ned, typical "Uncle Sam," even to the chin
whisker and quid of tobacco, had an eye like an eagle. He shot a keen
glance at Mr. St. Clair and then at Ranald.

"Yes," he said, helping himself to a chair, "this here's all right. This
is your manager, eh?"

"Mr. Macdonald," said Mr. St. Clair, introducing him.

"How do you do? Heard about you some," said the colonel, shaking hands
with him. "Quite a knocker, I believe. Well, you rather look like it.
Used to do some myself. Been up north, so the boss says. Good country,
eh?"

"Fine sporting country, Colonel," interrupted St. Clair. "The game, Mr.
Macdonald says, come right into your tent and bed to be shot."

"Do, eh?" The colonel's eagle eye lighted up. "Now, what sort of game?"

"Almost every kind, Colonel," replied Ranald.

"Don't say! Used to do a little myself. Moose?"

"Yes, I saw a number of moose and any amount of other deer and, of
course, plenty of bear."

"Don't say! How'd you come to leave them? Couldn't have done it myself,
by the great Sam! Open timber?"

"Well," replied Ranald, slowly, "on the east of the Bass River--"

"All that north country, Colonel," said Mr. St. Clair, "is pretty much
the same, I imagine; a little of all kinds."

"Much water, streams, and such?"

"Yes, on the west side of the Bass there is plenty of water, a number of
small streams and lakes, but--"

"Oh, all through that north country, Colonel, you are safe in having a
canoe in your outfit," said Mr. St. Clair, again interrupting Ranald.

"Lots of water, eh? Just like Maine, ha, ha!" The colonel's quiet
chuckle was good to hear.

"Reminds me"--here he put his hand into his inside pocket and pulled out
a flask, "excuse the glass," he said, offering it to Mr. St. Clair, who
took a slight sip and handed it back.

"Have a little refreshment," said the colonel, offering it to Ranald.

"I never take it, thank you."

"Don't? Say, by the great Sam, how'd you get through all that wet
country? Wall, it will not hurt you to leave it alone," solemnly winking
at St. Clair, and taking a long pull himself. "Good for the breath," he
continued, putting the flask in his pocket. "Now, about those limits of
mine, the boss here has been telling you about our deal?"

"A little," said Ranald.

"We've hardly had time to look into anything yet," said Mr. St. Clair;
"but if you will step into my office, Colonel, I have the papers and
maps there." Mr. St. Clair's tone was anxious. Once mo