ned from the camp,
and something in his manner, as well as in Berrie's, revealed the fact
that the situation had not improved.

"They forced me into a corner," McFarlane said to Wayland, peevishly. "I
lied out of one night; but they know that you were here last night. Of
course, they were respectful enough so long as I had an eye on them, but
their tongues are wagging now."

The rest of the evening was spent in talk on the forest, and in going
over the ranger's books, for the Supervisor continued to plan for
Wayland's stay at this station, and the young fellow thought it best not
to refuse at the moment.

As bedtime drew near Settle took a blanket and went to the corral, and
Berrie insisted that her father and Wayland occupy the bunk.

Norcross protested; but the Supervisor said: "Let her alone. She's better
able to sleep on the floor than either of us."

This was perfectly true; but, in spite of his bruised and aching body,
the youth would gladly have taken her place beside the stove. It seemed
pitifully unjust that she should have this physical hardship in addition
to her uneasiness of mind.

X

THE CAMP ON THE PASS

Berea suffered a restless night, the most painful and broken she had
known in all her life. She acknowledged that Siona Moore was prettier,
and that she stood more nearly on Wayland's plane than herself; but the
realization of this fact did not bring surrender--she was not of that
temper. All her life she had been called upon to combat the elements, to
hold her own amidst rude men and inconsiderate women, and she had no
intention of yielding her place to a pert coquette, no matter what the
gossips might say. She had seen this girl many times, but had refused to
visit her house. She had held her in contempt, now she quite cordially
hated her.

"She shall not have her way with Wayland," she decided. "I know what she
wants--she wants him at her side to-morrow; but I will not have it so.
She is trying to get him away from me."

The more she dwelt on this the hotter her jealous fever burned. The floor
on which she lay was full of knots. She could not lose herself in sleep,
tired as she was. The planks no longer turned their soft spots to her
flesh, and she rolled from side to side in torment. She would have arisen
and dressed only she did not care to disturb the men. The night seemed
interminable.

Her plan of action was simple. "I shall go home the morrow and take
Wayland with me. I wil