"What's the programme for to-day?" asked Parker.
"After I inspect the saw-mill we will hook up and move over the divide to the head-waters of the Willow and camp with Red Wolf's band."
Parker coughed. "Well, now—of course, Captain, we are depending on you."
Curtis smiled. "Perhaps you'd like to go back to the agency?"
"No, sirree, bob! I'm sticking right to your coat-tails till we're out o' the woods."
Lawson interposed. "You wouldn't infer that Parker had ever had a Parisian education, would you?"
Parker was not abashed. "I know what you mean. Those are all expressions my father used. They stick to me like fly-paper."
"I've tried and tried to break him of his plebeian phrases, but I cannot," Mrs. Parker said, with sad emphasis.
"I wouldn't try," replied Jennie. "I like them."
"Thank you, lady, thank you," Parker fervently made answer.