the hungry by means of this grist-mill, not to rampage and bring
destruction to the noble forests God has planted! I've give you
what the law gives you, and nothin' more!"

Somewhat astonished at this outbreak, the two rivermen stood for a
moment staring at the old man. Then a steely glint crept into
Orde's frank blue eye and the corners of his mouth tightened.

"We want no trouble with you, Mr. Reed," said he, "and I'm no lawyer
to know what the law requires you to do and what it requires you not
to do. But I do know that this is the only dam on the river with
sluices built up that way, and I do know that we'll never get those
logs out if we don't get more draw on the water. Good-day."

Followed by the reluctant North he walked away, leaving the gaunt
figure of the dam owner gazing after them, his black garments
flapping about him, his hands clasped behind his back, his ruffled
plug hat thrust from his forehead.

"Well!" burst out North, when they were out of hearing.

"Well!" mimicked Orde with a laugh.

"Are you going to let that old high-banker walk all over you?"

"What are you going to do about it, Tom? It's his dam."

"I don't know. But you ain't going to let him bang us up here all
summer--"