n the scene in the
ravine below. Then Bob, the care-free, the pleasure-seeking, raised a
hand in swift protest.

"Don't describe it, please, old man," he requested. "I'd rather not
hear."

The speaker's voice ceased; over his thin features fell the light of a
queer little half-smile which, instead of declaring itself, only
provoked Bob Wilson's curiosity. In the silence Bye, with a hand
unaccustomed to the exercise, made the familiar gesture that brought
one of the busy attendants to his side.

"And the story you wrote--?" suggested Wilson while they waited.

For answer Calmar Bye drew an envelope from his pocket and tossed it
across the table to his friend. Wilson first noted that it bore the
return address of one of the country's foremost magazines; he then
unfolded the letter and read aloud:

"DEAR MR. BYE:--

"The receipt of your two stories, 'Storm and Stampede' and 'The
Lonely Grave,' has settled a troublesome question for us,
namely: What has become of Mr. Calmar Bye?

"No doubt you will recall that our criticisms of the material
which you have submitted from time to time in the past,
were directed chiefly against faults arising out of your
unfamiliarity with your subjects. The present manuscripts
bear the best testimony that you have been gathering your
material at first hand. We have the feeling, as we read, that
every sentence flows straight from the heart.

"Now we want just such vivid, gripping, red-blooded cross-sections
of life as these, your two latest accomplishments; in fact, we
can't get enough of them. Therefore, instead of making you a cash
offer for these two stories, we suggest that you first call at
our office at your earliest convenience. If agreeable, we should
like to arrange for a series of Western stories and articles, the
evolving of which should keep you engaged for some time to come.

"Cordially,
"------"

The hands of the two friends clasped across the table. No word
disturbed the silence until the forgotten waiter broke in impatiently:

"Yo' o'der, sahs?"

"Champagne"--this time it was Calmar Bye who gave it--"a quart. And
be lively about it, too."

"Well, well!" Bob Wilson's admiration burst forth. "It is worth a
whole herd of steers."

THE STUFF OF HEROES

Springtime on the prairies of South Dakota. It is early mor