have to excuse me. We've got a lot going on up here."
"Certainly!" Dinsmore agreed. Richard began to visit almost every evening, much to the curioslity of the neighbors. Dinsmore tried to merely be polite and keep his distance, but the boy's nature made it virtually impossible. He was soon finding they agreed on more subjects than they disagreed on. His wife, too, found it harder and harder not to associate with the boy's mother. Dinsmore didn't know how much longer he could keep it up, he really didn't. It was getting to be a struggle to hold his people together. Many were deserting the cause, but others were steadfastly fanatical. Those who voiced a concilliatory attitude were quickly put down at the club meetings. The majority still wanted no compromise. They not only wanted the main trail, they also wanted action to get back the trails they had lost. Victor knew that was impossible but many of them still couldn't face that fact, and now reports that the first snow was coming was irritating everyone. They wanted to use the trail! Dinsmore feared more villence, and knew full well if it came it would probably mean the end of their efforts. They would lose all public support. He prayed nothing would happen, but knew those prayers were futile.

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