[Illustration: "ALL DAY LONG THEY PADDLED UP THE GLEAMING LAKE"--Page 290]

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

THE LONG PORTAGE

ByHAROLD BINDLOSS

Author ofA Prairie Courtship, Winston of the Prairie, etc. 

With a Frontispiece in colors byARTHUR HUTCHINS

New YorkGROSSET & DUNLAPPublishers

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Copyright, 1912, byFREDERICK A. STOKES COMPANY

All rights reserved, including that of translation into foreignlanguages, including the Scandinavian

Published in England under the title, "The Pioneer"

September, 1912

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

CONTENTS

CHAPTER PAGE I. The Gladwyne Expedition 1 II. The Divide 12 III. The Cache 23 IV. A Painful Decision 35 V. Millicent Gladwyne 47 VI. Nasmyth Tells his Story 58 VII. On the Moors 68 VIII. Gladwyne Receives a Shock 81 IX. Lisle Gathers Information 92 X. Bella's Champion 102 XI. Crestwick Gives Trouble 118 XII. Mrs. Gladwyne's Appeal 129 XIII. A Futile Protest 142 XIV. Lisle Comes to the Rescue 153 XV. Bella's Defeat 165 XVI. Gladwyne Surrenders 177 XVII. A Bad Fall 189 XVIII. A Prudent Decision 200 XIX. Gladwyne Gains a Point 211 XX. Mrs. Gladwyne's Temptation 223 XXI. The Last Afternoon 233 XXII. Startling News 243 XXIII. A Forced March 254 XXIV. Millicent Summons Her Guide 265 XXV. A Reliable Man 276 XXVI. Lisle Turns Autocrat 287 XXVII. An Unpleasant Surprise 298XXVIII. Clarence Reaches Camp 309 XXIX. A Bold Scheme 321 XXX. The End of the Pursuit 332 XXXI. Lisle Goes To England 343

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

THE LONG PORTAGE

CHAPTER I

THE GLADWYNE EXPEDITION

Vernon Lisle was fishing with a determination that did not springaltogether from love of the sport. The water of the British Columbianriver in which he stood knee-deep was icy cold; his rubber boots werebadly ripped and leaky, and he was wet with the drizzle that drove downthe lonely valley. It was difficult to reach the slack behind a bouldersome distance outshore, and the arm he strained at every cast ached fromhours of assiduous labor; but there was another ache in his left sidewhich was the result of insufficient food, and though the fish were shyhe persevered. 

A few hundred yards away the stream came roaring down a long declivity ina mad white rapid and then shot across the glassy green surface of thepool below in a raised-up wedge of foam. Wet boulders and outcroppingfangs of rock hemmed in the water, and among them lay stranded logs andstream-packed masses of whitened branches. Farther back, ragged cypressesand cedars, half obscured by the drifting haze of spray, climbed thesides of the gorge, and beyond rose the dim, rounded summits of treelesshills. There were streaks of snow on some of them, for winter threatenedto close in unusually early. 

With a lowering sky overhead and the daylight beginning to fade, it was adesolate picture; one into which the lonely figure of the man in tattereddeerskin jacket and shapeless hat somehow fitted. His attire matched thegray-white coloring of rock and boulder; his spare form and agilemovements, together with the intentness of his bronzed face and thesteadiness of his eyes, hinted at the quickness of observation, thestubborn endurance, and the tireless activity, by which alone life can bemaintained in the savage North. He had the alertness of the wildcreatures of the waste; and it was needed. 

All round him stretched a forbidding wilderness, part of the greatdesolation which runs north from the warmer and more hospitablethick-forest belt of British Columbia. Indeed, this wilderness, broken bythe more level spaces between the Rockies and Lake Winnipeg, runs rightacross Canada from Labrador to the Pacific on the northern edge of theheavy-timber line. It contains little human life--a few Hudson Bayfur-traders and the half-breed trappers who deal with them--and it isfrozen for eight months in the year. There are only two practicable meansof traversing it--with dog sledges on the snow, or by canoe on the lakesand rivers in the brief summer. 

The water routes are difficult in British Columbia, but Lisle and his twocompanions had chosen to go by canoe, partly because the question of foodis vitally important to men cut off from all source of supply exceptgame, and even that is scarce in places. To transport upon one's back anyweight of provisions besides tents, blankets, and other necessaries, through a rugged country is an almost impossible task. The men, accordingly, after relaying part of their stores, had secured an Indiancraft and had paddled and poled her laboriously across lakes and uprivers. Now when their provisions were running short, they wereconfronted with a difficult portage round a thundering rapid. 

At length Lisle, securing another trout, waded ashore and glanced with arueful smile at the dozen this one made. They scarcely averaged half apound, and he had spent most of a day that could badly be spared incatching them. Plodding back along the shingle with his load, he reacheda little level strip beneath a scarp of rock, where a fire blazed amongthe boulders. A tent stood beneath two or three small, wind-stuntedspruces, and a ragged man in long river-boots lay resting on one elbownear the blaze, regardless of the drizzle. He was a few years overthirty, Lisle's age, and he differed from Lisle in that something in hisappearance suggested that he was not at home in the wilds. As a matter offact, Nasmyth was an adventurous English sportsman--which describes himfairly in person and character. 

"Not many, " he commented, glancing at the trout Lisle laid down. "They'llhardly carry us over to-morrow, and I only got a couple from the canoewith the troll. We've gained nothing by stopping here, and time'sprecious. "

"A sure thing, " Lisle agreed, beginning to clean the trout. "We'll tacklethe portage as soon as it's light to-morrow. Where's Jake?"

"Gone off to look for a deer, " was the answer. "Said he wouldn't comeback without one if he camped on the range all night. "

Lisle made no comment, but went on dexterously with his work, whileNasmyth watched him with half-amused admiration. 

"You're handy at that and at everything else you do, " Nasmyth remarked atlength. "In fact, you easily beat Jake, though he's a professional packerand, so to speak, to the manner born. "

"So am I, " said Lisle. 

It was growing dark, but the coppery glow of the fire fell upon his face, emphasizing the strong coloring of his weather-darkened skin. On thewhole, it was a prepossessing face, clearly cut--indeed, it was a triflethin--with a hint of quiet determination in the clear gray eyes and firmmouth. He looked capable of resolute action and, when it was needed, ofSpartan self-denial. There was no suggestion of anything sensual, or evenof much regard for bodily comfort. 

"If you don't mind my being a little personal, I'd better own that Isuspected the fact you mention, and it puzzled me, " Nasmyth replied. "Yousee, when I first met you at the Empress Hotel, in Victoria, you weredressed and talked like the usual prosperous business man. Trafford, whointroduced us, said that you had a good deal of money in some of theYukon mines. "

"Trafford was quite right. The point is that I took a part in locatingtwo of the claims. Before that I followed a good many rough occupations, mostly in the bush. My prosperity's recent. "

Nasmyth still looked curious, and Lisle smiled. 

"I can guess your thoughts--I don't speak altogether like a bushman?Well, my father was an Englishman, and my mother a lady of education fromMontreal; that was why, at the cost of some self-denial on their part, Iwas sent East to school. "

It was an incomplete explanation. He had inherited the Englishman'sreticence, which forbade him to point out that his father sprang from anold family of standing and had, for some reason which his son had neverlearned, quarreled bitterly with his English relatives. Coming to Canada, he had married and taken up the bush life on a small and unremunerativeranch, where he had died and left his widow and his son badly providedfor. 

"Thank you, " responded Nasmyth; and Lisle supposed it was in recognitionof the fact that he would hardly have furnished even those fewparticulars to one whom he regarded as a stranger. "To reciprocate, a fewwords will make clear all there is to know about me. English publicschool, Oxford afterward--didn't take a degree. Spend most of my time inthe country, though I make a few sporting trips abroad when I can affordit and have nothing better to do. That partly explains this journey. ButI haven't tried to force your confidence, nor offered you mine, altogether casually. "

"So I supposed, " returned Lisle. "It strikes me that since we got nearthe Gladwyne expedition's line of march we have both felt that someexplanation is needed. To go back a little, when I met you in Victoriaand you offered to join me in the trip, I agreed partly because I wantedan intelligent companion, but I had another reason. At first I supposedyou wished to go because a journey through a rough and little-knowncountry seems to appeal to one kind of Englishman, but I changed my mindwhen you showed your anxiety to get upon the Gladwyne party's trail. "

"You were right. I knew the Gladwynes in England; the one who died was anold and valued friend of mine. I could give you the history of theirmarch, though I hardly think that's needful. You seem remarkably wellacquainted with it. "

Lisle's face hardened. With the exception of one man, he knew more thananybody else about the fatal journey a party of four had made a yearearlier through the region he and Nasmyth were approaching. 

