-control he choked
back the hot words and also managed to keep his anger from showing in
his face.

But it was an effort. Fortunately the others came to his rescue. Frank
began to shiver in his pajamas and called attention to the fact that
the night air was chill.

"Yes," said Jack, glad of the change in subject, "no matter how warm
the days out here, the nights are always cool. Let's go inside."

All trooped into the living room, which was dining room, too. In the
big fireplace they found a wood fire laid by the thoughtful Gabby
Pete, ready to be touched off in the morning. The talkative camp cook
slept in the bunkhouse some distance away, in the opposite direction
from the radio plant. While the others dragged blankets from their
beds and returned to the living room, wrapped up in them like
Indians, Jack touched a match to the wood and the fire soon was
blazing merrily.

Rollins would have excused himself on the plea of fatigue after a long
day's ride, but Mr. Temple halted him.

"So long as we are here altogether," he said, "it won't hurt matters,
and may help them, to have a little talk."

From his chair in front of the fire, Mr. Temple looked up inquiringly
at Rollins, who stood to one side of the fireplace, his face in the
shadows. The latter did not speak. Jack thought quickly. Was it wise
for Mr. Temple, unaware of Rollins's duplicity, to discuss matters
with him? He decided not. He was bending down to throw more wood on
the fire and without rising he interposed an objection.

"Mr. Rollins must be pretty tired," he said, glad his face was averted
because he feared the scorn in his eyes would betray him. "And we've
all had a hard day. Suppose we let the discussion go until tomorrow."

Rollins spoke precipitately, and Jack believed there was a little note
of relief in his voice.

"Yes," said he, "that would be better. I am pretty tired, as Jack
says. Well, I'll turn in. Good night. I'll see you at breakfast and
after that we can have our talk."

Shaking hands with Mr. Temple and throwing curt nods to Bob and
Frank, Rollins left the room. A moment later Jack arose and followed
swiftly but silently to the door on the gallery. Peering around the
doorpost cautiously, he assured himself Rollins had entered his own
room, then returned.

The others looked at him in surprise, unable to understand the meaning
of his actions. Jack soon enlightened them.

Crouched before the fire and with his eyes on the door