The chums knew well that the invitation was solely for the purpose of getting them away from the camp so that they could confer on what was going on.
After dinner they sought out Howells, and after he had armed himself with a scaling stick, marked off in measurements, which was used to measure the trees, they wandered into the woods.
“Now, boys, what news?” he asked.
In a few words they told him of the events that had transpired since their arrival.
Howells was especially interested in the matter of the spiked tree, and was indignant at the fact that Collins had been discharged.
“Why, the old man was as honest as the day is long. He used to know your father a good many years ago, Garry, and he would never do anything that would harm him or his business,” Howells said vehemently.
“Next thing on the docket,” said Garry, “is to ask what news you have.”
“I have something that will knock the feet almost out from under you. In addition to the trouble caused by the breakage and wasting, there is something even deeper yet. I always get the reports from the receiving stations of the amount of lumber that is sent out. I know after measuring, just how much has gone out. Today my reports show that all the timber that is cut here does not arrive at its destination.
“What do you mean?” said Garry.
“Just what I mean is this. Somewhere, somehow, your father’s lumber is being stolen en route to its destination!”