are just the man I wish to see. Who cut off this
timber, Willy?" indicating the cutting that he and Tom had first
discovered.

"Not know. Somebody steal um."

"That is what Captain Gray says. Perhaps it was cut by a new
owner--someone who has bought this plot, Willy."

The Indian, gazing on the stumps in the clearing with expressionless
eyes, shook his head slowly.

"This section belongs to the state, I think," ventured Hippy.

"No belong state."

"Who, then?"

"Belong Chief Iron-Toe. Him Chippewa chief--Big Chief."

Lieutenant Wingate became instantly alert.

"Are you positive of that, Willy?"

The Indian nodded.

"Do you know the gentleman with the iron toe?"

"Him my father."

Hippy was a little taken back by the answer, but his eagerness for more
information overcame what might have become embarrassment.

"Your father! Do you think he would sell the section?" he asked eagerly.

"No sell."

"But I wish to buy it, Willy."

"You buy?" questioned the Indian, regarding Lieutenant Wingate
thoughtfully.

"Yes."

"You Big Friend. Me fix."

"Do you mean it?"

"Me fix."

"Good. When?"

"Next sun-up. We go Chippewa Reservation."

"How far?"

"Two sun ride."

"Say nothing to anyone about this. I'll say