welcome at
headquarters."

"I hate to have you go, Rifle-Eye," the boy replied, "and you certainly
have been mighty good to me. I'll try not to forget all the things
you've told me, and I'll look forward to seeing you again before long."

"I'll come first chance I can," replied the hunter. "Take care of
yourself."

"Good-by, Rifle-Eye," called the boy, "and I'll look for your coming
back." He watched the old man until he was lost to sight and then waited
until the sound of the horse's hoofs on the hillside had ceased. He
found a lump in his throat as he turned away, but he went into the tent,
and went over his reports to see if they read all right before the
Supervisor arrived. Then, thinking that it was likely his chief would
come about noon, he exerted himself trying to make up an extra good
dinner. He caught some trout, and finding some lettuce growing in the
little garden, got it ready for salad, and then mixed up the batter for
some "flapjacks," as the old hunter had shown him how. He had everything
ready to begin the cooking, and was writing letters when he heard his
guest coming up the trail, and went out to meet him.

After Wilbur had made his reports and got dinner, for both of which he
received a short commendation, the Supervisor broached the question of
the timber trespass.

"Loyle," he said, "McGinnis and I have measured up the lumber stolen.
There's about four and a half million feet. You were with us when we
first located the trespass, and I want you to come with us to the mill."

"Very well, Mr. Merritt," answered the boy.

"I don't want you to do any talking at all, unless I ask you a question.
Then answer carefully and in the fewest words you can. Don't tell me
what you think. Say what you know. I'll do all the talking that will be
necessary."

Wilbur thought to himself that the conversation probably would not be
very long, but he said nothing.

"That is," continued the other as an afterthought, "McGinnis and I. I
don't suppose he can be kept quiet."

Wilbur grinned.

"But he usually knows what he is talking about, I should think," he
hazarded.

"He does--on lumber." Then, with one of the abrupt changes of topic,
characteristic of the man, the Supervisor turned to the question of
intended improvements in that part of the forest where Wilbur was to be.
He showed himself to be aware that the lad's appointment as Guard was
not merely a temporary affair, but a part of his training to fit hi