Mr. Jefferson quietly waved their objections aside.
“I realize they deserve most of the credit,” he said, “because they did the detective work. But you lads helped a lot, too——”
“They certainly did!” Joe interpolated, with great earnestness.
“So you mustn’t spoil my pleasure in having my stamps back by refusing what little reward I can give you.”
“Gee!” said Chet, in delight. “I can do a lot of things with a hundred dollars! Isn’t it great!”
“Furthermore,” continued Elroy Jefferson, “I want you boys to understand that Cabin Island is at your disposal at any time. I’ll have the cabin fixed up immediately and if you care to go there at any other time during the winter, you are welcome. And I imagine it will be a pleasant place for a vacation outing next summer. From now on, you may consider the cabin as your own. I never use the place, and it will give me a great deal of pleasure if I know good use is being made of it.”
Biff forgot himself.
“Hurrah!” he yelled. “Hurrah! You’re a prince, Mr. Jefferson!”
The old gentleman beamed with pleasure.
“I can’t think of any one I would rather have as my guests on Cabin Island,” he said, “than the Hardy boys and their chums.”