"I've got some work cut out for me, no doubt of that," he said. "I shouldn't wonder if I'd have something like a fight with Balasco."
"If he says too much I'll take a hand and let him know what I overheard in the tool house."
"Do you think it worth while to send that message we were going to?"
"No, for it isn't likely Mr. Wilbur will get it. He may be on the train bound for here already."
"I wish I could get word to Mr. Rice. He is a fine man and will probably help me all he can."
"I'll tell you how we can do it. Walk over to the Dennison camp and telephone. There is a private wire."
This was agreed to, and without the loss of a moment they hurried to the Dennison camp, a mile and a half away. Permission to use the wire was readily given, and Owen soon had the owner of the saw- and shingle-mill at the telephone.
"Yes, I just got the telegram from Wilbur," said Philip Rice, in reply to Owen's question. "I'm glad he's alive to the fact that something is wrong."
"Will you back me up, if I have trouble?"
"Certainly I will. I'll help Wilbur every time. I'll be up at your office this afternoon at four o'clock sharp. And by the way: he sent word to me to have that Baptiste Ducrot arrested. I've telephoned to the sheriff of this county, so, if you need that officer up your way, all you've got to do is to let me know."