"Well, you're all right now, Uncle Frank," was the answer. "I suppose I'd better tell you who I am," the newcomer went on to the boys. "My name is Edward Houghton, and Mr. Addison is my uncle. I have been doing some legal business for him for some time, and now it is all finished."
"And the medical boiling spring is my property!" cried the hermit.
"Yes, it is your property," said his nephew.
"And you and I will get rich!" the old man cried, enthusiastically.
"I hope so," spoke Mr. Houghton. "You certainly have suffered very much to get your rights. But it is all over now."
The boys were quite puzzled by this talk, but it was soon to be explained. There was the jingle of sleigh bells from the direction of the lake, and soon was heard the approach of footsteps.
"It's Mr. Jessup!" cried Sammy. And so it proved. He had brought the doctor back with him in a cutter.
"I'm much obliged to you, Mr. Jessup," said the old hermit, "but I don't believe I need the doctor's services."
"However, as long as he's here, better let him look you over," suggested Mr. Houghton.