s, for a sharp, ringing noise
rolled across the woods. When they reached camp Jim was surprised to
note two hobbled horses among the springing fern. The big pack-saddles
stood near the fire and a man was helping Carrie to fill the tin
plates. He stopped when Jim advanced, and Carrie said, "This is Mr.
Davies; he was at the Woolsworth store with me."

Jim said he was glad to see him and studied the fellow when they sat
down. Davies was young and rather handsome. He wore overalls, long
leggings, and an expensive buckskin jacket, but although his skin was
brown, he did not look like a bushman. In fact, Jim thought him a type
that is common in Western towns; superficially smart, and marked by an
aggressive confidence. He was somewhat surprised the fellow was a
friend of Carrie's; Jim had not expected her to like that kind of man,
but hospitality is the rule in the bush and he tried to be polite.
When supper was over and they lit their pipes he asked:

"Have you come to see the country, Mr. Davies?"

"I'm out on business; going through to the new settlement. I belong to
the Martin outfit and we're bidding on the construction of a new
bridge."

"Ah," said Jim, for Martin was a contractor and one of the ring. "This
is not the shortest way to settlement," he added.

"It is not," Davies agreed. "I reckoned I'd go in up the Vaughan river
and hired two Indians who know the way. Wanted to look at the country;
there's some talk about making a new wagon road. Then, you see, I knew
Miss Winter and heard she was at your camp."

Something about Davies' manner hinted that the girl and he were good
friends, and Jim was sorry Carrie was not there, since he wanted to see
how she accepted the fellow's statement. For no very obvious reason,
Davies jarred him.

"Looking for a wagon road line is a different job from keeping store,"
he remarked.

"I did keep store, but I've had other occupations and know the bush.
If I didn't know it, they would have no use for me in the Martin gang."

Jim nodded. The fellow was plausible, and in British Columbia a man
often puts his talents to very different uses. He thought Davies had
talent, although perhaps not of a high kind. By and by the latter got
up.

"If the boys are going fishing, I'll try my luck with them," he said.
"I'd like a few gray trout and have brought a pole."

Two or three of the men picked up rods they had made from fir-branches,
and when the party set off Jim