here and cheer me up I'll drop her a line
and give her thirty days' notice."

The caller who had been snubbed so bluntly turned on her heel. She
pleaded, faintly, "I'm sorry, sir. I'll leave you and Mr. Latisan to
talk over your business."

"I can't blame you for going," said Latisan. He followed her, and to her
profound amazement she discovered that a woodsman could be as
temperamental as a prima donna. "I'm going, too, Mr. Flagg," he called
over his shoulder. "I'm going for good and all where you're concerned.
I'm done with you. I gave you your fair warning. Send another man north
to the drive."

"Just one minute, there, Latisan!" called the master, harshly. "Unless
you're afraid to stay here that length of time or can't spare the minute
away from your wench!"

The drive master stopped at the door and spun around on his heel.

There had been but one flash of the light's rays on Lida--the old man
had immediately allowed the shade to drop; standing just beyond the
doorway in the hall, she was safely in the shadows.

"If you expect to hear me whinny like a sick horse you're mistaken,"
went on Flagg, with the staccato of ire. "Now I know what you're worth.
You have appraised yourself. A girl's grin has bought you. I don't know
what sort she is, nor care I. But unless she's a fool she can see what
you're worth, too. Go along, now!"

There was compunction in Latisan, and he realized it. But there was that
untamed spirit of old John, as well, and it made for rancor and
rebellion.

In that room at the moment old John's spirit was veritably present in
the grandson, reviving the ancient north-country duello of unconquered
wills with old Echford in the flesh--and a Latisan had never lowered the
crest before a Flagg.

"It's a cheap hired man you want!" Compromise was offered no opportunity
by young Latisan's manner and tone. "Hire one--of your picking! And a
devilish fine boss that kind will make for you!"

"I'll hire nobody," roared Flagg. "I'll ride to the head of the drive in
this chair. Even with both sides of me paralyzed I'll be worth more than
you are, you lallygagging, love-cracked loon! Get out of here!"

When the two were outside in the night the girl faced Latisan. "I insist
on going alone, sir. You have no right to leave a helpless man as you're
doing. I cannot believe that you mean what you said just now!"

"I'm through! I have let him curse me out all along and I took it whence
it came. But this time