ation would prove to be sketchy and that water supply
too would prove inadequate. He believed still that his plans for the
plant itself would not have to be changed.

"I heard every word you two said," Mrs. von Minden's voice rose
suddenly. "You needn't worry at all. I'll concentrate for you
immediately after breakfast."

"In that case, we are ruined," Roger muttered, smiling in spite of
himself, as he dropped the tent flap behind him.

The lady visitor was sitting on a bench beside the table in the cook
tent, contemplating a cup of coffee and a plate of crackers.

"Was it your idea, madam," said Ernest, attacking a pile of pancakes
some ten inches high, "that your husband would find you in this camp?"

"So the Yogis say," replied Mrs. von Minden.

"Why don't you fry yourself some cakes, Mrs. von Minden?" asked Roger.

"Part of my creed is never to prepare food for myself if it is possible
to get some one else to do it. A complete inertia is a vital step toward
Nirvana."

Roger grunted. "Then you'll never find Nirvana in this camp, I can tell
you."

"Good morning!" cried Felicia, appearing suddenly in the doorway.

"Dicky is sick," she announced, "and Charley sent me down here for the
day. She said please for you not to come up because Dicky is so cross,
she doesn't want any one around."

Ernest and Roger looked at each other.

"I think I'd better go up," said Roger.

"No, I'll go," insisted Ernest.

"Charley doesn't want you," cried Felicia. "She says so and she always
means what she says."

"Oh, you've found that out, have you?" asked Ernest. "Well, have a
flapjack; my cook is an artist."

"I've had breakfast, thank you," replied the little girl. "I'm going out
and look at the things in the wagon."

"Go to it!" exclaimed Ernest. Then to Roger, "I see you've struck water
at last. That news evidently impressed you less than other events, last
night."

Roger nodded. "There's not much of it and it's vile to taste. But it'll
take care of our camp wants and the engine. Charley suggested that if we
didn't strike an adequate supply when we drove the well farther, we'd
better set the plant up at their place. They'd be our first customers."

"Better not take her up till you've done a lot of experimenting down
here," said Ernest, quickly.

"I don't expect to do much experimenting," replied Roger. "But I've
started here and I'll keep on here, especially since this unexpected mix
up."

Mrs. von Minden,