"Certainly," said Owen, and moved forward, followed by Dale.
"Did you come from Hoover's camp a couple of days ago?"
"We did," answered Owen.
"Why did you leave?"
"See here, this aint fair, nohow!" spluttered the camp owner.
"And why not?" asked two of the lumbermen.
"We want to know the truth of this," added Martin.
"We left because we didn't want to work for Mr. Hoover any longer," said Dale. "He is a regular slave driver, and the food he deals out isn't fit for a prisoner."
The men turned to Owen.
"Is that the truth, young fellow?"