ALTON OF SOMASCO

A Romance of the Great Northwest

By HAROLD BINDLOSS

Author of

"Winston of the Prairie, " "The Dust of Conflict, ""The Cattle Baron's Daughter, " "The Young Traders, "etc. 

With Illustrations

By R. MARTINE REAY

A. L. BURT COMPANY, PUBLISHERS

NEW YORK

COPYRIGHT, 1905

BY FREDERICK A. STOKES COMPANY

This Edition Issued in March, 1906. 

CONTENTS

CHAP. 

 I THE FIRST ENCOUNTER II AT TOWNSHEAD'S RANCH III HARRY THE TEAMSTER IV HALLAM OF THE TYEE V THE HEIR OF CARNABY VI MISS DERINGHAM MAKES FRIENDS VII ALTON BLUNDERS VIII HALLAM'S CONFEDERATE IX MISS DERINGHAM FEELS SLIGHTED X THE UNDELIVERED MESSAGE XI CONFIDENCE MISPLACED XII IN VANCOUVER XIII THE SOMASCO CONSOLIDATED XIV THE COMPACT XV ON THE TRAIL XVI CAUSE FOR ANXIETY XVII ALONE XVIII IN THE WILDERNESS XIX FOUL PLAY XX THE NICKED BULLET XXI OKANAGAN'S ROAD XXII MISS DERINGHAM DECIDES XXIII THE AWAKENING XXIV HALLAM TRIES AGAIN XXV ALTON IS SILENT XXVI WITHOUT COUNTING THE COST XXVII THE FORCE OF CALUMNY XXVIII ALTON FINDS A WAY XXIX THE PRICE OF DELAY XXX SEAFORTH'S REINSTATEMENT XXXI "THE THIRD TIME" XXXII ALTON HOLDS HIS HAND XXXIII MISS DERINGHAM'S CONFESSION XXXIV THE CONSUMMATION

ALTON OF SOMASCO

CHAPTER I

THE FIRST ENCOUNTER

It was snowing slowly and persistently, as it had done all day, whenHenry Alton of Somasco ranch stood struggling with a half-tamed Cayusepony in a British Columbian settlement. The Cayuse had laid its earsback, and was describing a circle round him, scattering mud and snow, while the man who gripped the bridle in a lean, brown hand watched itwithout impatience, admiringly. 

"Game!" he said. "I like them that way. Still, it isn't every mancould seize a pack on him, and you'll have to let up three dollars onthe price you asked me. "

Now three dollars is a considerable proportion of the value of anIndian pony fresh from the northern grass lands, with the devil thatlurks in most of his race still unsubdued within him, but the rancherwho owned him did not immediately reject the offer. Possibly he wasnot especially anxious to keep the beast. 

"Oh, yes, " said a bystander. "He's game enough, and I'd ask the boysto my funeral if I meant to drive him at night over the lake trail. After being most kicked into wood-pulp Carter hasn't any more use forhim, and I'll lay you a dollar, Alton, you and your partner can't putthe pack on him. "

Perhaps the Cayuse was tired, or desirous of watching for anopportunity, for it came to a standstill, snorting, with its wickedeyes upon the man, who laughed a little and shoved back the broad hatfrom his forehead as he straightened himself. The laugh rangpleasantly, and the faint twinkle in Alton's eyes was in keeping withit. They were grey, and steady when the light sank out of them, andthe rest of the bronzed face was shrewd and quietly masterful. He worea deerskin jacket fancifully embroidered, blue canvas overalls, and gumboots to the knee, while, though all of them needed repair, the attirewas picturesque, and showed its wearer's lean symmetry. The man's agewas apparently twenty-five, and eight years' use of the axe had set astamp of springy suppleness upon him. He had also wrested rather morethan a livelihood from the Canadian forest during them. 

All round him the loghouses rose in all their unadorned dinginessbeneath the sombre pines, and the largest of them bore a stragglinglegend announcing that it was Horton's store and hotel. A mixedcompany of bush ranchers, free prospectors, axemen, and miners loungedoutside it in picturesque disarray, and high above rose a dim whiteline of never-melting snow. 

"Well, " said Alton, "it's time this circus was over, anyway, and ifCarter will take my bid I'll clinch that deal with you. Have the packand seizings handy, Charley. "

The rancher nodded, and Alton got a tighter grip on the bridle. Thenthe Cayuse rose upright with fore-hoofs lifted, and the man's arm wasdrawn back to strike. The hoofs came down harmlessly, but the fist gothome, and for a moment or two there was a swaying and plunging of manand beast amidst the hurled-up snow. Then the Cayuse was bornebackwards until the vicinity of the hotel verandah left no room forkicking, and another man hastily flung a rope round the bundles hepiled upon its back. He was also tolerably capable, and in anotherminute the struggle was over. The Cayuse's attitude expressedindignant astonishment, while Alton stood up breathless, with hisknuckles bleeding. 

"I'll trouble you for that dollar, and I'll keep him now, " he said. "Can you wait until I come down next week, Carter?"

"Oh, yes, " said the rancher. "Your promise is good enough for a yearor two. "

The speaker was a sinewy bushman in curiously patched overalls with abronzed and honest face, and he turned aside with a little gesture ofdislike, when a man of a very different stamp pushed by him. Thelatter wore a black felt hat and a great fur-lined coat, while his facewas pale and fleshy and his eyes were cunning. His appearancesuggested prosperity and a life of indulgence in the cities, and whenhe stopped in front of Alton the latter would have lost little by anycomparison between the pair. The pose of his sinewy figure and theclear brownness of his skin spoke of arduous labour, sound sleep, andthe vigour that comes from a healthful occupation. The steadydirectness of his gaze and quiet immobility of his face also conveyedan indefinite suggestion of power and endurance, and there was acurious grace in his movements when he turned courteously towards thestranger. 

"You soon fixed him, packer, " said the city man. 

Alton laughed. "The boys mostly call me rancher, " said he. "Still, itdon't count for much, and I do some packing occasionally. "

"That's all right, " said the stranger sharply, for there was somethingin Alton's answer which made him inclined to assert his dignity. "Everybody seems to be a rancher hereaway, and you mayn't be too proudto put through a job for me. "

Alton nodded, and glanced at the speaker questioningly. 

"No. If it would fit in, " he said. 

"I'm Hallam, " said the other man. "Hallam and Vose, of the Tyeemineral claim. They've been fooling things up yonder, big pump's givenout, and I've a few hundred pounds of engine fixings back at therailroad I want brought in by to-morrow. "

Alton glanced at the pack-beasts waiting unloaded outside the store, and shook his head. "I'm sorry I can't trade with you, " he said. "Yousee, I've promised another man to pack up some stores for him. "

Hallam made a gesture of impatience. "Then you can let him wait, " hesaid. "This deal will pay you better. You can put your own price onit. "

Alton's eyelids came down a little, and the stranger seemed to find hisglance disconcerting. "You don't seem to understand. I promised theother man to bring up his things, " he said. 

"Well, " said Hallam, "come along into the shanty yonder, and have adrink with me. We may fix up some way of getting over the difficulty. "

"Sorry!" said Alton with a suspicious quietness. "I don't drink much, anyway, and then only with the boys who know me. "

"Hey!" said Hallam. "You are talking like a condemned Englishman. "

"I can't help that, " said Alton. "I am a Canadian, but if you wantanother reason, it wouldn't suit me to drink with you, anyway. Yousee, you didn't do the square thing with one or two friends of mine whoworked on the Tyee. "

He turned on his heel, and Hallam, who was a man of some importance inthe cities, gasped with astonishment and indignation. 

"What is that fellow?" he said. 

The man laughed, and answered him in the bushman's slowest drawl. "Youdon't know much, or you wouldn't ask, " said he. "He's Alton ofSomasco, but if he lives long enough he will be one of the biggest menin this country. "

Hallam said nothing, but there was a curious look in his face whichpuzzled the rancher. It suggested that he had heard of Alton, andsomething more. 

Meanwhile Alton entered the store, where the man who kept it pointed toa litter of packages strewn about the floor and sundry bags upon thecounter. 

"That's Townshead's lot, and those are Thomson's things, " he said, andturned aside to listen to a rancher who came in smiling. 

Alton took up a big cotton bag marked Townshead, tossed it aloft andcaught it, and then shook his head dubiously. "That's rather too lightfor ten pounds. You want to try her on the scales again, " he said. 

The storekeeper, who was also a magistrate, grinned good-humouredly. "It's good enough for the money, anyway, " said he. "But what's thematter with the Tyee dollars, Harry, that you wouldn't do Hallam'spacking?"

Alton glanced at him gravely. "I think not, " said he. "Put anotherpound or two into her, and I'll pay you on your invoice for the lastlot you sent me. Otherwise I'm going to whittle down that billconsiderably. You see Townshead is too shaky to come down, and hecan't live on nothing. "

"And the Lord knows when he'll pay you, " said the storekeeper. "It's agood twelve months since he sent a dollar to me. "

Alton laughed a little. "I can wait, " he said. "Fill that bag upagain. Get hold of the truck, Charley. "

Charles Seaforth, who was apparently younger, and certainly a triflemore fastidious about his attire than his comrade, shouldered a flourbag, and twenty minutes later he and Alton tramped out of thesettlement with three loaded beasts splashing and floundering in frontof them. It was almost dark now, though a line of snow still glimmeredwhite and cold high up beyond the trees until the trail plunged intothe blackness of the forest. Then the lights of the settlement wereblotted out behind them, the hum of voices ceased, and they were alonein the primeval silence of the bush. The thud and splash of tiredhoofs only served to emphasize it, the thin jingle of steel or creak ofpack-rope was swallowed up and lost, for the great dim forest seemed tomock at anything man could do to disturb its pristine serenity. It hadshrouded all that valley, where no biting gale ever blew, from thebeginning, majestic in its solitary grandeur and eternally green. Pineand hemlock, balsam and cedar, had followed in due succession othersthat had grown to the fulness of their stature only in centuries, andtheir healing essence, which brings sound sleep to man's jaded body andtranquillity to his mind, had doubtless risen like incense when all wasmade very good. 

Now Alton loved the wilderness, partly because he had been born in it, and because he had a large share of the spirit of his race. He hadalso seen the cities, and they did not greatly please him, though hehad watched their inhabitants curiously and been taught a good dealabout them by what he read in books, which to the wonder of hisassociates he would spend hardly-earned dollars upon. It was morecurious that he understood all he read, and sometimes more than thewriter apparently did, for Alton was not only the son of a clever man, but had seen Nature in her primitive nakedness and the human passionsthat usually lie beneath the surface, for man reverts a little and theveneer of his civilization wears through in the silent bush. 

Thus he plodded on contentedly on his twelve-mile march, with the snowand the mire beneath it reaching now and then to his knee, until hiscompanion stopped beside a little bark shanty and lighted a lantern. 

"Thomson's dumping-place already, " he said, pulling a burst cotton bagout of the sack of sundries upon the Cayuse pony's back. "Some of ithas got out, and Jimmy was always particular about the weight of hissugar. Well, the rest of it must be in the bottom somewhere, and ifyou'll hold the sack up I'll shake it into my hat. "

Alton's hat was capacious, and he had worn it during the two yearswhich had elapsed since his last visit to Vancouver, but it did notseem to occur to him that it was in any way an unusual receptacle forsugar. His companion, however, laughed a little as he stirred thesticky mass round with his wet fingers. 

"There is no use giving him our tobacco and matches in, " said he. "Here are the letters Mrs. Neilson gave me at the post-office, too. "

Alton took the letters, and his face grew a trifle grim under theflickering light of the lantern as he thrust them crumpled into hispocket. "From England, and they will keep, " he said. "There's nobodyI'm anxious to hear from in that country. Now we'll go on again, Charley. "

The Cayuse, however, objected, and there was a struggle before Altonconvinced it that resistance would be useless, while presently thetrail grew steeper and the roar of water came out of the darknessbefore them. 

"This, " said Alton gravely, "is a great country, but it's mightyunfinished yet, and it kind of hurts me to see all that power wasted. "

"Wasted?" said Seaforth, smiling. "Don't the salmon swim in it, andthe bear and deer come down to drink?"

"Oh, yes, " said Alton. "And sometimes the Siwash wash themselves in ittoo, but that's not the question. This earth wasn't made for the bearand deer, and they've thousands of poor folks they can't find a use forback there in the old country. Isn't that so, Charley?"

Seaforth, who was a young Englishman of good upbringing, laughed. "Ihave no reason for doubting it, " said he. "In any case, none of myworthy relations had any use for me. Still, I don't see the connectionexactly. "

"No?" said Alton. "Well, it's simple. We have the gold and silver, and the coal and iron, too, while it don't strike one that theseforests were put here just to look pretty. "

"The metals you allude to take some trouble in getting out, " saidSeaforth dryly. 

Alton nodded. "Of course, " he said. "That's what man got his brainsfor, and the one difference between a white man and a Siwash is thathe's always striking for something better. "

Seaforth laughed. "You are trying to get at something, as usual, " saidhe. 

"Yes, " said Alton gravely. "I generally am. Well, I can see what wedon't want of these forests sailing sawn up to China, and this riversprinkled with sawmills and wood-pulp factories. Then I can hear thebig dynamoes humming, and the thump of the mine stamps run with thecurrent the men who put them down will get for nothing. What we'rewasting round Somasco is going to feed ten thousand people by and by. "

"It's a big idea, " said Seaforth reflectively. "Still, I don't knowthat if it were ever put through the place would look any prettier--andthe question is, who's going to set the whole thing running?"

"God knows, " said Alton gravely. "But somebody will, and if I livelong enough I'll make a shot at it. Oh, yes, it's very pretty as itis, but the greatest thing in this world is man, and it was made as itis for him to master. "

"You have curious notions for a Canadian bush rancher, " said Seaforth. "You are, however, really an Englishman, aren't you?"

"No, " said Alton grimly. "My father used to be, but he was too much ofmy way of thinking and they fired him out of the country. It's a thingI don't like to talk of, Charley, and just now I'm a low-down packerhauling in a pile of truck I'll never get paid for. Steady, come up. There's nothing going to hurt you, Julius Caesar. "

The snarling and spitting of a panther came out of the darkness, and itwas only by main force Alton dragged the Cayuse past. Then he laugheda little. "It's a pity we didn't bring a rifle along, " he said. "Panthers must have been made for something, or they wouldn't be here, but it's a beast a white man has no kind of use for. "

It was an hour later, and snowing fast, when they climbed out of thevalley and floundered over shale and slippery rock amidst scatteredpines to the forking of the trail. One arm of it dipped again, andwound through a deep sheltered hollow to the Somasco ranch, the otherran straight along the hillside to Townshead's dwelling. The hillsidewas also steep, the beasts were tired, and the trail was very bad. Seaforth glanced at his comrade when they stopped a moment, and saw himdimly, tugging at the Cayuse's bridle, through the snow. 

"It's a long way to Townshead's. Still, I think we can make it out, "he said. 

Alton laughed. "We have got to. There's not generally too much to eatat that house, and they'll want the things, " he said. 

There was another struggle with the Cayuse, which appeared reluctant toface a treacherous ascent whose slope was somewhat steeper than thepitch of an average roof, but once more Alton conquered, and theydragged the beasts up, and then floundered on doggedly beside them, seeing nothing but a dim pine or two through the snow. Now and thenthere was a rattle and a rush beneath them, followed by a faint splash, and Seaforth shivered a little, knowing that the shingle they dislodgedhad plunged into a lonely lake lying far below. Still Alton saidnothing, but floundered on, apparently as cheerfully as though he wouldbe well paid for the risk he ran, until he crawled down into thesliding whiteness, when a hide strip burst and some of Townshead'spackages were scattered about the face of a precipitous declivity. 

Seaforth held his breath a moment as, gripping the bridle of atrembling beast, he watched him until the dim moving figure sank intothe snow. He could hear the wash of the unfrozen lake, and knew therewas no foothold on the slippery rock which sloped almost sheer to itthrough the darkness close beneath. Then a voice came up, "Wasn'tthere a dry goods package of some kind, Charley?"

"There was, " shouted Seaforth. "But come up with what you've got, andleave it. "

A faint laugh answered him, and through the moaning of the pines hecaught the words, "If it's not over the edge here, I'm going to get thething. "

Seaforth said nothing further. He knew his comrade too well, and couldpicture him clinging by hand and heel as he crawled along the brink ofthe declivity with the lake below, and gasped from relief when oncemore a dim whitened object lurched up out of the snow. 

"Got them all, " said Alton cheerfully. "That last one was just on theedge, and it took some thinking before I could get at it. Still, Iguessed it was some kind of dress stuff for the girl, and if we lost itit might be a long while before she got another. "

They relashed the packages and went on again, floundering throughsteadily deepening snow, until once more the roar of water met them asthey dipped into a hollow. It grew louder rapidly, and presently Altonpulled the Cayuse up on the brink of a river. It came down frothingout of a haze of sliding snow, tumbling with a hoarse growl about thegreat dim boulders, whirled and tossed in a white confusion down thewild race of a rapid, and was lost again. How far the other bank wasthere was nothing to show, for even the scattered pines behind the menwere hidden now, and Seaforth stared at the tumult of froth before himvery dubiously. 

"She's pretty full to-night, " he said. "It has got to be attempted, but I'm not quite sure how we're going through. "

Alton laughed a little, and brought his hand down on the Cayuse pony'sflank. "Well, if you'll come along behind me you will see, " said he. 

Seaforth was waist-deep next minute, and the water was horribly cold. Then he was washed against a boulder, and fancied that one of thepack-beasts kicked him in its floundering. In any case one knee seemedto grow suddenly useless, but he was not very sure of anything justthen, for a burst of spray filled his eyes, and the bottom appeared toslip from under him. He found foothold again in a moment or two, anddimly saw Alton's head and shoulders above the back of a plungingbeast, while another was apparently swimming somewhere between them. Then the one Seaforth led stumbled, and they went away down streamtogether, clawing for a foothold with the shingle slipping under them, until there was a thud as they brought up against another boulder. Ashe was not sensible of any especially painful blow Seaforth decidedthat it was the pony which had struck the rock, and had just come tothis decision when his feet were swept from under him, and, stillclinging to the bridle, he was pressed against the stone while theriver frothed and roared about him. 

Once more he felt that it was horribly cold, and flung a wet arm aboutthe rock, but the power seemed to go out of him, and he wonderedvacantly whether the pony would be able to extricate itself and him. It floundered spasmodically for a while, and then lay still. How longthis continued Seaforth did not know, but it was more than twelve hourssince he had left Somasco, and he had plodded up and down steephillsides, over rock and boulder, and through deep mire and snow, mostof the time, while there are limits to the domination the will of anyman may exercise over his worn-out body. 

Seaforth had commenced to realize, still with a curious absence ofconcern which was possibly the result of cold and fatigue, that as thepony could not help him it might be too late very soon unless he made avigorous effort to help himself, when he heard a shout, and somethingcame slowly through the sliding whiteness in his direction. Then therewas another shout, and when somebody dragged the pony clear of theboulder he held on by the bridle and went floundering waist-deep upstream. The water, however, now sank rapidly, and soon he was clear ofit to the knee. Then there was a clatter of hoofs on slippery rock, and he lurched dripping and gasping into the partial shelter of thepines. Somebody smote him on the shoulder, and he heard Alton's voice, "Get hold and hustle. We'll fetch Townshead's in an hour or so. "

CHAPTER II

AT TOWNSHEAD'S RANCH

It was chilly and damp in the log-walled living-room of the Townsheadhomestead, which stood far up in a lonely valley amidst the scatteredpines. The room was also bare and somewhat comfortless, for the landwas too poor to furnish its possessor with more than necessities, andTownshead not the man to improve it much. He lay in an old leatherchair beside the stove, a slender, grey-haired man with the worn lookof one whose burden had been too heavy for him. His face was thin andsomewhat haggard, his long, slender hand rather that of an artist thana bush rancher, and his threadbare attire was curiously neat. He woreamong other somewhat unusual things an old red velvet jacket, and therewas a little cup of black coffee and a single cigar of exceptionalquality on the table beside him. 

Townshead was, in fact, somewhat of an anachronism in a country whoseinhabitants exhibit at least a trace of primitive and wholesomebarbarity. One could have fancied him at home among men of leisure andcultivated tastes, but he seemed out of place in a log-built ranch inthe snow-wrapped wilderness swept by the bitter wind. Perhaps herealized it, for his voice was querulous as he said, "I wonder if youhave forgotten, Nellie, that we were sitting warm and safe in Englandfive years ago tonight. "

Nellie Townshead looked up quickly over her sewing from the other sideof the stove, and for a moment there was something akin to pain in hereyes. They were clear brown eyes, and it was characteristic that theyalmost immediately brightened into a smile, for while the girl's faceresembled her father's in its refinement, there was courage in it inplace of weariness. 

"I am afraid I do, though I try not to, and am generally able, " shesaid. 

Townshead sighed. "The young are fortunate, for they can forget, " hesaid. "Even that small compensation is, however, denied to me, whilethe man I called my friend is living in luxury on what was yours andmine. Had it been any one but Charters I might have borne it better, but it was the one man I had faith in who sent us out here to penury. "

Townshead was wrong in one respect, for it was the weakness of anover-sensitive temperament which, while friends were ready to help him, had driven him to hide himself in Western Canada when, as the result ofunwise speculations, financial disaster overtook him. His daughter, however, did not remind him of this, as some daughters would have done, though she understood it well enough, and a memory out of keeping withthe patter of the snow and moaning of the wind rose up before her asshe looked into the twinkling stove. She could recall that night fiveyears ago very well, for she had spent most of it amidst lights andmusic, as fresh and bright herself as the flowers that nestled againsther first ball dress. It was a night of triumph and revelation, inwhich she had first felt the full power of her beauty and her sex, andshe had returned with the glamour of it all upon her to find her fathersitting with his head in his hands at a table littered with businesspapers. His face had frightened her, and it had never wholly lost thelook she saw upon it then, for Townshead was lacking in fibre, and hadfound that a fondness for horses and some experience of amateurcattle-breeding on a small and expensive scale was a very poorpreparation for the grim reality of ranching in Western Canada. 

Presently his daughter brushed the memories from her, and stood, smiling at the man, straight and willowy in her faded cotton dress witha partly finished garment in her hands, which frost and sun had notwholly turned rough and red. 

"Your coffee will be getting cold. Shall I put it on the stove?" shesaid. 

Townshead made a little grimace. "One may as well describe thingscorrectly, and that is chickory, " he said. "Still, you may warm it ifit pleases you, but I might point out that, indifferent as it is, preserved milk which has gone musty does not improve its flavour. "

The girl laughed a little, though there was something more patheticthan heartsome in her merriment. "I am afraid we shall have noneto-morrow unless Mr. Seaforth gets through, " she said. "I suppose youhave not a few dollars you could give me, father?"

"No, " said Townshead, with somewhat unusual decisiveness; "I have not. You are always asking for dollars. What do you want them for?"

"Mr. Seaforth has packed our stores in for a long while, and we havepaid him nothing, " said the girl, while a little colour crept into herface. 

Townshead made a gesture of weariness. "The young man seems willing todo it out of friendship for us, and I see no reason why we should notallow him, unless he presumes upon the trifling service, " he said. "Todo him justice, however, he and his comrade have always showncommendable taste. "

The girl smiled a little, for considering their relative positions in acountry where a man takes his station according to his usefulness theword "presume" appeared incongruous. "Still, I should prefer not to bein their debt, " she said. 

"Then we will free ourselves of the obligation with the next remittanceJack sends in, " said Townshead impatiently. 

The girl's face grew troubled. "I am afraid that will not be for somelittle time, " she said. "Poor Jack. You surely remember he is lyingill?"

"It is especially inconvenient just now, " said Townshead querulously. "It has also been a sore point with me that a son of mine should hirehimself out as a labourer. I am sorry I let him go, the more sobecause the work upon the ranch is getting too much for me. "

Nellie Townshead said nothing, though she sighed as she pictured theyoung lad, who had been stricken by rheumatic fever as a result oftoiling waist-deep in icy, water, lying uncared for in the mining campamidst the snows of Caribou. She did not, however, remind her fatherthat it was she who had in the meanwhile done most of the indispensablework upon the ranch, and Townshead would not in any case have believedher, for he had a fine capacity for deceiving himself. 

In place of it she spread out some masculine garments about the stoveand coloured a trifle when her father glanced at her inquiringly. "Thecreek must be running high and Mr. Alton and his partner will be verywet, " she said. "I am warming a few of Jack's old things for them. They cannot go back to Somasco to-night, you know. "

"I confess that it did not occur to me, " said Townshead languidly. "No, I suppose one could scarcely expect them to, and we shall have toendure their company. "

A faint sparkle that had nothing to do with laughter crept into thegirl's eyes, for there were times when her father tried her patience. "I wonder if it occurred to you that we shall probably starve to-morrowunless Mr. Alton, who is apparently not to be paid for it, makes whatmust be a very arduous march to-night?" she said. 

"I'm afraid it did not, " said Townshead, with a fine unconcern. "Ithink you understand, my dear, that I leave the commissariat to you, and you have a way of putting things which jars upon one occasionally. "

A little trace of colour crept into the girl's cheek, but it fadedagain as she sat down beside the stove. Still, now and then shepricked her fingers with the needle, which she had not done before, andfinally laid down the fabric and laughed softly. "There is, " she said, "something distinctly humorous in the whole position. "

"You, " said her father, "had always a somewhat peculiar sense ofhumour. "

"Well, " said his daughter with a slight quiver of her lips, "I feelthat I must either cry or laugh to-night. Do you know there isscarcely enough for breakfast in the house, and that I am dreadfullyhungry now?"

Townshead glanced at her reproachfully. "Either one or the other wouldbe equally distasteful to me, " he said. 

The girl sighed, and turned away to thrust a few small billets into thestove. She chose them carefully, for the big box whose ugliness shehad hidden by a strip of cheap printed cotton was almost empty. Thehired man, seeing no prospect of receiving his wages, had departedafter a stormy interview, and shortly after his son followed him. Townshead discovered that sawing wood was especially unsuited to hisconstitution. Then the girl increased the draught a little andendeavoured to repress a shiver. The house was damp for want of properpacking, and the cold wind that came down from the high peaks moanedabout it eerily. It was also very lonely, and the girl, who was young, felt a great longing for human fellowship. 

Her father presently took up a book, and there was silence only brokenby the rattle of loose shingles overhead and the soft thud against thewindows of driving snow, while the girl sat dreaming over her sewing ofthe brighter days in far-off England which had slipped away from herfor ever. Five years was not a very long time, but during it herEnglish friends had forgotten her, and one who had scarcely left herside that memorable night had, though she read of the doings of hisregiment now and then, sent her no word or token. A little flush creptinto her cheek as, remembering certain words of his, she glanced at herreddened wrists and little toil-hardened hands. She who had been ahigh-spirited girl with the world at her feet then, was now one of theobscure toilers whose work was never done. Still, because it was onlyon rare occasions that work left her leisure to think about herself, ithad not occurred to her that she had lost but little by the change. The hands that had once been soft and white were now firm and brown, the stillness of the great firs and cedars had given her a calmtranquillity in place of restless haste, and frost and sun the clear, warm-tinted complexion, while a look of strength and patience hadreplaced the laughter in her hazel eyes. 

Suddenly, however, there was a trampling in the snow and a sound ofvoices, followed after, an interval by a knocking at the door. Itswung open, and two whitened objects loaded with bags and packagesstrode into the room. The blast that came in with them set the lampflickering, and sent a chill through the girl, but she rose with asmile when rancher Alton stood, a shapeless figure, with the moistureon his bronzed face, beside the stove. 

"Take those things through into the kitchen, Charley, " he said. "Ithink we've got them all, Miss Townshead. I hope, sir, you are feelingpretty well. "

Townshead made some answer with a slight bend of his head, but Altonappeared a trifle dubious when the girl offered him hospitality. 

"I'm afraid the beasts are used up, or I wouldn't think of it, " he said. 

Nellie Townshead's eyes twinkled as she glanced at him. "Could you nothave put it in another way?" she said. 

Alton laughed, and brushed his fingers across the top of the stove. "Well, it doesn't sound quite right, but after all the meaning's thegreat thing, " he said. "This place isn't warm enough for you, MissNellie. "

He turned and walked to the wood-box, and after glancing into itcarefully straightened out its covering. Then he strode towards thedoor, and stopped a moment before he opened it. "Excuse!" he saidsimply. "No, don't you worry; I know just where the saw and lanternare, and Charley, who comes from the old country, can talk to you forme. "

He went out in another moment, but the fact that he was very weary didnot escape the attention of the girl, who also noticed the absence ofany unnecessary questions or explanations. Alton was, she knewalready, one who did things the better because he did them silently. Still, it was Seaforth whom, when nobody observed her, her eyes restedmost upon. 

It was half an hour before the former returned with a load of scentedfirewood upon his back, and, saying nothing, filled the box with it, packing each piece where it best fitted deliberately but swiftly; thenhe passed through the room into an adjoining one, and returned attiredpicturesquely in Jack Townshead's overalls, which were distinctly toosmall for him. By this time supper was ready, and Seaforth, alsodressed in borrowed garments, seated at the table, but though MissTownshead had not lost the stamp of refinement she brought with herfrom England. And her father was dignified and precise, Alton showedno embarrassment. He also listened patiently to Townshead's views onranching and the mining prospects of that region, though he was alreadylooked up to as a master of the former industry, and contrivedmeanwhile that the girl made a good meal instead of attending to him. When it was finished he unfolded a carefully wrapped up packet, andtook an envelope out of it, though Miss Townshead noticed that severalothers he laid down were crumpled and wet. 

"Here is a letter for you, " he said. 

He glanced at the girl questioningly as she took it up, and fingeredone of the envelopes upon the table. "Excuse?" he said. 

Nellie Townshead smiled and nodded, and then, knowing that thecommunication handed her was of no importance, watched him covertly ashe tore open a long blue envelope. There were documents inside it, andthe man's fingers shook a little as he spread out one of them. Thenbewildered astonishment crept into his eyes, and was replaced by aflash of something very like anger, after which his face grew suddenlyimpassive, and he thrust the documents all together into his pocket. 

"Get up, Charley, and bring the tray along, " he said. 

Miss Townshead glanced at him sharply. "What do you wish to do?" shesaid. 

"Wash up, " said Alton simply. "I don't know how you fix these thingsin England, but this is a good Canadian custom. Stir around, Charley. "

"But, " said the girl, "you don't know where the things are. "

"Well, " said Alton, smiling, "I figure I can find them. "

He laid the cups and dishes on the tray, gave it to Seaforth, anddisappeared down a passage carrying the kettle, but not before MissTownshead had noticed that while his comrade, who had apparently beenused to the smoother side of life in England, displayed someawkwardness, everything the big rancher did seemed appropriate, and, because removing plates is not a man's task, she wondered at it. Theycame back presently, and by that time the girl, who had opened some ofthe packages, held a roll of fabric upon her knee. 

"If you can find a splash anywhere I'll forfeit a dollar. Charley'sgood at mopping up, " said Alton gravely. "I'm afraid that stuff's alittle wet, but it was the Cayuse's fault. He started in kicking andburst the rope, you see. "

"It would have been wetter if it had gone into the lake, " said Seaforth. 

"The lake?" said the girl. 

Seaforth nodded. "Yes, " he said. "It was on the Tyee trail the ponycommenced kicking. "

The girl looked up sharply, and there was a subdued brightness in hereyes, for she had more than once shivered when leading her horse alongthat perilous trail. Alton felt for his comrade's leg under the tableand kicked it grievously. 

"There wasn't any trouble, and the snow was soft, " said he. "You'regoing to make a dress of that stuff, Miss Nellie?"

"Yes, " said the girl. "I could, however, wish the stuff was better. "

Alton smiled gravely. "Of course!" he said. "Still, it don't countfor much. You would look like a picture in anything. "

Nellie Townshead glanced at him sharply, and for a moment there was afaint sparkle in her eyes, for she had a trace of temper. 

"Whatever made you say that?" said she. 

Alton laughed. "I really don't quite know. I just felt I had to, " hesaid with a naive simplicity. "I wouldn't have done it if I hadthought it would vex you. "

After this he listened while his comrade talked--and Seaforth onoccasion could talk gracefully--until at last he said, "England's notso very big, Miss Nellie. I wonder if you know a place called Carnaby. "

"Yes, " said the girl. "I once went to see rather a fine old hallthere. "

"Carnaby Grange?" said Alton quietly. 

"Yes, " said the girl with a trace of curiosity. "We spent some littletime in the grounds. They lie deep in the woods, and there is a famousrose garden. "

"Yes, " said Alton. "All kinds of roses. And the old place? Tell meabout it!"

"Is very picturesque, " said the girl. "It looked quiet and grey, andalmost stately under its ivy that autumn day, but I could scarcelydescribe it you. You have nothing like it in Canada. "

"No, " said Alton gravely. "I have seen nothing like it in Canada. Butwasn't there a lake?"

The girl glanced at him curiously. "There was, " she said. "I rememberit lay shining before us between the woods. It was very beautiful, quieter and calmer than our lakes in Canada. "

A slight flush crept through the bronze in Alton's face, which grew atrifle grim, and a light into his eyes. "There is a lake at Somascowhere you can see the white peaks lie shining, and the big Wapiti comedown to drink, " he said. "There are cedars and redwoods about it whichexcept for a few in California, haven't their equal in the world, butthere's nothing about that lake or valley that's quiet or calm. It'swild and great and grand. No. They've nothing of that kind in the oldcountry. Are not Abana and Pharfar better than all the waters ofIsrael?"

"Apposite!" said Townshead. "You apparently read the Scriptures?"

"Sometimes, " said Alton simply. "They get hold of me. Those oldfellows went right down to the bed rock of human nature back there inPalestine, and it strikes me there's no great difference in thatbetween now and then. "

"When, " said Townshead smiling, "I was a King in Babylon. "

"No, " said Alton reflectively. "You're a little late on time. TheChristian slave don't quite fit in. "

Townshead glanced at him sharply, and said nothing, for the rancher hadonce or twice already somewhat astonished him. 

"Well, " said Alton, "tell me, Miss Nellie, were the lilies where theashes hung over the lake? I want to know all about Carnaby. "

The girl seemed somewhat thoughtful, and a trifle astonished, but shemade the best use of her memory, and Alton listened gravely. "Yes, " hesaid. "I seem to see it. The rose garden on the south side, the biglawn, and the lake. There's a little stream on the opposite side of itthat comes down through the fern from the big beech wood. "

"But, " said the girl, "how could you know that?"

"I think I must have dreamt it, " said Alton gravely. "Or perhaps myfather told me. He used to talk of Carnaby, and I feel I know it well. "

The girl stared at him in her wonder. "But what is Carnaby to you?"she said. 

Alton rose up, and stood still a moment, somewhat grim in face. "Itshould have been my father's, and now when I don't know that I want it, I think it's mine, " he said. "Anyway, I'm kind of tired, and I thinkI'll turn in. Excuse me. "

He went out, and Nellie Townshead glanced at his comrade. "Do you knowwhat he means?" she said. 

Seaforth smiled and shook his head. "I've never seen Harry taken thatway before, " he said. "Still, we'll hope he'll be better to-morrow. He has been through a good deal to-day. "

Miss Townshead did not appear contented, but she changed the topic. "Then what did you mean when you spoke about the dress packet?"

"I'll tell you, " said Seaforth, "if you don't tell Harry. Well, whenthe packet slipped down to the edge of the big drop I'm not sure thatthe price of two ranches would have induced most men to follow it. "

"But why did Mr. Alton go?" said the girl, with an expression which wasnot quite the one the man had expected to see in her face. 

Seaforth smiled. "He may have fancied you wanted it. Anyway, Harry isa little obstinate occasionally, and when a thing looks difficult hecan't resist attempting it. In the language of my adopted countrythat's the kind of man he is. Now I think I had better go after him, because I fancy he wants soothing after that last speech of his. "

CHAPTER III

HARRY THE TEAMSTER

The sun was on the hill slopes, and there was a dazzling glare of snow, when Miss Alice Deringham stood with her travelling dress flutteringabout her on the platform of the observation car as the Pacific expresswent thundering down a valley of British Columbia. The dress, whichwas somewhat dusty, had cost her father a good deal of money, and thehat that was sprinkled with cinders had come from Paris; while theartistic simplicity of both had excited the envy of the two Winnipegladies who, having failed to make friends with Miss Deringham duringthe journey, now sat watching her disapprovingly in a corner of thecar. The girl was of a type as yet not common in Western Canada, reserved, quietly imperious, and annoyingly free from any manifestationof enthusiasm. She had also listened languidly to their most racystories with a somewhat tired look in her eyes. 

They were, however, fine eyes of a violet blue, and gold hair with awarmer tinge in it clustered about the broad white forehead, while therest of the girl's face was refined in its modelling, if a trifle coldin expression and colouring. Miss Deringham was also tall, and as shestood with one little hand on the rail and the other on the brim of thehat the wind would have torn away from her, her pose displayed adaintily-proportioned figure. The girl was, however, as oblivious ofher companions as she was of the dust, and her eyes were at last keenwith wonder. She had seen nothing which resembled the panorama thatunrolled itself before her as the great mountain locomotives sped onthrough the primeval wilderness, and the wild beauty of it left adeeper mark on her because her Canadian journey had been more or less adisappointment. 

Alice Deringham had tasted of the best that England had to offer in theshape of sport and scenery, art and music, and had grown a little tiredof it all; while, when her father had announced his intention ofcrossing the Canadian Dominion, partly on an affair of business andpartly for the benefit of his health, she had gladly accompanied him inthe hope of seeing something new. Deringham was a promoter anddirector of English companies, but his daughter having the fine disdainfor anything connected with finance which occasionally characterizesthose who have never felt the lack of money, asked him a few questionsconcerning one object of his journey. She only knew that the Carnabyestate, which would in the usual course have reverted to her, had beenunexpectedly willed to the son of a man its late owner haddisinherited, on conditions. The man, it appeared, was dead, andDeringham desired to see whether any understanding or compromise couldbe arrived at with the one son he had left behind in Western Canada. 

To become the mistress of Carnaby Hall would have pleased AliceDeringham, but, as she had already realized there was no great hope ofthat, she had prepared to enjoy her Canadian journey. It had, however, fallen short of her expectations. Ontario reminded her of southernScotland, and there was nothing to impress one who had seen theHighlands when the cars ran into the confusion of rock and forest, lakeand river, along the Superior shore. Winnipeg in no way appealed toher, and she grew weary as they swept out past straggling wooden townsinto the grass lands of the West. 

The towns rose stark from the prairie in unsoftened ugliness, and therewas nothing to stir the imagination in the great waste of sun-bleachedgrass. Day by day, while the dust whirled by them, and the gaunttelegraph posts came up out of the far horizon and sank into the east, they raced across the wide levels. The red dawns burned behind them, the sunsets flamed ahead, and still there was only dust and grass, chequered here and there with bands of stubble, while driving grit andugliness were the salient features of the little stations they stoppedat. 

Miss Deringham had read enough to learn that pistol and bandolier hadlong gone out of fashion in Western Canada, where, indeed, they hadrarely formed a necessary portion of the plainsman's attire, but shehad expected a little vivid colour and dash of romance. Thestock-riders she saw at the station were, however, for the most partdress in faded jean, and many of them appeared to speak excellentEnglish, while the wheat-growers rode soberly in dusty and dilapidatedwagons. Still the romance was there, though in place of theswashbuckling cavalier she found only quiet, slowly-spoken men, withpatience most plainly stamped upon their sun-darkened faces. Theirhands were hard with the grip of the bridle and plough-stilt in placeof the rifle, and the struggle they waged was a slow and grim oneagainst frost and drought and adverse seasons. 

There was, however, a transformation when she awoke one morning andfound the Rockies had been left behind, and they were roaring downthrough the passes of British Columbia. This was a new, and apparentlyunfinished, world, a land of tremendous mountains, leagues of forests, such as her imagination had never pictured, and untrodden heights ofnever-melting snow. Glacier, blue lake, river droning through shadowycanons, rushed by, and the glamour of it crept into the heart of thegirl, until as they swept down into the valley with a river twothousand feet below, she felt she was at last in touch with somethingstrange and new. 

Presently the hoot of the whistle came ringing up the pass, wheelsscreamed discordantly, and the pines below flitted towards them atrifle more slowly. Then, as they swung rocking round the face of acrag and a cluster of wooden buildings rose to view, Deringham came outupon the platform. He was a tall, slightly-built man, with a pallidface and keen but slightly shifty eyes, and bore the unmistakable stampof the Englishman. 

"That must be our alighting-place, and I am not sure how we are to geton, " he said. "It is, I understand, a long way to Somasco, and when weget there I really do not know whether we shall find any accommodationsuitable for you. It might have been better if you had gone on to ourfriends, the Fords, at Vancouver. "

Alice Deringham laughed a little. "I don't think you need worry. Mr. Alton will, no doubt, take us in, " she said. "A little primitivebarbarity would not be unpleasant as a novelty. "

A trace of something very like anger crept into Deringham's eyes. Itwas not very perceptible, for he seldom showed much of what he felt, but his daughter noticed it. "It is somewhat unfortunate that we shallprobably have to avail ourselves of the young man's hospitality, " hesaid. "You understand, my dear, that he is a kinsman of your own, and, unless he can be persuaded to relinquish his claim, the owner ofCarnaby. Still, I have hopes of coming to terms with him. The chargesupon the land are very burdensome. "

Alice Deringham's face grew a trifle scornful. "You will do yourbest, " she said. "The thought of one of these half-civilized axemenliving at Carnaby is almost distressful to me. In fact, I feel acurious dislike to the man even before I have seen him. "

There was another hoot of the whistle, a little station grew largerdown the track, and here and there a wooden house peeped out amidst theslowly-flitting trees. Then the cars stopped with a jerk, and MissDeringham stepped down from the platform. Her first glance showed herlong ranks of climbing pines, with a great white peak silhouetted hardand sharp above them against the blue. Then she became conscious ofthe silver mist streaming ethereally athwart the sombre verdure fromthe river hollow, and that a new and pungent smell cut through theodours of dust and creosote which reeked along the track. It came froma cord of cedar-wood piled up close by, and she found it curiouslyrefreshing. The drowsy roar of the river mingled with the panting ofthe locomotive pump, but there was a singular absence of life andmovement in the station until the door of the baggage-car slid open, and her father sprang aside as her trunks were shot out on to theplatform. A bag or two of something followed them, the great enginespanted, and the dusty cars went on again, while it dawned upon AliceDeringham that her last hold upon civilization had gone, and she wasleft to her own resources in a new and somewhat barbarous land. 

There were no obsequious porters to collect her baggage, which laywhere it had alighted with one trunk gaping open, while a couple of menin blue shirts and soil-stained jeans leaned upon the neighbouringfence watching her with mild curiosity. Her father addressed anotherone somewhat differently attired who stood in the door of the office. 

"There is a hotel here, but they couldn't take you in, " said the man. "Party of timber-right prospectors came along, and they're kind offrolicsome. They might find you a berth on the verandah, but I don'tknow that it would suit the lady. It mixes things up considerable whenyou bring a woman. "

Deringham glanced at his daughter, and the girl laughed. "Then isthere any means of getting on to Cedar Valley?" she said. 

The man slowly shook his head. "You might walk, but it's close onforty miles, " he said. "Stage goes out on Saturday. "

Deringham made a gesture of resignation. "I never walked forty milesat once in my life, " he said. "Can you suggest anything at all? Wecannot well live here on the platform until Saturday. "

"No, " said the man gravely. "I don't figure I could let you. Well, now I wonder if Harry could find room for you. "

He shouted, and a man who was carrying a flour-bag turned his head andthen went on again until he hove his load into a two-horse wagon, whileMiss Deringham noticed that although the bag was stamped 140 lbs. Theman trotted lightly across the metals and ballast with it upon hisshoulders. Then he came in their direction, and she glanced at himwith some curiosity as he stood a trifle breathless before them. Hewore a blue shirt burst open at the neck which showed his full redthroat, and somewhat ragged overalls. The brown hair beneath his broadfelt hat was whitened with flour, and his bronzed face was red with thedust. Still he stood very straight, and it was a good face, with broadforehead and long, straight nose, while the effect of the solid jaw wasmitigated by something in the shape of the mobile lips. The grey eyeswere keen and steady until a sympathetic twinkle crept into them, andMiss Deringham felt that the man understood her position. 

"Well, " he said. "What's the difficulty?"

The station agent explained laconically, and the stranger gravely tookoff his battered hat. "My wagon's pretty full, but I can take youthrough, " he said. 

"It would be a favour, " said Deringham, taking out a roll of bills. "Ishould, of course, be glad to recompense you for your trouble. "

For a moment the man's eyes closed a trifle, then he laughed, and MissDeringham noticed that there was nothing dissonant in his merriment. "Well, " he said lightly, "there will be plenty time to talk of that. These are your things, miss?"

The girl nodded, and wondered when, heaving up the biggest trunk asthough it weighed nothing at all, he laid it carefully in the wagon, because she remembered having to fee two hotel porters lavishly forhandling it in Liverpool. He stopped, however, and glanced at thesecond one with a faint trace of embarrassment. It had burst open, andseveral folds of filmy fabric projected. 

"My hands are floury. You might be able to shut it up, " he said. 

Miss Deringham stooped over the box that he might not see her face. Itwas merely the skirt of an evening dress which had displayed itself, but she had guessed what the man was thinking, and remembering hisexcuse was not displeased with him. When the box was in the wagon shetook out a dollar, and then for no special reason put it back again. The man was a bush teamster, but she did not feel equal to offering hima piece of silver. She swung herself up into the wagon with her footin his hand, and wondered whether it could be by intent that he stoodbare-headed while she did it. Then her father climbed in, and the manat the station laughed as he said, "What's the odds, Harry, you don'tspill the whole freight on the dip to the ford?"

The teamster, who made no answer, shook the reins, and they wentlurching over a horrible trail down the valley, while Miss Deringhamdelightedly breathed in the scent of the cedars and felt the lash ofsnow-chilled wind bring the blood to her face. She, however, wishedthat the bundle of straw which served as seat would not move about somuch, and fancied her father would have been more comfortable had henot been menaced by a jolting piece of machinery. Their progress wasrudely interrupted presently, for the teamster standing upright reinedthe horses in on their haunches, and the girl saw a line of loadedponies straggling up the winding trail. One of the men who ploddedbehind them glanced at the driver of the wagon with an ironical grin, and Miss Deringham saw a warmer colour creep into the sun-darkenedcheek. This was, she fancied, a man with a temper. 

"Now, " he said, and then stopped suddenly. The other man's grin becamemore pronounced. "You can start in, " he said. "We're not bashful. "

The teamster said nothing, but a faint twinkle replaced the anger inhis eye, when as they started again Miss Deringham glanced at himquestioningly. "That, " he said, "wasn't quite fair to me. They knew Icouldn't talk back, you see. "

Miss Deringham laughed, and when an hour or two later he pulled thehorses up beside a lake and made one or two alterations to enhance hercomfort, glanced at him again. 

"Did you come out here from England?" said she. 

The man's face grew a trifle grim. "No, " he said gravely. "Whatevercould have made you think that of me?"

There were reasons why the girl could not explain, and the manstretched out an arm with a little proud gesture that became himcuriously. "I am a Canadian first and last, " said he. "Isn't thiscountry good enough for anybody?"

Miss Deringham was forced to admit that it apparently was. A blue lakegleaming steely blue in the sunlight stretched away before them betweenthe towering firs, and beyond it lay an entrancing vision of greatwhite peaks. 

"You do not like England, then?" said she. 

The teamster smiled a little. "That, " he said, "is not a fair questionto ask me. You and your father live there, don't you?"

Miss Deringham felt that she had trespassed, but was astonished thatthis teamster should have wit enough to silence her with a compliment. She also decided that he should not have the opportunity again. 

They went on, winding along steep hillsides, splashing throughsparkling rivers, and lurching through the dim shadow of the bush, until when the saffron sunset flamed along the peaks they came to thehead of a long declivity. On the one hand the snow towered in awfulwhite purity, on the other scattered firs sloped sharply down into ahollow until they were lost in the fleecy vapours that streamed athwartthem. "Sit tight, " said the teamster. "It's eight miles to Hobart'sranch, and there's no time to lose if we're going to get in thereto-night. "

He shook the reins, and the girl clutched the side of the wagon as shefelt the lash of the wind and noticed how the firs rushed past. It wasjolting horribly, and she was relieved when as the trail grew steepershe saw the man tightening his grip on the reins and heard the gratingof the brake. It ceased suddenly, one of the horses stumbled, thenflung up its head, and they were going down faster than ever, while theman had flung his shoulders back and was dragging at the reins. Itdawned upon Miss Deringham that something had gone wrong and the teamwere running away. 

There was now only white mist beneath them and the roar of water. Trees came whirling up out of it, rock and bush swept past, while nowand then the wheels hung almost over the edge of the declivity, and thegirl could look down upon the sombre firs in the haze below. After oneglance, however, she felt that it would not be well for her to do so. Suddenly one of the horses stumbled again, and the teamster flung herfather the reins. "Get hold, " he said. "Line's in the trace-hook. "

He was over the front of the wagon next moment, and the girl gasped asshe saw him crawl out with an arm across the back of one of thegalloping horses and his knees on the pole. It looked horriblydangerous, and probably was, for the wagon was lurching furiously downthe declivity. Then he leaned out and downwards over the horse, clawing at something desperately, and Miss Deringham would have shuther eyes if she could have done so. In place of it she staredfascinated at the clinging figure while the trees flashed past, untilit was evident that the man had accomplished his task. How he got backshe did not know, but he was once more on the driving-seat when hisvoice reached her breathlessly. 

"Get a good hold. I'm going to put them at the hill when I can, " hesaid. 

They swept on until the hillside sloped more gently on the one hand, and the teamster flung, himself backwards, dragging at the reins. Thewagon, tilting, swung partly round, then there was a horrible lurching, and the lathered beasts were floundering up a slope, smashing down theundergrowth and fern, until the vehicle stopped suddenly with a crash. The man sprang down and Miss Deringham and her father lost no time infollowing him, while when at last the team stood still trembling, hecrawled out from under the wagon and turned to them. 

"That brake never was much good, " he said. "One of the beastsstumbling jerked the line into the hook there, and the fore-wheel beamgave out when we struck the tree. I'm most afraid we'll have to stopright here tonight!"

"But that, as you will realize, is quite impossible, " said Deringham, glancing towards his daughter. 

The man nodded. "It looks that way now, but you wait until I've fixedthings up, " said he. "Then if you feel like walking eight miles I'llgo on with you. "

The girl noticed the swift orderliness of all he did as she watched himtake out the horses and tether them, tear down armfuls of cedar-twigs, and then pack them between some flour-bag's and the side of the wagon, over which he stretched a strip of waterproof sheeting. Then he made afire, disappeared into the mist, and coming back with the kettle, strode into the bush again. In the meanwhile Deringham, looking intothe wagon, pointed to the twigs. 

"Do you think you could sleep there?" he said. 

The girl glanced at the twigs. They looked soft and springy, and had apleasant aromatic fragrance, while the covering sheet was thick. 

"I know I could not walk eight miles, " she said. "Where has ouraccomplished companion gone to?"

Deringham laughed. "To look for something for supper in the bush, Ibelieve, " he said. "I also fancy if there is anything eatable in thevicinity he will find it. "

The snows above had lost their brilliancy, and it was dark below, whenthe teamster returned with several fine trout which he skewered upon abarberry stem. He also brought a deerhide bag from the wagon, andpresently announced that supper was ready, while Alice Deringham, wholong afterwards remembered that meal, enjoyed it considerably more thanshe would have believed herself capable of doing a few days earlier. She had travelled far in search of something new, and this was thefirst time she had tasted the biting green tea with the reek of thesmoke about it from a blackened pannikin. Grindstone bread baked in ahole in the ground was also a novelty, and the crumbling flakes ofsalmon smoked by some Siwash Indian a delicacy, while she wondered ifit was only the keen mountain air which made the flesh of the big troutso good, or whether it owed anything to skilful cookery. 

There was also, by way of background, the glow of the fire flickeringathwart the great columnar trunks which ran up into the dimness aboveher, and the cold glimmer of the snows with a pale star beyond themwhen the red flame sank, while the hoarse roar of an unseen riveremphasized the silence. At first she felt there was something unrealand theatrical about it all. The light that blazed up and died, awfulserenity of the snow, and the vast impenetrable shadows filled withprofound silence, seemed all part of a fervidly-imagined spectacle; butas the silence deepened and gained upon her the position was reversed, and she seemed to feel that this was the reality, the environment manwas created for, and she, wrapped in the tinsel of civilization, out ofplace in the primeval wilderness. Her father, immaculate as ever inhis travelling tweeds, with his lean, pallid face, also jarred upon thepicture, and Harry the teamster, bronzed by frost and sun, with thestain of the soil upon him, alone a part of its harmonies. They seemedno longer harsh and barbaric, but vast and subtle, and she felt shemust go back to the simplicity she had laid aside before she couldgrasp their meaning. 

It was the man who first broke the silence. "I was wondering if youwould like a cigar, sir?" he said. 

Deringham glanced at the Indian-wrought case, which was singularlyartistic, somewhat dubiously, but remembering that something was due totheir host, drew a cigar out and lighted it. He said nothing for aminute, and then turned to the teamster. 

"Wherever did you get cigars of that kind from? They are far betterthan any I could find in Winnipeg, " he said. 

Miss Deringham noticed the man's eyes close a trifle, and fancied thatvery little would call the steely sparkle she had seen when thepack-ponies blocked the trail into them. 

"Well, " he said quietly, "a friend of mine sent them me, and I believethey came from Cuba. We don't raise cigars of any kind in BritishColumbia. "

Miss Deringham saw her father's face, and felt quietly amused. Hecould, she knew, assume a manner which went far to carry him smoothlythrough discontented share-holders' meetings, but it seemed that themen who dwelt in the wilderness were at least as exigent as those whodwelt in London. Deringham, however, glanced at the speaker. 

"The least said is often the soonest mended, but if you think----" hesaid. 

The teamster laughed. "It should come from me, but the fact is I wasworrying about that wagon and forgot, " he said. "Now, if there isanything I can tell you about this country. "

"I wonder, " said Alice Deringham, "whether you know Mr. Alton ofSomasco. "

"Oh, yes, " said the man, with a little smile. 

"You have worked for him possibly?" said the girl. 

Harry the teamster nodded. "Considerably harder than I ever did foranybody else, " he said. 

The next question required some consideration, and he appeared toruminate over it. "You mean what kind of man he is?" he said. "Well, he's not very much to look at, and there are a good many things hedon't know. "

"So I should have fancied, " said the girl, more to herself than thelistener, and wondered whether it was an effect of the firelight or thecurious twinkle had once more flashed into his eyes. "You do not seemto like him?" she said. 

The man looked into the fire. "The trouble is I know how mean he is, "he said. 

"Mean?" said the girl. "That is niggardly?"

"No, " said Harry; "I don't think he's niggardly. It's another word forlow down in this country. You see he has always had to work hard for aliving, and never had time to teach himself the nice little ways youfolks have in England. He's just a big rough rancher who has foughtpretty toughly for his own hand, and that's apt to take the gentlenessout of a man, and make him what you would call coarse and brutal. "

The girl seemed to shiver. "Is there nothing to say on the otherside?" she said. 

"Well, " said the teamster reflectively, "I think he means well, andnever took more than his right from any man, while there are people whowould as soon have his word as its value in dollar bills. "

"You seem to know him suspiciously well, " said Miss Deringham sharply. 

"I do, " said Harry simply, as he stood up. "Anyway, as well as mostpeople. You know where I fixed your bed up, sir, when you want to turnin. There's nothing in this bush, miss, that would hurt you. "

He stepped back into the shadows, and the camp seemed lonely withouthim, while as the girl shivered in the cold wind, Deringham glanced ather curiously. 

"Well?" he said. 

Then the red crept into his daughter's cheeks and a sparkle Into hereyes. "It will take a very long time to get used to. I could almosthate the man, " she said, "It is hard to lose one's inheritance, " said Deringham dryly. 

The flush grew a trifle plainer in his daughter's cheek. "It is notthe value of the land, " she said. "But think of such a man, a brutal, cattle-driving boor, ruling at Carnaby where my mother lived. "

"Still, " said Deringham, "the value is not inconsiderable, and Carnabywould have been yours some day. "

The girl made a gesture of impatience. "That is not my complaint, " shesaid. "I could have let it pass without bitterness to an Englishmanwho would have lived in it in accordance with the traditions of hisrace, but this man----"

"Will no doubt cut down the timber, open the fireclay pits, anddesecrate the park with brickworks, " he said. "That is, unless he hasconvivial proclivities, and, finding himself ostracized, fills Carnabywith turf and billiard-room blacklegs. "

The girl ground her heel viciously into the mould. "Have you anyreason for going into these details?" she said. 

Deringham watched her closely. "I only wished you to understand theposition, and to remember that you and I are both to some extent at themercy of our rancher kinsman, " he said. 

He left her presently to seek the couch the teamster had prepared forhim, and Miss Deringham retired to the wagon. She found the bed ofcedar-twigs comfortable, but it was some time before she slept anddreamed that a stranger dressed in coarse blue jean was holding highrevel in the Carnaby she loved. She was awakened by the howl of awolf, and lay still shivering, until she saw the tall, dusky figure ofthe Canadian approach the fire and stand there as if on guard with thered light upon him. Then with a curious sense of security she went tosleep again. 

CHAPTER IV

HALLAM OF THE TYEE

The morning was still and warm when the driver of the wagon pulled uphis team where four trails met in the shadow of the bush. MissDeringham had somewhat to her astonishment passed the night verycomfortably and enjoyed the breakfast their companion provided. Thebracing cold of sunrise, when all the bush was steeped in fragrance anda wonderful freshness came down from the snow, had also brought her acurious exhilaration, as well as a tinge of colour into her cheeks, andnow she was sensible of a faint regret and irritation when the manglanced towards her deprecatingly. 

"It would please me to drive you straight through to the settlement, but there's a load of things I want at Calhoun's up yonder, " he said. 

He pointed to a trail that turned off sharply, and the girl glanced ather father somewhat blankly. "And what are we to do?" said she. 

"Well, " said the man, "you can wait here until Barscombe comes along. He'll be riding in to the settlement presently, and would be glad totake you for a dollar or two. "

"But we might have to wait a long time, " said the girl with a trace ofimperiousness. "It would suit us considerably better to go on withyou. "

"Sorry!" said the man gravely. "I can't take you. Calhoun's a busyman, and he'll be waiting up at the ranch for me. I told him I wascoming. "

There was now no doubt about the colour in Miss Deringham's face. Fewof her wishes bad been denied her hitherto, and most of the men she hadmet had been eager to do her bidding, while the scarcely qualifiedrefusal of this one came as a painful astonishment. The fact that sheshould be left in the lonely forest to avoid keeping some rude rancherwaiting was distinctly exasperating. 

Deringham, however, smiled a little as he took a wallet from hispocket. "I can understand it, because I am also a busy man when I'm athome, " he said. "It is a question of the value of your time and Mr. Calhoun's apparently?"

Though he possibly did not realize it Deringham's tone was a triflingcondescending, and there was something in it which suggested that hebelieved anything could be bought with money. He was, however, alittle astonished when the man regarded him gravely out of eyes thatclosed a trifle. 

"That's just where you're wrong, " said he. "If I could have taken youon to save the lady waiting it would have pleased me. As it is, Ican't, you see. "

He said nothing more, but dismounting pulled the boxes out of the wagonand laid some travelling wraps upon one of them, while Miss Deringhamaffected not to see what he was doing. "And how long will it be beforeBarscombe passes?" said she. 

"It can't be more than two hours, " said the teamster quietly. "All youhave to do is to sit there and wait for him. "

He took off his broad hat when the others alighted, and Miss Deringhamnoticed there was a trace of courtliness in his simplicity. Then hestrode past her father, who was taking something out of his wallet, andswung himself lightly into the wagon. He spoke to the team, there wasa creak and rattle, and next moment the vehicle was lurching down thetrail. Deringham stood still a moment, his fingers inside the walletand mild wonder in his eyes, and then smiled a little as his daughterturned towards him. There was a faint pink flush of anger in hercheeks. 

"The dollar does not appear to retain its usual influence in this partof Canada, " he said dryly. "Possibly, however, the man was tooembarrassed by your evident displeasure to remember his hire. "

Miss Deringham saw the twinkle in her father's eyes and laughed alittle. "I don't think he was, " she said. "Had that been the case onecould have forgiven him more easily. Well, I wonder how long Barscombewill keep us waiting. "

Deringham made a whimsical gesture of resignation. "In the meantime Inotice that our late conductor has arranged a comfortable seat foryou, " he said. 

The girl sat down, and looked about her. It was very still in thebush, and the sound of running water drifted musically out of thesilence. From somewhere in the distance there also came a curiousdrumming which she did not know then was made by an axe, but itpresently ceased, and the song of the river rose alone in long drowsypulsations. In front of and behind her stretched the rows of serriedtrunks which had grown to vastness of girth and stateliness with thecenturies, and the girl, who was of quick perceptions, feltinstinctively the influence of their age and silence. There was, itseemed, something intangible but existent in this still land of shadowwhich reacted upon her pleasantly after the artificial gaieties andglitter of surface civilization. Her impatience and irritation seemedto melt, and the time slipped by, until she was almost drowsy when withan increasing rattle another wagon came jolting down the trail. 

Its driver pulled up, and regarded them with placid astonishment, buthe was amenable to the influence of Deringham's wallet, and they tooktheir places in the vehicle. There was nothing remarkable about theman, and he ruminated gravely when as they stopped to let the horsesdrink Deringham asked him a question concerning their late companion. 

"It might have been Thomson, " he said. "A big man, kind of solid andhomely?"

"No, " said Miss Deringham reflectively. "I should scarcely describehim as homely. "

"Well, " said the other, "if you told me the kind of wagon I might guessat him. "

Deringham described the vehicle as well as he was able, and thestranger nodded. "That's Jimmy Thomson's outfit all right, " said he. "What did he charge you?"

Miss Dillingham laughed. "It is curious that he charged us nothing, "said she. 

"Well, " said the stranger gravely, "that was blame unlike Jimmy. There's only one man in this country would do that kind of thing, andas he hasn't a wagon to fit what you're telling me, it couldn't he him. "

Miss Deringham had purposed asking who the man in question was, but thedriver started his team just then, and an hour later drove them intothe sleepy settlement and carried their boxes into Horton's hotel. Hegravely invited Deringham to drink with him, and appearing mildlyastonished went about his business when the latter declined. Deringhamsmiled at his daughter. 

"There are, as one might expect, men of somewhat different type in thiscountry, but I prefer the first one, " said he. 

Miss Deringham also fancied that she did so, though she did not admitit, and that evening was made acquainted with yet another and moredifferent one. Horton as usual served supper at six o'clock, and allhis guests were expected to partake of reasty pork, potatoes, flapjacks, green tea and fruits at the same table. To this he made noexception, and would not have done so for the premier, and when a smallcompany of axemen and free prospectors filed in Deringham and hisdaughter took their places amidst the rest. 

The room was long and bare, boarded with rough-sawn cedar, andfurnished chiefly by the benches that ran down either side of the plaintable; but the aromatic smell of the wood was stronger than that ofstale tobacco, and the company avoided more than quietly respectfulglances at the daintily-dressed Englishwoman. 

They were quiet men with grave and steady eyes, and though they ate asif feeding was a serious business, and they had no time to waste, therewas nothing in their converse that jarred upon the girl. Indeed, shesaw one break off in a story whose conclusion she fancied might nothave pleased her when a comrade glanced at him deprecatingly. Inanother ten minutes they filed out again, and Deringham smiled at hisdaughter. "What do you think of them?" he said. 

The girl laughed. "Ostriches, " she said. "Of course, I guess yourthoughts. You were wondering if my kinsman resembles them. How longdo we stay here?"

Deringham glanced at her covertly, and noticed the faint sparkle in hereyes and the scornful set of her lips. "That depends, " he said, "partly upon our kinsman's attitude, for if he offered us hospitalitywe should probably stay a little. You were also right, my dear, asusual. "

The girl's pose grew a trifle more rigid, and the fingers of one handseemed to close vindictively. "It is grotesque--almost horrible, isn'tit?" she said. 

Her father nodded. "It might be, " he said. "Still, as you know, theCarnaby affairs are involved, and there is a possibility of contestinghis claim under the somewhat extravagant will. It is not altogetherimprobable that I shall find means of persuading him to stay here withhis cows and pigs. "

Deringham slightly accentuated part of the sentence, and again a fainttinge of colour crept into the face of the girl and vindictiveness intoher eyes, for she understood him. The man who had on his deathbedbequeathed Carnaby to his grandson had driven out the young man'sfather years ago, and approaching dissolution had possibly somewhatclouded his faculties when he made the will. Deringham, who hadmarried into the Alton family, and figured as a legatee, was, with theexception of the disinherited, the nearest of kin, and it had beengenerally expected that Carnaby would fall to his daughter; but perhapsin an endeavour to treat both sides fairly, its dying owner had, in theface of his lawyer's protests, inserted one clause which, for financialreasons, rendered a second union between the houses of Alton andDeringham distinctly advisable. There was, however, a high spirit inthe girl, and she looked at her father steadily. 

"But you were left the money, or most of it?" she said. 

"Yes, " said Deringham grimly. "I was left the money. "

The girl asked nothing further, for there was something in the man'sface which warned her not to press that subject. She knew that herfather had long acted as financial adviser to the late owner ofCarnaby, but it was not astonishing that Deringham had not told her hehad exceeded the discretion allowed him, and been singularlyunfortunate in his speculations. 

She rose, and a man who like themselves had finished his meal leisurelyfollowed them outside into the verandah. He smiled as he drew out achair for the girl, and then sat down opposite her father with a cardin his hand. 

"Glad to meet you, Mr. Deringham. I'll introduce myself, " said he. 

Deringham took the card handed him, and glanced with an air of quietindifference at the stranger, while his daughter looked apparentlystraight past him towards the climbing pines. Nevertheless, she hadseen the man, and was not pleased with him. He had a somewhat fleshyface, beady black eyes with a boldness in them that was more akin toinsolence than courage, and a full-lipped, mobile mouth. His dress wascorrect enough, though he wore a somewhat ample ring with a diamond init, and his watchchain was too heavy and prominent, but there was asuggestion of coarseness about him. Her father, leaning forward in hischair with an air of languid curiosity, the card in his slenderfingers, appeared his antithesis, and yet the girl fancied there was aresemblance in the expression of the two faces. She also felt herdislike for the stranger increased when she saw for the first time thelook of greed and cunning in his face reflected in that of her father. She had hitherto only pictured him as a skilful financier, but now shesaw qualities she had never suspected in him revealed as by a daringcaricature. 

"Willard Hallam, " Deringham read aloud. "Hallam and Vose. Land andmining agents. Advances made on mineral claims. "

"Yes, " said the stranger, smiling. "That's me. "

Deringham made no comment, but laid the card down beside him. "Iwonder, " he said indifferently, "how you came to know me. "

The chilling evenness of his voice seemed to irritate the other man, and Alice Deringham was conscious of a faint amusement as she glancedat them. Deringham in his tweed travelling attire, which, worn withapparent carelessness, seemed to hang with every fold just where itshould be, was wholly at his ease, and there was a trace ofhalf-expressed toleration in his thin, finely-cut face, while Hallamappeared to become coarse and embarrassed by comparison. He probablydid not feel so, for diffidence of any kind is not common in the West, but he may have realized that in any delicate fencing the advantagewould lie with Deringham. Both, producing nothing and living upon thetoil of their fellows, played the same game, but, while the stakes andcounters are very similar, one played it in Vancouver and the other inLondon, where a more subtle finesse is demanded from the players. 

Hallam, however, smiled. "I don't know that you will be pleased when Itell you, but this should explain things, " he said. "Of course, sinceyour company took hold out here I have heard of you. "

Deringham took the Colonial Journal handed him, glanced down aparagraph, and passed it to his daughter. "Your maid!" he said. "Ifancied it was a mistake to part with her, my dear. It is evident shehas not gone home. "

Alice Deringham unconsciously drew herself up a trifle, as her eyes randown the column. It was headed "Another missing heir, " and ran: "Weare getting used to having our railroad-shovelling and trail-cuttingdone by scions of the British aristocracy, and seldom ask them whatthey did in the old country so long as they behave themselves decentlyin this one. Twice recently, as mentioned in these columns, thesuccessor to an English property of some value was discovered, in theone case peddling oranges, and in the other digging a rancher'sditches, while now we have another instance in the Somasco valley. Itappears that long ago there was a family quarrel at Carnaby, England, and though we do not know what it was all about, the owner of what weunderstand is an encumbered estate turned out his son, who had the goodsense to come out to this country, where he did pretty well. He diedand left a son, Mr. Henry Alton, well known in the Somasco district, who appears to be a credit to the country which took his father in. The owner of Carnaby dying later, left the ancestral property to him, and, as in this case there does not seem to be a wicked uncle, Mr. Deringham, the next of kin and a distinguished London financier whohas, we believe, had some dealings in local mines, has come out to lookfor him. Mr. Alton of Somasco will probably stop right where he is ifhe is the sensible man his neighbours seem to think him. "

"That's correct?" said Hallam, glancing at Deringham. 

"I knew who you were when I saw you. "

"Yes, " said Deringham. "The taste is questionable, but I can't denyits comparative accuracy. "

"Then, " said Hallam, "Alton stands between you and this Carnabyproperty?"

"I believe so, " said Deringham quietly. 

"It's a big estate?" said Hallam, and Alice Deringham, who knew hiscapabilities, wondered when her father would effectually silence thispresumptuous stranger. In the meanwhile he, however, showed nointention of doing so. 

"No, " he said languidly. "It is a small one, and heavily in debt. Ipresume you know rancher Alton by the interest you show in him?"

"Yes, " said Hallam, "and I don't like him. "

Deringham scarcely glanced at his daughter, but she realized that herpresence was not especially desired, and when she rose and went backinto the building her father glanced steadily at Hallam. 

"I wonder why you told me that, " he said. 

Hallam laughed. "Well, I generally talk straight, and I feel likethat, " he said. "Now, they don't keep anything that doesn't burn ahole in you here, and I've a bottle of English whisky. Don't see anyreason why you shouldn't take a drink with me?"

"No, " said Deringham indifferently. "I am, however, a somewhatabstemious man. "

Hallam went into the building and returned with a cigar-case and abottle. The contents of both were good, and Deringham sat languidlyglancing over the curling smoke towards the glimmering snow. Ittowered white and cold against a pale green, shining high aboveclimbing pines and dusky valley, while the fleecy mist crept higher andhigher athwart the serried waves of trees that fell to the riverhollow. Alice Deringham saw it, and drinking in the wonderfulfreshness that came down from the peaks and permeated the silence ofthe valley, realized a little of that great white rampart's awfulserenity. She also wondered vacantly what the two men on the verandahwere talking about; but in this she was wrong, for Hallam, overchargedwith Western vivacity, was talking, and her father waiting quietly. 

"No, " said the former, returning to the subject with an affectation ofnaive directness. "I don't like Alton, and I figure he don't like me. Nothing wrong with the man that I know of, but I'm not fond of anybodywho gets in my way, and Alton of Somasco has taken out timber rightsall over the valley where we're running the Tyee. He got in with hisclaim a day or two ahead of me. "

"A capable man?" said Deringham quietly. 