"I am, " he said. "There's a cause for it; but I'll ask you to tell mewhat you know. "

He threw more branches on the fire and a crackling blaze sprang aloft, forcing up the ragged spruce boughs out of the surrounding gloom. 

"This is the survivor's narrative. I heard it from his own lips more thanonce, " began Nasmyth. "I dare say most of it's a kind of story that's notunusual in the North. "

"It's one that has been repeated with local variations over and overagain. But go on. "

"There were two Gladwynes--cousins. George, the elder of the two, was a manof means and position; Clarence, the younger, had practically nothing--twoor three hundred pounds a year. They were both sportsmen--George was a bitof a naturalist--and they made the expedition with the idea of studying thescarcer game. Well, their provisions were insufficient; an Indian packerdeserted them; they were delayed here and there; and when they reached theriver that we are making for they were badly worn out and winter wasclosing in. Knowing it was dangerous to go any farther, they starteddown-stream to strike their outgoing trail, but not long afterward theywrecked their canoe in a rapid and lost everything except a few pounds ofprovisions. To make things worse, George had fallen from a slippery rock atthe last portage and badly hurt his leg. After making a few leagues withdifficulty, he found he could go no farther, and they held a council. Theywere already suffering from want of food, but their guide estimated that bya forced march overland they might reach a place where some skin-hunterswere supposed to be camped. There was a Hudson Bay post farther away. Oncoming up they had cached some provisions in two places on opposite sidesof the river--they kept crossing to pole through the easiest slack. Georgeaccordingly insisted that the others go on; each was to follow a differentbank and the first to find the provisions was to try to communicate withthe other and hurry back with food. If they were unable to locate thecaches they were to leave the river and push on in search of help. Theyagreed; but deep snow had fallen and Clarence Gladwyne failed to find thecache. He reached the hunters' camp famishing, and they went back with him. He found his cousin dead. "

"And the guide?"

"It's rather an ugly story. You must have heard it. "

"I haven't heard the one Gladwyne told in England. "

"The guide reached the Hudson Bay post--a longer journey than the oneGladwyne made--in the last stage of exhaustion. He had taken very littlefood with him--Gladwyne knew exactly how much--and the Hudson Bay agentdecided that it was impossible he could have covered the distance on theminute quantity. There was only one inference. "

"That he had found the cache?" Lisle's face grew very stern. 

Nasmyth nodded. 

"In a way, there was some slight excuse for him. Think of it--a worn-out, famishing man, without blankets or means of making a fire, who hadstruggled over icy rocks and through leagues of snow, finding a few cansof provisions and a little moldy flour! Even when he had satisfied hishunger, he was, no doubt, unequal to making the return journey to rejoina man who was probably already dead. "

"If that man had found a scrap of food, he would have tried!"

Lisle's voice had a curious ring in it, and Nasmyth looked at him hard. 

"You seem convinced. "

"I am; I knew him well. "

Nasmyth was startled and he showed it, but afterward he lookedthoughtful. 

"I believe I understand, " he said. 

For a minute or two there was silence which was broken only by thesnapping of the branches on the fire and the hollow roar of the rapid. The latter had a curious, irritating effect on Nasmyth, who hitherto hadscarcely noticed the insistent pulsatory clamor. At length Lisle spokeagain, laying a strong restraint upon himself. 

"Our mutual friend called me Lisle at the Empress Hotel. I don't think hementioned my first name, Vernon; and as that was the name of Gladwyne'sguide I kept it in the background. I was anxious to take you with me; Iwanted an Englishman of some standing in the old country whose word wouldbe believed. What was more, I wanted an honest man who would form anunbiased opinion. I didn't know then that you were a friend ofGladwyne's. "

Nasmyth made a slight gesture which suggested the acknowledgment of acompliment. 

"I'll try to be just--it's sometimes hard. " His voice had a throb of painin it as he went on: "I was the friend of George Gladwyne--the one whoperished. I had a strong regard for him. "

Something in his expression hinted that this regard had not been sharedby the Gladwyne who survived. 

"When my father first came out to British Columbia, new to the bushways, " Lisle resumed, "a neighbor, Vernon, was of great help to him--lenthim teams, taught him how to chop, and what cattle to raise. He diedbefore my father, and I was named for him; but he left a son, older thanI, who grew up like him--I believe he was the finest chopper and trailerI have ever come across. He died, as you have heard, from exposure andexhaustion, a few days after he reached the Hudson Bay post--before hecould clear himself. "

Lisle broke off for a moment and seemed to have some difficulty incontinuing. 

"When my father died, Vernon took charge of the ranch, at my mother'srequest--I was rather young and she meant to launch me in someprofession. Vernon had no ambition--he loved the bush--and he tried togive me enough to finish my education while he ran both ranches with ahired man. I think my mother never suspected that he handed her over morethan she was entitled to, but I found it out and I've been glad eversince that I firmly prevented his continuing the sacrifice. For all that, I owe him in many ways more than I could ever have repaid. " He clenchedone hand tight as he concluded: "I can at least clear his memory. "

Nasmyth nodded in sympathy. 

"You called me an honest man; you have my word--I'll see the right done. "

Quietly as it was spoken, Lisle recognized that it was no light thing hiscompanion promised him. In the Dominion, caste stands by caste, andLisle, having seen and studied other Englishmen of his friend'sdescription, knew that the feeling was stronger in the older country. Toexpose a man of one's own circle to the contempt and condemnation ofoutsiders is, in any walk of life, a strangely repugnant thing. 

"Well, " he said, "to-morrow we'll pull out and portage across the divideto strike the Gladwynes' trail. And now I'll fry the trout and we'll havesupper. "

They let the subject drop by tacit agreement during the meal, and soonafter it was over a shout from the crest of the ridge above, followed bya smashing of underbrush, announced that their packer was making for thecamp. Lisle answered, and a cry came down:

"Got a deer, and there are duck on the lake ahead! We'll try for some aswe go up!"

Nasmyth's smile betokened deep satisfaction. 

"That's a weight off my mind, " he declared. "I'll smoke one pipe, andthen I think I'll go to sleep. We'll make a start with the first loads assoon as it's light enough. "

CHAPTER II

THE DIVIDE

Dawn was late the next morning; the light crept slowly through bitterrain, and when Lisle and his companions had breakfasted sumptuously forthe first time during several days it was with reluctance that they brokecamp. Indeed, Nasmyth would have suggested remaining under shelter onlythat he had come to accept Lisle's decision as final and the latter waseager to push on. The blacktail deer would not last them long; the troutwere getting shyer every day with the increasing cold; they were a longdistance from the nearest settlement; while winter was rapidly coming on. 

Nasmyth shouldered his load with the others, and they set out across astrip of gravel strewn with boulders. Here and there networks of strandedbranches had to be floundered through, and the ragged ends rasped theirdilapidated boots and bruised their legs. Then, where the bluff rosealmost precipitously from the water, they crept along slippery ledges, orwaded through the shallower pools, with the white rapid roaring down afew yards outshore of them. There were places where a slip would havemeant destruction, but that was nothing unusual and time was too preciousto spend in an attempt to climb the ridge which hemmed them in. 

The pack-straps hurt Nasmyth's shoulders--one of them had been rubbed rawby previous loads and it smarted painfully until he grew warm withexertion. He was soon wet through; in places the spray drove into hisface so that he could hardly see; but he held on with doggeddetermination, trying to keep up with the others. With the exception of afew hunting trips, his life had been smooth, and now, dressed mostly inrags and aching in every limb, he smiled grimly as he remembered how hehad hitherto taken his pleasure. When he had shot partridges, he had, asa rule, been driven to such stubble or turnip fields as lay at anydistance from his residence, and he had usually been provided with a ponywhen he ascended the high moors in search of grouse. Money smoothed outmany small difficulties in the older land, but it was powerless in thewilds of the new one, where one must depend on such things as nativecourage, brute strength, and the capacity for dogged endurance, which arecommon to all ranks of men. It was fortunate for Nasmyth that hepossessed them, but that, as he was discovering, is not quite enough. They are great gifts in the raw, but, like most others, they needexercise and assiduous cultivation for their full development. 

On reaching the head of the rapid, they went back for another load, andafterward Jake got into the canoe, while Lisle fixed the end of thetracking-line about his shoulders. Aided by the line, the packer swungthe canoe across madly whirling eddies and in and out among foam-lappedrocks, and now and then drove her, half hidden by the leaping froth, upsome tumultuous rush. At times Lisle, wading waist-deep and draggedalmost off his feet, barely held her stationary--Nasmyth could see hischest heave and his face grow darkly flushed--but in another instant theywere going on again. That a craft could be propelled up any part of therapid would, Nasmyth thought, have appeared absolutely incredible to anyone who had not seen it done. 

