Rod rowed the tender, while the captain with his rifle across his knees
kept his eyes fixed upon the three men in the other boat. When a short
distance from the shore, the captain commanded them to stop, and hand
over their oars. This they reluctantly did, and waited to see what
would happen next.

"Got an anchor on board?" the captain asked.

"Yes, a small one," was the reply.

"Well, out with it then, and don't pull it up till yez receive orders."




CHAPTER XXVI

THE BEST "GOOD TURN"

There was great excitement throughout Hillcrest over the capture of the
log-stealers. In a short time everybody knew how the scouts had kept
watch during the night, and how the three tug-boatmen were forced to
remain in their anchored boat, with the captain guarding them while the
scouts went for the magistrate and constable. There was a feeling of
satisfaction that this had been so successfully accomplished, as it would
no doubt put an end to such contemptible business in the future.

It was only natural that the trial should arouse unusual interest. It
was held in the large public hall, and the building was packed with eager
and curious spectators. Nick Taftie, the unscrupulous business man, was