What he had heard set him to thinking deeply. What did this A. Q. Hopton know about the lumber tract in Michigan? Was it valuable, and did it really belong to his father's estate? "I wish I knew more about such things," mused Andy. "The last time I tried to read the papers over I couldn't make head or tail of them. I guess it would take a smart lawyer to get to the bottom of it--and a lawyer would want a lot of money for the work. I wonder----" And then Andy came to a sudden halt. Was it possible that Mr. A. Q. Hopton had called at the cabin during his absence and interviewed Uncle Si? And if so, how much had Uncle Si been able to tell the real estate dealer? Had the two gone on a hunt for the papers, and, if so, had they found the documents? "If Uncle Si has gone into any kind of a deal on this without consulting me, I'll--I'll bring him to account for it!" cried the youth, vehemently. "After this he has got to leave my affairs alone. He lost that fifteen hundred dollars--he's not going to lose that timber land, too." It occurred to Andy that the best thing he could do would be to get home at once and interview his uncle. For the time being he lost his interest in looking for work, and also lost his desire to go gunning. "I've tramped far enough for one day, anyway," he told himself. "I'll just stop at the store for a few things, and then go straight home." It was a long walk to the village, and once there he was glad enough to rest while the storekeeper put up the few things he desired. These he paid for in cash, for he did not wish to risk a refusal should he ask for trust. "Your uncle was here--got some tobacco," said the storekeeper. "He said you would pay for it." "He'll have to pay for it himself, Mr. Sands," answered Andy, firmly. "Yes? All right, Andy, just as you say." "I pay for what I buy, and he can do the same." "Well, I don't blame you, my boy." And the look of the storekeeper spoke volumes. He handed over some change that was due. "By the way, did you know there was a real estate dealer in town to see you?" he inquired. "A Mr. Hopton?" "That's the man." "When?" "To-day,--only a few hours ago. I was telling him where you lived when your uncle came along for the tobacco. They talked a while together, and then went off." "Towards our place?" "Yes, they took that road. The real estate man had a sleigh, and your uncle got in with him." "What did Mr. Hopton want?" "I don't know exactly. I heard some words about papers, and your uncle said he had them. Mr. Hopton said something about three hundred dollars in cash--but I don't know what it was." Andy's heart leaped into his throat. Was it possible that his uncle had found the timber claim papers, and was going to let Mr. A. Q. Hopton have them for three hundred dollars? "He sha'n't do it--I'll stop him--I must stop him!" the boy told himself, and catching up his bundles he left the general store, and struck out for home as fast as his tired limbs would carry him.