"Oh, yes, " said the other. "He's capable, so far as he sees, but thetrouble is he doesn't see quite far enough. Now, there's not roomenough for two men with notions round about Somasco, and a one-horserancher can't fight men with money, so Alton's got hold of a good dealbigger contract than he can carry through. Anyway, now I've told youwhat I think of your relation, you can if you feel like that let rightgo of me. "

Deringham smiled a little. "This, " he said, "is the best whisky I havetasted in Canada. "

Hallam laughed. "Well, " he said, "I'm glad I met you, especially asyou'll no doubt stop here a little, and size up the mineral resourcesof the country. There's lots of information lying round that should beuseful to you. Anyway, you made a big mistake when you took up thePeveril. Dropped a good many dollars that time, didn't you?"

Deringham's face grew a trifle grim. "As you probably know just whatthe mistake cost us there is no use in me denying it, " said he. 

"Well, " said Hallam sympathetically, "one can't always come out on top, and if you're stopping down at Vancouver I may be of some use to you, and you to me. If you'll come up to-morrow I'll show you the Tyee, andI've something better still up the valley. "

"I'm sorry, " said Deringham indifferently; "I'm going through toSomasco!"

Hallam glanced at him steadily. "Of course you are, " said he. "Well, I've told you nothing Alton doesn't know, and I've letters to answer. You'll excuse me?"

Deringham rose with him, and strolling along the verandah together theystopped a moment at the door, close by where Alice Deringham sat at anopen window. It was growing dark now, but the last of the afterglowwas flung down into their faces by the snow, and it seemed to the girlthat the resemblance between them had grown stronger. Her father'sappeared a trifle less refined in its chiselling than it had been, andthere was a look which did not please her in his eyes. It suggestedcupidity and cunning in place of intellectuality. 

"Well, " said Hallam, "you'll call on me at Vancouver anyway, and it'spossible we may be some use to each other. "

The hint of a confidence or understanding between them which the man'stone conveyed irritated the girl, but she saw that her father did notresent it. "Yes, " he said. "If I think I can benefit by yourco-operation in any way I will not fail to let you know. "

Hallam went in, and Deringham leaned upon the verandah balustradesmoking tranquilly while the shadows that left the rolling mist behindcrept higher and higher up the climbing pines until at last theytouched and smeared into dimness the ethereal snow. Then the girl rosewith a shiver and turned towards her father as Horton lighted the biglantern at the door. Deringham's face was, she fancied, a triflehaggard. 

"I wonder why you have borne with that man so long, " she said. 

Deringham smiled a little. "There are many kinds of men, andpresumably all of them are useful in their place, " said he. 

CHAPTER V

THE HEIR OF CARNABY

The sun was dipping towards the black ridge of firs on the shoulder ofa hill when Deringham and his daughter rode down the winding trail intothe Somasco valley. The girl gazed about her with eager curiosity, butthe man who rode in silence apparently saw nothing, and it was onlywhen his horse stumbled into a rut that he glanced round for a momentabstractedly. Deringham had much to occupy his mind just then, forwhile it was generally understood that he had made the journey at aphysician's recommendation, he had reasons for choosing BritishColumbia to recuperate in. 

He still retained control of the finances of Carnaby with theconcurrence of the trustees, who were country gentlemen of no businesscapacity, and as it suited the family lawyer to remain on good termswith him nothing more than a very perfunctory account of hisstewardship had been demanded. The late owner of Carnaby had been aman of simple tastes and unbending pride, who had a faint contempt forhis kinsman, and refrained from inquiries respecting finances whilethere was no stoppage of supplies. There were one or two men whosuspected that Deringham had profited by his relative's supineness, butit was only a vague surmise, and they did not know that the legacybequeathed him had little more than an apparent value. Deringham hadbeen unfortunate in his latest ventures, and could foresee considerabledifficulty in extricating himself from a distinctly unpleasant positionif the new heir decided to take immediate possession of his property. The latter had, however, shown no great desire to do so, and Deringhamhad accepted a commission from the trustees to ascertain his intentions. 

A company of which he was one of the promoters had also investedsomewhat unhappily in Western mines, and Deringham, who purposed to seewhat could be done with the depreciated securities, intended that theexpenses of his sojourn in the mountain province should be borne by theshareholders. He had acquired considerable facility in the art ofmanaging them, but the owner of Carnaby was an unknown quantity andDeringham was anxious. 

Presently his daughter reined in her pony. "Stop a moment, father. That must be the ranch, " she said. 

The man drew bridle, and for a moment forgot his perplexities as hegazed at the scene before him. Far down in the valley lay a still bluelake with a great white peak shining ethereally at its northern end. Dark pines rolled about it, growing smaller and smaller up the hillsideuntil they dwindled with spires clean cut against the azure into agossamer filigree. Between them and the water stupendous forestshrouded all the valley, save where an oblong of pale verdure ran backfrom the fringe of boulders and was traversed by the frothing streak ofa river whose roar came up hoarsely across the pines in long pulsations. 

That was all Deringham saw at first sight, but he realized that it wasvery beautiful, and then commenced to note details with observant eyes. There was a sawmill beside the river, for he could faintly hear astrident scream and see the blue smoke drifting in gauzy wisps acrossthe hill. The square log-house which stood some little distance fromthe lake looked well built and substantial, and the road that woundthrough the green oblong had been skilfully laid with rounded stripssawn off the great fir-trunks. Sleek cattle stood apparently ready fordispatch in a corral, the yellowing oats beyond them were railed off bya six-foot fence, and behind the rows of sawn-off stumps which ringedabout the clearing great trunks and branches lay piled in the confusionof the slashing. Deringham was not a farmer, but he was a man ofaffairs, and all he saw spoke to him of prosperity that sprang fromstrenuous energy and administrative ability. 

"You are very silent, " said his daughter. "What are you thinking?"

Deringham laughed a little, somewhat mirthlessly. "It occurs to methat whatever our unknown relative may be he is a good rancher, if thisis his handiwork, " he said. "Well, we shall see him very shortly. "

The girl's fingers tightened a little on the switch she held. "We knowwhat we shall find, " she said with a gesture of cold disdain. "Itwould be so much easier if he had only been an educated Englishman!"

"Still, " said Deringham dryly, "since we are ousted from Carnaby I donot see that it makes any great difference. "

Miss Deringham's eyes sparkled, and a spot of colour tinged her cheeks. Her mother had been one of the Altons who had long been proud ofCarnaby, and the instincts of the landholding race were strong withinher. 

"No?" she said, with a little scornful inflection. "And you could lookon while a cattle-driving boor made himself a laughing-stock atCarnaby?"

Deringham smiled again. "I am, " he said, "inclined to feel sorry forthe Canadian, but you will at least be civil to him. "

Miss Deringham made a little gesture of impatience. "You do notsuppose I should be openly resentful?" she said. 

Her father still appeared ironically amused. "I do not know that itwould be necessary, but I fancy the Canadian will have cause to regrethe is an Alton, " he said. "No doubt it would be some solace to you tomake him realize his offences, but I scarcely think it would beadvisable. "

Then they rode down into the valley, through oatfields, and between thetall fir-stumps that rose amidst the fern, under the boughs of anorchard, and up to the square log-house. Nobody came out to receivethem, or answered their call, and Deringham, dismounting, helped hisdaughter down, and tethering the horses passed through the verandahinto the house. The long table in the big log-walled room they enteredwas littered with unwashed plates. Torn over-alls and old knee-bootslay amidst the axes and big saws in one corner, the dust was heavyeverywhere, and rifles and salmon-spears hung upon the walls. Therewas no sign of taste or comfort. Everything suggested grim utility, and the house was very still. The girl, who was tired, sat down with alittle gesture of dismay. 

"This is worse and worse, " she said. 

Deringham, who was fond of his daughter, laid a hand upon her shoulderreassuringly. "You can go on to Vancouver when you wish, " said he. "Sit still and rest, while I see if there is anybody about. "

He strolled round the homestead, and noticed that log barns and stableswere all well built, while presently he found a man plucking fowls in agalvanized shed. There was a row of them before him, all withoutheads, while an ensanguined axe close by indicated the fashion of theirexecution. He glanced at Deringham a moment, and then fell to workagain. 

"Oh, yes, this is Somasco, and the finest ranch this side of theFraser, " he said. "Can you see Mr. Alton? Well, I figure he's busy, and you had better wait a little. Get hold of this. It's your supper. "

Deringham recoiled a pace when a somewhat gory fowl struck him on theknee, and then sat down on a pile of cedar-wood staring at the speaker. "I wish to see Mr. Alton as soon as possible, " he said. 

The other man looked up again, and grinned. "You'd better not, " saidhe. "Harry Alton's a bit short in temper when he's busy, and if you'repeddling anything it would be better if you saw him after supper. Thenif you can't make a deal you can go on to-morrow. There's plenty goodstraw in the barn. "

Deringham was not especially flattered at being mistaken for a peddler, nor had the prospect of sleeping on straw any great attraction for him, but he had a sense of humour, and, being desirous of acquiringinformation, took up the fowl. 

"Do you put up every stranger who calls here, and give him a fowl forsupper? What am I to do with this one?" he said. 

"Now, where did you come from?" said the other. "That's just what wedo. A fowl's not much for a man, anyway, and Harry will eat two ofthem when he's hungry. What are you going to do with it? Well, youcan, pull the feathers off it, and fix it for cooking, unless you likethem better with their insides in. "

Deringham gravely pulled out four or five feathers, and then, findingit more difficult than he had expected, desisted. "Mr. Alton isapparently not married, " he said. 

The man grinned. "No, Harry knows when he's well off, and it wouldtake a woman with a mighty firm grip to manage him, " said he. "Still, there's one or two of them quite ready to see what they could make ofhim, but Mrs. Margery scares them off when they come round bringing himlittle things, and Harry's a bit pernicketty. His father was a duke orsomething in the old country. "

"Mrs. Margery?" said Deringham inquiringly. 

"Yes, " said the other. "She's not here just now, but she keeps thehouse for him. I help round and do the cooking. "

Deringham, who could adapt himself to his surroundings, nodded. "Thatis what you would consider a soft job in this country?"

"Well, " said the man grimly, as he pointed to the deformation of onelower limb, "I am not fond of it, but it's about all I'm good for now. That's where the axe went in, and anybody but Harry Alton might havefired me. It was my own blame foolishness, too, but when the doctortold him Harry comes to me. 'You needn't worry about one thing, anyway. There'll be a job for you just so long as you're wanting it, '"says he. 

"He does that kind of thing sometimes?" said Deringham curiously. 

"No, sir, " said the other dryly. "He does it every time, but the devilhimself wouldn't squeeze ten cents out of Harry if he didn't want togive it him. But how long are you going to be stripping that fowl?"

"As I'm afraid it would take me all night, I would prefer to give you ahalf-a-dollar to do it for me, " said Deringham. 

The man straightened himself a little, and Deringham received anothersurprise. 

"Patent medicines and hair-growers are up?" said he. 

"I don't quite understand, " said Deringham quietly. 

"No?" said the other. "Well, you will do presently unless you getright out of this shanty. I'm fit to make my wages yet, if I've onlygot one handy leg, and I can put my mark on any blame peddler who talksthat way to me. "

"I'm sorry, " said Deringham gravely. "I have, you see, just come fromEngland, where folks are not always so well paid as you seem to be. Ithink I will look for Mr. Alton. Can you tell me where he is?"

The man, who appeared a trifle mollified, pointed to the bush. "He'syonder, but if he scares you, you needn't blame me, " he said. 

Deringham picked his way amidst the six-foot fir-stumps girdled withtall fern, over a breadth of white ashes and charcoal where thenewly-won land lay waiting for the plough, in and out amidst the chaosof trunks that lay piled athwart each other all round the clearing, andstopped close by three men who were making an onslaught on a majestictree. Its topmost sprays towered two hundred feet above them, and thegreat trunk ran a stupendous column to the vault of dusky green above. It was, however, the men who most attracted Deringham's attention, andhe stood for a moment watching them. 

Two were poised on narrow boards notched into the tree a man's heightfrom the ground, and one was huge and swarthy, so that the heavy axe heheld seemed a toy in his great gnarled hand. The other, whose figureseemed in some respects familiar, stooped a little with the bright axeblade laid flat in one palm as though he were examining it, andDeringham, who could not see his face, turned towards another who satat the foot of the tree sharpening a big saw. His overalls were intolerable repair, while from an indefinite something in his face andthe way he wore them Deringham set him down as an Englishman. Still, he did not think he was an Alton. 

"Can you tell me where Mr. Henry Alton is?" he said. The young mannodded. "Harry!" he said. 

Then the man on the plank above turned round, and Deringham feltinclined to gasp as he stood face to face with the new heir to Carnaby. The man was grimed with dust and ashes. His blue shirt rolled back tothe shoulders left uncovered arms that were corded like a smith's, andwas rent at the neck so that Deringham could see the finely-archedchest. The overalls, tight-belted round the waist, set off thesolidity of his shoulders and the leanness of the flank, while with thefirst glance at his face Deringham recognized the teamster who haddriven them through the bush. 

He stood poised on the few inches of springy redwood looking down uponhim with a grimly humorous twinkle in his eyes, but through the smearsof perspiration and the charcoal grime Deringham now recognized theexpression of quiet forcefulness and the directness of gaze which washis birthright. 

"Mr. Henry Alton?" he said. 

"Yes, " said the other quietly. 

There was a moment's embarrassing silence, for Alton said nothingfurther, and Deringham gazed at the man he had journeyed three thousandmiles to see. 

"I should like a little talk with you, " he said presently. 

"Can't oblige you, " said the other. "I couldn't spare more than aminute now for a railroad director. You can tell me anything you wantafter supper. "

Deringham lost a little of his usual serenity. "My business is of someimportance, " he said. 

Alton smiled grimly. "I can't help that. So is mine, " said he. "Alawyer, by the stamp of you. Well, you're trailing the wrong man, because I don't owe anybody money. We'll put you up to-night, and youcan look for him to-morrow. "

"I have come from Carnaby, England, " said Deringham, watching theeffect upon the man. "You are, I presume the grandson of its lateowner. "

This shot got home, but the effect was not altogether what Deringhamhad anticipated, for Alton's big hands tightened on the axe and hisface grew very stern. "I'm not proud of the connection, anyway, " hesaid. "Alton of Somasco is good enough for me. "

"But, " said Deringham quietly, "I have come to talk things over withyou. Tristan Alton left you Carnaby. "

Alton straightened himself a little and flung out an arm, whileDeringham recognized the Alton pride as with a sweeping gesture hepointed to wide lake, forest-shrouded hillside, and the clearing in thevalley. 

"He turned out my father because he knew his mind, and now when thereis no one else leaves me the played-out property. Thank God, I don'twant it, while that's all mine, " he said. "What brings you here totalk of Carnaby?"

Deringham smiled a little. "The executor sent me, and I have come along way, " said he. "When I tell you that I am Ralph Deringham youshould know me. "

Alton nodded gravely. "Then you can tell me all about it after supper, and we'll have plenty time for talking, because you'll stay a whilewith me, " he said. "If you'll go back to the house you'll find somecigars that might please you in the bureau. Sorry I can't come withyou, but I'm busy. Are you ready, Tom?"

He turned, and swung up the axe while the big bushman swept his bladealoft, and Deringham watched them curiously. Alton swayed with asteely suppleness from the waist, and the broad wedge of steel flashedabout his head before it came down ringing. The man had a few inchesof springy wood which bent and heaved beneath him to stand upon, butthe great blade descended exactly where the last chip had lain, andwhen it hissed aloft again that of the silent axeman dropped into thenotch it made. Deringham knew a little about a good many things, including sword-play, and he realized as he watched the whirl and flashof blades, precision of effort, and exactitude of time, that this wasan example of man's mastery over the trenchant steel. 

Presently the man with the saw rose and touched his shoulder. "I fancywe had better draw aside a little, " he said. "She will come down inanother minute just here. "

Now Deringham had seen trees wedged over and drawn down by ropes inEngland, and wondered a little when the man pointed to the spot wherehe was standing. 

"If you don't resent the question, how do you know?" he said. 

The other man laughed a little. "Harry told me, and he's seldom morethan a foot out, " he said. 

There was a groaning of fibres as Deringham drew aside, but the twofigures on the springy planks still smote and swung, untilsimultaneously they flung the axes down and, sprang. Then the greatfir quivered a little, toppled, lurched, and fell, and the hillsideresounded to the thud it made. It also smote the trembling soil justwhere the man with the saw had indicated. Then Alton signed to hisassistant, and strode away with the axe on his shoulder towards anothertree. The saw-sharpener laughed a little as he sat down again. 

"Now you have had your say it would be better if you waited until aftersupper, " he said. "You see, one thing at one time is quite enough forHarry, and he really isn't in the least uncivil when you understandhim. Still, it's no use trying to make him listen when he doesn't wantto. "

"That, " said Deringham dryly, "was always one of the characteristics ofhis family. You are presumably an Englishman?"

The other man laughed a little. "Yes, " he said, "I'm Charles Seaforth, better known to the boys here as the Honourable Charley, though I haveno especial right to the title, and am fortunate in holding a smallshare in the Somasco ranch, which I owe to my partner's generosity. "

"Do I understand that he gave it you?" said Deringham. 

Seaforth nodded. "You would be near the mark if you came to thatconclusion. "

"And is Mr. Alton in the habit of making similar presents?" saidDeringham. 

Seaforth glanced towards the sinewy figure with the glinting axe, andsmiled again. "That, " he said quietly, "is one of the most generousmen in the Dominion of Canada, but I should not care to be the man whoattempted to take advantage of him. "

Deringham said nothing further, though he was sensible of a slightuneasiness, and presently went back to the house to rejoin hisdaughter, while the dusk was creeping across the valley when the menfrom the sawmill and clearing came home, and Deringham led his daughterout when he heard Alton's voice in the verandah. The latter and hispartner were together, and the girl at first felt a slight sense ofrelief as her glance fell upon Seaforth, who stood with his wide hat inhis hand. He was, for that country, somewhat fastidious in dress, hiseyes were mildly humorous, and his face was pleasant, while he had notas yet wholly lost the stamp of the graceful idler he had brought withhim from England. 

"This, " said Deringham with the faintest trace of irony, "is ourkinsman, Mr. Henry Alton of Carnaby. You have seen him already. Mydaughter Alice, Mr. Alton!"

The girl stood still a moment, and glanced at Seaforth, whom she couldnot recollect having seen before, with something that suggested notaltogether unpleased surprise in her face. His appearance and attitudedisarmed her, but as she was about to speak to him the other man movedso that the fading light fell full upon him. He stood, tall and almoststatuesque in his torn overalls, with the misty pines rolling up thehillside behind him, and a big axe in his hand--a type, it seemed toher, of Western barbarity--and a red spot, faint but perceptible, roseinto her cheeks as he bent his head. Then she came near forgettingwhat was due to both of them in her astonishment and anger. 

"You!" she said. 

"Yes, " said the axeman gravely. "Still, your father made a littlemistake. I'm Alton of Somasco. "

Then he turned and moved forward with a gesture that was almostcourtly. "You are very welcome to this poor house of mine, " he said. 

CHAPTER VI

MISS DERINGHAM MAKES FRIENDS

The Homeric supper was over, and Miss Deringham, who, sitting next toAlton at the head of the long table, had watched the stalwart axemanfeed with sensations divided between disgust and wonder, was talking toSeaforth on the verandah, when her father sat by a window of the roomhis kinsman called his own. There were survey maps, tassels of oats, and a great Wapiti head upon the wall, while Alton himself lay almostfull length in a deerhide chair. The window was open wide, and thevista of lake, pine-shrouded hillside, and snow, framed by its logcasing, steeped in nocturnal harmonies of silver and blue. Out of thestillness came the scent of balsam, and the sighing of a little breezeamidst the pines. 

Deringham held a good cigar, and there was a cup of coffee beside him, while he was not wholly sorry that they sat in darkness. He hadrealized that Alton of Somasco was by no means a fool, and waited hisquestions with some anxiety. The rancher, however, had apparently nopresent intention of asking any. 

"So they've been wondering when I am coming over, " he saidreflectively. "I don't know that I'll come at all. " Deringham lookeddown at his cigar to cover his astonishment. "But you are an Alton ofCarnaby, " he said. 

"Yes, " said Alton slowly. "But that is one of the things I want toforget. You see they drove my father out because he had the grit tomarry the woman who loved him instead of another one who had the money, but you know all that?"

Deringham nodded, and Alton's face showed grim in the moonlight as hecontinued: "But what you don't know is how he fought his way uphill inthis country, and what my mother suffered helping him. Oh, yes, I canremember her well, gentle, brave, and patient as she was, and know whatit must have cost her to camp down alone in the bush, and fight throughthe hard winter in the ice and snow. Well, she was too good for thisworld, and she just faded out of it before the good time came. I thinkthey must have a special place for women of her kind in the other one. "

Deringham only nodded again, because this type of man was new to him, and he had learned to keep silent when in doubt; but Alton's big righthand closed into a fist. 

"And now, when I have Somasco, the man who had not a dollar for hisonly son leaves me Carnaby, " he said. "There. Look out and see. Timber, lake and clearing, cattle, mills, and crops, the finest ranchin the district. My father commenced it, and I have finished. TheAlmighty made him a man, and he wouldn't sell his birthright to loafhis days away, overfed, at Carnaby. "

Alton dropped his cigar, and laughed a little. "Well, I'm talking likea fool again. There are times when I can't help it. It's a way ofmine. "

Deringham sat still smoking, and thinking rapidly. He had never haddealings with a man of this description before, but while he surmisedthat Alton of Somasco might under some conditions prove himself aheadstrong fool, it was evident that there were limits to his folly. The man's handiwork spoke for him, and his energy and intentness hadnot escaped Deringham's attentions, while the occasional utterancesthat might have appeared bombastic coming from other men were redeemedin his case by the tone of naive sincerity and imperious ring. Deringham was becoming conscious of a vague respect for and fear of hiscompanion. 

"We are apparently no nearer the answer to my question, " he said atlength. 

"No, " said Alton, smiling. "This thing will take some thinking over. Carnaby isn't exactly what you call a rich property?"

"It is heavily encumbered, " said Deringham, almost too eagerly. 

Alton nodded, "Still, it must be worth a little, and would give thefolks who lived there a standing in the old country?"

"Yes, " said Deringham thoughtfully, and was once more astonished by hiscompanion's answer. 

"Well, " he said slowly. "I was thinking about your daughter. Allthis, it seems to me, is mighty rough on her. It would hurt her to beturned out of Carnaby?"

"Isn't that beside the question?" said Deringham with a trace ofstiffness. 

Alton took up another cigar and lighted it. "I don't quite know thatit is, " he said. "You see, I remember a good deal what my mother hadto put up with, and it has made me kind of sorry for women who have todo without the things they have been used to. Now Miss Deringham hashad a pretty good time in the old country?"

Deringham moved his head very slightly. "I scarcely think we need gointo that, but it is incontrovertible that the loss of Carnaby wouldmake a difference to her, " he said. 

Alton sat silent a space, and then while Deringham wondered, smiled alittle. "And she might have kept it but for a very little thing thathappened a month or two ago, " he said. "If the juniper-twigs hadbroken it would have saved considerable trouble to everybody. I wasback there in the mountains looking for a silver lead, you see. "

"Silver mines are, I understand, not always profitable to the man whofinds them, and I should have fancied you had already sufficient scopefor your energies, " said Deringham dryly. 

Alton laughed, but there was a trace of grimness in his voice. "If Ionce get my stakes in on the lead this one's going to be, and if Icould get the dollars I could do a good deal for Somasco, " he said. "We want roads and mills, the biggest orchard in the province, and afruit cannery, and we're going to have them presently. That's why Iwanted the silver. "

"You did not find it then?" said Deringham, who was not unwilling tofollow his companion from the former topic. 

"No, " said Alton, "not that time, but I will by and by. Well, therewas a good deal of snow up in the ranges, and my feet got away from meone evening when we were crawling along the edge of a gully. There wasa river and big boulders some five hundred feet below, and I slippeddown, clawing at the snow, until I grabbed a little bunch of juniperjust on the edge. Part of it tore up, but I got a grip of a betterhandful, and hung on to it, with most of me swinging over the gully. Charley was stripping off the pack-rope on the slope above, and he wasmighty quick, but I knew that bush was coming away with me, and didn'tthink he could be fast enough. I didn't feel exactly happy, but whileI've read that folks think of some astonishing things when they'restarting out on the long trail, it wasn't that way with me. I couldonly remember there was a man I'd never got even with who'd badlycheated me. "

[Illustration: "There was a river and big boulders some five hundredfeet below. "]

Deringham felt a little shiver run through him, for there was a grimvindictiveness in the speaker's tone, and he felt that Alton of Somascowould not lightly forgive an injury. 

"You managed to crawl up?" he said. 

"No, " said Alton simply, "I didn't. I lay there watching Charley, andfelt the bush drawing out, until the rope came down and Charley hauledme up. It would have made a big difference to Miss Deringham if he'dbeen a second or two longer. Well, we'll have lots of time fortalking, because you're out for your health, and we'll keep you righthere until we see what Somasco can do for you, and just now I see MissDeringham alone on the verandah. "

He rose, and left Deringham sitting by the window. The moon had swunghigher now, and the lake was a blaze of silver, but Deringham scarcelynoticed it or the ethereal line of snow. In place of it he saw ashadowy figure hanging between earth and heaven with tense fingersgripping a little bush, while a river frothed down the black hollowfive hundred feet below, and remembered that even in that moment theman who hung there regretted he could not repay somebody who hadcheated him. Then he rose and moved once or twice up and down theroom, his fancy still dwelling upon the picture. If the juniper-twigshad yielded it would have made a great difference to him as well as hisdaughter. He sat down again presently and stared at the valley, seeingnothing as he remembered that Alton of Somasco might go back to theranges again, and then with an effort shook the fancies from him. Theywere not wholesome for a man hemmed in by difficulties as he was then. 

In the meanwhile his daughter stood with one hand on the verandahbalustrade, listening to the song of the river which came sonorouslythrough the shadows of the bush. She also breathed in the scent of thefirs, and found it pleasant, but it was instinctively she did so, forher thoughts were also busy. Alice Deringham had noticed her father'sfits of abstraction as well as the anxiety in his face, and had nogreat difficulty in connecting them with the loss of Carnaby. She wasalso fond of him, for Deringham had shown only his better side to her, and sensible of a very bitter feeling towards the man who hadsupplanted him. In addition to this, she remembered the faintamusement in his eyes when he noticed the glint of a silver coin sheheld half-covered in her hand, and her pulses throbbed a little faster. The man had placed her in a ridiculous position, and had he guessed herfeelings towards him he would probably not have made his appearance ashe did just then. 

The boards creaked behind her, and turning partly round shestraightened herself with a slow sinuous gracefulness, and stood drawnup to her full height looking at the newcomer. He stood still a momentwith veiled admiration in his eyes, and this was not altogethersurprising in one who had dwelt for the most part far remote fromcivilization in the lonely bush. Alice Deringham had been consideredsomewhat of a beauty in London, and it was possible that she knew thepale moonlight and the harmonies of blue and silver she stood outagainst enhanced the symmetry of her outline. The man stood watchingher with his head bent a trifle, but Miss Deringham evinced a fineindifference. She had formed a somewhat mistaken estimate of himalready. 

"I want to tell you that I'm sorry, " he said. 

The girl fancied she understood him, and it increased her anger, forthe fact that this barbarian of the bush should venture to express pityfor her was galling. Still, she had no intention of admitting it, andregarded him inquiringly with a half-contemptuous indifference whichshe had found especially effective with presumptuous young men inEngland. Somewhat to her astonishment it apparently had no result atall, for Alton returned her gaze gravely and without embarrassment. 

"I don't understand, " she said. 

"I was hoping you would, because I felt I must tell you, and I'm notgood at talking, " said the man. "I can't help seeing that you arevexed with me. "

If Alton had intended to be conciliatory he had signally failed, because Miss Deringham had no intention of admitting that anything hecould do would cause her anger. 

"I am afraid you are taking things for granted, " she said. 

Alton smiled gravely, and the girl noticed that he accepted the onus ofthe explanation she had forced upon him. 

"I really don't think you should be, " he said. "I can't help beingTristan Alton's grandson, you see, and we are some kind of relationsand ought to be friendly. "

Miss Deringham laughed a little. "Relations do not always love eachother very much, " said she. 

"No, " said Alton. "Still, I think they should, and, even if it hurts, I feel I've got to tell you I'm sorry. If you would only take it, itwould please me to give you back Carnaby. "

The girl almost gasped with astonishment and indignation. "That is atrifle unnecessary, since you know it is perfectly impossible, " shesaid. 

She had at last roused the man, for the moonlight showed a darkercolour creeping into his tan. "I don't usually say more than I mean, "he said. "Now we shall never understand each other unless you willtalk quite straight with me. "

Alice Deringham had not lost her discretion in her anger, and, sincethere was no avoiding the issue, decided it would be preferable toblame him for the lesser of his offences. 

"Then, " she said coldly, "it was somewhat difficult to appreciate thehumour of the trick you played upon us. You may, however, havedifferent notions as to what is tasteful in the Colonies. "

Again the darker colour showed in Alton's bronzed forehead, but hespoke gravely. "I don't think that's quite fair, " he said. "I am whatthe Almighty made me, a plain bushman who has had to work too hard forhis living to learn to put things nicely, but I never came down to anymeanness that would hurt a woman, and there isn't any need for a daintyEnglish lady to point out the difference between herself and me. "

"There may be less difference than you seem to fancy, " said the girl atrifle maliciously. "You are Alton of Carnaby. "

"Pshaw!" said the man with a little gesture of pride and impatience, which Miss Deringham was forced to admit became him. "I'm Alton ofSomasco, and nobody gave it me. I won it from the lake and the forestthat comes crawling in again--but I'm getting off the trail. I didn'tknow your father was coming here, and hadn't any notion who you were. "

"That's curious, because he wrote to tell you, " said the girl. 

Alton flushed a little, for he was somewhat quick-tempered, and tooproud to be otherwise than a veracious man. "Well, " he said slowly, "Ihave the honour of telling you I didn't get the letter. There's aplace called Somasco down in Vancouver. "

Miss Deringham decided that she had ventured sufficiently far. Indeed, on subsequent reflection she was forced to admit that she had gonefarther than was quite seemly, which somewhat naturally increased herdispleasure against the man. In the meanwhile she, however, made alittle gracious gesture. "Then I don't think the explanation wasnecessary, " she said. 

Alton laughed a little, and held out his hand. "Do you know I'mthankful that's over once for all, and now we can be friends, " he said. "There are lots of things I can show you in the valley, and a good dealmore that you can teach me. "

Alice Deringham could not afterwards quite decide why she shook handswith him, for she had no intention of teaching him anything, just then;but she did, and felt as the hard brown fingers closed upon her ownthat the friendship of this curious man could in time of necessity berelied upon. In any case, and obeying some impulse, she shook off herchilliness, and asking questions about the district evinced a graciousinterest in all he had to tell her, while presently induced by hisnaive frankness she smiled at him as she noticed him regarding hergravely. 

"I presume a dress of this kind is scarcely suitable for the bush, " shesaid. 

Alton laughed. "I wasn't looking at the dress, though it's a verypretty one, " he said. "You see, except my mother and Miss Townshead, Ihave never spoken to an English lady. "

"But you must have been very young when you lost her, " said the girl. 

Alton took off his hat, and pointed to a hillside shrouded with sombrefirs. "Yes, " he said quietly. "She sleeps up there, and in a littlewhile my father followed her. He was lonely without her, and becauseof what she had done for him, proud of his countrywomen. He often usedto talk about them. "

"And, " said Alice Deringham, "you wondered if he was mistaken?"

Alton made a little gesture that in a curious fashion implied a widechivalric faith. "No, " he said gravely, "I believe he was right. "

Miss Deringham felt a faint warmth creep into her cheek, and it was notbecause the speech might have been deemed a personal compliment. Shesaw a little deeper into the man's nature than that, and, if she hadnot, the tone of grave respect would have enlightened her. Then sheturned with a little sense of relief as Deringham came out upon theverandah. 

"I am pleased to see you and Mr. Alton have made friends, " he said, andthe girl, who noticed a faint twinkle in his eyes, turned quietly andlooked down the valley as she remembered one odious clause in the will. 

She rose early next morning, and flinging the window open to let in theglorious freshness heard a commotion below, while as she wondered as tothe cause of it several pairs of old boots went gyrating over thebalustrade of the verandah. A dilapidated saddle followed them, andthen a cloud of dust rolled up, while she saw the new owner of Carnabyappear somewhat scantily attired out of the midst of it. He had abrush in one hand and seemed disturbed about something. 

"Where the brimstone does Mrs. Margery keep the scrubbing soap?" hesaid. 

Nobody answered him, and he moved back into the dust, while Seaforthwas coming up the stairway carrying a mop and pail when a big emptyoilcan smote him upon the chest. He dropped the pail and leaned amoment, gasping and dripping, against the balustrade. 

"You might notice where you're throwing things, " he said. 

The dust rolled more thickly, and Alton's voice came out of it. "Ihadn't time to be particular, and a sensible man would have got out ofthe way of it. Don't stand there, anyway, but help me fix this placefit for a lady before Miss Deringham gets up. Then you're goingthrough to the railroad with the new pack-horse to wire for Mrs. Margery after breakfast. "

"I don't think I am, " said Seaforth. "Not on Julius Caesar, anyway. He will need a little more taming before I'm fit to ride him. "

"Then, " said Alton, laughing, "I guess you can shove him, becauseyou'll want a horse to bring up the things you're going to wireVancouver for, and Tom's off with the teams up the valley. Fetch somemore water, and start in with the scrubbing. I don't want MissDeringham to guess we've been doing anything unusual. "

"If she doesn't hear you, " said Seaforth, "she must be very deaf. "

"Now, " said Alton regretfully, "I never thought of that. Sit rightdown, Charley, and take your boots off. "

"I am going to the well first, " said Seaforth, who retired grinning, and Miss Deringham laughed softly as she heard the cautious movementsof a big barefooted man floundering about clumsily with a brush or mop. 

When she came down to breakfast, however, she was a little astonished. The room was swept, and garnished with cedar sprays, while though itsmelled of some crude soap the aromatic sweetness of balsam was presenttoo, and there were signs of taste in its decoration and thedisposition of the splendid fruit upon the table. Alton had notplucked it all, and the golden apples and velvety peaches lay withtheir soft tinting enhanced amidst the leaves. When he came in, brightof eye and apparently glowing from a plunge in the river, she glancedat him with quiet amusement. 

"You have been improving the place wonderfully, " she said. 

"You are pleased with it?" said the rancher, and the girl noticed thecontentment in his eyes when she smiled approvingly. 

"I think, " she said, "it is very pretty. "

CHAPTER VII

ALTON BLUNDERS

Deringham spent several weeks at Somasco without arriving at anyunderstanding with its owner. This, however, did not cause him anygreat concern, because he had at his doctor's recommendation decided ona somewhat lengthy absence from England, and found himself regaininghealth and vigour with every day he passed in the pleasant valley. Hewas also desirous of gaining time, because he had left negotiations forthe formation of a company to take over an enterprise he was interestedin in train, and, while these could proceed as well without him, afavourable termination would, by relieving him from immediate financialanxiety, enable him if it seemed advisable to adopt a firmer tone inany discussion respecting Carnaby. Alton had in the meanwhile quietlyavoided the subject. 

Affairs were in this position when he sat one evening with his daughteron the verandah, glancing now and then down the valley. It was verystill and peaceful, and trails of white mist crept about the pines, while, though the paling light still lingered high up upon the snow, acrescent moon was growing into visibility against the steely bluenessbehind the eastern shoulder of a hill. Deringham, however, waslistening for the thud of hoofs, and wondering if the mounted man sentdown to the settlement would bring any letters for him. His daughtersat close by him, dreamily watching the darkness roll higher about thepines. She had not as yet grown tired of Somasco, and found its owneran interesting study. He was of a type that was new to her, and thegirl of a somewhat inquiring disposition. 

Presently she turned to her father. "How long shall we stay here?" shesaid. 

"I don't know, " said Deringham. "It depends upon the Canadian, and inthe meanwhile I am picking up a good deal of useful information aboutthe mineral resources of this country. Alton of Somasco seems to be asomewhat intelligent man. "

"Yes, " said the girl thoughtfully. "It is a little difficult todislike him. "

"I, " said her father, smiling, "do not know that there is any greatnecessity, or notice signs of a marked endeavour on your part to do so. "

The girl glanced at him inquiringly. "You mean?" said she. 

"Nothing, " said Deringham. "Only the Canadian is also a man. Well, weshall be going on to Vancouver presently. "

The girl laughed a little. "That is incontrovertible, " she said. "Whynot go on now?"

"There are reasons, " said Deringham somewhat gravely. "For one thing Ihope to be in a position shortly to make terms with him. "

"But Carnaby is his, " said the girl. 

"Yes, " said Deringham, "unless he gives it up. "

His daughter appeared thoughtful. "I scarcely think he will!"

Deringham laughed a little. "It might be possible to find means ofinducing him. "

Alice Deringham shook her head. "From what I have seen of Mr. Alton, Ifancy it would be difficult. "

"Well, " said Deringham dryly, "we shall see. "

He had scarcely spoken when a soft drumming sound came out of thestillness. It grew steadily louder, was lost in the roar of the river, and rose more distinct again, while the girl, who realized that a manwas riding up the valley, wondered with unusual curiosity what news hewould bring. She also grew impatient, for that staccato drummingseemed to jar upon the harmonies of the evening, and she walked to thebalustrade when the sound swelled into a thudding beat of hoofs. Theman was crossing the oatfield at a gallop now. Then the sound rosemuffled out of the gloom of the orchard the trail ran through, and shefelt curiously expectant when once more the rider swung out into theshadowy clearing. She afterwards remembered the vague apprehensionwith which she watched and listened, for it seemed to her that someintangible peril was drawing nearer with the galloping horse. A minuteor two later Seaforth came into the verandah with a packet of lettersin his hand. 

"There are several for you, sir, " he said, handing Deringham some ofthem, and passed into the house shouting, "Harry. "

Deringham glanced through his budget, and his face changed a little, while his daughter noticed the set of his lips and the clusteringwrinkles about his eyes. There was a telegraphic message, but he putit aside and opened a bulky envelope whose stamp he recognized. Thenthe missive he took out rustled a little in his hand as he read:

"I'm afraid negotiations are not progressing well. Mortimer, as youwill see by enclosed copies of correspondence, demands a revaluationwhich would not be advisable before he will underwrite any of thecapital. "

Deringham laid down the letter, and his daughter turned suddenly at hisexclamation. "The fools should have bought him off!" he said. 

Then he took up the telegraphic message and read, "Schemeimpracticable. Cannot compromise with Mortimer. Harper and theSyndicate against us. Details following. "

Deringham said nothing, but sat staring before him with a face thatseemed to have grown suddenly grey and haggard, until his daughterspoke to him. 

"Have you had bad news, father?" she said. 

The man, who had been sitting so that the light which shone out fromthe room behind them fell upon him, moved. "I have, " he said. "Thismessage informs me that at least ten thousand pounds have beenvirtually taken out of my pocket. As it happened, I wanted the moneysomewhat badly. "

He rose, and entering the house met Alton coming out of it. TheCanadian brushed past him with a letter in his hand, and Deringhamturned a moment and looked after him. The financier's face was notpleasant just then, and there was a curious glitter in his eyes, whileSeaforth, who was following his comrade, stared at him as he passed, and came up with Alton on the verandah. 

"What has gone wrong with Deringham?" he said. 

"I don't know, " said Alton lightly. "Do you think anything has?"

"That, " said Seaforth, "is what I am asking you. He looked condemnablyugly just now. One could have fancied that he contemplated killingsomebody. "

Alton laughed. "Got a little business trip up, I expect, " he said, andmoved forward as he spoke. "Here's word from Mrs. Jimmy. She wants toknow when I'm going to begin. Women are very persistent, MissDeringham, but this one has some reason. "

"They usually have, " said the girl. "I do not, however, know Mrs. Jimmy. "

"Of course, " said Alton, smiling. "Still, I expect you'll see her uphere presently. "

It was a day or two later when Alton returned to the topic of Mrs. Jimmy, and he was then kneeling in the stern of a canoe which slid witha swift smoothness down the placid lake as he dipped the glisteningpaddle. Miss Deringham was seated forward on a pile of cedar-twigs, with a wet line in her fingers, and in no way disturbed by the factthat she had caught nothing. Such expeditions had become somewhatfrequent of late, and though the girl sometimes wondered what she foundto please her in the company and conversation of the bush rancher, thefact that she usually went with him when he crossed the lake remained. 

"I have seen that trail of smoke up there before. Where does it comefrom?" she said languidly, pointing to a distant film of vapour thatdrifted in a faint blue wreath along the slope of a hill. 

"That, " said Alton, "is the Tyee mine. "

"I have heard of it. They find silver there?"

"Yes, " said Alton dryly. "They find a little. "

"There is silver in those mountains, then?" said Miss Deringham. 

Alton nodded. "Lots of it. Still, it costs a good deal to get out, and then it doesn't pay for the mining occasionally. That's thetrouble with the Tyee. "

"Still, it must pay somebody, or they would not go on, " said MissDeringham. 

Alton laughed a little. "Oh, yes, " he said dryly. "It pays a mancalled Hallam and some others of his kind who got up the company. Still, sometime and somehow, I think he will be sorry he stole poorfolks' money. "

"You, " said Miss Deringham, smiling, "are an optimist, then?"

Alton gravely glanced about him, and the girl fancied she understoodhim as she followed his gaze from snowpeak down the great pine-shroudedhillside to the river frothing in the valley. "I don't know, but onefeels there's something beyond all that, " he said. "It didn't comethere by accident, and it has all its work to do. Sun and frost andsliding snow grinding up the hillside very sure and slow, and the riversweeping what it gets from them way down the valley to spread newwheatfields out into the sea. "

"But, " said Miss Deringham, smiling, "we are speaking of men, and Idon't quite see the connection. "

"Well, " said Alton, "they have their place in the great machine too, and must work like the rest, and do something to make it more fruitful, in return for the food the good earth gives them. "

"A good many men don't seem to realize the obligation, " said MissDeringham. 

Alton nodded. "No, but I can't help thinking they'll be dealt withsomehow. They're just stealing from the others. "

"You are a socialist, then?"

"No, " said Alton, "I don't think I am. It seems to me that every manis entitled to all the dollars he can get by working for them honestly, and there's a place somewhere in this great world for him, if he hasthe grit to get up and look for it as he was meant to do, but it has nouse for the man who wants to sit still and think about his dinner whileother folks work for him. "

"Still, he may have earned the right to do so, " said the girl. 

"Well, " said Alton grimly, "most of that kind I've met with seemed tohave stolen it, and one or two of them had, for a few thousand dollars, sent good men to their death. When you've seen your comrades sickeningand starving on rotten provisions in the snow, or washed out down thevalley by the bursting of a dam that was only built to sell, you beginto wonder whether it would be wrong to wipe out some of that crowd withthe rifle. "

The veins swelled on his forehead, and there was a smouldering fire inhis eyes, while the girl suspected he was alluding to some especialmember of the class, and noticed that his eye seemed to follow thesmoke of the Tyee. Then he laughed. 

"I guess I'm talking nonsense again, but there's a little behind it, and I feel that you can pick it out, " he said. "Now I'm not good atamusing women, but you and Mrs. Jimmy seem to understand me. "

"Who is Mrs. Jimmy, and does her husband belong to Somasco?" asked thegirl, with a smile. 

Alton laid down the paddle, and took off his hat. "Jimmy, " he saidsolemnly, "is dead. He was my partner, and his wife is a friend ofmine. She was in some ways very like you. "

"They had a ranch up here?" said Miss Deringham languidly. 

"No, " said Alton. "It wasn't often they had ten dollars. She was alady bar-keep down in Vancouver before she married Jimmy. He was atrail-chopper in this country. I don't know what he was in the oldone. "

"And, " said Miss Deringham, "Mrs. Jimmy resembles me?"

She regretted it next moment when she saw Alton's face. It expressedsubdued surprise, and the girl felt irritated with herself. 

"Yes, " he said gravely. "Human nature's much the same at the bottom, whether it has gold on the top of it or the dints of the hammer, andMrs. Jimmy was good all through. "

"That, " said Miss Deringham, "is distinctly pretty. "

"Well, " said Alton smiling, "I didn't mean it that way. Work wasscarce in the province, and I'd lost my cattle when Jimmy went up withme into the ranges to look for silver. He brought his wife along, because he had no dollars or anywhere to leave her, and it was a mightytough place for a woman where we camped under the big glacier. Westayed right there most of the winter. There was only frost and snow, and the wind that whirled it about the pines, and, until it froze up, we lived a good deal on salmon from the river. They were dead when wegot them, and some of them rotten. "

Miss Deringham shivered. "And when the river froze?" she said. 

"Then, " said Alton gravely, "there were days when we lived on nothing, and worked until we couldn't hold the pick to keep from thinking. Still, we got a deer now and then, and we had a very little flour. Itwas mouldy when we bought it, but we hadn't dollars enough for anythingbetter. Mrs. Jimmy got sick and thin, but she never grumbled, and wasalways waiting bright and smiling when we crawled back into the shanty. Anyway, we found no silver that would pay for the getting, though weknew it was there. "

"How did you know that?" said Miss Deringham. 

"Well, " said Alton, "a Siwash told us something. He crawled instarving one day, and though we hadn't much over we fed him. Foranother thing we felt it in us that we were on the right trail. "

"That, " said the girl, "does not sound possible. "

Alton nodded. "No, " he said. "Still, one gets taught up there in thebush that there's more in a man than what some folks think of as hisreason. Well, we made a tough fight, and were beaten. "

Miss Deringham glanced at him covertly, and noticing his quiet, bronzedface, steady eyes, and big brown hands, felt that the struggle had beenvery grim and stubborn. "So you gave it up?" she said. 

"Yes, " said Alton, "for a time, and I had my hands full with otherthings when Jimmy went back again. He had piled up a few dollars andleft the woman behind him. He took the trail with a good outfit and apack-horse, but he didn't come down again, and when Mrs. Jimmy gotanxious I went up to look for him. It was a good while before I foundhim sitting under a pine, and he had found the silver, though it wasn'tmuch use to him. "

"Was it a rich vein?" said the girl. 

"Yes, " said Alton solemnly, "I think it was, from the specimens he hadbrought along, but, and it's difficult sometimes to see why thingsshould happen that way, he couldn't tell me where it was. Jimmy wasdead, you see. "

The girl shivered visibly. "It must have been horrible. "

"No, " said Alton gravely. "He was sitting there very quiet in the snowwith his hand frozen on the rifle, and there was a big dead panther notfar away; but I was more sorry for Mrs. Jimmy than I was for him. Jimmy hadn't always been a trail-chopper, and one could see he had beencarrying a heavy load he brought out from the old country. I think hewas tired. "

"And the silver still lies hidden up there?" said Miss Deringham. 

Alton nodded. "Yes, " he said. "I've hunted for it twice, but couldn'tfind Jimmy's trail. By and by, and because the woman wants it, I'mgoing back again. "

"But it would belong to anybody who found it now, " said Miss Deringham. 

"No, " said Alton quietly. "A half of what I get there belongs to Mrs. Jimmy. The dead man has a claim. "

"I am not sure that most men would think so. You are generous, " saidthe girl. 

"No, " said Alton. "I'm just where I can, and it hurts me to oweanybody anything, whether it's a favour, or the other thing. "

Miss Deringham understood him, and reflected as she glanced at him outof the corners of her eyes that her father would do well if he dealtopenly with this man. She fancied he could be remorseless in areckoning, and she had now and then of late had unpleasant suspicionsrespecting Deringham's intentions concerning him. 

Alton took up the paddle, and the pair found Deringham waiting themwhen they landed. They crossed the valley together, and the girl, whohad seen little of industrial activity, became interested when at herfather's desire they followed Alton into the mill. A cloud of pungentsmoke hung about it, and the steady pounding of an engine jarredthrough the monotone of the river, which was low just then, while therewas a pleasant fragrance in the open-sided building where brawny menmoved amidst the whirling dust with the precision of the machines theyhandled. Alice Deringham could see with untrained eyes that there wasno waste of effort here. The great logs that slid in at one end passedstraight forward over the rattling rollers, and made no deviation untilthey went out as planking. Silent men and whirring saws, whosestrident scream changed to a deeper humming as they rent into the greatredwood trunks, alike did their work with swift efficiency, and oncemore the girl glanced with a little wonder at the man who had organizedit all. 

"This appears to be a remarkably well-laid-out mill, " said her father. 

Alton laughed a little. "We shall have a bigger one by and by, " hesaid. "The only thing I'm proud of is the planer, and she cost me apile of dollars. I had to cut down all round before I could buy thething, and then I pulled her all to pieces, and fixed her up myself. "

Alice Deringham followed her father towards a big, humming machine thatwas tearing off the surface of the planks fed to it and flinging themout polished into whiteness. Alton glanced at it admiringly. 

"Yes, I'm proud of that, " he said. "It was a tight fit buying her, andnow she's saving me dollars every day. " Then he turned to a stoopingman. "You're crowding her a little. "

Alice Deringham noticed the resentment in the man's face, which was nota pleasant one, and that, in place of relaxing the pressure, he seemedto thrust a little more strenuously upon the plank he guided; but thatwas all she saw, for the next moment there was a crash and a loudwhirring, and a cloud of woody dust was flung all over her. 

Alton sprang forward through it, and a big leather belt suddenlystopped, but the girl could never clearly remember what happened next, for the dust still whirled about her. There, however, appeared to be abrief altercation, and as Alton moved towards him the other man droppedhis hand to his belt. Guessing what the action meant, Alice Deringhamshrank back with a little shiver, and her father appeared to grasp theman's shoulder. Alton swayed suddenly sideways, and then hurledhimself forward, while next moment two men fell violently against thewrecked machine. One of them seemed to be helpless in the grasp of theother, and staggering clear of the planer they went reeling through themill. Then there was a splash in the river, and Alton returned alone, breathless and somewhat white in face. 

"Sorry, but there was no other way out of it, " he said a triflehoarsely. "Now I've got to size up the ruin, if you'll excuse me. "

Deringham turned away with his daughter in time to see a drippingobject crawl out on the opposite side of the river. "Are you stillpleased with your tame bear?" he said ironically. 

The girl laughed a little, though her colour was perhaps a triflehigher than usual. "There is a good deal of the beast still unsubduedin him, " she said. 

Deringham nodded. "Still, he had some provocation, and I think he wasright. So far as I could follow the discussion, the other man meant toquestion his ability to dismiss him, with the pistol. "

Alice Deringham said nothing further upon the subject until Altonjoined them as they sat out on the verandah that night. "You are notpleased with me?" he said. 

"There is nothing to warrant me telling you so, and I may have beenmistaken, " said the girl reflectively. 

"No, " said Alton, "that's the pity; but couldn't you remember just nowand then that you are friends with me?"

"Things of this kind make it a little difficult, " said Miss Deringham. 

"Well, " said Alton, "that machine cost me twelve months' grimself-denial, and the fellow broke it out of temper because I spoke tohim. "

"It was, " said Miss Deringham, "sufficiently exasperating, but was therest justifiable because you were a stronger or bolder man than him?"

Alton laughed a little. "You don't understand. I did it because I wasafraid, " said he. "Now if I hadn't been, I'd have backed that manright into the river without touching him. "

The girl glanced at him and then lapsed into a ripple of laughter. "I'm afraid I must give you up, " said she. 

Just then Deringham came into the verandah, and Alton turned towardshim. "It's a little difficult to put it as I would like to, but I'mglad it was you. You know what I mean. "

Deringham appeared a trifle embarrassed. "I'm not sure that you areindebted to me at all, " he said. "I only seized his shoulder, and youwould not have expected me to look on?"

Alton shook his head. "I don't think he would have missed if youhadn't done it, and I will not forget, " he said. "This thing willalways count for a good deal between you and me. "

He went away, and Alice Deringham glanced at her father with a flush inher face. "I did not understand before. The man had a pistol and youtook it from him?"

"No, " said Deringham, with a curious little laugh. "I meant to knockhis arm up, and am not sure that I did it. It was, considering allthings, a somewhat disinterested action. "

CHAPTER VIII

HALLAM'S CONFEDERATE

It was about the middle of the afternoon of the day following Alton'saffray with the workman when the cook came limping into the verandah ofthe Somasco ranch, where Deringham leaned, cigar in hand, against apillar talking to his daughter. She lay in a hide chair Alton hadfound for her, listening more to the drowsy roar of the river than toher father, but she lifted her head when the man appeared. He carrieda tray whereon were displayed a badly dinted metal teapot ofconsiderable size, two large, flat cakes of bread, a can of condensedmilk, and a saucer swimming with partially melted butter, which hadresolved itself into little lumps of whitish grease and a thin goldenfluid under the afternoon sun. He laid them on the table, and afterdeftly picking out one or two dead flies from the butter turned to thegirl with a grin in which pride was evident, though it was apparentlymeant to be deprecatory. 

"I guess this is the kind of thing you were used to in the old country, Miss, " he said. "You have only got to tell me if you would fancy apiece of cold pork or other fixings. "

Alice Deringham dared not glance at her father, who seemed to be gazingfixedly down the valley, but her lips quivered a little as she turnedtowards the man. 

"I do not think we shall want anything else, " she said with a serenitythat cost her an effort, though it was excellently assumed. 

The man limped away with the tray, though he stopped again at the footof the stairway. "If you take a notion of that pork after all, hammeron the iron roofing sheet there, and I'll bring it right away, " he said. 

Alice Deringham waited until he was out of sight, and then lay back inher chair and laughed when her father glanced at her with a little grimsmile. 

"Savages, my dear!" he said. "Still, their intentions are evidentlykindly, which is unfortunate because it involves us in a difficulty. "

"A difficulty?"

Deringham nodded. "I have a suspicion that our estimable kinsman, whoseems to consider that what is good enough for Somasco should contentanybody, might be offended if we slighted his hospitality, and thatteapot apparently contains at least three pints of strong green tea, "he said. "I do not know whether you feel equal to consuming half ofit, but if it is the same as I had at breakfast I must be excused. Onecould also fancy from their solidity that those cups had been intendedfor breaking stones with. "

"I can at least pour the tea over the balustrade, " said the girl. "Itis the bread that presents the difficulty. It would crumble in yourpocket, and you will presumably have to eat a little to saveappearances. "

Deringham made a gesture of resignation. "On condition that you do asmuch. I am not going to be the only victim, though I fancy you couldnot crumble that bread in a stamp battery. This meal, and what we haveotherwise seen at Somasco, confirms my theory that the folks who makemoney in the Colonies could save as much, or more, in England if theylived in a similar fashion. "

"Would it be worth while?" asked the girl with a little smile. 

"It is a question of temperament, " said Deringham. "Personally, I donot think it would. Indeed, one could fancy that a man of taste wouldsooner be interred decently, which is why I will take a very little ofthe tea. You see, our mode of life in England, unfortunately, dependsto some extent upon my retaining the good will of Mr. Alton of Somasco. He will, however, have to excuse me from tasting his butter. "

The girl poured a little of the tea into the cups, and then emptied thepot over the balustrade, which was, as it happened, a blunder, becausewhile she endeavoured to crumble a small portion of the bread so as toconvey the impression that she had been eating it, Alton and Seaforthcame into the verandah. 

The latter glanced at her, and, for he could not help it, a littlesmile flickered in his eyes. 

"It is a very long while since I had afternoon tea, and I am not surethat Harry ever indulged in it in his life, " he said. "I will bringsome more cups if you will give us some. "

Deringham looked at his daughter reproachfully, though his eyestwinkled, and for just a moment a flush crept into the girl's face, butshe laughed as she said, "Then I must trouble to ask the cook for morewater. "

Alton hammered upon the suspended iron sheet, and in a minute or twothe cook appeared again with a large plateful of sliced pork which helaid down before Miss Deringham. 

"I was figuring you would change your mind, and if you want any moreyou have only to ask for it, " he said. 

It cost the girl an effort to repress a shiver of disgust, but thoughshe succeeded Alton saw her face, and she noticed that the bronze grewa trifle darker in his forehead. It seemed that he guessed herthoughts, but the fact that he offered no explanation and made noexcuse for the uninviting fare pleased her. She fancied she understoodhis reticence, and that it became him. 

"Take that pork away, and bring more water!" he said, and there was afaint ring in his voice, as he turned to the cook. 

The man, who took up the teapot, shook it, and then, as though stillincredulous, lifted the lid and gazed inside it. 

"More water?" he said. 

"Yes, " said Alton, a trifle harshly. "Get it right now!"

The man went away, and there was for almost a minute a somewhatunpleasant silence. Even Seaforth did not seem to know what to say, though he felt an absurd desire to laugh, and Alice Deringham was atonce relieved and somewhat astonished when Alton put an end to it by awhimsical story of a raw Englishman's camp cookery. Seaforth followedit with a better one, and the whole four were laughing when the cookcame back again. He smiled at them reassuringly as he put the teapotdown. 

"I guess there's enough this time, " he said. "It's that full I couldscarcely get the lid on. "

The tea was strong, and acrid with the sting of the wood smoke, butthere was no avoiding another cupful, and Deringham drank determinedly, while his daughter felt that she had made full atonement when she sether cup down half empty. Then Alton, who explained that he hadsomething to attend to, went away, and Seaforth smiled at the girl whenDeringham went in for another cigar. 

"I wonder if one might venture to congratulate you on your resolution?"he said. 

"If I knew exactly what you meant I could answer more readily, " saidAlice Deringham. 

"Well, " said Seaforth reflectively, "I fancy you do, and, if it's anycomfort to you, I think Harry does too. He is considerably less of afool than folks who do not understand this country might suppose him tobe; but the point is, that if he can prevent it you will not suffer aninfliction of this kind again. "

"I wonder why you thought it worth while to tell me, " said AliceDeringham. "Have I admitted that it was an affliction, or do yousuppose I am very frightened of a little indifferent tea?"

Seaforth laughed. "I can't fancy you so fond of it as the cook seemsto conclude, and I don't think indifferent was exactly the word. Astronger one would have been appropriate. Still, though I am not surethat you will understand me, I told you because I felt it was due toHarry. You see, his attitude was really the correct one, and takinghim all round I am rather proud of him. "

"Hasn't that an appearance of unnecessary patronage?" asked MissDeringham, who was slightly nettled. 

Seaforth nodded. "It has, " he said. "Only that the feeling is sharedby everybody in this district, it would be sheer presumption. Goodwine, you know, needs no bush. "

He went away because he had a suspicion that Alton would be wantinghim, which was borne out when he found his comrade saddling a horse. 

"Where are you going, Harry? We are not half way through with thesawlogs, " he said. 

"No, " said Alton dryly. "Still, if you work hard enough, you and Tomshould get them into the water before it's dark to-night. I'm goingright down to Horton's. "

Seaforth laughed. "I thought you would. Horton has, however, as muchtaste in china as the average mule. Don't leave it to him. "

"How did you guess that?" and Alton stared at him. 

"That, " said Seaforth, "was delightfully simple. It is a little moredifficult to decide what Miss Deringham, who is a quick-witted youngwoman, did with the tea. As you are quite aware, she did not drink it. Still, that is not the question. I'll write you out a little list ofwhat is wanted--I used to know a little about china once, you see, andyou tell Horton to send it on to Vancouver. How much would you care tospend, Harry?"

"Just whatever is necessary, but get the best, " said Alton. "Writeanother list of cakes and jellies and things of that kind, too. Putdown plenty. "

Seaforth returned by the time the horse was saddled, with an envelope, and Alton, who took it, rode out at a gallop, for it was a long way tothe settlement, and the evenings at the ranch had of late become verypleasant to him. He did not wish to lose a minute of one of them. Hedrew bridle, however, when he came up with two men standing in thenarrow trail, one of whom signed to him. He was a small rancher, butit was not until the impatient horse plunged that Alton recognized theother, who moved aside, as the man he had thrown into the river. Therancher saw the glance that passed between them. 

"Hallo!" he said. "Then you two had trouble when you split? Now, Damer was telling me he'd got kind of tired of saw milling. "

Alton laughed. "That's quite likely, " he said. "He showed it bybreaking up my planer in a fit of temper, and I fired him. "

Then he touched the horse with his heel, and Damer's gaze grew venomousas he watched him ride away down the shadowy trail. The rancherevidently noticed it. 

"Now I begin to understand how you got your jacket tore up and thatlump on your forehead, " he said. "I wasn't quite sure about your tale, anyway, and if Harry fired you it was for something mean. You'll getno horse from me. "

The other man said nothing as he turned away, but his face was notpleasant as he plodded down the trail, and those words of Alton's wereto cost him dear, for if Damer had obtained the horse he wanted tocarry him to the railroad he would in all probability have left thecountry, which would have prevented a good deal of trouble. As it was, however, he restrapped the roll of blankets on his back, and trudged onwith bitterness in his heart under the heat of the afternoon. He hadwhen he left the Somasco mill headed in the direction of the Tyee mine, and passed the night in the woods; but with the morning reflectioncame, and he had doubled on his trail and was then making for therailroad, stiff with fatigue. Each time he stumbled into a rut and thejolt shook him he remembered his last grievance against Alton, who hadsent him on foot, and his frame of mind was not an enviable one when helimped into sight of the settlement as dusk was closing down. 

He had made a long journey that day, and a good deal depended on thefact that he was weary and his boots galled him, because it had beenhis intention to push on to a ranch beyond the settlement before heslept, and hire a horse there. Damer was not especially sensitive, buthe felt no great desire to encounter the badinage of the men generallyto be found about the store, who, he surmised, would have heard by thistime what had happened at the Somasco mill. Still, he was hungry andweary, and stopped a moment when he caught a blink of light between thetrees. The bush behind him was very black and still, the dampness ofthe dew was on his dusty garments, and he shivered a little in thefaint cold breeze that came down from the snow. Then more lightstwinkled into brightness, a cheerful murmur of voices and a burst oflaughter came out of the shadows, and the glow that broke out from thewindows of Horton's store seemed curiously inviting. Damer, however, dallied still, and fumbled for his tobacco. He would sit down where hewas and smoke, he said, and then attempt that last toilsome league. 

As it happened, he could not find the tobacco, and having a hazyrecollection of laying it on the ground the last time he filled hispipe, he shook his aching shoulders and trudged on. The loss of thetobacco decided him, and with a malediction on Alton he made forHorton's. It was also a fateful decision with far-reaching results hemade just then. Supper had long been cleared away when he entered thegeneral room of the hotel, and then stopped a moment with his hand onthe door, for the one man who sat under the big lamp was the lastperson he desired to meet. He had, however, some papers spread out infront of him, and Damer decided to slip away quietly, but as he movedthe blankets on his shoulders struck the door, which rattled, and theman looked up sharply. He had a fleshy face, and black beady eyes, which he fixed on Damer, who stood still, with a little, unpleasantsmile. 

"Come right in!" he said. 

Damer smothered an anathema as he recognized the command in the tone. "No, " he said. "If you don't mind, Mr. Hallam, I'll be getting onagain. "

"Come in!" said Hallam, a trifle more sharply, but for just a momentDamer remained motionless. A few steps would take him down theverandah stairway, and then the shadowy bush lay before him. Had hehad a horse, he would have obeyed the impulse which prompted him toavoid the encounter; but, as it happened, owing to the fact that Altonhad met the rancher who would otherwise have lent him one, he had none. So with evident unwillingness he came slowly forward, and dropping hisbundles on the floor flung himself into a chair. 

"Well, " he said, "I'm here. "

Hallam, who had been watching him, nodded reflectively. "I guess youdidn't expect to find me, or you wouldn't have come, " he said. "Wherewere you going?"

"To the railroad, " said Damer. "Out of the country!"

"Without telling me? That was kind of foolish of you. Still, youhaven't much sense, anyway. You had quite a well-paid job at Somasco. "

"Well, " said Damer dryly, "I haven't got it now. "

Hallam laughed, though the glint in his eyes did not express good will. "You have got a temper that will be the ruin of you, and don't knowwhen a man's too big for you, while, now I come to look at you, there'sa lump on your forehead that makes the thing quite plain. You havebeen fooling with Alton, and he has 'most pounded the life out of you. Still, what do you want to leave the country for, anyway?"

Damer set his lips, and drummed with his fingers on the table. Then hemade a little deprecatory gesture, and glanced at Hallam. 

"You'll hear it all by and by, but there's one point where you'rewrong, " he said. "Now, I'm not scared too easily, but I kind of feelit in me I'll make nothing but trouble for myself by worrying Alton. Still, it's not the man himself I'm afraid of. I've met tougher ones, and come out ahead of them. "

Hallam sat silent a moment, for he knew the prospectors and surveypackers who passed their lives amidst the desolate ranges and in theshadowy bush and their superstitions. 

"You have had trouble with him before?" he said. 

"Yes, " said Damer, "I have. He cut my partner down with an axe backthere in Washington. It was in the big rush in the Baker foothills, and we had a hard crowd standing in with us; but I had to pull out, andAlton and another man made most of five thousand dollars out of theclaim I left. "

"The Bluebird?" said Hallam reflectively. "I remember that rush. Alton did himself well. Wasn't there a man called Nailer mixed up inthe affair?"

"There was, " said Damer, who seemed to shiver a little. "He was mypartner. We'd have had the claim, and Alton wouldn't have worriedanybody again, if Nailer had kept his nerve that night. Something wentwrong with the spring of his Winchester. --and Alton didn't give himanother chance. "

The silence that followed was, somewhat impressive. Hallam was tryingto remember what he had read about the affray in question in a Tacomapaper, while Damer once more saw in fancy a man spring half-dressedthrough the wisp of smoke that drifted about a little tent. Heremembered with an unpleasant distinctness the crash of the rifle shotthat rang amidst the shadowy pines, and the grim face of the man whowhirled an axe that glinted in the moonlight about his head. He sawthe flash of its descent--and then brushing the memories from himstretched out a hand that shook a little towards the whisky on thetable. 

"Well, " he said, "I owe Alton a good deal, and that's why I went up toSomasco when you told me, but he has been too much for me again, andnow I feel it in me that if I'm wise I'll let that man alone. "

He drank a little whisky, and sat still, staring vacantly before himwith a vague apprehension in his eyes, while the strained tenseness ofhis expression and attitude was not without its effect on Hallam, andit was unfortunate he did not yield to the impulse which prompted himto let Damer go. He, however, shook off the fancy with a little, impatient laugh. 

"It's not going to suit me to have you slipping out of the country, " hesaid. "I want you right here, though it would be quite easy to find aman with twice the grit you have in you. You let Alton whip you offyour claim in Washington, and--for I've a notion of what hashappened--'most pound the head off you yesterday. Now you want tolight out, leaving him to laugh at you?"

Damer flushed a little, and a look of vindictive malice crept into hiseyes as he rose. 

"That's about enough!" he said. "You're quite a different man fromAlton. I'm going on. "

"Sit down!" said Hallam sharply. "I'm quite as dangerous to you. Takesome more whisky, and listen to me, though I didn't think it would benecessary to go into the thing again. I was with the men who foundGordon at the bottom of his shaft on the Quatchigan. "

Damer appeared irresolute, but he sat down. "Nobody knows how he gotthere. "

"No? Well, I have a notion, and I guess Tom Winstanley and one otherman could tell. "

"Winstanley's dead. "

Hallam laughed. "Still, the other man is on my pay-roll, but where youcan't get at him unless I want you to. Now, are you going to gainanything by kicking against me?"

Damer was evidently astonished, and sat for almost a minute as thoughlost in reflection. Then he made a little gesture as one who abandonsa struggle. 

"I guess that takes me. What do you want?" he said. 

"Nothing very much in the meanwhile. They'll start you rock-drillingat the Tyee, but it's quite likely I'll send you up into the rangesprospecting by and by. Still, I don't want any of the folks down hereto know you're with me, and you'll start out by the railroad trailto-morrow, and wait at the lake until I come up with you. There'ssomebody coming now!"

Damer moved abruptly, for there was a step on the stairway, and as hereached the verandah a man brushed past him. He stopped, and for amoment Damer and Alton stood face to face. The latter, however, passedon, and swept his glance round the room, seeing only a man he did notrecognize sitting at the opposite end with his back to him. Then heswung round again, and went down the stairway shouting, "Horton!" untila man came out from a shed at the back of the store. 

"Well, " he said, "I'm here. You needn't raise the whole place, Harry. "

Alton laughed. "I've been up to Grantly's, and he's going in to therailroad to-morrow. You can send that order for the crockery alongwith him. Dollars are no object so long as it's pretty. The tea is tobe the best they keep in Vancouver, too. "

He swung himself into the saddle, and shook the bridle, while Damerleaned on the verandah balustrade gazing up the dusky trail he hadtaken until the last faint beat of horsehoofs sank into the silence ofthe bush. It was now very black and solemn, but away beyond it thesnow still shone faintly cold and white against the sky, and once moreDamer shivered a little as he turned towards the lighted store. He hadmeant to leave the country, but fate had been too strong for him, andremembering what Hallam had told him about the prospecting he wonderedif he and Alton would meet again under that cold gleam of snow amidstthe great desolation of the ranges. 

CHAPTER IX

MISS DERINGHAM FEELS SLIGHTED

The morning was still and almost unpleasantly warm, but Miss Deringhamlooked very fresh and cool in her long white dress as she lay in adeerhide chair on the verandah of the Somasco ranch. She had hung herhat on the back of the chair, and a shaft of sunlight called up ananswering brightness from the coils of lustrous hair. One foot in thescantiest form of slipper rested on the lowest rail of the balustrade, and she had slightly curled herself up in the chair in a fashion whichimplied a languid content with her surroundings, and that there was nolonger any need for ceremony between herself and her companion. It ispossible that Miss Deringham was aware of this, even if she had notintended to convey that impression. 

Alton, who now wore a new jean jacket buttoned right up to the neck, leaned against a pillar, answering the questions of the girl, whoglanced at him with a smile occasionally. He had, as usual, a gooddeal to do that day, and now and then turned his eyes towards the sun, as though noticing its height above the cedars, which did not, ofcourse, escape Miss Deringham's attention. Still, he lingered upon theverandah, and what she deduced from this was not unpleasant to thegirl. Though it still returned at increasing intervals, she had almostforgotten her antipathy to the man, and the fact that he was rapidlyyielding to her refining and sometimes chastening influence wasindirectly flattering. Miss Deringham experienced the moregratification in using it because he was quick-witted, and a veiledrebuke would bring a little darker colour into his sun-darkened face, and she could forgive his offences, which were indeed not frequent, forthe sake of his penitence. 

"You have been very patient, " she said at length. 

"No, " said Alton with a twinkle in his eyes, "I don't think that is athing anybody could bring up against me. "

"Still, " said the girl, "you have been an hour here talking to me, whenyou must have been dying to get away. "

Alton laughed, and Miss Deringham found something pleasant in his naivedirectness. "Now, that's not fair. If I had been I should have gone, "said he. "It would please me to stay right here and talk to you allday. "

Miss Deringham shook her head reproachfully. "One should imply suchthings and not put them into words. Still, I scarcely think you willmuch longer have an opportunity. We are going on to Vancouver veryshortly. "

Alton's face grew clouded. "Why?" he said. 

