growled Growler sarcastically; but he rose and flicked the leaves and
twigs from his clothing before he helped himself to the coffee which
was now hot.

"One cup for two people is just one too few," laughed Cheery when it
came his turn to take some. "My! but it tastes good. There's nothing
like the open air to give one an appetite."

"I don't like coffee without cream," objected Growler, chewing moodily
at his cracker.

"Well, we'll get to Girard by to-night, and then possibly we will get a
good supper."

While they were lunching I had observed another traveler slowly
approaching through the underbrush. Over one shoulder was slung a
leather strap in which were a few books. He carried a rifle, and from
his coat pocket bulged a small package. As he drew nearer the sound of
his footsteps startled Growler who nervously upset his coffee over his
shirt front.

"What d'ye suppose he is?" he asked of Cheery as the stranger
approached.

"I judge he's a parson, from the cut of his clothes," observed Cheery.
Then as the new-comer advanced he called: "Hello, friend! Who'd 'a
thought of meeting company this far back in these mountains?"

"This is only about eight miles from the town where I live," answered
the gentleman, who now seated himself near them with his back against a