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"Because they can't," was the curt, response, and he liked away to be alone.

rjecause tney can i, walked away to be alone.

The next morning, the teamsters, notwithstanding the strike, were standing around the camp-fires, waiting for breakfast. Some of them looked a little ashamed, some were a little concerned as to the fate of the train, and two or three seemed to enjoy the Captain's predicament.

"Clear out, every last one of you!" he exclaimed, as they made a move for the mess-boxes as soon as breakfast was ready. "The women folks are my teamsters now, and they shall have the first seats at my table."

As the men turned away, crestfallen and hungry, their resolution to "get rich quick "began to drop toward zero; but their leader and spokesman hurried them away, explaining that they would find a trading-post and plenty of "grub "across the river.

Mrs. McAlpin paused to visit Scotty a moment at his hammock; and as Mrs. Benson was busy with some duties at the fire, the couple were alone.

"Why these groanings, Mr. Burns? "she asked, placing her cool hand upon his corrugated forehead.

"Because I 'm a fool!"

"Did anybody ever dispute it?" she asked with a silvery laugh. "There! Not another word. You are my patient, remember. You mustn't talk back."

"Your touch is the touch of an angel."

"Did you ever see an angel?"

"I 'm vis-a-vis with one this holy minute. Ouch! Confound that pain!"

"I thought you enjoyed my surgery. You said you did."

"I have just said I was a fool."

"Did I dispute it?"

He laughed in spite of his pain. "Say, Little Doctor, are you never going to let me talk it out?"

"Talk what out?"