The girl laughed softly. "We have inconvenienced Mrs. Margery a gooddeal already, and it is evident that we cannot stay here for ever. "

Alton moved abruptly, and his companion fancied she heard a stifledsigh. "No, " he said gravely. "It's a pity; but you could wait foranother month or two. "

Alice Deringham smiled a little. "You and Charley will miss us, then?"

Alton nodded gravely, but there was a subdued brightness in his eyes, and the girl wished he would open them fully. She fancied he wasputting considerable restraint upon himself. "I don't know aboutCharley. He can talk better than I can for himself, but I shall missyou all the time, " he said. "This has been a revelation to me, and Ifeel that it is good for me to talk to you. Then, before you came Ihad a kind of bitter feeling against all my father's folks in England. I figured they were wrapped up in their cast-iron pride, and ready totrample on anybody who got in their way; but you have started methinking differently, and it seems my duty to know more of them. Afterall, I am an Alton of Carnaby. "

The girl smiled again. "You fancy you may have been wrong?"

The man's face flushed a little, and there was once more evidence ofthe self-restraint. "Yes, " he said simply. "I know I was a fool. "

He might have said a good deal more, and lessened the effect, for MissDeringham had seen his face and read the respect in it. Its sinceritytouched her, and she felt with a vague uneasiness that it would not bepleasant to face his contempt if he found it misplaced. 

"And yet you take your father's part?" he said. 

"Of course, " said Alton simply. "What would any son do? But it seemsto me there might be a little allowance for my grandfather, too, and Ithink he and my father have fixed up that quarrel long ago. "

"They are both dead, " said the girl with a little curiosity. 

"Yes, " said Alton, "and they kept their word, and died unyielding. Well, I think they were each right from their way of looking at thething, and that being so they could only do what they did, and wouldrespect each other for it when they meet where the long trail ends. Myfather was right in holding to the woman who loved him, and I thinkTristan Alton knew it when he left Carnaby to me. "

Miss Deringham seemed thoughtful. The man's grim code of honour, inflexible as it was primitive, caused her, for no apparent reason, indefinite misgivings, and she made a little gesture of weariness. "Ithink, " she said, "it would be better if we did not talk of Carnaby, and I was wondering if it would be possible to catch a trout if thereis a little more wind presently. "

This was scarcely a correct rendering of her thoughts, for she was inreality desirous of ascertaining whether the man would, to afford herpleasure, thrust his work aside. 

"Well, " he said eagerly, "I shouldn't wonder if it would. Now, there'sthe planer to fix up, but that could wait a little, and--but here'ssomeone coming!"

Miss Deringham was conscious of a trace of annoyance when a girl rodeout of the orchard on a wiry little pony. She was dressed neatly androde well, though the somewhat scanty skirt was evidently not the workof a habitmaker and had seen lengthy service, while the plain straw hatcould not at the limit have cost more than a dollar; nor did she wearany gloves, and her hands were brown, while her face betokened exposureto frost and wind and sun. It was, however, a comely face, and MissDeringham noticed that the girl carried herself gracefully. It wasalso curious that she was not wholly pleased when Alton went forward togreet the newcomer with his hat in his hand, and, she fancied, offeredmore assistance than was absolutely necessary in helping her down. Then they entered the verandah together, and Alice Deringham smiled ina fashion which did not pledge her to any extreme good-will when Altonpresented the stranger. 

"Miss Townshead, from the ranch back yonder, " he said. 

Miss Deringham said something of no importance, and waited withslightly unusual curiosity for the girl's answer, which somewhatastonished her. The voice was nicely modulated, and the intonationfree from Western harshness and unmistakably English. 

"You will come over and see us. It is a long time since we had a visitfrom anybody from England, " she said. "Are you pleased with thiscountry?"

Miss Deringham glanced at Alton. "I grow almost enthusiastic about itat times, " she said. "Its inhabitants are also especially kind. "

The man did not, however, respond as he might have done. "It's atolerably good country, " he said gravely, and then glanced at thestranger. "Nothing wrong at the ranch, I hope, Miss Nellie?"

"No, ", said the girl. "We have, however, heard that Jack is seriouslyill, and I rode over because the spotted steer has broken away, and Ifound the trail led into the Somasco valley. It was one of the beastsfather was sending down to sell. "

Alton became suddenly intent. "Then it has not gone far. I saw itstrail an hour ago, " he said. "Well, we must head the beast off beforeit gets into the thick timber under the range, and there's no time tolose. I'll be ready in two minutes. Would you like to follow withCharley, Miss Deringham?"

The time had scarcely been exceeded when he led a horse out of thestable, held his hand out for Miss Townshead to mount by, and thenswung himself to the saddle. Then he and the girl swung across theclearing at a gallop, and Alice Deringham endeavoured to assure herselfthat she was not angry. It appeared that her angling was ofconsiderably less importance than the capture of the steer. 

It was possibly for this reason that she was unusually gracious toSeaforth, who came along just then, and though evidently in some haste, stopped to talk to her; while when she had promised to accompany him towitness the chase, and he strode away towards the stable, her fathersauntered out of the house and glanced in her direction whimsically. 

"It occurs to me that one of us is responsible for some irregularity inthe work upon this ranch, and that the beast it a trifle uncertain inhis moods, " said he. 

"It is, " said his daughter, "a little difficult to understand you. "

Deringham pointed to the two mounted figures just entering the brush, and the girl fancied that something had ruffled him. He could beunpleasant when that happened. 

"Alton of Somasco is a somewhat busy man, but both he and his partnerseem to have suspended their energies this morning, " he said. "Nodoubt wild-beast taming has its fascination, but one might fancy it wasapt to prove a somewhat disconcerting and perilous amusement. "

"Yes?" said the girl in a tone of languid inquiry. 

Deringham nodded. "One can never tell when the beast may revert to hisprimitive instincts, and do something unpleasant, " he said. "This oneis also evidently of somewhat uncertain temperament. We are told thatUna had a lion, but the effect of the story would have been diminishedif it had been recorded that the king of the forest divided hisallegiance. "

Miss Deringham was now convinced that her father was not pleased. "Ihave not noticed anything especially leonine about Mr. Seaforth, " shesaid. 

"No, " said Deringham dryly. "The Honourable Charley appears to be anadmirable young man of the domestic feline species, but I don't know ofany reason that would make it advisable to waste powder and shot overhim. "

Miss Deringham rose languidly, but her father felt he had gone as faras was desirable, and went back to grapple with a financial difficultyfrom which he could see only one escape, while she rode away withSeaforth, who led out the horse reserved for her use. Alice Deringhamcould ride, but when they left the clearing and plunged into the bushshe found that all she had been taught in England was not much use inBritish Columbia. There was no perceptible trail, and the horsesfloundered round great fallen trees, and plunged smashing throughthickets of black raspberry and barberry. In places their flanks werebrushed by tall, black-stemmed fern, and where the forest was more opentreacherous gravel slipped beneath the hoofs that sank from sightamidst the blood-red clusters of the little wineberry. After an hourof it the girl was shaken and breathless, and she contemplated herhabit somewhat ruefully when Seaforth drew bridle. Somewhere far up ona hill shoulder there was a smashing in the bush. 

"Are you sure you have not lost the way?" she said. "It seemsimpossible for horses or cattle to get through this forest. "

Seaforth laughed. "The bush is really thin here, " he said. "Anybodyused to it could get through at a gallop, while a good bushman couldscarcely make five miles a day walking where it's tolerably thick. Iwonder if you know that the ox was originally a denizen of the bush. Ididn't until Harry told me. It always seemed to me a tranquil beastadapted for sober locomotion on nice green grass. "

"And isn't it?" said the girl with indifference in her eyes. "Mr. Alton is an authority on cattle?"

"Harry, " said Seaforth, smiling, "is, although one might not alwaysfancy so, a complete encyclopaedia on everything useful. Anyway, fromthe sound up yonder you will presently see some of the primitive habitsof the genus _bos_, and the spectacle may be the more interestingbecause the beast will if possible head away up that valley intofastnesses where only a prehistoric man with a tail could follow it. "

Alice Deringham said nothing further and was glad of the rest. Theyhad pulled their horses up on the slope of a hill which formed one sideof a hollow out of which several valleys opened. There were greattrees about them, and it was only here and there a ray of sunlightpierced the dim green shadow, while below them a stream went frothingdown a miniature canon whose banks were cumbered by fallen timber. Itwas, the girl fancied, an especially difficult place for a horseman topick his way through. 

Meanwhile the sound above grew louder, and presently an objectapparently travelling like a thunderbolt came out of the shadow. Itwas, notwithstanding the speed it made, gambolling playfully, with headtossed sideways and tail in the air, and when Miss Deringham fancied itmust turn aside for a tangled brake, went smashing straight through it. As it emerged with an exultant flourish of head and tail two otherobjects became visible behind it, and Seaforth pushed forward when themounted figures came sweeping down the mountain side. Here and therethey swung wide round a fallen tree, but they rode straight throughraspberry-canes and breast-high fern, and Alice Deringham wondered whenshe saw that one of them was a girl. She had left her hat somewhere inthe bush, her hair streamed about her, the skirt was blown aside; butshe held on with set lips and two vivid spots of colour in herwarm-tinted face, a length or two behind her companion. He was ridinghard, and there was a red smear across his face where a branch hadsmote him. 

Miss Deringham turned to watch them, realizing that whatever the steerrisked, its pursuers were in peril of life and limb. Sometimes onehorse rose above fern and thicket, or twisted, apparently with thesinuosity of a snake, in and out amidst the clustered trunks, whileonce the girl lurched forward. Miss Deringham gasped, but part of thefluttering skirt was rent away, and the little lithe figure swept onagain. The pair were, it was evident, closing with the steer, and thelatter apparently cut off from the valley it made for by the ravine. This was not, however, to prove an insuperable obstacle, for as MissDeringham with difficulty edged her horse nearer, the beast chargedstraight at the hollow, and dropped into it. Then, while she regardedits capture as certain, it rose into view again, and floundered up thealmost vertical slope on the other side with no very obviousdifficulty. Miss Deringham, who found this riding down of a Canadiansteer almost as exciting as anything she had seen when following theEnglish hounds, regretted that the ravine with its fringe ofundergrowth and litter of netted branches must apparently put a stop tothe pursuit. Though the width was not great, no horse, she fancied, would be expected to face it, and she watched the two figures flittingamidst the trunks to see when they would pull up. 

There was, however, no sign that they intended to do so, and MissDeringham gasped a little when Alton glanced for a moment over hisshoulder. 

"Pull him!" his voice reached her hoarsely, and she held her breath asshe saw the man's hand move on the bridle and his heels pressed home. The horse swung clear of the thicket, plunged with head down, flung itup, and straightened itself again; there was a drumming of hoofs, andman and beast had shot forward from the bank. It seemed an appreciabletime before they came down amidst the fern, and then Miss Deringhamdrew in her breath with a little sibilant sigh. 

"Oh!" she said softly, and there was a great smashing as man and beastreeled through a brake on the other side. 

"Yes, " said Seaforth, "it was a tolerably risky thing, but it takes agood deal to turn Harry. Where's Nellie Townshead now?"

"There, " said Miss Deringham, instinctively clenching her bridle. "Surely the girl cannot be going to try it. "

"Good Lord!" said Seaforth under his breath, and the second figurerushed with streaming skirt and hair at the gap cleared by Alton'spassage. 

Then the man turned his head, and it was a moment before he lookedround again, very white in face. "Thank Heaven!" he said hoarsely. "She's over. "

Miss Deringham glanced at him curiously, and then laughed a little. "Miss Townshead is evidently a determined young woman, " she said, withsomething in her manner which led Seaforth to fancy that this was notintended as a compliment. "But what is Mr. Alton doing?"

"Getting the rope ready, " said Seaforth. "It's scarcely used in thiscountry, but Harry once did some stock-riding on the prairie. We'llpush on a little. "

It became evident as they did so that the position favoured thepursuers now. A rock it was apparently incapable of climbing preventedthe flight of the steer in one direction, and Miss Townshead had riddenforward ready to turn the beast if it attempted escape in another. Itstopped with lowered head as though meditating an onslaught upon her, then wheeled again and came back towards Alton, who rose a trifle inhis stirrups, whirling the rope about his head. It shot forwardpresently, uncoiling in a curve, and then the man swung backwards, wheeling his horse, and there was a crash as the steer went down amidstthe fern. 

"That should take a good deal of the friskiness out of it, " saidSeaforth. "We'll go across and join them. There's a way oversomewhere. "

The steer was roped to a tree when they came up with the pair, andSeaforth noticed with some inward amusement the way in which the twogirls glanced at each other, and the contrast between them. MissDeringham was almost too serene, and, he fancied, might have steppedout of a picture. Miss Townshead's cheeks were crimson, her skirt wasrent, and, though she had evidently found opportunity to effect somealteration, loose wisps of hair still hung about her shoulders. Theywere, however, of a fine silky brown, and it seemed to Seaforth, mighthave been arranged in a more unbecoming fashion. 

"I wonder if I might venture to congratulate you. We seldom witnesshorsemanship of this description in England, " said Miss Deringham, withan inflection in her voice which Seaforth guessed the meaning of, andseemed to bring a slightly warmer tinge into the already carmine cheeksof the girl. 

Still, she looked at the speaker with a little smile. "There is adifference between the two countries, and the scarcity of dollars inthis one explains a good deal, " she said. 

Alton glanced at both of them with a slightly bewildered expression. "Of course!" said he. "The thing's quite simple. That steer is worthso many dollars to Miss Townshead's father, and he couldn't afford tolose them. "

Alice Deringham turned aside with a just perceptible gesture ofimpatience, which Seaforth noticed and fancied he understood, though itwas not apparent to the others, and while she rode on with him, Altonappeared thoughtful as he did something to his bridle. When he hadfinished it he saw that his companion was smiling at him. 

"It seems to me there are a good many things I don't know, " said he. 

"Of course, " said the girl lightly. "Still, I don't think I wouldworry over them if I were you. They are very trivial!"

Alton nodded sagely, and odd fragments of his conversation reached MissDeringham. "We'll send someone back for the steer, " he said. "Jack'sno better?"

"No, " said the girl, with a little quiver in her voice. "I am afraidthe work is too hard for him up there. "

Alton seemed thoughtful. "I wonder if he would come down and dosomething for me, " he said. "I could find a use for another man ortwo, you see. "

Again the little flush of crimson crept into Miss Townshead's cheeks. "I don't think so; he seems to fancy he can get into the C. P. R. Servicewhen he is better. "

"Well, " said Alton, "I'm going to take a liberty. Jack wouldn't havegone up yonder if you hadn't wanted the dollars?"

Nellie Townshead looked down a moment, then swiftly raised her head, and though her fingers seemed to tighten on the bridle there was acurious steadiness in her eyes. "There is, " she said, "no use indenying what everybody knows. "

Alton nodded. "I know that kind of worry, and it's a bad one. HasHallam got a hold upon the ranch?"

Miss Townshead appeared astonished, and did not answer for a moment. "I fancied you did not know, but he has, " she said. "He came up to seemy father a week ago, and that is why we are selling the stock. "

Alton's face darkened. "That man's of the same breed as the panther, only the panther lets up when he's full. Well, you needn't tell me anymore. Interest's high in this country, but it's a pity yourfather------"

He stopped a moment, and appeared a trifle embarrassed when the girlregarded him with a little flash in her eyes. "My father has done hisbest, " she said. 

"Of course!" said Alton hastily. "Well, now, Hallam wants your ranch, and when that man wants a thing it's bad to keep him from getting it, but it wouldn't please me to see him take the ranch. I wonder if youcan figure what his next move will be?"

The girl's fingers trembled, but there was patience and courage in hereyes. "I am afraid I can, " said she. "We shall be sold up and drivenout very shortly. "

Alton shook his head. "I wouldn't count too much on that. Hallam'sbad all through, but there are one or two other men who will have afinger in what's going to be made out of this country, and it would bea favour if when he shuts down on you, you send word to me. "

The girl did not look at the man, but rode silent for a while. "Ithink I understand you, and you are very kind--but it is impossible. "

"No, " said Alton grimly. "You don't understand me. There's not roomenough up here for Hallam and me, and I've a deal to square off withhim already. Now when you get your notice you will send word to me?"

"Yes, " said the girl, as one making a swift decision, and there was asudden flash of hope in her eyes. 

"That is a bargain, " said Alton, with the little soft laugh of his. "Then when the deal's fixed up all the winnings will not be countedover by Mr. Hallam. "

Miss Deringham heard nothing further, and understood very little ofwhat had reached her, while though unusually gracious to Seaforth shefound him distinctly unresponsive. 

She, however, lent Miss Townshead a hat when they reached the ranch, and made no comment when Seaforth rode home with her. It was late thatnight when the latter found Alton smoking in a somewhat dubious moodupon the verandah. 

"Is there anything worrying you?" said he. 

"Oh, yes, " said Alton grimly. "There's work of all kinds waiting, andnothing done to-day. Somehow women seem to play the devil with a man'splans, Charley. "

"Yes, " said Seaforth, "they not infrequently do. "

"Well, " said Alton, "I wouldn't mind so much if I'd pleased anybody, but I haven't, you see. I was talking at large about something afterwe'd got the steer, when Miss Nellie turned right round on me. Then Icame back here, and Miss Deringham didn't seem pleased with me. "

"Did she tell you so?" said Seaforth, smiling, and Alton turned uponhim savagely. 

"No, sir, she did not, " said he. "Anyway, it wasn't necessary. Youunderstand these folks from the old country, Charley?"

"It is, " said Seaforth dryly, "a tolerably bold venture to assert thatone understands anybody. "

"Well, " said Alton, "you know what I mean. Now do you think MissDeringham was vexed because she didn't get that fishing? You see sheis tolerably keen on it. Of course, if I had thought of it I mighthave sent you with her. "

"No, " said Seaforth, smiling. "I should scarcely fancy that was thereason, and I don't fancy the arrangement suggested would have givenMiss Deringham any great pleasure. Nor do I think I should have gone. "

"No?" said Alton inquiringly. 

"No, " said Seaforth dryly. "I'm not Alton of Somasco--and Carnaby--yousee. "

Alton regarded him sternly out of half-closed eyes. "There are jokesthat don't please me, Charley, " he said, and then laughed softly. "I'ma fool with a red-hot temper, but it's a consolation that I know abigger one than me. "

"You need not be bashful, Harry. You mean me?"

Alton nodded as he turned upon his heel, and Seaforth watched himmeditatively. "I wish I was as sure of it as you seem to be, " said he. "Well, I'm occasionally thankful I'm not a rich man, nor much of abeauty. "

CHAPTER X

THE UNDELIVERED MESSAGE

The afternoon was slipping by when, some time after the capture of thesteer, Alice Deringham sat waiting for Alton under a big fir. He hadpromised to take her out upon the lake, and the little breeze thatstirred the cedars to drowsy music would, she knew, ripple the shiningsurface and render the capture of a big trout the less problematical. The trout of British Columbia are also at least equal to those ofEngland in their faculties of discrimination and observation, andduring the listless autumn days Miss Deringham's angling had not beenespecially successful. Still, though she not infrequently returnedwith an empty basket, the girl apparently retained an enthusiasm for itshe had not always displayed at home. 

The lake she declared was beautiful, and this was beyond contravention, while even when no splash disturbed its mirror-like shining she foundit pleasant to slide across its black depths in a light canoe. Sheknew, and so did Alton, that under those conditions the silver andvermilion lure would have been quite as useful in the bottom of thecraft, but the man usually seemed too content to lazily dip the paddlewhile the girl would lead him on to talk with judicious questions. Alton could on occasion talk well, displaying a vigour and freshness ofthought which at the commencement had slightly astonished hiscompanion, who found a curious pleasure in sounding this and that depthof his nature. 

As a rule, he responded readily, and she was conscious of the samesense of power that a master of the organ might feel as his fingerstouched the stops and keys. Alton had lived simply in close touch withnature, and though he had read much, his thoughts had something of thepristine purity and vigour of the land he dwelt in, and were in afashion musical; but now and then the girl venturing overfar chancedupon a chord that rang harsh and discordant, and shrinking a littlerecognized, she fancied, the undertone of primitive barbarity. 

On the afternoon in question she was, however, slightly angry with him. He had fixed no special time, but she had waited some while, and AliceDeringham preferred that other people should wait for her. She hadalso taken some pains with her toilet and though her attire was neat inplace of ornate, its simplicity was the result of lavish expenditureand artistic selection. To some extent, and so far as she couldascertain it, it was also in accordance with the taste of the man whowas to accompany her. 

It was very still. Nobody moved in the clearing, though from beyond itrose the faint humming of saws, and the little breeze was heavy with aresinous fragrance. The log-house was silent save for an occasionalclatter from the kitchen, where Mrs. Margery was apparently busy. Alice Deringham did not like Mrs. Margery, and had reason to believethe latter returned the feeling, though she had noticed that thesomewhat grim old lady had a smile that was almost gentle for rancherTownshead's daughter. Presently the rattle of plates also ceased, andthe girl found the silence exasperating. The time was slipping by, andthere was still no sign of Alton. 

At last, however, there was a thud of horsehoofs in the orchard, and aman rode out from among the trees, but Miss Deringham, who had risenwith a smile, shut the fingers of one hand a trifle viciously when shesaw that it was not Alton. The man sat loosely in his saddle, and hisface was a trifle flushed when he pulled the horse up. 

"Is Harry Alton anywhere around, miss?" he said, and the girl noticedthat his voice was uneven. 

"He may be here presently, " she said. "I don't know where he is. "

"I've a long way to ride, and can't wait for him, " said the man, swaying a little as he gathered up the bridle. "There seems to benobody around the place, and when he comes you might tell him to go upto Townshead's as soon as he can. Miss Nellie's wanting to see him, and it's Thursday. "

"Thursday?" said Miss Deringham. 

"Yes, " said the man. "Harry will understand. There was some moreabout it, but I've forgotten it. Well, you'll tell him. I must begetting on. "

He lurched when the horse started, and though most men are abstemiousin that country, Alice Deringham decided that he was under theinfluence of alcohol. She also felt distinctly displeased with him forbringing his message before she and Alton had set out for the lake. Itwas a favourable afternoon for fishing, and not pleasant to reflectthat her amusement must be deferred at the bidding of the girl from theranch. Then she decided that as Alton would not have received themessage had he come when she expected him, it would not make any greatdifference if he did not hear it until their return. Miss Deringhamdid not remember by what reasoning she arrived at that result, but itseemed to her distinctly more fitting that Miss Townshead should be theone to wait. 

Ten minutes later Alton rode up at a gallop. "Sorry I couldn't comebefore, but I was over at Thomson's borrowing a new trolling spoon, " hesaid. "Jimmy's too slow for anything, and I had to look at a span ofoxen he'd been buying. "

"It seems to me that leisureliness is a characteristic of the country, "said the girl. 

Alton glanced at her with a faint twinkle in his eyes. "Now if youfeel vexed with me, look at the horse, " said he. "Anyway, the canoe'sready and the lake all rippling, and I've one of the new flight-hookspoons. "

Miss Deringham, who saw the spume upon the bit and the horse's whitenedsides, smiled graciously, and decided that Nellie Townshead's messagecould very well wait until the evening. 

"I will be ready in about five minutes, " she said. 

She kept the man waiting twenty, possibly because she believed it wouldbe a salutary discipline, and was not displeased to notice that hestamped impatiently up and down. Then she went down with him to thelake, and it was dusk when they returned with several fine trout, inthe state of content with each other which occasionally characterizescomrades in a successful angling expedition. They had also so much totalk about that Miss Deringham completely forgot the message, and herpleasure was only dissipated when she met her father alone for aminute. His pose expressed dejection and indecision as he came towardsher along the verandah. 

"You do not look well, " she said. 

"That, " said Deringham dryly, "is quite possible. Things are not goingwell with me just now. "

"Business worries?" said the girl. 

Deringham nodded. "And domestic too, if the affairs of Carnaby comeunder that heading. In fact, I am hemmed in by difficulties I cannotsee a way through, and to make it worse Alton will come to no decisionuntil he has sent somebody over to report upon the property. I havewondered now and then if he was talking altogether at random when hetold you that he was willing to give it you. "

"Of course!" said his daughter, smiling outwardly to cover herindignation. "It would be preposterous to think that I could acceptsuch a favour even if he had the slightest intention of relinquishinghis claim!"

"Yes, " said Deringham dryly. "Still, I fancy there are young women whowould not disdain to be mistress of Carnaby. "

The girl straightened herself a little, and the colour crept into herface. "Do not be foolish, father. You cannot fancy that the man wasspeaking seriously. "

"I don't know, " said Deringham. "I am not sure that he does himself, and if you do not, there is an end of the affair. Still, if there hadbeen anything in the speech the possibility alluded to would havelifted a great load from me. "

He said nothing further, but passed on, leaving the girl standing onthe verandah with head bent a trifle, and a face that was less cold incolouring than usual. Presently, however, she stood upright suddenlyas Alton came up the stairway, but not before he had seen her. After aswift glance at her he put his hand gently on her shoulder. 

"You are in some trouble. Can't you tell me what it is?" he said. 

Alice Deringham could just see his face in the moonlight, and it wasgravely compassionate, but there was in it, none of the personaladmiration she had sometimes noticed there, which had its effect uponher attitude towards him. He was, she felt, sorry for her because shewas a woman menaced by some difficulty, and that she should be anobject of pity to this bush rancher stung the pride, of which she had agood deal. Had he tendered his sympathy because she was AliceDeringham it is possible that she would have told him something, thoughnot exactly the simple state of the case. As it was, however, sheshook his hand off, and looked at him with a sparkle in her eyes. 

"Why should you suppose that, and venture to presume upon it?" she said. 

"Would it be presuming?"

"It would, " said the girl very coldly. 

"Then, " said Alton, "you can't tell me?"

"No, of course not. Is there any reason why I should?"

Here at least was an opportunity, but if the man desired to gain hiscompanion's confidence he made an indifferent use of it. "We are somekind of relations, and you promised to be friends with me, " he said. 

Miss Deringham laughed a little. "One seldom tells one's troubles toone's friends, " she said. 

Alton seemed to sigh. "Then there is nothing I can do?"

"Yes, " said Miss Deringham. "People are usually best alone when theyhave to grapple with a difficulty. "

Alton still lingered a moment. "If you don't want to tell me, I don'tknow how to make you, and I'm sorry, because I might fix the thing up, "he said gravely. "Well, I'm going, but it hurts me to see anythingworrying you, and know that somebody else has brought it upon you. "

"How could you know that?" said the girl. 

The man smiled a little. "It's quite simple, " said he, "You are toogood and kind to bring sorrow upon yourself or anybody. "

This was much better, but it was over-late now, and, for the girl saidnothing, he moved away, and presently met Seaforth as he strode downthe trail. 

"Hallo!" said the latter. "Where are you going, Harry?"

"I know where you can go, " said Alton grimly, "and that's right away tothe devil. "

Seaforth laughed a little. "And that's the woman's work. It's a pityHarry can't distinguish between paste and diamonds, " said he. 

It happened about this time that Miss Townshead sat in an attitude ofexpectancy in her father's house. Townshead, still wearing the redvelvet jacket, sat in the old leather chair, with the resignation ofthe incapable stamped upon him, and the cigar and cup of coffee closeby. His attitude seemed to imply that he was a very ill-used man, buthad discovered that it was no use protesting. He sipped his coffeedelicately, and then glanced towards his daughter with a trace ofirritation. 

"I wish you could keep still, my dear, " he said. "There is aninquietude in your very pose that unsettles me, and with a littlefortitude one can get used to anything. For instance, if anybody hadtold me five years ago that I could take my after-dinner coffee withouta slight flavour of old cognac I should not have believed them. "

Nellie Townshead evinced a little impatience. "It might be slightlymore difficult to dispense with the dinner, as well as the coffee, andthat is what we shall probably have to do presently, " said she. "Whydid you borrow that money from Mr. Hallam, father? Any one could haveseen that he was a rascal, and I believe that Mr. Seaforth warned you. "

Townshead sighed. "The difficulty, " he said, "is to arrive at acorrect decision before one knows what will happen. Afterwards, it iscomparatively easy. It appeared desirable to buy some cattle, and thatI should visit Victoria, where I made an unfortunate speculation, torecuperate after my last attack. During my absence Jack, as you willremember, lost some of the cattle and mismanaged the ranch. Mr. Seaforth is also a young man who occasionally takes too much uponhimself. "

The girl flushed a little. "Jack worked from morning to night, and ifwe had spent a few dollars hiring somebody to help him, it would havebeen better for all of us, " she said. "That, however, is not thequestion. What are we to do when we are turned out of the ranch, as weshall be very shortly?"

"There is, " said Townshead, "no use in anticipating unpleasantprobabilities. We will in the first place go down to Vancouver, whereI fancy you will be able to earn a moderate sum by typewriting. Theuse of the instrument is, I understand, readily acquired, and while Iregret the necessity for a daughter of mine to follow such anoccupation, the emolument appears to be reasonable. "

Nellie Townshead smiled somewhat bitterly, for the fact that she hadridden after straying cattle, and done a good many things that women donot usually undertake upon the ranch, had apparently escaped herfather's attention. 

"But is there anything you could do in Vancouver? You have no greatknowledge of business, " she said. 

Townshead smiled wryly. "It is, " he said, "a pity that I have so much, because on the two occasions I took an interest in it I lost a gooddeal of money. There is nothing for me to do here, at least. I cannotchop big trees. "

"No, " said the girl. "But have you nothing in contemplation?"

Townshead shook his head as though he were tired of the subject. "No, "he said resignedly. "I have too much regard for my very indifferenthealth to worry unnecessarily. "

The girl sighed a little, and felt very helpless, knowing that the taskof maintaining both would devolve upon her and her brother. She was adutiful daughter, but she occasionally found it difficult to maintainher respect for her father. Had he been beaten down after a stubbornstruggle she would with almost fierce loyalty have been proud of him:but Townshead, who spent most of his time safeguarding hisconstitution, had never fought at all. Conflict of any kind jarredupon him. Answering nothing, she sat still listening, until at last atramp of horsehoofs became audible. Somebody was riding that way, butthere was another ranch farther up the valley, and her pulses throbbedwhen her strained senses told her that the horseman had reached theforking of the trail. If he passed on the blow she shrank from mightbe suspended a little longer. 

The man did not, however, pass by, but turned into the home trail, andshe rose with a little shiver when there was a knocking at the door. Aman stood outside it with a horse behind him, and a paper in his hand, while his dress betrayed him as one from the cities. He was alsoyoung, and appeared considerably embarrassed, but he took off his hatand made the girl a little bow. She flung the door open, and stoodvery straight and still before him. 

"You may come in, " she said. 

The stranger glanced at her swiftly, and Nellie Townshead was somewhatastonished to see the blood mantle to his forehead. "Very sorry, but Isee you guess who I am, " he said, with a crisp, English intonation. "Iam here to--well, you understand--on behalf of Mr. Hallam, but I reallywouldn't be if I could help it. "

"You can put your horse in the stable, and then I will give you somesupper, " said the girl, in a coldly even tone. "There is still alittle to eat here, and you must be hungry. "

The man appeared dubious, and stood still a moment, then touched hishat again when he saw the crimson flame higher in the cheeks of thegirl. 

"Of course, " he said; "I'm going. "

Nellie Townshead laughed bitterly. "If I had intended to shut you outI should scarcely have asked you in, " she said. 

The young man came back in a few minutes, and by that time there were afew plates upon the table. He sat down, and then stood up once morewhen he saw the girl standing close by with a tray. 

"You must let me wait upon myself, " said he. "During the course of mylast ranching visit they set savage dogs on me, and I wouldn't troubleyou, only that I've ridden fifty miles, and am very hungry. "

The girl seemed to soften, for she saw he was talking at random tocover her embarrassment as well as his own. "You are an Englishman?"she said. 

"Yes, " said the stranger. "I'm not especially proud of it just now, but, you see, a man must live. "

Townshead looked up from his chair. "I fancy that is a slightlymistaken sentiment. Some men are better dead, and I occasionally feeltempted to include myself in the category. "

The young man smiled a little. "The Frenchman put it a trifle moreconcisely, sir, " he said. 

Townshead nodded. "Still, he was correct. I don't mind admitting thatI looked forward to your visit with apprehension, but I now fancy youwill not jar upon me so much as I expected. "

The stranger glanced at Miss Townshead, who, though she wished to, could not quite check a smile. He was very young, and had a pleasantface. "That was very kind of you, " he said. "Now, I think the leastthat I can do is to retire to the barn or stable. I have someblankets, and can make myself comfortable. "

He went out, knocking over a cup in his haste, and the girl sat stilland laughed. There was not a great deal of merriment in her laughter, and the tears were close behind it, but it was a relief. Townshead, however, watched her disapprovingly. 

"You should, " he said, "endeavour to preserve a becoming serenity. "

Nellie Townshead became grave again. "I fancy it would have beenbetter if we had not displayed so much of it and let things drift, butthat is not the question now, " she said. "How could any one willing tohelp us do so, father?"

Townshead made a little grimace. "Are you not suggesting animpossibility?"

"But if there was somebody, " persisted the girl. "What could he do onThursday? I want to understand everything. "

"Well, " said Townshead, "I think this is the position. Hallam lent memoney which I cannot repay him, and he sells us up. Incidentally, Ifancy he has some reason for desiring this ranch, and as he has beenacquiring a good deal of land lately will get somebody to buy it in. Very few of our neighbours have any dollars to spare, and the pricewill necessarily be a low one. Now if any man with the means to bidagainst him were here it would put heart into some of the others andrun the prices up, and in that case Hallam would have to hand me over abalance, as well as pay a good deal more than he meant to for theranch. I think that is simple, and I believe the manoeuvre has beenused with some success in other parts of Canada. "

"But, " said the girl, "if the man offered more than Hallam or hisnominee would outbid, he would have to take the ranch. "

Townshead nodded agreement. "That, " he said, "is the difficulty. Still, though I do not think there is any one who would do so much forus, I presume you would not have asked the question unless you hadsomething in your mind. "

The girl, who did not answer for a moment, stooped and stirred thestove. "No, " she said very slowly. "I sent word to Mr. Alton. "

"Alton?" said Townshead, and sat silent a while. "Well, although I donot altogether approve of him, I fancy that if there is anybody in thisdistrict able to help us that is the man. There remains the questionis he willing?"

Nellie Townshead still busied herself at the stove. "I think he is, "she said. 

Townshead straightened himself a trifle in his chair. "Then, I amcurious to know why he should be, " he said. 

"I do not know, " said the girl, who rose and took up the supper dishes. "Still, I feel sure that he is. "

Townshead turned towards her. "You fancied so a moment or two ago, andnow you are sure, " he said. "There must be some meaning to this. "

His daughter looked round and laughed a little, holding the tray at aperilous slope. "He made me promise to let him know, " she said. 

Her father shook his head. "A young man of Mr. Alton's descriptiondoes not do anything of the kind without a motive, " he said. "Now Iwonder if there are minerals upon the ranch. "

The colour crept into his daughter's cheeks again. "They would in anycase belong to the Crown, " she said. "Can you not believe that the manwho packed our provisions in through flooded fords and snow would doanything out of generosity?"

She turned away and left him, and Townshead puckered his facedubiously. "I should find it very difficult, and the care of adaughter is a heavy responsibility, " he said. Miss Townshead did notreturn for some little while, but stood above the cedar washing-boardscarcely seeing the dishes that once or twice almost slipped from herhand. There was, her father had told her, one man who could help themin the only way in which assistance could be accepted, and she feltsure he would. If rancher Alton failed to keep his word she felt itwould be very difficult to believe in the honour of his sex again. 

CHAPTER XI

CONFIDENCE MISPLACED

There was sliding mist in the Somasco valley, and the pines weredripping when Alton and Miss Deringham stood upon a slippery ledgeabove the river. Just there it came down frothing into a deep, blackpool, swung round it white-streaked, and swept on with a hoarse murmurinto the gloom of the bush again. A wall of fissured rock overhung thepool on the farther side, and a fallen pine wetted with the spraystretched across the outflow and rested on one jagged pinnacle. A wetwind which drove the vapours before it called up wild music from thecedars that loomed through them on the side of the hill. 

"I'd cast across the rush at the head of the pool and let the fly comedown, " said Alton. "There's generally a big trout lying in the eddybehind the boulder. "

The girl nodded, and the line sweeping back towards the pines behindher went forward again. It fell lightly amidst the frothing rush, andAlton smiled approval as he watched the rod point follow it downstreamtowards a foam-licked rock. It swung to and fro a moment, then slid onagain towards the still black stretch behind the stone, tightened theresuddenly, and ran, tense and straight, upstream again, while the reelclacked and rattled. 

"A big one, " said Alton quietly. "Check the winch a little, and keepthe butt down. He can't face the rapid, and you'll lose him unless youcan keep a strain on when he turns again. "

The girl flung herself backwards, with eyes dilated and a warmth in hercheeks, the rod bending above her, and the line ripping its way towardsthe welter at the head of the pool. There it curved inwards a trifle, and Alton shouted, "Reel!"

There was a quick rattle, something broke the water with a silveryflash, and the line was shooting downstream again. 

"Let him go, unless he makes for the fir yonder, " said Alton quietly. 

For the space of several minutes the line swept up and down the pool, and Miss Deringham watched it almost breathlessly with fingers on thereel. Then it swept straight towards the fallen fir. 

"Stop him!" said Alton. "It's a good trace. Keep the butt down. "

The rod bent further, a big silvery body rushed clear of the water andwent down again, while next moment the line stopped and quivered as itrasped against the fallen fir. Miss Deringham turned to her companionwith a gesture of consternation. 

"Oh!" she said breathlessly. "It has gone. "

"I don't know, " said Alton, "That trace is a good deal thicker thanwhat you use in England. I'll see if I can get him. Keep your thumbon the reel. "

He took up a net, and clambering along the ledge sprang lightly uponthe log. It was sharply rounded, the bark was wet, and the way alongit obstructed by the stake-like ends of torn-off limbs, but the mancrawled forward foot by foot with the swift whirl of current closebeneath him. Then he knelt where the tree dipped almost level with theflood, and grasping the line with one hand swept the net in and outamidst the broken-off branches, while the girl watching him fancied shecould see a bright flash between the splashes. Presently he rose againshaking his head, with nothing in the net. 

"Give me a yard or two when I shout, " he said. 

Grasping a branch with one hand he lay down on the log, and loweredhimself until arm and shoulder were in the river. Then he sank stillfurther until his head was under too, and the girl shivered a little. It seemed to her that it would be difficult for even a good swimmer toextricate himself from the tangle of snapped-off branches between thelog and the bottom of the river. Still, the clinging foot and armwere visible above the rush of frothing water. Then more of the mancame into sight again, there was a half-smothered shout, and she loosedthe reel, while in another moment or two Alton swung himself updripping with part of one hand apparently thrust into a great flappingfish's head. With the back of it pressed gainst his knee he drew thehead towards him, and the long silvery body became still, while the manstood up smiling. 

"Fingers were made before nets, but I wasn't quite sure of him all thetime, " he said. 

Miss Deringham, who was flushed and breathless, felt very gracioustowards her companion just then. It was, she realized, a somewhatperilous thing he had done to please her, and this was gratifying initself, while the knowledge that he had postponed several affairs whichdemanded his attention was more flattering still. He was also, in suchsurroundings, almost admirable as he stood before her bareheaded anddripping, the river frothing at his feet and the sliding mists behindhim. Deerskin jacket and stained and faded jean, lean, sinewy figure, and bronzed face were all in keeping with the spirit of the scene. Then a voice came out of the bush. 

"Hallo, Harry! Are you anywhere around?" it said. 

Alton answered, and Miss Deringham felt distinctly displeased. She hadbeen about to say something delicately apposite, and now Seaforth, whose company she could have dispensed with, stood on the bank abovethem, apparently quietly amused. 

"You seem to be enjoying yourself, Harry, " he said. 

"Well, " said Alton a trifle curtly, "you didn't come keeyowling throughthe bush like a prairie coyote to tell me that?"

"No, " said Seaforth, with a sudden change in his voice which MissDeringham noticed. "There's a man in from the settlement, and Hallam'sselling Townshead up to-day according to his tale. "

Alton scrambled swiftly along the log. "Just one question, Charley. Quite sure nobody came here with any message for me about it that youforgot?" he said. 

Seaforth made a little gesture of impatience, and there was a trace ofanger in his tone. "It is scarcely likely I should have forgottenthat, " he said. 

Then he glanced at Miss Deringham, and was slightly bewildered by whathe saw in her face. Seaforth had once or twice admired the girl'sserenity in somewhat difficult surroundings, but there was now asuggestion of fear in her eyes, and she seemed to avoid Alton's gaze. It, however, passed in a moment, and she turned towards the ranchertranquilly. 

"I wonder how far I am to blame, " she said. "A man came here a day ortwo ago, and apparently endeavoured to tell me something. He was, however, unintelligible, and I fancy somebody had been giving himwhisky. "

"Mounted?" said Alton. "What kind of horse?"

Miss Deringham considered for a moment, and then possibly deciding thatAlton would have no difficulty in ascertaining elsewhere, told him. "Tom!" he said grimly. "Well, I'll talk to him. You'll take MissDeringham home, Charley, and then come on to Townshead's after me. "

He swung away into the bush next moment, and Seaforth followed him moreslowly with Miss Deringham. Neither of them spoke, but though theman's thoughts were busy with other affairs, he noticed that hiscompanion glanced at him covertly. "The girl could have told ussomething more, " he said to himself, and put a stern check on hisimpatience as he kept pace with her. 

When they came out into the clearing they heard the thud of hoofs, andsaw a mounted man send a horse at the tall split fence. The slip-railswere up, and the fence was unusually well put together, but there was acrash as the top bar flew apart, and presently the thud of hoofs grewfainter down the fir-shadowed trail. Miss Deringham now appeared quiteserene again. 

"Has he ridden off wet through as he was?" she said. 

"I expect so, " said Seaforth dryly. "Harry does not usually lettrifles of that kind worry him, nor do I think there are many men whowould have ridden at that fence. "

Alice Deringham said nothing, but though she smiled Seaforth fanciedthat she was not pleased. Her thoughts were, however, of smallimportance to him, and he hastened fuming with impatience towards thestables. 

It was some time later when Nellie Townshead stood by a window of herfather's ranch. Jean-clad stock breeders and axemen hung about theclearing, and a little knot of men from the cities stood apart fromthem. A wagon, implements out of repair, old sets of harness, axes, saws, and shovels were littered about the front of the house, and therewere two or three horses and a few poor cattle in the corral. Theranchers spoke slowly to one another, and their faces were sombre, butHallam, who stood amidst the other men, was smiling over a big cigar. The girl clenched her hands as she watched him, and then turning herhead looked down the valley. 

"I fancy I hear hoofs. He told me he would come, " she said, butTownshead, who sat apathetically in the old leather chair, shook hishead. 

"He has, of course, forgotten if he did, " he said. 

"No, " said the girl with a trace of harshness in her voice. "Mr. Altonnever forgets a promise. That must be the drumming of hoofs. Can youhear nothing?"

"The river, " said Townshead despondently. "He will be too latedirectly. They are putting up the ranch. "

Confidence and dismay seemed to struggle together in the face of thegirl, but the former rose uppermost, for she clung fast to hope. 

"There! Oh, why can they not stop talking? That is something now, "she said. 

"No, " said Townshead. "Only the wind in the firs. "

The girl leaned forward a little, drawing in her breath as she stareddown the valley. The voices drowned the sound she fancied she hadheard, and the colour came and went in her face when she caught one ofthem. "The thing's no better than robbery. Why isn't Harry Alton orhis partner here?"

Nellie Townshead had asked herself the same question over and overagain that day when rancher and axemen in somewhat embarrassed fashiontendered her their sympathy. What she expected from him she did notquite know, but she had a curious confidence in Alton, and at least asmuch in his comrade, and felt that even if the scheme her father hadalluded to was not feasible there would be something they could do. Then she drew back from the window and sat down, with a little shiveras the harsh voice of the auctioneer rose from the clearing. Shecaught disjointed words and sentences. 

"Don't need tell you what the place is worth. You have seen theboundaries. Richest soil in the Dominion. Grow anything. Now if Iwas a rancher. Well, I'm waiting for your offer. "

He apparently waited some little time, and then a laugh that expressedbitterness in place of merriment followed the voice of one of the menfrom the cities. 

"Put two hundred dollars on to it, " said somebody, and there wasanother laugh, which the girl, recognizing the voice, understood; forit was known that the bidder had probably not ten dollars in hispossession and was in debt at the store. The fact that this man whomshe had scarcely spoken to should endeavour to help her while herfriends at Somasco did nothing also brought a little flash of anger toher eyes. Then she told herself that there was time yet, and theywould come. 

The voices rose again more rapidly. "Fifty more. Another to me. Oh, what's the use of fooling. One hundred better. Twenty again to me. "

Miss Townshead glanced at her father. "They'll stop presently, " saidhe. "The place stands at a third of its value, but it would cripplemost of them to pay for it if they got it now. The man from Vancouverwho goes up by twenties will get it at half of what it cost me, and Idon't think you need watch for rancher Alton. "

Still Nellie Townshead did not quite give up hope. The bidding wasonly beginning, and there was time yet. She had been taught to lookbeneath the surface in Western Canada, and had cherished a curiousrespect for rancher Alton. The girl was young still, and he stood forher as a romantic ideal of the new manhood that was to grow togreatness in the wildest province of the Dominion, while now and thenshe fancied she saw something in his comrade's face which roused herpity and stirred her to sympathy. That, having made it unasked, theformer should slight a promise of the kind appeared incomprehensibleand she felt that if he did so her faith in the type he served as anexample of would fall with him. There was also pressing need of someone to look to for guidance in her time of necessity, because Townsheadwas not the man to grapple with any difficulty, and most of hisneighbours knew little or nothing about the cities. 

"Father, " she said, "in case the purchaser turns us out where shall wego to-night? The stage does not go in to the railroad until a weekto-day, and do you think there will be anything left over to keep usfor a little in Vancouver?"

Townshead glanced at her querulously. "Somebody will take us in, " saidhe. "I should have fancied, my dear, that you would have seen I amsufficiently distressed and unwell to-day without having to anticipatefurther difficulties. There will, I hope, be a balance. What is thebidding now?"

The girl listened, but for a few moments there was a significantsilence, and her heart sank when a single voice rose. One or twoothers joined in, and there was silence again until the auctioneerrepeated the offer. Then she turned quivering towards her father. 

"You heard him?" she said. 

Townshead groaned despondently, "I am afraid the prospect of a balanceis very small, " he said. 

Again there was a stillness in the clearing, until the auctioneer'svoice rose raucously expostulating. "It is really preposterous, gentlemen, " he said. "I'm giving the place away. "

"Well, I'll go ten better, " said somebody, and the girl held her breath, "Twenty!" said another man, and there was a laugh. 

"Then that takes me. You can have the ranch. "

The voice of the auctioneer rose again. "Nobody to follow him? Yourlast chance, gentlemen. He's getting it for nothing. Too late in amoment. Going--going. "

Nellie Townshead closed her hands and turned her head away, then sprangup quivering with the revulsion from despair to hope. Through thesilence she heard a faint drumming down the valley. 

"He is coming. Stop them, father, " she said. 

Nobody else apparently heard the sound. The eyes of all in theclearing were fixed upon the auctioneer, and while Townshead rose fromhis chair he brought down his hand. 

"It's yours, sir, " he said, "I'll take your cheque, or you can fillthis contract in if you're bidding for the smaller lots. "

Nellie Townshead grew white in face as she glanced towards her father. Townshead stood still, gripping the back of his chair. 

"We are homeless now, " he said. 

It was five minutes before the girl looked out again, and then in spiteof every effort her eyes grew hazy, but it was a long time before sheforgot the scene, for the groups of bronzed men in jean, cattle, clearing, and the tall firs behind them burned themselves into hermemory. Hallam stood smiling close by the auctioneer's table with acigar in his hand, and another man from the cities was apparentlyreplacing a roll of paper dollars in his wallet. That impressed hereven more than the sympathetic faces turned towards the house, for itwas a token that the sale was irrevocably completed. Then the groupsplit up as a man rode at a gallop straight towards the table. He wasbreathless, the horse was smoking, and there were red smears upon itsflanks as well as flecks of spume. He swung himself from the saddle, and there followed the sound of an altercation while a noisy groupsurged about the table. It opened up again, and rancher Alton walkedout, pale and grim of face, alone. 

"You should have come sooner, Harry, " said somebody. 

The rancher turned, the group closed in again, and the girl did not seeAlton stride up to a big man, and laying a hand upon his shoulder swinghim round. "Tom, " he said with a curious quietness, "there was amessage you did not give me, you drunken hog. "

The man shook his grasp off, glanced at him bewilderedly, and thenwhile the bronze grew a little darker in his face doubled a great fist. 

"If I take a little more than is good for me now and then, that's mylookout, " he said. "Now I don't want any trouble with you, Harry, butI'll not take that talk from any man. "

Alton's face was almost grey and his eyes partly closed, but there wasa steely glint in them as he said, "Did you bring me the message MissTownshead gave you?"

"I did the next thing, " said the man. "When I couldn't find you I gaveit to the lady. She promised to tell you. "

"Tom, " said Alton slowly, "you are worse than a drunken hog, youare----"

A man stepped in front of him before the word was spoken, while anotherpinioned the culprit's arm. 

"We've no use for that kind of talk and the fuss that follows it, " saidthe first one. "Anyway, if Tom mixed things up it was my fault andDobey's for giving him the whisky. We'd sold some stock well and werushed him in. Well, now, if you still feel you must work it off onsomebody you've got to tackle Dobey and me!"

Alton let his hands drop. "Do you know what you have done?" said he. 

"It wasn't very much, anyway, " said the other man. "Tom didn't want tocome in; told us he'd a message for you. But we made him, and weresorry after, because when he got started he left us very little whisky. "

Alton glanced at him a moment, and the man grew embarrassed under hisgaze. Then he smiled wryly. "And this is what you have broughtTownshead and his daughter to, and there is more behind. What you havemade of me counts for little after that, " he said. 

Some time had passed when he walked quietly into the house. NellieTownshead rose as he entered and stood looking at him very white inface. 

"I wonder if you will believe what I have to tell you, Miss Townshead, "he commenced, and stopped when the rancher turned towards him, "My daughter has, I think, been taught that it is unwise to place muchconfidence in any one, " he said. 

Alton glanced at the girl, and stood silent a moment when she made alittle gesture of agreement. "I am afraid appearances are against me, "he said. 

"Yes, " said the girl. "So are the facts. "

"Well, " said Alton grimly, "the latter are of the most importance, butI think you should hear me. "

"There is, " said Miss Townshead, "no reason why I should. You made mea promise--why I do not know, any more than I do why I allowed you--butI was very anxious just then. No doubt you spoke on impulse, andafterwards regretted it. "

"My daughter was a trifle injudicious, " said Townshead. 

Alton made a last endeavour. "I know what you must think of me, and ithurts, " he said. "Still, that is a little thing. "

The girl checked him by a gesture, and the man stopped with his meaningunexpressed. "You have made as much evident, " she said. 

Alton turned towards her father. "I'm afraid the suggestion I wishedto make would be out of place just now, " he said. "Still, I had riddenover in the hope that you and Miss Townshead would stay with us atSomasco while you decided on your next step. "

"We have to thank you for your offer, but your surmise is correct, "said Townshead. 

Alton said nothing further, but went out into the clearing and stoodapart from the rest while the auctioneer disposed of the householdeffects, until a little cabinet was offered, when he moved up to thetable and bid savagely. Hallam for some reason bid against him, andonly stopped when he had quadrupled its value. Alton flung down a rollof dollar bills and then turned to a man close by. "Will you take thatin to Miss Townshead, and not tell her who bought it?" he said. "Itwas her mother's, and I believe she values it. "

"I'll do my best, " said the other man dryly. "Still, I'm not good atfixing up a story, and Miss Nellie's not a fool. "

"Well, " said Alton simply, "there's another thing. Where is Townsheadgoing?"

The rancher smiled a little. "He's coming home with me. Susie'sdriving over with the wagon. "

Alton nodded. "Now you needn't be touchy, but we've fruit and thingsat Somasco you haven't got, " said he. "Well, I want you to come roundwith the wagon. "

The rancher straightened himself a trifle. "My place isn't Somasco, but it will be a mean day when I can't feed my friends, " said he. 

Alton laughed softly. "I don't care ten cents about your feelings, Jack, " he said. "The girl and the old man might like the things, andthere's no reason they should know where you got them. "

The other man also laughed. "You ride straight home, Harry, before youmake it worse, " said he. "One might figure that you'd mixed things upenough already. "

Alton turned away, and found Seaforth awaiting him. They mounted, andAlton rode in silence until when they were climbing out of the valleyhe said, "I wonder, Charley, if there's a man in the Dominion who feelsas mean as I do. "

Seaforth smiled curiously, and there was bitterness in his voice whichAlton was too disturbed to notice. "I think there is, " he said. "Youhaven't asked what kept me, but you will see if you look at the horse'sknees. It's a little difficult to understand why he must get his footin a hole to-day. "

It was late that night when they reached Somasco, but Alton found MissDeringham upon the verandah, and she glanced at him with very prettysympathy. Still, Seaforth fancied that she seemed a trifle anxious. 

"Have you seen the man who brought the message?" she said. 

"I have, " said Alton. "You were right, of course. He'd had too muchwhisky. "

The girl appeared, so Seaforth fancied, curiously relieved. "I wasalmost afraid you might think I was in some respects to blame, " shesaid. 

"No, " said Alton simply, "That was one of the things I couldn't do. Itwas right out of the question. "

He went in, and the warm colour crept into Miss Deringham's face as shepresently followed him. 

CHAPTER XII

IN VANCOUVER

Autumn was merging into winter when one morning Alton and his comradestrolled along the water-front at Vancouver. It was still early, andthe store and office clerks were just hastening to their occupations, but Alton had spent an hour already in a great sawmill. His face wasthoughtful, and he seemed to be repeating details of machines andengines half aloud. Presently he stood still and gazed about him, andSeaforth, who followed his gaze, knew there was something working inhis comrade's mind. The scene was also inspiriting and suggestive. 

Across the wide inlet, mountain beyond mountain towered against theblueness of the north. To the east, sombre forest shut the shelteredbasin in, its black ridge serrated by the ragged spires of tallerpines, and blurred in places by the drifting smoke of mills. Betweenthem and the water stood long lines of loaded cars, with hugelocomotives snorting in the midst of them, and where the metal roadwhich commenced at Quebec ended, the white shape of an Empress linerrose above the wharf, the clasp of the new steel girdle which boundEngland to the East. Above the pines which shrouded the narrows shonethe topsails of a timber-laden barque, and a crawling cloud of smokebetokened a steamer coming up out of the wastes of the Pacific, whilefour-masted ships lay two deep beneath the humming mills. Then, risingridge on ridge, jumbled in picturesque confusion, and flanked bytowering telegraph poles, store and bank and office climbed the slopeof the hill. It was a new stone city which had sprung, as byenchantment, from the ashes of a wooden one, and would, purging itselfof its raw crudity, rise to beauty and greatness yet. 

Alton glanced towards it with a comprehensive gesture. "What a placethis will be by and by, " he said. "Sometimes I'm proud I was born inthis country. Now I might have been raised back there at Carnaby, andtaught it was every man's chief duty to dress and talk nicely, chasefoxes, and think about his dinner. "

"I fancy there are men who would not have thought that a greatmisfortune, " said Seaforth dryly. "You could also, if you liked it, doso still. "

Alton laughed a little grimly. "There are two kinds of men in thisworld, Charley, and which of them makes it go?" said he. "The ones whohave too much to eat and too little to do, or the others who have tokeep on doing something because they're hungry? Well, I needn't askyou, because the conundrum was answered long ago, and that kind oftalking's no great use to anybody. That was a very fine mill, and Ipicked up a good deal down there. Still, we will scarcely want such abig one at Somasco. "

"No, " said Seaforth, smiling. "I don't quite see how we are going tokeep the one we have busy. "

"Well, " said Alton, "you will by and by, and I'm going to buy three orfour new saw-fixings to-day. You don't know anything aboutbookkeeping, Charley?"

"You have surmised correctly, " said Seaforth. "I don't know that Iwant to. "

Alton laughed, and presently stopped in front of a building on which abrass plate was inscribed, "Bookkeeping and Shorthand taughtefficiently. "

"I think you're wrong, and this is the place, " said he. "That's asensible man, and he just puts down what he can do. Go right in, andask how long he'll take to make a business man of you. "

Seaforth stared at him in bewilderment. "You took nothing with yourbreakfast, Harry?" said he. 

Alton smiled a little grimly. "I haven't had any yet. I've been toobusy, " he said. "Walk in, Charley, while I see whether they'll lend metwenty thousand dollars at the bank yonder. "

Seaforth, who, however, knew that there was no use in arguing with hiscomrade, shook his head. "It's a long rest you want, Harry, " he said. 

He went in, and Alton, proceeding down the street, presently enteredthe Bank of Montreal, where he left the manager divided betweenastonishment and admiration. He, however, came out with just as manydollars as he carried into the building, and lighting a cigar, watchedthe passers-by gravely as he waited for his comrade. They were of manyand widely different types; men with keen, sallow faces from easterncities hastening as though every moment lost was an opportunity wasted;others moving with the tranquillity which proclaimed them Englishmen;bronzed prospectors, and solemn axemen from the shadowy bush, with thestillness of the forest in their eyes; sailors, Japs, and Siwashsealermen. All of them appeared well fed and prosperous, and Alton waswondering whether there was any one hungry in that city, when a girlcame down the stairway of the building Seaforth had entered. 

Alton did not at first see her face, but he noticed that her dress wasthreadbare, and she was walking wearily, while the man who readdejection in her attitude was sorry for her. She stopped in thepassage, glancing at the card in her hand, then drew herself up alittle and with a quick, nervous movement lifted her head. Alton sawher face at last, and though it had grown a trifle hollow and pale, herecognized Miss Townshead. Then she saw him, and he moved forwardhastily. 

"This is a pleasure I was not expecting, " he said. 

He fancied for a moment that the girl would have retreated. She, however, looked at him quietly, though something in her manner checkedAlton's outstretched hand. 

"Are you staying here?" she said. 

"No, " said Alton. "I'm going away to-morrow, but I want quite a longtalk with you. "

"I do not wish to hear anything about Somasco, " said the girl. 

"Well, " said Alton, who understood her, smiling, "we'll let that go by. Now, they begin on time in this city, and as your father doesn't likehis breakfast early, I'm figuring you haven't had any. We'll get sometogether. I've been too busy to think of mine. "

Nellie Townshead was afterwards both astonished and angry with herself. She had lost her respect for this man who had, it seemed, betrayed herconfidence, and if he had given her a moment's time, would probablyhave dispensed with his company. As it was, however, Alton drew herout into the street with a swift forcefulness before she could frame ananswer. She was also feeling very lonely and downcast then, and it waspleasant to find somebody she knew in the busy city that had apparentlyno place for her. 

"Now, " said Alton presently, "we'll go in here. It's nice and quietfor Vancouver, but I expect you know this place. "

He realized that he had blundered when he saw the girl's face, but inanother second she was laughing a little. "No, " she said. "I'm afraidyou are forgetting. "

Alton apparently misunderstood her. "Well, " he said, smiling, "it'squite possible you know another place that's nicer; but sit rightyonder while I waken some of these people up. "

Now the public breakfast is an institution in Western cities whoseinhabitants frequently take no meals at home, and the appearance of thebronzed man and girl together excited no comment, while Alton was ableto contrive that they had a table in a corner to themselves. Histastes were, as his companion knew, severely simple, and she wondered alittle, because that establishment was one of the most expensive in thecity. In the meanwhile, the man talked assiduously, if somewhat atrandom, and was contented when he found that he could keep the girl'sattention occupied so that she scarcely noticed how often he refilledher plate. At last, as he passed a great cluster of fruit across, hesaid, "It's time you did the talking now. You are going right ahead inthis city?"

The girl's face quivered for a second, and her fingers moved nervously, "I am afraid I have not commenced yet, " she said. 

"No?" said Alton. "Now Susie Thomson told me you were running atypewriter for somebody. "

A tinge of carmine flickered into the cheek of his companion and fadedswiftly again. "I was, " she said. "The commercial school found aplace for me, but it was impossible that I should stay there. "

Alton half closed his eyes, and the girl noticed his big hand slowlyclenched, for he fancied he understood. "It's a pity I wasn't abrother of yours, Miss Nellie. I should like to see those folks, " hesaid. "Still, you have known me a long while, and that's something togo upon. "

"I'm afraid it's not sufficient, " said the girl hastily, with a littlesmile. 

"Well, " said Alton, with a sigh, "you have got hold of somethingbetter. "

Miss Townshead appeared to make an endeavour to answer hopefully, butagain her fingers trembled, and there was a little less courage thanusual in her eyes. "Not yet, but I shall soon, " she said. 

"Of course, " said Alton gravely. "Now how long have you been lookingfor it?"

"A month, " said the girl without reflection, and Alton nodded as thoughin answer to some question he had put to himself. 

"And when you went into that place this morning there was nothingagain?" he said. 

"No, " said Miss Townshead, with a trace of despondency she could notquite conceal. "There was a post vacant, but it had some trustattached to it, and nobody knows me. "

Now while he talked Alton's eyes had been busy, and he had noticed acurious weariness which he had not seen before in his companion's face. Her fingers, which had grown white, were also very slender, and thewell-worn dress, which he remembered, did not seem to hang about her asit had done. Her eyes, however, were brighter, and now and then alittle florid colour flushed her cheeks, but that did not please him, for Alton had seen not a little of want and hunger in the snows of theNorth. 

"You mean they want security?" said he. 

"Yes, " said Miss Townshead hastily. "Still, one of the girls I met atthe school told me there was somebody wanted at a big dry goods store, and I think I had better go round and see the people now. "

Alton rose, and when they went out together gravely held out his hand. "We used to be good friends, and you were kind to me, " said he. "Nowis there nothing that I can do?"

"No, " said Miss Townshead hastily. "Of course there is nothing, andyou will hear that I am prospering presently. "

Alton bent a trifle over the little hand in the shabby glove thatrested a moment in his palm. "Well, if ever there is anything you willlet me know. You are a brave girl, " said he. 

Nellie Townshead turned and left him, feeling for no apparent reason aslight choking sensation, and Alton, who watched the little figure inthe threadbare dress for at least a minute, strode resolutely back tothe commercial school. 

"I want to see the man who runs this place, " he said. 

He was shown into an office, where a man, whose face he was pleasedwith, greeted him. "You taught Miss Townshead here?" he said. 

"Yes, " said the other. "She is a lady of considerable ability, and Icould recommend her with confidence. "

Alton stared at him a moment out of half-closed eyes. "Of course youwould, " he said. "Well now, she has been applying for some place wherethey want security. Is it fit for a lady?"

"Yes, " said the man dryly. "Otherwise I should not have mentioned itto her. The storekeeper having been victimized lately, however, requires a deposit of one hundred dollars. "

Alton took out his wallet. "He can have two hundred if he likes. NowI want you to fix it up without telling Miss Townshead or anybody. "

"You are a relation of hers?" said the man. 

"No, " said Alton, "I am a friend. "

"Then I'm afraid I can't assist you, " said the other man. "It isnecessary to avoid any probability of complications in my business. "

Again a glint crept into Alton's eyes, but it vanished, and he spokequietly. "I think you're straight, " he said. "Well, I'm direct too, and I'm going right back to my ranch to-morrow. Anybody from thatdistrict will tell you all about Alton of Somasco. Now you'll take thedollars, and if you hear of me hanging round this city you can sendthem back to me. "

The man appeared dubious, but finally nodded. "I'll make an exceptionin your case, " he said. "The fact is, I'm sorry for Miss Townshead, because I fancy it is desirable that she should secure an appointmentof any kind as soon as possible. "

Alton went out contented, having, so he fancied, somewhat skilfullyobtained Townshead's address, and found Seaforth awaiting him. 

"They could, if I am an apt pupil, turn me out proficient for anythingin three months, " he said. 

Alton laughed. "They'll have to do it in less, and we'll find a usefor all they've taught you by and by, " he said. "Now I came acrossMiss Townshead, and she wasn't looking well or happy. We'll call uponher father when we get through what we have to do. "

Seaforth, who appeared disturbed, would have gone sooner, but it wasafternoon when they strolled round the outskirts of the city, and hisface was somewhat grim as they entered the Alsatia, which is the usualadjunct of such places. It would, however, have impressed theunsophisticated Eastern observer as being well painted, respectable, and especially prosperous, for virtue is not the only thing which isrewarded and recognized in a Western city. Finally, after traversingit, they found Townshead in a little wooden house which was apparentlyoccupied by two other families. The remnants of a very meagre meal laybefore him, and he sat wearing the red velvet jacket, which lookedolder and more faded than ever, in a canvas chair. He greeted the twomen coldly and somewhat condescendingly. 

"We have not been especially fortunate hitherto, " he said presently. "In fact, this city seems to be labouring under a commercialdepression, and I have been unable to find any of the opportunities Ihad expected. Nor has my daughter been more successful. "

Alton, who had been looking about him in the meanwhile, noticed thatalthough the day was chilly there was no fire in the stove, whileglancing at the man who lay, infirm alike in will and body, in thechair, he understood why the girl's fingers had trembled and themistiness he had for a moment seen in her eyes. He was also wonderingby what means he could lessen one difficulty, but it was Seaforth whodevised one first. 

"Things will get better presently, " he said. "Now Harry and I oftenremember the pleasant evenings we spent at your ranch, and we never gotsuppers like those Miss Townshead made us, at Somasco. "

"My daughter found it necessary to acquire the art of cookery inCanada, " said Townshead a trifle distantly. 

"Of course, " said Seaforth, smiling. "Everybody is compelled to inthis country, and I only referred to the subject because Harry seems tofancy it must be difficult to get any of the little things we are usedto in the bush in the city, while your kindness to us would justifywhat might otherwise appear a liberty. We brought a few odds and endsyou can't get quite so nice in Vancouver along. Hadn't you better goand bring them in, Harry?"

Alton glanced at him in bewildered astonishment. "Bring them in?" hesaid. 

Seaforth shook his head deprecatingly. "You haven't forgotten already, and you are not going to escape in that fashion, " he said. "If you'llask at the hotel they'll tell you where to find the things. "

Alton moved so that Townshead could not see him, and his face wasutterly perplexed. "What things?" he said. 

"Two or three fowls, " said Seaforth reflectively. "There were someeggs, a bag of the big yellow apples, and--now it's curious I forgotthe rest. "

Alton's eyes twinkled. "Oh, yes, " he said. "Some venison. There wasthe deer you shot in the potatoes, and a bag of dried plums. Ourorchard has done very well, Mr. Townshead. "

"I wonder if I forgot the Excelsior pears, " said Seaforth. "They're asbig as your two fists, and Harry's quite proud of them. "

Townshead, who was not an observant man, appeared astonished, and alsoa trifle touched. "I'm afraid I have not always appreciated my bushfriends as I should have done, and your kindness will I think lessen mydaughter's difficulty respecting the commissariat, " he said. "Thereare, of course, many of the little things we were used to which shefeels the loss of. "

Seaforth, who read a good deal more than his words expressed in thespeaker's face, signed to his comrade, who went out and returned laterwith a hamper. "Somebody must have forgotten to put the venison in, but the other things are all there, " he said. 

Townshead assisted them to unpack the hamper, and while they were busyover it his daughter came in. It was apparently raining, for the thinwhite dress clung about her, and she seemed very white and weary. Darkness was drawing on, the room was dim, and at first she apparentlyonly saw her father as she stood taking off her hat by the window. 

"Nothing again to-day, and I am very tired, " she said. "Still, I am tocall at another store to-morrow, and I was wickedly extravagant. I waskept until it was too late for dinner, and I bought something that willplease you for supper. "

Then as she turned to lay the wet hat down the blood rushed to herface, for she saw Alton kneeling by the hamper and Seaforth standing inthe shadow behind her father's chair. The former did not rise, but hiscomrade came forward smiling in another moment. 

"I am glad we did not miss you, as we were about to go when you camein, " he said. "These are one or two trifles Harry fancied might beuseful. He is absurdly proud of all the products of Somasco, and seemsto think nobody can get anything nice in the city. "

Seaforth also talked a good deal, and Miss Townshead smiled now andthen at him, but when she went with them to the door he lingered amoment because he felt her eyes were on him. 

"Your comrade didn't support you well, and I don't think the expedientwould have occurred to him, " she said, with a little tremor in hervoice. "Still, it was done in kindness--and I am grateful. "

Seaforth smiled gravely, though his face perplexed the girl. "A littlefaith is a good thing, and people should believe what they're told, "said he. "Now I wonder if one could take the liberty?"

"No, " said the girl. "Even if he had the best intentions. I and myfather have not lost our pride. "

Seaforth sighed as he turned away, and, when he rejoined Alton, staredat the lights of the city savagely, while as they passed along thewater-front he said, "Will you give me a cigar, Harry?"

Alton drew out his cigar-case, glanced at it a moment, and then tossedit across the wharf. "What right have you and I to be going back todinner when that girl hasn't enough to eat?" he said. "You know whatthose cigars cost me. Lord, what selfish brutes we are! Now stopright here and tell me what we are going to do!"

Seaforth made a gesture of helplessness. "The difficulty is that onecan't do anything, " he said. "You see, we can't attempt the hampertrick too frequently, and I scarcely think Miss Townshead would care tobe indebted to either of us in any other fashion. "

"Well, " said Alton simply, "there must be a way somewhere, and I'mgoing to find it. "

"Then, " said Seaforth, with a trace of bitterness, "for the sake ofeverybody's peace of mind I hope you will. You seem especiallycompassionate towards Miss Townshead. "

Alton glanced at him a moment, and then laughed a little. "I supposeyou can't help being foolish, Charley, but you should know I've no timeto think of anything beyond what I have to do just now, " he said. "Thebiggest contract I've ever taken hold of is waiting for me. "

"I am, " said Seaforth dryly, "glad to hear you say so, even though yourrecent conduct would make it somewhat difficult for most people tobelieve you. "

Alton glanced at him very gravely. "I don't like those jokes, " hesaid. "You'll get more sense as you grow up, Charley. "

CHAPTER XIII

THE SOMASCO CONSOLIDATED

Alton left Vancouver by the Quebec express next day, found horseswaiting at the little station, and only waiting while fresh ones weresaddled at a lonely ranch, took the trail again before the first faintlight crept out of the east. He also spoke little with Seaforth duringthe journey, and stared at the latter, who drew rein when the wearyhorses plodded, steaming and bespattered all over, into the settlement. 

"What are you stopping for?" he said. 

Seaforth glanced at the wisp of blue smoke which hung about the pinesbehind Horton's hotel. "It's rather more than twelve hours since I'vehad a meal, " he said. "Don't you ever get tired or hungry, Harry?"

Alton laughed. "Oh, yes; sometimes I do, but not usually when I'mbusy. Anyway, if the beasts hold out we'll be getting breakfast atSomasco in two hours or so. "

Seaforth groaned inwardly, but, knowing the futility of argument, shookhis bridle and rode on, lurching a little in his saddle as the tiredhorse stumbled into mudholes and, brushed through dripping fern. Byand by, however, Alton swung himself down in front of a lonelylog-house with a big clearing behind it, where a man took their horseswithout a word and signed them to enter. 

