At this all of the girls looked angry, and not one returned his
salutation. But, undaunted by this, the newcomer caught up a camp
stool and planked himself down almost directly between the
prettiest of the three and her companions.

"Splendid day for the trip," he went on.

"Won't you have some confectionery?" and he hauled from his pocket
a box of cream chocolates and held them out.

"Thank you, but we don't wish any," said the youngest of the
girls.

"Won't you have some?" asked the unknown of the eldest girl.

"I don't want any, and I told you before not to speak to me!" she
said in a low voice, and the tears almost came into her eyes.

"I ain't going to hurt you," grumbled the young fellow. "Can't a
fellow be pleasant like?"

"I do not know you, sir."

"Oh, that's all right. My name is Daniel Baxter. Sorry I
haven't a card, or I would give you one," was the smooth
rejoinder.

"I do not wish your card," was the answer delivered in the most
positive of tones.