Having
gained the respite, Bob now awaited the inevitable momentary relaxing
from this top pitch of excitement. It came.

"I have not the slightest intention of tacking up any notices or serving
any papers," he said quietly, referring to the errand of the man whom
Samuels had driven off at the point of his weapon. "I am travelling on
business; and I asked for shelter and supper."

"No ranger sets foot on my premises," growled Samuels.

"Very well," said Bob, unpinning and pocketing his pine tree badge.
(_"Oh, I'd have died rather than do that!" cried Amy when she heard.
"I'd have stuck to my guns!" "Heroic, but useless," replied her brother
drily._) "I don't care whether the ranger is fed or not. But I'm a lot
interested in me. I ask you as a man, not as an official."

"Your sort ain't welcome here; and if you ain't got sense enough to see
it, you got to be shown!" the youngest man broke in roughly.

Bob turned to him calmly.

"I am not asking your sufferance," said he, "nor would I eat where I am
not welcome. I am asking Mr. Samuels to bid me welcome. If he will not
do so, I will ride on." He turned to the old man again. "Do you mean to
tell me that the North End is so far behind the South End in common
hospitality? We've fed enough men at the Wolverine Company in our time."

Bob let fly this shaft at a venture. He knew how many passing
mountaineers paused for a meal at the cook house, and surmised it
probable that at least one of his three opponents might at some time
have stopped there. This proved to be the case.

"Are you with the Wolverine Company?" demanded the man who had jostled
him.

"I was for some years in charge of the woods."

"I've et there. You can stay to supper," said Samuels ungraciously.

He turned sharp on his heel and marched back to the cabin, leaving Bob
to follow with his horse. The two younger men likewise went about their
business. Bob found himself quite alone, with only this ungracious
permission to act on.

Nevertheless, quite imperturbably, Bob unsaddled, led his animal into
the dark stable, threw it some of the wild hay stacked therein, washed
himself in the nearby creek, and took his station on the deserted
verandah. The twilight fell. Some of the children ventured into sight,
but remained utterly unmoved by the young man's tentative advances. He
heard people moving about inside, but no one came near him. Finally,
just at dusk, the youngest man protruded his head from the d