"If you can prove anything against him have him held by all means!" exclaimed Philip Rice. "Fifty lumbermen in Oregon and California will bless you for it." "Then you had better bring the sheriff with you," replied Owen; and after a few more words the conversation was brought to a close. It must be admitted that Owen's heart beat strongly when he journeyed back to the lumber camp. He knew that Ulmer Balasco was a hard man with whom to deal, and that the task before him was one by no means easy. "But Mr. Wilbur is in the right," he said to Dale. "And I am going to stick up for him to the finish. That lumber has got to go down to the river--every stick of it--and in jig time, too." "If I were you I'd take Andy Westmore into my confidence before I spoke to Balasco," said Dale. "He knows this camp from end to end, and he'll know exactly what to do with the men." "That's a good idea, Dale, and I'll tell Bruce Howard and a few of the others too." Not to be seen by Ulmer Balasco, they took a roundabout way to the yard where Andy Westmore and Bruce were at work. While Owen told the old lumberman the news, and showed the telegram, Dale related the particulars to Bruce. "It's what I expected," said Andy Westmore. "It should have happened two weeks ago. That contract only runs two weeks and three days longer. We'll have to hustle like mad to fill it on time." "Will you stick by me, Westmore? I'll appoint you head yardmaster from this minute if you will." "It's a go, Webb!" They shook hands. "We'll put her through or bust!" Bruce was equally delighted. "I just want to see old Balasco tumble," he said. "It serves him right--especially if he was trying to harm his partner. A man who will go back on his partner is as mean as dirt." Inside of half an hour over a dozen of the men had been interviewed, and without an exception they agreed to abide by Owen's orders. Then the young lumberman, accompanied by Dale and Westmore, walked to the office to "have it out" with Balasco. CHAPTER XXXIII THE RAILROAD CONTRACT "I wonder if Foxy Hildan is still around," said Dale, just before the office was reached. "He went up to the flume," said Andy Westmore. "I saw him just before you fellows came up." "Alone?" queried Owen. "No, one of the foremen was with him." When they entered the office they found Ulmer Balasco pacing the floor. He gazed at them in wonder and scowled. "It's no use of talking!" he cried, before anybody else could speak. "I've made up my mind, and that settles it." "We are not here to ask you to take us back," retorted Dale quickly. "If I want work I shall apply to Mr. Webb here for it," and something like a grin overspread his face. "I don't know what you are talking about," returned Ulmer Balasco, in a puzzled way.