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When he spoke, finally, it was to himself, rather, as if in denunciation of the ra back like a prodigal who can't stand the gaff any longer! I won't slink into a soft berth because it's offered, and adh to stand up and take what coain--proper--and," harshly, "I don't expect anybody to believe in me, but I won't stay licked if I can help it!"

"I'ood 'picker,' and I've always believed in you, Wallace Macpherson," Helene said, slowly

He stared his incredulity, then replied with ungracious irony: "You've concealed it well"

"Flattery is bad for growing boys," she smiled mischievously

"I'm sure you've never spoiled any one by it You've treated me like a hound, mostly"

Her eyes sparkled as she answered: "I like hounds, if they havea cold trail?" he asked in self-derision

Her reply was interrupted by voices raised in altercation in the vicinity of the supply-wagon A clunized the rasping nasal tones of Mr Stott and thebellow peculiar to the cook in le ended abruptly, and while Helene and Wallie stood wondering as to what the silence meant, Pinkey with a wry suess we're out of the dude business," he said, laconically

"What's the ely that the two burst out laughing

"Nothin' much, except that Hicks is runnin' Stott with the butcher-knife and airub was full of ants and looked like scraps for Fido"

Wallie was alarmed, but Pinkey reassured his, the gait Stott was travellin' He'll be at the hotel in about twenty minutes--it's only five miles What do you rimy envelope as he added in explanation: "I found it stuck in the cupboard of the wagon"

Wallie took the envelope, wondering gri left that could surprise him There was On the back ritten: Ellery Hicks INSULTED August 3rd, this year of our Lord, 1920

Below, in pencil, was a list of the party with every name crossed out save Mr Stott's, and at the bottom, ornanificant sentence, with the date as yet blank: Ellery Hicks AVENGED, August ---- this year of our Lord, 1920