CHAPTER XXVI 

NEWS OF RUTH 

"I guess they are pretty sure there is oil on that land," chuckled Andy, as the whole party got aboard the automobile and started back for town. 

"I hope they sink about a hundred thousand dollars in that ground and get nothing for their trouble," added his twin. 

"Gee, Dad, you certainly did soak Davenport a couple!" cried Jack admiringly. 

"I did it on the spur of the moment, Son. I couldn't help it," declared Dick Rover. "It was too great an insult to pass unnoticed." 

"And to think he didn't have the nerve to fight back!" added Fred. "I didn't imagine he was such a coward." 

"Well, I was surprised at that myself," answered his uncle, with something of a smile. "But now listen to me, boys," he added seriously. "Don't think because I flew into Davenport that that is the right thing to do under all circumstances. He simply got me going before I knew it. Ordinarily fighting doesn't pay, and I want you to know it." 

"But, Uncle Dick, that wasn't a fight--that was only a good spanking," said Andy, and at this all the others had to snicker. 

"I reckon Davenport knew he was in the wrong when he made that dirty remark," came from Nick Ogilvie. "Why, in these parts many a man would have shot him down for those words. I don't wonder your father flew into him. He should have been licked until he was a fit subject for the hospital." 
are there twins?
added his twin