oreseen more
than a mere evening shower of refreshing rain.

In Rube's absence, Kiddie occupied himself with the ordinary work of
the camp. He was always scrupulously orderly and methodical; never
allowing any refuse to accumulate, always regulating the fire to his
requirements, washing up after every meal, and having a fixed place for
each utensil and for the different kinds of food and stores.

All of his camps were ordered on a similar plan; so much so that one
was a duplicate of another, differing only in situation and natural
surroundings.

It was the same with his packing. The things that were most urgently
needed were always packed last, to be ready to hand on his arrival at a
new pitch.

Over his work, Kiddie watched Rube climbing the mountain side, and once
or twice he whistled to him to let him know that he was going all
right. But very soon Rube disappeared into the brooding gloom of the
canyon, and Kiddie continued with his work until every tin-pot shone
like silver and the whole camp was faultlessly tidy.

"Queer how fond of that boy I've got to be," he said to himself. "I'm
missing him already." He glanced round at the mountain tops and the
lowering clouds. "Don't like the look of that mist that's rolling
down," he reflected. "He ought to turn back; but I don't suppose he
will. Hullo! he's disturbed the eagles! I hope he got a good view of
them first."

The majestic pair of birds had taken wing, and were now gliding on
seemingly motionless pinions through the misty air. Kiddie watched
them as they crossed over the lake, growing smaller and smaller until
they became tiny specks in the distance and were lost to sight among
the dark ravines of the Rattlesnake Range.

At dusk, when it was time for Rube's return, Kiddie got ready some
venison cutlets and chipped potatoes for frying with them for supper.
But before beginning his cooking he waited until he should hear Rube's
signal call from afar. He sat by the fire listening for it with his
eyes bent on the slope of the hill where he expected Rube to appear.

The long minutes went by, but he heard no signal call and saw no sign
of his companion. Still, he was not anxious. Rube might be sheltering
from the rain under the lee of some rock.

The mist on the mountains thickened, the darkness of night and the
drizzling rain blotted out all landmarks.

Kiddie whistled at regular intervals--a long, penetrating whistle it
was. He piled more fu