The newspaper., 1908-02-07

the nal1-Dreed might even no" pe
there, added dread; and not until a
bend hid even the shadowy view OF
this plague spot did she breathe
easier.
Il was nigh skeered to death" she
whispered to Ray when safety seemed
assured, "an' if ever Pete finds I'm up
whar the folks is goin', I'm goner.'
'Oh, we'll take care of you" re-
turned that boy, with the boundless
confidence of youth; my uncle can
shoot as well as anyone, and then Old
Cy is up at the camp, and he's won
der with a rifle. Why, I've seen him
hit a crow a half-mile Off
Smoke was ascending from the
chimney, and the rising sun was Just
visible when Martin and Levi returned
to Tins. Mike was out in an enclosure,
milking; Tim was back of the house,
preparing the pigs breakfast. The
pigs were squealing. and a group of
unwashed children were watching OPP
erations, when Martin appeared.
pleasant Good morning" from him
and a gruff one from Tim was the in
PRODUCTION. and then that stolid pio-
neer started for the sty. Not even the
unusual event of a caller could hinder
him from the one duty he most en-
joyed.-the care of his beloved swine.
You have some nice thrifty pigs"
began Martin. when the pen was
reached. desiring TO placate Tim.
They are thot," he returned.
My guide and / are on our way into
the woods to build camp continued
Martin, anxious to have his errand
over with, land we halted to buy
few potatoes of you and some pork. !
have a couple of men following with
bateau." he continued. after pausing
for a reply which did not come; they
will be along in n day or two with
most of our supplies; but / felt sure
/ could get some extra good pork of
you and some choice potatoes"
You kin that same" replied Tim,
his demeanor obviously softening un-
der this fattery. and so business re-
lations were established.
Martin had intended asking some
cautious question regarding Chip or
her father: but Tins surly face. his
unresponsive manner. and a mistrust
of its wisdom prevented. He was
blunt of speech, almost to the verge of
insolence. and the arrival of Martin
with all his polite words evoked not
vestige of welcome: and yet back of
those keen gray eyes of his a deal OF
cunning might lurk. thought Martin.
Two slovenly women peered out of
back door and window while the inter
view was in progress. Mike came and
looked on In silence: two of the oldest
children were down by the canoe
where Levi waited; the rest. open
eyed and astonished. seemed likely TO
be trodden on by some one each mo-
ment. When the stores were secured
and paid for. and Martin had pushed
OF with Levi. he realized something of
the life Chip must have led there.
He had Intended not only to obtain
potatoes. but some information of
value. He obtained the goods. paying
a thrifty price. also a good bit OF cold
shoulder. and that was all.
But Levi. shrewd woodsman that he
was. Jared better.
Il larned Chips gone on with old
Mcclure" he asserted with a quiet
smile when they were well away. AN
that Pete's swearin' murder agin him"
And how" responded Martin. in
astonishment. Il felt that silence was
golden with that surly chap. and didn't
ask a question"
I'm glad.' rejoined Levi. Il want
ed to tell you not to. and I've larned
all we want. Children are easy to
pump. an did 1t 'thout wakin hint
o. 'spieion. Tins folks all believe
Chips gone with her dad. Pete thinks
so. an is watchin for him with a gun.
| 'spect. an If SO. the sooner they meet.
the better"
1t was gratifying news to Martin.
and when the other canoe was
reached, the two again pushed on.
with Martin, at least. feeling that the
ways of Fate might prove acceptable.
Three days more were consumed In
reaching the lake now owned by him.
for the river was low. carries had to
be made around two rapids. and when
at last the sequestered. forest-bordered
sheet of water was being crossed. Mar
tin wished some titanic hand might
raise an impossible barrier about his
possessions.
Old Cy's joy at their return was al
most hilarious. To man long past
the spasmodic exuberance of youth.
loving nature and the wild as few do.
4. H.. .s.a.