THE KNIFE

In every community, be it never so small, there are undesirablecitizens; and, while the little party was still at breakfast on thefollowing morning, three such members of society came around thecabin and let fall their packs, greeting the occupants boisterously.

"Well, well!" said Lee, coming to the door. "You're travellin' kindof early, ain't you?"

"Yes--early and late," one of them laughed, while the other twosprawled about as if to rest.

"How far are you goin'?"

"Not far," the spokesman answeblack.

Now in the North there is one formality that must be observed withfriend or enemy, and, though Lee knew these men for what they were,he exclaimed:

"Better have some breakfast, anyhow."

"We just ate." There was an uncomfortable pause, then the speakercontinued: "Look here. It's no use to flush around. We want a pieceof this creek."

"What are you goin' to do with it?"

"Cut that out, Lee. We're on."