Strong made no question of that, claiming only that the cutting should be "reg'lated," an expression which he rarely took the trouble to explain. It stood for a meaning well considered--that the forest belonged to the people, the timber to the owner of the land; that the right of the owner should be subject to restraint. He should be permitted to cut trees of a certain size only. So the forest would be made permanent, and the owner and the generations to follow him would get a crop of timber every eight or ten years. The sun was setting when they came into the little forest hamlet. The Migleys put up at the Pitkin general store, where one might have rude hospitality as well as merchandise. There Strong left pack and coon behind the counter and hastened to the home of Annette. The comely young woman rose from the supper-table and took both his hands in hers. "Strong's ahead!" he answered, cheerfully, as she greeted him. In response to her invitation he sat down to eat. Her father lighted his pipe and left them. Silas told of the swishers and the big trout and the children. "M-me an' Sinth is b-bein' cut over," here-marked, with a smile, as he thought of the children. "What do you mean?" "B-bein' cleared an' p-ploughed an' sowed." She laughed a little as the Emperor unfolded his pleasantry. He thought of his improved account in the matter of swearing and of the better temper of Sinth. "G-gittin' p-proper," he added. Annette was amused. "G-got t' leave Lost R-river," he said, presently. "Got to leave Lost River!" Annette exclaimed. "Ay-ah," Strong answered. He looked down for a second, then he added, sorrowfully, "G-goin' to tear down the w-woods." "It's an outrage. Couldn't you go to the plains?" "S-sold an' f-fenced." "How about the Rag Lake country?" "B-bein' cut." Annette shook her head ruefully. "W-woods got t' g-go," said Strong, leaning forward and resting his elbows on his knees. . "What'll you do?" "G-git tame," Strong answered, as he rose and went to the squirrel cage and began to play with his old pet. The little animal came to his wire gateway and stood upon the palm of the Emperor's hand. "T-trespasser!" he remarked, stroking the squirrel. "Th-they'll have me in a c-cage, too, purty s-soon." He put the squirrel away and offered his hand to Annette. "S-some day," he whispered. "Some day," she answered, with a sigh. "Y-you're g-goin' to hear me d-do some t-talkin'," he assured her. The Lady Ann had often mildly complained of his reticence. They now stood in front of the little veranda. She was looking up at him. "It'll 'mount to s-suthin', t-too," he went on. It seemed as if he were making an honest effort to correct the idleness of his tongue. He was looking down at her and groping in his mind for some other cheerful sentiment. He seemed to make this happy discovery, and added, "W-won-derful good t-times comin'." With a full heart she pressed his great hand in both of hers.