Seaforth stretched his limbs wearily, and would have dropped into achair but that Alton stood erect until the man came back again, anddusting two seats with his soft hat pointed to them with a gesture ofhospitality. His hair and beard were frosted, his face was lean andbrown, and there were many wrinkles about his eyes, but he held himselfvery upright and pointed to the stove. 

"Ye'll be in from Vancouver. I'll ready ye some pork and flapjacks?"he said. 

Alton shook his head. "Don't worry, I can't wait, " he said. 

"Ye are very welcome, " said the other. 

"Of course!" said Alton simply; "still, I can't stop. I'm here to talkbusiness, Callender. "

Seaforth noticed that in face of the typical absence of protest orcompliment there was nothing the most critical could find fault with inthe invitation or the refusal. The old man was dressed in verycuriously-patched jean, but he was almost stately in his simplicity, and nothing could have been more apposite than the little nod withwhich Alton made his affirmation. It implied a good deal more thanspeech could have done. 

"Ye will be asking about the place?" said Callender. "I'm wantingthree thousand dollars. It's worth all that. "

Alton nodded, and it was evident that the men understood each other, for there was no endeavour to lessen or enhance the value of theproperty. "It will be worth more presently, but that's about the fairthing now, " he said. 

"Weel, " said Callender simply, "by then I may be dead. Twenty yearsI've lived on my lone here, and I thought at one time I would becontent to lie down by between the bush and the river, but now alonging to see the old land grips me. Ye will not understand it. Yewere born in Canada. "

"No, " said Alton gravely. "The land that has fed me is good enough forme. "

The old man made a little gesture of assent. "Aye, " he said. "It's agood country, but I feel the old one calling me. It's just threethousand dollars I'm asking ye. "

Alton drew a sheet which seemed covered with calculations from hiswallet, and glanced at it silently. Then he looked at the rancher. 

"One thousand down, one thousand in six months, and the rest any timein two years, with six per cent, " he said. "You might get the dollarsin your wallet if you made the deal with a land agent in Vancouver. "

"Maybe, " said Callender simply; "I can trust ye. I would not sell theplace to anybody. "

Alton stood up. "You shall have a cheque to-morrow, " he said. 

They had mounted within another minute, and Alton glanced with a littlesmile at his comrade as they rode on again. 

"That, " said Seaforth, "was in a sense a somewhat effective scene, butI'm not sure which of us should go to the business school. "

Alton laughed. "I don't often blunder when I deal with a man, " saidhe. "Callender and I wouldn't have been better pleased, or fivedollars richer, if we'd talked all day. "

Seaforth nodded, though his eyes twinkled. "You don't seem soconfident about the other sex?" he said. 

Alton gravely pointed to a towering fir. "That redwood would fetch agood many dollars in Vancouver. I wonder when we'll get those sawsthrough, " he said. 

While he spoke a thud of hoofs grew louder, and presently a man cameriding in haste towards them down the trail. He drew bridle when herecognized them, and Seaforth became curious when he saw that it wasHallam. The latter made them an ironical salutation, and sat regardingAlton covertly with his cunning beady eyes until the rancher smiled. 

"If you were going down to see Callender, I fancy you're a little toolate, " he said. 

Seaforth wondered whether his comrade saw the wickedness in the otherman's face, and the slight closing of his hands upon the bridle. Itwas very perceptible for a second, and then he made a gesture ofresignation. 

"I think there was another time you got in ahead of me, and it might becheaper to buy you off, " he said. "You haven't answered my letterasking what you wanted for all you're holding up here, as well as theranch. "

Alton flung his head back a trifle, and Seaforth knew what lay behindhis laugh. "No, " he said; "I put it in the stove. "

A little grey spot appeared in Hallam's cheeks, and once more hisfingers closed upon the bridle. "Well, you may be sorry by and by, butas I'm a business man first and last I'll give you another chance, " hesaid. "There's not room for two of us in this valley, and with whatI'm holding I can call you any time. "

Alton's eyes were half closed now, and there was a glint in them. "I've been figuring on that, " he said. "When I'm ready, I'll let yousee my hand. "

Now if Hallam had been taught his business, which was an especiallymean one, in England he might have kept his temper; but he lackedfinish, though his abilities were unpleasantly sufficient in the West. 

"Then it is to be hoped you'll put up a better game than you did atTownshead's ranch. I was a little sorry for the girl, " he said. "Mether once or twice in Vancouver, and she didn't seem well off. "

Alton said nothing, but he pressed his heels home, and the big tiredhorse moved forward. The trail was narrow just there, and woundthrough a quaggy belt where tall wild cabbage grew out of black depthsof mire. There was also no room for Hallam to wheel his horse on theslippery sawn-up logs, and Alton urged his beast on, glancingimperturbably at the man in front of him. 

Again the grey crept into Hallam's face, and a very unpleasant look inhis eyes, but he drew his bridle, and next moment his horse wasfloundering in the mire. Alton laughed a little as he rode on withoutglancing behind him. 

"That may have been pleasant, " said Seaforth dryly, "but in view ofwhat I saw in Hallam's face I don't know that it was wise. "

"Well, " said Alton, "I think it was. There's only one way of arguingwith a panther, and that beast's a good deal less dangerous than Hallamis. Now you'll ride in to the settlement to-morrow, and put up anotice at the store: 'The ranchers of the Somasco district arerequested to attend a meeting at 6. 30, Saturday. ' At the bottom you'llput a big 'Important. ' I've got to have a talk with you to-night. "

He made a hasty breakfast when they reached the ranch, and was busy atthe sawmill, from which he did not return until supper, all day, sothat it was not until that meal was finished and he was waiting forSeaforth that he had speech with Miss Deringham. She sat by the stoveapparently occupied with some delicate embroidery, but it was possiblethat her attention was not confined to the stitches. Alton sat nearher, looking straight before him, in a deerhide chair, and it wassignificant that neither of them found speech necessary. The man'sface was somewhat grim, and the girl wondered what he was thinking. 

"You apparently did not find Vancouver enlivening, " she said. 

Alton laughed a little. "I took one or two little worries along, andfound another when I got there. "

Miss Deringham went on with her embroidery for a While, and thenglanced at the man again. "I wonder if any of them were connected withthe sale of Townshead's ranch?" she said. 

Alton smiled a little. "I'm getting kind of afraid of you, " he said. "One of them was. "

Alice Deringham laughed prettily, and was inwardly contented. She hadbeen used to influence and admiration, but there was a subtle pleasurein being the recipient of this man's homage, while she surmised thathad he not offered her all of it he would not have made the admissionconcerning Townshead. 

"Your recent neighbour is not doing well down there?" she said. "I amsorry for Miss Townshead. "

Alton nodded, and his face was sombre as well as pitiful, "It's veryrough on a girl of that kind, and she's true grit right through, " hesaid. "I'm thankful you don't know what some women who have to earntheir living doing what used to be men's work in the cities have to putup with. "

"Still, " said Alice Deringham, "I can guess. Miss Townshead wasworking at something uncongenial for a livelihood, and was notespecially cordial to you?"

Alton looked at her gravely. "No, " he said. "She hadn't even foundthat something yet, and she was very kind. That's what made me feel itworse. "

"Of course she would not have shown you what she thought, " said thegirl a trifle dryly. "And you were not responsible in any case. "

Alton glanced at her with some bewilderment. "No?" he said. "I'msitting here with all that a man could wish for, while that girl, whowas used to all the good things you have in the old country, walksround and round the city looking for something she can earn a fewdollars at, when I might have fixed things differently if it hadn'tbeen for Tom. It's hard to feel there's a meaner man than I am in theDominion. "

Miss Deringham saw the veins rise on his forehead and the glint in hiseyes, and shivered a little as she hoped the man would never discoverit was not the rancher who had brought the shame upon him. 

"Would it have been possible for you to do anything to help them if youhad reached the ranch in time?" she said. 

"Yes, " said Alton simply, "I think it would. And it would have beenbetter for everybody in the district. "

Though the girl did not altogether understand him, his very quietnesswas impressive, for she knew by this time that what he stated wasusually rather more than less the fact. 

"Well, " she said lightly, "it was not your fault, and you will forgetit presently. "

Alton smiled wryly. "I don't know, " he said. "There are some kinds ofstains that don't wash out, but you're only wishing to be kind to mebecause you understand all that better than I do in the old country. "

The girl glanced aside and dropped her needle, while when she spoke hervoice was a trifle strained. "Do you know that you bushmen have mademe ashamed once or twice?" she said. "I am afraid there is a greatdisappointment waiting for you when you see us as we are. "

Alton rose as her father and Seaforth came in, with a curious littleinclination of his head which came well from him. "That simplycouldn't be, " he said. "Well, it's a pity I couldn't tell you all youhave done for me already--and that's one reason why I'm so sorry theother thing will not wash out. Now Charley and I have a good deal todo, and you'll excuse me. "

He went out with his comrade, and Deringham smiled at his daughter. "He is learning rapidly. Still, I fancy the man will feel it when--andI am of course speaking impersonally--he finds you out, " he said. 

Alice Deringham laughed, though she was not conscious of much amusementjust then, and pointed to the bookcase close by her. 

"It is really not his fault, if that is where he gets his fanciesfrom, " she said. 

"No, " said Deringham, nodding. "We grow out of them at sixteen in theold country. Of course, Tennyson, Kingsley, Scott. Now I wonder if hewould find Elaine a more common type than Vivienne if he went home toCarnaby. Still, if you look a little more closely, there is literaturewhich might throw a slightly different light upon the man's character. I notice a bulky volume on soft-wooded trees, somebody on trigonometry, geology in relation to mining, and what I recognize as a standard workon finance and banking. "

Alice Deringham smiled. "Do you know I fancy that Alton of Somascowould with a little training make his mark at home, " she said. "Has hementioned any intention of returning with you?"

Deringham's face grew a trifle sombre. "He has not. We will talk ofsomething else, " he said. 

Alton and Seaforth sat up late that night, but what their conversationwas did not appear until they walked into a room at the rear ofHorton's store just as supper was being cleared away on the Saturdayevening. The nights were already growing cold, and a pile of pinewoodcrackled in the stove, while the light of two big lamps fell upon thebronzed faces of grave jean-clad men, all turned expectantly towardsAlton. He sat down at the head of the table, with Seaforth beside him, and Horton, got up in a frayed-out white shirt from which his bonywrists and red neck protruded grotesquely, at the foot. The rest saton the table and sundry boxes and barrels smoking tranquilly. Theywere, for the most part, silent men who waged a grim and ceaselesswarfare with the forest, and disdained any indication of curiosity. Nobody asked a question, but the steady eyes which watched the convenerof the meeting were mildly inquiring when he rose up. 

"I sent for you, boys, because it seemed the fairest thing, " he said. "Now somebody has got to take hold with a tight grip if the dollarsthat are coming into it are to go to the men who have done the work inthis valley. You have seen what has happened down Washington andOregon way, and we don't any of us want it here in Canada. When thegood time came was it the man who'd put in his twelve hours daily withthe axe and crosscut who got the dollars, or the one who lived soft inthe cities?"

There was a little growl from several among the assembly, for most ofthose who sat there realized that it was usually the mortgage brokerand speculator who reaped where the toilers with axe and saw had sown. 

"There'll have to be laws made to hold them fellows' grip off the poorman. " said somebody. 

Alton laughed a little. "Well, " he said dryly, "it seems to me thatthe poor man should do a little of the holding off himself. Now I wantyou to listen carefully. Within twelve months you'll see a newwagon-road cut south towards the big river, and inside two years thesurveyors running the line for a new railroad into the Somasco valley. "

The men stared at the speaker, and there was a murmur, almost of doubt, and wonder. They knew what that promise meant, and it implied theopening of mines and mills, a market for all they could raise on thespot, and the quadrupling in value of every ranch. Alton sat quietlyimperturbable at the head of the table. 

"And you believe the thing's going to be?" said somebody. 

"I think, " said Alton quietly, "I have just told you so. "

There was another murmur, of strong and patient men's unexpressedexultation, and Seaforth noticed that they had accepted his comrade'sstatement, without further question, implicitly. They were in somerespects simple, and the complex life of the cities was unknown to mostof them, but they had seen human nature stripped of its veneer in thebush and understood it well. It was a delicate compliment they hadpaid Alton, and the little flush in his face showed that he realized it. 

"It's great news, " said somebody. 

Alton nodded. "Yes, " he said. "Now I can't tell you exactly why Iknow this thing will come, and you wouldn't be any worse off if I werewrong. Further, you see I might have gone ahead and brought you upwithout speaking a word to you. "

A man got up from a barrel. "No, sir, " he said. "I'm not going todisturb this meeting, but that's just what you couldn't do. Itwouldn't be like Somasco Harry. "

There was grave applause, but the glint in the steady eyes was pleasantto see, and Seaforth felt a curious thrill as he glanced at hispartner. Alton, however, proceeded quietly. 

"I needn't tell you what it means, " he said. "It may mean anything, including a wooden city. You know it as well as I do, but I'm going totell you this. Unless you hold tight to your own, and do a little foryourselves, when the good time comes you'll be left out in the cold. There's a man who sees this better than you or I feeling for a grip onthe Somasco valley, and there'll be very little left for the rest of usif he gets it. "

"Hallam of the Tyee, " a growl ran down the table. 

Alton nodded. "Yes, " said he. "Now you have seen poor men frozen outof their ranches and claims by men with money in other parts of thiscountry as well as across the frontier, and there's usually only oneend to the battle when the man without the dollars kicks against theman with plenty. Stay right where you are with mortgages held open, timber rights that are lapsing because you've done nothing, andundeveloped mineral claims, and the man who sits scheming while you'reresting will squeeze you out one by one. "

"It has happened before, " said somebody, and there was silence for aspace. The men had spent the best years of their life hewing theclearings that grew so slowly farther into the virgin forest, faringsparingly, and only quitting that herculean toil to earn sufficientdollars railroad building or working at the mines to feed them whenthey continued it again. They had sown the best that was in them ofmind and body, giving all they had, courage that never faltered, aswell as the ceaseless effort of over-strained muscle, and as yet theirfee was but the right to hope and toil. And now, they knew, it wasonce more possible that the full-fleshed taxer of other men's labourswould sweep what was theirs into his garner. 

"Yes, " said Alton. "And what has happened before will happenagain--unless you stir round and stop it. That's the only use inremembering things. Standing alone, Hallam and his crowd will squeezeyou out one by one; standing fast together for what is your own, you'refit to choke off anybody, and what I've called you here for is to seewhether we can't fix up a Co-operative Company!"

A man stood up with a light in his eyes. "Then you've hit the thingplumb where you wanted, " he said. "Whose standing in with Alton ofSomasco, boys?"

There was a roar this time, and then a silence as if the assembly feltthat they had done an unseemly thing, but it was evident that they wereall of them ready. 

"I figure you've got a programme?" said somebody. 

"I have, " said Alton. "I'll have a bigger one by and by, but in themeanwhile it includes the selling of timber in place of destroying it, and a doubling right off of the Somasco mill. It also takes in agristmill, the recording of more timber rights, and most of you gettingin on the ground floor of a new silver mine. There's to be an officedown in Vancouver, and a desiccated fruit store, and the best men wecan get hold of to run them. Now sit still while I read what might dofor a scheme. "

They sat very still, and even Seaforth, who knew his comrade, wondereda little, for that scheme, while crude in one or two directions, waseminently workable. It provided for a pro rata division of profits andpartition of expenses, while each man would retain the control of hisown holding, and those who listened nodded now and then as they notedthe efficiency of some portion of the plan of co-operation. 

"Now, " said Alton quietly, laying down the paper. "That's my notion. I'm willing to listen if any man can bring out a better. "

There was a silence until Horton rose up at the foot of the table, glass in hand. "I, " he said simply, "don't think he can. Every dollarI can raise is going in, and we're all standing in with Alton. Here'sthe Somasco Consolidated, and to ---- with Hallam. "

There was a roar louder than the first one, a clink of glasses, andforgetting their reticence for once the big bronzed men thronged aboutthe one who smiled at them from the head of the table. 

CHAPTER XIV

THE COMPACT

After the first meeting of the Somasco Consolidated, Alton wasfrequently absent from the ranch, and spent most of the nights shut upwith bulky books, while he also apparently became involved in anextensive correspondence with the cities. There were, however, timeswhen Miss Deringham surprised him standing still and gazing intovacancy, which was distinctly unusual with him, but the girl, who hadonce or twice noticed his eyes fixed upon her and signs of an inwardconflict in his face, was not displeased. She could arrive at atolerably accurate deduction as well as most young women. 

In the meanwhile Seaforth had gone down to Vancouver, and Deringhamstill appeared content to linger at Somasco. He had, his daughterknew, been ordered a lengthy rest, and it was evident that thetranquillity of the mountain ranch was benefiting him physically, though now and then the girl noticed that his face was anxious whencommunications from England reached him. She was also, for no reasonshe was willing to admit, content to remain a little longer at Somasco. 

One night when she was sitting meditatively in the room set apart forher use, Alton passed the half-opened door, and noticing the curiousslowness of his pace she signed him to enter. She had, somewhat to theindignation of Mrs. Margery, taken the room in hand, and with the aidof a few sundries surreptitiously brought from Vancouver withSeaforth's connivance, made a transformation in its aspect. A redcurtain hung behind the door. There were a few fine furs whichSeaforth had collected here and there about the ranch upon the floor, and Alton, who had just returned from a ride of forty miles through themire and rain, stopped a moment upon the threshold. He was a man ofquick perceptions, and all he saw seemed stamped with the personalityof its occupant. 

It was dainty, and essentially feminine, and he became, for perhaps thefirst time, uneasily conscious of his own solid masculine proportionsand bespattered garments as he glanced deprecatingly at the girl. Shelay with lithe gracefulness in a basket chair, very collected and verypretty, while he dimly understood that the fact that she did not movebut only smiled at him implied a good deal. A brightness flashed intohis eyes and sank out of them again. 

"Come in and sit down, " she said, "I have seen very little of youlately, and you seem tired. Half-an-hour's casual chatter will do youno harm, although it may appear to you a terrible waste of time. "

Alton came in and dropped into a chair which creaked beneath him. Hisface was somewhat weary, and the girl noticed the stiffness of hismovements. He also looked about him with a curious expression whichseemed to suggest reverence in his eyes. 

"No, " he said gravely, "it wouldn't be a waste of time. "

Alice Deringham smiled a little, and moved one foot a trifle nearer thestove. It was little, and delicately moulded, and lost nothing frombeing encased in a very open bronze slipper. Alton, noticing theslight rustle of fabric which accompanied the movement, glanced towardsit, and then turned his eyes away. 

"You see I have been taking liberties, " said the girl. "All this isvery tawdry, isn't it?"

Alton's eyes were wistful. "No. Do you know, this place has quite aneffect on me. It makes me feel--as if I were in church, " said he. 

Miss Deringham's face was not responsive. There were times when shewas sensible of a curious compunction in this rancher's presence. "Asensation of that kind is apt to become oppressive, " she said. "Whenwe have gone you will throw these things away. "

The man seemed to wince, as though the contemplation of something waspainful to him, but he looked at his companion gravely. 

"I think I shall screw the door up tight, " he said. 

Alice Deringham laughed musically. "Now I think that was very pretty, "she said. "It seems commonplace to offer you a cup of coffee after it, and no doubt you will consider the indulgence in such luxuries a signof weakness. I have reasons for believing that Mrs. Margery does. "

Alton smiled somewhat grimly. "I'm just about as fond of good thingsas most other men, " he said. "The difficulty was that I seldom had thechance of getting them. "

Miss Deringham busied herself with a spirit lamp, and Alton watched herwith a little glint in his eyes. Possibly the girl knew that hermovements were graceful as she bent over the lamp, and that the lightfrom the one above her struck a fine sparkle from her hair. She mayalso have been aware that the picture had its attractions for a man whohad lived a grim life of toil and self-denial, as this one had done. 

"It has occurred to me that this coffee is not the same that we hadwhen we first came to Somasco, " she said. 

Alton appeared a trifle embarrassed. "I had to go down and worryHorton about one or two little things, " he said. "It's good for himoccasionally, and he had been sending me flour we couldn't use lately. "

Miss Deringham nodded, though she was quite aware that the storekeeperwas scarcely likely to supply axemen and ranchers, whose tastes weresimple and dollars scarce, with what she guessed by its bouquet was thefinest product of Costa Rica. If she had not been, she was capable ofdeducing a little from the stamp upon the packets she had seen in Mrs. Margery's store, which showed that they had come direct from Vancouver. 

Alton took up the cup handed him, and leaned back in his chair with alittle gesture of content, while the girl smiled as she glanced at him. 

[Illustration: Alton leaned back with a little gesture of content. ]

"You bear it very well, " she said. 

The man looked at her with a bewildered expression for a moment or two. Then he laughed. "No, " he said, "I find it wonderfully nice. "

There was an underlying sincerity in his voice, and Alice Deringhamdriven by curiosity went a step farther. 

"The coffee?" she said. 

She was almost sorry next moment, for she had at other times called upconsiderably more than she had expected or desired from the unsoundeddepths of the man's nature. For a second or two there was a greatwistfulness, which changed into a little glow she shrank from, in hiseyes. He turned them upon her, and then away, and they were once moregrave when he looked back again. Still, she guessed what that efforthad cost him. 

"No, " he said quietly. "I did not mean the coffee. You see, I hadnever until you came here been used to anything smooth or pretty. "

Alice Deringham smiled a little, for she understood. The man, shethought, was willing she should accept the somewhat pointlesscompliment as the sequence of his former speech, to cover his mistakeif he had betrayed more than he thought desirable. It also increasedher liking for him, since it appeared that Alton was capable ofself-restraint. There was, however, no mistaking what she had seen, and the girl remembered that one of the Winnipeg ladies she travelledwith, who had visited one of the weird valleys across the Americanfrontier, described to her the fascination of throwing stones into thebasin of a geyser to see how many it would take before it erupted. During her intercourse with rancher Alton, Alice Deringham hadexperienced the sensation. 

"You have been working too hard lately, and worrying, too, I think, "she said. 

Alton laughed a little, and then glanced at the stove for a while insilence, as though communing with himself. When he looked up again thegirl fancied that he had decided something. "Work hurts nobody. It'sthe worry that leaves the mark, " he said, with a smile. "Of course, agood many people will have told you that before. Yes, I've beenthinking a good deal lately. "

"It is occasionally a solace to tell one's friends one's thoughts, "said Miss Deringham. 

"Well, " said Alton gravely, "there's a thing I feel I should do, andyet I don't want to, because it would stand in the way of my doingsomething else. "

"That is a somewhat common difficulty, " said Alice Deringham. "Itdepends upon the importance to yourself, or others, of the first thing. "

Alton nodded. "There are, " he said, "men in this district who haveworked very hard, not for the bare living the ranch gives them, becausesome have put a good deal more into the land than they have taken outof it, but for what it will give them presently. Now, unless somebodydoes the right thing for them, another man will walk right in and takeall they have worked for away. I wouldn't like that to happen, becauseI am one of them, you see. "

"No, " said Miss Deringham. "Still, surmising that you are thesomebody, I wonder if you have a more convincing reason. "

A little flush seemed to creep into Alton's bronzed face. "I find Ican talk to you as I never did to any one else, " he said. "Well, thisvalley's waiting to feed a host of people, and teeming with riches thatsomebody is wanting, and I feel it's my task to do the best I can forit. Now, when one feels that, and does nothing, he's putting a load hewas meant to carry on other people's shoulders. "

"Yes, " said Miss Deringham. "Still, isn't it slightly egotistical?There may be other men who could do what is necessary better. "

Alton laughed a little. "You get right home every time, " he said. "I've been thinking the same thing, but, though I wanted to, I couldn'tfind the man, and there isn't much use in running away from the workthat's set out for you. "

Alice Deringham understood him because she was a somewhat intellectualyoung woman, though she had, and possibly fortunately, but seldom beenrequired to decide between inclination and duty in any affair ofimportance hitherto. There was also something that touched her in theman's simple faithfulness. 

"And you are going to do a good deal?" she said. 

"I don't know, " said Alton gravely. "I should like to. You see, wewant roads and mills, and an office down there in the city. "

"And, " said the girl, "that means money. "

"Yes, " said Alton. "When a man goes round borrowing he finds out thatthe folks who have got the dollars like to keep them. That's why I'mgoing up to look for Jimmy's silver mine. "

Miss Deringham shivered a little. "Winter is coming on, " she said. "The last man who looked for it was frozen--and there is Carnaby. "

The girl's pulses throbbed a little faster as she spoke, and there wasnothing in the man's face which escaped her attention. Again thecurious glint became apparent in his eyes, and the warm bronze a littledeeper in tint. 

"I might raise some dollars on Carnaby, but I don't want to, " he said. 

Miss Deringham had seen sufficient, and decided to change the topic. "So you intend to find the silver?" she said. 

"Yes, " said Alton simply. "I feel I have got to do that--first. "

There was a significant silence, and the girl leaned back in her chair, conscious without resentment that the man was watching her. Her eyeswere softer than usual, the faintest trace of colour showed in hercheek, while the light evening dress emphasized the fine sweep of curveand line that was further accentuated by her pose. The lamp that hungabove her smote a track of brightness athwart her red-gold hair, untilshe slightly moved her head so that while part of the full round neckshowed in its snowy whiteness her face was in the shadow. 

"I think you will be successful. I hope you will, " she said. 

It was evident that the man understood all that was meant, but he rosewith an apparent effort. "And now I have a good deal to do, " he said. 

Alice Deringham also rose with a little stateliness, and when he hadgone out sank down contemplatively into the chair again. Her hands layopen in her lap, and it is possible that she saw nothing of the sewingthey rested on as she grappled with the question why had the man toldher what he had done. There were two apparent reasons, for AliceDeringham realized that there was a certain greatness behind hissimplicity. Granting that, she could see his standpoint clearly, though it was more difficult to understand why such a man had made itevident to her. He was, she knew, not one to stoop even to win awoman's good opinion, and would have seen that in this directionsilence became him best, unless he felt that while so much was due tohonour there was something due to her. 

He had told her simply that it was not to please himself he was goingout to look for the silver just then, and the deduction was that theexpedition had no attractions for him because he wished to stay at theranch. Allowing that, the revelation of his motive had not beenpurposeless. It was only his responsibility drove him away from her, and there was a vague but effective compliment in the implication thatshe would recognize it. Still, this train of reasoning had led AliceDeringham far enough, and she sought distraction from it in herembroidery, which during the next hour progressed but indifferently. 

It was a day or two later when Alton drew Deringham into his room whenhe came in bemired all over from the settlement, and the financiernoticed that the table and most of the floor was littered with books, survey plans, and miscellaneous papers. 

"I'll have to leave this place for a little, " he said. "I'm going upto find the silver, but the ranch and all that's in it is at yourservice just as long as it pleases you. If all goes as I expect it, Ishall be back in a month or so, and would be glad to find you still atSomasco. Then, if you are ready, Charley and I will go back to the oldcountry with you. A lawyer in Vancouver has written to an Englishaccountant for me, and with him to help us we can fix up all aboutCarnaby. "

Now Deringham had up to that moment still retained a hope that he couldarrive at an understanding with Alton respecting Carnaby on the spot. As it was, unless he could gain time, exposure and even worse thingsstared him in the face. It had been comparatively simple to hoodwinkhis co-trustee, but it would be very different with an accountant ofreputation, and he had also grown afraid of Alton's instinctive graspof whatever subject he turned his attention to. There was, of course, much the rancher did not know, but that left him with attention themore concentrated upon issues of importance. 

Deringham, however, showed but little evidence of dismay orastonishment. Had he been liable to do so, he would not have held hisown so long in the occupation he followed. His breath came a triflemore quickly, and his hand trembled a little, but he rested it upon thetable, and all that Alton noticed was a curious little movement aboutthe corner of his eyes. The rancher, however, remembered it. 

"Well, " said Deringham, "I must endeavour if possible to return toEngland with you. When you spoke of being away a month you seemed tocontemplate a possibility of being absent longer. "

Alton nodded. "I did, " he said. "The man who found the silver islying up there still, but I've provided for anything of that kindhappening to me, as you will see in a day or two. Now I don't think weneed worry any more until we get to Carnaby. "

Deringham made a gesture of concurrence, but the grim irony of Alton'sspeech occurred to him as he went out to grapple with his torturinganxiety. At first he could scarcely think of anything consecutively, and once more the picture of a man hanging by a juniper-bush with ariver frothing down the gorge below rose up persistently before hismemory. It was replaced by another of a grim silent figure keepingwatch with eyes that never ceased their fixed stare beside a frozentrail. 

On the second day afterwards he sauntered into Horton's store and foundHallam there. The mining speculator appeared ironically amused, thestorekeeper flushed and savage, but when Hallam turned to Deringhamthere was something in his manner that suggested they had not met byaccident. 

"I've been telling the storekeeper not to lay in too many Somascos justyet, and have got to put in the time here for an hour or two, " he said. "Know any reason why you shouldn't have a drink with me?"

They strolled into an adjoining room, and Horton, who supplied themwith a bottle and glasses, came back smiling sardonically. "Now ifHallam hadn't put it that way I mightn't have thought anything, " saidhe. "Still, when a man of his kind takes the trouble to tell oneanything it's a blame good reason for not believing him. "

In the meanwhile Hallam, who filled the glasses, glanced at Deringham. "You think I can be of some use to you?" he said. 

"Yes, " said Deringham. "I presume you know Alton is going up to findthe silver he needs to help him traverse your schemes?"

"Oh, yes, " said Hallam. "Still I should have figured he could have gotit out of Carnaby. "

"I believe he intends to. "

Hallam smiled unpleasantly. "Now I begin to understand you, " he said. "You lost a good many dollars over the Peveril. "

"I think that is beside the question, " said Deringham. 

Hallam regarded his companion steadily. "Well, I don't know, but weneedn't argue. You don't want him to get those dollars out of Carnaby?"

"And you don't want him to find the silver. "

Hallam laughed. "That's quite right, " said he. "The same thing wouldsuit both of us. "

"I scarcely think so, " said Deringham. "In my case, I really do notmind whether he gets the dollars from Carnaby or not. "

"No?" said Hallam. "Then you'll have to tell me what you want. "

"I don't want him to come over to England too soon. If anything kepthim up there among the mountains a month or so longer than he expected, so that I should have time to straighten up things a little, I wouldnot complain. "

"And, " said Hallam, "you would be ready to pay for it?"

Deringham bent his head. "Yes. To a moderate extent. "

Hallam sat silent for a time, and then looked up with a glint in hisbeady eyes. "It could be done. Well, I don't want him to find thatsilver, and if he doesn't get through his prospecting in the next monthor so he'll not find much of anything under six feet of snow, and I'llhave fixed things up as I want them before it's melted. Now you'reholding pretty heavy in the Aconada mine, and I've been wanting to getmy foot in there for a long while. "

Deringham stood up, and thrust aside the bottle Hallam passed him. "Before we go any further I want you to understand that if Alton isheld up there until December is over it is all I ask, " he said. 

Hallam nodded. "Oh, yes, " he said. "All I want is so many of thoseshares transferred to me. "

They debated for a while, and then Deringham said, "I would sooner fixit through a third party. "

Hallam laughed unpleasantly. "That would suit, but I'd want yourcheque to buy them with made out payable to me. "

"It would, " said Deringham, "not suit me. "

"Then we can't make a deal. It's me that's putting this thing through, and if anything goes wrong I'm anxious to have somebody to stand inwith me as well as pick up the dollars if it doesn't. I'm talkingquite straight. There it is. Take it or leave it. "

Deringham was silent again. Then he laughed a little. "Since I cannotapparently do anything else, I'll take it. "

Hallam filled up both glasses. "Then that's all, " he said. "Here's myrespects to the Somasco Consolidated. "

Deringham just touched his glass and went out, while Hallam, who satdown and emptied his, smiled ironically. "That man might have kept hisdollars, and I'd be quite pleased if Alton stayed up there a good dealmore than two months, " said he. 

Deringham was in the meanwhile hastily writing out telegraphic messageswhich were to cause a little astonishment on the London stock market, and hamper the working of one or two companies. He would, so far as hecould see, be a much poorer man in a few months or so, but he fanciedhe could gain time to save the reputation that would help him tocommence again, and to men of his attainments there are alwaysopportunities. Then he sent off a mounted messenger, and rode slowlyback towards Somasco, while Horton spent some time examining ablotting-pad in his back store. 

"I'm kind of sorry I can't make anything of that stuff, " said he. "What's the use of wiring any one the names of cities?"

During the next day Alton drew Deringham into his room, and laid adocument on the table. "I don't know if that's quite the usual thing, but Horton and I have been worrying over a lawyer's book, and I thinkit will hold, " he said. 

Deringham took up the paper, and again there was the little movement atthe corners of his eye as he read. 

"I, Henry Alton, of Somasco ranch, being now in sound health, and asclear of head as usual, but about to start on a journey to which thereare risks attached, hereby bequeath in the event of disaster overtakingme the estate of Carnaby, England, with all its rents and revenues ofany kind whatever to which I am entitled, to Miss Alice Deringham, daughter of ----. In case of my decease during the next six months, the above-mentioned Ralph Deringham and my partner Charles Seaforth, ofSomasco, British Columbia, will, acting as trustees, either dispose ofthe estate for the benefit of Miss Deringham or install her inpossession of it at her discretion. "

There was a little more to the purpose, and Deringham read all of it. "This is very generous, " he said. 

"No, " said Alton, "it's only just, and it can't be very generous, because Carnaby wouldn't be much use to me if I don't come back. Icould, of course, revoke this thing if I do. "

Deringham said nothing. There was a good deal he wished to say, butfor once words failed him, and when he went out with the will in hispocket his face had grown a trifle grey. Yet though he sufferedgrievously in that moment, he was conscious of something in his brainthat throbbed in time to the refrain, "Alice Deringham, mistress ofCarnaby. "

CHAPTER XV

ON THE TRAIL

Daylight was just creeping through the rain, and thin mist rolled aboutthe pines, when early one morning Alton, who was setting out to findthe silver, stood upon the verandah of Somasco ranch. The trickle fromthe eaves dripped upon two pack-horses waiting in the mire below, andTom of Okanagan, the big axeman who had been hewing with Alton whenDeringham first met him at the ranch, stood motionless with theirbridles in his hand, apparently as oblivious of the rain as the pinesbehind him. Seaforth was at the head of the stairway with a pack uponhis back, and the barrel of a Marlin rifle sloped across his shoulders. Beyond lay a blurred vista of driving rain and dripping trees. 

Early as it was, Deringham and his daughter were also upon theverandah, and the girl shivered a little as she gazed northwards intothe mist. It was a very wild and lonely region the rolling vapourshid, and she knew the men who ventured into it at that season of theyear would find their courage and endurance tested to the uttermost. There were but three of them, but she had discovered already that theywere a little more than average men, and a glance at their burdens andthose of the dripping beasts was as reassuring as their bearing. Itwas evident that they knew what their task would be, and had preparedfor it with a thoroughness that overlooked nothing. Tents, blankets, flour-bags, cooking utensils and hide packages were hung where man andhorse could carry them with a minimum of effort. The place for everystrap had been exactly determined, and there was an absence of concern, and a quietness about the men that had its meaning. 

Presently Seaforth descended the stairway with Deringham, Tom ofOkanagan moved forward with the horses, and Alton was left alone withAlice Deringham. Neither of them spoke for a moment, and it wasnoticeable that the girl, who knew that silence is often moreexpressive than speech and had acquired some skill in avoidingunpleasant situations, was for the moment unable to break it. It was, Alton who spoke first, and his voice was a trifle too even. 

"You will be gone when we come back?" he said. 

The girl noticed he did not look at her, and fancied she understood thereason. This was a strong man, but it seemed he knew there were limitsto his strength. 

"Yes, " she said. "The time we spent at Somasco has passed verypleasantly, but we shall go down to Vancouver in a day or two. "

It seemed very trivial, for Alice Deringham was quite aware that thismight be the last time she would look upon her companion, but she hadbidden farewell to men of his kind before. They had worn theirnation's khaki, and Alton wore deerskin and jean, with the shovelgirded about him in place of the sword; but she knew there was in himthe same spirit that animated them, and that it was a silent spiritmade most terribly manifest in action. 

"I hope you will have a good time down there, " he said. 

The girl glancing at him in sidelong fashion noticed his curious littlesmile. "Oh, yes, I think I shall, " she said. "I shall expect to hearyou have come back with the silver. "

Alton nodded. "Yes, " he said. "When I come back I shall have foundthe silver. "

He spoke quietly, and there was nothing unusual in his voice, butglancing at his eyes the girl understood what he had left unspoken. Ifthis man did not return with his object accomplished, she felt it wouldbe because he would not come back at all. 

Then there was another silence more oppressive still, until Alton heldout his hand. "I must be going, " he said. 

Alice Deringham was conscious of a little thrill as her fingers restedin his big, hard palm, and when he released them waited for a momentwith a curious expectancy. 

"You will take my good wishes with you, " she said. 

Alton bent his head. "I am doing this thing because I feel I have to, "he said very slowly. "I could come and see you at Vancouver when Icome back?"

The light was dim, but the girl moved her head a little so that the mandid not see her face. "Yes, " she said; "if it would please you. "

Alton smiled gravely as he swung down his wet hat. "Then, " he said, "Iwill come. "

He went down the stairway next moment, there was a soft thud of hoofssplashing in the mud, and in another minute he had gone, and AliceDeringham glancing towards the bush saw only sliding mist and drivingrain, until her father stopped close by her. "There is evidently agood deal in heredity, " he said. "Our rancher kinsman occasionallymakes it very evident that he is Alton--of Somasco--but there are alsotimes when he appears to understand what would be becoming in Alton ofCarnaby. "

Now Deringham may have been right, and he may equally have been wrong;for, while Alton of Somasco had doubtless inherited something from thegenerations of land-holders who had gone before him, the man animatedby a single purpose who has grappled with untrammelled nature, subduingthe weaknesses of his body, and bearing hardship, peril, and toil, notinfrequently attains to something of the greatness which is thebirthright of humanity, and not confined to the English gentleman. 

Alice Deringham, however, smiled ironically at her father. "Did youexpect anything else from him?" she said. "I wonder how long it willbe before he comes back again. "

Deringham did not answer her, but there was a curious look in his face, and he seemed to shiver. It was, however, very cold, and the raindrove into the verandah. 

It was ten days later and the little party, clearing a path for thehorses through a chaos of fallen trunks and thickets, had made withdifficulty some six or eight miles a day, when Alton was awakened onenight by the trampling of the beasts. He sat up in his blankets andlistened intently, but could only hear the hoarse roar of a river andthe little cold breeze moaning in the pines. A man new to that regionwould have lain down again, but Alton had taught himself to understanda little of the nature of the beasts that worked for him, and when heheard another movement crept to the tent door. 

Looking out he could see the pines lifting their spires of blacknessagainst the night where they followed the ridge of a hill. That was onthe one hand, but on the other they rolled, vague and blurred, downinto a vast hollow from which the mist was drifting. The sound of theriver rose reverberating from its profundity of shadow, for it had costthe party most of a day to climb to the height they had pitched thecamp upon. There was but little light overhead, though here and therea star blinked fitfully, and Alton shivered again, for it was very coldand but little past the hour when man's vitality sinks to its lowest. 

Raising himself a trifle he listened again with ears that coulddistinguish each component of the nocturnal harmonies. No one but abushman could have heard them, but to those who toil in the stillnessof that forest-shrouded land the silence is but the perfect blending ofmusical sound. There was the faintest of crisp rattles as the witheredneedles shook down from a twig, and then a sigh and a whisper along thedim black vault above, as though a spirit hovered above the sleepingearth. Alton heard, and knew it was not the wind, for the littlebreeze had paused while the river made it answer in subdued antiphones. He had dwelt in close contact with the soil he sprang from, and therewere times when he felt his nature thrill in faint response to the lifethere is in what the men of the cities deem inanimate things. 

Then a leaf sailed past the tent, and he knew what tree it came from asit touched the earth, and strained his ears the more, wondering what helistened for, as he, and others of his kind, had done in the bushbefore. It could be, he almost felt, nothing material, and yet, thoughthey did not move now, he knew the horses were also listening. Thathad its meaning, for man cannot measure his keenest senses with thoseof the beasts of the field. The little breeze awoke again, and shookfantastic harmonies out of the shivering trees, and one horse stamped. The other wheeled and snorted, and Alton sprang back into the tent, assomewhere in the bushes there commenced a sound that suggested thesnarling of a great cat. It was possibly unfortunate he was not atrifle less prompt, because otherwise he might have noticed somethingslightly unusual in the sound. 

As it was, however, he fell over Okanagan Tom, who being a very similarman to him, and not as yet wholly awake, asked no questions but grippedhim silently, and proceeded to crush the breath out of him. Alton wassinewy, but he was almost choking before he freed one hand, and droveit into a tender portion of his assailant's frame. Then with a littlelaugh Tom of Okanagan flung him across the tent. 

"Great Columbus! It's good I found out in time, " he said. 

Alton was almost speechless still, and, while he gasped, the object hehad fallen on moved strenuously beneath him. 

"You might get up, " it said. "It's a somewhat unprotected place you'resitting on. "

"Confound you both, " said Alton. "Hand me the rifle. "

Seaforth afterwards remembered that he did not ask where the rifle was, which would have been the question put by most men, and as he held itout felt the stock touch Alton's hand. Then there was a little rattle, and as Seaforth floundered to his feet a weird snarling cry broke out. Alton was out of the tent in a moment, but Seaforth afterwards recalledthe fact that they were all moving when he heard the sound, and Tom ofOkanagan apparently groping for his axe and throwing things about. Healso decided that it might have been better if one had sat still andlistened, but it is not given to human beings to always do the mostappropriate thing. 

Alton instinctively avoided the tent-line nearest the opening, whichwas unfortunate, because the peg had drawn a trifle, and Seaforth hadmoved it after his comrade had driven it. It therefore came about thatthe line was not where he had last seen it, and he went down headlong, while the rifle rolled away from him. Just there, there was a rush anda drumming of hoofs, and before Alton could pick himself up the horseswere sweeping in a panic through the shadowy bush. 

"Anything the worse, Harry?" said Seaforth. "We had better get off atonce while there's the sound to guide us. "

Alton laughed softly, as he did now and then when he might have beendisconcerted. "I can't beat a Cayuse, Charley, and I don't thinkyou'll hear them very long, " he said. 

Tom of Okanagan grunted approval, and the three stood still, until thedrumming of hoofs was lost in the silence of the bush. 

"They're gone, " said Seaforth. "Do you mean to do nothing?"

"Yes, " said Alton. "I am going to stop right where I am until there'slight enough to trail them by. Do you know anything better, Tom?"

"No, " said the man from Okanagan. "Still, I'm not quite as good atthinking just now as I would like to be. The last time I felt likethis was when Siwash Bob took the back of the axe to me. I figure thatwas a panther. "

"Yes, " said Alton; "it was a panther. "

"Well, " said Okanagan, "did you ever hear of one that went for a horseclose up with a tent before?"

"I have, " said Alton, "seen a panther that turned on a man who wantedto get a shot at it in the undergrowth. "

"Oh, yes, " said Okanagan. "He'd got something he'd caught for dinnerin the bushes, but it's kind of curious that beasts come round and howlat us. Anyway, we can't find out nothing until the daylight comes. "

They crawled back into the tent, and it was characteristic of them thatalthough the loss of the horses might traverse all their plans theywent to sleep again, and awakened as the beasts do, instinctively, whenthe first light crept over the shoulder of the hill. Ten minutes laterAlton had the fire lighted, and sat down beside it with the frypan inhis hand. The recovery of the horses was a question of importance, butit might well entail a day's journey, and he knew that to commence itwithout his breakfast would be distinctly unwise of him. Accordinglyhe tranquilly held the pan, while as the mists melted and the awakeningearth put on shape and form there was unrolled before him a wondroustransformation scene. 

When he had last awakened the wilderness had lain formless, wrapped inblackness, primitive and pagan. Now the great pines rising row and rowfrom the hollow pointed heavenwards with all their sombre spires, andled the eye upwards ever over the rock that lost its greyness andglinted to the gleam of snow far up in the empyrean that was sunderedfrom earth by the vapours and wholly spiritual. Alton realized dimly alittle of the motive of the scene, and felt that the world was good, for, laying down the frypan, he stood up stretching his arms above hishead as he rejoiced in the strength of his vigorous manhood. Still, like most of the bushmen, he did not express his feelings in speech. 

"Charley, you'll be slow for your wedding. Turn out, the pork's done, "he said. 

They lost no time, but they did not eat in haste, and Alton glanced atSeaforth when the meal was done. "You'll stop right here, Charley, bythe tent, " he said. "I can't quite tell when Tom and I will be backagain. "

Then without another word he strode into the bush, and Seaforth, whofirst washed the breakfast-cans, proceeded to make a circuit of thecamp. He found the spot where the horses had been tethered with butlittle difficulty, and also the hole out of which one of them had drawnthe picket-peg. The redwoods which towered above him were vast ofgirth, and it would have needed a long halter to encompass them, whilethere was no branch for sixty feet or so. Still, though he searcheddiligently, he did not find any print which might have been left by thepaw of a panther, and regretted that there was a ridge of rock outcropbehind the camp. 

"That beast was hungry, or he wouldn't have come so near, " he said. 

It was near dusk when Alton came back leading one weary horse, anddarkness had closed down before Tom of Okanagan strode in with nothingbut the pack-rope he had set out with. Seaforth had supper ready, andno questions were asked until they had eaten. Then Alton, stretchinghimself at full length beside the fire, lighted his pipe. 

"You found nothing after I left you where the trail split tip?" he said. 

"No, " said Okanagan. "Anyway, not for more than a mile. Ran into rockand gravel, and lost the trail. Crawled round in rings most of theday, and couldn't strike it again. Guess the beast swam the river andlit out for home. "

"Well, " said Alton dryly, "I found more than that, for I ran into aman's trail, and it wasn't very old. I think he had long boots on andone was down at the heel. I spent an hour over it, and when it led meinto rock came back again. "

"A man?" said Seaforth. "I fancied there was nobody but ourselvesbetween here and Somasco. What could he be doing?"

"I don't know, " said Alton. "Did you find the panther's trail?"

"No, " said Seaforth. "Rock again!"

Alton said nothing for a minute, and when he spoke his voice had acurious tone. "Well, " he said gravely, "the rock belongs to this placeand we don't, so there's no use kicking, but it would have beenconvenient if there had been less of it. Now it's quite possible thata few pounds of grub and a load of blankets may make a big differencebefore we get home again, and if we can't trail that horse to-morrowyou'll go back to Somasco for another one. We'll cache the loadsomewhere here and make a big smoke for you at every camping. "

"That means the loss of a fortnight, anyway, " said Seaforth. "Time isvaluable with the winter coming on. "

Alton nodded. "Still, it can't be helped, " he said. 

"I'll lose no time, " said Seaforth, who had been watching his comrade. "Are you quite sure you have told us all, Harry?"

Alton slowly drew a strip of hide from beneath him, and passed itacross. Seaforth and Okanagan bent over it together, their facesshowing intent in the light of the fire, while Alton laughed softly ashe watched them. 

"What do you make of that?" he said. 

Seaforth glanced round sharply. "It's a trifle curious. That hide'sthick, and yet the beast has evidently broken it, but it pulled up thepeg. "

"Did you find the peg?" said Alton, and Okanagan swept his glanceacross the faces before him. Seaforth's expressed bewilderment, Alton's was grim. 

"I found one, " said Seaforth--"Julius Caesar's. "

"Yes, " said Alton dryly. "There should have been another, and a horsethat breaks his tether can't pull out the peg. Still, I don't think hebroke it. "

"But, " said Seaforth, "the thing is broken. "

Tom of Okanagan smiled in a curious fashion while Alton reached out andlaid his finger on the hide. "One can't be sure of anything, " he said. "Still, one could fancy that had felt the knife before it snapped. "

There was silence for almost a minute, and the shadows of the greatfirs seemed to close in upon the camp. Then Alton rose up andstretched his limbs wearily. 

"I am kind of tired, " he said. "There's a good deal to be doneto-morrow. "

CHAPTER XVI

CAUSE FOR ANXIETY

There was no sign of the missing horse next day, and Alton's face wasgrave when he returned to camp at noon. Tom of Okanagan arrived anhour or two later, and shook his head when Seaforth glanced at himinquiringly. 

"Rock again. Right down to the river, " he said. 

Alton nodded, but did not ask if his companion had effected a crossing. "There was a good deal of water coming down?" he said. 

"Oh, yes, " said Okanagan. "It was cold. Boulders all along on theother side. Now if the beast got over he'll be lighting out for home, and there are some of us better than others at picking up a trail. "

Seaforth understood him, and the implication pleased him though it wasnot openly expressed. "Had you any especial reason when you asked meto go, Harry?" he asked. 

Alton smiled dryly. "I had, but I don't know that it was a very goodone. You would sooner stay up here. What do you think, Tom?"

"Of course!" said Seaforth, and Alton nodded silently, while Okanaganrose to his feet. 

"Now you have asked me, Charley's right, " he said. "I'll be movingsouth in ten minutes. "

He had set off in somewhat less, and the men he left behind stood stilllistening until the sound of his footsteps had sunk into the stillness. Then Seaforth glanced at his comrade, and Alton laughed. 

"It's lonely, Charley, " he said. "I don't know that you were wise, butwe'll get a move on and cache some of these provisions. "

Seaforth was glad of something to do. Three had started from Somasco, and already one had gone, while he felt a slight sense of depression ashe glanced north towards the wilderness of rock and snow their path ledinto. He did not, however, tell his comrade so, and they toiled for anhour before Alton, carefully smoothing off the soil that covered whatthey had hidden, strewed it with cedar-twigs. 

"Step it off, Charley; twenty paces east to the rock, with the big peakover the shoulder of the hill, " he said. 

Seaforth walked straight forward with measured strides. "A foot over!"he said. 

Alton nodded. "Go back and make your traverse, " he said. "Forty northwith the gully over the fork of the river. "

"Forty, " said Seaforth, "and a half. "

"Well, " said Alton, "whatever you don't remember, hold tight on tothat. "

Seaforth felt the depression he had shaken off return to him. "Thereare, " he said slowly, "few things that you forget. "

Alton, glancing at him, understood, and then turned his eyes towardsthe snow of the wilderness. "It's the man that can't look forward whogets left, " he said. "Now something might stop me coming back with youfor that grub. "

Seaforth said nothing, and he was a little graver than usual as theypacked the tent and blankets on the remaining horse, and an extra loadupon their own backs. A good many things might happen up there in thenorth, including snow-slides, floods and frost, or the downward rush ofgreat trees in a _brulee_. That was possibly why he commenced a littlejingling song of the music-halls when they took the trail again, butthe white grandeur of the great peaks silenced him, or his breath gaveout as they floundered into fern-choked forest which was furthergarnished with the horrible devil's club. Seaforth fell into a clumpof it, and for several minutes his comments were venomous, for thoughhe had been taught restraint in England and had further tuition inCanada of a grimmer description, little can be expected from the manwho is gripped by that Satanic thorn. 

It was half an hour before he went on again with his garmentsensanguined as the result of Alton's treatment with the knife, and hegasped with relief when after a march of four miles, which occupiedmost of what was left of the day, they came out into the more openspaces of a big _brulee_. Some time in the hot autumn a fire hadpassed that way, and the great trees towered above them, stripped andblackened columns, that seemed to stretch between earth and sky. Therewas no limb left them, and they rose, majestic in their cylindricalsymmetry, in apparently endless battalions, a vista of plutonicdesolation. Underfoot there was charcoal, and feathery ashes thatwhirled aloft, and sprinkling the men with a fine grey powder slowlysettled again. 

Alton was white in ten minutes, a gritty mire defiled the horse'ssides, and Seaforth floundered, coughing, ankle-deep at times, withlivid circles where he had rubbed the grime away about his eyes. Therewas no sign of beast or bird, and the shuffle of weary feet and thud ofhoofs rose muffled out of a great silence, until there was a stupendouscrash somewhere in the distance. The charred trunks took up the sound, and while they flung it from one to another Alton sprang forward andsmote the pack-horse with his fist. 

"Jump!" he said hoarsely. 

Next moment Seaforth felt himself hurled forward, and glancing over hisshoulder when he found his footing again saw a big trunk tilt a little. It seemed to hang quivering for a second or two, then toppled further, and with a great humming came rushing down. Then there was a stunningcrash, and he stood gasping, deafened, and bereft of sight, amidst astifling cloud of dust which swept into his mouth and nostrils andalmost suffocated him. When he could see anything again the horse wasquivering, and the dust still rising from a shapeless pile a few yardsbehind him. Alton, who was black and grey to the ankles, took his hatoff, shook it, and put it on again in a curious unconcerned fashionwhich suggested that he did it unconsciously. 

"Those six feet make a big difference, " said he. As he spoke there wasa crash a little farther behind them, another ahead, and they stoodstill; Alton gripping the horse's bridle, Seaforth staring about himand scarcely breathing, while concussion answered concussion, untilthere was a silence that was almost bewildering again. 

"Now, " said Alton quietly, "we'll get out of this, though I don't knowthat we need worry, because that should have cleared out the shakyones. When one goes, more of them generally follow. It wouldn't havegrieved Hallam of the Tyee very much if we had been a yard or twofarther back. "

Seaforth was possibly a little shaken, for he answered as he might nototherwise have done. "I wonder if it would have displeased anybodyelse, " he said. 

Alton jerked the horse to a standstill and looked at him. "I don'tthink you meant that, Charley. "

Seaforth noticed the glint in his comrade's eyes, and departed a littlefrom veracity. "No, " he said. "There are times when a man is apt totalk a little at random. "

Alton nodded. "You'll not forget again. The man is a kinsman of mine. "

Seaforth smote the pack-horse, because he did not quite know what toanswer. He had vague suspicions concerning Deringham, but was quiteaware that it would be inappropriate for him to express them. Also, having seen a little of the smoother side of life in England, he knew atrifle more about young women of Miss Deringham's description than hiscomrade did. He admired the girl, as most men would have done, but thequalities Alton had evidently endowed her with were not especiallyapparent to him. He also fancied that Miss Deringham would have foundsome of them distinctly irksome now and then. 

It was dark when they came out of the _brulee_ and pitched camp amidstthe boulders beside a lonely lake. The mists crawled about the pinesthat shut it in, and its surface was seamed with white by a littlebitter wind. Sombre clouds rolled lower down the surrounding hills, and Seaforth was glad to stretch his weary limbs under the lee of a bigboulder while the fire snapped and crackled in front of him. 

"I wonder when we shall see this lake again, " he said. 

Alton, who was busy with the frypan, turned and stirred the fire, andthe sparks and smoke whirled about them before a stinging blast. "Idon't know, " he said, glancing at a smear of whiteness that sweptathwart the lake. "It depends upon the weather, and I'm not pleasedwith that to-night. You see the Chinook winds would keep off the snow. "

"Of course, " said Seaforth, who knew that the warm breezes from thePacific occasionally drive back the rigorous winter that turns thenorthern portion of the mountain province into a white desolation. "They usually do, but we'll surmise that in place of them we get theback-draughts from the Pole?"

"Then, " said Alton dryly, "it would be a good deal nicer down atSomasco. Are you sorry you didn't stop there, Charley?"

Seaforth threw an armful of fir wood upon the fire with somewhatunnecessary violence. "You are not so pleasant as you might beto-night, " he said. 

Alton rose and stretched himself. "I wouldn't worry about me. Itseems to me we are both of us feeling lonely, and that's curious, because when we had him Okanagan wasn't any special kind of acompanionable man. There was a time when you would have been drivingto dinner with a diamond pin stuck in you and silk stockings on aboutthis time, Charley?"

Seaforth laughed. "I scarcely think either of the things are in commonmasculine use, " he said. "There, however, was a time when I walkedinto a British Columbian mining camp with my whole wardrobe on my backand, I think, fifty cents in my pocket. Still, what you ask mesuggests a not quite unwarranted question. What are you going to dowith Carnaby, Harry?"

"I don't know yet. I'm not sure it's mine, you see. "

"Your grandfather left it you, " said Seaforth; "and it was his. "

"Yes, " said Alton gravely. "He did, but he tacked a kind of conditionon to it, and--well, that's about all I can tell you, Charley. "

"Of course!" and Seaforth smiled curiously. "I would not have askedyou, only I am your partner, and when you're Alton of Carnaby you willhave no more use for me. "

Alton seemed to sigh. "I am, " he said simply, "Alton of Somasco, and Ifancy now and then that was all I was meant to be. You are my partner, Charley, and it would take a good deal more than Carnaby to separateyou and me. "

Seaforth smiled again, though there was more than amusement in hisface, while Alton, who stopped beside the fire and filled two cans fromthe kettle, shook his head reproachfully as he flung their contentsinto the bush. 

"That's what comes of talking too much. You have forgotten to put inthe tea, " he said. 

They lay down early, rolled in the blankets, with the tent across them, for the wind that lashed the lake rendered it advisable not to erectit, but it was some time before Seaforth went to sleep. He fancied heunderstood Alton's assertion that he was not sure Carnaby was his, forhe knew his comrade was capable under certain conditions of almostreasonless generosity. Nor did he desire a better partner, but he wasnot sure that in the event of Alton transferring his activities toEngland their friendship would be approved of by a possible mistress ofCarnaby. Women, Seaforth knew, regarded these things differently. 

He slept at last, and awakening felt the tent heavy upon him. Therewas also a curious rawness in the atmosphere, and he glanced about himwith a little gasp of consternation. The hillside gleamed coldly abovehim under the creeping light, and only the pines were sombre, for theearth was white with snow. 

"Get up, Harry, " he said, with something in his voice that roused hiscomrade suddenly. 

Alton rose, and his face became a trifle grim. "This, " he saidquietly, "is going to mix up things. We'll have breakfast quick as youcan get it. "

They were on their way in half an hour, struggling up the hillsideunder the pines until at last the trees grew smaller towards the timberline. Then they floundered painfully over what had been bare slopes ofrock and was now a waste of snow, with a dazzling field of whiteness. Between them and the blue. Up there the frost was biting, and the snowlay fine as flour, blowing in thin wisps from under the horse's hoofs, while the men's jean and deerhide were sprinkled with glitteringparticles. The wind dropped towards sundown, and when, climbing agreat hill shoulder, they dipped again to the forest the snows flamedcrimson, against a pitiless blueness, out of which there seemed to falla devastating cold. 

Diamonds glinted upon the shivering pines, sound seemed frozen, andthere was a great impressive stillness across which the jingle of thebridle rang stridently when Alton pulled the horse up near the foremostof the trees. 

"This, " he said softly, "is where I found Jimmy. He was sitting therewith his rifle on his knee, looking straight at me, as though therewere lots of things he could tell me. "

Seaforth shivered a little. "He had the specimens with him?"

Alton nodded. "Yes, " he said. "He had his grip right on the deerhidebag, as though he didn't want to let me have them, and I had to thinkof Mrs. Jimmy while I took them from him. It didn't seem quite fair ofJimmy, because they haven't much use for silver in the country the longtrail leads to. "

Seaforth glanced down into the great hollow that fell away beneaththem, and up at the glittering snow. "You were alone, I think?"

"I was, " said Alton grimly. "And most half-frozen. It was that coldthere was ice in the big rapid, and I hadn't had much to eat forseveral days. "

Seaforth shivered again, as he pictured that strange encounter betweenthe dead and the living. Jimmy the prospector, having taken his secretwith him to a region where silver is valueless, had sat within a fewpaces from where he stood with his fingers clenched upon the bag, andan awful disregard of the rights of the woman he had left behind in hisfrozen face. Seaforth could also picture his comrade stooping over himwith averted eyes, but swift, resolute movements, for when there waswork to be done Alton of Somasco was not the man to turn aside. 

"It must have been a trifle horrible, " he said. 

Alton's eyes closed a little. "It wasn't nice. Still, there was Mrs. Jimmy working down at the store, and that secret belonged to her. "

He stopped abruptly with a little gesture as of one shaking off apainful memory, and looked down across the climbing pines to the lakein the hollow behind them. It still shone steelily, and apparently notvery far away, though it had cost the men strenuous toil all day totraverse the distance that divided them from it. Seaforth, who watchedhim, noticed something unusual in his attitude, for his comrade stoodvery still with eyes that never for a moment wavered from one point inthe valley. 

"Do you see anything down there?" he said. 

"Yes, " said Alton grimly. "I see smoke. "

"There is nothing astonishing in that, " said Seaforth. "I damped downthe bark well, and raked up the soil to shut off the draught. Therewas a big pile of wet green twigs, Harry. "

Alton smiled curiously. "You made one fire?"

"Yes, " said Seaforth, wondering. "We don't usually make two. "

His sight was not equal to his comrade's, but he could see a smear ofblue vapour curl athwart the pines, for he had banked the fire with wetfuel, so that it should smoke all day in case Tom of Okanagan hadovertaken the horse and was following their trail. 

"Well, " said Alton dryly, "there is another one. "

Seaforth swept his gaze twice across the valley before he saw anythingbeyond the crowded pines, and then for a moment he caught sight of asecond faint streak athwart their sombreness. It was a mere film thatvanished and rose again, illusory and almost imperceptible, but forsome reason it troubled him. 

"It might be Tom, " he said. 

Alton laughed in a curious fashion. "I don't think it is. One firewould be enough for Tom to make his supper with, and that one's nearerus. "

"But, " said Seaforth, "I can scarcely see the smoke. "

Alton raised one hand impatiently. "No, " he said. "Whoever made thatfire didn't want you to, and there's no need to make much smoke if youkeep clear of sap and twigs. "

Seaforth's face grew grave. "Is there any reason why you can't tell mea little more? If the man would sooner we did not see it, what did hemake the fire for?"

Alton smiled grimly. "I don't know any more, but a man must eat, " hesaid. "In the meanwhile it seems to me that fellow understands hisbusiness, and I've a kind of notion we shall hear from him or see himpresently. "

Seaforth glanced back along the blue-grey trail that led towards thebare hill shoulder, which rose a mere ridge of the great mountain sidethat swept round the hollow. 

"There is no controverting that, and he needn't have much difficulty infinding us if he wants to. Is there anything to be done?" he said. 

"No, " said Alton dryly. "If there was, I'd sit down here and wait forhim, but there's nothing to stop a free miner prospecting round whereit suits him in this country. "

CHAPTER XVII

ALONE

The frost held for two days, and the men made small progress throughthe dusty snow. On the third it grew softer as they floundered wearilydown into a valley, and Seaforth was aching in every limb when at lastthey halted at the edge of a river. Not far below them it plungedfrothing into a gloomy canon, and the roar of its turmoil came out ofthe thin white vapour which curled through the stupendous portals ofstream-worn stone. Seaforth felt moist and generally uncomfortable, aswell as weary, for it was humid and a trifle warmer now, while his longboots were soaked, and at every step he dragged after him a cloggingweight of snow. He leaned against a cedar, glad to rest a while, andglanced inquiringly at his comrade. 

Alton, however, showed no sign of fatigue. He stood with thehalf-melted snow he had fallen in clinging about his deerskin jacketand trickling slowly down his tattered leggings, the bridle of theworn-out horse in his hand and a slight perplexity in his eyes. 

"Now, I wonder if that will make a road to the south, " he saidreflectively, pointing to the canon. 

"I don't know, " said Seaforth dryly. "So far as my opinion goes, Iscarcely think it will; but isn't that a little outside the question?Just now a road to the north would be more to the purpose. "

"Well, " said Alton, "a few sticks of giant powder here and there wouldmake a difference, and one could do a good deal with a few score of menused to the pick and drill. "

"It would also, " said Seaforth, "take a good many dollars to pay them. "

Alton laughed as he turned, and pointed upstream, Darkness was not faraway, and the river came down deep and slow out of the dimness. Darkpines rolled up the hillsides that shut it in, and wisps of grey vapourdrifted about them. 

"There are, " he said, "dollars enough to build a road right down toVancouver in those hills, and by and by one of two men will have hishands on them. "

"Isn't that a somewhat curious way of putting it?" said his companion. 

"Well, " said Alton, "there is as usual a reason. Whichever of thosemen comes out on top will not have much use for the other fellow. Inthe meanwhile we'll be getting on. There's a canoe under the bigboulders yonder, and the island should make the horse a corral. "

Seaforth said nothing, though he thought a good deal. He guessed thatone of the men alluded to was his comrade and the other Hallam, andthere was a grim suggestiveness in the former's simple explanation, forit seemed that Alton understood quarter would not be given in thestruggle he had embarked upon. There was also something disconcertingin the fact that they found the canoe where he indicated. That it hadlain there since Jimmy the prospector, who lay sleeping on the heightsabove them, had last used it emphasized the desolation of the regionthey were pushing their way into, and Seaforth once more felt a curiousdepression as he glanced up the lonely valley. It stretched awaybefore them, a road to the unknown, and he fancied that a future whichwas fraught with great and perilous possibilities lay hidden beyond thedrifting mist. 

They had, it seemed, set out upon a journey which led farther than thesilver Jimmy had found, but knowing that his comrade would go on to theend of it, Seaforth shook off his misgivings, and assisted him to loadand launch the craft. They made fast the pack-horse by a halter, andin ten minutes had landed the beast upon an island. Then, somewhat toSeaforth's regret, they took up the paddles and went on again. Altonsmiled curiously as he glanced towards the firs that slid by themhalf-seen through the mist. 

"We're taking Jimmy's road. He was the last man to come down here, andI wonder what he was thinking about, " he said. "There would have beenan ice fringe along the bank, and Jimmy was hungry. I think he knew hewouldn't get through, and it was only because of the woman he held onso tight. "

Seaforth shivered a little, as his fancy called up the scene. Thestarving man crouching half-frozen with the paddle clenched instiffened fingers had watched those trees slide by him, knowing that ontheir speed depended his fast-failing chance of life. He had, Seaforthfancied, stared at the crawling boulders with despair in his dimmingeyes, and the weary man turned towards his comrade almost savagely. 

"Can't you think of anything a little more pleasant?" he said. 

Alton smiled gravely. "It comes to all of us one day, and the trail ofthe treasure-seeker leads most often to the unknown hunting grounds, "he said. "We have got to keep faith with Jimmy. He did his best, andI think he knew I would come up here after him. "

Seaforth said nothing further, but bent over his paddle, until an hourlater they landed on a point and set up the tent. Neither wascommunicative over the supper, and Seaforth went early to sleep. Thelast thing he saw was Alton sitting, a black motionless figure, apparently staring into the darkness from the door of the tent, withhis face towards the north. 

It was raining when he awakened next morning. The tent was saturated, the fire ill to light, and that day was spent in unremitting toil. Thestream ran strong against them, and Seaforth's wet hands grew blisteredfrom the grasp of the paddle and his knees raw from the rasp of thecraft's bottom as he swung with the weary blade. Hour by hour the rainbeat on them, and the pines that crawled out of it went very slowly by, while it was almost a relief to stand upright now and then, and withstrenuous effort drive the frail shell up against the swirl of theslower rapids with long fir poles. At times they were swept downsideways before the poles could find hold again, and fought, gaspingand panting, for minutes to regain what they had lost in as manyseconds. 

Now and then it was also needful to drag the canoe out, flounder amidstboulders or through tangled forest with her contents, and then, hewinga path here and there with the axe, painfully drag her round; butportage after portage was left behind, and they were still fightingtheir way yard by yard upstream while the rain came down. Seaforthalso knew that it often rains for several weeks in that country whenthe Chinook wind that melts the snow sets in. 

Darkness was closing down when at last they drew the canoe out upon ashelving bank and dragged themselves ashore. Seaforth was too chilledand wet to sleep, and his eyes had scarcely closed when Alton shookhim, and he rose up, shivering, and stiff in every joint, to commencethe task again. It was fortunately easier that day, for the riverspread out into a narrow winding lake, and there was less currentagainst them. Still the rain did not abate, and the afternoon was notquite spent when Alton pointed to a little cove. 

"We haven't made much to-day, but unless you're anxious to go on thatwould make a good camping-place, " he said deprecatingly. "Now therewas a time when I wouldn't have thought of stopping yet, but I guesstoo much good living has taken a little of the stiffening out of me. "

Seaforth slowly unclenched one hand from the red-smeared paddle-haft, and glanced at it. "If you feel diffident, don't worry about me, " hesaid. "Eight hours' hard labour while you're wet through is, in myopinion, quite enough for anybody. "

Alton ran the canoe in, and Seaforth staggered a little when he walkedashore. The water was draining from him, and it was several minutesbefore he could straighten himself. There were pools amidst theboulders, and when they had splashed through these to the edge of theforest, fallen needles and withered fern were spongy, while the darkbranches shook down water on them as they swung to the chilly blast. Seaforth groaned now and then as he struggled with the tent, whileAlton tramped into the forest with the axe, but he came back presentlywith an armful of resinous chips, and his comrade's spirits rose atrifle when a crackling fire flung its red flicker through the creepingshadows. It hissed as the gusts lashed it with the rain, but theblackened and dinted kettle boiled, and while they ate and drank thesmoke-flavoured tea, a little warmth crept with the pungent vapour intothe tent. 

The bush was dim and shadowy before the meal was finished, but Altonflung fresh branches on the fire, and the blaze that whirled aloft renta track of radiance through the rain, and called up the vague outlinesof the columnar trunks. Then he stretched himself out upon an armfulof dripping twigs, and his garments steamed about him as he lighted anold blackened pipe. Seaforth lay amidst the packages, feelingblissfully drowsy as the warmth crept slowly into his aching limbs. Overhead the pine branches, wailed in wild harmonies, and the showersthey shook down beat upon the tent. 

"It seems to me this journey might have begun better, " said Altonpresently. 

Seaforth nodded full concurrence. "It would be a little difficult toimagine it commencing very much worse. Wouldn't it have been wiser ifyou had waited a little longer, Harry?"

Alton seemed to notice something unusual in his companion's inflection. "You will have to talk straighter, Charley, " he said. 

Seaforth, who saw the glint in his eyes, laughed. "I merely meant thatspring is coming, and it would be a trifle warmer then. I'm inclinedto be a little cantankerous to-night, but, of course, it is not mybusiness how long you stayed at the ranch. "

"No, " said Alton dryly, "I don't think it is. Spring would have beennicer, but, you see, Hallam was crowding me. Did anything else strikeyou, Charley?"

"Nothing of much importance, " said Seaforth, smiling. "Only that whilewe lie shivering here Hallam is probably dining in state in the bighotel at Vancouver. Jingling glasses, good wine, light and warmth, flowers and silver on the table. The contrast's a little exasperating. "

Alton glanced at the saturated canvas and his steaming clothes, whileSeaforth, for no apparent reason, stretched out one foot and kickedover the dinted kettle. 

