The talk went on for half an hour, and Dale and Owen learned that the unscrupulous pair had sent the caretaker of the lodge a decoy letter summoning him to Milo, on supposed business for his employer. They had packed up many articles of value in the lodge, and intended to take them away by wagon to the river at daybreak the next day. The stolen goods were afterwards to be placed on a boat, but where they were to be taken after that was not mentioned. "I guess we have heard enough," whispered Owen to his chum. "Come," and he led the way from the lodge to where the horses had been left. "What do you think is best to do?" demanded Dale. "Of course we are not going to let those fellows run off with the stuff." "To be sure not," answered Owen. "To my mind it will be best to catch them red-handed at the work. Then there will be no trouble in convicting them." "Do you mean we had best go back and let Mr. Paxton know what is up?" "Yes, either him or the sheriff of the county." "Did you hear them talk about John Larson's horse?" "Yes, Dale. Ducrot took the horse beyond a doubt, and he was sold somewhere around Sandybay." It was decided that they get back to camp with all speed. They left the vicinity of the summer-house by a back path, keeping well out of sight of the lodge. As soon as they felt free to do so, they set off at a gallop, and reached the camp long before sundown. Mr. Paxton was glad to learn that his timber had not been touched. He was amazed at the story they had to tell concerning Ducrot and Link Axton, and agreed with Owen that the sheriff of the county must be notified at once. This was not easy, and while Dale went off with Gilroy to hunt up that official, who lived a good many miles away, Mr. Paxton, Owen, Andrews, and three others who could be trusted, made their plans to leave the camp at midnight. "That will bring us to the lodge in time to stop this game," said the owner of the claim. "And if the sheriff isn't on hand we'll hold the rascals till he puts in an appearance." Owen was sure that Jean Colette could be counted on for aid, and he was taken into the confidence of the others. His eyes snapped when he was told what was wanted of him. "_Bon!_ I do dat willingly!" he cried. "Ducrot is von verra bad man, _oui_! I not count him my countryman, no!" And he shook his head to show his earnestness. It was not a pleasant ride back to Pine Tree Lake, for the slush on the ground made the air damp and penetrating; and the ride for Dale and Gilroy was equally disagreeable. It lacked an hour of daybreak, when the party under Mr. Paxton gained the lake shore, and came to a halt in a cedar grove. Here the horses were tied up, and then Owen led the way forward toward the lodge. "I see some men approaching on horseback!" called out Andrews presently. "Dale is with them," put in Owen, after a long look. "It must be the sheriff's posse."