The old man was fond of animals, and had given water-troughs to the town; and his own horses and the horses he used in the woods were always well fed.

Also, in all his arrangements for the woods, he was generous.

He believed in feeding his men well.

It was rough food--beans, potatoes, peas, lentils, pork in barrels-salted pork; but there was bread of the best, rich soup, pork well boiled and fried, with good tea, freshly made.

This was the regular fare, and men throve on it.
One day, however, shortly after Carnac's return home, there came a change in the scene.