sed his face
like a red-hot wire.

"Now I've got you!" growled the bully.

Rolf was desperate. He seized two heavy stones and hurled the first with
deadly intent at his uncle's head. Mick dodged in time, but the second,
thrown lower, hit him on the thigh. Mick gave a roar of pain. Rolf
hastily seized more stones and shrieked out, "You come on one step and
I'll kill you!"

Then that purple visage turned a sort of ashen hue. Its owner mouthed in
speechless rage. He "knew it was the Indian had put Rolf up to it. He'd
see to it later," and muttering, blasting, frothing, the hoary-headed
sinner went limping off to his loaded wagon.

* "Skookum" or "Skookum Chuck," in Chinook means "Troubled
waters."

Chapter 5. Good-bye to Uncle Mike

For counsel comes with the night, and action comes with the
day; But the gray half light, neither dark nor bright, is a
time to hide away.

Rolf had learned one thing at least--his uncle was a coward. But he also
knew that he himself was in the wrong, for he was neglecting his work
and he decided to go back at once and face the worst. He made little
reply to the storm of scolding that met him. He would have been
disappointed if it had not come. He was used to it; it made him feel at
home once more. He worked hard and silently.

Mick did not return till late. He had been drawing wood for Horton that
day, which was the reason he happened in Quonab's neighbourhood; but his
road lay by the tavern, and when he arrived home he was too helpless to
do more than mutter.

The next day there was an air of suspended thunder. Rolf overheard his
uncle cursing "that ungrateful young scut--not worth his salt." But
nothing further was said or done. His aunt did not strike at him once
for two days. The third night Micky disappeared. On the next he returned
with another man; they had a crate of fowls, and Rolf was told to keep
away from "that there little barn."

So he did all morning, but he peeped in from the hayloft when a chance
came, and saw a beautiful horse. Next day the "little barn" was open and
empty as before.

That night this worthy couple had a jollification with some callers, who
were strangers to Rolf. As he lay awake, listening to the carouse, he
overheard many disjointed allusions that he did not understand, and some
that he could guess at: "Night work pays better than day work any time,"
etc. Then he heard his own name and a voice, "Let's go up and