f inspection. Stopping in front of Bella's and Carew's tent, he pointed
to their rather imposing pile of baggage.

"Two-thirds of this will have to be left behind, though we'll try to pick
it up again. You can make your selection." He went on to Millicent's and
Miss Hume's collection. "We can't take more than half of this," he
informed them. Then he addressed the company in general. "The three
ladies must occupy Miss Gladwyne's tent, and the men Carew's; Nasmyth's
must be abandoned. Each man's outfit must be cut down to one change of
clothes and his blanket."

The announcement was received with open murmurs. They had all been
accustomed to every comfort with which a high civilization could provide
them; they had already cut down their belongings to the lowest limit at
which, in their estimation, life could be made endurable; and many of the
articles they were told must be left behind were costly and artistic. It
was a severe test of obedience and even Nasmyth, who knew the wilderness,
desiring to safeguard the women, was not inclined to yield. Lisle had
only Crestwick to support him until Bella touched his arm.

"Stand fast," she urged, somewhat to his surprise. "If you give way an
inch now, you'll be sorry."

Lisle smiled and then raised his voice.

"I'm afraid I must insist. Since you object, Carew, are you willing to
carry forty pounds upon your back while you break a trail through thick
timber, where we find it needful to leave the water?"

"Certainly not," said Carew decidedly.

"Then," Lisle advised dryly, "you had better leave as much as possible of
the weight behind; there's no likelihood of our getting more packers. You
have to choose between a camp-chair or a suitcase, for example, and your
daily dinner."

For a moment or two they hesitated. Lisle had, straining his new
authority to the utmost, asked them a very hard thing, for in their
regard some degree of luxury was less an accidental favor than a
prescriptive right. Then Bella took up a long garment and with a little
resolute gesture flung it from her.

"That," she laughed, "is the first sacrifice to the stern guardians of
the wilds. It ought to satisfy them, considering who made it and what it
cost." She seized a small valise and hurled it after the dress. "There's
the next; I'm thankful my complexion will stand the weather."

Millicent looked up at Lisle, indicating a small easel, a bulky
sketch-book, and a box of water-colors.

"Are these t