in the cradle, and a visitor. The last named we have met before. It was Augustus Reid. The other three were the contractor, his wife and child. He was a comparatively young man, not much above thirty, and had a familiar face. His wife was small and fair, devoted to the baby in the crib, over which she was constantly hanging, and calling her husband's attention to some fresh charm or beauty which her doting eyes had discovered.
There was business in the looks of the two men.
"Reid," said the contractor, at length, "I think that I can employ you, if you will accept the place which I have to offer."
"What is it?" asked the young man.
"It is to take charge of the gang that go to the forest. Some of these Canadians are quite rough and savage; they need a hand to keep them under. You are young, but have a natural gift for commanding. I think that you would do admi-
