Ralph's warning of danger had served him well. Joe, seeing him cool and prepared, was completely disconcerted. "What do I want?" he repeated, falling back with a scowl. "That's a hell of a nice good-morning to hand out to a man!"
"What were you looking for?" asked Ralph, "an address of welcome?"
Joe turned purple, and shook his fist. "I'll show you!" he cried.
Little Stack stepped from behind Joe. Physical terror gave his face a greenish cast, but his chagrin at seeing his careful plans about to be destroyed was stronger still. It emboldened him to put himself in front of Joe. "Wait!" he implored. "You mustn't quarrel! Let me explain!"
Joe turned aside with a muttered oath.
A fawning note crept into Stack's voice. "We've taken the Doctor by surprise," he said. "He thinks we're spying on him. You can't hardly blame him."
"You're a good guesser, Stack," said Ralph grimly.
"It's nothing of the kind!" cried Stack virtuously. "You must remember I told you long ago I wanted to take a trip through the wilds if I could get a chance. Mr. Mixer was willing to go, so I engaged him and these men to guide me."
"Why explain?" said Ralph. "It's nothing to me. The river is free to all."
"I didn't expect this from you," said Stack, with an aggrieved air. "I thought we were friends. What have you got against me?"