e, after all, hasn't she? Are you and
your friends goin' to ride back on her across the carry? I tell you she
beats a buckboard!"

The man whom he addressed smiled with some constraint, and exchanged
glances with his companions.

"I guess we'll stick to our own tote-team as usual, Connick," said
another in the party, jerking his thumb at the muddy buckboard that was
waiting.

"Oh say, now, ye've got to meet these here railroad fellers. They're
your style--all business!" bawled Connick. "We ain't fit to entertain
'em up here, but you rich fellers are. Just come along. They'll be glad
to see you. Bring 'em along, boys."

The crowd obediently hustled the new arrivals toward Whittaker and his
friends, disregarding the surly protests.

"Here's some of the kings of the spruce country, gentlemen!" big Dan
cried, by way of introduction. "Here's Mr. Shayne, the great timber
operator on the Seboois waters. Here's Mr. Barber of the Upper
Chamberlain, an'--"

Several of the new arrivals began to deprecate this unceremonious manner
of introduction, but the railroad men, recognizing their peers in the
business world in these sturdy land barons, came forward with a hearty
welcome.

Ten minutes later the timber kings were eating lunch, although with some
embarrassment. Occasionally they eyed the railroad men, wondering if
the memory of the stubborn legislative battle still lingered. But the
railroad men constantly grew more affable.

"Gentlemen," said Whittaker, at last, "we are not affected in this case
by any interstate commerce regulations. Therefore, on behalf of myself
and my associates, I should like to tender you annual passes over our
new road. Of course the courtesy is a trifling one, but it will indicate
that we shall appreciate your cooperation in turning your freight
business our way. We'll save you at least two-thirds of the expense on
the haul across Poquette."

CHAPTER SIXTEEN--THE PACT THAT OPENED RODNEY PARKER'S PROFESSIONAL
FUTURE

When one understood all that had gone before, the moment was an electric
one for the future of the Poquette region.

In this apparently trivial offer the railroad king had formally offered
the olive branch. He gazed at the lumber barons eagerly yet shrewdly.

It was evident that they had silently fixed on Shayne to reply.

After a moment Shayne began his answer, and as he had glanced from one
to another of his companions, he evidently understood from their eyes
that