THE FIRST LESSON Shortly after daybreak the following morning Calumet turned over on his back, stretched lazily and opened his eyes.

When a recollection of the events of the previous night forced themselves into his consciousness he scowled and sat erect, listening.

From beyond the closed dining-room door came sundry sounds which told him that the Claytons were already astir.

He heard the rattle of dishes, and the appetizing aroma of fried bacon filtered through the crevices in the battered door and assailed his nostrils.
He scowled again as he rose and stood looking down at his saddle.

When beginning his homeward journey he had supplied himself with soda biscuit and jerked beef, but he had consumed the last of his food at noon the day before and the scent of the frying bacon aroused him to the realization that he was ravenously hungry.