2 WITH THE U. S. NATURALISTS 



**I don't know, I tell you," the boy persisted; 

 **he don't stay round the cabin much, daytimes." 



*'No, nor night-times, either," said the other, 

 shortly, *' judgin' from all I hear. Did he say this 

 mornin' which way he was goin'?" 



''He said something about the Forks," Shan 

 replied reluctantly. 



The stranger eyed the boy keenly, convinced 

 that he was being misled. The heavy indifference 

 of Shan's expression, however, gave no clew. 



'*I reckon I'll make that my road, then," said 

 the visitor, swinging his rifle into the crotch of his 

 arm, "though I don't nowise feel sure o' meetin' 

 him there. Yo'U probably see him before I do, 

 eh?" 



** Maybe," returned Shan, cautiously. 



**Well, if yo' do, yo' can tell him that Ned 

 Thompson was lookin' for him." 



"I'll tell him," said Shan. 



Once more the stranger scanned Shan's fea- 

 tures resultlessly, and, with a muttered exclama- 

 tion, strode away swiftly. Shan watched him go, 

 resentful of his curtness, misliking the man at first 

 sight and convinced that his visit boded no good. 



The stranger was no sooner out of sight, how- 

 ever, than the lad's sleepy manner changed. He 



