Two Young Lumbermen by Edward Stratemeyer

For the moment Dale thought he must be dreaming. This section of the lumber camp his own property! It was too good to be true.

"Mr. Wilbur, do you mean -- -- " he began. "That is, are you sure -- -- "

"Yes, Bradford, the lawyers are certain that this claim belongs to you, since you are your late father's sole heir. Ulmer Balasco does not own a foot of the ground, nor a single stick of timber."

"It is false! " cried Ulmer Balasco, but his voice was weak and uncertain.

"I have said it is true, and before long I will prove it to the satisfaction of everybody," went on Jefferson Wilbur. "Balasco got hold of the claim by a trick, after the mine that was once located along the creek stopped operations. He learned that your father was dead, and thought that he was safe."

"But didn't he know the name was the same? " questioned Owen.

"Bradford's father bought the claim from the Wardell Mining Company, run by a man named Henry Wardell, a schemer who was at one time in business with Foxy Hildan. It is possible that Balasco thought the claim was still in the Wardell family, after Wardell himself died."

"I -- I bought the claim from Wardell," said Balasco. "I -- I can prove it by Hildan."

"That story won't stand investigation, Balasco. The Bradford claim is a matter of record, and cannot be shaken. If you want to go to law over it you may do so, but I'll stand by Bradford. I don't think it will pay either you or Hildan to get into a courtroom."

As Jefferson Wilbur concluded he turned, just in time to see Foxy Hildan slipping out of the doorway to the main office.

"He is running away! " cried Owen.

"If you want him I'll catch him! " replied Bruce, who was nearest to the door. In a twinkling he was outside, and running after Foxy Hildan. He caught up to the man with ease, and putting out his foot, sent Hildan sprawling headlong over a pile of chips. When the man arose Bruce caught him firmly by the arm.

"Let go of me, you young rascal!"

"I will not," answered Bruce, and in a moment Owen appeared, and between them they compelled Hildan to return to the offices.

Half a dozen men had been aroused by the running and shouting, and soon the offices began to fill up. Many were glad to see Mr. Wilbur and shook hands with him. All were astonished to learn the news that part of the lumber tract belonged to Dale, and not to Balasco.

"I reckon he'll make a good enough boss," said one of the men. "I liked him and Webb the minute I clapped eyes on 'em," and others said the same.

A conference lasting until sunrise followed, the principals to the talk being Mr. Wilbur, Ulmer Balasco, Hildan, Dale, and Owen. Before it was over both Balasco and Hildan weakened completely, and promised to do anything that Jefferson Wilbur wished if he would not prosecute them.

"All I wish both of you to do is to treat me and Bradford fairly," said Jefferson Wilbur.

"I'll do it," said Ulmer Balasco.

"So will I," put in Foxy Hildan. "And I'll help you with that contract, too, if you say so."