"There are folks who would think that's only fit, " he said. "Mr. Hallam is one of the men who are building up the future greatness ofthis wonderful country. At least, that's what they called him at thelast big speech-making, but I don't quite see what good it would do usif you kicked the bottom of that kettle in, Charley. Now it's curioushow a thing that's once started goes on. Jimmy took a notion thatthere was silver here, and that drew me in as well as Mrs. Jimmy. Thenyou came along, and presently it got hold of Hallam. The SomascoConsolidated has got drawn in, too--now there are you and I, with onlythe Almighty knows how much upon our shoulders, up here in the rain andsnow. "

Seaforth glanced at his comrade reflectively as he said, "I waswondering if there was anybody else. "

Alton's face grew suddenly impassive. "Oh, yes, " he said. "There'sanother man I don't know, the one who lighted the fire. He's backthere somewhere. "

Seaforth said nothing for a minute or two, but as he glanced about himthe shadows seemed to grow darker beyond the flickering radiance of thefire, and the roar of wind in the branches angrier. He had been a preyto half-formed suspicions of late, and there was something sinister inthe thought of that man who followed them. 

"Harry, " he said presently, "you have got most of the things you wantedso far?"

"Yes, " said Alton quietly. "It wasn't always easy, and they didn'tcome to me, but I knew what I wanted, and I usually got it. "

Seaforth made a sign of comprehension. "Did it ever occur to you thatyou had probably as much already as is good for you?"

Alton glanced at him with half-closed eyes. "A little plainer, Charley. "

"You have Somasco, the liking of all the ranchers down the valley, thetimber rights and mill. You have also Carnaby, and most folks wouldthink you a fortunate man. Now the man who wants too much isoccasionally sorry when he gets it. "

Alton's eyes glinted. "I have a partner, too, who doesn't know whereto stop, " he said. 

Seaforth met his comrade's gaze steadily. "This, " he saidreflectively, "is a good country. In fact I don't know a better onefor the man who wants to live as he was meant to in the wind and sun, watching what he has worked for slowly grow. Is it a little thing, Harry, to see the oats and timothy where the forest had been, to cleara new way for the river with giant powder, and hear the big wheelshumming where there was only a frothing rapid? Orchards, barns, andhomestead built by your own labour, horses and herds of cattle all yourown, and by and by the railroad coming through to bring you the longdreamed of prosperity. It's alluring, Harry?"

The glint was a trifle plainer in Alton's eyes, and his lean fingerswere closed together. "I don't quite see where that trail leads to, "he said quietly. 

Seaforth laughed a little. "It is good to rise when the sun iscreeping above the firs and plunge down into an ice-cold pool. Betterstill to lie on the verandah, tired in body, tranquil in mind, when thesnows are fading and your work is done, knowing that every redwood hewnand new plough-furrow driven has been so much added to the prosperityof this province and the Dominion. It isn't a bad life--this one youwere meant for, Harry. "

"No, " said Alton slowly. "There are times when I'm a very thankfulman. "

"Well, there is another one, and I have seen very tired men playing atbeing amused by the trifles that sickened them. They had, however, kept up the game so long that the manhood they were once proud of wasonly a memory. There are a good many of them in the old country, andsome of them have sacrificed all they had for the one thing that wasn'tgood for them. It was too late when they found it out, Harry. "

Alton's face was grim. "It would, " he said, "be a pity if you and Ifell out, Charley. "

Seaforth laughed in a curious fashion. "It would, but I scarcely thinkwe shall. You and I are partners, and a little more, and I will keepsilent now I have spoken. "

Alton said nothing, but sat smoking and staring at the fire, untilSeaforth rolled himself in his damp blankets and sank into notaltogether refreshing sleep. A misty light was creeping into the tentwhen he was awakened by the thudding of his companion's axe, and risingstiffly with the ache at the hip-joint which every bushman knows, wentout shivering. 

"Coffee!" said Alton. "I left it in the deerhide bag in the canoe. "

Seaforth's limbs were too stiff to be much use to him yet, and heblundered amidst the boulders, falling over one or two, before hereached the shingle where they had partly drawn out the canoe. Then hestood still, staring about him, and saw only the green-tinted watersliding by under the uncertain light, and the pines on the other sidegrowing a trifle plainer through the mist. Turning, he hastened alongthe shingle until a shelf of rock shut it in, and then back to the tentagain. Alton laid down the axe, for there was something in hiscomrade's face that troubled him. 

"Have you got it?" he asked. 

"No, " said Seaforth very quietly. "You told me the bag was in thecanoe. "

"Of course, " said Alton. "Well, wasn't it there?"

"I don't know, " said Seaforth. "I couldn't find the canoe. "

Alton said nothing further, but stumbled in haste towards the river. Seaforth followed him more slowly, and Alton stood very still when hefound nothing but boulders and shingle. Then he stooped and bent overa little depression in the pebbles, and when he rose again his face wasimpassive. 

"The water has risen since last night, but I'm not sure that accountsfor it, " he said. "The bank slopes a little, but we pulled most of herout. "

"I think we pulled the whole of her clear, " said Seaforth quietly. 

Alton stood silent for almost a minute with his right hand clenched. Then he said slowly, "You'll have to go down and look for her while Ipush on, Charley. "

Seaforth was about to speak, but he saw his comrade's eyes and did notexpress himself as he had meant to. "Yes, " he said. "I don't knowthat I shall find her. "

The two men looked at each other, until Alton moved his head. "Still, one of us must try, " he said. "Take all you can carry, and a rifle. I'll load up as much as I'm fit for, and we'll cache the rest. You'llcome on after me, or join Tom, as you think best. "

Seaforth smiled a little. "I'll come on, and even if I sacrificesomething else I'll take the rifle. "

Alton said nothing, and for an hour they were busy about the camp. Then as they stood a moment, loaded like beasts of burden, under thedripping pines, Seaforth held out his hand. 

"Harry, are you wise?" he said. 

"I don't know, " said Alton simply; "but I'm going on. "

It was noticeable that they shook hands, which they were not in thehabit of doing, and that there was a very faint but perceptible tremorin Seaforth's voice. 

"Good-bye, " he said. 

"Well, " said Alton with a smile, which seemed to lack heartiness. "Iwouldn't put it that way. "

He swung forward with his face towards the north, but the smile fadedand his fingers closed on the rifle when he heard Seaforth strugglingsouthwards through the bush. 

"Two of them gone now, " he said. "I wonder if that is what the otherfellow wanted. "

CHAPTER XVIII

IN THE WILDERNESS

Dusk was closing down on the valley, and the rain had ceased, whenAlton unstrapped his load, and stood with aching shoulders amidst thedripping pines. He could hear the rattle of the twigs that met andbrushed through the shrill wailing of the wind about the sombre spiresthat pierced the growing darkness far above him, and the harmonicmurmuring that rose and fell in cadence along the dim, vaulted roof. There was, however, nothing else beyond the growl of a rapid somewhereup the valley, and stretching out his arms wearily, he stooped with alittle smile that was grim rather than mirthful and caught up the axe. 

Now one can usually hear the thudding of the axe a mile or more in thestillness of the woods that is not silence to the bushman's ear. Theirvoice is always musical, and the sounds that man makes jar through itsharmonies, but only a forest rancher or free prospector would havecaught the muffled sound, that was lost in the song of the pines a fewscore yards from Alton's camp. He knew where to find the resinousknots with their sticky exudations, and was a master of the axe, whileit was noticeable that when the fire commenced to crackle he stoodstill and listened again before he went down to the river with thekettle. Nor did he at once return into the light, but slipped for amoment behind a wide-girthed trunk. It was only a deer he heard movingalong the hillside above him, and there was nothing visible but the rowof stupendous columns that appeared and vanished as the red light roseand sank. Alton set the kettle down amidst the flame, and unrollingone of the packages laid out his supper. 

It was prepared and eaten in twenty minutes, and refilling the kettlefor breakfast he lay smoking in a hollow between the great roots whichcrawled away from a cedar-trunk. Nothing moved in the bush now but abear that was grubbing amidst the wild cabbage in a swamp, and theweary man, stretching out his hand instinctively to touch the riflethat lay within his reach, gave himself up to thought. He had alsomuch to occupy him, and being a somewhat systematic person he proceededto consider the questions that demanded an answer in what appeared tohim their order of importance. It was characteristic that in face ofrecent events he placed the probable whereabouts of the silver first. 

This was at the first glance a somewhat difficult problem. In front ofhim lay the wilderness, a trackless chaos of forest and rock and snowwherein he had to find the scar made by a stick of giant powder or thescratching of the shovel. There were, however, points to guide thesearcher, and Alton could deduce a good deal from each of them. Jimmythe prospector had, it was evident, perished of hunger and exhaustion, for Alton had traced the last stages of his journey backwards throughthe snow, and the grim story of human endurance and anguish was plainlylegible. Here Jimmy had fallen, there lain still, and then draggedhimself forward before he rose again, while the uneven footsteps hadborne their own testimony. Also the bag of specimens was heavy, andAlton decided that for a man in the last stages of exhaustion, theriver had furnished the only road. The silver was therefore somewhereup the Valley, and as it was winter when Jimmy found it, it would lielow down where the snow was cut off by the pines. Alton lay still aminute with a curious glint in his eyes when the firelight touched themwhich was a tribute to the dead man, and then filled his pipe again. 

His journey had been marked by petty misfortunes, each of which mightbecome a more serious one, hitherto, and he was now alone. This mightbe due to coincidence, but Alton, admitting that hypothesis, proceededto consider an alternative one which resolved itself into two. It wasgenerally known in Somasco that he and Jimmy had held the clue to asecret that might be valuable, and strange prospectors for timberrights and minerals occasionally strayed into the valley. Alton knewthat most of the bushmen and free prospectors had a standard of honourwhich was somewhat higher than that usually lived up to in the cities. They were quiet, fearless, free-handed men, the antitype of theroystering desperadoes he had now and then seen them depicted as bythose who did not know them. There were, he, however, knew, among thema few who it was probable had their own reasons for vacating the greatRepublic, and these were men of distinctly different calibre. One ormore of them, it seemed, might have heard of his aspirations and befollowing him. If so, it was evident that he would be in securityuntil he found the silver. Then the peril would begin. 

This led to the second issue. Alton was quite aware that he had anenemy whom he had got the better of on several occasions hitherto. Partly because devious finesse is not always superior to shrewd senseand fearless honesty, he had as yet held his own against Hallam of theTyee. Both knew that a time of prosperity was approaching for Somasco, and had decided more or less correctly that it would lead to affluencethe man who had control of the valley; but while Alton had striven witharduous toil to bring about this consummation, Hallam of the Tyee waswaiting while those he meant to plunder worked for him. It was alsoplain that there was no room for two leaders with divergentaspirations, and the rancher had seen sufficient of his opponent'sdealings to recognize that he would not scruple about any measureswhich promised to rid him of a rival. Therefore it became him to becareful, and once more his fingers fell upon the rifle. 

Alton had reached the limit of his surmises, and refilling his pipeagain abandoned himself to more pleasant dreams. He heard the whistleof the locomotive ringing among the pines, and the hum of the greatmills that would grind out wealth for Somasco. Then while the pungentsmoke curled about him visions materialized out of its filmy wreaths, and he saw the lake at Carnaby shining amidst the woodlands of peacefulEngland, and the old grey hall. In place of the sting of the resin hecould smell the English roses, and when the next acrid wisp slid pasthim it seemed to change its form, and there grew out of it thegracious, alluring shape of a woman. Costly fabrics floated about her, there was a flash of diamonds in the red-gold hair, a face that lostits patrician serenity as it smiled, and for a setting the glitter oflight and silver in the great hall at Carnaby. Alton, whose eyes weregrowing dim, stretched out his arms towards the darkness, and achilling gust swept the smoke aside, while great drops of water fellsplashing upon him. He was back once more in the wilderness, a wet andvery weary man, with thorn-rents in his deerskin jacket and the mireclinging about him, but he smiled as he rose stiffly and stretched hisaching limbs. 

"I figure there's a good deal to be done before that time comes, andsome of it can't wait after sun up, " he said. 

Then, having left the tent behind, he carried his blankets away fromthe fire, and rolled himself up in them between two great fir-rootsthat afforded concealment as well as shelter. Though he had strewnthem about the blaze the blankets were still clammy, but he drew thedamp folds about him uncomplainingly, and lay down with the rifle athis side. Ten minutes passed. The fire snapped and crackled, thegrowl of the rapid rose and fell fitfully, but the worn-out man heardneither, for he was sleeping heavily. 

There are many like him who dream great dreams scattered across the newlands by the Pacific from the snow of the Yukon to Mexico, but theirvisions are sacred and not expressed in speech, while a smile which ishalf ironical flickers in the steadfast eyes when they hear themcaricatured by the platform Imperialist. Their words are scanty, buttheir handiwork is plain; the gap hewn in the virgin forest, bridgeflung over frothing river, and the raw rent of the giant powder amidstthe lonely hills. It is crude and unsightly often, thecreosote-reeking railroad track, and the ugly humming mills, but itmeans food for the toilers, good wages and trade, and in place of apleasance for the rich to seek diversion in, a new and rich dominionwon, not for England, or the Republic, alone, but for humanity. 

He started with the sunrise, the pack-straps galling his shoulders, hisfeet bleeding in the saturated boots, clammy blankets, flour-bag, andpork upon his aching back, kettle, frypan, and rifle rattling abouthim, and for the first hour every stride that led him farther into thewilderness was made with pain and difficulty. Still, he made itcheerfully, for Alton had long borne the burden that was laid on Adamuncomplainingly, while his rival, sitting beyond the reach of hardshipin his Vancouver office, plotted, and filched the fruits of others'toil. It was also an apparently unequal conflict they had been drawninto, subtlety pitted against sturdiness, the elusive, foining rapieragainst the bushman's axe, but there are moments in all struggles whenfinesse does not avail, and it is by raw, unreasoning valour a man muststand or fall, while at times like these the ponderous blade is theequal of the slender streak of steel. 

It was two days later when Alton, who may have made ten miles in thetime, noticed something unusual on the opposite hillside. A snowslidehad come down that way, and its path was marked by willows and smallertrees. Alton, of course, knew that the hollow they sprang from hadbeen scored out deep by countless tons of debris and snow, and thatprospector Jimmy would scarcely have passed the place. It also seemedto him that there was a gap in the slighter band of forest which ranstraight towards the snowline up the face of the hill that suggestedthe work of man, and his pace quickened a trifle as he pressed forwardtowards the river. There he stopped for several minutes, gazing abouthim. 

The flood came down before him stained green with the clay thatunderlies the glaciers, and swollen by rain and snow. There was a bigpool above him, lake-like and still, but it was too wide for any wearyand shivering man to swim, and the wild, white rush of a rapid closebelow. Alton glanced at both of them and a cluster of smaller treesacross the river, and smiled somewhat grimly. 

"Now I wonder, " he said, "why the thing one wants the most is always onthe other side. "

The firs behind him were great of girth, the smallest some distancefrom the bank, and he was weary; but loosing the straps about him, hedropped his burdens and fell to with the axe. It was an hour beforethe tree went down, and at least another had passed before he had hewnoff a portion. Then very slowly and painfully he rolled it to theriver with skids and levers cut in the bush. He was breathless, andthe perspiration dripped from him when at last it slid into the waterand he seated himself astride, with his possessions on the wet bark infront of him. The device was a very old one, but there is a difficultyattached to the putting it in execution, for it is needful to lean outa little while using the propelling pole, and a log is addicted torolling round when anything disturbs its equilibrium. 

Alton, of course, knew this, but when still some distance from theopposite side, had apparently to choose between a somewhat perilouseffort and an unwished-for descent of the rapid. He glanced at itsfoaming rush a moment, and then decided upon the former. Several timeshe dipped the pole and won a yard with the strenuous thrust, and thenwhat he partly expected happened. The bark seemed to be slipping awaybeneath him, and, as throwing himself forward upon his belongings heflung an arm about it, the log rolled slowly, and there was a splash inthe water. He had restored the equilibrium, but one blanket and theflour-bag were in the river. In another few minutes he waded ashore, and drew the butt of the log out upon the shingle before he turned toglance ruefully at the sliding water. 

"If I went back and plunged for it I might get that flour, " he said. "Still, I should have to go down the rapid with it, and I mightn't wantit then. "

Dripping from the waist with snow water, he reslung his traps, glancedback at the sombre bush behind him and then plunged into that ahead, while the dusk was closing in when he stood panting amidst the stumpsof smaller trees. The mark of the axe was on them, and somebody hadpiled up a mound of rock and stones. Alton drew in a long breath andshook off his burden. 

"Jimmy's claim, " he said. "It may mean--most anything--to me. "

Then, though his pulses throbbed, and he could feel his blood tingling, he fell to work systematically, groping about the excavation the deadman had made where the snowslide had rent apart the forest and scoredout the rock for him. Here and there he smashed a fragment of it withthe back of the axe, or picked up a discoloured stone of unusualgravity and compared it with the pieces he took out of a little bag, until at last he stood up stiffly and flung his head back. 

All round him the forest rose dim and sombre, flinging back the roar ofthe rapid in long pulsations of sound, and its solitude was notlessened by the presence of the wet and weary man standing so stillthat his outline was scarcely perceptible against the trunks behindhim. Save for the light of triumph in his eyes there was nothing inthe whole scene to uplift the fancy. The man's garments were tattered, the river had not washed the mire from him, and one of his boots wasgaping, but the discovery he had made was fraught with greatpossibilities for that lonely valley, and changes in the destinies ofmany other men. It had lain wrapped in stillness, a sanctuary for thebeasts of the forest, countless ages since the world was young, beingmade ready slowly by frost and sun, and now man had come. 

For five long minutes Alton looked into the future, and once more thefragrance of English roses seemed to steal faintly through the resinousodours of the firs. Then he shook himself, and glanced again dubiouslyat the river. 

"And now, " he said half aloud, "I'll get supper. It's a pity aboutthat flour. "

As those who have sojourned in the bush of that country know, one cansup on reasty pork and green tea alone, when it is impossible to getanything better, but there are more appetizing compounds, and when theedge of his appetite had been blunted, Alton stopped with greasyfingers in the frypan and a little smile upon his face. 

"And Somasco's mine, and Carnaby--when I ask for it, with all that liesbeneath me here, " he said, and sat very still a space, with eyes thathad lost their keenness fixed upon the bush. He did not see the bigbalsam in front of him nor the dusky firs, for it was once more thepicture of a woman with red-gold hair standing in an English rosegarden his fancy painted him. 

Then he rose abruptly, and the smile faded, while his face grew grimagain. "In the meanwhile I figure there's a good deal to do, " he said. 

He commenced it by picking the remnants of the pork out of thefrying-pan, and when he had replaced them carefully in the bag, hefilled the former with water and set it on the fire. That done, heproceeded to hew four square pegs, and spent some little time cutting, "One Discovery, " upon the largest of them. Then with a compass in hispalm he strode with even paces up the slope of the hill, and drove oneof the pegs in, turned sharply, and floundered into the bush, where hehammered down a second, and came back along the river until he hadpaced off and marked down an oblong. 

"Now I'll put in the first shot, " he said. 

He toiled assiduously with the axehead and a little drill, bruising hisfingers as the light grew dim, and when his left hand was smeared withblood, drew out a plastic yellow roll from one of his bundles. This hegently rammed into the hole, squeezed down a copper cap upon a strip offuse, and, lighting the latter, retired expeditiously towards theriver. Standing behind a big cedar, he watched the train of bluevapour and thin red sparks creep on through the dusk until a blaze ofyellow flame leapt up, and a stunning detonation rolled across thewoods. The hillsides took up the sound, and flung it from one toanother in great reverberations, while the pines, quivering in alltheir sprays, shook drops of water down. Alton stood still andlistened, silent and intent, while the discord died, until there wasonce more stillness again, realizing dimly a little of its significance. 

It was man's challenge to the wilderness that had lain sterile long, and he could forecast the grimness, but not the end of the comingstruggle with rock and flood and snow. Other men had gone downvanquished in such a fight, he knew, and the forest they slept in hadclosed once more upon and hidden the little scars they made. Jimmy hadalso challenged savage nature, and Jimmy was dead, while the man whocame after him stood alone, dripping still, and weary, amidst thewhispering pines: he had more than the wilderness against him. Altonturned with a little shiver, strode back to the fire, unrolled a pieceof pork, a packet of green tea, and a little bag of sugar from a stripof hide. The piece of pork was very small, and a good deal of itapparently bad. Then he laughed curiously. 

"It seems to me that the sooner I can get south and put in my recordthe less hungry I'm likely to be, " he said. "It would be kind ofconvenient if I could find a deer. I wonder just how far back theother man is?"

CHAPTER XIX

FOUL PLAY

Alton looked for a deer on the morrow and during several days thatfollowed without finding it. There are tracts of the mountain provincewhich for no apparent reason are almost devoid of animal life, whilethe deer are also addicted to travelling south towards valleys swept bythe warm Chinook wind before the approach of winter. Meanwhile, thoughhe husbanded it, the piece of pork grew rapidly smaller, and Altonhungry, while there were times when he wondered somewhat anxiously whenhe would find his comrades. It was unpleasantly possible that he mightmiss them, which would have been especially unfortunate, because, asevery adult citizen is entitled to claim so many feet of frontage onunrecorded mineral land which pertains to the Crown, it appearedadvisable that they should have the opportunity of staking off two moreclaims, and his provisions were almost exhausted. 

Thus it came about that one evening he tramped somewhat dejectedly backtowards his camp through a strip of thinner forest high up on the hill. There was a sting of frost in the air and a little snow beneath hisfeet, while his belt was girded about him tightly and his fingersstiffened on the rifle-barrel. Alton had eaten nothing since earlymorning, and very little then, while the fashion in which he stumbledthrough the thickets and amidst the fern conveyed a hint of exhaustion. It was, however, fortunate that a twig snapped noisily beneath him, because the deer are difficult to see in their sylvan home, and thesound was answered by a crackle that roused him to eager attention. 

Alton, knowing there was a big fir behind him, stood very still, glancing about him without a movement of his head, until he made outwhat might have been a forked twig rising above the thicket. He didnot, however, think it was, and gazing more intently fancied he saw apatch of something that was not the fern. He knew that at the firstmovement it would be gone, and there was no time for any fine alignmentof the sights of the rifle, so leaning slightly forward he drew hisright foot back, and with eyes fixed steadily on the little patchamidst the fern, trusted to them and the balance as he flung the longbarrel up. Few men can use the rifle as the Canadian bush rancher can, and there was a flash from the muzzle as the heelplate touched hisshoulder. Alton had not glanced along the barrel, but the curious thudwhich he heard in place of the explosion told him that the heavy bulletwas smashing through bone and muscle. Then thin smoke drifted into hiseyes, and there was a crackling amidst the thicket. 

When he floundered forward the deer had gone, but something wassmashing through the undergrowth up the face of the hill, and the wearyman prepared for a grim effort as he saw the red trail it left behind. He fell headlong in a thicket where the splashes were warm upon thewithered leaves, staggered up again, and presently reeled against acedar on the crest of a depression. There was nothing visible, but hecould hear a confused rattle and snapping of twigs, and shook himselfas he remembered the speed with which even a badly-wounded deer canmake downhill. He had his choice of a long and possibly fruitlesschase or another supperless night that would be followed by a veryscanty breakfast on the morrow. Alton did not care to anticipate whatmight happen after that, because he had discovered on previousoccasions that green tea will not unassisted sustain vigorous animationvery long. 

In place of it he went downhill, falling into bushes, floundering tothe shoulders through withered fern, and now and then stumbling overrotting trees, but the splashes grew closer, and he fancied the soundbefore him a little nearer. It was significant that there was anysound at all, because a deer usually clears every obstacle in itsalmost silent flight, and the gasping man took heart again. Thequarry's strength was evidently failing as its life drained away, butdarkness was also close at hand, and Alton knew that he could not holdout very long. Already there was a horrible pain in his left side andhis sight was growing dim. 

He went on, stumbling, gasping, falling now and then, for any man notaccustomed to the bush in that country would find it sufficientlydifficult to walk through, until once more a grey patch of somethingshowed up in a thicket. Again the rifle flashed, a dim shape reeledout of the bushes, and, while the man savagely smashed through those ithad quitted, plunged into another thicket. Alton, who did not see itcome out again, also went in headlong, tripped, and fell upon somethingwith life in it that struggled spasmodically beneath him. There was noroom to use his rifle, for he and the deer were rolling amidst the ferntogether, and while he felt for its throat the long knife came out. Twice it sank harmlessly amidst the snow and leaves, and then there wasa gurgle, and the man rose stiffly to his feet, with dripping hands andsomething smoking on the sleeve of his jacket. He glanced at itwithout disgust, and then down at the limp shape, which now lay verystill, almost compassionately. 

"Well, " he said simply, "it was you or me, and the wolves would havehad you, anyway. "

He was busy amidst the bushes for some time, and the light had gonewhen he stood up with the deer upon his shoulders and the rifle beneathit. It would have pleased him better to carry the latter, but thebushman brings home a deer with its fore-legs drawn over his shouldersand grasped in front of him. Alton jerked it into the most convenientposition, and then stopped a moment, panting, and glanced about him. His burden was not especially heavy, but he was weary and his camp wasfar away, while, though a half-moon was now growing into brilliancyabove the firs, it was dark below. 

"I figure I'd not have to worry quite so much about my supper atCarnaby, " he said, and laughed a little as he floundered stiffly up thehill. 

It was at least an hour later, and he was limping on, encouraginghimself with the expectation of resting in warm repletion beside thesnapping fire, when he entered a denser growth of timber. Alton hadlike most of his kind been taught by necessity to hold the weaknessesof his body in subjection, but he was a man with the instincts of hisfellows, and the thought of the steaming kettle, smell of roastingmeat, glare of flickering light, and snug blankets appealed to him, andjust then he would not have bartered the blackened can of smoke-tastedtea for all the plate and glass of Carnaby. His step grew a littlesteadier, and the sound of the river louder, until he stopped suddenlynear a prostrate fir. There was a gap in the dusky vault above himthrough which the moon shone down and called up a sparkle from the thinscattering of snow. Beyond it the dark trunks stretched back, astupendous colonnade, into the shadow again. There was nothing unusualin all this, but the man had seen something that made him check hisbreathing and set his lips. He knew he might be mistaken, but theglint he had caught for a moment suggested the barrel of a rifle. 

He stood, as he realized instinctively, in the shadow with a greattrunk behind him, and remained so, motionless, with his blood tingling, because the bushman knows the difficulty of catching the outline ofanything that is still. Then there was a soft snapping, and the glintbecame visible, in another place, again, while Alton saw that he wasnot mistaken. He was also aware that the free prospector does notusually wait the approach of a stranger in silence with the rifle, andit flashed upon him that as the other man had moved there would inplace of a shadowy trunk now be a patch of snow behind him. Altonregretted he had waited so long, and dropping the deer sprangbackwards, feeling for the sling of his rifle. 

He was, however, a second too late, for there was a thin red flashamidst the undergrowth, and he reeled with a stinging pain somewhereabout his knee. It yielded and grew almost useless under him, andwhile his rifle fell with a rattle he lurched into a thicket ofwithered fern. For a moment he lay still, his face awry with pain, andgroaned as he strove to draw his leg up beneath him. It felt numbedand powerless, and, desisting, he strove to collect his scattered wits, realizing that he had never needed them more than he did just then. 

The rifle had fallen outside the thicket where the forest was more openand there was a sprinkling of snow, and Alton knew that an attempt torecover it would probably be fatal. He was equally convinced that theman who had shot him would not have come out on such an errand withouthis magazine full, or leave his task unfinished. There was in themeanwhile no sign of him beyond the smoke that hung about the bushes, and Alton turning over groaned again more loudly as he felt for hislong-bladed knife. It was not done without a purpose, but he hadlittle difficulty in simulating a moan of pain, and when he heard aswish of leaves, lay flat, and dragged himself very softly farther intothe fern. 

The wet fronds brushed his face, and here and there his fingers sankinto a patch of snow, but he found its chilly touch curiously pleasant, and once clawed up a handful and thrust it into his mouth. A numbnesswas creeping over him, his head felt curiously heavy, but he wasscheming for his life with the instinctive cunning of a wounded beastrather than reason. There was now a sound behind him, but it wasdulled by the roar of the river, which he realized would drown thefaint rustle he made, and, when the fern grew scantier, dragged himselfacross an opening and crawled in amidst the raspberry briars on theother side. 

The thorns scarred his face and ripped his hands, but he moved amidstthem to clear space for his arms, and then lay still with the big knifebeneath him. A shaft of moonlight shone down a few yards away, and hehad no desire to betray his hiding-place by the glint of steel. It wasalso possible that he might have crawled away beyond the reach ofdiscovery into the shadows, but that was not his intention, for, thoughhe could never decide afterwards whether he acted from instinct orreasoned his course out, he was bent on waiting for, and not escapingfrom, his pursuer. Nor did he know how long he waited, but it seemed avery long while before he saw a shadowy object move round andafterwards into the opposite side of the thicket. 

Then the man's face became visible as he moved across the shaft ofmoonlight. It was set and grey, the mouth was awry, and there was fearin the staring eyes. It also seemed to Alton curiously familiar, buthis brain was scarcely capable of receiving many diverse impressionsjust then, and he only realized that it was reluctantly and because hissafety demanded it, the man was looking for him. Alton felt a littlerelief at that. He was growing colder, and there was a bewilderingdimness in his eyes, but he stiffened the muscles of his arms andtightened his grasp on the knife, wondering if his strength would lastuntil he had his hands upon his enemy. 

The man swayed forward as he crossed the strip of moonlight with alittle spring, then came on again with both hands on the rifle, waist-deep in the fern, glancing down momentarily at the trail hisvictim had made, and then about him again. Alton's face was drawn upinto a very grim smile as he lay amidst the raspberries watching him, for it was evident that the assassin fancied he had crawled straighton. The latter stopped once for several seconds, and Alton heard hisheart thumping while the sound of the river seemed to grow bewildering. He stiffened his fingers upon the knife-haft savagely, for the horriblefaintness he could not shake off was growing upon him. 

Then with a little jerk of his shoulders the man who caught sight ofthe opening moved again, faster than he had done, and the watchersurmised that fear and savagery struggled for the mastery within him. The latter apparently rose uppermost, for he came straight on throughthe thicket, sprang across the clear space, and would have plunged intothe bush beyond it but that Alton, reaching out caught him by theankle. Then he lurched forward with a hoarse cry, went down, androlled over with Alton's hand at his throat, and the blade of the knifedriven through the inner side of the sleeve of his jacket. 

That was the commencement of a very grim struggle. The stranger waswiry and vigorous, but the terrible hard fingers clung to his throat, and a leg was wound about him, while as he panted and smote he feltsomething was ripping his clothing. Instinctively he jammed the handthat held it down, rolled over on his antagonist, and then shookhimself almost free again half-choked, as something that stung it sankinto his shoulder. Next moment he smote fiercely at a dim white face, knowing that a bone had turned the blade, but that the result wouldhave been different had it entered a few inches lower. 

His fist came down smashing, but the terrible fingers were clingingstill, and the man's face was purple when they rolled together out ofthe briars and into the widening strip of radiance where the moon shonedown. Alton's hand was free now, and with arm bent between his enemyand the ground he thrust upwards with the last of his strength. Therewas a crash, the man writhed backwards, the rancher's fingers slippedfrom their grasp, and a figure that rose partly upright reeled into thefern, while Alton felt the barrel of a rifle under him. He rolled onhis side, and clawed for it, almost sightless, with one hand, andlaughed harshly as he raised himself a trifle. There was a flash and aconcussion, the trigger-guard sank into his nerveless finger, and asmashing amidst the undergrowth was followed by footsteps that werepresently lost in the roar of the river. 

Alton drew one knee under him, and listened until the sound grewaltogether bewildering and the dim trunks reeled about him. Then helurched over and lay where he fell, sensible only that it was bitterlycold. It was still night when he awakened from sleep or stupor, butthe moon shone down and he saw that there was white frost on the fern. His hands were also stiffened, and there was a horrible ache in everylimb, while he groaned as the cold struck through him. Twice heessayed to raise himself and fell back again, but at last by an effortcrawled towards a tree and leaned his back against it while hestretched out one numbed and useless limb into the silver light. Thelong boots were curiously smeared, the overalls above them stiffenedand crusted, while following the movement he made there was a swiftspreading of the stain. 

Alton shivered and set his lips as he groped for his handkerchief, thengroaning the while dragged at it until it was knotted above his knee. After that he laid his finger on the overalls and saw that the stainspread past it more slowly. Then he felt for the matches in onepocket, and finding them, turned over cautiously and dragged himselftowards a fallen fir. He knew where to find the resin, and tore at thesmaller branches fiercely, flung them together, and striking a match, watched the flame that spread from splinter to splinter and crawledamidst the twigs. At last it sprang aloft in a great crackling blaze, and Alton swayed unevenly and fell over on his side again. After thathe remembered nothing until he saw that the sun was in the sky, anddragged himself to the thicket for an armful of frosted fern. When hehad piled it on the fire a gauzy blue column that rose straight betweenthe firs replaced the flame, and the man who watched it vacantly for awhile dragged himself back groaning for another armful of the fern. 

He afterwards fancied that he spent most of the day crawling betweenthe fire and the thicket, but was never very sure of anything he didjust then. Nor did he feel hungry, though now and then he clawed upand sucked a handful of snow, but he remembered that he was lying inthe smoke when the bush grew dimmer and the red blaze more brilliant asdarkness crept down. Presently he fancied that something broke throughthe monotone of the river, and after listening to it vacantly gropedfor the rifle. He clutched it, and raising himself a trifle withdifficulty, blinked at the darkness that hemmed in the fire untilfootsteps came out of it. They were not furtive, but apparently thoseof somebody coming straight towards the light in haste. Alton smiledcuriously, and wriggled until he was out of the strongest light, andfound support for the barrel of the rifle. Then a cry came out of theshadows, "Is it you, Harry?"

Alton did not answer, for his voice seemed to fail him, and he blinkedat the man who bent over him. 

"You have been a long while, Charley, and I came very near putting abullet into you just now, " he said. 

"Well, " said Seaforth, "I did my best, and Tom's coming along behindme. What are you doing here anyway?"

Alton glanced at him bewilderedly. "I don't quite know, but I got thedeer. It's somewhere around here, " said he. 

Seaforth's face grew suddenly grave as he stopped and shook hiscomrade, then let his hand drop as he saw a red trickle spreadingacross the crusted overalls. 

"Good Lord! Are you hurt, Harry, and what's all this?" he said. 

Alton glanced up at him with dimming eyes. "The thing's broken outagain. I think it's blood, " he said, and while his arm slipped fromunder him, slowly rolled over with his feet in the smoking fern. 

CHAPTER XX

THE NICKED BULLET

The grey daylight was creeping into the little tent and Alton sleepingat last when Seaforth rose to his feet. His eyes were heavy with thelong night's watch which had followed a twelve hours' march, and heshivered as he went out. The morning was bitterly cold, and a fireburned redly outside the tent, but there was no sign of Okanagan, whohad joined him during the night, nor had any preparations for breakfastbeen made. 

"Tom, " he twice called softly, but only the moaning of the branchesoverhead answered him, and with a little gesture of impatience hestrode into the bush. 

Seaforth had no definite purpose, but he was glad to stretch hisstiffened limbs, and instinctively turned towards the spot where he hadfound his comrade. As he approached it he stopped, and watched the dimmoving object that caught his eyes with some bewilderment. Tom ofOkanagan was kneeling beside a thicket with a stick in his hand, andapparently holding it carefully in line with a fir. After moving onceor twice he drove it into the soil, and crawled on hands and knees intothe fern so that Seaforth could only see his boots, and surmise by therustling that he was groping amidst the withered fronds. Once hecaught a muffled expletive, after which the rustling ceased awhile, butit commenced again, and Seaforth wondered the more when Okanagancrawled out of the opposite side of the thicket, and set up a secondstick in line with the other. He had not the faintest notion of whathis companion could be doing. 

"Are you finding anything down there, Tom?" he said. Okanagan rose upwith a little grim laugh. "Thorns, " he said. "There's a condemned bigone in my thumb. "

Seaforth stared at him with a vague suspicion that the hardships of theforced march they had made had left their mark upon his comrade, thoughhe had never noticed any signs of mental weakness in the big axemanbefore. 

"Aren't there plenty to be picked up in this country without lookingfor them?" he said. 

Okanagan glanced at him with a little twinkle which was not altogethermirthful in his eyes. "Oh, yes. More than I've any use for. You weretrying to figure on what I was after? The thing's quite as easy astrailing a deer. "

"I was, " said Seaforth dryly, and Okanagan approaching him dropped abig hand upon his shoulder. 

"Come right along, and I'll show you, " said he. 

Seaforth followed him, until he stopped by the fir he had worked hisalignment from, where he picked up a spent cartridge and pointed to amark in the snow. 

"Nothing particular about that, anyway, a forty-four Winchester, " hesaid. "The fellow had long boots on with one heel down, and he stoodright here waiting for Harry. Harry was coming along yonder with thedeer, forty yards I make it, and he jumped when the fellow startedshooting. "

"You think he did?" said Seaforth, slightly bewildered, and Okanaganlaughed. 

"No, sir, I'm sure, " he said. "I could show you where his heels wentin if it would do you any good. Harry was coming along quick as hecould, thinking about his supper, and the other fellow was crouchinghere, clawing his rifle and waiting until he came into the moonlight. "

The blood surged into Seaforth's forehead, and he clenched one hand. "The condemned villain! It was devilish, " he said. 

Okanagan nodded gravely, and his rugged face was stern. 

"Oh, yes, but, slinging names at him's not much use, " he said. "Well, I feel it in me that we're going to see more of that man by and by, andthat's just why I'm working up the whole thing from the beginning. NowI'll show you some more of it. "

They floundered through one or two thickets until Okanagan stoppedagain, and pointed to the red smear upon the fern and witheredpine-needles. "That's where Harry lay and waited for him, " he said. "He was bleeding pretty bad, but he knew the other fellow meant tofinish him. "

"Waited for him when he was almost helpless and the man meant to murderhim?" said Seaforth, with cold rage and horror in his face. 

Okanagan laughed a little almost silent laugh that had a very grimundertone in it. "Yes, sir. That's just what he did. Don't you knowHarry yet?" he said. "Still, he didn't figure that all the killingwould be done by the other man. See here, this is where he grippedhim, and tried to get the knife in. They fell over together there. Harry was played out and bleeding hard, or that man would never havegot away when he once had his hands on him. "

Seaforth stared at the rent-down undergrowth, and had no greatdifficulty in reconstructing the scene. Smashed fern and scatteredleaves as well as the red smears on the snow bore plain testimony tothe fierceness of that struggle, and he pictured his comrade grapplingwith his adversary while his strength flowed from him with thathorrible red trickle. The light that came down between towering trunksshowed that his face was grey and stern, and Okanagan, who looked athim, nodded as it were approvingly. 

"I've seen enough, " said the former. "If I can find that man he willnot get away from me. "

"Well, " said Okanagan simply, "we're short of the bullet now, and I'llknow better what to do with Harry when we find it. It's low down inone of those cedars yonder. "

"It will be deep in at that range, " said Seaforth. 

"No, " said Okanagan quietly. "I don't think it will. It's prettyplain from the hole it made that it wasn't a common bullet, and I'mkind of anxious to know if all of it came out again. "

Seaforth shivered a little as he assisted in the search, and his lipswere set when Okanagan, digging something out of the cedar-bark withhis knife, laid it in his palm. It was a little piece of blackenedlead that was ragged in place of round, as though the soft metal hadbeen rent open and bent backwards. Then the two men looked at eachother, and the hot fury that for a moment flushed Seaforth to thetemples, passed and left him with a curious vindictive coldness and afaint shrinking from the touch of the murderous lead. Okanagan's eyeswere very steady, but there was a little glow down at the back of them. 

"Nicked across with a hack saw or a file--and it's not all here, " hesaid. "It strikes me the sooner we find the rest of it the better thisweather. "

Seaforth drew in his breath. A strip of lead torn off that bullet wasrankling in his comrade's flesh, and during the night bitter frost hadlaid its grip upon the forest. Wounds, he knew, do not heal, butfester under such conditions. 

"You can do it, Tom!" he said, and his voice was hoarse. 

"I'll try--when he wakes, " said Okanagan. "You'll find some flatstones by the river. I want one with an open grit that you could grinda knife down with. "

It was long before Alton awakened, and then it became evident that hewas not wholly sensible. Loss of blood, over-fatigue, exposure andhunger had left their mark on him, and while he rambled disjointedly abitter wind sprang up. It raged down the valley, bringing with it thecold of the Pole, and while the pines raised their wild voices, thewater congealed in the kettle, and in spite of the great fire builtoutside it the tent grew icy. At noon Tom of Okanagan glanced at hispatient and shook his head, while Seaforth felt his misgivingsconfirmed as he saw his face. 

"I guess we've got to wait for to-morrow. There'll be snow to-night, "he said. 

It was a long day to Seaforth. Alton moved restlessly in his sleep, ortalked and laughed meaninglessly during most of it, while when his eyesclosed Tom, who sat in a corner, laid the stone upon his lap and groundat his knife. He had already rubbed the blade down to half its width, but was apparently not contented, and Seaforth felt colder and set hislips each time the harsh grating of steel broke through the roaring ofthe pines that swelled in volume as the wind increased. It was seldomthat either of them spoke, though the big axeman's face would softenmomentarily when Alton moaned a little in his sleep. Then it grewsombre and impassive again save for the little gleam in the eyes, andSeaforth guessed what was in his companion's thoughts as the hard, gnarled fingers tightened viciously on the steel. 

Somehow the day wore through, and the snow came with the night. Itbeat upon the canvas and fell hissing in the fire, which snapped andcrackled the more fiercely, while acrid vapour crept into the tent, andnow and then one of the men's eyes would close a moment. Seaforth hadindeed roused himself several times with a jerk when Okanagan pointedto the roll of blankets and layer of springy twigs, and he saw that atlast Alton was sleeping restfully. Five minutes later the roar of thebranches seemed to sink into a musical lullaby, and the last thing hesaw was the big, impassive bushman sitting as still as the motionlessfigure beneath him on the opposite side of the tent. Then he waswafted back to England on the wings of dreams. 

It was broad daylight and warmer when he awakened. Outside the firecrackled noisily, and the great pines rose spires of sombre greenagainst a field of white. Alton was also awake, and smiled at him, while Tom, who stood behind him, made a sign. 

"It has got to be done right now before the frost comes back, but we'renot going to hurt you, Harry, " he said. "You'll walk down to the riverand fill that kettle up, Charley. "

Seaforth wondered a little, because the snow lay a foot deep in thebush and he could have filled the kettle beside the fire, but hefloundered down to the river and felt a little more prepared to facewhat must be done when he returned. When he did so he found that Tomhad rolled back Alton's jean trousers to the knee, and saw a red smearthat broadened across the brawny limb. It pulsed over the swell of thecorded muscles that showed through the clear, smooth skin, and thenSeaforth shivered and turned his eyes away as they fell upon thewelling depression with the discoloured edges. Alton noticed themovement, and glanced at him with a twinkle in his eyes. "It isn'tpretty, but I don't think Tom will keep us long, " he said. 

Seaforth felt the blood surge into his face, for it seemed mostunfitting that the wounded man should sympathize with him, but findingnothing apposite to say he kept silent, and Okanagan shook his head atthem. 

"Get hold of his hands, and keep hold. The quieter you are, Harry, thequicker I'll be, " he said. 

Alton smiled a little. "I don't think it's necessary, " he said. "Still, if it will please you, Tom. "

Seaforth clutched the fingers held out to him, and felt suddenlychilly. He would have touched his lips with his tongue, for the bloodseemed to have gone out of them, but that he felt Alton's eyes wereupon him. Accordingly he turned his face, which he fancied was growinga trifle colourless, aside, and for a moment or two watched Okanagan, who was kneeling with one hand pressed upon the smeared whiteness ofthe uncovered limb. Seaforth could hear his own heart beating and thethud of snow shaken off a swinging branch upon the tent, and see thelight the whiteness outside flung in glint upon the slender knife. Hesaw it move a little, and sternly repressed a shiver when the lean, hard fingers closed suddenly upon his own. A tremor ran through them, and then the pressure increased, until Seaforth was glad that it grewpainful. He dare not glance at his comrade, he would not look at Tom, and sat very still in torment for a space, while he felt that Alton'sarms had grown rigid by the cruel grip upon his hands. 

Then the tension slackened, and the injured man drew in his breath witha gasp, while Okanagan rose to one knee with great drops of sweat uponhis face. 

"You got it?" said Alton in a low, strained voice, and nodded when theaxeman answered him. 

"No, " he said, a trifle huskily. "I'm going to try again. Lift himover on his side, Charley. "

Seaforth trembled a little as he did it, and glanced for just a momentat his comrade's face. It was set and grey, but it went suddenly awryinto the grotesque semblance of a smile. 

"Tom never was in a hurry. It's rough on you, " he said. Still, Seaforth, who had once held his own with men and women in quick retortand graceful badinage in England, did not answer, but only pressed thehard fingers that now lay somewhat limply in his palm and wonderedvaguely whether the ordeal would never be over. It was only then herealized to the full all that Alton had been to him since the day helimped, ragged and very hungry, into a little mining camp. His friendsin the old country had turned their backs on him, and Seaforth, who hadbeen hopeless and desperate then, knew that he owed a good deal morethan material prosperity to Alton of Somasco. 

"Tom, " he said hoarsely, "I think we're ready. "

Okanagan said nothing, but stooped again, and Seaforth tightening hisgrasp of the contracting fingers, heard the sound of uneven breathingthrough the thud of snow upon the tent. He was by this time a littlemore master of himself, and looked steadily down on the white face withthe grimly-set lips. His own was distorted into what was not asympathetic smile, but a grotesque grin, and there was every now andthen a reflection of it in the one awry with pain which looked up athim. Then Alton drew in his breath with a little quivering sigh, andthere was a rattle as Okanagan dropped the steel. 

"I want that bandage--quick. We are through now, " he said. 

Seaforth had afterwards a hazy recollection of helping him to twist thestrip of fabric about the firm white flesh, and that his hands made redsmears on Alton's deerskin jacket when he stooped and lifted him alittle. There was no bronze in his comrade's face, but in place of ita curious yellow tinge, through which the greyness showed in patches, and with fingers that were strangely clumsy he held a flask to Alton'slips. 

The latter choked, and then his eyes opened wide again. "Pass itround. I'm figuring you're all wanting some, " he said. 

Seaforth to humour him touched the flask with his lips, and handed itto Tom, who did the same, and then screwing the top on it passed itback to Seaforth no emptier than when it reached him. Alton, however, raised his head a trifle further, and looked at both of them. 

"You'll have to do it better. Let me see the thing, " he said. 

Okanagan glanced at him severely. "I guess you'll lie right where youare and keep very still, or I'll make a hole through the other leg, " hesaid. 

Alton appeared to chuckle, but his arm slipped from under him, and hedropped back heavily amidst the blankets with eyes closed whileSeaforth bent over him. 

"That's all right, " said Okanagan. "You needn't worry. I was kind ofhoping he would do it because I was anxious about the bleeding. Nowwe'll get everything fixed up before he comes round again. "

Seaforth did what he was bidden, and nothing more, for he had beenreared in England, and not amidst the firs and snows of Northern Canadawhere misadventures are many and doctors very few, but he envied thebig bushman his skill that day, and Okanagan may have guessed it, forhe once smiled a little as he said:

"There are lots of things I can't do, and it's not your fault that youwere raised back in the old country, where you have other folks to putthe patches on to you. "

"No, " said Seaforth, smiling. "Still, he is my partner, you see. NowI want to know what we are going to do with him. "

Okanagan's smile was just perceptible as he held up a ragged piece oflead, but Seaforth saw that he understood all the speech implied, though he made no reference to it, "There's half the trouble gone, " he said. "The rest of it wentstraight through the bone, and I kind of fancy smashed it upconsiderable. "

"Will the pieces knit as they were before?" said Seaforth veryanxiously, and for a moment or two Okanagan did not answer him. 

"That, " he said very slowly, "is what I don't quite know. One of thembones is a rocker, and she swings on the other. That one's cut, but Idon't think it's smashed right through. Now if it goes as well as theother, it's quite possible Harry will limp ever after. "

Seaforth stood up with a little shiver. "Good Lord. Harry of all mena cripple! Tom, you must do something. "

Okanagan slowly shook his head. "I've done my best now, " he said. "Wecan get him down to Somasco and a live doctor up from Vancouver as soonas we can, and that's about all. There's no time to lose. We'll startto-morrow. "

Seaforth cast one glance at the still figure and grey face amidst theblankets, and then clenched his hands as he blundered out of the tent. A white flake fell upon his face, another on his hands, and he shiveredagain as he glanced at the forest. It was very evident that muchdepended upon their speed, and down between the sombre pines came thesliding snow. 

CHAPTER XXI

OKANAGAN'S ROAD

The great cedar-boughs above the river bent beneath their load, and thescanty light was dimmed by sliding snow, when Seaforth and his comradestood panting and white all over by the last portage. Okanagan by dintof laborious searching had found the canoe jammed between two boulderswith her side crushed in, and had spent a day repairing her with aflattened out meat-can and strips of deerskin. The craft hadnotwithstanding this leaked considerably, but they made shift todescend the river in her, and now if they could accomplish the last bigportage hoped by toiling strenuously to make the mouth of the canon bynightfall. 

What they would do when they reached it neither of them knew, but theywere too cold and jaded to concern themselves with more than thequestion how they were to convey their comrade over the boulders andthrough the thickets which divided them from the next stretch ofcomparatively untroubled water just then. They had spent most of theday dragging the canoe round the rapid which roared down the hollow ina wild tumult of froth, lifting her with levers from rock to rock, andnow and then sliding with her down a declivity, but that was a mode ofprogression clearly unsuited to an injured man. 

Alton lay in the snow beneath a boulder that but indifferentlysheltered him, and there was a little grim smile in his face as helooked up at his companions. 

"Isn't it time you got hold of me? We can't stop here all day, " hesaid. 

Okanagan turned, and stared sombrely at the wall of rock which droppedto the river close behind him, and the strip of boulders and greatfallen fragments amidst which the undergrowth crept in and out between. 

"There's a gully yonder, but if we worked back round the hillside Idon't quite see how we're coming down, " he said. 

"No, " said Alton dryly. "I'm not good at flying. Well, you had betterstart in and carry me. "

Seaforth stooped and grasped his comrade round the thighs, which werelashed together with deerhide with a stiff strip of cedar-bark outsidethem. Okanagan passed his arms about his shoulders, and they rose witha jerk and stood swaying unevenly for a moment, while Seaforth wonderedwith a curious feeling of helplessness whether they would everaccomplish the journey to the canoe. It would have tested the agilityof an unencumbered man, while he was almost worn out, and Alton cruellyheavy. 

"Heave him up a trifle, " said Okanagan. "Now then!"

Seaforth gasped, and floundered forward through a foot of snow that hidthe holes he sank into and slipped away beneath him as he clawed for afooting on the boulders, but with strenuous toil they made a hundredyards or so, and then laying down their burden stood still, panting. Alton lay silent, with half-closed eyes and the soft flakes settling onhis grey face, in the snow, while Seaforth gazed about himdespairingly. There was rock and shadowy forest behind them, and infront the smoking rush of the river, while though it was but afternoonthe light was failing. 

"Get hold again, Tom. It's not good to wait here, " he said with ashiver. 

This time with infinite difficulty they made fifty yards, and Alton'sface showed what his silence had cost him when they set him down again. Seaforth stooped and drew the blanket about him with a great gentleness. 

"We did our best. I'd change places with you, Harry, if I could, " hesaid. 

Alton smiled a little, but said nothing, and in five minutes they wenton again, Seaforth gasping from exhaustion, with a horrible pain in hisside and his feet slipping from under him as they struggled up asloping face of rock, but they had won forty yards when Tom went downand Alton, who fell heavily upon him, rolled over. Seaforth held hisbreath a moment until he heard the voice of the injured man. 

"I wouldn't worry about my head. It would take an axe to hurt methere, " he said. "Look at the lashings. "

The lashings, however, had not slackened, the cedar-bark was intact, and once more they took up their burden, while Seaforth could notremember how often they had rested when at last they came out upon asmooth strip of sloping rock close to the last of the portage. He wasdragging a clogging weight of snow with him, and the white flakes werein his eyes, while now and then his breath failed him and he heardOkanagan growling hoarse and half-articulate expletives. 

"You have got to hold out, Charley. There's the canoe below you, " hesaid. 

Seaforth braced himself for a last effort, and was never sure whetherhe or Okanagan stumbled first, but his feet slipped from under him andhe fell upon Alton as Tom went down. Then the three slid together downthe slope of rock, and fell heavily over the edge of it. Seaforth waspartly dazed when Okanagan dragged him to his feet, but, he could seethat Alton lay very still with his face awry and that there wasconsternation in the eyes of his comrade. 

"Have we hurt you, Harry?" he said hoarsely. 

Alton groaned a little, and his lips moved once or twice beforeSeaforth caught any audible answer. 

"I don't know that you did it, but I think that bone has gone, " he said. 

Okanagan, saying nothing, dropped on hands and knees, and while Altongroaned drew the bands tighter about the shattered cedar-bark. Then herose up and looked at Seaforth, and the two stood silent for almost aminute with the snow whirling about them. There was something verylike despair in Seaforth's eyes, and at last his comrade solemnly shookhis fist at the forest. 

"We have got to get him home straight off, " he said. Seaforth did notask how it was to be done when they had the range to cross, but as onedreaming laid hold of his comrade again, and floundered towards thecanoe, which lay close by them now. He was still partly dazed when hetook up the paddle and dimly saw the white pines sliding past through ahaze of snow. Nor did he remember whether he or Okanagan set the tentup when they reached the island near the canon, but he was sittinginside it holding out a smoking can of tea to Alton when some timeafter darkness had closed down Tom came in. The snow had ceased in themeanwhile and a biting frost descended upon the valley through whichthe roar of the canon pulsed in long reverberations. Okanagan droppedthe rifle he carried. 

"I might have left the thing. The horse is dead, " he said. 

"Dead?" said Seaforth vacantly. 

Okanagan nodded. "Yes, " he said. "Somebody has saved me the trouble. Two bullets in him. "

Seaforth was almost past anger now, but the tea splashed from the canhe still held as he realized the thoroughness of the work of theirenemy. 

"Then how are you going to pack Harry and the other things over therange?" he said. 

Okanagan's face was almost expressionless. "We're not going to. Itcan't be done. "

Seaforth said nothing. The last fall had shaken him severely, and hehad realized since they started that the task before them was almostbeyond the power of any two men, but had refused to contemplate whatmust happen if they failed in it. Now he could see that it wasimpossible, but dazed with utter weariness as he was he could not thinkconsecutively, and only felt a numbing dismay that in some strangefashion softened the blow, while in place of considering the future hismemory reverted without his will to the incidents of that strangejourney. They rose blurred before him as the creations of an evildream, the wild descent of a rapid, the desperate effort of theportage, the long hours of toil at the paddle, and endless unrolling ofwhitened pines that crawled by them through the snow. Now at least, when he could do no more, that stupendous toil was finished. Turning, he glanced at Alton, who had with apparent difficulty swallowed alittle of the tea. He lay amidst the blankets with eyes closed, breathing unevenly. 

"Then you'll go on to Somasco, Tom, and send back the boys for us. They may be in time, " he said. 

Okanagan strode softly to the entrance of the tent and drew the canvasback. A moon hung red with frost in the pitiless heavens, the starsshone steelily, and it was evident that the cold of the icy North waslaying its grip upon the valley. 

"Harry wouldn't have much use for them when they came. There's an icefringe round the boulders now, " he said. 

Seaforth stared out into the glittering night, and groaned, for he knewwhat happened to wounded men unsheltered from the frost. His voice waslow and harsh as he asked, "Then what is to be done?"

Okanagan replaced the canvas before he answered quietly, "There's thecanon. "

"Yes, " said Seaforth. "Still, no man has ever gone down it. "

"No. But the water's lowest in winter, and a canoe once came through. I can't see why another shouldn't do as well with men in it. It's easygetting in, anyway. "

Seaforth laughed mirthlessly. "Oh, yes. The question is, will any ofus come out again alive?"

As he spoke the sound of the river's turmoil swelled in a greatpulsation about the tent, and Seaforth involuntarily drew in hisbreath. The curious glow he had seen there before, however, grew atrifle brighter in his companion's eyes. 

"That, " he said solemnly, "only the Almighty knows, but if we stop herethere'll be an end of Harry. Now, there are some folks in the oldcountry who'd be sorry if you don't come back?"

Seaforth smiled a trifle bitterly. "I don't think there are. They hadan opportunity of showing their affection before I came out to Canada, and didn't take it. I found the best friend I ever had in thiscountry--and as there seems no other way we'll try the canon. "

Okanagan sat down again, and hacked away with Alton's knife at a pieceof redwood he was fashioning into a paddle. Both of them knew that theeffort they were to make on their friend's behalf might well cost theirlife, but big, untaught bushman and once gently-nurtured Briton were inone respect at least alike, and that was a fact which would never againbe mentioned between them. 

It was an hour or thereabouts later when Alton opened his eyes. 

"I don't know that I asked you, though I meant to, but you and Tomstaked two more claims off?" he said. 

Okanagan appeared a trifle embarrassed, but Seaforth laughed. "I'mafraid we didn't. You see, we started in a hurry, and I forgot. "

Alton stared at him a moment in bewilderment, and then through the painthat distorted it a curious look crept into his face. 

"I figure you're lying, Charley, and you don't do it well, " he said. "Folks don't usually forget when they leave a fortune behind them. "

Seaforth smiled a little. "Well, I may have been, but a fortune didn'tseem very likely to be much use to me then or now, " he said. 

Alton gravely shook his head, but the two men's eyes met for a moment, and Seaforth felt embarrassed as he turned his aside. There was noneed to tell the injured man that his welfare had appeared of moreimportance to his comrades than any profit that might accrue to themfrom the silver mine. 

"Well, " he said simply, "you or Tom should get through to Somasco. "

"I hope so, " said Seaforth, as Okanagan signed to him. "You see, weare all going there together by the shortest way, down the canon. "

Alton stared at him a moment. "Now I had----" he commenced, and thenstopped abruptly. 

Once more Seaforth smiled. "Then you had thought about it, Harry?"

Alton's eyes closed a little. "I'm not one of the folks who go roundtelling people all they think, " he said. "There's no way down thatcanon. "

Seaforth understood what was passing in his comrade's mind, and knewthat Alton had not kept silence because of the risk to himself, forwhatever was done the chances were equally against him. 

"I'm afraid we can't contradict you, but we shall discover to-morrowwhether you are right or not, " he said. 

Alton's glance grew a little less direct. "I would stop you if Icould. "

"Of course, " said Seaforth, smiling. "Still, you see you can't, andwhen you go out mining with feather-brained companions must take theconsequences. "

Alton, who said nothing further, apparently went to sleep, and therewas silence in the tent save for the roar of water and the rattle ofOkanagan's knife. 

They launched the canoe with the first of the daylight, dragging herthrough the crackling ice fringe under the bitter frost, and as theyslid down the smooth green flow towards the stupendous rent in themountain side the river poured through, Okanagan glanced towards it andthen at the still figure lying huddled in the blankets in the bottom ofthe canoe. 

"That, I figure, is one of the most useful men in the Dominion, andbetween Somasco and the place in England he has a good deal in hishands, " he said. 

Seaforth understood him, and smiled grimly. "We brought nothing intothis world--and we'll be very close to the next one in a few moreminutes, " he said. "Hadn't you better get way on, Tom?"

They dipped the paddles, and the canoe slid on smoothly under the clearsunlight and the frost towards the film of mist where the oily greennow broke up into the mad white tumult that poured down the canon. Then the strokes quickened, the craft lurched beneath them, and thesunlight was blotted out as they plunged into spray-filled dimness. High through the vapour towered smooth walls of stone, and the riverthat rebounded from them was piled in a white track of foam midwaybetween. The canoe swept onwards down it apparently with the speed ofa locomotive, and Seaforth, crouching in the bows, gripped his paddlewith bleeding fingers that had split at the knuckles with the frost. He watched the smooth walls whirl by him mechanically, and rememberedthat the canon could not last forever. There was comfort in thereflection, because the miles would melt behind them at the pace theytravelled at. That was so long as the stream flowed straight and even, but he did not care to contemplate what would happen if it foamed overany obstacle. 

For a time he saw nothing but froth and spray and flitting stone, andthen the roar that came back from the towering walls swelled into agreat diapason terrifying and bewildering. Seaforth glanced over hisshoulder and saw that Okanagan was dipping his paddle. 

"A fall or a big rapid. We've got to go through, " he said. 

Seaforth swept his gaze aloft for a moment while the bewildering roargrew deafening. Nothing that had life in it could scale the horriblesmooth walls that hung over them, and through a rift in the vapour hecould see a filigree of whitened pines that seemed very far awayprojected against the blue. They were, he fancied, at least a thousandfeet above him, and he and Okanagan alone far down in the dimness ofanother world with their helpless companion. Then he nerved himselffor an effort as he looked forward into the spray and vapour thatwhirled in denser clouds ahead. Nothing was visible through its filmyfolds, but his flesh shrank from the tumult of sound that came out ofit. 

"Hold her straight, " cried Okanagan, in a breathless roar, and Seaforthjust heard his voice through the diapason of the river. 

Then the canoe lurched beneath them, and sped faster still, plunging, rocking, rolling, while the froth beat into her, and Seaforth whirledhis paddle in a frenzy. The shrinking had gone, and he was onlyconscious of a curious unreasoning exaltation. A pinnacle of rockflashed by them, there was a roar from Tom, and straining every sinewon the paddle they swung, with eyes dilated and laboured breath, sideways towards the wall of stone. Then the froth that leapt about itswept astern, and they were going on again, faster than ever, andapparently down a declivity, the spray beating upon them and the canoeswinging her bows out of a frothing confusion. Seaforth heard a crybehind him, but could attach no meaning to it, and whirled his paddlemechanically, until the craft appeared to lurch out from under him, andfall bodily with a great splashing. Twice, it seemed to him, she swunground a great black pool, and then they were driving forward again atrifle more smoothly, while here and there a stunted pine that clung tothe rocks came flitting back to them. He felt Okanagan's paddle in hisshoulder, and glanced round a moment. There was a green strip behindthem that seemed to roll itself together and fall roaring into thepool, but a wisp of mist that blotted out everything drifted across hiseyes. 

Seaforth retained no very clear impression of the remainder of thatday's journey, but it was late in the afternoon when the walls of rockfell back a little on either hand, and it seemed to him that they laymotionless in the bottom of a great pit while the hills slowly rolledaway behind them. Here and there a strip of shingle now divided rockfrom river, and when presently Okanagan called out, Seaforth felt bythe change of motion that he was backing his paddle. Looking forwardhe saw the cause of it, for there were boulders in the channel, and agreat fir lay jammed across them. They were almost upon it when thebows reached the shingle. 

Okanagan helped him to carry Alton ashore, and then stood still lookingat the fir, which was of a girth seldom seen in any other country. 

"She's lying right across, and we've got to chop our way through, " hesaid. "You'll fix the tent and make supper while I take first turn. "

He came back dripping presently, and Seaforth was waist-deep in icywater when he reached the tree. The shingle slipped beneath him, thestream frothed about his limbs, and he felt very puny and helpless withthat great log before him. His hands were split and opened by thefrost, and the wounds bled at every stroke, but while the red glare ofthe fire Okanagan was feeding with washed-up branches flickered abouthim he panted and smote, until the power went from him, and his comradetook his place. 

It was apparently a task for demigods, but it is no unusual thing forthe men who come to grips with nature unsubdued in the frozen North toattempt, and accomplish, more than flesh and blood seem capable of, andall night long they fought their grim battle, hewing until sight andbreathing failed them, and then staggering back to lie dripping andgasping by the fire. Arms grew powerless, eyes were dim, the rents intheir wet hands gaped, and there was blood upon their deerskins; butlittle by little the notch widened, until at last the steel splashed inthe water that deflected it, and Seaforth fancied they were beaten. Still, there was no relaxing of effort, and as the stars were paling inthe rift high overhead he heard a sound that was not the monotone ofthe river. Another man heard it, too, for Okanagan came flounderingtowards him through a tumult of foam and wrested the axe from his hand. For five minutes he smote fiercely, and then raised a hoarse, half-articulate cry of triumph. 

"She's going. "

There was a smashing and snapping. The huge trunk rolled a little, rent, and swept away, and Seaforth reeling shorewards sat down withbleeding hands in the ashes, laughing foolishly, until Okanagan stoopedand smote his shoulder. 

"Get up, " he said. "It's time we were going. "

There was not light enough to see by, and they had eaten nothing duringall those hours of heroic toil, but Seaforth seemed to realize that theissue lay beyond them now, and it did not matter greatly what they didor failed to do. He was also consumed by a desire to escape from thathorrible place of shadow, and striking the tent in clumsy haste theylaunched the canoe. After that he remembered little, though he had ahazy recollection of stopping somewhere and helping Tom to make a fire, for there was wood in abundance everywhere. Whether he ate anything hedid not know, but all day the canoe slid on comparatively smoothly, andthey toiled at the paddle until hands and arms seemed to move of theirown volition. Seaforth felt that he would gladly have lain down andfrozen, but an influence which had apparently nothing to do with hiswill constrained him to labour on. 

At last, when the stars were shining and the moon hung red in a broaderstrip of sky, the curious sustaining animus seemed to desert him, andhe lurched forward with a little gasp, while the paddle almost slippedfrom his stiffened fingers. 

"Hold up, " said Okanagan. "Stream's running slow, and the hills areopening there. I'm not sure that we're not close on the Somascovalley. "

Seaforth made a last effort, but his fingers lost their grasp, and whenhe slipped forward again his paddle slid away behind them. Then hegroaned a little, and lay still in the bottom of the canoe. The nextthing he was clearly conscious of was the ringing of a rifle and heraised himself as the woods flung back the sound. They seemed somedistance from him now, and the moon shone down on a broadening strip ofwater. Again the rifle flashed, and he wondered vacantly whether thetwinkle that perplexed his hazy sight could be lights that blinked atthem. 

"Where have we got to, Tom?" he said. 

Okanagan laughed softly. "Tolerably close on Somasco, " he said. "Ithink they've heard us at the mill. "

Then as Seaforth listened, a shout came ringing across the glintingspace before them that seemed curiously still. "Hold on. We'recoming. Is that you and the others, Tom?"

Okanagan laughed again, and the canoe stopped amidst the ice when thepaddle fell from his hand. 

"It's a good deal less of us than there was when we started out, " hesaid. 

CHAPTER XXII

MISS DERINGHAM DECIDES

It was a clear winter day, when a big side-wheel steamer bound for wayports down the Sound lay at the wharf at Vancouver waiting for themail. Towering white in the sunshine high above the translucent brine, she looked with her huge wheel-casings, lines of winking windows, andtriple tier of decks more like a hotel set afloat than a steamer, andthe resemblance was completed by the long tables set out for breakfastin the white and gold saloon. No swarm of voracious passengers had, however, descended upon them as yet, for though winter touches thesouthern coast but lightly, it is occasionally almost Arctic amidst theranges of the mountain province, and the Pacific express was held upsomewhere by the snow. 

Bright though the sunshine was, a bitter wind came down across theinlet from the gleaming hills that stretched back, ridged here andthere by the sombre green of pines, towards the frozen North, andDeringham and his daughter, who were setting out on a visit to a townof Washington, had sought shelter in the saloon. Alice Deringhamleaned back in a corner, a very dainty picture in her clinging furs, with the ivory whiteness of the panelling behind her. Her father satclose by, with a face that was slightly puckered, and thoughtful eyes, turning over a packet of letters that had reached him from England theday before, and his daughter fancied that their contents by no meanspleased him. There were a few of her passengers in the saloon, and onecouple attracted her languid attention. 

She could see the man plainly, and he was one of the usual type ofWestern citizen, keen-eyed, quick and nervous of movement and gesture, and incisive of speech. He had a bundle of papers before him, andappeared to be making calculations in pencil while he dictated to hiscompanion. Now and then she caught disjointed fragments of hisconversation. 

"Got that quite straight? Fall in securities, silver depreciating. Now did I put in anything about the Democrats going in?"

Miss Deringham could make but little of this, and had always cherisheda faint contempt, which she may have inherited from her mother, who hadbeen born at Carnaby, for anything connected with business. Still, shewas mildly interested in the man's companion, whose face she could notsee. The girl was dressed very plainly, and Miss Deringham decidedthat the fabric had not cost much to begin with and was by no meansnew. It, however, set off a pretty, slender figure, and the girl hadfine brown hair, while the little ungloved fingers on pencil were whiteand shapely. Alice Deringham wondered with a languid curiosity whather face was like, and felt a half contemptuous pity for her. She didnot consider such an occupation fitting for a woman. 

Then her attention was diverted as a boy with a satchel calling out"_Colonist_, " in a shrill nasal drawl, came in, and she vacantlywatched a man who purchased a paper spread out the sheet. 

"They've got that fellow up at Slocane, " he said to a companion. "Yes, sir, sent him down for trial, and it took a special guard to keep theboys off him. I guess if he'd done it down our way they wouldn't haveworried, but put him in a tar-keg and set a light to him. They're waybehind the times in the Dominion. "

"Killed him in his sleep for a hundred dollars, " said another man, glancing over the reader's shoulder, but Miss Deringham was notinterested in the murder she remembered having heard about. She was, however, a trifle astonished to see that her father was watching thegathering group with a serious look in his eyes, but he glanced downsomewhat hastily at his papers when he met her gaze. Then the voicesgrew less distinct, and that of the man dictating broke monotonouslythrough them until a steward approached her father with an envelope inhis hand. 

"Mr. Forel has just sent it down, sir, " he said. "You're Mr. Deringham?"

Deringham tore the envelope open, and while he sat staring at the paperinside it his daughter noticed that there was a little pale spot in hischeek. His hand also appeared to tremble slightly when, sayingnothing, he passed the telegram across to her. 

"Regret to inform you that my partner met with accident in the ranges, and his condition is critical, " it read. "Can you send us nurse orcapable woman? Mrs. Margery ill. Seaforth, Somasco. "

Alice Deringham shivered a little. "He is evidently dangerouslyinjured. "

"It appears so, " said Deringham, and his daughter afterwards rememberedthat his voice was hoarse and strained. 

The girl, however, said nothing for a while. She was not impulsive, and her face remained almost as cold in its clear whiteness as thepanelling behind it, but her heart beat a little faster than usual, andshe was trying somewhat unsuccessfully to analyze her sensations. Inthe meanwhile the voices of the men who now surrounded the one with thepaper reached her, and she noticed vacantly that her father seemed tobe listening to them. 

"They'll hang him, anyway, " said one. 

"Made no show at all when they got him hiding in the bush, " saidanother. "Still, you couldn't expect much from that kind of man. Killed him for a hundred dollars in his bed. "

"Yes, sir, " said the first speaker. "And he didn't get all of them. The man was his own cousin, and too sick to do anything. Well, thankGod, we haven't got many vermin of that kind in the Dominion. "

Deringham, who had picked up the telegram, let it slip from his fingersas he rose, and the girl wondered at the change in him. He seemed tohave grown suddenly haggard, and the lines upon his face were much moreapparent than usual. 

"You will excuse me a minute, " he said, and the girl noticed thecurious deliberation of his movements and the stoop in his shoulders ashe crossed the saloon. 

