trout; it seemed to him that
there was something of that same cruel craftiness now in his eyes and
around his mouth. Good Indian felt for one instant as if he were that
trout, and Baumberger was playing him skillfully. "He's trying to make
me let go all holds and tip my hand," he thought, keenly reading him,
and he steadied himself.

"What d'yuh mean by me pouring oil on fire!" Baumberger urged
banteringly. "Sounds like the hero talking to the villain in one of
these here save-him-he's-my-sweetheart plays."

"You go to the devil," said Good Indian shortly.

"Don't repeat yourself, m' son; it's a sign uh failing powers. You said
that to me this morning, remember? And--don't--get--excited!" His right
arm raised slightly when he said that, as if he expected a blow for his
answer.

Good Indian saw that involuntary arm movement, but he saw it from
the tail of his eye, and he drew his lips a little tighter. Clearly
Baumberger was deliberately trying to force him into a rage that would
spend some of its force in threats, perhaps. He therefore grew cunningly
calm, and said absolutely nothing. He led Huckleberry into the stable,
came out, and shut the door, and walked past Baumberger as if he were
not there at all. And Baumberger stood with his head lowered so that his
flabby jaw was resting upon his chest, and stared frowningly after him
until the yard gate swung shut behind his tall, stiffly erect figure.

"I gotta WATCH that jasper," he mumbled over his pipe, as a sort of
summing up, and started slowly to the house. Halfway there he spoke
again in the same mumbling undertone. "He's got the Injun look in his
eyes t'-day. I gotta WATCH him."

He did watch him. It is astonishing how a family can live for months
together, and not realize how little real privacy there is for anyone
until something especial comes up for secret discussion. It struck Good
Indian forcibly that afternoon, because he was anxious for a word in
private with Peaceful, or with Phoebe, and also with Evadna--if it was
only to continue their quarrel.

At dinner he could not speak without being heard by all. After dinner,
the family showed an unconscious disposition to "bunch." Peaceful and
Baumberger sat and smoked upon that part of the porch which was coolest,
and the boys stayed close by so that they could hear what might be said
about the amazing state of affairs down in the orchard.

Evadna, it is true, strolled rather self-consciously off to the