As they heard it, the lumberjacks wheeled toward the door and gazed, in amazement, at a powerfully built man who stood just inside the entrance, having come in unobserved while the Swede was baiting the boys.
“The boss!” gasped the trio, making a rush to escape.
But the newcomer placed himself in the doorway.
“You didn’t go when I ordered you to, Jonson. Now you will not go until I tell you that you can. I found, on looking over Peleg’s accounts, that you owe the store six dollars. I heard you were hanging around, so I came down from camp. You will go back and work out your bill.”
“When?” snarled the giant.
“Right now. If you hurry, you will get there in plenty of time to get a nap before breakfast.”
“Wall, I won’t.”
“Oh yes, you will.”
“What makes you think so?”
“Because I tell you to.”