"Why won't you let me see those deeds?" questioned the other man.
"Because I won't—that's why!"
"I came on purpose to look them over and show you your mistake."
"Maybe he hasn't got any deeds," came from Nappy, who had fallen back still further.
"I've got those deeds safe and sound—in a box—and put away where you fellows can't find 'em!" answered the old lumberman triumphantly. "Now you get out! I'll give you just five minutes to do it in. Jack, you time 'em, will you?" and he glanced at the oldest Rover boy.
"Sure, I will!" was the ready reply, and Jack pulled out his watch. "It's now exactly twelve minutes past four."
"All right. Then you've got until seventeen minutes after four to get off of this island," announced Barney Stevenson to the visitors. "If you are not off by that time, there'll most likely be some shooting around here."
He had taken his place in front of his cabin, and all of the boys were now ranged beside him. As each was armed, they made quite a formidable looking firing squad.
Much against his will, Slogwell Brown retreated to where Professor Lemm and the others of the crowd stood. The four talked matters over in a low tone.
"It's too bad we came here unarmed," grumbled Slogwell Brown.