"This is a serious business, Mr. Brown," he said sternly. "Your son and this other young man attacked old Barney Stevenson in a most outrageous manner and robbed him of a box of valuables. What Mr. Stevenson will do in the matter I don't know. I expect him here very shortly."
At once there was a wordy quarrel, Mr. Brown showing his temper in anything but a dignified manner. He wanted his son and Nappy released, and threatened all sorts of things, but all to no purpose. Mr. Powell was obdurate, and the Rovers kept themselves in readiness to use their firearms should the occasion require. Asa Lemm had little to say.
The discussion was growing exceedingly warm when there came another interruption, and Uncle Barney, followed by Frederic Stevenson, burst into the cabin. The old lumberman gazed at the assembled crowd, and then at the Rovers.
"My box? Did you find my box?" he questioned quickly.
"Yes, Uncle Barney, we've got the box safe and sound," answered Jack, and handed it over.
"Did those young rascals have it?" and Uncle Barney pointed to Slugger and Nappy.
"Yes. And that fellow was trying to file away the padlock when we got here."
"You whelps, you!" cried the old lumberman, his eyes blazing. And as he strode toward Slugger and Nappy they shrank back as far as the corner of the cabin permitted.
"Don't you hit me—don't you dare!" howled the bully.
"I—I didn't mean anything by it!" whined Nappy. He was now thoroughly cowed.