"Because they want the timber, and because they've got you here," said Master. "I heard of your appointment. I heard, too, that Joe Socket and Pop Migley and Dennis Mulligan thought you were the right man for the place. I knew there'd be something doing, and I came in here to warn you. Don't ever trust the benevolence of Satan."
"By—" Strong paused and gave his thigh a slap. "I know w-what they're up to," he muttered, thoughtfully. "They'll make it too hot f-fer m-me here."
He told of the fire and the man who fled in the bushes.
"They're going to fire the valley, and don't intend to give you time to sit down," said Master. "It's a dangerous country just now."
"Have t' take Sinth an' the ch-childem out o' here r-right off," the hunter answered. "If you'll stay with 'em t'-day, I'll go an' g-git some duffle an' we'll p-put over the r-ridge with 'em t'-night."
Back at the old camp there were things he needed sorely, and he reckoned that he could make the round trip with a pack-basket by five in the afternoon.
"It's still and the leaves are d-damp," Strong mused. "Fire wouldn't run much t'-day."
"To-morrow I'll get a force of men and we'll surround this valley," said Master.
They hurried into camp and were greeted with merry cries. Soon they were sitting on a blanket beside the others, eating in the ancient fashion of the pioneer.
The young man had brought a letter from Gordon which contained a sum of money and welcome news. Sinth read the letter aloud.