I shall, therefore, keep the canvas until I can, with the consent of my own mind, put my signature upon it.
Herewith, I am returning your check; for, of course, I cannot accept payment for an unfinished work.
In a day or two, Mr.Lagrange and I will start to the mountains, for an outing.

Trusting that you and your family will enjoy the season at Lake Silence I am, with kind regards, Yours sincerely, Aaron King.
* * * * * That evening, the two men talked over their proposed trip, and laid their plans to start without delay As Conrad Lagrange put it--they would lose themselves in the hills; with no definite destination in view; and no set date for their return.

Also, he stipulated that they should travel light--with only a pack burro to carry their supplies--and that they should avoid the haunts of the summer resorters, and keep to the more unfrequented trails.

The novelist's acquaintance with the country into which they would go, and his experience in woodcraft--gained upon many like expeditions in the lonely wilds he loved--would make a guide unnecessary.

It would be a new experience for Aaron King; and, as the novelist talked, he found himself eager as a schoolboy for the trip; while the distant mountains, themselves, seemed to call him--inviting him to learn the secret of their calm strength and the spirit of their lofty peace.