swan," he
finally stammered, as he managed to thrust out his brown hand, and take
that of the boy which had been so impulsively offered to him.

"Why," Thad went on, heartily, "you know, Jim, I'm as much interested in
this matter between you and Cale Martin as can be. And I'm just bound to
see you through. I heard what one of those men told you about Cale going
off to his cabin, so's to try and keep away from temptation, while Jim
Hasty was around the neighborhood. He'd sworn to pin your ears to a
tree, and feared that he'd up and do it, if he had the chance. Something
better inside Old Cale was a tuggin' away at his hard old heart; and
Jim; you and I know what it is."

The short guide nodded his head violently, while his eyes glittered.

"Pore ole dad, he wants tew see his leetle gal ther wust kind, an' it's
jest his consarned pride as keeps him frum knucklin' right down, an'
ownin' he war wrong. Thet's what I sez in ther fust place. I jest knowed
he dassen't raise a hand tew hurt me, as he threatened, 'cause Lina
keers fur even ther leetle finger o' my hand; an' she war ther apple o'
his eye. An' shore I feels as it's agoin' tew be awl right, ef so be I
kin on'y git a few words wid ther ole man, face tew face."

"And you shall, if I can help you out, Jim," declared the boy, with
emphasis. "Perhaps some day, I might even see the Little Lina that all
this fuss has been about. I'd sure like to, the worst kind. But about
when do you think we'd better hike out across country for the Martin
cabin, Jim?"

"I'd like tew start inside o' an hour," returned the other, quickly, as
his eye instinctively turned upwards toward the heavens, with the idea
of gauging what the weather might have in store for the State of Maine
during the next twenty-four hours.

"I see, you're afraid of a heavy snowfall, that would make the going and
coming a hard job; is that it, Jim?"

"It shore is, Thad," replied the guide, promptly. "Yew see, it's long
past due. The woods is as dry as tinder, and we need a big fall o' snow
er rain ther wust kind. D'ye think we mout git away by thet time?"

"I don't see why not," answered the young scoutmaster "I'm feeling in
apple pie condition this morning, myself; and you're just wild to make
the venture. So we'll call it a go in an hour, Jim. By that time
breakfast will be done with, and the boys have their plans arranged for
the day. Eli will take charge with Allan; and there ought to be no
trouble. Bo