Grace rose and said she would have Mrs. Shafto prepare food for the two men. "I'm ready to hear the story, Ainsworth," announced Hippy, nodding. "Are you the party that bought Section Seventy-two, Mr. Wingate?" asked Ainsworth. Hippy nodded. "Without wishin' to be personal, may I ask what you paid for it?" "You have my permission to ask anything you wish. I reserve the right to answer or not. The answer is _not_! in this instance," replied Hippy. "No offense, no offense," answered the agent, assuming a jovial tone. "I represent certain interests that have been negotiating for this very property, parties that already have large holdings in this vicinity, and who wish an uninterrupted stretch of timber and river to the lakes." "Yes?" questioned Hippy. "Of course they knew you bought on speculation, because you ain't lumbermen, and they reckoned they'd buy it from you so as to give you a fine profit on your investment. That's why I asked you what you paid for the property." "Yes?" repeated Hippy. "No man can say that ain't a fair offer. Now we'll get right down to business, Mister--Mister--" "Wingate," assisted Tom. "We'll get right down to business, Mr. Wingate. You will sell?" "Sure thing. I'll sell anything I have except my wife and the bull pup." "Good! I reckoned that was about the size of it," chuckled Ainsworth, passing a hand across his face to hide his expression of satisfaction. "What's your figger?" "Half a million." "Feet?" "No. Dollars." "Are you crazy?" "Yes." "Ha, ha! I see. You're one of those funny fellows," laughed the agent. "That's all right, Pard. Have your little joke, and now let's get down to business. What'll ye take cash down, balance ninety days, for the section?" "Half a million. What will you give?" "Twenty-five thousand," answered the agent quickly. "The deal is off," said Hippy, rising. "Wait a minute! You're too confounded sudden. I want to argue the question," urged the visitor. "No. You have made your offer; I have made my offer. The subject is closed. Come, have a snack. I see the girls have it ready for you, and let's talk about the weather. I think it is going to snow." Tom, though he had with difficulty repressed his laughter, offered their guests every attention, and so did the Overland girls, but the subject of the sale of the claim was not again referred to that evening, except just before bedtime. None of the girls was favorably impressed with either Mr. Ainsworth or his guide, and during the meal the forest woman glared threateningly at the pair through her big spectacles. Near its close, the visitors got a shock that nearly frightened Chet Ainsworth out of his skin, and at the same time sent the Overland Riders into unrestrained peals of laughter. Henry, who had been out of sight ever since the arrival of the two men, had ambled into camp observed only by Emma Dean who hugged herself delightedly when she saw the bear's intention.