Mr. Ford then made his plans, but, as he needed the help of Paddy in carrying them out, it was decided to postpone action until the lumberman could get around--on crutches, at least. Mr. Ford stayed a day or so in camp with his daughter and her friends, going about to look at the various boundaries, and arranging certain details with Ted Franklin. He was entertained by the young people, and seemed to enjoy himself. He did not go near the strip in dispute, however, preferring to wait until he was ready with his plans. Paddy was slowly getting better, and Mr. Ford went back to Deepdale, to look after matters there, arranging to come back as soon as Paddy could limp around. Meanwhile the young people made the most of their life in the great wintry woods, for they were to return home for the Christmas holidays, as school would open the first of the new year. There were sleigh-rides, coasting, skating occasionally, and some more ice boating, though, because of considerable snow, the latter sport was rather curtailed. Occasionally Mr. Blackford came out for a day or so, but he had no good news regarding his missing sister. He had followed several clues unsuccessfully. "But somehow, in spite of all my disappointments, I feel that I will be successful before long," he affirmed. "We hope so," replied Amy, gently, and the others echoed her words. Then came a day when Paddy could limp about. He was a happy man, and, in answer to a telegram sent him with this news, Mr. Ford returned word that he would come up and assist at the "last act in the lumber play," as Will called it. Accompanied by a court officer, and with Allen Washburn as consulting attorney, Grace's father reached the camp one evening. "Do you think you can stand it to face Jallow to-morrow, Paddy?" he asked. "I'm sure I can. I'm thinkin' he won't face me, though." "Maybe not. We'll see. Well, we'll go over and take possession of the disputed strip in the morning." The court officer and Allen nodded. "May we come along, Daddy, and see the fun?" asked Grace. "Well," replied her father, "I don't know as there will be much fun, but--yes, you may be there." CHAPTER XXIV THE LYNX Over the snow to where, according to Ted Franklin, the Jallow lumbermen had last been seen cutting the valuable timber, went Mr. Ford and his little party, including the boys and girls. There was eager anticipation in their demeanor. "What do you suppose your father will do?" asked Mollie of Grace, as they rode along in the big sled, for, out of consideration of Paddy's leg, they rode instead of walked. "I don't know," was the answer. "But I guess daddy has his plans all made." "I just hope that Alice Jallow sees how we come out ahead!" went on Mollie, half-vindictively. "Mollie!" reproached Betty, gently. "I don't care. She--she's a--cat!"