He walked up to Ide. "Better call off your girl, Rod," he advised, bluffly. "This isn't any of her business, or yours either." "I figure that a Skeet girl belongs as much to us as to you," snapped the doughty little man from Castonia. "If my girl takes interest enough in her to invite her home, I think you'd better let her go." "Well, I've got a crew of a hundred men posted back here a few rods in the woods to back me up when I say she stays right where she belongs." His tone was offensive, and Rodburd Ide's anger flared. "My business just now in here, Britt, is to bring a hundred men for our Enchanted operation. They're down there by the brook eating lunch. I don't want any trouble over this, but there's some nasty reason back of this girl matter, and I won't stand for any persecution of a helpless creature. My men back me when I say she goes home with my girl. Hello, men for the Enchanted! Up this way in a hurry!" The look that Nina flashed at her father was inspiration for him! As his men came into sight over the bank the crew of Britt tramped towards them down the trail. "Nina," said Ide, "you'll have to go back now. Chris Straight will go with you. Take the girl on the horse with you, and let Chris lead by the headstall. You'll go all safe. Hurry away from here! But after you get started, take your time to the Half-way House. There's no one going to get past down this trail to chase you and bother you." There was determination in the voice of the little man, and his daughter kissed him at the same time that Dwight Wade was patting his shoulder. Wade ran along by the side of the horse for a little way, and, when he turned, eagerly kissed Nina Ide's gloved hand. "God bless you for a little saint!" he gasped. "You'll understand this some day, perhaps." "I understand that she is alone and needs a friend," she responded--"just as you needed a friend when you were only Britt's 'chaney man.'" She smiled archly at him and passed out of sight, old Christopher tugging at the bits of the horse. Wade went back in the forefront of the thronging crew of the men for Enchanted. "As I said, Britt, I don't want trouble," repeated Rodburd Ide, "but you'll please remember that the lower corner of your township is here at Durfy's camp. I reckon the men for the Enchanted will camp right here on the trail for a few hours. The man that tries to push past to trouble my daughter or her friend will get hurt." "They are goin' past just the same!" shouted Britt, fiercely. "My God, Pulaski, think of consequences!" pleaded "Stumpage John," in low tones. He arose with difficulty and staggered to Britt's side. His tones quavered with weakness. "I'd be ruined by the story of what it was all about. I'm sick. I only want to get home. I don't want to see trouble here." Britt glared at his associate, at Wade, Ide, and at last at Colin MacLeod, who was staring in the direction of Nina Ide. The tyrant snorted his disgust.