f his
shoulders, "non, dey not hurt moche timber, but dey vill trade vid de
Injins--de sauvages--an' give dem drink, an' git all de furs, an' fat
den vill come of dat?"

Without waiting for a reply the indignant cook went in quest of hot
water, leaving the traders to discuss the salt goose and the news.

"That's bad news," said Bob Smart. "What do you propose to do in the
circumstances?"

"Something definite must be done," replied Redding, "but I don't yet see
my way as to what."

Having finished the goose between them, and turned its skeleton over
with an inquisitive glance to make sure that nothing eatable had
escaped, the two friends finished their frugal meal with a cup of tea
and a fried cake of the simplest elements--flour and water--after which
they drew their chairs to the fireplace,--a large open chimney well
filled with blazing logs,--lighted their pipes, and entered on a
discussion of the McLeods and their present position.

When their pipes were emptied, Redding arose, and, turning his back to
the fire, said:--

"Well, Bob Smart, this is the outcome of our cogitations. I am almost
certain that these McLeods have taken up their quarters within the
boundary of our Company's reserve lands, and if so, they must be routed
out of their nest at once. Delay in such matters is often fatal. The
law of use and wont, Bob, is soon established; but I have a strong
objection to act in uncertainty. I will therefore drive up to the hut
of Jonas Bellew, with whom I shall leave horse and sleigh, as the track
ends at Boulder Creek, and proceed on snow-shoes to the new settlement
in Partridge Bay, where the surveyor lives, who has the plans of our
reserve lands. I shall examine these plans, and if I find that our
property has been invaded, then--"

"Death and confusion to the McLeods," interrupted Bob. "Well, perhaps
that is the best thing to do; but the spring is well advanced. The
thermometer stood high this morning. If a thaw should set in, you will
find the walking in snow-shoes bad."

"`If' is a word to which you attach too much importance, Bob. We have
not at present to do with what may be, but with what is."

"True, nevertheless a prudent man has regard to probabilities," replied
Bob, with an air of much wisdom, as he relighted his pipe.

"Just so," returned Redding, "and as there is every probability that I
shall be absent a good many days, I leave you in charge of this
establishment, with strict i