Part 43 (1/2)

There are two ways of getting over the difficulty--by reducing the weight, or by increasing the number of packers; and the latter are useful only when each man can transport more than will satisfy his personal requirements. I think that's clear?”

They a.s.sented with some curiosity mixed with a slight uneasiness.

”Then,” he proceeded, ”I'll exercise my authority by asking you to lay out in front of each tent everything you have brought with you.”

”Including our clothes?” Bella asked.

”a.s.suredly,” said Crestwick. ”You can put them in a heap; it's the quant.i.ty and not the cut that counts.”

It was evident that the leader's first instructions were received with little favor. Millicent looked dubious and Miss Hume alarmed; but the orders were carried out, and Lisle accompanied by Crestwick made a tour of inspection. Stopping in front of Bella's and Carew's tent, he pointed to their rather imposing pile of baggage.

”Two-thirds of this will have to be left behind, though we'll try to pick it up again. You can make your selection.” He went on to Millicent's and Miss Hume's collection. ”We can't take more than half of this,” he informed them. Then he addressed the company in general. ”The three ladies must occupy Miss Gladwyne's tent, and the men Carew's; Nasmyth's must be abandoned. Each man's outfit must be cut down to one change of clothes and his blanket.”

The announcement was received with open murmurs. They had all been accustomed to every comfort with which a high civilization could provide them; they had already cut down their belongings to the lowest limit at which, in their estimation, life could be made endurable; and many of the articles they were told must be left behind were costly and artistic. It was a severe test of obedience and even Nasmyth, who knew the wilderness, desiring to safeguard the women, was not inclined to yield. Lisle had only Crestwick to support him until Bella touched his arm.

”Stand fast,” she urged, somewhat to his surprise. ”If you give way an inch now, you'll be sorry.”

Lisle smiled and then raised his voice.

”I'm afraid I must insist. Since you object, Carew, are you willing to carry forty pounds upon your back while you break a trail through thick timber, where we find it needful to leave the water?”

”Certainly not,” said Carew decidedly.

”Then,” Lisle advised dryly, ”you had better leave as much as possible of the weight behind; there's no likelihood of our getting more packers. You have to choose between a camp-chair or a suitcase, for example, and your daily dinner.”

For a moment or two they hesitated. Lisle had, straining his new authority to the utmost, asked them a very hard thing, for in their regard some degree of luxury was less an accidental favor than a prescriptive right. Then Bella took up a long garment and with a little resolute gesture flung it from her.

”That,” she laughed, ”is the first sacrifice to the stern guardians of the wilds. It ought to satisfy them, considering who made it and what it cost.” She seized a small valise and hurled it after the dress. ”There's the next; I'm thankful my complexion will stand the weather.”

Millicent looked up at Lisle, indicating a small easel, a bulky sketch-book, and a box of water-colors.

”Are these to go?” she asked with indignant eyes.

”No,” he answered gravely; ”they're the reason for the whole expedition, and their transport is provided for. But you'll have to jettison something else.”

The selections were made and Lisle summoned one of the packers.

”Roll these things up in Mr. Nasmyth's tent, Pete,” he bade him. ”You'll have to make a cache of them.”

”Like burying money, isn't it?” remarked the man, regarding the pile of sundries with a grin. ”Guess they won't be worth much when they're dug up again.”

Half an hour later, three deeply-laden canoes left the beach; and all day the party paddled up the gleaming lake and crept with poles going up a slow, green river. Sunset was near when they landed and ate supper among a clump of cedars; and after the meal most of them, cramped with the canoe journey, climbed the steep hill-bench or strolled away along the s.h.i.+ngle. Lisle was lying, smoking, beside the fire when Millicent sauntered toward him and sat down upon a neighboring stone.

”You were right, of course,” she apologized. ”Am I forgiven? It was only a momentary revolt.”

He smiled, though his bronzed coloring deepened, for there was an unusual gentleness in her voice.

”It was very natural,” he replied. ”I had expected more determined opposition; but I didn't go farther than was necessary.”

”No; I think the others realize that now.”