At last, however, the task became too hard for them and after draggingher out they carried her, upside down, in turn. It was difficult for themto see where they were going, and the craft, made from a hollowed log, was by no means so well fitted for the work as the bark or canvas canoeof the more eastern wilds. She was comparatively heavy, and their headsand shoulders were inside of her. Once or twice the portager fell; andthe fall is an awkward one, as it is impossible to break it with one'shands, which are occupied in holding the canoe. Still, they madeprogress, and, launching again above the rapid, they reached a lake atnoon, by hard paddling. Here they landed, and Nasmyth dropped down upon aboulder to look about him. 

It was a cheerless prospect he saw through the haze of rain. Back intothe distance ran a stretch of slate-gray water, flecked and seamed by thewhite tops of little splashing waves, for a nipping wind blew down thelake. On either side rose low hills, dotted here and there with somberand curiously rigid trees. They were not large, and though from adistance they looked much the same, Nasmyth recognized some as spruce andsupposed the other ragged spires to be cedars. In one spot there weresome that resembled English larch, and these were almost bare. 

Then his companions began to discuss the best means of further progress. With a fresh breeze ahead, Jake advocated poling through the shallowsnear the beach; and Lisle, with a courtesy which Nasmyth had alreadynoticed, turned toward him when he answered, as if his opinion might bevaluable. 

"The trouble is that the beach sweeps back off the straight. We'd driveher right up the middle to headwater with the paddle before we'd maketwo-thirds of the way poling alongshore. "

"It would be a good deal harder work, wouldn't it?" Nasmyth ventured, andlaughed when he saw Lisle's faint amusement. "I suppose that doesn'tcount. It's not worth mentioning, " he added. "Since you're anxious to geton, what's the use of stopping for dinner? After the breakfast I had, Ican hold out some time. "

"I want to get through as quickly as I can; that's why I'm not going torush you unless it's necessary, " Lisle answered. "Try to get hold of thefact that a man needs food regularly to keep him in efficient goingorder. "

"Indisputable, " Nasmyth agreed. "But he can do without it and work for awhile. We've proved it. "

"Not without paying, " Lisle pointed out. "You can draw upon yourreserves, but it takes time and rest to make them good. We may need allours badly before we're through. "

There was a grim hint in his last words which Nasmyth found convincing, and when he had rested he helped to prepare the meal. It was a simpleone--cold doughy cakes baked in a frying-pan, extraordinarily tough andstringy venison, with a pint-can each of strong green tea. Their sugarhad long ago melted and the condensed milk was exhausted. 

Afterward, they shoved the canoe out and paddled doggedly into thedriving rain and the strong headwind. The spray from the splashing bowsblew into their faces, and the broken water checked them badly. Nasmyth'shands began to blister. To make it worse, there was a raw wound on one ofthem, the result of a similar day's toil; and his knees chafed soreagainst the branches in the craft's bottom. There was, however, norespite--the moment they slackened their exertions they would drift tolee--and he held on, keeping awkward stroke with Jake, while Lisle swungthe balancing paddle astern. 

They kept it up for several hours, and then, toward evening, the rainceased and the clouds rolled aside. A wonderful yellow light shone behindthe bordering hills, and the twisted, wind-battered cedars on theircrests stood out against it in hard, fretted tracery. The wind dropped;the short, white waves smoothed down; the water, heaving gently, gleamedwith a coppery glare, and the paddle blades seemed to splash up liquidfire. Then the shores closed in ahead, and, landing on a shingle beach, they made camp in the mouth of a gap among the hills. Supper was preparedand eaten, and afterward Jake took up his rifle. 

"I saw some ducks in the next bay, " he explained. 

He strolled out of camp, and Nasmyth smiled at Lisle. 

"Except when he advised you to pole, that's about all he has saidto-day. "

This was correct. The packer was a taciturn inhabitant of the wilds whoseldom indulged in an unnecessary remark. There was, however, nomoroseness about him; the man was good-humored in his quiet way, and hisusual ruminative calm was no deterrent from apparently tireless action. For the most part, he lived alone in the impressive stillness of thebush, where he had a few acres of partly cleared land which failed toprovide him with a living. For that reason, he periodically left his tinylog house and packed for some survey expedition, or went down to work fora few months at a sawmill. Capable of most determined labor, wonderfullyproficient with his hands, he asked no more from life than a little plainfood and indifferent shelter. No luxury that civilization could offerwould have tempted him to desert the wilds. 

Lisle filled his pipe with leisurely content. He shared Jake's love forthe wilderness, and he found it strangely pleasant to rest in camp aftera day's persistent toil. Besides, he usually enjoyed his evening chatwith Nasmyth, for, widely different as their training and mode of lifehad been, they had much in common. Then, too, there was something in theprospect spread out before them that impelled tranquillity. The clump ofwet cedars among which they had camped distilled a clean, aromatic smell;and there was a freshness in the cool evening air that reinvigoratedtheir tired bodies. Above the low hilltops the sky glimmered with saffronand transcendental green, and half the lake shone in ethereal splendor;the other half was dim and bordered with the sharply-cut shadows of thetrees. Except for the lap of water upon the pebbles and the wild cry of aloon that rang like a peal of unearthly laughter out of a darkening bay, there was nothing to break the deep stillness of the waste. 

Lisle pointed to the gap in the hills, which was filling with thin whitemist. 

"That's the last big portage the Gladwynes made, " he remarked. "They camein by a creek to the west, and they were badly played out when theystruck this divide; the struggle to get through broke them up. " He pausedbefore he added: "What kind of men were they?"

"George wasn't effusive; he was the kind of man you like better thelonger you know him. If I were told that he ever did a mean thing, Iwouldn't believe it. His last action--sending the others on--wascharacteristic. "

"They didn't want to go, " Lisle interposed quietly. 

His companion nodded. 

"I believe that's true. I like to think so. "

There was something curious in his tone, which Lisle noticed. 

"From the beginning, " Nasmyth went on, "George behaved very generously toClarence. "

"It was Clarence that I meant to ask about more particularly. "

Nasmyth looked thoughtful, and when he answered, it struck Lisle that hewas making an effort to give an unbiased opinion. 

"Clarence, " he said, "is more likable when you first meet him than Georgeused to be; a handsome man who knows how to say the right thing. Makesfriends readily, but somehow he never keeps the best of them. He's one ofthe people who seem able to get whatever they want without having tostruggle for it and who rarely land in any difficulty. "

Again a grudging note became apparent, as though the speaker were tryingto subdue faint suspicion or disapproval, and Lisle changed the subject. 

"Had George Gladwyne any immediate relatives?"

"One sister, as like him as it's possible for a woman to be. He wasn'tgreatly given to society; I don't think he'd ever have married. His deathwas a crushing blow to the girl--they were wonderfully attached to eachother--but I've never seen a finer display of courage than hers whenClarence cabled the news. "

He broke off, as if he felt that he had been talking with too muchfreedom, and just then the report of a rifle came ringing across thewater. 

"That's a duck's head shot off. Jake doesn't miss, " he said. 

Lisle nodded. He could take a hint; and he had no doubt that Nasmyth wasright regarding the shot, though it is not easy to decapitate a swimmingduck with a rifle. He began to talk about the portage; and soon afterJake returned with a single duck they went to sleep. 

It was clear and bright the next morning and they spent the day carryingtheir loads a few miles up the hollow which pierced the height of thedivide. Part of it was a morass, fissured with little creeks running downfrom the hills whose tops rose at no great elevation above the opening. This was bad to traverse, but it was worse when they came to a muskegwhere dwarf forest had once covered what was now a swamp. Most of thetrees had fallen as the soil, from some change in the lake's level, hadgrown too wet. They had partly rotted in the slough, and willows hadafterward grown up among them. 

Now and then the men laid down their loads and hewed a few of the stillstanding trunks, letting them fall to serve as rude bridges where themorass was almost impassable, but the real struggle began when they wentback for the canoe. At first they managed to carry her on their shoulders, wading in the bog, but afterward she must be dragged through or overinnumerable tangles of small fallen trunks and networks of rotten branchesthat had to be laboriously smashed. It was heroic labor--sometimes theyspent an hour making sixty yards--and Lisle's face grew anxious as well asdetermined. Game had been very scarce; the deer would not last them long;and disastrous results might follow a continuance of their present slowprogress. When, utterly worn out, they made camp on slightly firmer groundtoward four o'clock in the afternoon, Lisle strode off heavily toward thebordering hills, while Jake pushed on to prospect ahead. Nasmyth, who wasquite unable to accompany either, prepared the supper and awaited theirreports with some anxiety. 

