"Had it not been for us that blaze would have swept the whole state.

We fought it all night and until nearly noon next day.

Stop growling! If you keep on growling the bear and my bull pup will think you are an animal and sail into you for keeps." "As I was about to say," reminded Grace, "my husband is a forester and is in the North Woods now on official business.

He was with us when the fire occurred, and will join us further along in a few weeks." "Eh?
What's his name ?" demanded the ranger sharply, eyeing Grace with new interest in his eyes.
"Tom Gray," answered Grace.
"Is he the fellow that's cruising the timber up here for the state ?" "Yes." "Humph! Why didn't you say so before ?" "I presume because you did not ask me," returned Grace demurely.

"Now that you understand, won't you please sit down and have breakfast with us?
We have plenty and really shall be glad to have you." "Well, I reckon I might as well," decided the ranger, striding over and tying his horse to a sapling.
Hippy introduced him to the members of the Overland party, the ranger bowing awkwardly, but with the quiet dignity so characteristic of those who have learned their lesson from the heart of nature herself.
"Sorry, folks, that I had to be up a tree with you, but we must do our duty and protect this forest.