Deringham had faced more than one crisis in the past, and thedifference in his pose might not have attracted a stranger's notice, though it was evident to his daughter that something had troubled him. Why he should be so disturbed by the news of Alton's condition shecould not quite see, but that appeared of the less importance, becauseshe was endeavouring to evade the question why the telegram should alsohave caused her a curious consternation. He was a half-taught rancher, and she had been accustomed to the homage of men of mark and polish inEngland--but it was with something approaching dismay she heard thatthe man who had supplanted her father was, though she could scarcelycontemplate the possibility, dying. 

In the meanwhile Deringham walked into the bar, and leaned somewhatheavily upon the counter as he asked for a glass of brandy. He spilleda little of it, and the steward, who saw that his fingers shook, glanced at him curiously as he set it down. 

"I guess that will fix you, sir, " he said. "You're not feeling well?"

Deringham made a little gesture of assent, and the man drew him out achair. "That is good brandy, " he said. "You'd better sit down therequietly and have another. Here's _The Colonist_. They've got thatfellow up at Slocane, but one feels sorry the boys didn't get hold ofhim. Hanging's not much use for that kind of man. "

Deringham's fingers trembled as he thrust the journal aside, but hisvoice was even. "The brandy is rather better than any I've had oflate, " he said. "You can give me another glass of it. "

For at least ten minutes he lay somewhat limply in the chair, and hisreflections were not pleasant. He had speculated with another man'smoney and lost most of it, as well as profited by several transactionswhich were little better than a swindle; but that was as far as he hadgone hitherto, and he had in a curious fashion, retained through it alla measure of inherited pride. Now, however, the disguise was for amoment torn aside, and he saw himself as he was, a thief and amiscreant, no better than the brutish bushman who had slain his sickkinsman for a hundred dollars. There was, as he had read already, nothing to redeem the sordid, cowardly treachery of that crime. 

Deringham was, however, proficient at finding excuses for himself andshutting his eyes to unpleasant facts, and the phase commenced to pass. He had, he recollected, plainly stated that he merely desired Alton tobe detained a little amidst the ranges, and it became evident to himthat what had happened was the result of Hallam's villainy. Hallam hadinjured him as well as Alton, while there was no controverting the factthat the rancher's decease would relieve him of a vast anxiety, and hisfirst indignation against Hallam also melted when he rose composedlyfrom the chair. He felt that Seaforth expected something of him, andit appeared advisable to consider what could be done, while a projectalready commended itself to him. In another five minutes he hadrejoined his daughter, looking more like the man who urbanely presidedover the not always contented shareholders' meetings. He realized, however, that he had a slightly difficult task before him. 

"You seem to take the news rather badly, father, " said the girl. 

Deringham smiled deprecatingly. "I have not been quite so well lately, and it upset me a trifle, " said he. "I have a regard for our Canadiankinsman and have been inclined to fancy that you shared it with me. "

"Of course, " said the girl indifferently. "Mr. Alton has beenespecially kind to us. "

"Yes, " said Deringham. "Mr. Seaforth must also be very helpless upthere alone, with his comrade seriously ill. Now there is no greatnecessity for my journey down the Sound, and I have no doubt that thebusiness could be handled almost as well by letter. I do not know thatthere is very much that would please you to be seen in the Washingtontownships either. "

Alice Deringham glanced at him thoughtfully. "And?" she said. 

Deringham glanced down a moment at his shoes. "I was wondering if youcould be of any use up there. "

His daughter laughed a little. "I think that is readily answered. Icannot cook, and neither can I wash, while I have never attended to asick person in my life. "

"No, " said her father with a trace of embarrassment. "Still, oneunderstands that it comes naturally to women. In any case your merepresence would in a fashion be an advantage. "

Alice Deringham watched him in silence for a few seconds and thensmiled again. "It is somewhat difficult to believe it. I am sincerelysorry for Mr. Alton, but I can see no reason for intruding at Somasconow. "

Deringham regarded her steadily, and the girl knew it would beadvisable for her to yield. This did not displease her, for, thoughshe had negatived his suggestion, her father's wishes coincided withher own. She, however, desired to visit Somasco as it were undercompulsion, and to feel that she had not done so of her own inclination. 

"I think there is a reason--and it would please me, " he said. 

"Then I should be pleased to hear it. "

Deringham appeared to consider, because the motives which influencedhim were ones he could not well reveal. "We are his only relatives inthis country--and there is the look of the thing, " he said. 

The girl moved a little, and her father watching her noticed her finesymmetry, and how her red-gold hair gleamed against the whitepanelling. It was possibly because of this background he also noticedthe faint flicker of warmth that crept into her face and neck, and thatthere was a glow in her eyes he had not seen there previously. 

"That, " she said with a cold distinctness, "is precisely what I objectto. "

Deringham laughed a little. "I think that aspect of the question willnot be evident to Alton. "

"No?" said the girl, while the tinge of colour deepened a little. "Still, it is very plain to me. "

Deringham said nothing, and the two sat still while the voice of theman dictating jarred upon one of them. "Very little interest taken inmineral claims, no inquiries for ranching properties. "

Alice Deringham turned, and saw the girl's fingers flittering acrossthe paper, but her face was still hidden and the monotonous voicecontinued, "We made a few advances during the last week or two. "

The other passengers had gone out of the saloon, and it was very quietsave for the soft flow of words and rattle of the pencil, whenDeringham once more unfolded the telegram. 

"I am afraid it is going hardly with the man, " he said suggestively. "'My partner met with accident--his condition is critical. ' Themessage left Somasco yesterday. "

There was a rustle at the adjoining table, and the girl's pencil fellto the floor. 

"Will you wait a moment, please?" a voice said, and the dictation brokeoff abruptly, while when the girl rose Alice Deringham found herselfsuddenly confronted with Miss Townshead. Deringham, who stood up, madeher a little decorous inclination. 

"I am pleased to see you again, " he said. 

The speech was apparently lost upon the girl, who did not seem tonotice his daughter's greeting. 

"I could not avoid hearing a few words of yours, " she said. "Mr. Alton--or his partner--is seriously ill. "

Deringham handed her the telegram, and stood watching her curiouslywhile she read it. He saw her lips set a trifle, and a slight loweringof her eyes, but though the girl seemed to draw in her breath hefancied it was not with consternation. 

"That is all we know, " he said. 

Miss Townshead gave him back the message, but Deringham did not see herface, for she and his daughter seemed to be looking at each other. They formed a somewhat curious contrast, for Alice Deringham appearedtaller and more stately than she was in her costly furs, and NellieTownshead very slight and almost shabby in her thin and well-worndress. Neither spoke for a moment, but the half-amiable condescensionin Miss Deringham's attitude was a trifle too marked. 

"I am afraid that is all we can tell you, " she said. "Mr. Alton hasevidently met with a serious accident, and we are going up at once toSomasco to see what we can do for him. "

Deringham moved a trifle and glanced at his daughter. She had saidvery little, but there was a subtle something in her tone and bearingwhich implied a good deal, and he fancied it was not lost upon MissTownshead. 

The latter, however, glanced round towards her employer, and her facewas once more expressionless as she said, "Then I hope you will findhim progressing favourably, and it would be a kindness to my father andmyself if you or Mr. Seaforth would send us word. "

She went back to her duties, and Deringham smiled a little as themonotonous voice commenced again. "That's all right, Miss Townshead. Now where was I? Oh, yes, we should not recommend any furtheradvances. Did I tell him we had to negotiate Tyrer's bond at adiscount?"

"You seem to have reversed your decision somewhat suddenly, " he said. "I had not noticed it before, but Miss Townshead is distinctly pretty. She was, I believe, on tolerably good terms with our afflicted kinsman. "

Miss Deringham laughed as she answered him. "That is one of ourprivileges, but you had better inquire about my baggage. I think Ihear the train coming in. "

She turned a moment as she went out of the saloon, and glanced backtowards the table. She could only see that Miss Townshead's head wasbent lower over the paper than it had been, but she had a suspicion asto what the girl was feeling. It was also partly, but not more thanpartly justified, for Nellie Townshead was writing mechanically justthen, though now and then she drove the pencil somewhat viciously intothe paper when the hasty words grew faster. "Don't consider yourrecommendation workable. We are sending you ore to test. Finish it upin the usual way. "

Then the locomotive bell on the wharf was answered by the roar of thesteamer's whistle, and the man folded up his papers. "You will have toget ashore, but we have done a good morning's work, " said he. "Thosewere friends of yours from the old country?"

"No, " said Nellie Townshead with a curious expression. "They are fromthe old country, but I only met them once or twice at Somasco. "

The man glanced at her thoughtfully. "Yes, " he said. "I kind offancied the lady didn't mean to be nice to you. "

Miss Townshead smiled, though there was an ominous brightness in hereyes. "I scarcely think she would take the trouble to make me feelthat, " she said. "Miss Deringham is, I understand, a lady of someimportance in the old country. "

The man once more regarded her with grave kindliness. "Folks of thatkind can be very nasty prettily. I've met one or two of them. Well, you're one of the smartest business ladies I've come across yet in thiscountry, and I should figure that's quite as good as the other. Now--well, of course, we held back a little when we engaged you, andyou can tell the cashier to hand you out another two dollars everySaturday. "

Nellie Townshead felt that the colour was in her cheeks, but shethanked the man, and gathering up her papers hastened down the gangwayat the last moment. She stopped a moment breathless when she reachedthe wharf and saw Deringham and his daughter drive away, and shut onelittle hand. Then she laughed, and turned towards the city with agesture of impatience. "The two dollars are badly needed--and I'm alittle fool, but it hurt, all of it, " she said. 

CHAPTER XXIII

THE AWAKENING

The snow had ceased an hour or two earlier, and the moon shone downupon the glistening pines that shook off their white covering under abitter wind, when a wagon came lurching into the Somasco valley. Fourweary horses floundered in front of it, a thin white steam rising fromthem into the nipping air, and Okanagan swayed half asleep upon thedriving-seat, growling inarticulate objurgations when the vehicle sankcreaking into a hollow he could not see. He had, wearing out severalhorses during the journey, driven close upon a hundred miles throughthe frost and snow, and had ceased to encourage his companions duringthe last hour or so. In fact, he was almost as incapable of speechjust then as they were of comprehending him. 

They had, however, won his admiration, which he was somewhat slow ofaccording city folk, for although there had been times when, as hedragged the worn-out team up steep hillsides through the blinding snow, he almost despaired of reaching Somasco, he had heard no complaint fromeither Deringham or his daughter. The man had helped him where hecould, and when there was nothing that he could do sat silent besidehim smoking tranquilly, while, with the flung-up snow whirling aboutthem, the team went floundering down almost precipitous gully or rutteddeclivity, where a stumble would have hurled them all into the tops ofthe pines below. Nor had a cry escaped the girl who sat behind them, gripping the side of the bouncing vehicle, when once a horse went down, and on another occasion the wagon left the trail and drove into ahemlock. Okanagan also remembered that though it had been necessary tolift her down when twice they stopped to change the team at a lonelyranch, she rose smiling with blue lips when it was time to go on again. 

"Yes, sir, " he afterwards said to Seaforth, "there wasn't any weakeningdown in either of them, and the girl's a daisy. "

Deringham, however, was now sitting amidst the straw in the bottom ofthe wagon, with his arm about his daughter, who nestled close to himfor the sake of warmth. A bitter frost had set in during the last houror so, and the snow was frozen in white patches upon her wrappings, while it was with numbed senses she vacantly watched the pines flitpast her. It seemed that they would crawl up out of the darkness andslide by, white beneath the moonlight, forever. 

Nor could she recollect much of the journey, which had only left a hazymemory of biting cold and blinding snow, fierce struggles through thedrifts, and brief interludes of warmth and brightness inforest-shrouded ranches, where her chilled flesh shrank from the taskbefore her when she rose to go on again. There was Alton blood inAlice Deringham, and more than a trace of the Alton pride, but she didnot know what motive had sustained her or why she had borne it all sopatiently, and in this she differed from her father. Deringham seldomdid anything without a purpose, and he had one now. 

His daughter had been asleep with her head on his shoulder when a shoutroused her two hours earlier, and with a drumming of hoofs they camelurching into the settlement. For a blissful moment she fancied thejourney was at an end, for there were lights and voices and a pleasantsmell of firwood smoke, but Okanagan shouted to his team, and thelights faded away behind as they plunged into the silence beneath thepines again. 

"Father, " she said faintly, "do you think he has gone the wrong way?It seems ever so long since we left the settlement. "

Okanagan may have heard her, though the words were almostindistinguishable. "You lie right where you are for another tenminutes, and keep warm, miss, " he said; "then I'll show you something. "

Alice Deringham shivered all through. "It is a little difficult, " shesaid. 

Okanagan spoke to his horses, and after what appeared an interminabletime looked down again. 

"There, " he said, with a curious, almost silent laugh, and the girl sawa red blink amidst the pines across the valley. "That's Somasco. "

Alice Deringham let her head drop back on her father's shoulder with alittle sigh. "It seems a very long way, " she said, "and I am verycold. "

It was some time later when the wagon stopped with a jerk, and sheroused herself as a glare of light shone about her. Voices came out ofit, somebody held out a hand, and a man whom she did not recognizelifted her from the wagon. Then she walked unevenly into thebrightness of a log-walled hall and grew faint, while a tingling painran through her with the change of temperature. A woman whom she didnot know clumsily took her wrappings from her, and then led her into aroom where Seaforth drew a chair up to a table beside the stove. AliceDeringham's head was throbbing, but she could see that he was white andhaggard. 

"How is he?" she said, and the tingling pain grew more pronounced asshe waited the answer. 

Seaforth's face was very grave. "I think it is touch and go withhim--but if he wears the night out he may pull through. It was verygood of you to come. "

Alice Deringham made a little gesture of impatience. "But there ishope?" she said, and her voice was very low and strained. 

Seaforth glanced round sharply as the woman, knocking over something, went out of the room. 

"A little, I believe, if he could sleep, " he said huskily. "The doctoris with him now--scarcely left him the last four days. We have nobodyto help us. Mrs. Margery broke down. The woman you saw is incapable. Harry has been delirious--and asking for you--half the time. "

Seaforth looked at his companion as he spoke, and the girl met his gazedirectly. There was no room for anything but frankness at such a time. 

"Ah, " she said simply. "I am glad I came. "

Seaforth's eyes seemed to grow a little misty, and Alice Deringham, whosuddenly looked aside, wondered whether it was only the effect ofweariness. Whatever he felt, he, however, quietly poured somethinginto a cup and handed it to her. "But you must eat, " he said. 

Hungry and cold as she had been, the girl could eat but little, thoughthe steaming liquid in the cup put a little life into her, andpresently she rose up and shook off the coarse shawl which somebody hadwrapped about her shoulders. 

"I am ready now, " she said. 

Seaforth glanced at her a moment with open admiration. The girl tohide her weariness stood very straight, and Alice Deringham knew how tohold herself. The pallor in her face intensified the little glow inher eyes and the ruddy gleam of her lustrous hair under the lamplight. She was, it seemed to him, almost splendid in her statuesque symmetry, but there was also a subtle change in her, and a sudden sense ofconfusion came upon him. He remembered his previous distrust of her, and that it was to save his comrade she had come. 

"No, " he said quietly; "you must rest and sleep before you go to him. "

Alice Deringham smiled a little, but there was a vibration in her voicethat stirred the man. "Do you think I could?"

This time there was no mistaking the faint haziness in Seaforth's eyes. "God bless you, " he said simply. "He is my friend--and I think you arethe only one who can do anything for him. "

Alice Deringham had in her a trace of greatness which was instinctive, and not the result of the training that had taught her serenity. So, though the man had not hidden his meaning, she made no protest norasked any question. 

"All this is new to me, " she said; "but I will do the best I can. "

Seaforth led her into a room where a dim light was burning. It wasmost of it in shadow, but she could see the still form on the bed, andfor a moment or two nothing else. The face on the pillow was verywhite and hollow, the half-closed eyes had a curious glitter, while alean hand was clenched upon the coverlet. Alice Deringham had seenvery little of suffering of any kind, and nothing of sickness, and fora moment she stood motionless, horrified at the sight of what was leftof the man who had parted from her on the verandah the incarnation ofresolute virility. As she watched him he moaned a little, and thesound, which was scarcely human and suggested the cry of someunreasoning creature in pain, sent a thrill through her. Her eyesdimmed a little, and moving forward softly she laid a cool palm on theflushed forehead. 

"Don't you know me, Harry? I have come to take care of you, " she said. 

The man's eyes opened wider, and though it was evident that there wasnot complete comprehension in them he sighed as with a greatcontentment. Then they closed altogether as he turned his head atrifle on the pillow. The girl did not move, but stood stooping alittle, and looking down at him with a great compassion, until a manwho had been watching her nodded unseen to Seaforth as he also bentover the bed. He waited for almost a minute, and then straightenedhimself wearily as he spoke in a just audible whisper. 

"Quiet at last, and sleep may come! Miss Deringham, I think?" he said. 

The girl bent her head, and moved softly with him towards the door. "He knew me?" she said. 

The doctor shook his head. "No--not altogether, I think. Still, he isquiet, and that is everything. Now I may be wanted--presently--and fora little there is nothing I can do, while Mr. Seaforth and I havereached our limits. If Alton opens his eyes, let him see you, and youwill give him the draught yonder in an hour from now. It is of vitalimportance that he should take it. If he does not, tap on the door forme. "

Alice Deringham bent her head again, and, when the doctor went out withSeaforth, sat down beside the bed. Her fatigue had gone from her, andthough she had never done such things before, she gently drew thecoverings higher about the man, and once ventured to raise his head atrifle and smooth down the pillow. Alton opened his eyes, and for amoment they seemed to follow her, but the gleam of understanding wentout of them when she sat down again. Then he lay very still, and therewas an oppressive quietness through which she could hear the crackle ofthe stove and the night wind moaning about the ranch. Alton's eyeswere shut now, and the girl sat and watched him, too intent almost towonder at herself. This was the man she had striven to despise, andyet she, who had never concerned herself with woman's work before, forgot her weariness as she waited to minister to him. It was butlittle help that she could offer--a gentle touch that checked arestless movement, a wrinkle smoothed from the pillow--but it was donewith a great tenderness, for fibres in the girl's nature that had lainsilent long awoke that night and thrilled. 

Now and then Alton moved a little, and once or twice he moaned. Thefirewood snapped and crackled in the stove, the sigh of the pines cameup in fantastic cadence across the clearing, and so while the darkangel stooped above the lonely ranch the night wore on. 

There was, however, one man in Somasco ranch who needed sleep thatnight and found it fly from him. Deringham, who had spoken with thedoctor, lay fully dressed in an adjoining room, listening to theticking of his watch, and for any sound that might rise from beyond thecedar boarding where his daughter kept her vigil. He had gathered thatbefore the morning Alton of Somasco and Carnaby would either have laidaside his activities for ever or be within hope of recovery, and whileDeringham dare not ask himself just then whether he desired the deathof his kinsman, the suspense was maddening. If the flame of vitalitythat was flickering so feebly went out Carnaby would be his daughter's, and the burden which almost crushed him lifted. If it burned on therewas at the best a long struggle with adversity before him, and at theworst disgrace, and possibly a prison. 

A very little thing, he knew, would turn the scale, an effort made indelirium, a draught that struck too shrewdly on the fevered frame, andthe issue, of stupendous importance as it was to both of them, lay inhis daughter's hands. Seaforth and the doctor slept the sleep ofexhaustion, and Deringham could have laughed with bitter mirthlessnessat the irony of it all. Until she had quarrelled with her maid, AliceDeringham had apparently been incapable of putting on her own dressesunassisted, and it seemed that the grim, mysterious destiny whichtreated men as puppets and traversed all their schemes was the onefactor to reckon with in that comedy. Deringham, however, found littlesolace in such reflections, and could not lie still, and rising, strained his ears to listen. There was nothing but the moaning of thewind, the ranch was very still, and the sound of his watch grewmaddening. If Alton was sleeping now, Deringham knew it was tickinghis last hold on good fame and fortune away. Twice he paced up anddown the room with uncovered feet, and then, quivering a little whenthe floor creaked, opened the door that led into the one adjoining. 

"Alice, " he said, and, for he had thrown off the mask now, his daughterwondered at his face. 

"Hush, " she said almost sternly, and then moved very quietly away fromthe bed. Deringham came in and leaned upon the table beside her. 

"The great question is still unanswered?" he said. 

His daughter bent her head, and then looked at him steadily. "I thinkwe shall know in an hour or two. Is it important to you?"

Deringham, who was not wholly master of himself, made a little grimace, and the girl glanced away from him with a curious shrinking. Understress of fatigue and anxiety the veneer had worn off both of them, andin that impressive hour, when the spirit is bound most loosely to theclay, each had seen something not hitherto suspected of the other'sinmost self. In the girl's case the sight had been painful, for allthat was good in her had risen uppermost just then. In Deringham'sthere was very little but veneer, and craven fear and avarice lookedout through his eyes. 

"Yes, " he said in a voice that was the harsher for its lowness; "and toyou. I did not tell you, but if that man dies you will be the mistressof Carnaby. "

Alice Deringham made a little half-contemptuous gesture of impatience, but the colour showed in her cheek. "You are over-tired, father, oryou would not have thought of that--just now. "

Deringham glanced at her curiously with an unpleasant smile. "Youapparently did not comprehend me, " he said. "Would you be astonishedto hear that Alton, who seems to have anticipated disaster, left youCarnaby by will?"

The girl rose and met the man's gaze directly, though the colour hadcrept beyond her cheeks now. "No, " she said very quietly; "though Inever thought of this. I know him better than ever you could do. Butit is time I gave him the medicine, and you must go. "

Deringham did not move, but watched his daughter as she took up theglass and phial. "It is important that he should have the draught?" hesaid. 

"Yes, " she said in a voice that thrilled a little as she stood verystraight before him. "I think it would make all the differencebetween--a girl without a dowry, and the mistress of Carnaby. "

Then she pointed as it were commandingly towards the door, andDeringham went out with a white face, as though she had struck him uponit, while Alice Deringham shivered and sank down limply into the chair. She sat still for a moment with eyes that shone mistily and a greatsense of humility, and then, rousing herself with an effort, movedtowards the bed and touched the sick man gently. He opened his eyes asshe did so, and there was no glitter in them now, but a dawningcomprehension. He seemed to smile a little when she raised his head. 

"You must drink this, " she said. 

Alton made a gesture of understanding, and drained the glass, then lethis head fall back, and feebly stretched out his hand until it touchedher fingers. The girl did not move, and his grasp tightened suddenly. 

"Hold me fast. I am slipping--slipping down, " he said. 

Alice Deringham returned the pressure of the clinging fingers, and asshe saw a curious unreasoning confidence creep into the haggard faceher eyes once more shone through a gathering mistiness. "I will holdyou fast, " she said. 

"Yes, " said the sick man in a strained voice. "You will not let go. It's five hundred feet to the river--in the dark below. I'm slipping, slipping--no holding in the snow. "

He ceased and looked up at her suddenly as though the fear had lefthim, and the girl said very softly, "Don't you know me?"

"Yes, " said the man. "Of course. I was sliding back into the gully, but I knew you would help me. "

He stopped again, and the strained expression suddenly sank out of hiseyes, while the girl flushed to the temples when they met her own. 

"Now, " he said very softly, "I shall get better. Nothing can stop me. You will hold me fast, and not let go. "

He drew her towards him, and Alice Deringham, seeing that the briefflash of reason was fading again, yielded to the feeble pressure, andsank to her knees holding fast the hot fingers that drew her hand tohis breast. Then moved by an impulse swift and uncontrollable she benta little farther and kissed him on the cheek. Alton said nothing, butopened his eyes and smiled at her, and then lay still. 

For a space of minutes the girl dare scarcely breathe. Everything, shehad been told, depended upon the sick man sleeping, and now he was veryquiet. Then she raised her head and glanced at him. He had not movedat all, and his face was tranquil, but the hot fingers still clung toher hand. It was borne in upon her that she could in verity draw himback from the darkness he was slipping into, and with a great fear andcompassion she held the hot fingers fast. There was no longer anysnapping in the stove. The roar of the pines grew louder and the roomgrew cold, but while the minutes slipped by Alton slept peacefully, with the hand of the woman he had dispossessed in his, and sheforgetting her fatigue watched him with eyes that filled withtenderness. 

Still, she was not more than a woman, and at last the eyes grew hazy, while every joint ached. There was a horrible cramp in her shoulder, and to lessen it she moved a trifle so that her arm rested on thepillow. That was easier, and while she struggled with her wearinessher head followed it, until it sank down close by Alton's shoulder. Then for five minutes she fought with her weakness, and was vanquished, for her head settled lower into its resting place, and her eyes closed. 

It was some little time later when Seaforth came very softly into theroom, and stopped with a little gasp. He could just see his comrade'sface, and it was still and serene, but there was a gleam of red-goldhair beside it on the coverlet, and now a shapely arm was flungprotectingly about the sick man's shoulder. The girl was also verystill, and a little flush of colour crept into Seaforth's face as hestooped above her and saw the clasped hands. 

"Thank God!" he said. 

Then he moved backwards on tiptoe towards Deringham's room, butapparently changed his intention, and presently knocked at the doctor'sdoor. 

"Time's up, and I thought I'd better rouse you, " he said. "Shall I goin, and look at your patient?"

The doctor rose up fully dressed, and Seaforth, who watched him enterthe other room, nodded to himself, while the man he had left stoopedabove the sleeping pair and smiled with a great contentment. He haddone what he could, but he knew that a greater power than any hewielded had driven back the dark angel which had stooped above the sickman's bed. 

The sun was in the heavens when, finding other procedure unavailing, hegently touched the girl, and Alice Deringham rose silently and turnedto him some moments later almost proudly with a soft glow in hercheeks, and a question in her eyes. 

"Yes, " said the doctor, smiling. "I fancy we have seen the worst. "

Then the girl's strength went from her, and she caught at the rail ofthe bed, shivering, until the man touched her arm and led her from theroom. "You have done a great deal, I think, and must sleep, " he said. 

It was afternoon when Alice Deringham resumed her watch, and she metSeaforth on her way to the sick man's room. 

"I want to thank you, Miss Deringham. He is my partner, and the onlyfriend I have, " he said, with a slight huskiness. 

The girl regarded him steadily. "You mean it?"

Seaforth winced a little. "Yes, " he said. 

Alice Deringham still fixed her eyes upon him. "And yet you distrustedme once?"

Seaforth's face was haggard, but it was less pale than it had been whenhe bent his head. "I can only throw myself on your mercy. I was moreof a fool than usual then. "

Alice Deringham laughed softly but graciously. "I could not blameyou--and you may have been right, " she said. 

Then she passed into the room, and saw the light creep into Alton'seyes, which had apparently been fixed upon the door. Her blood tingledand her neck grew hot, for it was evident that while his mind was clearat last he remembered a little. 

"The river is farther away now, but I want you still, " he said. 

CHAPTER XXIV

HALLAM TRIES AGAIN

There was frost in the valley when one clear morning Alton lay partlydressed in a big chair beside the stove at Somasco ranch. Outside thesnow lay white on the clearing, and the great pines rose above itsombre and motionless under the sunlight that had no warmth in it, while the peaks beyond them shone with a silvery lustre against thecloudless blue. It was a day to set the blood stirring and rouse thevigour of the strong, and Alton felt the effect of it as he laylistening to the rhythmic humming of the saws. The sound spoke ofactivity, and raising himself a trifle in his chair he glanced at hispartner with a faint sparkle in his eye. 

"It's good to feel alive again, " he said. 

Seaforth's smile was somewhat forced, for he had reason for dreadingthe moment when his comrade would take an interest in the affairs oflife again. There was something that Alton must know, and glancing athis hollow face he shrank from telling him. 

The struggle had been a long one, for fever had once more seized Altonwhen he was apparently on the way to recovery, and there had been timeswhen it seemed to Seaforth that two angels kept the long night watcheswith him beside his comrade's bed. One was terrible and shadowy, andstooped lower and lower and above the scarcely breathing form; theother bright and beautiful, an angel of tenderness and mercy, and ifSeaforth was fanciful there were excuses for him. His endurance hadbeen strained to the uttermost as day and night he kept his vigil, while the humanity of the girl who watched with him had becomeetherealized until her beauty was almost spiritual. The coldness hadgone out of it, and now and then it seemed to the worn-out man that afaint reflection of a light that is not kindled in this world shonethrough the pity in her eyes. That spark was all that had beenlacking, and Seaforth, who had doubted, bent his head in homage when itcame, for it appeared to him that in sloughing off her pride andbecoming wholly womanly the girl had reached out in her gentleness andcompassion towards the divine. When at last the turning had beenpassed, and Alice Deringham went down with her father for a brief restto Vancouver, she took Seaforth's limitless respect and gratitude withher, though it occurred to him that she had gone somewhat suddenly asthough anxious to escape from the ranch. They were, however, to returnthat evening. 

"I talked a good deal, Charley, when I was sick?" said Alton. 

Seaforth smiled dryly. "There is no use in denying it, because youdid, " he said. 

Alton's face grew clouded. "I'd have bitten my tongue right through ifI'd known. There were one or two things I'd been through that wouldcome back to me, things one would sooner forget. "

Seaforth appeared thoughtful, but evidently decided that frankness wasbest. "There certainly were occasions when your recollections weresomewhat realistic. "

Alton groaned, and his face was a study of consternation. "Lord, whatbrutes we are, " he said. "There was the trouble over the Bluebirdclaim down in Washington. Did I talk about that?"

Seaforth crossed over and sat down on the arm of his comrade's chair. His expression was somewhat whimsical, but there was a suggestion oftenderness in his eyes, for he saw the direction in which Alton'sthoughts were tending, and that he should speak of such matters to himbetokened the closeness of the bond between them. 

"I don't think you need worry about it, Harry. " he said. 

"No?" said Alton sternly. "Are those the things you would like adainty English lady who knows nothing of what we have to do now andthen to hear?"

Seaforth smiled again as he said, "Miss Deringham struck me as anespecially sensible young woman. Now you need not get savage, for I amspeaking respectfully, but I fancy that Miss Deringham knows almost asmuch about the ins and outs of life as many bush ranchers of seventy. Young women brought up as she has been in the old country notinfrequently do, and as it happened you mentioned nothing about thatlast affair in the bush; while though one or two incidents weresomewhat startling, there are, I fancy, girls in the old country whowould be rather inclined to look with approval on--the type of man shemight have reason for supposing you to be. In any case, there was noword of any other woman. "

Alton drew in his breath. "No, " he said simply. "Thank God, therenever was another. "

Seaforth's expression perplexed his comrade, and his voice was a triflestrained. "Yes, " he said. "That is a good deal to be thankful for, Harry. "

Alton looked at him thoughtfully in silence for a space. Then he said, "I never asked you any questions about the old country, Charley, and Idon't mean to now, but I have fancied now and then that you brought outsome trouble along with you. "

Seaforth glanced down at his comrade, smiling curiously. "I may tellyou some time--but not now. You do well to be thankful, Harry, and doyou believe that any woman would think the worse of you because you cutdown the man who meant to take your life, you big, great-natured fool?"

Alton sighed. "Well, " he said very slowly, "perhaps it is better over, because that and other things would have to be told; but though I hadonly an axe against his pistol I can't get that man's face out of mymemory. "

Seaforth's face was somewhat awry just then. "You can tell your storywithout a blush--if you think it necessary, but I have not the courageto tell mine--and the silence may cost me very dear, " he said. 

Alton seemed a trifle bewildered. "When you can I'll listen, butthere's nothing you could tell me would make any difference between youand me. "

Seaforth laughed mirthlessly. "I'm glad of that, but it wasn't you Iwas thinking of just then, " he said. "Still it seems to me that we areboth a little off our balance this morning, and may be sorry for itafterwards. "

Alton rose up and moved somewhat stiffly towards the window, where heleaned against the log casing, looking out greedily upon the sunlitvalley. Then he limped back to the table and rested both hands upon it. 

"I figure it's because I haven't used it, but this leg doesn't feel thesame as it used to, " he said. "Did it strike you that I walked kind ofstiffly?"

Seaforth knew that the moment he feared had come, but he felt hiscourage fail him and turned his head aside. "I was not watching you, "he said. 

Alton, who appeared a trifle perturbed, sat down, and glanced at thepartly finished meal upon the table disgustedly. "Tell them to takethose things away, and bring me something a man can eat. Then I wantmy long boots and the nicest clothes I have. "

"They will not be much use to you. You're not going out for anotherweek, anyway. "

Alton laughed a little. "Well, " he said, "we'll see. Bring me a goodsolid piece of venison, and take those things away. "

He made an ample meal, dressed himself with wholly unusualfastidiousness, and when Seaforth left him for a few moments strode outof the room. One leg felt very stiff and he clutched the balustrade amoment when he came to the head of a short stairway, then stiffenedhimself, and, putting all the weight he could on the limb that wasleast useful, stepped forward resolutely to descend it. His knee bentsuddenly under him, he clutched at the rails, and missed them, reeledand lost his balance, and there was a crash as Seaforth sprang out ofhis room. He was in time to see his comrade rise and lean against thelogs at the foot of the stairway very white and grim in face, andshivered a little as he went down. 

"What's the meaning of this, Charley ?" said Alton with an ominousquietness. "I just put my weight on my left foot--and down I came. "

Again Seaforth shrank from his task. "You were warned not to try towalk much for a week or two. "

"Pshaw!" said Alton with sudden fierceness. "There's more than that. "

Seaforth laid his hand compassionately upon his comrade's shoulder. "It had to come sooner or later--and I was afraid to tell you before. You will never walk quite as well as you used to, Harry. "

Alton clutched the balustrade, and a greyness crept into his face. "I, " he said very slowly, "a cripple--all my life!"

Seaforth said nothing, and there was a silence for almost a minuteuntil Alton slowly straightened himself. "Well, " he said quietly, "there is no use kicking--but this was to have been the best day of mylife. "

Seaforth understood him and saw his opportunity. "I don't think thatwill make any difference, Harry. "

Alton seemed to choke down a groan. "I had so little before, " he said. 

Again Seaforth laid his hand upon his shoulder, "Shake yourselftogether, Harry. After all, I don't think it is the things that onecan offer which count, " he said. "Let me help you back. "

Alton resolutely shook off his grasp, and moved very slowly and stifflytowards the living-room. "No, " he said. "I'm not going back there anymore. Get me a big black cigar, Charley--and then go right away. "

Seaforth did as he was bidden, for there were many things whichdemanded his attention, but he glanced at his comrade as he went out, and the sight of the gaunt figure sitting very grim and straight in achair by the window would return long afterwards to his memory. 

"He takes it badly--and a little while ago I should have thought he wasright, " he said. 

It was several hours later when Seaforth returned to the house, andfound Mrs. Margery in a state of consternation. 

"Where's Harry?" he said. 

"'Way down to the settlement, " said the woman. "Okanagan was foolenough to hoist him on a horse, and though I talked half-an-hour solidI couldn't stop him. "

Seaforth smiled dryly. "I scarcely think you could. Harry is himselfagain. What has taken him to the settlement, anyway?"

The woman glanced at him contemptuously. "All men are fools, " saidshe. "He went to meet that girl from the old country, and find out hismistake. "

Seaforth said nothing, but went out in haste and saddled a horse, foralthough it had been apparent to him that there was no affection wastedbetween Alice Deringham and Mrs. Margery, her words had left him with avague uneasiness. 

In the meantime Alton dropped very stiffly from the saddle in front ofHorton's hotel, and, limping up the stairway, found the man who kept itupon the verandah. 

"Glad to see you coming round, Harry; but you're looking very white, and walking kind of stiff, " he said. 

"Yes, " said Alton dryly. "I shall probably walk just that way all mylife. "

Horton made no attempt to condole with him. He knew Alton tolerablywell, and felt that any sympathy he could offer would be inadequate. "Well, " he said, "here's a letter Thomson brought you in from therailroad. "

Alton tore open the envelope, and read the message with a faint relief, for it was from Deringham, and stated that an affair of business wouldprevent him returning to Somasco for some little time. Then heremembered that to delay a question which must be asked would butprolong the suspense. 

"I'm going through to the railroad, but the ride has shaken me, andI'll lie down and sleep a while, " he said. 

"Well, " said Horton, "you know best, but you look a long way more fitto be sitting beside the stove up there at the ranch. That was atolerably bad accident you had?"

Alton glanced at him sharply, but his voice was indifferent as heanswered. "Oh, yes, I came to grief bringing in a deer, and lay out inthe frost a good while before they found me. Have you had manystrangers round here?"

Horton nodded. "The bush is just full of them--looking for timberrights and prospecting round the Crown lands--Hallam's friends, Ithink. There was one of them seemed kind of anxious about you lately. "

Alton's eyes grew a trifle keener, but he was shaken and weary, andmade a little gesture which seemed to indicate that he would askquestions later. 

"You'll give the horse a light feed, and let me know when supper's on, "he said. 

It was dark when he mounted with Horton's assistance, and the horseplunged once or twice. Then it started at a gallop, and Alton had somedifficulty in pulling it up, for the snow was beaten down and the trailwas good. He had not been gone half-an-hour when Seaforth, whose horsewas smoking, swung himself down before the hotel. 

"Where's Harry?" he said. 

"On the trail, " said Horton. "I wanted to keep him, but he lit out alittle while ago, and borrowed a rifle. What he wanted it for I don'tknow, but he wouldn't be lonely, anyway. One of the boys who wasstaying here pulled out for the railroad just before him. "

"Did you know the man?" asked Seaforth with unusual sharpness. 

"No, " said Horton. "He was timber-righting, but I'd a kind of fancyI'd once seen somebody very like him working round Somasco. "

Seaforth said nothing further, but swung himself into the saddle androde off at a gallop. He had been unsettled all day, and now it waswith vague apprehensions he sent his heels home and shook the bridle. 

In the meantime Alton was riding almost as fast, though the saddlegalled him and he was stiff and aching. His senses also grew a triflelethargic under the frost, but he knew there would be little rest forhim until he reached Vancouver, and strove to shake off his weakness. The horse was, however, unusually restive, and would at times breakinto a gallop in spite of him where the trail was level, but Alton, whofancied there was something troubling the beast, was more than a littledubious of his ability to mount again if he got out of the saddle. Until that day he had not ventured outside the ranch. 

The shadowy pines flitted by him, here and there the moon shone down, and the drumming of hoofs rang muffled by the snow through a greatsilence which was curiously emphasized when twice a wolf howled. Still, plunging and snorting now and then, the beast held pluckily onwhile the miles melted behind them, and midnight was past when Alton, turning, half-asleep, in his saddle, fancied he heard somebody ridingbehind him. For a moment his fingers tightened on the bridle, but hishearing was dulled by weakness and the numbing cold, and pressing hisheels home he rode on into the darkness. 

It would probably have occurred to him at any other time that the beastresponded with suspicious readiness, but his perceptions were not ofthe clearest just then, which was unfortunate, because the trail leddownwards steeply through black darkness along the edge of a ravine. The rain had also washed parts of it away, and no ray of moonlightpierced the vaulted roof of cedar-sprays. The drumming of hoofs rolledalong it, there was a hoarse growling far down in the darkness below, and Alton strove to rouse himself, knowing that a stumble might resultin a plunge down the declivity. He could dimly see the great trunksstream past him on the one hand, but there was only a gulf of shadow onthe other. 

Suddenly a flash of light sprang up almost under the horse's feet. Thebeast flung its head up, and next moment they were flying at a gallopdown the winding and almost precipitous trail. Alton's strength hadnot returned to him, and he set his lips, realizing the uselessness ofit as he shifted his numbed hands on the bridle. Twice the horsestumbled, but picked up its stride again, and the man had almostcommenced to hope they might reach the foot of the declivity when itstumbled once more, struck a young fir, and reeled downwards from thetrail. 

It all happened in a moment, but there was just time enough for Altonto clear his feet from his stirrups, and though he was never quite surewhat next he did he found himself sitting in the snow, shaken and dazedby his fall, while the horse rolled downwards through the shadowsbeneath him. He heard the brushwood crackle, and then a curiouslysickening thud as though something soft had fallen from a height upon arock. After that there was an oppressive silence save for a faintdrumming that grew louder down the trail. 

Alton unslung the rifle which still hung behind him, and crawled behinda big hemlock that grew out of the slope. He could hear nothing butthe increasing thud of hoofs for a while, and then there was a soundthat suggested stealthy footsteps in the darkness up the trail. Altoncrouched very still and waited, but the footsteps came no nearer, andthen pitching up the rifle fired in their direction at a venture. Thesound ceased suddenly, and while the great trunks flung back theconcussion it was evident that the rider was coming on at a furiousgallop, and Alton rising sent out a hoarse cry, "Pull him before youcome to the edge of the dip!"

The beat of hoofs sank into silence, and a shout came down. "Hallo. Is that you, Harry?"

"Yes, " said Alton. "Lead your beast down. "

It was five minutes later when Seaforth found him leaning against atree with the rifle in his hand. 

"What was the shooting for, and where's your horse?" said he. 

Alton appeared to laugh softly and venomously, and his voice jarredupon the listener. "Down there, and stone dead. The last drop's mostof a hundred feet, " he said. 

"But how did he get there?" and Seaforth felt a little chill strikethrough him. 

Alton grasped his arm, and his voice was harsher still. "This is thesecond time. "

"Good Lord!" said Seaforth, who understood him, huskily. 

"Well, " said Alton, "I think the thing's quite plain. If we could getdown to the poor beast I figure we'd find something that had nobusiness there under the girth or saddle. The rest is simpler--alittle coal oil or giant powder, and--just at the turning yonder--alariat across the trail. That man knows his business, Charley. "

"Good Lord!" said Seaforth once more. "It's devilish, Harry. You'renot going to tell anybody, and repeat the mistake you made?"

"Yes, " said Alton grimly. "That's just what I figure on doing. "

"But, " and Seaforth's horror was evident, "he may try again. There aremore than the Somasco ranchers who would be sorry if--he wassuccessful--Harry. "

Alton laughed, but the grating cachination sent a shiver through hiscompanion. "Yes, " he said, "I think he will, and that's why I'mwaiting. He may give himself away the third time, and then it will beeither him or me. "

Seaforth stood silent for almost a minute. "If you would only listento me--but of course you will not. Can't you see that you are in theway of somebody who stands behind that man?"

"Yes, " and Alton's smile was now quietly grim. "It don't take muchgenius to figure out that. Before I'm through I'll know just who heis, and all about him. "

Once more Seaforth was silent a space. Then he spoke very slowly. "Are you sure you're wise?"

Alton gripped his comrade's arm so that he winced with pain. "It's thesecond time you've asked me that, " he said. "There will not be roomfor you and me in this province if you ask it me again. "

Seaforth shook his grasp off. "You are my partner, Harry, and the onlyfriend I have. God send you safe through with it. Now, is there anyuse in looking for the fellow with the lariat?"

"No, " said Alton in his usual voice. "There isn't. He would have beenwaiting up there ready to whip the thing away, and by this time he hasdoubled back down the trail. If you met a man riding along quietlywhat could you do to him?"

"It's devilish, " said Seaforth, as a fit of impotent anger shook him. 

"Oh, yes, " said Alton languidly. "Still, there isn't much use inslinging names, and I'm kind of tired. Help me up into your saddle, and lead the beast by the bridle. We'll head for Gordon's. "

CHAPTER XXV

ALTON IS SILENT

There is a ridge of rising ground on the outskirts of Vancouver Citywhere a few years ago a pretty wooden house stood beneath the pines. They rose sombrely behind it, but the axe had let in the sunlightbetween the rise and the water, and one could look out from the trimgarden across the blue inlet towards the ranges' snow. To-day onewould in all probability look for that dwelling in vain, and find onlystores or great stone buildings, for as the silent men with the axespush the lonely clearings farther back into the forest the Westerncities grow, and those who dwell in them increase in riches, which isnot usually the case with the axeman who goes on farther into the bushagain. 

Still, one moonlight evening, when Alton waited upon its verandah, cigar in hand, the house stood upon the hillside, picturesque with itspainted scroll-work, green shutters, colonnades of cedar pillars, andbroad verandahs. Its owner was an Englishman who had prospered in theDominion, and combined the kindliness he still retained for hiscountrymen with the lavish hospitality of the West. He knew Alton byreputation, and having business with him had made him free of his housewhen he inquired for Deringham, who was his guest, during the former'sabsence in the State of Washington. That was how Alton came to bewaiting for dinner in company with a young naval officer. Deringhamand his daughter had returned during the day, but they had drivensomewhere with their hostess and not come back as yet. 

Alton had seen Commander Thorne for the first time that day, but somefriendships are made rapidly and without an effort, and he was alreadysensible of a regard for his companion. He was a quiet and unobtrusiveEnglishman, with the steadiness of gaze and decisiveness of speechwhich characterized those who command at sea, and had discovered thathe had, notwithstanding the difference in their vocations, much incommon with rancher Alton. 

"Yes, " he said. "It is very good of you, and if we stay at EsquimaultI will come up and spend a day or two among the deer. Atkinson told uswhat a good time he had with you, but we were a trifle astonished tosee the fine wapiti head he brought back with him. "

There was a faint twinkle in the speaker's eyes which Alton understood, for Atkinson, who was not an adept at trailing deer, had shot more thana wapiti. Still, he was not the man to allude to the misadventures ofhis guest. 

"He killed it neatly--a good hundred yards, and in the fern, " he said. 

"Well, " said Thorne with a little laugh, "you were with him, and knowbest. You had, however, a tolerably mixed bag on that occasion?"

Alton checked a smile. "A wapiti, a wood deer--and sundries. "

Thorne laughed again. "I wonder if you have forgotten the hog? Yousee, Atkinson told us one night at mess, and I was inclined to fancy hecame near including you in the bag. "

Alton's face was suspiciously grave, but his answer strengthened theincipient friendship between the men. 

"It is a little difficult for a stranger to distinguish things in thebush. "

Thorne nodded. "You had Deringham and Miss Deringham staying with you?"

"Yes, " said Alton. "They are connections of mine, and Miss Deringhamdid a good deal for me when I was sick a little while ago. You knewthem in the old country?"

There was, though he strove to suppress it, something in his voicewhich caused the naval officer to glance at him sharply. "Oh, yes, " hesaid. "I knew them--rather well. "

The men's eyes met, and both were conscious that the words might havebeen amplified, while it was with a slight abruptness they returned tothe previous topic and discussed it until there was a rattle of wheelsin the drive. Then Forel, their host, came out upon the verandah, andthere was a hum of voices as several people descended from the vehiclebeneath. 

Mrs. Forel came up the stairway first with Alice Deringham, and when ablaze of light shone into the verandah from the open door Alton saw thegirl draw back for a second as her eyes rested upon his companion. She, however, smiled next moment, and Alton did not miss the slightflush of pleasure in the face of Commander Thorne. He was also to meetwith another astonishment, for Deringham and Seaforth came up thestairway next together, and Thorne dropped his cigar when he and thelatter stood face to face. 

"Charley! Is it you?" he said. 

Seaforth stood quite still a moment looking at him, and then, beingpossibly sensible that other eyes were upon him, shook hands. 

"Yes, " he said. "I heard the gunboat was at Esquimault, but did notexpect to see you. "

Then there was a somewhat awkward silence, and Alton fancied that bothmen were relieved when Mrs. Forel's voice broke in, "Jack, you willlook after the men, but don't keep them talking too long. We picked upMr. Seaforth, and there are one or two more of our friends coming. "

Alton followed his host, wondering at what he had seen. It was evidentthat Miss Deringham had not noticed him, and he fancied she had beenfor a moment almost embarrassed by the encounter with Thorne. That andwhat the man had told him had its meaning. He had also noticed thatwhen the latter greeted his comrade there had been a constraint uponboth of them, but decided that what it betokened did not concern him. 

Returning he found Mrs. Forel waiting for him, and having been born ina Western city her conversation was not marked by English reticence orthe restraint which is at least as common in the Canadian bush. 

"Dinner is ready, and you will have to talk to me and the railroad manduring it, " she said. "I had thought of making you over to MissDeringham until Commander Thorne turned up. Jack and he are greatfriends, but he didn't seem able to get over here, until he heard MissDeringham was staying with us. "

Alton laughed a little. "Now what am I to answer to that? MissDeringham was very good to me. "

The lady fancied that his merriment was a trifle forced. "You willjust sit down, and eat your dinner like a sensible man, " she said. "You are a Canadian and not expected to say nice things like thoseothers from the old country. They don't always do it very well, and, though Jack is fond of them, they make me tired now and then. "

Alton took his place beside her, and speedily found himself at home. Save for the naval officer and two English financiers the men presenthad a stake in the future of that country, and as usual neither theynor their womenkind considered it out of place to talk of theiraffairs. They were also men of mark, though several of them who nowheld large issues in very capable hands had commenced life as wieldersof the axe. Most of them had heard of Alton of the SomascoConsolidated, and those who had not listened with attention when hespoke, for it was evident that they and the rancher had the same causeat heart. Alice Deringham noticed this, and, though he was notconscious of it, little Alton did that night escaped her attention. 

She saw that while he rarely asserted himself, these men, whom she knewwere regarded with respect as leaders of great industries, accepted himas an equal when they had heard him speak, but that caused her lesssurprise than the fashion in which he adapted himself to hissurroundings. She had already discovered that he was a man withabilities and ambitions, but she had only seen him amidst the grimsimplicity of the Somasco ranch, and now there was no trifling lapse ormomentary embarrassments to show that he found the changed conditionsincongruous. His dress was also different, but he wore his citygarments as though he had worn nothing else, and there was, shefancied, an indefinite stamp of something which almost amounted todistinction upon him that set him apart from the rest. Even Seaforthwondered a little at his comrade, but both he and Alice Deringhamoverlooked the fact that Alton had not spent his whole life at Somascoranch. 

He, on his part, as the girl was quite aware, glanced often at her. She did not, however, meet his gaze, for once Alton was on the way torecovery, she had left the ranch somewhat hastily, and there had beenas yet no defining of the relations between them, while neither she norher father were cognizant of the actual cause of his wound. In themeanwhile she made the most of Thorne, and by degrees Alton lost hisgrip of the conversation. He had never seen Alice Deringham attired asshe was then, and, for his hostess had made the bravest displaypossible, the profusion of flowers, glass, and glittering silver whichit seemed appropriate that she should be placed amidst, in a curiousfashion troubled the man. This, he knew, was a part of the environmentshe had been used to, and he sighed as he thought of the sordidsimplicity at Somasco. There was also Commander Thorne beside her, andthe naval officer was one upon whom the stamp of birth and polish wasvery visible. This man, he surmised, would understand the thoughts andfancies which were incomprehensible to him, and was acquainted with allthe petty trifles which are of vast importance to a woman in theaggregate. 

Alton's heart grew heavy as he watched them, noticing the passing smileof comprehension that came so easily and expressed so much, and heardthrough the hum of voices the soft English accentuation which bycontrast with his own speech seemed musical. He knew his value in thebusy world, but he also knew his failings, and the knowledge was bitterto him then. There were so many little things he did not know, and hesaw himself, as he thought the girl must see him--uncouth, which it wasimpossible for him to be, crude of thought, over-vehement or taciturnin speech, a barbarian. The misgivings had troubled him before, butthey were very forceful now, and at last he was glad when Mrs. Forelsmiled at him. 

"You have been watching Miss Deringham, and neglecting me, " she said. 

For a moment Alton looked almost confused, and the lady laughed as shecontinued. "Very pretty and stylish, isn't she? Now we have prettygirls right here in Vancouver, but I fancy they can still give uspoints in one respect in the old country. You think that is foolish ofme? Well, I wouldn't worry to tell me so; I think Commander Thornecould do it more neatly. "

"He is apparently too busy, " said Alton. "Still, I fancy if you askedhim he would support me. "

Mrs. Forel smiled mischievously, "Well, though one could scarcely blameyou, jealousy wouldn't do you any good. Those two were great friendsin the old country. "

"That, " said Alton, "is a little indefinite. "

"Of course, but I don't know anything more, " said his companion. "Lieutenant Atkinson, who knew them both, told me. Thorne wasn't rich, you see, but he comes of good people, and not long ago somebody lefthim all their money. Quite romantic, isn't it? Still, don't you thinkMiss Deringham would be thrown away upon anybody less than a baronet. "

Alton did not answer, but his face grew somewhat grim as once more heglanced across at Thorne. This, he thought, was a good man, and he hadall that Alton felt himself so horribly deficient in. In the meanwhileMrs. Forel was looking at Seaforth, who was talking to the wife of anEnglish financier. 

"I like your partner, and he is from the old country, too, " she said. "Of course you know what he was over there?"

It was put artlessly, but Alton's eyes twinkled. "I'm afraid I don't, though I've no doubt Charley would have told me if I'd asked him, " hesaid. "He is a tolerably useful man in this country, anyway, and thatkind of contented me. "

The lady shook her head at him reproachfully. "And I thought you wereslow in the bush, " said she. "Still, Thorne will know. "

Alton fancied his hostess intended to be kind to him, but he was gladwhen the dinner was over and he gravitated with the other men towardsForel's smoking-room. There, as it happened, the talk turned uponshooting and fishing, and when one or two of the guests had narratedtheir adventures in the ranges, one who was bent and grizzled told inturn several grim stories of the early days when the treasure-seekerswent up into the snows of Caribou. There was a brief silence when hehad finished, until one of the Englishmen said:

"I presume things of that kind seldom happen now?"

"I don't know, " said Seaforth, who spoke in the Western idiom. "Wehave still a few of the good old-fashioned villains right here in thiscountry, and that reminds me of a thing which happened to a man I know. He was a quiet man, and quite harmless so long as nobody worried him, but generally held on with a tight grip to his own, and he once got hishands into something another man wanted. That was how the fuss began. "

There was a little pause, during which Alton glanced bewilderedly athis comrade, and Deringham glanced round as he poured himself out awhisky and seltzer. 

"It's not an uncommon beginning, " said Forel. "What was the end?"

"There isn't any, " said Seaforth, "but I can tell you the middle. Oneday the quiet man, who was living by himself way up in the bush, wentout hunting, and as he had eaten very little for a week he wastolerably hungry. Well, when he had been out all day be got a deer, and was packing it home at night when he struck a belt of thick timber. The man was played out from want of food, the deer was heavy, but hedragged himself along thinking of his supper, until something twinkledbeneath a fir. He jumped when he saw it, but he wasn't quick enough, and went down with a bullet in him. His rifle fell away from him wherehe couldn't get it without the other man seeing him, and he wasbleeding fast, but still sensible enough to know that nobody wouldstart out on a contract of that kind without his magazine full. It wasa tolerably tight place for him--the man was worn out, and almostfamishing, and he lay there in the snow, getting fainter every minute, with one leg no use to him. "

Seaforth looked round as though to see what impression he had made, andthough all the faces were turned towards him it was one among them hiseyes rested on. Deringham was leaning forward in his chair withfingers closed more tightly about the glass he held than there seemedany necessity for. His eyes were slightly dilated, and Seaforthfancied he read in them a growing horror. 

"He crawled away into the bush?" said somebody. 

"No, sir, " said Seaforth, "he just wriggled into the undergrowth andwaited for the other man. "

"Waited for him?" said Forel. 

"Yes, " said Seaforth. "That is what he did, and when the other mancame along peering into the bushes, just reached out and grabbed him bythe leg. Then they both rolled over, and I think that must have been atolerably grim struggle. There they were, alone, far up in the bush, and probably not a living soul within forty miles of them. "

Seaforth stopped again and reached out for his glass, while he noticedthat Deringham emptied his at a gulp and refilled it with fingers thatseemed to shake a trifle. 

"And your friend got away?" said somebody. 

"No, sir, " said Seaforth. "It was the other man. The one I knew hadhis hand on the other's throat and his knife feeling for a soft placewhen his adversary broke away from him. He did it just a moment toosoon, for while he was getting out through the bush the other onedropped his knife and rolled over in the snow. He lay there a day ortwo until somebody found him. "

Seaforth rose and moved towards the cigar-box on the table. "Andthat's all, " he said. 

"Dramatic, but it's a little incomplete, isn't it?" said the Englishman. 

Seaforth smiled somewhat dryly, and once more glanced casually towardsDeringham. "It may be finished by and by, and I fancy the wind-up willbe more dramatic still, " he said. "You see the man who would wait forhis enemy with only a knife in his hand while his life drained awayfrom him, is scarcely likely to forget an injury. "

There was silence for several moments which was broken by a rattle, anda stream of whisky and seltzer dripped from the table. 

"Hallo!" said Forel. "Has anything upset you, Deringham?"

Deringham stood up with a little harsh laugh, dabbing It the breast ofhis shirt with his handkerchief. 

"I think the question should apply to my glass, but the room is atrifle hot, and my heart has been troubling me lately, " he said. 

Forel flung one of the windows open. "I fancy my wife is waiting forus, gentlemen, and I will be with you in a few minutes, " he said. 

Alton and Seaforth were almost the last to file out of thesmoking-room, and when they reached the corridor the former turned uponhis comrade with a glint in his half-closed eyes. 

"You show a curious taste for a man raised as you have been in the oldcountry, " he said. "Now what in the name of thunder made you tell thatstory?"

Seaforth smiled somewhat inanely. "I don't know; I just felt I had to. All of us are subject to little weaknesses occasionally. "

Alton stopped and looked at him steadily. "Then there will be troubleif you give way to them again. And you put in a good deal more than Iever told anybody. Now you haven't brains enough to figure out allthat. "

Seaforth laughed good-humouredly. "It is possibly fortunate that Tomhas, " he said. 

"Tom--be condemned, " said Alton viciously, and Seaforth, seeing that hewas about to revert to the previous question, apparently answered asummons from his host and slipped back into the smoking-room. 

Alton waited a moment, and then moved somewhat stiffly towards a lowstairway which led to a broad landing that was draped and furnished asan annex to an upper room. One or two of the company were seatedthere, and he hoped they would not notice him, for while he could walktolerably well upon the level a stairway presented a difficulty. Hehad all his life been a vigorous man, and because of it was painfullysensitive about his affliction. Just then Mrs. Forel came out upon thelanding, and when the girl she spoke to turned. Alton saw that AliceDeringham was looking down on him. For a moment there was a brightnessin his eyes, but it faded suddenly, and while his knee bent under himhe set his lips as with pain. Then he stumbled, and clung to thebalustrade. For a moment he dare not look up, and when he did so therewas a flush on his forehead which slowly died away as he saw the faceof the girl. 

She had also laid her hand as if for support upon the balustrade, forit was unfortunate she had not been told that one effect of Alton'sinjury would be permanent. At the commencement of their friendship shehad been painfully aware of what she considered his shortcomings, butthese had gradually become less evident, and something in the man'sforceful personality had carried her away. Possibly, though she maynot have realized it, his splendid animal vigour had its part inthis--and now dismay and a great pity struggled within her. It wasespecially unfortunate that when Alton looked up the consternation hadrisen uppermost, for the man's perceptions were not of the clearestthen, and he saw nothing of the compassion, but only the shrinking inher eyes. 

His face grew a trifle grey as he straightened himself with a visibleeffort and limped forward, for he was one who could make a quickdecision, while to complete his bitterness Thorne came up behind himand slipped an arm beneath his shoulder. 

"You seem a little shaky, I'll help you up, " he said. "An axe-cut?The effect will probably soon wear off. "

Alton understood that Thorne was talking to cover any embarrassment hemay have felt, but was not especially grateful just then. "No, " hesaid; "a rifle-shot. "

He fancied that Thorne was a trifle astonished, and rememberedSeaforth's story, but they had gained the head of the stairway now, andhe looked at Alice Deringham as he added, "And the effect will not wearoff. "

Thorne passed through with the others into the lighted room, and Altonstood silent before the girl. She was a trifle pale, and though thepity for him was there, it is possible that she had understood him, andshe was very proud. Thus the silence that was perilous lasted toolong, and her voice was a trifle strained in place of gentle as shesaid, "I am so sorry. "

Alton, who dared not look at her, now bent his head. "You are verykind--still, it can't be helped, " he said. "I think Mrs. Forel iscoming back for you. Somebody is going to sing. "

Their hostess approached the doorway, and Alice Deringham found wordsfail her as she watched the man, though she knew that the silence washorribly eloquent. It was Alton who broke it. 

"You had better go in. I"--and he smiled bitterly--"will wait untilthe music commences and they cannot notice me. "

The girl could stay no longer, though at last words which would havemade a difference to both of them rose to her lips, but Alton waiteduntil he could slip into the room unnoticed, and heard very little ofthe music. During it Mrs. Forel managed to secure a few words withThorne. 

"You seem to have made friends with rancher Alton, " she said. 

Thorne smiled a little. "Yes, " he said. "Of course I know littleabout him, but I think that is a man one could trust. "

The lady nodded, for he had given her an opportunity. "You know moreabout his partner?"

Thorne's manner appeared to change a trifle, which Mrs. Forel of coursenoticed. "Yes, " he said. 

The lady thoughtfully smoothed out a fold of her dress. "Well, " shesaid with Western frankness, "I want to know a little about him, too. "

Thorne smiled as he saw there was no evading the issue. "So I surmisedfrom what your husband asked me. Seaforth was considered a young manof promise when I knew him in England, and his family is unexceptional. His father, however, lost a good deal of money, which presumablyaccounts for Charley having turned Canadian rancher. "

Mrs. Forel turned so that she could see her companion. "That is notwhat I mean, and I think I had better talk quite straight to you. NowI like Mr. Seaforth and Mr. Alton, too, and as Jack is mixed up in somebusiness of theirs and they are going to stay down in Vancouver weshall probably see a good deal of them. Jack, however, is sometimes alittle hasty in making friends, and I want to know the other reasonthat brought Mr. Seaforth out from the old country. "

"You fancy there is one?" Thorne said quietly. 

"Yes. Lieutenant Atkinson made a little blunder one night when hespoke of him. "

"Atkinson never had very much sense, " Thorne said dryly. "I, however, fancied a man took his standing among you according to what he did inthis country. "

"Yes, " said Mrs. Forel. "The trouble is that the man who has crossedthe line once may do so again. Well, you see who these people are, andif he meets them here it means that I vouch for him. "

Thorne sighed. "If Atkinson has blundered, I am afraid that I mustspeak. Now I don't think you need be afraid of Seaforth crossing thatline again. He was not worse than foolish and somebody victimized him, but he has had his punishment and borne it very well--while if you knewthe whole story you would scarcely blame him. "

"And that is all you can tell me?"

"Yes, " said Thorne, very quietly. "Still, I can add that if Charleyever comes back to the old country I--and my mother and sisters--wouldbe glad to welcome him. "

"That I think should be sufficient, " said Mrs. Forel, who wasacquainted with Commander Thorne's status in the old country. 

It was a little later when Alton glanced towards Thorne, who wastalking to Alice Deringham. "I could get on with that man, " he said. "You knew him, Charley?"

"Oh, yes, " said Seaforth with a curious expression. "He is a very goodfellow, and has distinguished himself several times. Somebody left hima good deal of money lately. "

Alton seemed to sigh. "Well, " he said slowly, "he is to be envied. They wouldn't have much use for him in your navy if he was a cripple. "

The party was breaking up before Alton had speech with Alice Deringhamagain, and as it happened the girl had just left Commander Thorne. Alton spoke with an effort as one going through a task. "I neverthanked you yet for what you did for me, " he said. 

The girl smiled, though her pulses were throbbing painfully. "It wasvery little. "

"No, " said Alton gravely. "I think I should not have been here now ifyou had not taken care of me, and I'm very grateful. Still"--and heglanced down with a wry smile at his knee, which was bent a trifle--"itwas unfortunate you and the doctor did not get me earlier. There aredisadvantages in being--all one's life--a cripple. "

As fate would have it they were interrupted before Miss Deringham couldanswer, and Alton limped down the stairway very grim in face, whileThorne appeared sympathetic when he overtook him. "That wound of yoursis troubling you?" he said. 

"Yes, " said Alton dryly; "I'm afraid it will. Now I was a trifleconfused when you helped me. Did I tell you how I got it?"

Thorne remembering Seaforth's story answered indifferently, "Iconcluded it was an axe-cut. "

He passed on, but Alton had quick perceptions, and made a littlegesture of contentment. "He is almost good enough, anyway, " he saidwearily. 

When all the guests had gone Deringham came upon his daughter alone. "I noticed Mr. Alton was not effusive, " he said. 

"No, " said the girl languidly, though there was a curious expression inher eyes. "I do not remember that he told much beyond the fact that hewould be a cripple--all his life. He mentioned it twice. "

CHAPTER XXVI

WITHOUT COUNTING THE COST

There had been a revival of speculation in industrial enterprise, andit was unusually late at night when Miss Townshead rose wearily fromthe table she had been busy at. Her eyes ached, her fingers and armswere cramped, but that did not distress her greatly, for Townsheadneeded many comforts, and she was earning what would have beenconsidered in England a liberal salary. It was very quiet in the roomat the top of the towering building, where, however, another youngwoman, who as it happened was jealous of her companion's progress, still sat writing, and a light blinked in the adjoining one across thepassage in which one of the heads of the firm would probably remainmost of the night. Trade is spasmodic in the West, and those who liveby it work with feverish activity when the tide is with them. 

"You're through?" said Miss Holder. "Well, if you can wait ten minutesI'll come along with you. "

Nellie Townshead was not especially fond of her companion, but at thathour the streets were lonely, and she sat down again when she had puton her hat and jacket. While she waited a little bell began to ring, and Miss Holder rose with an impatient exclamation. 

"Get your pencil, Nellie, " she said, as she took the telephonicreceiver down from the hook. 

Miss Townshead took a sheet of paper from a case, and waited until hercompanion spoke again. "Oh, yes, I'm here. A little late to worrytired folks, isn't it? No. Mr. Hallam's away just now. Wire fromSomasco just come in--and we're to let him have it as soon as we can. Oh, yes, I understand you. 'Platinum, galena, cyanide, Alton, oxide. In a vise. ' You've got that, Nellie? Do I know when Hallam will getit? No, I don't. Good-night. "

Now a man would probably have at once enclosed the message in anenvelope, but a Western business lady not infrequently takes a kindlyinterest in the private concerns of her employer, especially if theyare not quite clear to her. Accordingly Miss Holder sat down and readover the message, after which she shook her head. 

"I wonder what it's all about, and I don't like that Hallam, " she said. "He's an insect. A crawling one with slimy feet, and to pin a bigdiamond in front of one as he does is horrible taste. Give me thebook, Nellie. It reads like our cypher. Oh, yes. 'Instructions tohand. No legal improvements done and claim unrecorded. Willrelocate. ' Now we've nothing that silver stands for, and it reads quitestraight. 'Will relocate the silver claim as soon as prospecting ispossible. Alton cannot take action. ' He means he's got him in a vise. "

Miss Holder crossed the landing and tapped at the door of the adjoiningroom, while Nellie Townshead walked to the window and looked down onthe city. It stretched away before her, silent for once under itsblinking lights, sidewalk and pavement lying empty far down beneath themazy wires and towering buildings, but she saw little of it as sheglanced towards the block where the Somasco Consolidated had theiroffices. The message had troubled her, for she recalled manykindnesses shown to her and her father by the owners of Somasco ranch. She also owed one of them a reparation, for she had seen the man whomiscarried the message in Vancouver, and knew that the delay, when theranch was sold, was not Alton's fault. Nor had she forgiven Hallam forthe greed and cunning which had effected her father's ruin, and now itseemed that he held Alton of Somasco and his partner in his grip. Thatthere was treachery at work she felt sure, and grew hot withindignation as she determined that if she could prevent it neitherAlton--nor his partner--should suffer. 

It might have occurred to a man that what she contemplated implied abreach of confidence, but Nellie Townshead was a high-spirited girl, and only realized that Hallam was about to wrong her friends just then. 

There would also be no difficulty in warning him, for Alton had takenover the office of the Somasco Consolidated on his arrival atVancouver, and while she considered the question a voice came out ofthe adjoining room. 

"Hallam's at Westminster, and it will have to wait until he comes roundin the morning. Don't stay any longer, and take Miss Townshead withyou. It's later than I fancied. "

Five minutes afterwards the two girls went out into the silent streets, and Miss Townshead, who left her companion at the corner of one ofthem, turned round again and walked back somewhat slowly part of theway she had come. She did not notice that Miss Holder had also turnedand was watching her, for she realized for the first time that what shewas about to do admitted of misconception. Still, remembering howHallam had tricked her father, she went on, and only stopped for amoment when she entered the great building in the upper part of whichwas the office of the Somasco Consolidated. It was very silent. Therooms which had hummed with voices all day long were shut, and oneblinking light emphasized the darkness of the big empty corridor. Scarcely a sound reached her from the city, but she had seen that twowindows high up were lighted, and went up the stairway resolutely. Thewarning could be delivered in less than a minute, and she fancied thatAlton would not be alone, while she knew that the conventionalities asunderstood in England are almost unknown in the West. 

As it happened Alton, who, though Miss Townshead did not know this, lived in the room adjoining his office, was busy about the stove justthen. In those days, when Vancouver had more inhabitants than it couldwell find room for and its hotels overflowed, single men taking theirmeals in the public restaurants lived as best they could, over theirstores and offices, or in rude cabins and shanties flung up anywhere onthe outskirts of the city, while it is not improbable that a good manyof them live in much the same fashion now. Alton had, however, missedthe six o'clock supper, for reasons which the sheaf of papers on hisdesk made plain, and was then engaged in cooking something in afrying-pan. A portable cedar partition partly shrouded the littletable set out with a few plates, and the stove, while his oldworked-deerhide slippers and loose jacket indicated that the man wasjust then not so much in his place of business as at home. He had beenbusy in the city and at his desk for ten hours that day, for theSomasco products were becoming known, and men had been toiling in thevalley, driving roads, and building a new sawmill in the frost andsnow. Part of Alton's business in the city was to raise the money thatwas needed to maintain them, and already he could foresee that if thetime of prosperity was delayed it might go hardly with the SomascoCompany. 

He had laid down the frying-pan and was shaking a pot of strong greentea when there was a tapping at the door, which opened while hewondered whether there would be time for him to alter his attire. Thenhe stood up with the teapot in his hand, and made a little whimsicalgesture of dismay as Miss Townshead stood before him. She coloured atrifle, but took courage at Alton's soft laugh, for it was clear thathe was as yet only concerned about the plight in which she had foundhim. Alton, she remembered, had not been brought up conventionally inEngland, and she knew his wholesome simplicity. 

"I'm very glad to see you, but if I'd known who was there I'd havefixed the place up before you got in, " he said. "Sit right down besidethe stove. "

Nellie Townshead stood still a moment, but she was tired and the nightwas cold, so she took the chair he drew forward, and then shook herhead as he laid a cup before her. 

"It's Horton's tea, and bad at that, but it will help us to fancyourselves back in the bush, " he said. "Your father is keeping allright?"

The girl made a little gesture of impatience. "Yes, " she said. "I amalmost afraid I am doing wrong, but I felt I must warn you. Now don'task me any questions, but take it as a fact that Hallam has sent upsomebody to locate your silver as soon as it can be done. He seems toconsider he has you at a disadvantage because you have not put in yourlegal improvements. "

Alton thrust his chair back and clenched one hand, while the girlnoticed with relief that he had almost forgotten her. 

"Hallam, " he said, and stopped a moment, while his voice was harsh ashe continued, "going to restake my claim. Well, there is time still inhand and he can't do it yet. Now----"

The girl stopped him with a gesture. "You must ask me nothing, " shesaid. "You can understand what I told you?"

