romantic temperament and the love of poetry. There were many books in
his father's home and the boy had lived his leisure in them. He
thought a moment and answered:

"Yes, I think you are as beautiful as a young doe playing in the
water-lilies."

"And you look as if you believed yourself," said she. "I am sure you
would like me better if I were fixed up a little."

"I do not think so."

"How much better a boy's head looks with his hair cut close like yours.
Our boys have long hair. They do not look so much like--men."

"Long hair is not for rough work in the bush," the boy remarked.

"You really look brave and strong. One would know that you could do
things."

"I've always had to do things."

They came up to the party who had stopped to camp for the night. It
was a clear warm evening. After they had hobbled the horses in a near
meadow flat, Jack and his father made a lean-to for the women and
children and roofed it with bark. Then they cut wood and built a fire
and gathered boughs for bedding. Later, tea was made and beefsteaks
and bacon grilled on spits of green birch, the dripping fat being
caught on slices of toasting bread whereon the meat was presently
served.