The youth smiled blandly. "Good morning, Mr. Belden. I'm serving my
apprenticeship. I'm in the service now."
"The mischief you are!" exclaimed the other. "Where's Tony?"
"Gone for his mail. He'll return soon. What are _you_ doing over here,
may I ask?"
"I'm here as guide to Mr. Moore. Mr. Moore, this is Norcross, one of
McFarlane's men. Mr. Moore is connected with the tie-camp operations of
the railway."
Moore was a tall, thin man with a gray beard and keen blue eyes. "Where's
McFarlane? We were to meet him here. Didn't he come over with you?"
"We started together, but the horses got away, and he was obliged to go
back after them. He also is likely to turn up soon."
"I am frightfully hungry," interrupted the girl. "Can't you hand me out a
hunk of bread and meat? We've been riding since daylight."
Berrie suddenly appeared at the door. "Sure thing," she called out.
"Slide down and come in."
Moore removed his hat and bowed. "Good morning, Miss McFarlane, I didn't
know you were here. You know my daughter Siona?"