Lisle came back first and shook his head when Nasmyth asked if he hadfound a better route on higher ground. 

"Not a slope we could haul along, " he reported. "That way's impracticable. "

It was nearly dark when Jake came in. 

"It's not too bad ahead, " he informed them. 

They were not greatly reassured, because Jake's idea of what was reallybad was alarming. Nasmyth glanced at his companion with a smile. 

"Is it any better than this?" he asked. 

"A little, " answered Jake. "An old trail runs in. "

"Gladwyne's trail?" exclaimed Nasmyth. "The one we're looking for?"

"Why, yes, " drawled Jake, as if it were scarcely worth mentioning. "Iguess it is. "

Nasmyth turned to Lisle. 

"I was lucky when I lighted on you as a companion for this trip. You havebeen right in your predictions all along, and now you're only out instriking the trail a day before you expected. "

"I know the bush, " returned Lisle. "It's been pretty easy so far--but, for several reasons, I wish the next week or two were over. "

Nasmyth looked troubled. One could have imagined that misgivings whichdid not concern his personal safety were creeping into his mind. 

"So do I, " he confessed, and turning toward the fire he busied himselfwith Jake's supper. 

There was no change in the work the next morning, but in the afternoon itbecame evident that another party had made that portage ahead of them. The soil was a little drier and where the small trees grew more thicklythey could see that a passage had been laboriously cleared. In the swampyhollows, which still occurred, trunks had here and there been flung intothe ooze. This saved them some trouble and they made better progress, butboth Lisle and Nasmyth became silent and grave as the signs of theirpredecessors' march grew plainer. By nightfall they had reached thesecond camping-place, which told an eloquent story of struggle withfatigue and exhaustion. Lisle, stopping in the gathering dusk, glancedaround the old camp site. 

"A good place to pitch the tent, but I think I'd rather move on alittle, " he said. 

Nasmyth made a sign of comprehension. 

"Yes, " he agreed. "I couldn't sleep soundly here. Everything about us istoo plain a reminder; I've no doubt you feel it as I do. A firm andtrusted friend lay, famishing, beside that fire, in what extremity ofweakness and suffering I dare not let myself think. It's possible he cutthose branches yonder. "

Lisle's face expressed emotion sternly held in check. 

"That was Vernon's work--no Englishman new to the country could haveslashed them off so cleanly. But look at this small spruce stump. He wasthe better chopper, but it's significant that he used three or fourstrokes where I would have taken one. "

Even the laconic Jake appeared relieved when they forced their way alittle farther through the tangled undergrowth, until finding a clearspace they set up the tent. 

CHAPTER III

THE CACHE

They spent the greater part of a week on the portage, crossing here andthere a little lake; and then came out one evening on a river thatflowed, green and tranquil, beneath a ridge of hills. Here they camped;and on rising with a shiver in the raw and nipping dawn the next morning, Nasmyth found Lisle busy at the fire. Jake was cutting wood some distanceoff, for the thud of his ax rang sharply through the stillness. 

"I was awake--thinking--a good deal last night; in fact, I've beenrestless ever since we struck the Gladwynes' trail, " Nasmyth began. "Now, I understand that an uninterrupted journey of about sixteen days wouldtake us well on our way toward civilization. You say you apprehend nodifficulty after that?"

"No. " Lisle waited, watching his companion in an intent fashion. 

Nasmyth hesitated. 

"Then, considering everything, mightn't it be better to waste no time, and push straight on?"

"And leave the work that brought me here--I believe that brought us bothhere--undone?"

"You'll forgive me if I don't express myself very fortunately. What Ifeel is this--Gladwyne's story is a tragic one, but it's twelve monthsold. In a way, it's forgotten; the wounds it made have healed. "

"Is such a man as the one you have described forgotten in a year?" Lisleasked with a hardening expression. 

Nasmyth, being a man of simple and, for the most part, wholesome ideas, was in a quandary. His feelings were generous, but he shrank from puttingthem into words. Moreover he was just and was not wholly convinced thatthe course he wished to recommend was right. 

"Well, " he contended, "there are faithful hearts that never quiteforget--with them the scar remains; but it's fortunate that the firstkeen pain does not last. Is it decent--I almost think that's the rightword--to reopen the wound?"

He paused and spread out one hand as if in expostulation. 

"Your late comrade has gone beyond your help; you told me he had left norelatives; and you have only yourself to consider. Can you do any good bybringing this sorrowful tale of disaster up again?"

"Are you pleading for your English friends, anxious to save them pain atmy expense? Can't you understand my longing to clear my dead partner'sname?"

A trace of color crept into Nasmyth's face. 

"I suppose I deserve that, though it wasn't quite the only thing I meant. I've an idea that you are somehow going to lay up trouble for yourself bypersevering in this search. "

"I don't want to be offensive; but can't you see that by urging me to letthe thing drop you are casting grave doubts upon the honor of a man ofyour own caste and kind, one with whom you are closely acquainted? Areyou afraid to investigate, to look for proofs of Clarence Gladwyne'sstory?"

Nasmyth looked him steadily in the eyes. 

"For the sake of one or two others, I think I am. Your belief in theguide, Vernon, has had its effect on me. "

"Then, " said Lisle, "I have no fear of putting my belief to the test; Icame up here for that purpose, and I mean to call upon you as my witness. As you said of George Gladwyne, the man I owe so much to never did ashabby thing. That he should have deserted a starving comrade is cleanimpossible!"

"I suppose there's no help for it, " responded Nasmyth, with a gesture ofacquiescence. "We have said enough. Since you insist, I'll stand by mypromise. "

The thudding of the ax ceased, and they heard Jake returning with thewood. Lisle set out the simple breakfast, and when they had eaten theylaunched the canoe and floated swiftly down the smooth green river allthat day. They had accomplished the worst half of the journey;henceforward their way lay down-stream, and with moderate good fortunethey need have no apprehension about safely reaching the settlements, butthey were both silent and ill at ease. Lisle was consumed with fierceimpatience; and Nasmyth shrank from what might shortly be revealed tohim. Scarcely a word was spoken when they lay in camp that night. 

The next day they came to the head of a long and furiously-running rapid. Rocks encumbered its channel; the stream boiled fiercely over sunkenledges, dropping several feet here and there in angry falls; and in oneplace, where the banks narrowed in, a white stretch of foaming waves ranstraight down the middle. Here they unloaded and spent the daylaboriously relaying their stores and camp-gear over the boulders andragged ledges between a wall of rock and the water. It was a remarkablydifficult traverse. In places they had to hoist the leader up to someslippery shelf he could not reach unassisted and to which he dragged hiscompanions up in turn; in others deep pools barred their way, and inskirting them they were forced to cling to any indifferent handhold onthe rock's fissured side. As they toiled on, badly hampered by theirloads, the same thought was in the minds of two of the men--a wonder asto how Gladwyne's exhausted party had crossed that portage, unless thewater had been lower. It was not difficult to understand how thefamishing leader had fallen and lamed himself. 

When at last, toward the end of the afternoon, the stores had beendeposited on the banks of the pool below, Lisle sat down and filled hispipe. 

"It would take us most of two days to portage the canoe, and we mightdamage her badly in doing so, " he said. "The head of the rapid'simpossible, but with luck we might run her down the rest in about tenminutes. The thing seems worth trying, though I wouldn't have risked itwith the stores on board. "

"Suppose you swamped or upset her?" Nasmyth suggested. 

"It's less likely, since she'd go light, with only two of us paddling. "

Nasmyth considered. The sight of the rapid was not encouraging, but heshrank from the intense effort that would be needed to transport thecraft by the way they had come. Eventually it was decided to leave Jakebelow, ready to swim out with the tracking-line and seize the canoe ifany mishap befell, and Lisle and Nasmyth went back to the head of therapid. They dragged the canoe round the worst rush with infinitedifficulty; and then Nasmyth set his lips and braced himself for the maddescent when his companion thrust her off. 

A few strokes of the paddle drove them out into the stream, and thentheir task consisted in holding her straight and swinging her clear ofthe rocks that showed up through the leaping foam, which was difficultenough. Seen from the water, the prospect was almost appalling, though itwas blurred and momentarily changing. Nasmyth's eyes could hardly graspsalient details--he had only a confused impression of flying spray, rushing green water that piled itself here and there in frothy ridges, flitting rocks, and trees that came furiously speeding up toward him. Hehad an idea that Lisle once or twice shouted sharp instructions and thathe clumsily obeyed, but he could not have told exactly what he did. Heonly knew that now and then he paddled desperately, but more often heknelt still, gazing fascinated at the mad turmoil in front of him. 

