The next day Jack and Andy, while riding in George Rogers' automobile, ran across three of the men employed by Davenport. These men had had a quarrel with Tate, and were on the point of leaving their job. They listened with interest to what the boys had to say about the Franklin place.
"If they want men I think I'll go over and see about it," said one of the workmen.
"So will I," came from another; and the third nodded to show that he agreed.
As a result of this interview the three men called on Nick Ogilvie and were speedily engaged. They told some of their friends; and before the week was up six of Carson Davenport's best workers had left the Spell claim and had signed up to work on the Franklin farm.
CHAPTER XXIX
DAYS OF ANXIETY
"I wonder what Davenport will say when he finds those men are working here?" remarked Fred.
"I don't care what he says," answered Jack.
"Do you think he'll dare come over here and have it out with Uncle Dick?" questioned Andy.