about Jan Grubb?"

"No," admitted Miss Elting.

"Then you'd better ask. I am afraid you are putting too much
confidence in him."

"Mr. Collins, please be more explicit. What do you mean?"

"You'll find out after you've got out into the hills. He doesn't know
any more about the hills than a little yellow dog that's spent all its
life in town. He'll get you into all kinds of trouble, and then he'll
leave you to get out of it as best you can. You remember what I tell
you."

"Of course, I thank you for telling me," answered the guardian rather
stiffly. "However, we are quite satisfied with Mr. Grubb. As I
understand it, he is a highly respected citizen of Compton and an
efficient mountain guide. That will be quite sufficient for us."

"I need this job. I--I need the money, Miss," whined the stranger.

"I am satisfied with the arrangements I have already made." Miss Elting
turned to leave the room.

"My family needs it. I've been out of work a long time, and----"

"I am very sorry. I wish it were in my power to assist you, but I have
very little voice in the matter. Another person--the one who is paying
the expenses of this trip--attended to all that. You will see that it