our busy season. I never can get away then. So I’ve taken my two weeks in the fall.”

Old Heath’s eyes narrowed musingly. “Well, you couldn’t have done all this mountain climbing before you were thirteen. And Jessie says — — ” He paused, rather blankly. “You say you do know the Rockies, though, eh?”

Florian drew himself up a little. “As well as I know any mountain.”

“Oh, well, then, that’s all right. Seems Jessie thinks you’d be a fine fellow to have along on this trip. I can’t go myself. I hate this mountain climbing, anyway. Too darned hard work. But it’s all right for young folks. Well, now, what do you say? Want to go? You’ve earned a vacation, after sixteen years. There’s