At last there was an urgent cry from Lisle and he backed his paddle. Thecanoe swerved, a foaming wave broke into her, and in another momentNasmyth was in the water. He was dragged down by the swirling stream, andwhen he rose he dimly saw the canoe a few yards in front of him. Hefailed to reach her--she was traveling faster than he was--and, though hecould swim well, he grew horribly afraid. It struck him that there was astrong probability of his being driven against a boulder with forceenough to break his bones or of being drawn down and battered against thestony bottom. Still, he struck out for a line of leaping froth betweenhim and the bank and was nearing it when Lisle grasped his shoulder andthrust him straight down-stream. Scarcely able to see amid the turmoil, confused and bewildered, he nevertheless realized that it was notdesirable to attempt a landing where he had intended. Yielding to theguiding impulse, he floundered down-stream, until Lisle again seized himand drove him shoreward, and a few moments later he stood up, breathless, in a few feet of slacker water. He waded to the bank, and then turned toLisle, who was close behind. 

"Thanks, " he gasped. "I owe you something for that. "

"Pshaw!" disclaimed the other. "I only pulled you back. You'd have gotbadly hammered if you'd tried to cross that ledge. I'd noticed theinshore swirl close below it when we were packing along the bank, andremembered that we could land in it. "

"But you had hold of the canoe. I saw you close beside her. "

"I only wanted her to take me past the ledge, " Lisle explained. "I'd nonotion of going right through with her. Now we'll make for camp. "

On arriving there as darkness closed down, they found that Jake hadrecovered the craft. The paddles had gone, but he could make another pairin an hour or two. They had a few dry things to put on, and as they laybeside the fire after supper they were sensible that the slightconstraint both had felt for the last two days had vanished. Neitherwould have alluded to the feeling which had replaced it, nor, indeed, could have clearly expressed his thoughts, but mutual liking, respect andconfidence had suddenly changed to something stronger. During the fewminutes they spent in the water a bond, indefinite, indescribable, butnot to be broken, had been forged between the two. 

The next morning it was clear and cold, and they made good progress untilthey landed late in the afternoon. Then, after scrambling some distanceover loose gravel, Lisle and Nasmyth stopped beside a slight hollow in awall of rock. A few large stones had been rudely placed on one another toform a shelter; there were still some small spruce branches, which hadevidently been used for a roof, scattered about; and the remains of atorn and moldering blanket lay near by. In another place was a holedfrying-pan and a battered kettle. 

Nasmyth gravely took off his shapeless hat, and stood glancing about himwith a fixed expression. 

"This, " he said quietly, "is where my friend died--as you have heard, they afterward took his body out. There are few men who could comparewith that one; I can't forget him. "

There was nothing to be done, and little that could be said; and theyturned away from the scene of the tragedy, where a man, who to the lasthad thought first of his companions, had met his lonely end. Launchingthe canoe, they sped on down-river, making a few easier portages, andfour days later they landed on the bank of a turbulent reach shut in bysteep, stony slopes. There was a little brushwood here and there, but nota tree of any kind. 

"It was on this beach that Gladwyne made one cache, " said Lisle. "Ifthere had been a cypress or a cedar near, he'd have blazed a mark on it. As it is, we'd better look for a heap of stones. "

They searched for some time without finding anything, for straight beachand straight river presented no prominent feature which any one making acache would fix upon as guide. Lisle directed Nasmyth's attention tothis. 

"There was deep snow when Vernon came down the gorge, on this side, " hepointed out. "It doesn't follow that he was with the others when theyburied the stores--he might have been carrying up a load--and it'spossible they couldn't give him a very exact description. If I'm right inthis, he'd have a long stretch of beach to search, and a man's sensesaren't as keen as usual when he's badly played out. "

Nasmyth made no comment, but his expression suggested that he would notbe disappointed if they failed to strike the cache. Shortly afterward, however, Jake called out, and on joining him they saw a cross scratchedon a slab of slightly projecting rock. Even with that to guide them, itwas some time before they came upon a few stones roughly piled togetherand almost hidden in a bank of shingle. 

"First of all, I want you to notice that this gravel has slipped downfrom the bluff after the cache was made, " Lisle said to Nasmyth. "Withsnow on the ground and the slab yonder covered, it would be almostimpossible to locate it. " He turned to Jake. "How long would you say itwas since the rain or frost brought that small stuff down?"

Jake glanced at the young brushwood growing higher up the slope. It wasshorter than that surrounding it, and evidently covered the spot whichthe mass of débris had laid bare in its descent. 

"Part of one summer and all the next, " he answered decidedly. 

"Tell us how you figured it out. "

Jake climbed the bank and returned with two or three young branches whichhe handed to Lisle. 

"The thing's plain enough to you. " He turned toward Nasmyth. "No growthexcept in the summer--they'd had a few warm months to start them, butthey don't fork until the second year. See these shoots?"

"As winter was beginning when the Gladwyne party came down, that smalllandslide must have taken place some time before then, " declared Lisle. 

They set to work and carefully moved aside the stones. First theyuncovered three cans of preserved meat, and then a small flour bag whichhad rotted and now disclosed a hard and moldy mass inside. There was alsoanother bag which had evidently contained sugar; and a few other things. All examined them in silence, and then sat down grave in face. 

"It's unfortunate that nobody could positively state whether this cachehas been opened or not since it was made, but there are a few points toguide us, " said Lisle. "Do you know what kind of food civilized menwho've been compelled to work to exhaustion on insufficient rations, helped out by a little fish or game, generally long for most?"

"No, " answered Nasmyth, with a feeble attempt at levity. "I've now andthen remembered with regret the kind of dinner I used to get in England. "

"You have scarcely felt the pinch, " Lisle informed him. "The two thingsare farinaceous stuff and sugar. No doubt, it will occur to you thatVernon might have taken a can or two of meat; but that's not likely. "

"If you're right about the longing for flour and sweet-stuff, it's astrong point, " Nasmyth declared. "Where did you learn the fact?"

Lisle looked at Jake, and the packer smiled in a significant manner. 

"He's right, " he vouched. "We know. "

"Then, " continued Lisle, indicating the sugar bag, which had been wrappedin a waterproof sheet, "can you imagine a starving man, in desperatehaste, making up this package as it was when we found it?"

"No, " admitted Nasmyth; "it's most improbable. "

Somewhat to his astonishment, the usually taciturn Jake broke in. 

"You're wasting time! Vernon never struck this cache--he told the folksat the post so. Worked with him once trail-cutting--what that man saidgoes!"

"You never told me you knew Vernon!" exclaimed Lisle. 

"Quite likely, " Jake drawled. "It didn't seem any use till now. "

For the first time since they landed, Nasmyth laughed--he felt thatsomething was needed to relieve the tension. 

"If people never talked unless they had something useful to say, therewould be a marvelous change, " he declared. 

Lisle disregarded this, but he was a little less grave when he resumed:

"There's another point to bear in mind. Two of Gladwyne's party left him;and of those two which would be the more likely to succumb to extremeexertion, exposure, and insufficient food?"

"Against the answer you expect, there's the fact that Vernon made thelonger journey, " Nasmyth objected. 

"It doesn't count for much. Was Clarence Gladwyne accustomed to roughingit and going without his dinner? Would you expect him to survive whereyou would perish, even if you had a little more to bear?"

"No, " confessed Nasmyth; "he's rather a self-indulgent person. "

"Then, for example, could you march through a rough, snow-covered countryon as little food as I could?"

"No, again, " answered Nasmyth. "You would probably hold out two or threedays longer than I could. "

"Vernon was a stronger and tougher man than I am, " Lisle went on. "Now, without finding definite proof, which I hardly expected, there is, Ithink, strong presumptive evidence that Vernon's story is correct. "

"Yes, " agreed Nasmyth, and added gravely: "Will you ever find the proof?"

"I think there's a way--it may be difficult; but I'm going right throughwith this. "

"What's your next move?"

"I've willingly laid my partner's story open to the only tests we canimpose. Now I'm going to do the same with Clarence Gladwyne's. "

Nothing more was said, and turning away from the cache, they went back tothe canoe. 

CHAPTER IV

A PAINFUL DECISION

Two days passed uneventfully, though Nasmyth was conscious of a growinguneasiness during them; and then one evening they landed to searchanother beach. They had less difficulty here, for small cedars andbirches crept down to the waterside and Jake found an ax-blaze on one. After that, it was easy to locate the cache, and there were signs that ithad been either very roughly made, or afterward opened and reclosed incareless haste. Lisle had no hesitation in deciding upon the latter, andJake was emphatic in his brief assurance on the point. 

