"We ain't got no whiskey," said the woman. "We're sort o' run out, but I can give you some tea." "That will do just as well, madam." Rupert might have said that it would do better, but he saw that the family were not prohibitionists and might take offense if he spoke against the use of whiskey. Rupert had seldom enjoyed a meal more than the one he sat down to in that rude cabin. "What kind of meat is this?" he asked. "Bear meat. Didn't you ever eat any?" "No, madam." "We reckon it's good. My man killed the bear." "It is excellent," said Rupert, and he really meant what he said. "I'm glad you like it." Rupert ate till he was ashamed. He had not asked the price of the meal in advance, for he was fully resolved to eat it, even if it took every cent he had left to pay for it. But when at last he laid down his knife and fork he summoned courage to ask how much he must pay. "I reckon a quarter'll do," said the woman. Rupert breathed a sigh of relief. It not only came within his means, but he would have fifty cents left after paying. Then the woman began to ask questions. "Where mought you be goin'?" she asked. Rupert mentioned his destination. "How far away is that?" "Nearly a hundred miles." "Are you travelin' alone?" "I had a man with me till this morning." "Where is he now?" "He got up early, robbed me of all my money and ran off, taking the boat with him," Rupert answered in indignant tones. "If he took all your money, how are you goin' to pay for your dinner?" asked the woman, frowning. "I have a little money left in silver," said Rupert, producing the quarter. "How are you goin' to get back?" "I don't know. I have no money, and only a raft." Then an idea came to him. "If I could find a man who would go back with me, I would pay him well." "But you have no money." "Mr. Packard, of Red Gulch, is my friend. He is a rich man and he would pay for me." "Do you mean Giles Packard?" "Yes." "I know about him. He is rich. Is he your friend?" "Yes." Rupert followed up his advantage. "If I could find a man who would take me to him I would promise him fifty dollars--and this gun." The woman's eyes showed her interest. She was fond of money, and fifty dollars seemed to her a large sum. "I reckon my man would go along with you," she said slowly. "The fifty dollars would be sure?" "Yes, and if I was satisfied with him, I would give him ten dollars more." "Mam," said Sal, "you'd better say yes. We'll all be rich if dad gets sixty dollars." "When will your husband be home?" asked Rupert, becoming hopeful. "I reckon he'll be home directly--if you kin wait." "Oh, yes, I can wait. Has he got a boat?" "He has a canoe." "That will do just as well." "And will you give me the raft?" asked Sal. "You won't want it." "Yes, you shall have the raft." Sal was so delighted that she threw her arms round Rupert's neck and kissed him, much to his confusion.