"Certainly," said Owen, and moved forward, followed by Dale. "Did you come from Hoover's camp a couple of days ago?" "We did," answered Owen. "Why did you leave?" "See here, this aint fair, nohow!" spluttered the camp owner. "And why not?" asked two of the lumbermen. "We want to know the truth of this," added Martin. "We left because we didn't want to work for Mr. Hoover any longer," said Dale. "He is a regular slave driver, and the food he deals out isn't fit for a prisoner." The men turned to Owen. "Is that the truth, young fellow?" "The food was certainly poor," answered Owen. "And he worked me harder than I ever worked before, and I've done some pretty hard hustling in the woods of Maine." "Did you leave on account of the work and the poor food?" "Yes." "That's enough, then; I don't sign," came from Bond. "Nor I," said Martin. "I said I'd heard about poor feed up there." "See here!" stormed John Hoover, turning to Owen and Dale. "What do you mean by spoiling my business? I've a good mind to have the law on you!" "These men only asked us some questions, and we told the truth," answered Dale. He turned to the others. "Because we wouldn't stay the season out he wouldn't pay us a cent," he went on. "That was mighty mean," answered Bond. "How are you fixed?" said Martin. "Perhaps we can help you a bit. One good turn deserves another, they say." "Oh, we're not suffering, thank you," replied Dale. "But we told you this just to let you know how mean this man is." "We won't work for him," came from two of the crowd. The men walked out of the place in a body, Peterson and his friend with them. Dale and Owen turned back into the restaurant, and settled for the milk and pie. John Hoover followed them, his face full of anger. "A nice trick you played me," he fumed. "Four first-class men, and I might have had them all but for you!" "I guess we are square on that question of wages," came grimly from Owen. "I'd rather have paid you the wages than had this happen!" "No doubt; but it is too late now. After this, Uncle Jack, you had better treat folks as they should be treated--then perhaps you won't have any more trouble." And with this parting shot Owen and Dale hurried from the restaurant, leaving John Hoover to think over what they had said, and wonder what he had best do next to get men to take the places of those who were leaving his employ from day to day. CHAPTER XXII A LUMBER BOAT IN A STORM The rain had slackened a little, and now the wind was rising. Dale and Owen continued their sight-seeing, and then returned to the schooner, for they had arranged to remain on the craft that night, so that they might be ready for the start early in the morning.