On removing the covering stones, they found very little beneath them, butevery object was taken out and Lisle, measuring quantities and guessingweights, carefully enumerated each in his notebook. Neither he norNasmyth said anything of import then; both felt that the subject was toograve to be lightly discussed; and walking back silently along theshingle, they pitched the tent and prepared supper. After the meal, Jake, prompted by an innate tact, sauntered away down the beach, and the othertwo, lounging beside the fire, took out their pipes. A full moon hungabove the lonely gorge, which was filled with the roar of the river, andthe shadows of the cedars lay black upon the stones. 

Some minutes passed before a word was spoken; and then Nasmyth looked up. 

"Well?" he said briefly. 

Lisle moved a little, so that he could see his companion's face. 

"In the first place, " he explained, "Clarence Gladwyne came down thisbank. One could locate the cache by the blazed tree, even with snow uponthe ground--and it has been opened. Apart from the signs of this, noparty of three men would have thought it worth while to make a cache ofthe few things we found. "

"Mightn't it have been opened by some Indian?"

"It's most unlikely, because he would have cleaned it out. A whiteprospector would certainly have taken the tobacco. "

Nasmyth knit his brows. He was deeply troubled, because there wererespects in which the matter would hardly bear discussion, though herecognized that it must now be thrashed out. 

"Well, " he admitted reluctantly, "what we have discovered has itssignificance; but it isn't conclusive. "

His companion took out from a pocket the palm and wrist portion of a furglove. It was badly rotted, and the rest had either fallen away or beengnawed by some animal, but a button with a stamp on it remained. 

"Jake found that and gave it to me, " he said. "There's enough left toshow that it had finger-stalls, and there are none on the mittens we usein cold weather. The thing's English, and with a little rubbing I expectyou'll find the maker's name on that button. When the party went up itwas warm weather, but we know there was sharp frost when Gladwyne cameback. A buttoned glove doesn't drop off one's hand, and even if it haddone so Gladwyne would have noticed and picked it up. It seems to me hetook it off to open one of the provision bags and couldn't find itafterward because he'd trodden it into the snow. "

Nasmyth could doubt no longer, and his face grew red. 

"The hound!" he broke out. "He had a hand frost-bitten--one finger isdifferent from the others yet. "

Lisle said nothing; he could understand and sympathize with what wasgoing on in his companion's mind and the latter was filled withbitterness and humiliation. A man of his own kind and station in life, one with whom he fished and shot, had broken faith with his starvingcomrade and with incredible cowardice had left him to perish. Even thiswas not the worst; though Nasmyth had always taken the personal courageof his friends for granted. He was not a clever man and he had hisfaults, but he shaped his life in accordance with a few simple butinflexible rules. It was difficult for him to understand how one couldyield to a fit of craven fear; but there was a fact which made Gladwyne'stransgression still blacker. 

"This thing hits hard, " he said at length. "The man should have goneback, if he had known it meant certain death. "

Lisle filled his pipe and smoked in silence for several minutes duringwhich the eery cry of a loon rang about the camp. It roused Nasmyth to anoutbreak of anger. 

"I hate that unearthly noise!" he exclaimed vehemently. "The thing seemsto be gloating; it's indecent! When I think of that call it will bringback the long portage and this ghostly river! I wish I'd never made thejourney, or that I could blot the whole thing out!"

"It can't be done, " Lisle replied. "It's too late. You have learned thetruth of what has been done here--but the results will work themselvesout. Neither you nor I can stop them; they have to be faced. "

"The pity of it is that the innocent must suffer; they've borne enoughalready. "

"There's a point I don't quite understand, " declared Lisle. "Whatever theHudson Bay agent thought, he'd have kept it to himself if he'd beenallowed--I've met him. It was Gladwyne who laid the whole blame onVernon; he forced the agent to bear him out. Why should he have taken somuch trouble? His own tale would have cleared him. "

Nasmyth looked irresolute; and then he answered reluctantly:

"There's a fact I haven't told you yet--Clarence came into the familyproperty on George's death; a fine old place, a fairly large estate. Thesister doesn't count, though she got her brother's personal property--theland goes down in the male line. "

Lisle dropped his pipe. 

"Now I understand! Gladwyne profits, my dead partner bore the shame. Butdo you believe the man meant to let his cousin die?"

"No, " Nasmyth answered sharply, "that's unthinkable! But I blame himalmost as much as if he had done so. Besides his duty to George, he had aduty to himself and to the family--the honorable men and women who hadkept the name clean before him. Knowing he would inherit on George'sdeath, there was only one way open--he should have gone back, at anycost. Instead, to clear himself of the faintest trace of ugly suspicion, he lays the blame upon an innocent man. "

Lisle did not reply to this. He felt that had the grim choice beenimposed upon his companion, the man would have taken the course he hadindicated. 

"You said that George Gladwyne was a naturalist, " he remarked. "Was he amethodical man?"

"Eminently so, " replied Nasmyth, wondering where the question led. He hadalready been astonished at Lisle's close reasoning and the correctness ofhis deductions. 

"Then he would have made notes on his journey and no doubt have kept somekind of diary. Did the rescue party recover it?"

"They did. It was given to George's sister. "

"Damaged by snow or water, badly tattered?"

"It was, " assented Nasmyth. "I've had the book in my hands. I supposeit's natural that you should guess its condition, but I don't see what itpoints to. "

Lisle smiled grimly. 

"One wouldn't be astonished to find some leaves missing from a tatteredbook. "

"You're right again. " Nasmyth started. "Several had gone. "

"I think I can tell which part of the journey they related to. Amethodical man would make a note of the stores cached, and the listswould be conclusive evidence if anybody afterward opened the caches andenumerated their contents, as we have done. If everything put into theone on the bank Vernon followed remained there, it would prove that hecouldn't have found it. On the other hand, if the one on Gladwyne's sideof the river--"

"Of course!" Nasmyth broke in. "You needn't labor the point; it's plainenough. " He stopped for a few moments before he went on again. "I'mconvinced; but without that list of Gladwyne's you still haven't proofenough to place your account of the affair beyond dispute. What are yougoing to do?"

"I'm going to England--it's my father's country, and I meant to visit itsome day. Whether I shall find out anything more there or not I don'tknow. "

"Then you must stay with me. That's a point I insist upon. But I mustmake my situation clear--though I've been drawn into this matter againstmy will, you have my promise, and if ever the time for action comes, I'llstand by you. But I'll take no part in trapping Clarence Gladwyne intoany admission, nor will I countenance any charge against him unless somechance supplies you with indisputable evidence. "

"Thanks, " said Lisle; "I'm agreeable. You stand neutral until I call onyou. "

"There are two more questions, and then we'll let the subject drop. Whydidn't you make this search earlier? Why didn't Gladwyne rearrange thecaches afterward? He went back, you know. "

"They're easily answered. It was some time before I heard of Vernon'sdeath and met the Hudson Bay man in Victoria--I'd been away in the North. Gladwyne had the rescue party with him when he went back; he couldn'treplace the provisions in the cache on this side without their knowingit, and I don't suppose he could have crossed the river to the othercache. Now we'll talk of something else. "

They started again the next morning, and instead of leaving the river forthe Hudson Bay post, which stood farther back into the wilderness, theyheld on down-stream, though they afterward regretted this when theirprovisions once more grew scanty. There was now sharp frost at nights;fangs of ice stretched out behind the boulders and crackling sheets of itgathered in the slacker eddies along the bank. What mattered more wasthat the portages were frequent, and carrying the canoe over rock coatedwith frozen spray became dangerous as well as difficult, and Nasmythworking on short rations began to feel the strain. It was only since hehad entered that inhospitable region that he had ever been compelled togo without his dinner; and now breakfast and supper were sternlycurtailed. When they were stopped for two days by a blinding snowstorm hegrew anxious, and his uneasiness had increased when some time afterwardthey made their evening meal of a single flapjack each. He could readilyhave eaten a dozen of the thin, flat cakes. The duck they had shot everynow and then since crossing the divide had gone; they had not seen atrout since the cold set in; and there did not appear to be any salmon inthe river. 

After breakfast the next morning, Lisle concluded that it would be wiseto risk a day looking for a deer, so he invited Nasmyth to take his rifleand the two set out. It cost them some trouble to climb the low bluffabove the river through a horrible tangle of fallen trunks. The treeswere getting larger and the branches of those the wind had brought downlay spread about them or were resting on the standing growth in networkswhich Nasmyth would have thought it impossible to traverse had he beenalone. Lisle scrambled through, however, and he had no choice except tofollow. Where the timber was thinner, the slope was covered withsharp-edged stones which further damaged his already dilapidated boots;and when at last they came out upon a comparatively bare, rockytableland, a bitter wind met them in the teeth. It drove a little finesnow before it, but Lisle plodded steadily on, explaining that any deerwhich might be in the neighborhood would have gone down into thesheltered valleys. He had no doubt they would find one of the valleys, for they were generally numerous. 

