broad stream on their right. "Do you know, I never see the river without
thinking of the old days when this country was wild. It seems so odd to
realize that Tonty and La Salle paddled up and down here. They may have
camped where we are now. Sometimes in the evenings when we are on the
river, I imagine I can see a line of canoes with strange, dark men in
buckskin, and painted Indians, and solemn old monks, with Father Hennepin
in the first canoe. So many curious old memories hover over this stream."

The horses were slowing. Harvey said abruptly,--

"Will you mind if I open a telegram?"

"Certainly not." She reached out and took the reins. Harvey opened the
envelope with his thumb. He read the message twice, then lowered it to his
knees with a puzzled expression.

"Bad news?" asked Miss Porter.

"I don't know. Read it if you like."

She handed back the reins and read the following:--

Mr. Harvey West:

You are receiver M. & T. Come to Manchester at once.

Weeks.

"Well," he said, "what do you think?"