A slow glow crept into Alton's eyes. "Oh, yes, it's all quite plain, "he said. "When you find a mineral claim you have got to record it infifteen days, or it goes back to the Crown, and I couldn't do that, yousee, because I was lying for weeks at Somasco. Well, while the claimis unrecorded anybody can jump it, but I couldn't get back up therethrough the snow, and didn't figure Hallam's man knew just where tofind it. Now you've told me we'll get in ahead of him yet, and the manhe sends up there will have his journey for nothing. Do you know thatwhat you have done means just everything to Somasco?"

Alton stopped suddenly, and there was consternation in the girl's faceas she glanced at him. 

"I think there's somebody coming, " he said slowly. 

Now there was still just time for Alton to have shut the outer door, but he remembered for the first time that the girl's visit at that hourmight be considered unusual, and it appeared probable that she wouldnot approve of the action, while having as yet only dealt with men, hisusual quick decision deserted him. He glanced once from his companionto the partition and the door of the inner room, and shook his head. Then he sprang forward towards the outer door, forgetting that he waslame. That, however, did not alter the fact, and as he stumbled alittle the tray on the table he struck went down with a crash, scattering its contents about the room, while before he reached thedoor it swung open and a man stood smiling in the opening. 

"Hello! I seem to have scared you, " he said. "Got anything you don'twant folks to know about in here?"

The stranger moved forward another step, and then stopped abruptly witha little gasp as his glance took in the overturned tray, scatteredcrockery, and the rigid figure of the girl standing with a flushed facebeside the stove. Then he glanced at Alton, and noticing the oldjacket and deerhide slippers, appeared to have some difficulty inchecking a smile, for this was a young man who knew nothing of thesimple strenuous life of the bush, but a good deal about the under-sideof that of the cities. 

"I'll come back in business hours to-morrow, " he said. "Sorry todisturb you, but I hadn't a minute all day, and there was a question Ifigured we could best talk over quietly. "

"Then you had better start in with it, " said Alton quietly. "Thislady, who came here on business, is just going. "

"Of course, " said the stranger. "I think I have had the pleasure ofmeeting her. "

He turned with a little smile which broadened into a grin Alton foundintolerable, for there was a patter of feet on the stairway, and whenhe looked round except for himself and Alton the room was empty. 

"The fact is I'm awfully sorry, " he said. "But how was I to know?"

The veins were swollen on Alton's forehead, and his eyes half-closed. "Now, " he said sternly, "I don't want to hear any more of that. Ithink I told you the lady you saw here came in a few minutes ago on anaffair of business. "

It was unfortunate that Alton had a difficult temper and his visitor nodiscretion, for there are men in whom Western directness degeneratesinto effrontery. 

"Of course!" said the latter. "My dear fellow, you needn't protest. Considering the connection between her employers and Hallam, who isscarcely a friend of yours, that is especially likely. "

Alton stood very straight, looking at the speaker in a fashion whichwould have warned any one who knew him. "I figure you can't help beinga fool, but I want to hear you admit that you're sorry for it, " he said. 

He spoke very quietly, but it was unfortunate for both of them that theother man, who was growing slightly nettled, did not know when to stop. 

"I told you I was sorry--I looked in at an inopportune time--already, and I'll forget it right off, " he said. "Now that should contentanybody, because there are folks who would think the story too good tobe lost. "

He got no further, because Alton stepped forward and seized him by thecollar, which tore away in his grasp. Then there was a brief scuffle, a scattering of papers up and down the room, and Alton stood gasping inthe doorway, while his visitor reeled down the first flight of stairsand into the wall at the foot of it. Alton glanced down at him amoment, and seeing he was not seriously hurt, flung the door to with abang that rolled from corridor to corridor through the great silentbuilding, before he turned back into the disordered room with a littlelaugh. 

"I've fixed that fellow, anyway, and now I'd better go through thoseplans until I simmer down, " he said. 

He picked up the overturned table and his scattered supper, while itwas characteristic of him that when an hour later he rolled up a sheetof mill-drawings in a survey plotting of the Somasco valley, he hadforgotten all about the incident, which was, however, not the case withthe other man. In another twenty minutes he was also fast asleep, andbecause men commence their work betimes in that country, had disposedof several car-loads of Somasco produce before he breakfasted nextmorning. During the day he noticed that some of the younger men he metsmiled at him curiously, but attached no especial meaning to it. Altonhad taught himself to concentrate all his faculties upon his task, andhe worked in the city as he had done in the bush, with the singlenessof purpose and activity that left no opportunity of considering sideissues. He had also, as usual, a good deal to do: buyers of dressedlumber, cattle, and ranching produce to interview; shippers of horsesto bargain with: railroad men and politicians to obtain promises ofconcessions from, and men who had money to lend to interest. Thelatter was the most difficult task, and now and then his face grewmomentarily grave as he remembered the burdens he had already laid uponhis ranch and the Somasco Consolidated. 

"Still, what we're working for is bound to come, and we'll hold onsomehow until it does, " he said to Forel, who occasionally remonstratedwith him. "When you've helped me to put the new loan through I'llbring Charley or the other man down, and go up and relocate the claim. After the late snowfall nobody could get through the ranges now, butTom and I could make our way when it wouldn't be possible to any ofHallam's men. "

Possibly because he had been successful hitherto, Alton was slightlyover-sanguine, and apt to make too small allowance in his calculationsfor contingencies in which human foresight and tenacity of purpose maynot avail. It happened in the meanwhile, though he was, of course, notaware of this, that Deringham had an interview with Hallam in thesmoking-room of the big C. P. R. Hotel. They did not enter it together, for Deringham was sitting there when Hallam came in, about the time theAtlantic express was starting, which accounted for the fact that therewas nobody else present. Deringham appeared a trifle too much at hisease, though his face was pale, for he had not departed from veracitywhen he informed Forel that his heart had troubled him after listeningto Seaforth's story. He nodded to Hallam, and picked out a fresh cigarfrom the box upon the table before he spoke. 

"It is fine weather, " he said. 

"Oh, yes, " said Hallam dryly. "Still, I guess you didn't ask me tocome here and talk about the climate. "

"No, " and Deringham glanced at his cigar. "I meant to tell you thatthe little speculation you recently mentioned does not commend itselfto me. In fact, I have decided that we can have no more dealings ofany description together. "

"No?" said Hallam, with a little brutal laugh. "Dollars running out?"

Deringham glanced at him languidly. "As you know, that is not thereason. Now I do not ask for a return of the money you obtained fromme--but I want the thing stopped immediately. "

Hallam poured out a glass of wine. "You will have to put it straight. "

"Well, " said Deringham, "if you insist. I am sincerely sorry I eversaw or heard of you. You, of course, remember the conditions on whichI made that deal with you. I desired Mr. Alton kept away fromSomasco--for a time, and now I want a definite promise from you that hewill be free from any further molestation. "

"Then, " said Hallam, with a grin, "what's your programme if I don'tagree? You would put the police on to me?"

"No, " said Deringham, making the best play he could, though he realizedthe weakness of his hand. "That would not appear advisable--ornecessary. It would be simpler to warn my kinsman. "

Hallam laid his hand upon the table, and Deringham noticed that it wascoarse and ill-shaped, but suggested a brutal tenacity of grasp. 

"Bluff, with nothing behind it. You don't take me that way, " he said. "Now I'll put my cards right down in front of you. Alton is not afool, and you couldn't tell him anything he doesn't know already. Thetrouble is, he can prove nothing. He has a tolerably short temper, andone day he 'most hammered the life out of another man in the Somascomill. That man didn't like him before, and it's quite possible he fellfoul of Alton after it, but where does that take in me? Got hold ofthat, haven't you? Well, then, there's just this difference betweenyou and me. I could tell Alton one or two things about you he didn'tknow!"

"I would be willing to take my chance of his believing you, " saidDeringham. 

Hallam laughed. "For a man of business you have a plaguy bad memory. Now it seems to me quite likely that the man I talked about has hadquite enough of fooling with Alton, and we'll let what you asked for goat that, because there's something else we're coming to. There was acheque you gave me, and I had who it was drawn by and payable to putdown on the slip when I passed it through my bank. Now I've got thatslip, and after I'd had a talk with him, Alton wouldn't wonder what yougave me all those dollars for. "

Deringham was silent almost a minute, for he knew his opponent had seenthe weak point. Then he said, "If I admitted that you were right?"

Hallam raised his big hand, and pressed his thumb down slowly andviciously on the table. "It don't need admitting. I've got youthere, " he said. "Still, I don't know that I want to squeeze you. Well, I once kept Alton out of Somasco to please you, and now I wantyou to keep him right here in Vancouver for a while. "

"I could not do it. "

"Well, " said Hallam, grinning, "if you couldn't, I figure your daughtercould. "

Deringham had all along been struggling with a sense of disgust, andnow his anger mastered him. It was, however, the rage of a weak manwhich is not far removed from fear. 

"You infernal scoundrel, " he said. 

Hallam laughed brutally. "That may do you good, and it makes nodifference to me, " he said. "I want Alton to stop here just threeweeks from to-day. He'll stay without pressing for two of them, Ithink--and you've got to keep him during the third one. There'snothing going to hurt him, but it wouldn't be wise to fool things, youunderstand?"

He took up his hat as he spoke, and moved towards the door, whileDeringham's eyes blazed when it closed behind him. 

"Damn him!" he said, almost choked with impotent fury, and then satdown limply with a face that grew suddenly blanched. His hand shook ashe seized his glass, and some of the wine he needed was spilled uponthe table, for his eyes grew dim as the faintness came upon him. Deringham had been recommended a rest from all excitement and businessanxieties before he sailed from England, and passion was distinctlyinjudicious considering the condition of one of his organs. 

CHAPTER XXVII

THE FORCE OF CALUMNY

As Hallam had surmised, one or two affairs of importance detained Altonin Vancouver. The winter had been exceptionally rigorous, and he knewthat the claim was guarded securely by frost and snow. Having also, hefancied, effectually silenced his indiscreet visitor by flinging himdown-stairs, he thought no more about that affair, and spent one or twoevenings pleasantly at Forel's house, where Alice Deringham greeted himwith slightly reserved cordiality. 

She fancied she understood his reticence on the memorable evening whenhe had stumbled on the stairway, and was not altogether displeased byit. He had, it seemed, been over-sensitive, for he was but slightlylame, while she had reasons for surmising that he would realize therewas no great necessity for the self-sacrifice in time. Alice Deringhamwas not unduly vain, but she knew her power, and Alton had in hissilence betrayed himself again and again. Still, it seemed onlyfitting that he should make the first advances, now the moment when shemight have done so had passed. She also fancied she understood themotive which prompted his answer when her father spoke to himrespecting Carnaby. 

"I can't go over now, " he said. "Your lawyers and agents can lookafter the place a little longer, and I needn't worry if you're contentwith them. Anyway, all of it does not belong to me and we will seewhat we can fix up between us when I go over by and by. "

This was pleasant hearing to Deringham, who commenced to hope that hewould be able to give a satisfactory account of his stewardship whenthe time came, and winced at the recollection of the folly which hadplaced him in Hallam's grasp. Of late his health had given way again, and that served as an excuse for remaining at Vancouver, which he hadscarcely the courage to leave. 

Affairs were in this condition when Miss Deringham sat listening to theconversation of other visitors in the house of a friend of Mrs. Forel'sone afternoon. Now and then a veiled allusion reached her, and at lastshe glanced inquiringly at her hostess. 

The lady smiled deprecatingly and shook her head. "It is reallyindiscreet of Helen, but she seems to believe it is true, " she said. "These things do happen, even in the old country. "

Alice Deringham laughed. "I am afraid I cannot controvert you if thatis uncomplimentary, because I don't know what you are alluding to. "

Her hostess looked thoughtful. "Then you haven't heard it yet?" shesaid. "Well, I am not the one to tell you, and it is quite possiblethey haven't got the story correctly. "

Miss Deringham was interested, but she asked no more questions, and hadchanged her place when she once more heard a subdued voice sherecognized behind a great lacquered screen. 

"One would be sorry for Hettie Forel, but her husband was always alittle unguarded. Opened his house to everybody, you know. "

"It was the big bushman I saw there?" said another person, and AliceDeringham felt a curious little quiver in her fingers as she waited theanswer. 

"Yes. Hettie will feel it. She made such a fuss of him, but it mayn'thave been his fault altogether. He is quite a good-looking man, if heis a trifle lame, and the girl may have thrown herself at him. Theysometimes do. "

Alice Deringham set her lips and turned her head away from hercompanion as one of the voices continued. "Hettie has not heard ityet, and Tom did not seem sure about it when he told me. In fact, Forel brought the man over to see us the night before, but it is quiteevident now the girl had been living there. Yes, Tom heard he hadrooms behind his office. "

Miss Deringham had recovered her outward serenity, and the flush hadfaded from her face, leaving it very colourless as she turned to hercompanion. 

"You heard that woman?" she said. 

The lady beside her nodded, though there was a little pink tinge in hercheeks. "I am sorry that you did, my dear. "

Alice Deringham stood up, and looked down at her with a sparkle in hereyes. "I know, " she said, "that it cannot be true. "

"We must hope so, " said her companion, who appeared distinctlyuncomfortable. "Still, the story is being told all over the city, andseveral of the houses Forel took the man to are closed against himalready. "

Alice Deringham seemed to shiver a little. "But--it is impossible. "

Her companion shook her bead. "My husband is a member of the companywhich employed Miss Townshead, and as the man's business affairs wereantagonistic to theirs she was dismissed immediately. "

Alice Deringham found it very difficult to conceal the effect of thislast blow, and was turning away when two women rose from a divan behindthe screen. "The tea is cold. Shall I ask for some more for you?"said one of them. "Pleased to see you again, Miss Deringham. "

She got no further, for the girl, who looked her full in the face, passed on, and the other woman flushed a trifle. 

"I'm afraid she must have heard you, " said somebody. "Miss Deringhamis, I believe, a connection of Alton's, and Hettie Forel hinted therewas something more than that between them. It would be an especiallysuitable match because of some property in the old country. "

The lady she spoke to smiled somewhat sourly. "Then one would be atrifle sorry for the rancher, " she said. 

It cost Miss Deringham a good deal to talk to her hostess until shecould depart without attracting attention, and she walked back toForel's house with a blaze in her eyes. As yet she could not thinkconnectedly, for the astonishment had left no room for more than vaguesensations of disgust and anger and a horrible rankling of woundedpride. Mrs. Forel as it happened was busy, and the girl slipped awayto a room that was seldom occupied and sat there in the gatheringdarkness staring at the fire. The story was, she strove to persuadeherself, utterly impossible, for she had probed the man's characterthoroughly, and seen that it was wholesome through all itscrudities--and yet it was evident the horrible tale must have somefoundation, because otherwise refutation would be so simple. 

Almost incredible as it was, the belief that it was borne out by factwas forced upon her, and too dazed to reason clearly she shrank with anoverwhelming sense of disgust. She had, it seemed, wilfully deceivedherself, and the man was, as she had fancied at the beginning, withoutsensibility or refinement, brutal in his forcefulness, and swayed byelementary passions. Then she writhed under the memory of theoccasions on which she had unbent somewhat far to him, and therecollection of two incidents in the sickroom stung her pride to thequick; while when the booming of a gong rolled through the house, sherose faint and cold with an intensity of anger that for the time beingdrove out any other feeling. It would have gone very hardly with Altonhad chance afforded her the means of punishing him just then. 

As fate would have it the opportunity was also given her, for thatevening Deringham, who had heard nothing of the story, was able tosecure a few minutes alone with his daughter. He was, she noticed, looking unusually pale and ill, and that reminded her that he owed allhis anxieties to Alton. 

"Our kinsman is going back to Somasco very shortly, and then on intothe ranges. I wish he could be prevented, " he said. 

The girl laughed a little. "I think it would be difficult to preventMr. Alton doing anything he had decided on. "

"Yes, " said Deringham. "He can be exasperatingly obstinate, but--and Iput it frankly--he might listen to you. The journey he contemplateswould be apt to prove perilous at this season. "

Alice Deringham looked at her father with a smile the meaning of whichhe could not fathom. He did not know that she had of late beendisturbed by unpleasant suspicions concerning his connection withHallam. 

"I fancy you are mistaken. You are of course influenced by a desirefor his safety?"

Deringham winced, for he recognized the tone of sardonic scepticism, but he was horribly afraid of Hallam, and could not afford to fail. 

"Well, " he said, with a gesture of weariness, "I am afraid I must makean admission, I am hemmed in by almost overwhelming anxieties, and Ihave come to no understanding yet with Alton respecting Carnaby. Nowif disaster overtook him in the ranges it would entail an investigationof the Carnaby affairs, and the withdrawal of a good deal of money frommy companies, which would seriously hamper me. I have once or twicehad to slightly exceed my duties as trustee, and Alton would approve ofsteps I have taken which a lawyer or accountant would considerirregular. Of course, if you had any knowledge of business I couldmake it more clear to you, but I can only tell you that I am anxiousabout Alton's safety for my own sake as well as his. "

Alice Deringham turned towards him with a trace of impatience. "We mayas well be honest, and I fancy Mr. Alton is used to risks, " she saidquietly. "Whether he encounters more than usual just now or otherwiseis absolutely no concern of mine. "

Deringham saw the change in her and wondered, but resolved to profit byit. 

"I want him kept here a little longer. It is important to me, " he said, The girl saw the hand of Hallam in this, and surmised that it would notbe to Alton's advantage if he postponed his journey, but she wasvindictively bitter against him then, and glanced at her fatherinquiringly. It was evident that he was anxious and ill, and she wassensible of a pity that had yet a trace of contempt in it for him. 

"Still, I do not see how I could induce him to remain, " she said. 

"Well, " said Deringham slowly, "there is a way. Forel will be here ina minute--but if you would listen to me. "

Deringham seemed to find a difficulty in commencing, and there was acurious expression in his restless eyes, while once or twice he stoppedand proceeded somewhat inconsequently. He had made tools of a goodmany men and befooled the public without any especial scruples, butthere was a shred of pride left him, and this was the first time he hadstooped to drag his daughter into his schemes. His story lackedplausibility, and the girl was not deceived, but he was her father, andit was his cause she was asked to further against the man who hadhumiliated her and dispossessed him. She glanced away from him when hehad finished, but her voice was quietly even. 

"I think I shall be sorry for it ever afterwards, but I will do whatyou ask, " she said. 

Deringham, who was slightly bewildered by something in her attitude, sighed with relief, and then turned with the grotesque resemblance of asmile in his face to greet Forel, who came in. 

"Gillard has been called away south on business and has sent me word hecan let me have the places at the opera-house for both nights, " hesaid. "No doubt you have seen the great man in England with hisregular company, but a treat of the kind is appreciated here, andGillard bought up a row of places, the best in the house. My wife iswondering who she should ask, and would like to know if Miss Deringhamhas any preference. "

Deringham glanced at his daughter, and then smiled at his host. "Onefeels a little diffident about returning a favour at somebody else'sexpense, but my kinsman Alton was very kind to us in the bush, " he said. 

Forel appeared a trifle embarrassed, and Alice Deringham felt her neckgrow warm as she watched him. "We can talk about it later, but Iscarcely think Mr. Alton would come just now if he was asked, " he said. 

The girl turned away, for she could comprehend Forel's discomfiture, while as they followed him her father touched her. 

"Get Mr. Alton there on the second night, and that is all I ask, " hesaid. 

It was two days later, when Alton returned to his office in a somewhatuncertain temper. He had called at Forel's house the previous evening, and been informed that Mrs. Forel was not at home, though the blaze oflights and music made it evident that she was entertaining a good manyguests. He had also waited a considerable time for a banker who hadbeen apparently willing to make him certain advances a few daysearlier, and when he came to complete the transaction, raised whollyunexpected difficulties. Afterwards he called upon a dealer in toolsand sawmill machinery, who, after professing his willingness to dealwith him on usual easy terms, demanded a cheque with the order. Altonfancied he recognized the hand of Hallam in this, but there was alsosomething else which troubled him. Some of the men he had businesswith had been a trifle abrupt in their greetings, and others smiledsardonically when they saw him. 

As he strode down the corridor the keeper of the building signed tohim. "There was a young man here asking for you, " he said. "Told mehe was Mr. Townshead, and he'd be back again. "

Alton had scarcely reopened his office when a produce broker he haddealings with came in. "I've worked off the first two car-loads, andyou can send some more along, " he said. "Now, it's not quite mybusiness, but if you'll not stand out about the usual commission I canput you on to a man who wants a hundred fat cattle. "

"It's a deal, " said Alton, glancing thoughtfully at his visitor, whomhe considered an honest man. "Now I think you know a good deal aboutall that goes on in this city?"

"Oh, yes, " said the other man, "I have to. Glad to be of any use toyou I can. "

"Well, " said Alton, "I've noticed men smiling at me kind of curiously, and I want to know right off what's the meaning of it. There's nothingespecially humorous about me. "

"You don't know?" and his visitor appeared to reflect when Alton shookhis head. 

"Then to put it straight, there are folks who would not believe you. No, stop a little, I mentioned nothing about myself. Have you doneanything lately, that might have hurt the susceptibilities of Mr. Cartier?"

Alton laughed grimly. "Yes, " he said, "I hope so. I hove him out ofthis place one night and he fell downstairs. "

"Well, " said the other man, smiling, "that accounts for a good deal. Do you happen to be on good terms with Mr. Hallam? Cartier is. "

"No, " said Alton dryly, "I don't. When Mr. Hallam and I feel at peaceone of us will be dead. "

"Now, this thing is getting a little more clear to me. I wasn'twilling to believe all I heard, anyway. "

"That, " said Alton, "does not concern me. The question is what did youhear?"

The other man appeared embarrassed and sat silent a space. "I thinkit's only right that you should know, " he said. "Well--according toCartier--there was a lady here when he came in close on midnight, andhe gave folks the impression that she stayed here altogether. Thatwouldn't possibly have counted for so much, but it also got about thatshe made use of her place to give you information that was worth a gooddeal about the business of Hallam and the folks she worked for. "

Alton's face grew almost purple, but the dark hue faded and left itunusually pale again. "That, " he said very slowly, "is a damnable lie. The lady alluded to was here once only, and for at the most threeminutes. "

The other man grew a trifle uneasy under his gaze. "Of course, " hesaid, "your word will do for me. Still, she was here, you see--andit's difficult to rub out a lie with that much behind it. I'm afraidyou'll find it stick to you both like glue, especially as her employersturned the girl out immediately. Anyway, I'll do what I can for you, and now about that other car-load and the cattle?"

Alton brought his hand down crashing on the table. "The cattle? Oh, get out and come back to-morrow or next month, when I feel less likekilling somebody!"

The other man appeared quite willing to accept his dismissal, and Altonvacantly noticed that a black stream of ink was trickling across thetable. Mechanically he dabbled his handkerchief in it and then flungit and the ink-vessel into the grate, after which he sat still with ablack stain upon the cheek that rested on his fist. 

"The plucky little soul--and they've turned her out, " he said. "Lord, but somebody has got to pay for this!"

He did not move for at least ten minutes, while the clamour of the cityvibrated through the silent room, and when his first anger passed awaybecame sensible of a great pity for the girl who had risked so much forhim. It appeared only too probable that because of the modicum oftruth it was founded on the lie would stick to both of them, and nowwhen it was too late Alton regretted his folly. He had been fullyjustified in kicking Cartier out of his rooms, but he knew thateverything that is legitimate is not advisable, and groaned as he sawwhat the story must cost the defenceless girl who had a living to earnand her father to maintain. There was so far as he could see no wayout of the difficulty yet--and the one that concerned himself wasalmost as formidable, for he knew Alice Deringham's pride, and thedamning fact remained that he could not deny the whole story. 

He had flung himself back wearily in his chair when there was a step inthe passage and a young man came in. He walked straight forward, andstood with one hand on Alton's table looking down on him with wonderand anger in his face. His eyes were unusually bright, and there was agreat contusion on his forehead. 

"Jack, " said Alton simply. "Well, sit down there, and I'll try to talkto you. This is a devlish mess I've got into. Only heard about it tenminutes ago. "

Jack Townshead did not move at all. "I'll stand in the meantime. " hesaid harshly. "Unfortunately there are more concerned than you. "

"Yes, " said Alton wearily. "Don't rub it in. I know. Who was it toldyou?"

"That's beyond the question, " said the lad. "Still, last night one ofour men who'd been down here came in and was telling the story in theboys' sleeping-shed. I knocked him down--that is, I meant to, andstarted out by the first train. I'm at the mine on the south road now. "

"You haven't been home?"

"No, " said Townshead grimly. "I came straight to you, and in the firstplace you're coming with me everywhere to deny this story. "

Alton sat very still for a space, and the lad seemed to quiver as hewatched him. "I can't--that is, not all of it. "

Every trace of colour faded from Jack Townshead's face. "Good Lord!Damn you, Alton--it can't be true. "

Alton rose up slowly and stretched his hand out, while the veinsswelled out on his forehead. Then he dropped it again. 

"You'll be sorry for this by and by, Jack, " he said. "Don't you knowyour sister better--you fool? Now sit down there, and I'll tell youeverything. "

The lad was evidently spirited, but he was a trifle awed by what he sawin Alton's eyes, and did as he was bidden. The hoarse voice helistened to carried conviction with it, but his face was almost haggardwhen the story was concluded. "Now, " said Alton very slowly, "that'sall, and for your sister's sake you dare not disbelieve me. "

Jack Townshead groaned. "Thank God, " he said, with a tremor in hisvoice. "But, Harry, what is to be done? I simply can't tell the oldman--and there's Nellie. You can't deny sufficient to be any good--andthe cursed thing will kill her. Now I'm trying not to blame you--butthere must be a way of getting out somehow--and it's for you to findit. "

Alton leaned upon the table a trifle more heavily, his eyeshalf-closed, and one hand clenched. 

"Yes, " he said slowly. "There is a way--and I'm beginning to see itnow. Get your hat, Jack, and in the first place we'll go right alongand see Mr. Cartier. "

The lad rose, and then, possibly because he was over-strung and neededrelief in some direction, laughed harshly. "I think you had betterwash your face before you go, " he said. 

Twenty minutes later they entered an office together and Alton signedto a clerk. "Tell Mr. Cartier I'm wanting to see him right now, " hesaid. "You know who I am. "

The man smiled, for he probably also grasped the purport of Alton'svisit. "Then you had better come back in a week, " he said. "He wentacross to Victoria yesterday. "

"That, " said Alton grimly, "was wise of him. "

They went out, and the lad glanced at his companion. "It is of theleast importance. There is more to be done!"

"Yes, " said Alton simply. "You have my sympathy, Jack, but just now Ican't do with too much of you. Go right away--to anywhere, and don'tcome back until you're wanted. I've got to think how I can best do thething that's right to everybody. "

CHAPTER XXVIII

ALTON FINDS A WAY

Daylight was fading, and it was growing dim in the little upper roomwhere Miss Townshead sat alone. The front of the stove was, however, open, and now and then a flicker of radiance fell upon the girl, andshowed that her eyes were hazy, and there were traces of moisture onher cheek. Her patience had been taxed to the uttermost that day, butTownshead, who had spent most of it in querulous reproaches, had goneout, and his daughter was thankful to be alone at last, for the effortto retain a show of composure had become almost unendurable. 

It was with a sinking heart she glanced down across the roofs of thecity into the busy streets where already the big lights were blinking, and remembered all she had borne with there during the last few days. Somebody, it seemed, had industriously spread the story of herdismissal, and a refusal had followed every application she made foremployment; but while that alone was sufficient to cause herconsternation, the half-contemptuous pity of her former companions, andthe fashion in which one or two of them had avoided her, were almostworse to bear, and sitting alone in the gathering darkness the girlflushed crimson at the memory. There was also the grim question bywhat means she could stave off actual want to grapple with, and to thatshe could as yet find no answer, while her eyes grew dim as she glancedabout the little room. Townshead had changed his quarters, and many ofthe trifles that caught his daughter's glance had cost her a meal orhours of labour with the needle after a long day in the city, but theymade the place a home, and she knew what it would cost her to part withthem. 

Twice she had raised her head and straightened herself with an effort, while a flicker of pride and resolution crept into her eyes, only tosink back again limply in her chair, when there was a tapping at thedoor, and she rose as some one came into the room. Then she set herlips and stood up very straight as she saw that it was Alton. 

"I could find nobody about, and there was no answer when I knocked, " hesaid. "So I just came in. "

The girl moved a little so that she could see his face in the lightfrom the stove, and it was quietly stern, but the movement had servedtwo purposes, for her own was now invisible. 

"And you fancied you could dispense with common courtesy in my case?"she said. 

Alton made a little grave gesture of deprecation. "I wanted to seeyou--very much--but please sit down. "

Nellie Townshead took the chair he drew out, and was glad that it wasin the shadow, for Alton stood leaning against the window-casinglooking down on her with grave respect and pity in his face. 

"I am a little lame--as you may have heard, " he said, as though toexplain his attitude. 

"Yes, " said the girl, whose composure returned as she saw that he wastemporizing. "I am sorry. "

"Well, " said Alton quietly, "so am I--especially just now--but I didnot come to talk to you about my injury. "

Nellie Townshead appeared very collected as she glanced in hisdirection, for she had a good courage, and had been taught already thatwhen an issue is unavoidable it is better to face it boldly. 

"One would scarcely have fancied that was your object. "

"No, " said Alton very quietly. "Now I am just a plain bush rancher, and don't know how to put things nicely, but I don't know that there'sany disrespect in a straight question, and I came to ask if you wouldmarry me. "

The girl was mistress of herself, and the man's naive directness was ina fashion reassuring. She was also, for a moment, very angry. 

"It is a little sudden, is it not?" she said. "Did I ever give you anycause for believing that I would?"

"No, " said Alton, "I don't think you did. "

Nellie Townshead afterwards wondered a little at her composure andtemerity, but she fancied she knew what had prompted the man, and, because it hurt her horribly, all the pride she had came to herassistance, and in place of embarrassment she was sensible of a desireto test him to the uttermost. 

"Then, " she said, "one should have a reason for asking such a question, and, at least, something to urge in support of it. "

Alton moved forward, and leaned over the back of her chair, wherebecause he did most things thoroughly he attempted to lay one handcaressingly on her hair. Miss Townshead, however, moved her headsuddenly, and the man drew back a pace with a flush in his face. 

"It is very lonely up at the ranch, and I have begun to see that I havebeen missing the best of life. Mine is too grim and bare, and I wantsomebody to brighten and sweeten it for me. "

The girl was very collected. What she had borne during the last fewdays had turned her gentleness into bitterness and anger. Thus it was, with a curious dispassionate interest she would have been incapable ofunder different circumstances, she continued to try the man, realizingthat though it was no doubt unpleasant to him, there was one greatreason which precluded the possibility of his suffering as he wouldotherwise have done. 

"But you are going to live in the city now, " she said. 

"Yes, " said Alton gravely. "That is why I want you more. You see Iknow so little, and there is so much you could teach me. I wantsomebody to lead me where I could not otherwise go, though I know it isasking a great deal while I can give so little. "

This, the girl realized, was, though somewhat impersonal, whollygenuine. The tone of chivalrous respect rang true, and she couldcomprehend the half-instinctive straining after an ideal by one whosebelief in her sex was, if slightly crude, almost reverential. Ittouched her, though she knew that to benefit him it could only beoffered to one woman, and she was not that one. 

"And that is all?" she said. 

"Of course!" said Alton too decisively, because he remembered, as MissTownshead quite realized, that the other reason must always remainhidden. This was also as balm to her pride, and there was a trace of asmile in her eyes. 

"It is, as you appear to understand, very little. "

"Well, " said Alton, who seemed to take courage, "now when I see yourmeaning there is a trifle more. "

Again he moved a pace, and the girl fancied he would have laid his handupon her shoulder. "No, " she said decisively. 

Alton sighed, and his face became impassive, but it seemed to the girlthat there was relief in it. 

"I think I could be kind to you and make things smooth for you, " hesaid very simply. "I should always look up to you, and I wouldn't askfor very much--only to see you happy. "

He stopped apparently for inspiration, and Nellie Townshead smiled alittle. "Do you think that last was wise?"

Alton turned towards her with a little glint in his eyes, and the girl, who knew his temperament, felt that she had gone far enough. He hadborne it very well, and it seemed to her that other men might havehandled the situation, which was difficult, less delicately. 

"I asked you a question, and it seems to me that it still waits ananswer. "

The girl rose and stood looking at him with a little colour in hercheeks and a flash in her eyes, but there was that in her attitudewhich held Alton at a distance. "If you were not the man you are, andI was a little weaker, I should have said yes, " she said. "As itis--there is nothing that would induce me to marry you. "

It was almost dark now, and Nellie Townshead could not see hercompanion's face, but she was no longer careful to keep her own in theshadow, even when the radiance from the stove flickered about the room. 

"Will you not think it over?" he said very quietly. "I know how unfitI am for you--and I am a cripple--but----"

The light was now more visible in Nellie Townshead's eyes, but hervoice was gentle. "No, " she said, "There are two very good reasons whyit is impossible--and you know one of them. Now do you believe I donot know what brought you here to-day?"

"I think I have been trying to tell you, " said Alton sturdily. "If youfancy it was anything else you are wrong. "

The girl shook her head. "You are a good man, Harry Alton, but not aclever one. Only that it would have been a wrong to you, you wouldalmost have persuaded me--by your silence chiefly. Still, you must goaway, and never speak of this again. "

Alton stood still a moment glancing at her with pity and a greatadmiration. The girl was good to look upon, he knew her courage, andnow as she flung all that he could offer her away and stood alone andfriendless with the world against her, but undismayed, all his heartwent out to her, and what he had commenced from duty he could almosthave continued from inclination. 

"Please listen just a little, and I'll be quite frank, " he said. "Youtold me there were two reasons. "

Possibly the girl read what was passing in his mind, for she smiledcuriously. 

"I think you had better go--now--and leave me only a kindly memory ofyou. Do you think I should be content to take--the second place?" shesaid. "Nothing that you could tell me would remove one of theobstacles, and you will be grateful presently. When that time comes bewise, and don't ask for less than everything. "

Alton said nothing further, and when his steps rang hollowly down thestairway the girl sat down and sighed. Then she laughed a curiouslittle laugh and stopped to brush the tears from her eyes. 

As it happened, while Nellie Townshead sat alone in the darkness MissDeringham was writing a note to Alton. Spoiled sheets of paper werescattered about the table, and though there was nobody to see it thegirl's face was flushed as she glanced down at the last one. Themessage it bore was somewhat laconic and ran, "We are going to theopera-house on Thursday, and as there is a place not filled I wouldlike to see you there before you start for the ranges, if you know ofno reason why you should not come. "

She gave it to a maid, and sat still until she heard a door swing to, then rose swiftly and ran down the stairway. She met the maid at thefoot of it, and said breathlessly, "I want to add something to theletter. "

"It's too late, miss, " said the maid, who was a recent importation fromBritain. "I gave it John the Chinaman, and he went off trotting asusual. I couldn't overtake him. "

Alice Deringham smiled a little, though her voice belied her as shesaid, "It is of no importance. I can write another. "

She knew, however, that no second message she could send would repairwhat she had done, for Alton had timed his departure for the rangesnext day, and several must elapse before Thursday came. He would, shealso felt assured, not fail to come. 

Miss Deringham was justified, for a few days later Seaforth stoodwaiting in the snow with a pack-horse's bridle in his hand, and severalbrawny men with heavy packs slung about them close by, when Tom ofOkanagan drove into the clearing as fast as his smoking team could haulthe jolting wagon. 

"You can sling all those things down again, " he said. "Thomson rode inwith a wire from the railroad, and Harry's not coming. "

"Not coming?" said Seaforth bewilderedly as he opened the message. "We've no time to lose--now. "

Then he crumpled the strip of paper angrily. "We'll push on slowly, boys, until he comes up with us, but you had better wait for him, Tom, "he said, and added half aloud, "The devil take all women!"

Miss Deringham went to the opera-house on Thursday with a somewhatdistinguished party, and though a storm of applause greeted the eminentEnglish dramatist, and the play was a popular one, saw very little ofhim or the first act of it. Then when the glitter of lights filled thebuilding as the curtain went down she looked about her with veiledexpectancy. She knew Alton of Somasco, and that if he intended to keepthe assignation he would then come when everybody could see him. 

She had also surmised correctly, for just then Alton, who hadshouldered his way through a group in the corridor, moved down it undera blaze of light, his head erect, and his face somewhat grim as he sawthe smiles and glances of disapproval of those who made way for him. As the rancher who was fighting Hallam and the capitalists behind himhe was already known in that city, and the story that the woman who wasspoken of with him had assisted him from the beginning by betraying thesecrets of those who employed her at his instigation had spread, andtold against him. 

Alton saw it all, and did not for a moment turn aside so long as thesmiles and whispers were directed at him, but he stopped and waited, leaning on a chair some distance behind the spot where Forel's partywere until the curtain rose again. The next act commenced, as he knew, with a night scene, and while most of the audience had no eyes for anyone but the great tragedian, he moved forward quickly, and AliceDeringham turned her head a trifle as a shadowy form slipped into thevacant place beside her. She could scarcely see the man, and was notcertain that she desired to, but she would have known who he was had hebeen wholly invisible. 

"It is you, " she said softly. "I knew that you would come. "

"Yes, " said Alton. "You asked me to, but now I know that I should nothave done so. "

"And that I should not have asked you?" said Alice Deringham. "Youshould have been on your journey already. "

Alton laughed a little. "That was not what I meant--as of course youknow, " he said. "Still, I wanted to see you--and I had to come. "

"Why?"

Alton was silent a little. "It may be the last time. "

Alice Deringham shivered. "But there is no reason?"

"No--and yes, " said Alton grimly. "I--and it is due to you and anotherto tell you this--have done no wrong, but there are reasons why Ishould not intrude myself into your company, and I am going back upthere into the snow to-morrow. "

"But, " said the girl, feeling horribly guilty, "there are times whenone's friends can do a good deal for one. "

Alton seemed to laugh a trifle bitterly. "Yes, " he said. "Still, I donot care to trouble mine in that direction. One must stand alone nowand then, and things have not been going well with me lately. I hadanother blow to-day. I asked Miss Townshead to marry me--and she wouldnot. "

Alice Deringham said nothing for a space, and then her voice wasdifferent. There was no shade of expression in it. "And you are goingback to look for the silver tomorrow? I hope you will be successful. "

"Thank you, " said Alton. "It would mean a good deal to everybody--andnow I think I have already stayed too long. "

Alice Deringham heard the creaking of a chair, and when she lookedround he had gone, but she said very little to any one when the curtaincame down again, while Alton, turning in a doorway for a moment, sethis lips as he caught the gleam of her hair. 

"I think I have done the right thing all round, but it was condemnablyhard, " he said as he went down the corridor. 

By chance he came face to face with Forel a few moments later, and bothmen stopped. "I am glad I found you, " said Alton. "It is only fittingto tell you that for a minute or two I joined your party. "

Forel looked uncomfortable. "To be frank, there are unpleasant talesabout you, and while they needn't interfere with business one hasto----" he said, and stopped. 

Alton nodded. "You needn't be too explicit. The tales, so far as youhave heard them, are not true. I tell you so on my word of honour--andI want you to show that you believe me by finding Miss Townsheadsomething to do. You can draw on me for the salary if it's necessary. "

Forel, who was a good-tempered man, flushed a little. "If there wasanything in the stories I should take this very ill. "

"Of course, " said Alton. "I shouldn't have objected if you had knockedme down, but, as I see you are not quite sure yet, for just fiveminutes you have got to listen to me. "

Forel did so, and nodded when Alton concluded, "I think you should dowhat I want you to, because in the first place it will give you verylittle trouble, and if you can't take my word so far, I'm not fit to betrusted with your interests in the big deal we have in hand. "

"And in the second?" said Forel, who stood to benefit considerably bythe success of the Somasco Consolidated, dryly. 

Alton laughed. "I think it would be more tasteful to leave thatunexpressed, because it's connected with the other one, " he said. 

"Well, " said Forel, "frankly, I should have doubted what you have toldme had it come from most other men, but in this case I will see what Ican do. We are, as it happens, in want of somebody at Westminster, andI'll send them down a line to-morrow. "

"Thanks, " said Alton, with a little sigh of relief. "Now I think I'vestraightened up everything, and I can go back to the ranges contented. "

CHAPTER XXIX

THE PRICE OF DELAY

It was raining with pitiless persistency when Alton and Tom of Okanagancame floundering down into the river valley. The roar of the canonrose in great reverberations from out of the haze beneath them, and allthe pines were dripping, while the men struggled wearily knee-deep inslush of snow. The spring which lingers in the North had comesuddenly, and a warm wind from the Pacific was melting the snow, sothat the hillsides ran water, and the torrents that had burst theirchains swirled frothing down every hollow. 

The men were chilled to the backbone, for it had rained all day andthey had passed several nights sheltered only by the pines. Garmentsand boots were sodden, and Alton's face was set and drawn, for thoughhe could now walk without much visible effort upon the level, a journeythrough the ranges of that country would at any season test theendurance of the strongest whole-limbed man, and his forced march hadonly been accomplished by stubborn determination and disregard of pain. Still, it was not physical distress alone which accounted for hisgravity. He had put off his journey to the latest moment, and now whentime was scanty the weather promised to further delay him. They hadstopped a moment breathless, when Okanagan broke the silence. 

"Plenty water. I'm figuring we'll find Charley Seaforth somewherehere, " he said. "The jumpers would have it drier, if they headed outfrom lower down the railroad over the bench country. "

Alton nodded as he listened to the roar of the river, which warned himthat their road up the valley would be almost impassable. 

"It can't be helped, " he said, and Tom of Okanagan, who saw how grimhis face had grown, understood the reason. If Hallam's emissaries hadgone up before them any further delay might cost Alton the mine. 

Nothing was said for another minute, and then Okanagan pointed to a dimsmear of vapour below them that was a little bluer than the mist. 

"Smoke. Charley's held up by the river, " he said. 

They went on in moody silence, knowing that where the hardy ranchersSeaforth had with him had failed there was little probability of anyman forcing a passage, and presently the smell of burning firwood cameup to them through the rain. Then a red flicker appeared and vanishedamidst the dusky trunks, and in another few minutes Alton was shakinghis comrade's hand. The faces of both of them were unusually grave, and there was dejection in the growl of greeting from the men, who sathalf seen amidst the smoke watching them. 

"That's the whole of us, " said Seaforth, who noticed his comrade'sglance. "We can't get on. "

"How long have you been here?" said Alton, with significant quietness. 

"Two days. It's unfortunate you didn't come earlier, Harry, because wecould have got right through a week ago. Was it the leg that kept you?"

"No, " said Alton, with a little mirthless laugh, "it wasn't the leg. Ishould have come, but one can't always do two things at once, and I hadto choose. I've a good deal to tell you. "

Seaforth glanced sharply at his comrade. "I fancied you had. You arenot the man I left at Vancouver, Harry. Well, you will be hungry, andsupper's almost ready. "

It was several hours later, and the men in the bigger tent were fastasleep, when Seaforth and Alton sat swathed in clammy blankets under alittle canvas shelter. The drip from the great branches above beatupon it, and the red light of the snapping fire shone in upon the men. Neither of them had spoken for some time, but at last Alton laid downhis pipe. 

"This is a thing I wouldn't tell to any man if it could be helped, butas you will hear it told the wrong way when you get back to the city, you have got to know, " he said. "I'd have been where I was wanted ifit hadn't happened, and now I can't help feeling I have given you andthe rest away. It hurts me, Charley, but what could I do? It wouldhave been worse to let two women suffer for my condemned folly. "

Seaforth was in no mood for laughter, but his eyes twinkled faintly. "Two of them? You have been getting on tolerably fast down there, Harry. "

Alton stopped him with a gesture. "My temper's not what it was a fewweeks ago, " he said. "Now, you sit still and listen to me. "

He had scarcely commenced his story when the smile died out ofSeaforth's eyes. He seemed to listen with breathless intentness, andhis voice shook a little as he said, "And you asked her to marry you. Did you think for a moment that she would?"

Alton appeared to consider. "I didn't think at all, " he said. "Itseemed the one thing I could do, and I did it. "

"The city hasn't made much difference in you, " said Seaforth, watchinghis comrade intently. "It must have been a load off your mind when sherefused you?"

Alton straightened himself a little. "I don't like the way you put it, Charley. Whoever gets Miss Townshead will have a treasure. The girl'sgood all through. Now I think I've told you everything, and I don'task if you believe me. "

There was a flicker of warmer colour under Seaforth's bronze, and acurious glint in his eyes. 

"Yes, " he said slowly; "I think she is too good even for you, and youhave done all that any one could have expected of you, without keepingup the farce any longer. I am glad you did not ask if I believedyou--because I could scarcely have forgiven you that question. Do youthink I don't know--both of you--better?"

The last words were a trifle strained, and Alton stared at his comradein bewildered astonishment, for Seaforth had betrayed himself in hispassion. Then there was silence for a full minute until he said veryquietly--

"And I never guessed. "

"No?" said Seaforth, still a trifle hoarsely. "And now I think youknow. "

Alton nodded, and there was a very kindly smile in his eyes. "Yes; I'mbeginning to understand--a good deal, " he said. "I'm very glad, forthere are not many girls like Miss Townshead in the Dominion. Charley, you're a lucky man, but why have you been so long over it? It neverstruck me that you were bashful. "

Seaforth smiled mirthlessly. "If you will listen a few minutes youwill see how fortunate I am. You never asked me what brought me outfrom the old country, Harry. "

Alton gravely pressed his arm. "There are times when one must talk. Go on, if it will do you good, " he said. 

It was not an uncommon story Seaforth told that night, and Alton, whohad heard it, slightly varied, several times already, could fill up thegaps when his comrade ceased, and the drip from the branches splashingupon the canvas replaced his disjointed utterance. Seaforth was veryyoung when it happened and the woman older than him. 

"Now you see what kept me silent. It wasn't a nice thing totell--you, " he said. 

Alton glanced at him with grave sympathy, and then stared at the fire. "And what became of her? I saw her picture once--in a twenty-five centalbum, " he said. "A woman of that kind would know what she was about?"

Seaforth smiled wryly. "I was not the only fool, " he said. "When I'dflung away everything a richer man came along. "

Alton was silent a space. "Three thousand pounds, " he said, "is a gooddeal, even in the old country. "

"Yes, " said Seaforth wearily; "though it goes a very little way as Ispent it, it is, and I've been paying it back, at first a few dollarsat a time, ever since I came out to the Dominion. You see, the old manpaid off everything, though I know now money was very scarce with himthen, and I've wondered sometimes how far it helped to break him. Hedied soon after the crash came--and the girls had nothing. "

"I think you told me your sisters were married now?"

"Yes, " said Seaforth, "Flora sent me back the last exchange somewhatindignantly, which was why I was able to take my share in theConsolidated. Still, all that is a little outside the question, isn'tit?"

Alton smiled at his partner, and laid a sinewy hand on his shoulder. "I wouldn't worry too much about it, Charley, " he said. "You were ayoung fool, but you have lived it down, and there's the room there hasalways been for a good many more like you in the Dominion. Look roundin high places, and you'll see them--good men, and better than theymight have been but for that little trip-up when they were young. Yes, I've wondered where your dollars went to--and I'm glad we have done sowell now I know. You can stand straight up, Charley, and face theworld again. "

Seaforth laughed wryly. "The trouble is that it isn't the world I careabout, " he said. 

"No, " said Alton. "Well, for one has to do the square thing, I thinkI'd chance telling somebody the story you told me--though of courseyou'd have to put parts of it differently. "

Seaforth made a little gesture of despondency. "I'm afraid I haven'tthe courage, and--with all that behind me----"

"It--is--behind, " said Alton. "And somehow I fancy it would only befair to give the person it might concern the opportunity of hearingyou. "

Seaforth appeared to check a groan. "There are things that one cannever quite rub out. I was twenty-three then, and now when it is fiveyears ago, and she is alone in that horrible city, I must keep silentstill. Harry, it's almost unendurable, but, because I must tell thatstory, to speak now would be to throw my last chance away. "

Alton nodded with grave sympathy. "Yes, I think you're right, and youmust wait. Well, it's time to turn in. With the first of the daylightwe're going on again. "

He was asleep in another ten minutes, but Seaforth lay awake shiveringunder his clammy blankets most of the night, and rose aching when heheard his comrade's voice through the patter of the rain in the mistydarkness of the early morning. They made four miles that day, andfloundered waist-deep in water amidst the boulders during most of it. The hillsides above them were steep and almost unclimbable, and no mancould have driven a canoe upstream amidst the grinding ice-cake whichcumbered the river, that was frozen still in its slower reaches. Therethey found better travelling through the slush that covered the rottenice, but those reaches were few and short, and they went back to theboulders when the swollen river burst its bonds again. 

It came down in savage tumult between the rocks, whose heads justshowed above the foam, and its banks were further cumbered by awhitened driftwood frieze over which the men must clamber warily, clawing for a foothold on the great battered trunks, or smashingthrough a tangle of brittle limbs. At times they were stoppedaltogether by a maze of washed-up timber no man could struggle through, and the axes were plied for an hour or more before they went on again. 

The second day was like the first one, though their toil was ifanything more arduous still, and on the evening of the fourth theycame, worn out, dripping, and dejected, to a spot where the valleynarrowed in. A strip of forest divided the rock from the river on theopposite shore, but between them and it a confusion of froth and foamswirled down, while the hillsides seemed to vibrate with the roar ofthe rapid. One glance sufficed to show that the crossing was whollyimpossible for either beast or man. On their side of the river a wallof rock hemmed the little party in, and even Seaforth wondered, whileOkanagan growled half-aloud, when Alton, knee-deep in water, ploddedsteadily on. There was not more than another hour's daylight, andSeaforth remembered that the gorge extended for a league or so, whilethe flood had spread across it in front of them, but he knew hiscomrade and said nothing. Presently he slipped from a boulder, andsank almost shoulder-deep in a whirling pool, but somebody grabbed hisarm, and after a breathless flounder he felt the shingle under him andthe froth lapped only to his knee. Then they crawled amidst thedriftwood which washed up and down beneath them, tearing garments andlacerating limbs, until they stood once more panting on dry shingle, with a broad stretch of froth before them, and the light growing dim. 

The river had spread from side to side of the constricted valley, andthe crash of the ice it brought down rang hollowly from rock to rockuntil it was lost high up amidst the climbing pines. It seemed toSeaforth that to go on was impossible, and he glanced at his comradeanxiously, Alton stood alone upon a driftwood trunk, his figuresilhouetted in rigid outline against the whiteness of the foam, for hisdrenched garments clung in sodden folds to every curve of it. His facewas as immobile in its wet grimness save for the smouldering glow inhis eyes, and there was a low growl of half-articulate expostulationfrom those about him as he turned and pointed to the river. 

"What are you stopping for? The silver's yonder, and there's ourroad, " he said. 

None of them protested. They knew no rancher or prospector in theprovince could traverse the road he pointed to, but in their longgrapple with the forest they had not infrequently attempted things thatappeared beyond the power of man, and speech seemed useless when theriver would answer for them. Therefore, when Alton once more took tothe water they followed him, bracing overtaxed muscle against thetireless stream until the man who pressed on a dozen yards in frontwent down. Then while Seaforth held his breath there was a cry fromOkanagan, who clutched at an arm that rose from the flood. Seaforthhad his hand next moment, somebody clung to him, and they wentdownstream together for a space, with the shingle slipping beneaththem, and their burdens dragging them down, panting, floundering, choking, but still holding on, until they found a foothold in the slackof an eddy, and Seaforth saw that Alton was on his feet again. His hathad gone, and there was a red gash on his forehead from which the bloodran down. He said nothing until they stood less than knee-deep, whenSeaforth glanced at him. 

"You will be contented now?" he said. 

"Yes, " said Alton, with hoarse breathlessness. "I'm beaten. Well, we'll go back and make a traverse across the ranges. "

Seaforth glanced for a moment at the slope of rock that ran up into thedimness above him. Here and there it afforded a foothold to a juniperor stunted pine, but that was all, and there was a gleam of slushy snowhigh up above it, where though the pitch was flatter the firs couldscarcely climb. Whether any man could reach those heights or crossthem through the melting drifts he did not know, but at the best thejourney would cost a day for every hour it would have done had it beenpossible to follow the valley. 

"You know what day it is?" he said. 

"Yes, " said Alton very quietly. "If Hallam's men are up there it willbe too late when we get through. That means tolerably bad times forSomasco. "

"I, " said Seaforth, "wasn't exactly thinking about Somasco. "

Alton's face was very grim. "Well, " he said dryly, "it means a gooddeal less to one of us than it would have done a few weeks ago. "

They went back, and it was dark when they camped in the drippingundergrowth, but while Seaforth fancied that Alton did not sleep thatnight, he was the first upon his feet when they rose in the darkness ofthe morning, and commenced the slow ascent. There was no man in theparty who did not feel that the journey would be useless, but they wenton nevertheless, hewing a path through thickets, crawling up steep rockfaces on hands and knees, and wading through the drifts to the waist inmelting snow. So with toil incredible they left the leagues behind, one, and when they were fortunate, two to the day, and evening was athand when at last they came scrambling down from fir to fir into therain-swept valley. There was nothing visible beneath them but a hazeof falling water and the tops of dripping trees, but Alton stooped nowand then as though listening, and Seaforth could guess at the tormentsof suspense he was enduring. 

"We shall know in a few more minutes, " he said. "I can see the rivernow. "

"Go on, " said Alton hoarsely. "Oh, get on. "

Five minutes had scarcely passed when they stopped again, and the menstared at each other in silence as a thudding sound came up to themthrough the rain. It was just distinguishable, and they might bemistaken, but a full minute went by before one of them glanced atAlton. He stood very still, with one knee bent a trifle, leaningagainst a pine until the sound grew plainer and was followed by a voice. 

"We're too late, but we'll go down and see it out, " he said. 

Ten minutes later they plodded into the glare of a fire, and stopped, worn-out and dripping in front of a rude bark shelter. A few men werescattered about it eating their evening meal, and for a moment or twothey stared at the newcomers silently, until Alton stepped forward andstood where all could see him, hatless and tattered, with a clottedbandage about his head. 

"What are you doing on my claim?" he said. 

A big man rose up slowly with an axe in his hand, and pointed to aboard with rough letters cut in it nailed to a tree. 

"It may have been yours one time. It's ours now, " he said. "There'sno getting over the laws of this country. "

Seaforth expected an outbreak, and heard a growl from his comrades, whocommenced to close in behind him, but Alton only closed one hand alittle. 

"Where's the man who brought you here?" he said. 

"Gone out, " said the other, "to record the claim. Now we don't wantany unpleasantness, but the mine is ours, and there are enough of us tokeep it, you see. Come in and have some supper, and take itreasonably. "

Alton looked at him for a space out of half-closed eyes, and the manappeared to grow uneasy. 

"You condemned jumper! These are honest men, " he said, pointing tothose who followed him. "We'll go back and camp up yonder, boys. "

It was close on midnight when Seaforth crept up to Alton, who layhuddled against a cedar in the smoke of the fire. His face showeddrawn and puckered in the flickering light. 

"Don't take it too hard, Harry, " he said. 

Alton smothered a groan. "I'm feeling very mean tonight, " he said. "Lord, what a mess I've made of everything. Every ranch in Somascomortgaged to the last rod, the new mill not finished, roads half made, and not another dollar to be had in the city. And there's not a man orwoman who believed in me but I've dragged them down. "

"I think, " said Seaforth, "they believe in you still. You did all thatany man could have done, Harry. "

"No, " said Alton. "I stayed down in Vancouver when I should have beenhere. That can never be quite wiped out--but what could I do?"

Seaforth laid his hand on his comrade's shoulder. "Don't worry toomuch about what is done with, but look forward. You'll find yourfriends behind you yet. "

Alton shook off his grasp. "My friends! I've done them harm enough, but you are right. This thing isn't finished yet. "

Seaforth smiled a little. "That is a good deal better, Harry. Onewins at the last round now and then. "

Alton looked at him steadily. "You don't understand. All that wasworth winning has gone already--but Hallam must fight. "

Seaforth saw the smouldering fire in the half-closed eyes, and theinstinctive closing of the lean, hard fingers, and went back to hislair in the wet undergrowth contented. Hallam had won hitherto, but heknew his comrade, and the struggle was not over yet. 

CHAPTER XXX

SEAFORTH'S REINSTATEMENT

There is on the road between Vancouver and New Westminster a strip ofprimeval bush. Beyond it the Fraser meadows stretch, open to wind andsun, westwards to the sea, but beneath the great black pines it is dimand shadowy, and Seaforth was glad of that as he stood leaning againsta hemlock one sunny afternoon. He would have found the task he hadundertaken almost impossible in the glare of the white road that ranstraight under the open sky, but the stillness of that green realm ofshadow where all things were softened in the faint half-light had madeit a trifle easier. Also, the essence of the spring, which had comesuddenly, was in the scent of pine and cedar, and it had given himcourage, and set his pulses throbbing faster. It is possible that theman did not realize all the influences that upheld him then, butsomething that sprang from the steaming earth and the life that wasstirring in every towering pine reacted upon him, and he gathered hopewhen he saw the reflex of it in the eyes of his companion. 

She sat a pace or two apart from him on a cedar-trunk, and a dustybicycle rested against the farther end of it. The dust was also thickupon her simple dress and the cotton gloves that lay in her hands. Herfingers had tightened upon them, and there was a flush in her cheekswhen for a moment she glanced at the man. His face was a triflecolourless, but the girl looked aside again as she saw the tenseanxiety in his eyes. 

"And that is all, " he said, with a little tremble in his voice. "Youwill think it is horribly too much?"

Nellie Townshead glanced away into the shadows of the bush, and therewas pain and a trace of shrinking in her face, but it had vanished whenshe turned again, and her voice had a little imperious ring. 

"And what made you tell me now?"

Seaforth spread his hands out with a little deprecatory gesture. "Iexpected this. The story I have told you should have shown you what Iam--and while I wanted to tell it earlier I was afraid. "

The colour was a trifle plainer in the cheeks of the girl, and hervoice slightly more imperious still. 

"That leaves the question unanswered. I still want to know what gaveyou the courage now?"

Seaforth understood her, and knew her pride. "I think Harry gave mesome of it. You see, I never had a great deal. "

"Harry?" said Miss Townshead, with a trace of astonishment that was notquite free from disdain. 

Seaforth moved his head. "Yes, " he said. "What I have told you I toldhim, and he seemed to think that one could live--even that kind ofthing--down. He is, you see, a somewhat exacting man, and that gave methe hope that you would be as merciful. "

"Still, you have not answered me. "

Seaforth flushed a little. "I know what you mean--but would even whatI have told you warrant you thinking that of me?"

"I must know, " said the girl. 

Seaforth was silent a moment. "There is a distinction--but it isdifficult to draw, " he said. "Well, I could not bear to think of youstruggling on down here alone with everything against you. There weretimes when it almost maddened me, and at last, though I knew it mightcost me all I hoped for, I had to speak. "

The girl's face softened. "And there was nothing else. You did notthink that--because of anything which had happened--I should be moreapt to listen?"

Seaforth was usually undemonstrative in bearing and speech, but hestood up stiffly, and his voice was a trifle strained. "That is what Ihave been trying to make clear, and I can only give you my word that Idid not, " he said. "If I had had more courage I would have told youthat story long ago. "

Nellie Townshead's eyes were very gentle now. "I felt I must makequite sure, because had it been otherwise I should never have forgivenyou. "

"And, " said Seaforth slowly, "you can forgive the rest. I can make noprotestations, but if I have gone straight in this country it was youwho helped me, and I should never have gone down into the mire if I hadknown you in the other one. And now I have nothing, not even moderateprosperity to offer you. "

"You think that would have counted?" said the girl. 

"No, " said Seaforth quietly, "not with you. It is because I have solittle to offer I venture to ask so much. All the giving must be doneby you. "

Seaforth had, though not an eloquent man, pleaded his causeefficaciously, for although his words might have been better chosen, the inference behind them was plain; and while parts of his story hadbrought the colour to the cheeks of his companion, his blameless lifein Canada was a very acceptable offering since he owed it to her. Itis pleasant to feel oneself a refining influence, but it was notgratified vanity which stirred the girl. She had a wide charity, andwas one of those whose mission is to give without looking for a return. She rose up slowly, and stood before him with eyes that had grown atrifle hazy. 

"All that counts the most is yours still, " she said. "And as to therest--I think it is done with, Charley. You have lived it down. "

Seaforth stretched out his hands and drew her to him. "God bless you, my dear, but you are wrong, " he said, "All I had was yours two yearsago. "

It was some little time later when a creaking wagon swung round a bendof the road, and the bronzed rancher on the driving-seat laughed softlyto himself as he saw Miss Townshead sitting demurely but with downcastface on one end of the cedar, and Seaforth, who appeared suspiciouslyunconcerned, at least six feet away. That was not just how he had seenthem when with the soft dust muffling the rattle of wheels he and histeam came out of the shadows which hung athwart the bend. The wagonwas old and weather-scarred, the harness rudely patched with hide, butit is possible there was room in the life of strenuous toil the bushmanlived for the romance that brightens everything, and he shouted amirthful greeting to them as he whipped his team. Then as the wagonjolted on out under the sombre archway into the brightness of the sunthere came drifting back to them the refrain of a song. It was onesung often in the bush of that country at the time, and the two who satlistening in the green stillness that sunny afternoon grasped theverity that underlay its crude sentimentality. Shorn of its harshness, by the distance the voice rang bravely through the thud of hoofs andrattle, of wheels, and there was in the half-heard words and jinglingrhythm what there was in the sunshine and scent of steaming earth, thelife and hope of the eternal spring. 

Seaforth laughed a little as he stretched his hand out to the girl, butthe light which shone back at him from her eyes was softer than that ofmirth. 

"I think that man knows what we know, " he said. "Come out into thesunlight. The world is not what it was an hour ago. "

They were plodding down the dazzling road, one on either side of thedusty bicycle under the open sky when he spoke again. 

"All this makes me sorry for Harry. "

"Yes, " said the girl reflectively, for she saw there was more to follow. 

Seaforth bent his head. "He has so little now. Hallam has beaten usall round, and Harry's face takes my sleep away. Everything he hopedfor has been taken from him, and he is lame, you see. "

Nellie Townshead glanced at him swiftly. "One would scarcely noticeit. You have something in your mind, Charley. "

Seaforth's face was troubled as he answered her. "It is a littledifficult to put into words, and if it was anybody else than Harry Iwould not try. Still, Alice Deringham is almost as much to him as youare to me--and I don't think she knows the truth, you see. "

Nellie Townshead flushed a little, and there was a trace of anger inher eyes. "If Miss Deringham is punished for her wicked pride what isthat to you?"

"Nothing, " said Seaforth quietly. "Still--because of what I saw at theranch--I am sorry for her, and Harry, who has been a very good friendto me, is being punished too. We have so much, you and I, and he hasnothing now. "

The girl did not answer him for at least a minute, and appearedconcerned about something that rattled in the bicycle. Then shestopped and looked up at the man with a great tenderness in her eyes. 

"You want to tell her? Well, it will be very difficult, but I will doit for you. "

Seaforth stooped and kissed the little ungloved hand on the bicyclereverentially. "I don't know how I asked you, and knowing how much hasbeen given me I am almost afraid, " he said. 

Nellie Townshead smiled at him, but she said nothing further until theyparted, and Seaforth turned back towards Vancouver city. He wasbrimming over with good-will to everybody when he reached it, and as ithappened found storekeeper Horton, who came down there occasionally, waiting for him. Horton was by no means a genius or well versed inlegal procedure, but he had a ready wit, and Seaforth felt prompted totell him the story of their first disastrous march, which Alton hadhitherto but partially narrated, though he suppressed its finalincident. Horton listened gravely with his most magisterial air. 

"Harry's no fool, but he don't know everything, " he said. "Now I seewhere you and me can take a hand in. "

"Yes?" said Seaforth thoughtfully. 

Horton nodded. "It was Damer who recorded your claim. "

"Damer?" said Seaforth. "That was the man Harry pitched into the riverat Somasco. "

Horton chuckled. "You're right. Harry's just a trifle too handy atslinging folks into rivers and down stairways. Well, the fellow washanging round my store, and I thought I knew him and wasn't sure, butwhen I saw his name down on the Crown mining record that fixed me. Nowyou're quite ready, you and Tom, to swear to the story you told me?"

"Of course, but still I don't see----"

Horton's eyes twinkled. "You will presently. That's where being amagistrate comes in. I'm going to take hold of Damer forhorse-stealing. "

A thought came swiftly into Seaforth's mind, and he smote the table. "But I can't swear it was Damer. You would never convict him. "

Horton laughed the bushman's almost silent laugh. "I don't know that Iwant to. Anyway, I can keep on remanding him, and when I sent him upfor trial it would be a rancher's jury. That's going to give us a pullon Mr. Hallam, who is standing in somewhere behind the whole thing--andI kind of fancy there's another man with him. "

Seaforth's face grew grave. "Then, as Harry wouldn't like it andthere's nothing in it, I'd get rid of that fancy. Now, of course, youknow what you can do, but isn't it playing a little too much into yourown hand? And you see folks might get talking about the thing. "

Horton put on his most impressive air. "There's justice by statute, and there's equity, as well as a lot more you never heard about, " saidhe. 

Seaforth could not check his smile. "And which of them is what we'regoing to do?"

"This, " said Horton solemnly, "is--all of them. It's the square thing. Is there any reason why a man shouldn't do what is right because itsuits him? Anyway, it needn't worry you, because you can just sit upand watch the circus begin. "

"Just one question. Was Damer the man who rode out for the railroadone snowy night, shortly before I started after Harry?"

Horton nodded, and wondered a little at the change in his companion, for there was a little flash in Seaforth's eyes and his voice had aring. "Then, " he said grimly, "I'm going to take a hand in, but thereare several good reasons why we should not tell Harry. "

It was a week later when Forel came home one night looking somewhatanxious and depressed. He said little during the evening meal, butafter it spoke to his wife alone, and Mrs. Forel came upon AliceDeringham soon after she left him. 

"I'm not going to get the new ponies after all, " she said. "Poor Tomhas been unfortunate again. "

"I am sorry, " said Alice Deringham. "You mean in the city?"

"Yes, " said Mrs. Forel with a little sigh. "He is always a triflesanguine, and he put a good many dollars into a venture Mr. Altonrecommended. Tom expected a good deal from it--but the dollars haveall gone. "

Alice Deringham did not look at the speaker. "They have lost themoney?"

"Well, " said Mrs. Forel, "I believe they will do. I don't understandall of it, but Tom tells me that he can't see any hope for Alton unlessa new railroad's built, or the Government does something for theSomasco country, and that does not seem likely. "

"Please tell me all you know. "

Mrs. Forel looked thoughtful. "It isn't a great deal. The land andranches up at Somasco are not worth very much just now, but Altonpersuaded Tom they would be presently, and he helped Alton to borrowmore dollars from everybody who would lend them. Then they built millsand things which will not be much use to anybody unless a railroadcomes in. The people would only lend him the money for a little while, and Alton had hoped to pay them out of a silver mine, but Hallam, itseems, has been working against him and got somebody to relocate themine because Alton did not get there in time. Now unless Alton and hiscompany can pay those dollars back the other people will take all hehas away from him, and if the railroad is ever built it is they orHallam, who has been trying to buy the mortgages from them, who willbenefit. "

"But, " said Alice Deringham, "how was it that Mr. Alton did not makesure of the mine?"

"That is just what puzzles Tom. He stayed down here too long, and thenthere was a flood or something that delayed him. Still, if he had gonewhen he intended he would have been in time. "

Mrs. Forel glanced at her companion curiously, but the girl sat verystill with her face turned aside. It was almost a minute before shespoke again. 

"And Mr. Alton takes it hardly?"

"Tom doesn't seem to know. Alton, he thinks, must be beaten, but hetold him he meant holding on until the last dollar had gone. Afterall, I can't help feeling sorry for him. It must be hard to getoneself crippled and then lose everything, while Tom declares there wasnothing in that other affair about the girl. "

Alice Deringham said nothing, but Mrs. Forel saw the blood creep intothe polished whiteness of her neck, and wished that she would look up. The girl's rigid stillness was, she fancied, a trifle unnatural, andsuggested that there was a good deal behind it. 

"Well, " she said presently, "that is all I know, and I think Tom iswaiting for me. "

Mrs. Forel went away, and Alice Deringham sat where she had left her, white in face now, with something that was not wholly unlike horror inher eyes. 

"And, " she said, "I kept him. "

Half an hour passed, and she did not move. Anger against her fatherand horror of herself were held in check as yet by a tense anxiety asto the end of the struggle she had plunged the man who loved her in. She could picture him standing with his grave quietness face to facewith ruin, and holding on until the last faint hope had gone. Still, it seemed almost impossible that he should be beaten, and the curiousconfidence she had had in him reasserted itself and crept as a ray ofbrightness into the darkness of her humiliation. That might be borneor grappled with afterwards if Alton came out triumphant, but in themeanwhile she dare not think of herself or what she had done. Presently there was a tapping at the door, and a maid came in. 

"There's a lady--Miss Townshead--waiting to see you, miss, " she said. 

Now Alice Deringham was the reverse of a timid woman, but for a fewmoments she felt her courage fail. Every instinct in her shrank fromthat meeting, but the maid had no cause to suspect it when she roselanguidly and followed her. The interview was not of long duration, and nobody ever heard all that passed between the two, but whenSeaforth, who had been waiting anxiously, handed Miss Townshead intothe cars her eyes were misty. 

"Was it very hard?" he said. 

"No, " the girl said slowly; "not after the beginning. I was angry whenI went in, and I came away only sorry for her. There is a great dealmore that is lovable in Miss Deringham than I ever fancied there couldbe. "

"Yes, " said Seaforth sapiently. "But it's much better when there'snothing else, which is the case with somebody I know. I like my goldfree from alloy. "

It was the next day when Deringham found his daughter alone in thesunny corner of the verandah. He carried a handful of papers, and thegirl noticed that while he looked ill and haggard there was relief inhis face. It was, however, with a vacant curiosity she waited for himto speak, for she had risen heavy-eyed and listless after a sleeplessnight. Deringham leaned against the balustrade in front of her, andappeared to find it somewhat difficult to begin. 

"I have just spent an hour with Mr. Alton and a lawyer, and havesomething of importance to tell you, " he said. 

"I am listening, " said the girl languidly, though Deringham fanciedthere were signs of a sudden intentness in her face. 

"We will commence at the beginning. Alton appears to have beendoubtful respecting his right to Carnaby, and seems to have felt in thefirst place that it would not be fitting for him to receive as a favourwhat was his father's by right. I do not know that many men would haveregarded it in that light. "

"I think, " said the girl with a little quickening of her pulses, "thatMr. Alton's view was right!"

"Well, " said Deringham, with a little smile that seemed to indicatethat the point was not important, "that brings us to his other motive, which displays a very creditable feeling. Tristan Alton, as you know, only relented upon his deathbed, when, as I pointed out to our kinsman, his senses were, in the opinion even of those who signed his will, atrifle clouded, and Alton was reluctant to profit by a half-deliriousfancy which deprived us, or to be more literal, you, of what wasvirtually your own. As I told him no man in the possession of all hiswits would have made such a will, and there was a probability that itcould he successfully contested. "

"Then I think you blundered, father, " said the girl. 

Deringham raised his hand as though to indicate that he did not purposeto discuss the question. "I have been trying to show you that Altonnever regarded Carnaby as his. You follow me?"