It was an hour before they reached one, and Nasmyth was conscious of anunpleasant pain in his side and a headache which he supposed resultedfrom want of food. For all that, he scrambled after his companion down analmost impossible descent, where trees of increasing size grew up amongoutcropping rock and banks of stones. When he reached the bottom he foundhimself in a deep rift filled with densely-matted underbrush, throughwhich a swift stream flowed. Its banks promised a slightly easier road, though now and then they had to wade through the water, which was icycold. Noon came and they had seen no sign of life, except two or threewillow-grouse which they failed to dislodge from cover; but Lisle heldon, his course running roughly in a line with the river. 

It was toward three o'clock, and a little snow was sifting down betweenthe somber branches overhead, when Lisle, stopping, raised a warning handand pointed to an opening in the trees. The light was dim among the rowsof trunks, and for a few seconds Nasmyth gazed down the long colonnade, seeing nothing. Then Lisle pointed again, impatiently, and he made outsomething between a gray trunk and a thicket. Sportsman as he was, he hadnot the bush-man's eye, and he would never have supposed that formlessobject to be a deer. It moved, however; a prong of horn appeared; andwaiting for nothing further he pitched up his rifle. 

It was a long shot, standing; he guessed the range in a deceptive light;but he found himself strangely steady as he squeezed the trigger. He wasdesperately hungry and weak from want of food; the deer must not escape. Yet he was in no rash haste; for two or three seconds the tiny foresighttrembled slightly upon the mark, while the pressure on the triggerincreased. Then there was a flash; he heard no report but the smoke blewinto his eyes. Almost simultaneously, a train of red sparks leaped outfrom somewhere close at his side and there was a sharp snapping in thebush ahead. 

"You got your shot in!" cried Lisle. "I think I missed him on the jump. Come on; we must pick up the trail!"

It was easy to find; the deer had been too badly hit to bound across eachobstacle as cleanly as usual, and broken twigs and scattering witheredleaves showed which way it had gone. Besides, there were red splasheshere and there. It was, however, a difficult matter to follow the trail. Fallen trees and dense thickets barred the way, and they had to cross thecreek every now and then. Nasmyth rapidly got breathless and before longhe was badly distressed, but he held on behind his companion. Once ortwice he was held fast for a moment or two, and breaking free, found hehad badly ripped his garments on the ragged branches. Still, it wasunthinkable that they should let the deer escape. 

As he struggled forward, he remembered that the days were rapidlyshortening, and he shrank from the prospect of retracing his way to campin the dark. It occurred to him that it was a compliment and a mark ofvery fine courtesy that Lisle had left the first shot to him. In returnfor this, he must endeavor to be present to assist when he was wanted. 

The deer was still invisible, but it was not very far ahead, for at timesthe snapping of a stick or a rustle of disturbed underbrush came sharplyout of the woods. The light was getting dimmer and the snow was fallingmore thickly. 

At last the hunted creature left the valley and after a desperatescramble the men reached the summit of the ridge above. Here thetableland between them and the river was covered with straggling bush, and though the undergrowth was thin they could see nothing but the longrows of shadowy trunks. Lisle, however, picked up the trail, and theyfollowed it as rapidly as possible until, when Nasmyth was lagging somedistance behind, there was a shout in front of him and his companion'srifle flashed. Making a last effort, he broke into a run and presentlycame to the brink of a steep descent covered with thick brush andscattered trees, with a wide reach of palely gleaming water at the footof it. It was the kind of place one would have preferred to climb downcautiously, but there was a sharp snapping and crackling below andNasmyth knew that a hard-pressed deer will frequently take to the water. If it crossed the river, it would escape; and that could not becontemplated. 

Holding his rifle up, he plunged madly down the descent, smashing throughmatted bushes, stumbling over slippery stones. Once or twice he collidedwith a slender tree and struck his leg against some ridge of rock; but heheld on, gasping, and the water rapidly grew nearer. He had almostreached it when a dim shape broke out from a thicket at the bottom of theslope. There were still some cartridges in his rifle cylinder, but he wasslipping and sliding down an almost precipitous declivity at such a ratethat it was impossible to stop and shoot. Indeed, in another moment hefell violently into a brake and had some difficulty in smashing throughit, but when he struggled free he saw shingle and boulders in front ofhim and Lisle bounding across them a few yards behind the deer. Hereached the stones, wondering why Lisle did not fire; and then he saw manand deer plunge into the water together. 

A few seconds later he was waist-deep in the swift icy current, savagelyendeavoring to drag the animal toward the bank, while Lisle stood nearhim, breathing hard, with a red hunting-knife in his hand. 

"Steady!" gasped Lisle. "You can't do it that way! Help me throw thebeast on his side. Now heave!"

They got the deer out, and Nasmyth sat down limply. All the power seemedto have gone out of him; he did not want to move, though he was filledwith exultation, for they now had food. It was a minute or two before henoticed that Lisle had left him; and then he saw him coming back with hisrifle. 

"I dropped the thing, " Lisle explained. "Couldn't snap a fresh shell in;guess I bent the slide. I took the knife to finish it. "

"In another moment or two you'd have been too late. "

Lisle laughed. 

"I don't know. It wouldn't have been decided until we'd reached the otherside. "

"You would have swum across?" Nasmyth asked in astonishment. 

"Sure, " said Lisle simply. "Anyway, I'd have tried. "

Nasmyth glanced at the river. It was broad, icy cold, and running fast, and he could hardly imagine a worn-out and half-fed man safely swimmingit. Lisle, however, called upon him to assist in an unpleasant operationwhich, when Nasmyth had killed a deer at home, had been judiciously leftto the keepers or gillies. After that, he was directed to light a fire ona neighboring point, from which it could be seen some way up the river, and by and by Jake arrived in the canoe. Then they made camp, and after afeast on flesh so tough that only hungry men could have eaten more than afew morsels of it they went to sleep. 

CHAPTER V

MILLICENT GLADWYNE

In a few more days they left the river, abandoning the canoe and tent anda portion of their gear. Ascending to higher levels, they crossed arugged waste, which, fortunately for them, was thinly timbered; but therewas keen frost, and snow in places, and Nasmyth suffered a good dealduring this portion of the journey. At last, however, they descended to asheltered valley in which the firs grew tall, and Jake agreed with Lislethat it would form the best road to the settlements. 

Nasmyth was longing for civilization when he lay awake late one night, wrapped in a single blanket, beside the sinking fire. Dark columnartrunks rose about him, touched with the uncertain red radiance now andthen cast upon them when little puffs of bitter wind stirred the blaze, and he could see the filmy wreaths of smoke eddy among the branches. Hewas cold and overtired; the day's march had been a long one; hisshoulders ached cruelly after carrying a heavy load, and every joint wassore. Besides, his bed was unpleasantly hard, and he envied hiscompanions, who had long ago sunk into heavy slumber. For the last hourhe had been thinking over the discoveries he had made on the journey, which he devoutly wished he had never undertaken; the thought of them hadtroubled him on other bitter nights. Lisle was not the man to let thematter drop; he was much more likely to follow it up with doggedpersistence to the end; and Nasmyth, who was to some extent pledged toassist him, saw trouble ahead. 

In spite of this, he was beginning to get drowsy when a faint and yetstrangely melodious chiming broke through the whispering of the firs. Itseemed to come from above him, falling through the air, and he rousedhimself to listen, wondering if he were quite awake. The musical clash hehad first heard had ceased, but for a while he thought he coulddistinguish the tolling of a single bell; then in varying notes the pealbroke out again. 

There was something ethereal in the clear tones. The last time he hadheard anything like them he was sitting one Sunday morning on a shadylawn while the call of the bells came softly up to him across the Englishwoods. He glanced at his comrades, but they showed no sign of hearing, and raising himself on one elbow he lay and listened, until the music, growing fainter and fainter, died away. Then, puzzled and half convincedthat his imagination had played him some fantastic trick, he went tosleep. 

He mentioned the occurrence diffidently at breakfast the next morning, expecting incredulous laughter; but Lisle, without making a comment, glanced at Jake questioningly. 

"No, " responded Jake. "Nothing to bring them up so far. "

"You couldn't have been mistaken?" Lisle asked Nasmyth. 

"I thought I must be; but the more I listened, the clearer it got. "

"Go and see, " Lisle said, addressing Jake, and when they had finishedbreakfast the packer strode away. 

