As the two strangers came closer, Uncle Barney looked at them curiously. Then he drew himself up and his face stiffened.
"Don't you know those two men?" he questioned rather sharply, turning to the boys.
"No," answered Jack, and the others shook their heads.
"The man ahead is Fred Stevenson, and the other is Mr. Powell."
"Oh, is that so!" exclaimed Jack; and then without further ado he ran out on the ice to meet the newcomers.
"So this is Jack Rover, eh?" said Mr. Stevenson, shaking hands warmly. "I'm glad to know you; and I must thank you for sending me that telegram."
"I sincerely hope you can patch up your differences with old Uncle Barney," answered Jack quietly. "He's in a peck of trouble just now."
"Why, what has happened?" questioned Ruth's father. "But excuse me," he added. "This is my friend, Mr. Powell."
By this time the other Rovers had come forward, and all told the two men of what had taken place. In the meantime, Uncle Barney remained behind on the lake shore, resting on his gun and eyeing the visitors speculatively.
"I wish you would all do me a favor," said Mr. Stevenson, in a low tone of voice, so that the old lumberman might not hear. "I wish you would give me a chance to speak to Uncle Barney alone."