"No. I go farther, " said the girl with a curious smile. "All that youhave told me was quite clear to me some while ago. "

"Now we come to the present. Alton has proved to myself and the lawyerthat he is solvent. That is if he sold everything he could just payhis debts, but because he does not intend to sell, he standsfiguratively speaking with his back to the wall, and appears toconsider that financial ruin may overtake him. That being so he haswhile he has the power made over all his rights in Carnaby to you. "

Alice Deringham rose up with a little gasp, quivering. "Father, " shesaid in a strained voice, "I don't think I can forgive you. "

Deringham smiled deprecatingly. "I think that is beside the point, " hesaid. "It seems to me that Alton has acted most becomingly, and if hesurvives his difficulties we could, of course, come to some amicableunderstanding with him respecting the partition of the property. "

The girl's face grew a trifle plainer, for one word had an ominous ring. 

"There is more than you have told me, " and once more it struck her thatDeringham was curiously haggard. 

"Well, " he said, "life is always a trifle uncertain, and Alton hastwice met with disaster in the ranges. "

The girl stood still looking at him steadily with a vague terror in hereyes. Then she said slowly, "And I am the mistress of all the Carnabyproperty. It is mine to do what I like with. I could borrow moneyupon it, or sell it?"

"Under conditions, " said Deringham with a little smile of relief, though his face grew clouded again. "Alton has made it yours, almosttoo absolutely. "

Alice Deringham did not remember what next passed between them or howshe dismissed her father, but presently she sat alone staring downacross the blue inlet with eyes that saw nothing. She was numblysensible of a horrible humiliation, but that troubled her the least. Alton was standing with his back to the wall and in some vague peril ofhis life, and it was she who had helped to betray him. She almosthated her father, and she loathed herself, and yet a ray of hope shonethrough her fears. Carnaby was wholly hers, and with it she held thepower to help him. That something which would test her courage to theuttermost must be done before he would accept help from her she knew, but the pride which had been a curse to her was in the dust, and whenthe vague project slowly grew into shape she rose and sought Forel. She was very composed in speech and bearing, but when the merchantheard what she asked him he gasped with astonishment. 

"I want it done as soon as possible, " she said. 

CHAPTER XXXI

"THE THIRD TIME"

Horton was essentially practical, and once he saw his way usually setabout the following of it without any of the misgivings which mighthave proved a hindrance to more intellectual men. There were, however, times when Seaforth wondered uneasily whether he was doing well, but hedecided that as the outlook could not be much more unfavourable anyvariation would almost of necessity be an improvement, and that onecould not afford to be over-scrupulous in a struggle with a man ofHallam's description. Accordingly he hoped for the best, and resignedhimself to Horton, who grew more assured of the beneficence andlegality of his proceedings during the journey to Somasco, whereSeaforth accompanied him, and as soon as he arrived there sent rounddemanding the attendance of all the ranchers in that vicinity at hisstore, in the name of the law. He, however, contrived that the summonsshould not reach the few who, having refused to join the SomascoConsolidated, were suspected of complicity with Hallam, until it wastoo late, and though Seaforth ventured a few protestations, appearedperfectly contented with himself. 

"I'm put right here to scare off malefactors and encourage honest men, and I'm doing it, the best way I can, " he said. 

The ranchers came, as did Captain Andersen, the venerable Scandinavianconstable, whose duties had hitherto consisted in keeping hisneighbours' gardens free of depredating hogs and improving his ownland. Horton also made a speech to them, and appeared somewhatoffended when some of them broke into the bushman's silent chuckle. 

"We have, " he said, "no use for fooling. This is the most serious andsolemn kind of thing. "

"Oh, yes, " said one of the assembly. "That's just what it's going tobe if Damer's friends stand by him. Damer isn't going to come along toprison because Andersen tells him. "

Horton regarded the speaker with a gravity that was tempered bysemi-contemptuous pity. "Then, " he said, "because I'm going to swearyou in as special constables, you and the boys will make him. "

There was another lapse into half-audible laughter and one of the mentouched Seaforth's shoulder. "I'm wondering what Harry would think ofthis, " said he. "It would sound kind of curious in the old country. "

Seaforth smiled as he made a little gesture of resignation. "The pointis that he doesn't know. Anyway, we haven't done much to be proud ofwhile we acted sensibly, and now and then foolishness seems to pay aswell as wisdom. "

"Well, " said the other, grinning, "I wouldn't call old Horton a foolaltogether. "

Horton interrupted him by calling up six of the biggest men, and verygravely swearing them in, after which he produced a paper. "This, " hesaid, "is a warrant for the apprehension of one Roger Damer forhorse-stealing, and all you have to do is to go up and get him. Youwill meet here at daylight to-morrow, every man with a horse andprovisions, but while I'll do the best I can for you I'm not quite surethe Government will pay for them. "

Once more there was soft laughter, but early next morning six silentmen, whose bronze faces bore no trace of merriment now, rode out of thesettlement, with rifles slung behind them, and four more followed laterleading heavily-laden horses by the bridle. Time was not of vitalimportance, and though all of them were at home in the bush theyprospected for the easiest road, which led them through valleys few menof their race had ever set foot in before. Twice a few of the Siwash, who come down the rivers with the spring, awoke when the moon was inthe sky, and heard a trampling of horses high up amidst the pines thatshut in a lonely valley, and once a solitary prospector, camping closebeneath the snow, rose drowsily beside his fire, and wondered whetherhe was dreaming as he saw a line of mounted men with rifles flit by andvanish beyond a black hill shoulder. They rode in silence, and savefor the muffled ring of iron and faint jingle of steel, he could havetaken them for disembodied spirits in place of living men. 

Horton, however, had in him a trace of the general, and did what hismind could grasp with a grim thoroughness, while, as the result of it, there was blank astonishment one morning in a mining camp as he and themen who followed him appeared as by magic from amidst the pinessurrounding it. They were also armed, and the miners, who rose fromtheir breakfast, stared at them motionless in silence, that is, allsave one, who slipped into a tent and afterwards out through the backof it. Horton, however, saw him, and his command was to thepoint--"Stop him. "

There was a rustle of branches, and Tom of Okanagan rose out of thethicket the fugitive had almost gained, with a rifle in his hand. Helaughed somewhat grimly as he said, "Stop right where you are. "

Then there was for a space a somewhat impressive tableau, that had init humorous as well as tragic possibilities. Hallam's men haddoubtless been chosen because of qualities which are more toleratedfarther south than they are in that country, but they had nothing handyto enforce their protests with beyond their camp utensils, and it didnot appear advisable to make a move in search of more effectiveweapons. Accordingly they stood silent, with the smoke drifting aboutthem, all save one of them, who, with impotent fury in his face, backedstep by step into the opening before their shanty, as Tom of Okanaganbeckoned him. Nobody else moved at all, for Horton's company werecommandingly posted beneath the surrounding pines, and there was a grimtwinkle in the eyes of one who carried a rifle, and had risen out ofthe undergrowth between the shovels and axes and their legitimateowners. How long the spectacle would have lasted Seaforth did notknow, but at last the man, who had backed away before Okanagan, trippedon a tent line and went down headlong. That broke the silence, and thebig man, who had on a previous occasion spoken with Alton, steppedforward. 

"Now what the ---- is all this about?" he said. 

"Stand back, " said Horton solemnly as he drew out a paper. "It's thehand of the law. Here's a warrant for Roger Damer, and it's his bodywe've come for. You will put the handcuffs on him, Constable Andersen, and if he tries to stop you Tom has full authority to pound thewickedness out of him. "

"Hold on, " said the big man. "That's your way of it. Now has itstruck you that there are things we might do?"

"Oh, yes, " said Horton with undiminished gravity. "You're going tostop where you are, like lawful citizens, because there are enough ofus to make you if you don't want to. "

The argument was incontrovertible, and there was only a growl ofprotest as the venerable Scandinavian did his duty. Then while two menstood on guard over their prisoner Horton turned for the last time tothe miners. 

"I'm kind of sorry I don't know quite enough about you to take the restof you along, " he said. "Still, if I can find out anything we'll comeback for you again. Well, boys, we'll be going. Hitch that lariat onto the prisoner's wrists, and keep a good hold on it, ConstableAndersen. "

Nothing more was said, for Horton's men marched out of camp as silentlyas they had come, and it was only when the pines had closed about themthat a hoarse laugh went back in answer to the volley of vituperationthat rose out of the hollow behind them. Damer spoke no word to anyman all that day or the next, but when they camped on the second nighthigh up on the hillside he signed to Seaforth, who passed the firewhere he lay a little apart from the rest. 

"Somebody is going to be sorry for this, " he said. "Now a sensible manwould wonder what you expect to make by it. "

"You mean that we can't connect you with the horse-stealing?"

"Yes, " said the man, "if there was any. Now there are men behind mewho will make you and Horton very sorry you ever fooled with me. "

Seaforth smiled outwardly and with his eyes, for he surmised that theprisoner was willing to bargain for his freedom, but his lips were setand he found it difficult to restrain the rage that welled up withinhim. 

"Well, " he said, "I don't know that it is of any great importancewhether we do or not. It will be enough to hold you by until we findout all that happened one snowy night when somebody fixed a lariatacross a trail, and there was another affair up in the bush. "

The light of the fire was on them, and the man's face betrayed him, though his words were bold enough. "You don't take me with a hand likethat!"

Seaforth trembled a little as his anger shook him, for he had seenenough. "I think you are the man we want, " he said. 

He had desired to make quite certain and succeeded, but he afterwardsregretted it, for the effect of that speech upon the prisoner, who didnot answer him, was considerably more than he had anticipated. Theman, who appeared, as Seaforth decided later, suspiciously cowed anddejected, said nothing to any of his captors all next day, and lay downat night in apathetic sullenness, but when the rancher who slept besidehim awoke in the morning he had gone, and by way of ironical farewellsomebody had hung a pair of rusty handcuffs whose snap-spring wasevidently defective upon a neighbouring tree. One man had kept watchbeside the fire, which he had left for a few minutes to bring in morewood, and another by the horses; but while neither of them had seen orheard anything, the fact that their captive was no longer with themremained, and half-an-hour spent in very pointed and personalrecriminations did nothing to solve the mystery. It was Horton whoterminated the discussion. 

"We've no use for more talking, boys, " he said. "The man was here lastnight, and he isn't now, and it don't count for very much how he gotaway. Head right away for the railroad, two of you. Another two willstrike for the pass in the main divide, and if you get through quickenough you'll turn him off into the back country. The rest of you willstop right here and help Okanagan to pick up his trail. "

There was a hurried saddling of horses, four mounted men went crashingthrough the undergrowth downhill at the risk of neck and limbs, and anhour later Seaforth and Okanagan stopped a few moments breathlessbeside a frothing stream. 

"He'll have gone this way for the river, sure, " said the latter. "Youcan tell Horton to send Thomson and Andersen across to watch the canon. "

Seaforth looked at the bushman, and his face was curiously grim. "Youknow who he is, Tom? We must have him at any cost, and I think it ismy fault he got away. "

Okanagan laughed a little almost silent laugh that had no mirth in it. "If the boys can head him off from the railroad I'll find him sure, " hesaid. "Oh, yes, I think I know him. When we get him I'm figuringwe'll find the marks of Harry's knife on him. "

Okanagan found the trail again lower down the valley, and he andanother tireless man headed for the river through a country no horsecould traverse all that day, leaving Seaforth behind them worn-out atnoon. He sat down to wait for Horton considerably disturbed in mind, and his anxieties would not have been diminished had he known thatAlton was starting for Somasco by the Atlantic express that afternoon. 

It was next day when Alton reached the settlement and found the fewwomen there in a state of excitement, while when he had heard theirstory he borrowed the best horse he could find and rode out at a galloptowards the ranges. He had also spent several days in the bush withoutfinding any trace of the party when he camped one evening on the edgeof one of the many deep ravines the torrents wear out of the hillsides. It stretched, a dim shadowy chasm, across his path, and looking down hecould faintly see the firs that clung here and there to the sides of itloom faintly black through the drifting mist. It was too dark to seekfor a way of descending or round the head of it, and he decided toremain where he was until the morning. Twenty minutes sufficed to makehis simple camp, and he sat with his back to a cedar-trunk and a can ofgreen tea beside him, while the shadows crept higher up the hillsidesand night tame down to meet them out of the dimness of the east. 

The fire crackled joyously. There was hope in all the smells ofspring, and the stir of life in every growing thing, while the chillthat came down from the white peaks fired the blood like wine; butAlton sighed as he glanced up at the stars above him and his face wassombre. There was, it seemed, no possibility of the railroad beingbuilt to Somasco, he could only see disaster in front of him, and knewthat with the hope of prosperity a brighter one had gone. He would bea poor man, and was a cripple, and--for he had not forgotten hisdeficiencies--could have laughed at the folly which had led him tograsp at that which could never be his. Then his slow, enduringstubbornness came to his help again as he remembered that there yetremained to him the fight with Hallam. 

"I was a fool. She only wanted to be kind, " he said. 

Still, he groaned in a fit of passion as the memory of one moment atmidnight in Somasco ranch returned to him, for all his pulses throbbedfeverishly as he felt in fancy the warm white arm steal round his neck. 

"I must have dreamt it--with the rest, " he said. "And if I didn't, that was enough to remember. God bless her for her gentleness. "

Again he flung the memories from him with an effort that brought a dewto his face, but the conflict which must be fought every day was over, and he stretched his long limbs amidst the soft cedar-twigs and laydown to sleep with a stolid acquiescence that if wholly free frombitterness was but little brightened by the victory. The man's lifehad been a struggle almost since its beginning, and he was stubborn, but his own headstrong passions had been the most obdurate enemy he hadever brought into subjection. 

Sleep came and brought him forgetfulness. The fire sank to a lambentflicker above the white-flecked embers, the pines sang their mysticsongs about him as a little breeze awoke, and their soft sighing wasanswered by the growl of the torrent far down in the ravine. Now andthen the horse stamped restlessly and tugged at the lariat that waspegged down within reach of Alton's arm, and once came up and lookeddown on him. Alton usually slumbered lightly in the bush, but man'sprimitive instincts reassert themselves in the wilderness, and becauseit is possible that his senses were not wholly dormant and there wassome subtle sympathy between him and the beasts that served him he didnot awaken. 

Then the horse grew restless and pricked its ears, stood stillsnorting, and backed away to the length of its tether as a face lookedout from the undergrowth. The sinking light of the fire was on it, andit was an evil face with the stamp of hunger on it, and malevolence inthe staring eyes. Again the horse snorted and trembled as an arm wasthrust out of the bushes and something glinted in the hand, but Altonstill lay motionless with the pack saddle under his shoulders. 

Then a man crawled clear of the undergrowth, rose up, and stooped overthe lariat with a knife in his hand. He needed a horse badly, and onestroke with the blade would give him one; but he needed food and asaddle almost as much, and moving forward a few paces gazed at thesleeping man. He saw the pack that had been seized to the saddle, andguessed that there were several days' provisions inside it, while awolfish gleam came into his eyes as he straightened himself and stoodvery still listening. His garments hung in thorn-rent rags about him, weariness was in his very attitude, but his face had written on it thecunning and courage of desperation, for he had been hunted by tirelessmen who were then close behind him, and had travelled for the most partstarving and without sleep. With a good horse and provisions he couldyet escape his enemies, and the man looked scarcely human as he stoodwatching the sleeper with a sullen glow in his eyes. 

There was nothing audible but the sighing of the pines and the faintsound of breathing, and moving a pace nearer he stopped again. The manhe watched was very still, but a little breeze fanned the fire, andwhen the flickering radiance passed across his face the watcher almostbetrayed himself with a cry as he recognized him. There was only onecourse open to him now, and with the muscles of his right armcontracting and the lean soil-stained fingers he had clawed his way upthe ravine with closing on the knife, he crept forward another pace. He had no great fear of anything Horton and the ranchers could dowithout the help of this man who could condemn him, and he knew hiscapabilities. Now one swift thrust would silence him forever, and oncehe could reach the railroad there was a man who for his own sake wouldhelp him safely out of the country with as many dollars as he mightdemand. Still, he slipped out of the firelight next second, and theknife shook a little in his hand. 

Alton had lain with his right arm under him, and the starched shirt hehad worn when he left the city showing white where the jacket andblanket had fallen apart, but now the arm was stretched across hisbody. Still, his eyes were closed, and the man who surmised that hemust have moved while he glanced at the provisions closed with himswiftly, crouching. He stopped again, stooping further, for the armand blanket were in the way, and he knew he might have no opportunityfor a second thrust. Something must be risked, and moving his eyesfrom the sleeper's face he endeavoured to draw the blanket gently aside. 

That was a blunder, for the soil-stained fingers had scarcely touchedthe fabric when a fist was dashed full in his face, and as he staggeredbackwards something hove itself partly upright and fell upon him. After that neither of them knew all that had happened, but the knifefell from a hand whose wrist yielded under a crushing grasp, and waskicked away and trampled on. Then breathing stertorously they reeledinto a fir, and the assailant's hand was free again, while stonesrattled beneath them as Alton, half-suffocated, flung him almost atarm's length from him. Then the ground seemed to slip away beneathhim, and he wound an arm about his adversary as he smote again. 

Faint as he was with the blow, Alton did not, however, strive to shakehim off now, but grappled with him the more closely, and next momentthey had rolled crashing through a juniper. Then the other man camedown undermost and struck a stone, there was a swift glissade overrattling shingle and through smashing undergrowth, and Alton lay stillalone, while something rolled on down the slope beneath him, untilhearing a splash below he rose with a little hoarse cry and swunghimself off the ledge which had arrested him. He rolled over severaltimes, but came down, as he discovered later, whole in limb, for hecould think of nothing then as he groped in and out amidst the poolsand boulders for his enemy. When he found him the man lay with hisface apparently in the water, and only moaned a little when Alton shookhim. 

Then suddenly his passion fell from him, and with a gentleness that wasin no way akin to pity he dragged the limp body from the water, and satdown to wait for morning with the wet head upon his knee. The morningwas also a very long while coming, but at last, when the stars werepaling and the dark pines slowly grew into shape and form, there was asound of footsteps on the heights above and a voice he recognized camedown:

"Come right along. Here's his fire, but the man has gone. "

"Charley!" cried Alton, and there was an exclamation of astonishmentfollowed by a scrambling, and presently Seaforth stopped with a littlegasp by his comrade. Alton's face showed drawn and grey in thecreeping light, and there was another more blanched one in the wet fernbeside him. 

"Good Lord!" said Seaforth. "What's the meaning of this, Harry?"

"Look at him, " said Alton gravely. "You should know him. I think thisis the third time. "

"Damer!" said Seaforth hoarsely. "We were trailing him, and knew hecouldn't be far off when we saw your fire. We took it for his. Is hedead?"

"No, " said Alton gravely, "I hope not. We have some use for him. Goback and get the lariat, and we'll try to heave him up. "

CHAPTER XXXII

ALTON HOLDS HIS HAND

It was very quiet and somewhat chilly in the little back room ofHorton's hotel when Damer, who lay on a trestle-cot, moved his head atrifle and made a feeble sign. The fire had sunk in the stove, and itwas then towards two o'clock in the morning, when man's vitality is atits lowest. The young doctor Horton had brought in from a distantsettlement shivered a little as he rose and stooped over the bed. 

Damer glanced at him out of glazing eyes, and made a faint gesture. "Ihave no use for you, " he said. "It's Alton I want. "

The doctor crossed over to Horton, who sat in a corner. "If there isanything you want to ask him lose no time, " he said. "The man can'tlast until the morning. "

"Well, " said Horton gravely, "it would be a favour if you went down forNeilson, the surveyor. He's sitting up waiting. You see we want somewitnesses not connected with the thing in case he's going to tell usanything. Harry, you'd better talk to him. "

Alton crossed the room and sat down by the bed. He had, as ithappened, come out almost scatheless from the fall into the ravine, which was not the case with his assailant, who had been carried down tothe settlement with the life just clinging to his crushed body. Allthat was possible had been done for him, and now Alton waited withintense suspense, with something akin to compassion in his eyes, andhis anger diverted from the dying wretch to the man who had made use ofhim. 

"You're going to talk?" he said. "Well, it's only square to warn youthat it will be all put down. "

Damer glanced at Horton, who sat with a pen in his hand and a paper onhis knee, and from him to the surveyor holding one or two Governmentappointments, who came quietly in. 

"That's all right, " he said very slowly. "Well, I wanted to kill you, but I don't know that I've a great deal against you now. You and theboys did what you could for me, and it was a man in the city who heldme to it. Oh, yes, he's sitting down there raking in the dollars, anddon't care two cents that the man he sent up to make them is dyinghere. The thing's not square, anyway. "

Alton was sensible of a faint disgust, but he remembered that he couldnot afford to be fastidious, because the men he had drawn into hisventure must stand or fall with him. 

"We want to know who he is, " he said. 

There was a glimmer of malice in Damer's face. "Well, " he said, andthe strained voice grew clearer, "it was Hallam of the Tyee. There wassomething I did that gave him a pull on me, and that man has no mercyfor anybody. "

Alton heard the scratching of Horton's pen. "And Hallam hired you tomurder me?"

"Yes, " and Damer glanced at Horton. "You have got that down? At firsthe only hired me to go up to Somasco and watch you while I worked foryou. You're a tolerably smart man, Harry Alton, but it's kind ofcurious you didn't know me. "

Alton stared at the drawn face with a bewildered expression, and thenmoved a trifle in his chair. "Good Lord!" he said. "Black Nailer'spartner! Well, I didn't see you that often--and it was dark when----"

Damer's face went awry with pain, but his gesture implied comprehension. 

"Yes, " he said feebly. "When you got him with the axe. Nailer hadbeen on the whisky, and that gun of his was a little stiff on themagazine-spring; but he was the best partner I ever had, and I left agood claim behind when you and the boys chased me right out of thatpart of Washington. Now you've got the beginning. Give me a littlemore brandy. "

The doctor came forward softly and held a glass to the cracked lips, then lifted the dying man a little. After that there was silence forat least five minutes, and Alton sat rigidly still, choking down hisfierce impatience as he saw his last hope slipping away from him. Thenhe drew in his breath with a quivering sigh as the feeble voicecommenced again. 

"Get it down. You haven't much time. "

Horton's pen scratched and spluttered, as sinking now and then almostbeyond hearing, the disjointed words fell from the lips that couldscarcely frame them; but it was nevertheless with a horrible vividnessthat Damer told his story, and those who sat listening gasped withrelief when at last it was finished and everything was plain. Then hesigned to the doctor, who raised his head a trifle and once more held aglass to his lips. 

"Read it. I want to see you've got it straight, " he said. For a spaceHorton's voice rose and fell monotonously as he read in haste. Then heapproached the bed with the paper, and the dying man seized the pen. He traced a few straggling characters upon the document, and let itfall again, watched with strained impatience while Horton and thesurveyor signed, and then turned his head from the light. 

"Now, " he said, "I guess I've fixed the man who held the whip over meup quite tight. "

It was probably ten minutes before he moved again, and then he signedto Alton very feebly with his fingers, while a curious look thatafterwards puzzled the rancher, who could not forget it, crept into hiseyes. There was vindictiveness in it, but whether there was more thanthis he could never tell. 

"There's just another thing, " he said in a hoarse, strained whisper asAlton bent over him. "Come nearer--a little nearer still. Now therewas another man as well as Hallam. "

Alton glancing round saw that the others had not heard, and stooped atrifle further as the cracked lips moved again. Nobody caught whatDamer told him, but when he straightened himself again his face waswhite and grim, and he went out without a word to any one. Then theflicker of a smile came into the eyes of the dying man, and he movedhis head so that his face was hidden. The doctor, crossing oversoftly, looked down on him and signed to the others that they mightleave the room. 

"He may last an hour or two, but I don't think he will speak again, " hesaid. 

In the meanwhile Alton strode with hands clenched into the shadows ofthe silent pines. He had long been troubled by vague suspicions, andhad driven them away, but he could not doubt what Damer had told him, and groaned as he stood face to face with the verity. He had been tooproud to stoop at any time to take an unfair advantage of an enemy, buthe could not lightly forget a wrong, and there was a trace of stubbornvindictiveness within him. Hallam had brought him down to ruin, andthrice struck at his life by treachery, and now Damer's testimony hadplaced his enemy in his hand. He had but to close it and crush him, but he also realized with fierce anger what this would cost him, forHallam had, it seemed, protected himself effectively. If he draggedHallam down Deringham must fall with him, and while that considerationalone would not have stayed him in spite of the curious pride of raceand family which he had become sensible of of late, it was evident thathis daughter must suffer too. She had done no wrong, and Alton, whothought of her with a great tenderness, dare not contemplate all thatthe revelation would cost her. 

It would have been bitter to let his enemy go free, had he stood alone, but that was, he realized, what no man can do, and there were behindhim with their future linked to his the ranchers of Somasco whosesafety demanded that he should put it out of Hallam's power to do thema further injury. It would also be so simple. He had but to hold hishand, and Horton would take all the action that was needful. 

Then it became more plain to him that even at the cost of his loyaltyto his comrades he could not allow the woman he loved to suffer withthe guilty. He knew her pride and that the blow would crush her, butagain through all his pity for her a gust of rage shook him, and heground the soft cedar-twigs viciously beneath his heel. He could notface the thought of the woman's humiliation. Everything must go, hispride, his faith, his vengeance, before that came about, and he stoppedin his restless pacing and leaned against a pine as the conflictingemotions gave place to a quiet resolution. At last he could see thestars between the great branches high above him, and shivered a littleas a chilly breeze sighed across the silent bush. Something in itsstillness reacted upon him, and the last trace of his passion meltedaway. If he did wrong he alone would be responsible, and at least hisenemy's daughter should not suffer. 

Walking very slowly he went back to the hotel, and found Hortonwriting. He glanced at Alton curiously and then answered the unaskedquestion. 

"Yes, " he said; "he's out on the trail now, and one would kind ofwonder where it was taking him. Where have you been all this time, Harry?"

"How long have I been?" said Alton. 

"Two hours, anyway. Well, you needn't tell me if you don't want to, but it's quite easy to see that something is worrying you. "

Alton concealed his astonishment. "I've had things to think about, "said he. "Wasn't there a paper you took from Damer?"

"Oh, yes, " and Horton flung him several crumpled sheets across. "Nothing much to be made of that. It has been given him to send ciphertelegrams with. "

Alton glanced at the paper with apparently vague curiosity, but hisbrain was busy and he had a good memory. 

"I think I'd let the folks in Vancouver have it, " he said with a yawn. "Now I want a few hours' rest, because we're going back at sun up torestake the claim. "

Horton looked thoughtful. "I'm not quite sure you could hold it. Ithasn't been declared open. "

Alton laughed a little. "Well, I think I can, " he said. "Damer hadn'tgot his patent, anyway, and it's scarcely likely that the man who senthim will protest against me. "

Then he slowly strolled away, but once the door closed behind him movedwith quick resolute steps to his room. There he sat busy with pen andpaper for several minutes, and then descending softly found Okanagan inthe store. 

"Get your horse as quietly as you can, and ride in to the railroad withthis message as if the devil was after you, " he said. 

Okanagan stretched himself sleepily. "Horton's sending in at sun up. "

"Yes, " said Alton dryly. "I want my message on the wires some hoursbefore his, but nobody need know of it beyond you and me. "

Okanagan nodded, and in another five minutes Alton looked into the roomwhere Horton was still writing. 

"I fancied I heard somebody riding down the trail, but it's not quiteeasy being a magistrate, and my head's got kind of mixed, " said thelatter. "Still, I've nearly got this thing fixed, and if the folksdown in Vancouver don't fool over it, when Hallam hears what's happenedto his partner he'll be under lock and key. "

"Oh, yes, " said Alton. "We'll hope for the best, though that man'skind of slippery. "

In the meanwhile Tom of Okanagan was riding at a gallop down the trail, with the thin mist whirling by him and the stars above him growing dim, and there were several leagues between him and the settlement whendaylight crept slowly into the valley. Thus it happened that Horton'sdispatches to the police at Vancouver were not the first that left thestation, and that evening Deringham, who was sitting with his daughteron the verandah of Forel's house, turned from the girl with a littleclosing of his lips as he saw Hallam coming up the pathway. Hismovements suggested nervous haste, and though he was usually neat indress, his unbuttoned coat had evidently been flung on, while theglance he cast behind him towards the wharf where one of the Soundsteamers was about to sail savoured of apprehension. This did notescape Alice Deringham. 

"Mr. Hallam seems to be in a hurry, " she said. "I wish he had not comenow, because I do not like that man, and you have not been well lately. You will not let him disturb you?"

Deringham rose and looked down on her with a curious little smile. "Idon't know that it can be helped, but I am no more pleased to see Mr. Hallam than you seem to be, " he said. 

For a moment, and though the breach between them had not been healed, the girl's heart smote her. Deringham had beguiled her into an actionwhose memory would, she fancied, always retain its sting, but he washer father, and seemed very worn and ill. Also some instinctiveimpulse prompted her to detain him. 

"Father, " she said pleadingly, "don't see him. Go in at once, and Iwill tell him that quietness is necessary to you. "

Deringham had almost yielded to the hand upon his arm when Hallamglanced in their direction and signed to him. Then he shook off thegirl's grasp and she shivered a little for no apparent reason as theywent in together. There was nobody else about, for Mrs. Forel and herhusband had gone down to the city, and she sat alone on the verandahwhile a murmur of voices reached her through an open window. Thoughhis words were inaudible her father appeared to be expostulating. Thenhe came out, and as she noticed there was an unusual pallor in his faceand that his hands were trembling, she remembered he had looked as hedid then once before when a partial failure of the heart's action hadalmost cost him his life. 

"You must send Mr. Hallam away at once, " she said. 

Deringham made a gesture of impatience. "I shall be rid of himaltogether in a few more minutes. You have some money by you?"

"Yes, " said the girl. "I am not fond of going to the bank, and got Mr. Forel to change my English cheque into currency, but why do you wantit?"

"Hallam has to catch the steamer, and the banks are shut. Don't askquestions now, but get me the money quick. "

Alice Deringham went in, and returned with a little satchel. "This isall I have, and I don't feel very willing to lend it Mr. Hallam, " shesaid. 

Deringham took the satchel from her and moved away; then, as thoughacting under impulse, he stopped and looked back at her. 

"Thank you, my dear, " he said, with a curious gentleness. "It hasrelieved me of a good deal of anxiety. "

He went away, and Alice Deringham, hearing the door close behind him, wondered a little. When she next looked up she saw Hallam swingingwith hasty strides down the road, and a little later the roar of awhistle rang about the pines as a big white steamer moved out into theinlet. A cloud of yellow vapour rolled from her funnel, there was afrothing wash beneath her towering sides, and the girl watched herlanguidly until the pines which shroud the Narrows shut the great whitefabric from her sight and left only a moving trail of smoke. 

Then she felt happier. The steamer had at least taken Hallam away, andher father was not now the courtly though somewhat reserved gentlemanwho had treated her with indulgent kindness until Hallam crossed hispath. It was a fine evening, and she sat still on the verandahwondering how the rift had imperceptibly widened between them, untilagain the blood crept to her forehead as she remembered that it was athis instigation she had detained Alton. Still, though she realizedthat this could not be wholly forgotten, she took her part of theblame, and felt sorry for the harassed man whose anxieties wereintensified by his solicitude for her welfare. He was in difficulties, his health was failing, and she decided upon an attempt atreconciliation. The respect she had cherished for him could never bequite restored, but she could be a more sympathetic daughter, and helphim to bear his troubles. Then as she glanced down across the inletwith eyes that grew softer, Forel and his wife came up through thegarden. 

"Still alone?" he said. "Where is your father?"

"I think he is in your room, " said the girl. "Mr. Hallam came in tosee him. "

"Hallam? Now I wonder----" said Forel, and stopped, but AliceDeringham had seen his face, and being a woman took instinctive warning. 

"I don't think he wanted anything of importance, and he was only in aminute or two, " she said. 

They went in together, but Forel was behind the girl, when she pushedopen a door and then stopped just inside it. Deringham was sittingbefore a table, and there was something that perplexed her in hisattitude. He seemed curiously still, and his head had fallen forward. 

"Father, " she said, and her heart beat a trifle faster, for Deringhamdid not move. 

His face was not visible, and moving forward she grew suddenly faintand cold as she touched his shoulder. There was no response from theman, and she now noticed that he seemed huddled together; but she sawnothing more, for just then a hand was laid upon her arm. Shaking offthe grasp, she turned and saw her growing horror reflected in Forel'sface. 

"You must come away, my dear, " he said hoarsely. 

Alice Deringham shivered, but she stood very straight a moment, staringdown with dilated eyes at the grim figure in the chair. 

"Touch him. Speak to him, " she said in a voice that set Forel's nerveson edge, and then as the last faint hope died away, stretched out herhands with a little half-choked cry. 

"Come away, " said Forel very huskily. 

He was sensible that the girl's hand was very cold as he drew her fromthe room, but he left her with his wife on the verandah and then wentback hastily. Forel was a kindly man, but he knew that speculation inWestern mines has its under-side, and it was for the girl's sake hestripped off the top sheet of the blotting-pad, which had a recentimpression on it, and afterwards poured the remaining contents of awineglass out into the stove. Then he glanced all round the roombefore he went out to send for a doctor. It was an hour later when hefound his wife alone. 

"How is she?" he said. 

Mrs. Forel's eyes were hazy. "I think she has given way at last--itwas awful at first when she would only sit and look at me, " she said;and then her voice sank a little, "How did it happen, Tom?"

"Heart disease, " said Forel. "The doctor is quite sure of that. "

"But, " said Mrs. Forel, "what brought it on?"

"Well, " said Forel slowly, "anything that upsets one is apt to proveperilous in cases like his, and I rather fancy that Deringham had aquarrel with Hallam. They had dealings together, and I think Deringhammust have lost a good deal of money. You will not, however, mention itto anybody. "

Mrs. Forel looked at her husband curiously, "No, of course, " she said. "I wish I knew what to do for the girl. "

CHAPTER XXXIII

MISS DERINGHAM'S CONFESSION

Several weeks had passed since Deringham's funeral when one eveningForel, sitting alone on his verandah, saw Alton coming up the pathway. His face was once more bronzed by wind and sun, but it had not whollylost the sombreness Forel had noticed when he had last seen him inVancouver. 

"I'm glad to see you, Forel, for I've just come in from Victoria, andthere's a good deal I want to know, " he said. 

"You generally do, " and Forel became suddenly grave. "You heard whathappened to your kinsman?"

"Yes, " said Alton. "It was some time before I got your letter. I wasback up there at the mine, you know. Very sudden, wasn't it?"

Forel nodded. "Still, it was not altogether astonishing. The doctorhad warned him a few days before it happened that any unusual exertionor excitement might prove perilous. "

"And, so far as you know, was there anything of that kind?"

Ford watched his companion closely as he answered:

"I have told nobody else, but Hallam called here and saw him shortlybefore it happened. "

Alton's face remained impassive, but his voice was not quite inaccordance with it as he said, "The police have no word of him?"

Forel smiled. "As there cannot well be a prosecution without aprisoner they are somewhat reticent. Still, Hallam caught the Soundsteamer, and late that night one of the officers came round here, whileI was eventually able to glean a few details. The steamer had calledat one or two ports before they got the wires, and while the Americanpolice might have shadowed him, you cannot arrest a Canadian across thefrontier until you get your papers through. By the time that was donethere was no trace of Hallam. Still, I'm a little puzzled, because heseems to have cleared out at a moment's notice, and it's difficult tosee who could have warned him. "

Forel fancied that Alton seemed relieved. "He has gone, anyway, " hesaid. "Still, if he had only time to catch the steamer the banks wouldbe closed, and he couldn't go very far without dollars. They generallywant two signatures to a cheque in a concern like his. "

Forel looked Alton steadily in the face. "I happen to know that hetook a good big cheque with him, and it was negotiated in Tacoma, " hesaid. "It has transpired since that his partner was away that day, andhis cheque-book not available. "

Alton's eyes closed a trifle, and though he made no other sign Forelsaw that the shot had reached its mark. "Then, " he said slowly, "Iwould rather you didn't mention it. Hallam is scarcely likely toventure back again. "

"No, " said Forel. "There were, I fancy, things his partners didn'tknow, but when he had gone they commenced inquiring, and it iscurrently believed that what they discovered slightly astonished them. Then there was an indignation meeting of the Tyee shareholders and talkabout prosecuting the accountant. "

There was relief in Alton's face, which softened suddenly as he said, "And how is Miss Deringham?"

Forel smiled. "I fancied you were about to ask that question first, "he said. "The girl seemed to take it very hard, and at last I sent mywife and her away up to the hotel in the Rockies. Hettie has persuadedher to stay on here, and I expect them home very shortly. "

"But she would be wanted at Carnaby?" said Alton. 

"Well, " said Forel, once more watching him, "I believe the lawyerswrote for her, but she seems to have a horror of the place, and Hettiedare scarcely mention it to her. I'll tell you nothing more untilyou've had dinner. "

Forel adhered to his resolution, and it was more than an hour laterwhen he returned to the subject as they sat, cigar in hand, on theverandah, watching the lights of the vessels blink across the inlet. "We are going to keep Miss Deringham as long as we can, " he said. "Shehas no kinsfolk she thinks much of in England, and Hettie is very fondof her. Did I tell you that Thorne called upon her?"

"No, " said Alton, with a curious vibration in his voice. "Well, " saidForel, "I meant to. No doubt he felt it his duty, but Hettie seemed tofancy there was something else. Still, I think she was mistaken, because he said good-bye to us when he went away, and we heard sincethat he had sailed for another station. "

"He was a good man, " said Alton gravely. 

Forel glanced at him curiously. "Women are subject to such fancies, and Hettie had another once, " he said. "In fact, I think she was quitesorry when it apparently came to nothing. "

Alton laughed mirthlessly. "Wasn't it a trifle foolish of Mrs. Forel?Miss Deringham is a lady of position in the old country, and I a bushrancher, standing on the brink of ruin, and a cripple. "

"Of course, " said Forel, "you know best. Still, I can't help fancyingyou are unduly proud of your affliction, because it is scarcelyperceptible to other people, while Miss Deringham has not a great dealto maintain her position with. You see the death duties are heavy inthe old country, and from the letters she has shown me Deringhamappears to have involved the estate considerably during hisstewardship. "

Alton laid down his cigar. "It seems to me that we are taking aliberty in discussing Miss Deringham's affairs, " he said dryly. 

"Well, " said Forel, with a little smile, "you have a good deal to tellme. "

Alton nodded. "I went back to the mine after Damer's death, " he said. "Got there just before sun up, and we had our stakes in before Hallam'smen quite realized what we were after. Of course there was a circus, but we had expected it and fixed things accordingly. Hallam's men wentout and I came down to see the Crown people in Victoria. Two or threeof the others, however, called on the nearest recorder's at the sametime as me. We came down in the same cars, you see. "

"Have we any chance at all?" said Forel. 

Alton smiled dryly. "I left Okanagan and Seaforth with enough of theboys to hold the claim sitting tight, " he said. "Talked to the chiefsin Victoria, and showed them Damer's testimony. They told me thatnobody had a patent, and that everything that had been done wasinformal, and because they would probably have to submit the case toOttawa it would take time for them to come to a decision. And now forSomasco. The new mill's finished, but it has got to live on the localdemand, and just now there isn't any. We're half through with thedesiccatory, but as it seems the Government will not make us roads, theCalifornia people with their cheap transport will beat us easily. I'vegot thirty men chopping out a new trail one could haul a loaded wagonon, and don't quite know how to pay them. We've raised a piece of thecannery, but for want of dollars don't go on, and, to put it straight, unless that railroad comes in, Somasco will be busted when the loanscome due. "

"Well, " said Forel, "I've some news for you. One of my clients whoseems to think a good deal of the future of Somasco offers dollarsenough to help you considerably--in fact, half as much again as youwere asking for lately. "

Alton's face brightened, and then grew clouded again. "The other folkshave security, and as I don't know that we have anything we could offerthis one, I'm not sure it would be square, " he said. 

"The dollars, " said Forel, "are now in my hands, and I fancy that ifyou will go through the books with me tomorrow we can find somethingthat would figure as security. In fact, the lender left me a tolerablywide discretion and would almost as soon I sank the dollars to take ashare of the profits as put them out on loan. "

Alton appeared astonished. "Considering our present credit, that issomewhat curious. "

"There it is, anyway, " said Forel, smiling. "There are, it seems, still people who believe in Somasco and you, but we'll see what we canfix up to-morrow. "

Alton stood up and straightened himself to his full height, while hisvoice trembled a little as he said, "Then I think whoever it is isgoing to save us yet. "

Forel made no answer, but he fancied that his client would have beencontented had she seen how Alton seemed to shake off the grimhopelessness that had been too apparent through all his resolution. 

It was with a lighter heart that Alton went away, and having littleleisure or inclination for company, he did not go back to his friend'shouse until the evening of Mrs. Forel's return. The sun had dippedbehind the pines when he reached it, and Forel and his wife sat withAlice Deringham upon the verandah, for which the girl was grateful, because the presence of others rendered their conventional greetingseasier, and she at once shrank from and desired an interview with Altonalone. By and by it, however, happened that Forel, who may havereceived a warning from his wife, remembered that he had some businessto attend to, while Mrs. Forel went away, as she explained, to instructthe Chinese cook, and Alice Deringham was left face to face with a taskthat now appeared almost impossible. She could not commence itdirectly. 

"And now I want you to tell me all about Somasco, " she said. 

Alton leaned with his back against a pillar looking down on her, andthe girl, who lay in a long chair, wished that she had chosen aposition where the light did not fall so directly upon her. That wasin one respect curious, because she had taken considerable pains withher toilet, and knew that the sweeping lines of the long black dressbecame her. Its sombreness also emphasized the ivory whiteness of herneck and hands, while the pallor and weariness of her face awoke atenderness that was far more than pity in the man. He caught the glintof the lustrous red-gold hair as she moved her head a trifle, and thenturned his eyes away with a little restless movement that did notescape his companion. 

"We may hold the mine after all, " he said. 

"Yes?" said Alice Deringham, with an evident eagerness which puzzledhim. "That is very good news. And your other difficulties? You see, I made Mr. Forel talk about them occasionally. "

The interest that this implied was not lost upon the man, but heglanced away again. 

"They are less than they were, " he said gravely. "Still, I don't knowthat you would care to hear about these things. "

"That is not very friendly, " said Alice Deringham, with a little smile. 

Alton glanced down at her in swift surprise, and then his face became amask again. "Well, " he said slowly, "when I think we would have beenbeaten without it, somebody lent us enough dollars to carry us through. It sounds very simple, but it has made a new man of me. To havedragged down all the men who trusted me would have hurt me horribly. "

"And this loan or whatever it is will prevent that happening? It wasopportune?"

"Yes, " and a little glow came into Alton's eyes. "It was veryopportune. "

"You were not so laconic at the ranch, " said the girl, who smiled athim. "Once upon a time you would tell me all about your plans. "

The man seemed to quiver as he met her gaze, and then slowlystraightened himself. "I have been taught a good deal since then andknow what an egotistical fool I was, " he said. "Still, this loan makestoo great a difference to me to be expressed in words. You canscarcely understand--I think no woman could--what it is to feel utterlybeaten. "

"Still, " said Alice Deringham, with a little flash in her eyes, "Idon't think you ever quite felt that, and now you will have everythingyou hoped for again?"

Alton's fingers closed suddenly as he looked down on the gleaming hairand whiteness of the neck beneath it, for the girl's face had beenturned from him. "No, " he said slowly. "I wanted so much, you see. "

"And yet you once seemed to think there was nothing impossible to theman who was resolute enough--and I fancied you were right, " said thegirl. "Still, the things one used to admire occasionally lose theirvalue. "

She glanced at him a moment, and was afraid to look again. The man'sface was very grim, but she had seen what was in his eyes, and waitedalmost breathless, until he stooped and laid his hand upon her shoulder. 

"Will you look up and tell me that again?" he said. 

Alice Deringham was never quite sure whether she looked up or not, butshe felt her cheeks glowing and the man's hand tighten on her shoulder. "I--I can't, " she said. 

Perhaps her voice betrayed her, for Alton had evidently flung restraintto the winds. "Then, " he said, with the quietness which she knew wasmost often a mask for his vehemence, "I have something to tell you. "

It cost Alice Deringham an effort she remembered all her life, but sheshook off his grasp, and stopped him with a little imperious gesture. "No, " she said, "you must listen. Go back to the rail. "

Alton stood a moment irresolute, the veins on his forehead swollen andpassion in his eyes. Then he stretched out his hand with a littlelaugh, and Miss Deringham knew that unless she used all her strengththat tale would never be told. She rose up, and stood looking at him, very statuesque and cold now in the long trailing dress. Alton let hishand drop and bent his head. 

"I am only a bushman, and I am sorry, " he said. "Now you will sit downagain. "

It was evident that he had put a stern restraint upon himself, but thegirl knew that he would listen. 

"I have a confession to make, " she said quietly. "You will rememberthe sale of Townshead's ranch, but you do not know I kept back themessage Miss Townshead sent you. "

Alton laughed a little. "Nothing would convince me of it. The man whoshould have brought it was not sober. He told me himself. "

Alice Deringham had not anticipated this, and the man's unwaveringfaith in her was worse to bear than his anger would have been. "Still, the message was plain, and I remembered it, " she said. 

Alton made a little gesture of impatience. "No, " he said resolutely, "you did not, and if you had done you would have had a reason thatwould have made it right. "

The girl sat silent a few moments, her thoughts in confusion, almostangry with the man for his loyalty. "But there is more. You weregoing back into the ranges to relocate the mine--and I knew that itwould cost you a great deal when I sent the note that stopped you. "

The bronze faded suddenly in the man's face, and there was a dew uponhis forehead, while the girl felt very faint and cold as she realizedhow he would feel the blow. Yet she could not spare either herself orhim, and she struck while she had the courage left. 

"I knew you would risk everything if I asked you to, and that was why Isent the note. I wanted to hurt you. "

Alton's hand tightened upon the balustrade, and then turning slowly hepaced along the verandah, while Alice Deringham choked back a sob asshe noticed that now his steps were uneven. She had accomplished thetask that was laid upon her, and it only remained for her to keepsilence and hide her suffering. In another moment he would descend theverandah stairway and she would never see him again. Alton, however, went past the stairway as though he did not see it, moving clumsily, with a limp that pained the girl more than his face had done. Then heturned and she felt her heart beat faster, for there was a change inhim when he came back again. He stopped and stood still close by her. 

"You must try to forgive me--but it hurt, " he said. 

Alice Deringham turned her face away from him, and for a moment wonderalmost drove all other emotion out of her. 

"I--I don't understand. It was I who did that horrible thing. "

"Then, " said Alton very gravely, "you were driven to it. My dear, youcould of your own will do no wrong. "

Again his great faith in her brought the blood to the white face of thegirl, and her humiliation almost overwhelmed her. Still, she wasdetermined that he should know all, and she struck again. 

"No, " she said, with a cold incisiveness, though her voice was faintand strained. "I did it because I hated you--and longed for any meansof punishing you. "

Alton seemed to shiver, but his eyes were fixed on her steadily, andnext moment he had laid his hand upon her shoulder and forced her tolook up at him. 

"Then we will forget it together, " he said. "There was a mistakesomewhere--for I do not think you could have hated me. "

Alice Deringham made a last struggle; it was a very bitter one, for sherealized the all-sufficiency of the love that would believe no evil. "It is impossible, and it will always be, " she said. "Will you not seewhat I am, and how very different that is from what you think of me?"

Alton smiled gravely. "My dear, I want you as you are. How could itmake a difference whether you had done right or wrong--and I shallstill hold you blameless when I know everything. "

Passion was once more kindling in his eyes, and Alice Deringham, whosaw it, rose stiffly upright, holding on to her last strength. Herface was very weary, but there was something in her eyes whichrestrained the man. 

"I can bear no more, " she said, with a downward glance at the longblack dress. "Have you forgotten? You have shown me what a man canrise to, Harry Alton, but I will not wrong you further by marrying you. Now you must say nothing, but out of pity for me go away. "

The appeal was effective, for Alton bent his head. "I am going--butthere is nothing impossible, and I will come back, " he said, and movedslowly towards the stairway. 

Alice Deringham watched him cross the garden, and then the last vestigeof the resolution that had sustained her melted, and she went verywearily into the house, where, as it happened, Mrs. Forel was waitingfor her. The elder lady asked no questions, for she saw her face, butdrew the girl very gently down beside her. 

"I am sorry, my dear, " she said. 

Alice Deringham let her head sink down upon her companion's shoulderand sobbed aloud. 

"There can be very few men like Harry Alton, " she said disjointedly. "And because I could not abuse his goodness I sent him away. "

CHAPTER XXXIV

THE CONSUMMATION

It was hot outside in the noisy streets, but the Somasco Consolidatedoffices were quiet and cool when Alton entertained two of his friendsthere one afternoon. There is no special sanctity attached to a placeof business in the West, and nobody who knew Alton would have beenastonished to find plates of fruit upon the papers which littered histable, and a spirit lamp burning on the big empty stove. A verywinsome young lady also sat in a lounge-chair, and Forel close byglanced at her with a most unbusinesslike twinkle in his eyes. Seaforth had been married recently, and his wife had called in to see, so she told Alton, that he was not working him too hard. 

"You will give Mrs. Charley some tea, " said Alton. "Your husband, madam, has been brought up well, but there was a time when I had realtrouble in teaching him. Forel, you'll find some ice and soda yonderas well as the other things. "

Nellie Seaforth laughed a little as she thrust the cup away. "No, " shesaid; "I know where that tea comes from, and I would sooner have someice and soda with out the other things. Have the strawberries gone up, Harry?"

Alton nodded. "That's a fact, and I am very glad, " he said. "You see, we are sending out about a ton of them every day, and there are none toequal ours in the Dominion. Still, if Charley wasn't so lazy he'd giveyou some. Can't you find that ice, Forel? There was a big lumpyesterday. "

"That is quite possible, " said Forel dryly, "but it has gone, and it isapparently running out of your plans and estimates now. "

"Then you will have to fall back upon Horton's tea, " said Alton, smiling. "Nobody knows where he gets it from except that it isn'tChina, but he seems to think it's my duty to buy it from him, and therasp of it brings the bush back to me. Makes one smell the cedars, andsee the lake flashing, and I'm very tired of the city. "

Mrs. Seaforth laughed as she glanced at the bottles Forel was pitchingout of a box, for as yet he had not found one with anything in it. 

"Have you a mineral water factory at Somasco, too?" she said. 

"Not yet, " said Alton gravely. "But we may have by and by, though someof my partners would have more use for a distillery. We're going tohave everything that will pay, but we've been too busy making roadslately. "

Forel stood up, looking a little more thoughtful. "You are, at anyrate, running up a confoundedly long bill, " he said. "You will getvery few new dresses, Mrs. Seaforth, unless you make your husband stophim. Of course you heard nothing, Alton, from the roads and trails?"

Alton laughed softly. "That's where you're wrong. I wrote themwanting to know if they thought it my duty to open up the country forthem, and I got a letter that the affair is receiving consideration. If the bush country members can get the new appropriation through, thesurveyor's going up to look at what we've done. "

"Effrontery is the thing that pays, " said Forel. "But have you heardfrom Tom?"

Alton's face grew a trifle graver. "He and more of the boys aresitting on the claim, and there's another crowd camped down with stakesready right in front of him. He tells me he finds it hard to keep hishands off them, and I'd have gone up only that I'm waiting for theCrown folks' decision. "

"I think they can only declare the claim open, " said Forel, "and thatbeing so they couldn't well send you an intimation before they made thefact public. "

Nobody said anything for a little. Forel had told them nothing new, and they could guess at the suspense Alton had been enduring, for thedecision of the Crown authorities meant a good deal to all of them. Ifthe claim were declared open, the first man to restake it and get inhis papers could take possession. 

"It would be dreadful if Harry lost it, " said Mrs. Seaforth. "Still, Idon't think he will. "

Alton laughed a little. "I don't mean to if I can help it, " he said. "I've had Thomson prospecting for the fastest road down, and he hasfound one that is rideable. "

Forel nodded. "That reminds, " he said. "Hettie wants to get away fromthe city, and I thought of taking her and Miss Deringham up to Somasco. You will lend us the house for a week or two?"

"Of course, " said Alton. "Go as soon as it's possible. I want a manwith a business grip up there. My head will scarcely hold all thethings I've been trying to cram into it lately. "

Mrs. Seaforth glanced at him with a little smile of sympathy, foralthough the Somasco affairs looked a little more promising now, Altonhad been doing the work of several men, and the strain had told on him. She also remembered her husband's sleepless nights. 

"We shall all be glad when the anxiety is over, but one can't helpthinking that you men have the best of it now and then, " she said. "Atleast you can work--while we can only sit still. "

Forel smiled upon her. "Well, " he said, without reflection, "there isone woman who has done a good deal for Somasco. "

He saw his blunder next moment, for Alton rose up suddenly. "I wouldlike to hear that again, " he said. 

Forel was manifestly uncomfortable, but he glanced towards Mrs. Seaforth as he said, "I think Charley will back me up. "

"Of course, " said Seaforth, whose tone, however, chiefly expressedbewilderment; but Alton made a little forceful gesture. 

"Pshaw!" he said. "You're fooling, Forel, and you would never disclosewho your client was that lent us the money. "

"No, " said Forel resolutely. "Nor do I mean to. Sit down again, Harry, and don't get fancying things. "

Alton moved a pace forward with a dark flush in his face. "Forel, " hesaid, "where did all those dollars come from?"

Forel looked almost abject, and in his desperation glanced towardsNellie Seaforth. 

"I think you had better tell him now, " she said. 

"You know, too?" said Forel. 

Nellie Seaforth smiled a little. "I think I knew all along, " she said. "Still, Charley didn't. He is, of course, a man. "

"Then one of you has got to tell me, " said Alton. 

Nellie Seaforth raised her hand with a little imperious gesture. "Asyou know half of it I think you had better hear it all, " she said. "Well, if I had been Miss Deringham I would have taken that way ofgiving you back Carnaby. It is possible to raise money on an estate inthe old country. "

There was no need of further questions, for the answer was written onForel's flushed face, and Alton sat down with his lips firmly set. Then there was an awkward silence until he spoke again. 

"And I cannot return it. Every dollar has been sunk in the mills androads except what we took up the first loan with. "

Nellie Seaforth nodded with a pretty gravity, for the bond between themall was stronger than friendship usually is. 

"No, " she said, "and I can't help thinking that it is just as well. One cannot shirk his responsibilities, Harry, and you are an Alton--ofCarnaby. You see, nobody could take your inheritance from you, nor, though you did your best, could you give it away, and there is, Ifancy, only one meaning to that. Fate is too strong for you. You willredeem Carnaby again, go over there, and be--what you were born to be. "

Alton's face was once more flushed, and the girl fancied his fingersquivered a little, but while he sat silent there was a tapping at thedoor and an urchin flung a journal into the room. 

"_Colonist_, " he said, and vanished suddenly. 

Forel, who appeared glad of the diversion, picked up the paper, andthen stood up. "News at last, " he said excitedly. "I fancied we wouldhave had it first, but the news agency fellows have beaten us, Harry;it's more than probable they're going to rush the railroad through. "

Alton's eyes glittered. "Great news, but it will keep, " he said. "No, don't worry over any more of it. Look at the notices. "

Forel folded back the sheet. Then it rustled in his hand, and hisvoice shook as he read disjointedly: "Vacant Crown lands. To all itmay concern. Mineral claim on left bank headwaters Somasco River inunsurveyed territory, frontage declared to be----"

"Give it to me, or get on, " Alton said hoarsely. 

The paper was shaking visibly. "Is declared to be on or after 12 P. M. On the date undermentioned eligible for relocation, " and Forel endedwith a little gasp, "You have lost it, Harry. "

Alton was on his feet by this time and snatching out his watch. "No, by the Lord!" he said. "I've still rather a better chance than mostother men. Head straight for the freight traffic man, Charley, andtell him I'm going up with the fast Atlantic freight they're sendingour empty cars back on. Forel, run across and send in yourstenographer. There are lots of things I've got to do, and the freightwill be going out in an hour or so. "

Nellie Seaforth laughed a little. "Then Mr. Forel will not have time, and there's another woman anxious to do a little for Somasco. Give mea pencil, Harry, and begin right away. "

Alton only flung her a grateful glance, and dictated rapidly, untilSeaforth appeared in the doorway flushed with haste, when shouting histhanks after him he ran down the stairway. 

Nellie Seaforth laughed a little. "Good fortune go with him. That isAlton--of Somasco, " she said. "I wonder whether he will remember toput on his hat. "

"I don't think it's likely, " said her husband. "Nellie, I can't helpwondering if you were right just now. "

Mrs. Seaforth smiled at him curiously. "It was right I did, " she said. "Possibly the distinction is too fine for you, but I think the futurewill justify me. "

Then she drew off her gloves, and endeavoured to remember only that shehad been considered a capable business lady. 

Forel went up to Somasco next day, and one afternoon sat with his wifeand Miss Deringham upon the verandah of Horton's hotel. Horton himselfwas pacing up and down, and a group of bronzed bush ranchers stood inthe dust below. They spoke more rapidly than was usual with them, their movements were curiously restless for impassive men, and theireyes were fixed upon the shadowy trail that led down the valley beneaththe sombre pines. The afternoon was still, and a drowsy resinousfragrance hung heavily about the hotel. There was no sound but the lowvoices, and the murmur of sliding water in the distance. 

Alice Deringham was pale and very quiet, though there was an intentnessin her eyes, and when Horton stopped close by her she looked at him. 

"They have heard nothing yet?" she said. 

"No, " said the storekeeper. "Still, some of them should have been hereby now. "

The little nervous tremor in his voice did not escape the girl, andthough it had all been explained to her before, she said, "Then youexpect more than Mr. Alton?"

"Well, " said Horton, who seemed glad to find an outlet in speech, "Idon't quite know. You see there was a man brought a wire in beforeHarry got through, and once the claim was posted vacant anybody couldstake it. There's a holy crowd of jumpers hanging round the mine, andbecause there'd be such a circus nobody could be sure who'd got hispegs in first, the Crown people would probably listen to the man whogot through and recorded. Oh, yes, they'll be pounding down the trailas if the devil was after them now, but there's none of them got therelays of horses we've fixed up for Harry. "

Horton moved away, and the girl sat still listening, while Mrs. Forelstirred nervously, and her husband apparently found it necessary tolight his cigar again every now and then. The voices had died away, and there was no sound but the faint song of water and the patter ofrestless feet. How long the silence continued Alice Deringham did notknow, but a quiver went through her as a hoarse shout rose up, "They'recoming!"

Then there was silence again, and she watched a bronzed man rubbingdown a great black horse whose blood had not come from a Cayusepedigree until a faint drumming grew louder down the trail. It swelledinto a sharp staccato, and the murmurs commenced again. "Two of them. Another man behind. Riding like brimstone. Can you see them yet?"

The drumming sound sank, and rose again in a confused roar as thehorsemen crossed a wooden bridge while Alice Deringham stood up, whenonce more the voices rose stridently. 

"One of the jumpers first. Harry's coming along behind. Cayuse playedout. Lord, how they're riding!"

Then lips were set tight, and steady eyes blazed, as a man grimed withsweat and dust who reeled in his saddle swept out from the forest on ajaded horse. Most of those who watched him had a heavy stake in thatrace, for it was with Alton's prosperity they must stand or fall; butthe bushman's code of honour is as high as it is simple, and theysprang aside to give the rider a free passage. The man blinked at themin a curious dazed fashion, as he rode on, the dust whirling behind himand the lather dripping tinged with red from the horse's whitened sides. 

Still, the drumming behind grew louder, and he had scarcely sunk intothe shadows when Alton, stripped to shirt and trousers, rode in. He, too, swayed in the saddle, and his face was foul with dust, but it wasfirmly set, and there was a glint in his eyes, while as he swept out ofthe shadow of the pines two men led the horse out into the trail. Hereined his beast in upon its haunches, swung himself down, thrust asidethe pitcher somebody tendered him, and with a swing that rent the whiteshirt was once more in the saddle. Then there was a scattering of thecrowd and a shouting broke out. 

"You'll have him in a league, Harry. Another horse ready at Thomson'sranch. "

Alice Deringham held her breath as, while a third beat of hoofs grewlouder behind, Alton gathered up the bridle and drove his heels home. The horse, frightened by the clamour, reared almost upright and thenbacked across the trail, while the girl wondered with a tense anxietywhether the man would look up. Then for just a second he turned hishead, and saw her standing on the verandah with a blaze in her cheeksand a dimness in her eyes. 

"Off with you, Harry, and remember you're riding for all of us andSomasco, " cried somebody. 

[Illustration: "Remember you're riding for all of us and Somasco, "cried somebody. ]

Alton had the beast's head up the trail now, but as he sent his heelshome he swung up his right hand, and the girl smiled down on himbravely out of misty eyes. 

"And for Carnaby, " he cried. "I can't be beaten. "

Then the horse shot forward, and he was away, his torn shirt flutteringas the wind rushed past, while Alice Deringham hastened to the end ofthe verandah with Forel to see the last of him just as another man rodein at a floundering gallop. 

The trail led straight beneath the pines, and her heart throbbedpainfully while she watched the second rider closing with the one infront of him, until the two figures became blurred before her eyes, andshe turned suddenly cold. 

"He's fouling him, " cried somebody, and a roar of execrations went up. "Both of them for the same company. The condemned jumper's rightacross the trail. "

There was silence once more, and the two objects seemed to rushtogether, then another roar went up. 

"Down. Oh, yes, the jumper's down. Harry rode straight into him--thefool might have known his horse was blown. The other one's used up. Somasco's leading clear again. "

Alice Deringham was trembling visibly, and knew that Mrs. Forel's eyeswere upon her, but that did not seem to count at all. She could see afigure standing over a fallen horse up the trail, while another thathad already left it far behind was sinking into the shadow of thepines. The jumper was beaten, but Alton was riding still--for Somascoand Carnaby--with a fresh horse beneath him. 

Then she turned to Mrs. Forel with a softness in her eyes whichsomewhat astonished the elder lady. 

"I should like to go back to Somasco now, " she said. "I am a littletired, and I know that he will win. "

A wagon was awaiting them, and Forel several times came nearoverturning it in his excitement as he drove them home to the ranch. 

It was a week later when one evening the leading inhabitants of thedistrict assembled in Somasco ranch. Those who were married hadbrought their wives with them, and the cook and Mrs. Margery had toiledsince morning to set out the table in a fashion befitting the occasion, for the chief roads and trails surveyor and a member of the ProvincialGovernment were to be entertained that evening. 

The sombre green of cedar-sprays relieved the red-veined panelling, there were flowers and early fruits upon the table, and the fragranceof the firs came in through the open windows, while when the bronzedmen filed in there was expectancy in their steady eyes. Several ofthem had ridden here and there with the surveyor all that day, and hehad expressed grave approval of all they had shown him. Once, too, heappeared a trifle astonished when pointed out the new road they haddriven under Alton's guidance along the mountain side. It would reducethe distance to the settlement several miles, but it had cost manydollars and weeks of perilous toil, while the surveyor had only statedthat it was well done, and the men of Somasco had as yet no answer tothe important question whether the Government would complete whatremained unfinished or in any way recompense them. 

Supper was served with as much ceremony as was possible at Somasco, butthe meal was a somewhat silent one. The ranchers were a trifle anxiouswhile the surveyor spoke most to Alice Deringham, who sat next him nearthe head of the table, and the member of the Government divided hisobservations between the wife of a big axeman and Mrs. Forel. All ofthose present knew that events of great importance to them werehappening in the city, but save for a brief telegram from Alton statingthat he had been allowed to record the mine and would return in a dayor two they had no authentic news. 

It was almost a relief when the meal was over, and there was a suddenhush of attention as the surveyor rose up. Every eye was turned uponthe grave-faced gentleman at the head of the table. 

"I have spent a good many years building roads and bridges in variousparts of the Dominion, and have never seen better work than you haveshown me to-day, " he said. "Now I don't quite know if you expected meto talk business on this occasion, but I'm going out early to-morrow, and I fancy your good ladies are as anxious as you are about thewelfare of Somasco. "

A woman with hard brown hands turned in her chair. 

"Oh, yes, " she said. "We are that, anyway, and because we're most ofus working twelve hours every day just for the right to live, we'vesent out our men to make the roads that are to bring the dollars thatwill make things easier in. The Government don't help us, we're doingthe work ourselves, and we'll go out, too, with the drill and shovel ifthe men are beaten. "

There was a deprecatory murmur that had yet in it grim approval, andthe surveyor smiled a little. 

"That, I think, is the spirit which is going to make this province thegreatest in the Dominion, " he said. "Well, I may tell you that I wassent up here with a tolerably wide discretion, and after seeing therock cutting by the lake I'm going to use it now. Nothing better hasbeen done in the province, and the man who planned it for you hadcourage as well as genius. It is a most daring and successful piece ofengineering. "

A little flush crept into the bronzed faces, and Mrs. Forel noticed thebrightness in Alice Deringham's eyes, for the man who had spoken was afamous engineer. 

"Well, " he said gravely, "we are going to take over that road--as fromthe beginning--and finish it for you. That is, you will be paid by theprovince for every day you spent upon it, and I leave it to the man whocommenced it to see the work through. His pay orders will be honoured, and I should very much like to see and compliment him. "

A murmur ran along the table, for the Government pay is good and aroad-making grant a coveted boon in each lonely valley, whoseinhabitants are usually glad to keep the work in their own hands. 

"Boys, " said somebody, "this is what comes of trusting Harry. "

It was a simple speech, but the second murmur which followed it and theconfidence in the bronzed faces stirred Alice Deringham. She had beentaught a little about these silent men, and knew the value of theirtestimony. 

The surveyor sat down, and the member stood up. "I can add a little, gentlemen, " he said. "Roads are always useful, and we'll give you agood one, and, if my word goes far enough, a grant to cut across trailswith and improve your bridges, but you're going to have a better onethan any you can build. "

He stopped a moment, and there was not a sound in the room. The mensat still as statues, the women drew in their breath, and the song ofthe river came in through the windows in slow pulsations. Every eyewas on the speaker, and now and then a hard brown hand quivered alittle, but in the midst of their suspense there was no man weak enoughto ask a premature question. 

The surveyor smiled a little. "Gentlemen, " he said slowly, "you haveall heard conflicting rumours, but I have had a message, and you cantake it as a fact that you will have the steel road very shortly. "

This time there was a roar that shook the rafters, and a rattle offlung-back chairs as the men rose to their feet. They had toiled andhoped for this, holding on with grim endurance when hope had almostgone, and now all that they had looked for was to be given them. Therewas no man present who did not know that his ranch was worth treblewhat it had been a few days ago, or woman who could not see thathenceforward there need be no more ceaseless drudgery. One, indeed, laughed inanely, clasping her hardened hands, and a dimness crept intoeyes, more than one pair of eyes, from which the care that had longlurked there had vanished suddenly. 

Then a man swung up a brimming glass. "Boys, " he said, a triflehoarsely, "it's only cider this time, but you can drink what I'm goingto give you in champagne when the railroad's through. Here's the manwho stood right with us through everything, the man who beat offHallam, and brought the railroad in. "

There was a jingle of glasses, and the surveyor and the member stood upwith the rest, while, for the men had let themselves go at last, agreat shout rang out, "Harry Alton, Alton of Somasco. "

Then there was silence, and while the men stood with flushed faces toostirred as yet to remember that they had done an unusual thing, Seaforth, who had come up on some business from Vancouver with hiswife, moved out a little from the rest. 

"Boys, " he said, and his voice shook a little, "I would have tried tothank you on behalf of the best comrade you or I ever had, only that Ifancy he will be here in a minute to answer for himself. "

He stopped abruptly, and through the silence that followed all heard adrumming that might have been made by the hoofs of a galloping horse, and Mrs. Forel wondered as she glanced at the girl opposite her acrossthe table. Alice Deringham had like the rest been stirred out of herreticence, and now she seemed almost transfigured with the warm flushin her cheeks and the pride discernible through the softness in hereyes. 

The beat of hoofs stopped presently, and a man came hastily through theverandah. Alice Deringham could not see him, but the flush in hercheeks grew deeper, for she knew that slightly uneven step. Then therewas a move towards the door, and she sat almost alone at the head ofthe table, knowing that somebody was shouldering his way through thosewho thronged about him in her direction. Still she could not lookuntil a man dropped into the vacant chair beside her. Then she sawthat Alton was glancing down at her with a question in his face. 

"You are pleased that we have won?" he said. 

"Yes, " said the girl, who felt that speech had its limits. "I knew youwould. "

Alton seemed to sigh with a great contentment. "Then, " he saidquietly, "if it was only to hear that I would begin it all again. "

He had no opportunity for further speech. There were questions to beasked and answers given, while it was some hours later and most of theguests had departed when he found Alice Deringham alone upon theverandah. The moon hung over the cedars on a black hillside, the lakeflung back its radiance steelily, and the stillness was made musical bythe sound of falling water. Alton had come out from the presence ofthe surveyor with a glint of triumph in his eyes. 

"There is only one thing wanting to make this the greatest day of mylife, but without it all the rest counts for nothing. You know what itis, " he said. 

"Yes, " said Alice Deringham simply. "But why did you not ask for itearlier, Harry? It would have saved one of us so much. "

Alton laughed a little, and glanced down at his knee. "Well, Ifancied--but, pshaw, I was a fool, " said he. 

"Yes, " said Alice Deringham. "I think you were--for I was only sorrythen. And--after all that has happened--are you not foolish still? Iam not the woman you fancy I am, Harry, and you know how I have wrongedyou. "

"You are the one I want, " said Alton gravely. "And I know who it wasgave all she had to help me when I was beaten. "

Alice Deringham still drew back from him. "It was your own, and you donot quite know all yet, " she said. "I am a penniless girl----"

Alton laughed exultantly as he stooped and caught her wrist. "All thatI want the most you give, and when you sent me away I knew it wasmine, " he said. "But Somasco, and the silver up yonder, is mine, too, and that when we have redeemed Carnaby will be quite enough for two. "

Alice Deringham made no further resistance, but glanced up into hiseyes as he drew her to him, and then felt his arm close round her witha great contentment. 

It was half an hour later when she met Nellie Seaforth in a corridor, and the latter stretched her hands out impulsively and kissed her. 

"You need not tell me, and I am very glad, " she said. "Of course youwill be happy. He is a good man. "

Alice Deringham coloured in a fashion Nellie Seaforth had not believedher capable of, and there was a depth of grave tenderness in her eyes. 

"Yes, " she said simply. "And because of his goodness I must try to bea better woman. "

She passed on, and Nellie Seaforth, who found her husband, smiled athim. "It has all come right, and I don't think Harry will be sorry, though he might have been had it happened earlier, " she said, "That strikes me as a little mixed, " said Seaforth dryly. 

Mrs. Seaforth shook her head at him. "No. It's quite plain, " shesaid. "I think Miss Deringham has been taught a good deal, andwhatever she may have been she will only be lovable as Mrs. Alton. "

Seaforth smiled gravely. "Now I understand--fellow-feeling prompts meto, and of course you are right, " he said. "There must be a specialblessing on those who, like you and Harry, ask very little, and givewith an open hand. "

THE END