"We have had trouble over one of the hired men, Hank Snogger," explained Belle. "Snogger used to work for us, but Mr. Merwell hired him away."
"That wasn't a very nice thing to do," was Roger's comment.
"If it had been done openly it would not have been so bad," said Mr. Endicott. "But it was done secretly, and Snogger was gone almost before I knew it. He was a valuable man and I felt his loss keenly."
"I suppose Mr. Merwell offered him more wages," said Phil.
"Probably, although I paid Snogger a good salary. I don't know what game Merwell played to get the fellow, but he got him."
"It's exactly like some of Link's underhanded work at Oak Hall," was Roger's comment. "Father and son must be very much alike."
"While you are here I would advise you to steer clear of the Merwells," was Mr. Endicott's advice. "I'd not even go on their land if you can help it. There are plenty of other places to go to."
"I'll not go near his ranch, if I know it," answered Dave.
"It is queer that Link did not come on the train with you, if his father was expecting him."
"Oh, most likely he stopped off somewhere to have a good time," answered the senator's son. "A fellow like Link would be apt to find life slow on a ranch."