"No, it isn't either. Say, Doug, did you know Maud is going up to
Mountain City to stay with her aunt and go to school there?"

"I suppose that's what you'd like to do?" Doug watched the eager face
closely.

"Well, not just now," replied Judith with a little grin. "I want to keep
my date, first."

"Well, don't get into mischief, daughter; that's all I have to say about
your mysterious deal," said Douglas paternally.

Judith laughed and carried her pail of milk into the kitchen.

It was after ten o'clock that night when Charleton led his two young
henchman along the west trail, past Rodman's and up the canyon toward
the first shoulder of Lost Chief Peak. The Moose did not approve of
the trip. He showed his disapproval by plunging and side jumping with
nerve-racking persistency. Ginger and Democrat gave him ample turning
room, biting or kicking him if he drew too near them. Midway in the
canyon Charleton left the trail and turned abruptly to the left, up
the sheer shoulder of the mountain.

"Need a hazer, Doug?" he called.

"Where are you going to camp, Charleton?" laughed Douglas, as the Moose
refused the trail.

"On the west shoulder of the peak, just under the elevation monument."