e southeastern part of
Manitoba.

Here, the Latimers awaited them, and had made all arrangements for the
further journey into the heart of the forests where the pine and other
valuable timber stood.

The lumber crew, consisting of a foreman, cook and two helpers,
hostlers, drivers, and most of those that felled trees, had gone on to
the camp some time previous to the Starrs' arrival, but a few of the men
were still in town waiting for their foreman.

The lumbermen who were waiting to start for camp stood about the small
stoop of the house which was known as the "hotel," and scanned the group
slowly walking toward them. The Latimers were already known to the men,
but the new-comers were a source of curiosity.

The men who were to supervise the cutting, hoisting and hauling of the
timber to be cut that winter were of a rugged, good-natured type, and
the Starrs were glad to note their clean-cut appearance.

Mr. Latimer had explained to the new arrivals the presence of the crew
at the hotel, and also the various work the different men had charge of.
Don and Dot had overheard this conversation, and the moment the family
reached the porch Don carefully looked over the group and whispered to
Dot. Together they walked over to the men and entered into an animated
discourse with them.

"I heard that one of you men was an engineer on the engine that pulls
the trees out of the woods," said Don.

"I'm the one," remarked a tall muscular man, while his companions smiled
at the two children.

"We know how to run an engine," began Dot.

"Sh!" interrupted Don to his sister. "We didn't come over to tell you
that, but we wanted to say that we are glad to meet you. We three ought
to have some nice rides this winter on that engine of yours."

This brought a laugh from all but the engineer. He looked very serious
as he said, "I sure am glad to make your acquaintance. I reckon we'll be
very friendly." And he stuck out his large hand and shook Don's and
Dot's small hands most energetically.

"Did you say you run an engine?"

"Yep! when we were down on my grandfather's ranch in Texas. There were
some Indians always stealing and hiding in the woods and Dot and I
helped catch 'em," said Don, looking about to see if any of his family
overheard his remark.

"Don, that wasn't when we drove the engine. You know--I mean the time
the old thing ran away with us and everybody was so frightened!"
corrected truthful Dot.

"Well, it doesn'