Harry Castlemon

“ Matt Coyle and his boys are the worst of the lot. They steal every thing they eat and wear, but so far they have not interfered with us. When they do, we shall have them arrested, Hanson or no Hanson."
"What has he to do with it?" inquired Tom. "Doesn't he want them to be arrested?"
"Not just yet; not until he has recovered two stolen guns Matt has in his possession," answered the superintendent. "That is a matter of dollars and cents to both the hotels at the lake, for if those guns are not restored to their owners the landlords will be ruined." ”

“ What would you do if you were in my place?"
"The sight of those fifty dollars will show that lazy Matt how he can make a very nice income without doing a stroke of work," continued Ralph. "He'll go on stealing, and as fast as he accumulates property he will make Tom buy it of him, no matter whether there is a reward offered for it or not. There is only one thing you can do. ”

“ That was my idea, and I urged it upon the guides, for I wanted that villain and all his tribe out of my way. But Swan says Matt is a man who can't be driven. However, Rube has his eye on him, and perhaps he will discover something one of these days."
"Who is Rube?" asked Tom.
"Our watchman. He used to be one of Hanson's guides; but he proved too lazy for the business, so Hanson induced us to bring him down here to watch the hatchery and act as spy upon Matt's movements at the same time. When Swan and his friends destroyed Matt's camp Rube took him into his house. ”

“ Why, the guides tell me that the whole family are sharper than steel traps. Of course I believe the story. On the way home the sheriff ran upon a canvas canoe that Matt stole from Joe Wayring up in Sherwin's Pond, and the robbers recognized it the minute it was put together as the one in which they had started to cross the lake. When the sheriff heard this he knew at once that the ferryman was Jake Coyle, and nobody else, for he is the one who steals all the grub for the family. ”

“ When he came into view again he was closely hugging two small valises, one under each arm. The angry scowl was gone from his face, and he was grinning broadly and going through a variety of uncouth antics, expressive, no doubt, of great satisfaction and delight. ”

“ That's my answer to your second question, Tom. In reply to your first, I say: It means that you need have no further trouble with Matt Coyle, and you needn't ask your father for that money."
"Do—do you think these are the stolen guns?" stammered Tom.
"Of course they are," said Loren, confidently. "That one by the log is a Winchester, and I see the name Lefever on this. I tell you, old fellow, you are in luck."
"For once in my life I believe I am," said Tom, taking the double-barrel from his cousin's hand and giving it a good looking over. "Seen any signs of the berry-patch, Ralph?" ”

“ The two set out at once, and when they came back at dark they had a startling story to tell the camp-keeper. The Irvington bank had been robbed of six thousand dollars, and the thieves had been traced to Indian Lake.
"I should think there were rascals enough here already," said Loren, after he had listened to all the particulars.
"They keep coming in all the while," replied Ralph, "and the landlords don't like it very well. It's hurting their business. The sportsmen, especially those who have women and children with them, are leaving as fast as they can pack up. ”