“I must point out that I organized the expedition,” she said. “Everybody here is my guest.”
“Did you invite Gladwyne and Batley?”
“I did not,” Millicent was compelled to own. “For all that, they are now in the same position as the rest. I must ask you to remember it.”
Lisle had some trouble in controlling himself, but he nodded. “Well,” he responded, “I’ll have to alter several of our arrangements and I’ll go along and talk it over with the packers. I’ve got the canoes required, and we’ll take the trail at seven to-morrow.”
He strode away toward the packers’ fire, quite aware that he had not behaved in a very seemly way, but still consumed with indignation against Gladwyne. When he had disappeared, Clarence looked up.
“I’m sorry if we have given you unnecessary trouble; but does your guide often adopt that rather hectoring tone?”
His languid contempt roused Crestwick.
“Lisle’s responsible for the safety of all of us,” the lad broke out, “and you haven’t shown much regard for it in making your loads as light as you could!”
Millicent raised her hand.
“We’ll talk about something else for a few minutes and then break up. It’s an early start to-morrow.”