and the dispute about the Spur Road tract might be again opened.

"I wish I had those papers back," said Mr. Dodge. "If I had them
I shouldn't mind the loss of the money so much, although three
hundred and fifty dollars is not an amount to be sneezed at."

"Can the thief sell the papers to the Felps Lumber Company, father?"
asked Snap.

"He might do that---if they were mean enough to buy them. But
I rather think the Felps folks would be above that---although
they are very, very bitter against us. They can't get any more
timber to cut around here, and they don't want to move their plant.
The Spur Road tract will keep our mill busy for at least three
years."

The excitement of the mill fire and the search after the thief
kept the four boys from speaking of the proposed outing for several
days. But as soon as the school closed they met at Snap's house
to complete their arrangements.

It had been no easy matter for the four to obtain permission to
leave home on such an extended trip. Mr. Dodge and Dr. Reed were
willing enough, for they had gone out in a similar fashion when
boys, and thought it would do their sons good, but with Frank's
folks it was different, and Giant's mother shook her head decidedly,
and only gave in after a long consultation with the doctor, who
had become her physician.

"They will be safe enough, do not fear," said Dr. Reed. "Boys