river, and it looks to me as if they are about to try the same upon the
ones on the A-jem-sek."

"Nonsense, girl," was the impatient reply. "It is foolish to think of
such a thing."

"Well, what is the meaning, then, of this gathering of men from various
parts who are so anxious to do something before the rangers arrive?
They surely intend some mischief."

"Just a little fun, Miss, that's all. The boys like a lark
occasionally. It keeps them in good spirits."

"Are they all like Dave?"

"Why, don't you like him?"

"No, I do not. He has evil eyes."

"Dave is not as bad as you think. He is a weak creature, with little
brains, and no sense at all. But the rest are not a bad lot, though
rather rough at times, especially when they are drinking. But let us
forget all about them for the present. Read some to me. Let it be
Timon again. I feel in a mood for him to-day. If you knew Latin, I
would have you read about Old Aeneas. I like Virgil's full sounding
sentences, 'Arma virumque cano.' There's nothing like them."

"Yes, there is," Jean quietly replied, as she rose to her feet, crossed
the room, and took down a book from a small shelf on the wall. This
she opened as soon as she had taken her seat before the fire, and