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"I hain't any secrets in my life!" shouted Gideon, defiantly, as if he proposed to anticipate and discount any allegations that his visitors might produce. "Ye don't refuse to let me talk a matter of business over with ye in private, do ye, Gideon?" "Colonel Ward," said Parker, stepping forward, "your brother is ashamed to show you up before these men." "Here, Connick, Hackett, any of you!
Late in the evening they saw in a valley below them a group of log huts, their snowy roofs silvered by the moonlight. Yellow gleams from the low windows showed that the camp was occupied. "That's the Sourdanheunk baitin'-place," Connick explained, in answer to a question from his captive. "One o' Ward's tote-team hang-ups an' feedin'-places."
Several passengers disembarked at the end of the carry road, and were received respectfully yet uproariously by the woodsmen who had just arrived in a fresh train-load from the Spinnaker end. Connick came elbowing through the press that surrounded them. "Mr. Shayne," he cried, "she's come, after all, hasn't she? Are you and your friends goin' to ride back on her across the carry?
"Poodle," he said, "I've got a place for you. I'm the champion dog-catcher of the West Branch region." He reached for Parker's collar, but Parker ducked under his arm, and as he came up struck out with a force that sent the astonished giant reeling backward. Fury and desperation were behind the blow. "Wal, of all the " gasped Connick, pushing back his cap and staring in astonishment.
Harris D. H. Connick, the assistant city engineer was called on as a representative of the Board of Public Works, and asked to make a preliminary survey of Harbor View. He showed that, of the proposed sites, Harbor View would be the most economical. The cost of transporting lumber would be greatly reduced by having it all come through the Golden Gate and deposited on the Harbor View docks.
But when Connick spoke again it was evident he had not retired. "It's only right to let him come into the men's camp for a bit this evening, Colonel Ward. There'll be a snatch or so of fiddlin' that he'll like, to cheer him up, and a jig and a song or so. I don't see the harm in mentionin' it to him, to find if he'd like to come. I'll answer for it that he's put back in his nest ag'in all right."
"But, men," persisted Parker, "they won't dare to sack your village. Such things are not done in these days. The law " "Law!" burst from Connick, jeeringly. "Law! Law!" echoed his men, with mocking laughter. "Why," yelled Connick, "there ain't deputy sheriffs enough in this county to round us up once we get acrost the Poquette divide!
Parker announced that on the opening day no fares would be collected, that the train would make hourly trips, and that all might ride who could get aboard. Not to be outdone in generosity, the crew through big Dan Connick, declaring that they proposed to make all the preparations for the celebration free of charge that is, they would accept no wages for their work.
"Why, railro'ds ain't any of our business," the giant replied, with his eyes wide open and frank. "What are you slaves?" Parker cried, angrily. In addition to his lesson in woods' thivalry he was getting education regarding the irresponsibility of these unconventional children of the wild lands. The taunt did not seem to anger the men. "This railro'd is Gid Ward's business," said Connick.
"I want to say to you, sir, that you are dealing with a large proposition if you propose to interfere with this railroad property. My backers " "'Bow-wow! said the fish." The woodsman cried the taunt more insolently, and yet with a jeering joviality that irritated Parker more than downright abuse would have done. He started toward his engine, but Connick put out his big arm to interpose.
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