“Oh, yes, maybe,” said Mr. Mason slowly, “but I don’t aim to have them get the best of me. I know that bunch!”
So the start was made. Owing to the use of autos, necessitating journey by a longer trail than the short one taken by the boys, it was afternoon when they reached the vicinity of the dam. The exact location of the water gates were described by Rick and Chot and then they, with Ruddy, were left in a secluded spot, while Uncle Tod, Sam and the deputy sheriffs went on cautiously to compel the Lawson gang to restore the rights they had taken away.
“Crickets! I wish we were there!” sighed Chot.
“So do I,” agreed Rick. “But Dad told me that we were to do what Uncle Tod said.”
“Oh, of course we got to do that,” assented Chot, trying to be cheerful over it.
The sheriff’s men and Uncle Tod proceeded with all due caution until they reached the opening of the second tunnel, through which the water should have flowed.
“There’s the dam,” announced Uncle Tod in a low voice to Mr. Mason, the two being in the lead.
“I see it, and the gates, too. Pretty slick piece of work. But I don’t see any of the gang.”
“Nor I!” said Uncle Tod.
They remained quiet, taking observations. From the camp came not a sound, nor was there any sight of the Lawson crowd.