The Mena weekly star., 1917-12-27

the man who nominally possessed her? Stella could scarcely credit that. It was too much at variance with her idealistic conception of the man. He would never have recourse to such littleness Still, the biting contempt in Fyfes voice when he said to Ben ton: You underestimate Monohan. He'll play safe; he's foxy" That stung her to the quick. That was not said for her benefit It was Fyfe's profound conviction. Based on what? He did not form judgments on momen- tary impulse. She recalled that only in the most direct way had he ever passed criticism on Monohan, and then it lay mostly in tone, suggested more than spoken. Yet he knew Monohan, had known him for years. They had clashed long before she was a factor in their lives.
 Fyfe and Benton came to dinner more or less preoccupied, an odd mood for Charlie Benton. Afterward they went into session behind the closed door of Fyfe's den. An hour or so lat CT Benton went home. While she listened to the soft -a-chuff-a-chuff of the Chickamin dying away in the distance Frye came in and slumped down in q chair before the fire where a big fir stick crackled. He sat there silent, half smoked cigar clamped in one corner of his mouth, the lines ef his square jaw in profile, determined. rigid. Stella eyed him covertly.
 She leaned forward to speak. Words quivered on her lips. but as she strug gled to shape them to utterance the blast of boat whistle came screaming up from the water, near and shrill and imperative.
 Fyfe came out of his chair like shot. He landed poised on his feet, lips drawn apart, hands clinched. He held that pose for an instant, then re- laxed. his breath coming with a quick sigh.
 Stella stared at him. Nerves! She knew the symptoms too we'll Nerves at terrible tension in that big, splendid bodyl A slight quiver seemed to run over him; then he was erect and calm. ly himself again, standing in listen ing attitude
 That's the Panther" he said, pull ing in to the Waterbug's landing. Did l startle you when bounced up like cougar, Stellar he asked, with wry smile. "I guess l was half asleep That whistle jolted me"
 Stella glanced out the shaded win dow.
 Some ones coming up from the float with lantern, she said. "Is there Is there likely to be anything wrong JackY
 Anything wrong?' He shot quick glance at her. then casually, Not that know of.
 The bobbing lantern came up the path through the lawn. Footsteps crunched on the gravel.
 "TH go see what he wants" Fyfe re marked. "Calked boots won't be good for the porch floor"
 She followed him.
 "Stav in. It's cold' He stopped in
 
 the doorway
 "No. I'm coming" she persisted
 They met the lantern bearer at the foot of the steps.
 "Weu ThorsenT' Fyfe shot at him There was an unusual note of sharp ness in his voice. an irritated expecta- tion.
 Stella saw that it was the skipper of the Panther, a big and burly Dane. He raised the lantern q little. The dim light on his face showed it bruised and swollen. Fyfe grunted.
 "Our boom is hung up," he said plain lively. They've blocked the river. I got licked for arguin' the point"
 "Hows it blocked?" Fyfe asked
 eTwo swifters uh logs strung across the channel. They're drivin' piles in front. An three donkeys buntin' logs In behind"
 swift work. There wasn't a sign of A move when left this morning" Fyfe commented dryly. Well, take the Pan ther around to the inner landing. I'll l be there"
 What's struck that feller Monohang' the Dane sputtered angrily. Has he got any license to close the Tyee? He says he has an backs his argument strong, believe me. Maybe you can han dle him. I couldn't Next time I'll have cant hook handy By lingo. you gimme my pick uh Lefty's crew. JacK, an I'll bring that cedar out" Take the Panther round" Fyfe re- piled. wen see"
 Thorsen turned back down the slope Tn minute the thrum of the boats ex- haust arose as she got under way.
 Come on in. You'll get cold standing rnere,' Fyfe said to Stella.
 She followed him back into the living room. He sat on the arm of big leather chair, rolling the dead cigar thoughtfully between his lips, little creases gathering between his eyes.
 "I'm going up the lake" he said at last, getting up abruptly.
 What's the matter, Jack?a she ask ed. Why. has trouble started up therey"
 Part of the logging game" he an swered indifferently. Doesn't amount ] to much
 "But Thorsen has been fighting. Hia face was terrible And I've heard you say he was one of the most peaceable men alive. Is it-is Monohan"-
 "We won't discuss Monohan," Fyfe