ve too much moose-meat,
fish, or grouse on hand, 'and would we take just a little to keep it
from spoiling.' My father knows very little about hunting, but one day
Pete took him into the woods after a moose. The animal was killed, and
Pete would insist that my father had shot it, and, of course, he came
in for a liberal portion of the game. I wish you knew what that man
has done for us. He has----"

Constance was interrupted by a knock upon the door, and when it was
opened they beheld the object of their conversation standing before
them. He was carrying something in his hand, covered with a cloth, old
and worn, but perfectly clean.

"Thar," he remarked, placing his load upon the table. "I knowed ye'd
be hungry, laddie, after yer long mush, an' mebbe, lassie, ye'll have a
snack, too."

Constance glanced at Keith, as much as to say, "Didn't I tell you so?
It's Old Pete's way."

When the cloth had been withdrawn a most appetizing repast was exposed
to view. A prospector's gold-pan served as a tray, which contained a
piece of tender moose-meat, nicely browned, some beans, a loaf of
sourdough bread, and a pot of steaming tea. Pete did not tell that he
had gone without bread and tea for weeks that he might have a little
for the "Colonel" and Constance, whom he had intended to invite to his
cabin for Christmas dinner. The bread he had made the day before, with
a deep joy in his honest heart at the pleasure he imagined it would
give the lonely ones.

"Now, lassie," he commanded, "bring on yer chiny, an' we'll have our
Christmas dinner right now. It's early, I admit, but it can't be
helped."

Constance gave a little laugh, but her eyes were filled with tears.

"My china," she replied, "will make but a poor showing beside your
bountiful repast. However, we shall have the best the cabin affords,
even if they are only iron plates and cups."

Keith was hungry, very hungry, and he did ample justice to the food.
He let Constance and Pete do most of the talking, for he was busy with
the various thoughts which surged through his mind. How different the
outcome of it all from what he had expected. He chided himself over
and over again for his lack of faith in the Master's leadings. In
every step he could see the direct evidence of His over-ruling power.
And, to crown it all, there was before him this sweet, patient woman,
adorning the humble cabin with a true and gentle grace.

CHAPTER X

CONSTANCE MAKE