Smoke was ascending from the chimney, and the rising sun was just visible when Martin and Levi returned to Tim's. Mike was out in an enclosure, milking; Tim was back of the house, preparing the pigs' breakfast. The pigs were squealing, and a group of unwashed children were watching operations, when Martin appeared. A pleasant "Good morning" from him and a gruff one from Tim was the introduction, and then that stolid pioneer started for the sty. Not even the unusual event of a caller could hinder him from the one duty he most enjoyed,--the care of his beloved swine. "You have some nice thrifty pigs," began Martin, when the pen was reached, desiring to placate Tim. "They are thot," he returned. "My guide and I are on our way into the woods, to build a camp," continued Martin, anxious to have his errand over with, "and we halted to buy a few potatoes of you and some pork. I have a couple of men following with a bateau," he continued, after pausing for a reply which did not come; "they will be along in a day or two with most of our supplies; but I felt sure I could get some extra good pork of you and some choice potatoes." "You kin thot same," replied Tim, his demeanor obviously softening under this flattery, and so business relations were established. Martin had intended asking some cautious question regarding Chip or her father; but Tim's surly face, his unresponsive manner, and a mistrust of its wisdom prevented. He was blunt of speech, almost to the verge of insolence, and the arrival of Martin with all his polite words evoked not a vestige of welcome; and yet back of those keen gray eyes of his a deal of cunning might lurk, thought Martin. Two slovenly women peered out of back door and window while the interview was in progress. Mike came and looked on in silence; two of the oldest children were down by the canoe where Levi waited; the rest, open-eyed and astonished, seemed likely to be trodden on by some one each moment. When the stores were secured and paid for, and Martin had pushed off with Levi, he realized something of the life Chip must have led there. He had intended not only to obtain potatoes, but some information of value. He obtained the goods, paying a thrifty price, also a good bit of cold shoulder, and that was all. But Levi, shrewd woodsman that he was, fared better. "I larned Chip's gone off with old McGuire," he asserted with a quiet smile when they were well away, "an' that Pete's swearin' murder agin him." "And how?" responded Martin, in astonishment. "I felt that silence was golden with that surly chap, and didn't ask a question." "I'm glad," rejoined Levi. "I wanted to tell you not to, and I've larned all we want. Children are easy to pump, an' I did it 'thout wakin' a hint o' 'spicion. Tim's folks all believe Chip's gone with her dad. Pete thinks so, an' is watchin' for him with a gun, I 'spect, an' if so, the sooner they meet, the better."