note and his look did not indicate much sympathy. In the North, a demand
for food is seldom refused, but Scott obviously meant to be satisfied
with supplying the party's urgent needs. With this Thirlwell agreed.

Then Scott said to Driscoll, "You had better take your friends to the
bunk-house and tell the cook to make you supper. You know where to get
blankets."

Stormont got up with an effort, and when he went out with the others
Scott smiled.

"I'm not going back on my duty, but I don't want that outfit in my
shack," he said.

Next morning after breakfast Stormont came in. He had to some extent
recovered from his fatigue, but looked worn and dispirited.

"I guess I owe you some thanks," he said.

"I don't know if you do or not," Scott answered coolly. "In the bush, a
starving man is, so to speak, entitled to ask for food and shelter. I
couldn't refuse."

Stormont gave him a keen glance. "Well, there's another thing. It's a
long trail to the railroad and I want to buy stores enough to see us
out."

"Then I suppose I must let you have supplies; but you can't expect to
get them as cheap as at the settlements. In fact, you'll have to pay my
price."