"We'll wait a bit, " advised Lisle. "I'm a little worried about provisionsagain. It's still a long march to the nearest wagon trail. "

Nasmyth failed to understand how the delay would improve their position, but believing that his companion was somewhat dubious about his tale herestrained his curiosity. In half an hour Jake came back and nodded toLisle. 

"Quite a bunch of them, " he reported. "I struck the fellow's trail. "

"What was it I heard?" Nasmyth asked. 

"Cow-bells, " Lisle explained, laughing. "In this country, they generallyput them on any cattle that run loose in the timber. Some adventurousrancher has located up here, though I hadn't expected to find one so farnorth. Anyway, it's a relief; he'll no doubt be able to let us havesomething to eat. "

They reached the man's log house an hour later, and spent the day withhim, enjoying a much needed rest. The next morning he supplied them withprovisions and told them how to find a trail down to a wagon road; and, setting out, they safely reached a settlement in regular communicationwith the cities. 

It was the settlement Lisle had expected to come to, and he found abundle of correspondence awaiting him there. Before he opened it, however, he and Nasmyth supplied themselves with such clothing as theycould obtain at the local store, and then demanded a bath at the littlewooden hotel. They had some trouble in obtaining it, but Nasmyth wasfirm, and eventually he sat down to supper, clad in a blue shirt withscarlet trimmings, extremely tight-fitting clothes and daintily-pointedshoes. 

"I think I'd have done better if I'd stuck to my rags, or else bought apair of what that fellow called river-Jacks' boots, " he commentedruefully. 

Lisle was similarly attired, but he was too busy with his meal tosympathize with him, and some time after it was over Nasmyth, strollinginto the private room which they had obtained as a signal concession, found him writing at a littered table. Sitting down, he watched him for awhile with some slight wonder. For a number of weeks, he had seen hiscompanion handling heavy loads, cooking, and hauling canoes round rapidswith the skill of a professional packer. It was hard to disassociate himfrom the ranges and the bush; but now, with the pile of letters beforehim, he had suddenly become a business man. Nasmyth saw him answer acouple in a swift, decided manner which showed that he was at home in hispresent occupation. It was one of the quick character-changes which, while common in the West, are apt to bewilder the more stereotypedEnglishman. 

"Are you coming to England with me?" Nasmyth asked at length. 

"No; I'm sorry I can't, " answered Lisle, pausing, pen in hand. "ThisGladwyne matter will probably take time and I have none to spare now. There have been some unexpected developments in my affairs. I don't knowwhen I can get away. "

Nasmyth was conscious of some relief. His companion would have to deferthe prosecution of plans that threatened to cause trouble in England, which was something to be thankful for, though he had a strong sympathyfor the man. 

"Has it ever struck you that you might have less difficulty if you couldbe content with proving half of what you claim?" he asked. "It's the moreimportant part--I mean that your late comrade failed to find the cache. "

"Half a truth is not much use--Gladwyne realized that. To declare youhaven't done the wrong is a good deal less effective than pointing to theguilty man. "

"I suppose that's correct, " Nasmyth agreed. "But, after all, unless youcan get hold of a list of the provisions cached--and it has most likelybeen destroyed--there's only one way of substantiating your views. "

"Exactly. Gladwyne's confession will place the matter beyond all doubt. "

"Do you think you will ever get it?"

Lisle's expression hardened. 

"Well, " he said, "I'm going to try. "

Nasmyth abandoned all attempt to daunt or dissuade him. 

"Anyway, " he resumed, "when you come over you must stay with me. I'msorry we'll have to part company to-morrow. I start east by the firsttrain. "

He strolled out into the moonlight and the keen frosty air. The littlewooden town was soon left behind, and sauntering down the rough wagonroad beneath towering firs, he saw the great hill summits glitter whiteagainst the sky. It was a wonderful country; the grandest he had evertraversed; but it demanded a good deal from the man who ventured into itswilds, and he was not sorry that he was turning his back on it. 

Then, as he thought of the land he was bound for and recalled the tragicstory of Gladwyne's journey, he once more grew troubled. He realized theimmutable sequence of cause and effect--each action had its result whichmust be faced however much one repented and regretted it. The deed, oncedone, could not be altered and, what was worse, its consequences reachedout to others. Then he wondered whether Clarence had ever repented, andadmitted, with a recurrence of his indignation against the man, that itwas far from probable. Clarence was one who took life lightly, andalthough his means had been small until he came into his cousin'spossessions, he had somehow succeeded in getting what is often consideredthe best out of it. Self-denial in any shape was unknown to him. 

The next morning Nasmyth took the train for Montreal, and about afortnight later alighted at a little station in the north of England asthe early dusk was closing in. It was a quiet evening and the softmoistness of his native air struck him as something pleasantly familiarafter the keener, drier atmosphere of the Dominion. He was glad to beback again, but when he looked around, the trap waiting in the wet roadoutside the railings was not his own. Neither did it belong to Clarence, whom he had partly expected; but on the whole Nasmyth was glad of that. He had not looked forward to the first meeting with Clarence with anypleasure. 

In another moment, a girl came along the platform through the groups oflocal passengers, who respectfully made way for her. She was tall, andher long outer garment failed to conceal her grace of movement and finepoise, though in the fading light her face was almost invisible beneath alarge hat. The sight of her sent a thrill of satisfaction through theman; it was seldom that Millicent Gladwyne's appearance was unwelcome toher friends. She approached him with outstretched hand. 

"I drove over for you. Clarence couldn't come; he was suddenly called upto town, " she began. "It would have been rather lonely for you to spendthe first evening by yourself at the Lodge. You will come to us?"

"Thoughtful as ever, " smiled Nasmyth, with a little bow which wasrespectful as well as friendly. "I needn't ask how you are; the way youwalked along the platform was a testimony to our Border air. "

She laughed, softly and musically. 

"It is more needful to inquire how you have stood your adventures?"

"I believe I'm thinner; but that isn't astonishing, everythingconsidered. I suppose Clarence is getting on pretty satisfactorily?"

"Clarence? Oh, yes!" There was a hint of uncertainty in her voice whichNasmyth noticed. "He has been in town a good deal of late. But comealong; the horse--he's a new one--is rather restive. They'll send on yourthings. "

"The remnant of my outfit's contained in one small bag, " laughed Nasmyth;"the rest's scattered about the hillsides of British Columbia. I was apicturesque scarecrow when I reached the settlements. "

They moved away along the platform, and on reaching the trap he got upbeside her and handed her the reins. 

"I want to look about, if you don't mind, " he explained. 

"I really think the prospect's worth it, " she replied. "Besides, Riever'sfresh and needs humoring. "

She shook the whip, and as they clattered away down the steep, twistingroad, Nasmyth glanced with satisfaction to left and right. He had seenwilder and grander lands, but none of them appealed to him like thishigh, English waste. On one hand dim black hills rose out of fleecy mist;on the other a leafless birch wood, close by, stood out in curiouslyfragile and delicate tracery against a paling saffron glow, thoughoverhead the sky was barred with motionless gray cloud. A sharp smell ofpeat-smoke followed them as they clattered past a low white cottage witha yellow glow in one window; and then the earthy scent of rotting leavesreplaced it as they plunged into the gloom of an oak wood beneath thebirches. A stream splashing down a hollow made faint music in the midstof it. When they had emerged from the shadow and climbed a steep rise, wide moors stretched away in front, rising and falling in longundulations, streaked with belts of mist. The crying of restless ploverscame out of the gathering dimness. 

"All this is remarkably nice; though I don't think I should haveappreciated it quite so much if I'd been alone, " Nasmyth said at length. 

Millicent laughed lightly. She had known him since her childhood and wasquite aware that he had not intended to pay her a labored compliment;they were too good friends for that. Once, indeed, he had desired acloser bond, but he had quietly acquiesced when with gentle firmness shehad made it clear that she was not for him. Submission had not been easy, but he had long admitted her right to more than he could offer. In this, however, he was to some extent mistaken, because the gifts he couldbring--a staunch honesty, faithfulness, and a genial nature--are not tobe despised. 

"Well, " she replied, "I love these moors and dales, as of course youknow, and I've become more of a stay-at-home than ever during the pastyear. " There was a slight regretfulness in her voice which had itsmeaning for him. "I'm never satisfied with the drawings, " she went on, "though I've made so many of them. "

Nasmyth made a sign of comprehension. She had undertaken to finish andillustrate her brother's roughed-out work, a book on the fauna of theBorder, and she had brought to it a fine artistic skill and patience, aswell as a love of the wild creatures of the waste. It was, perhaps, acurious occupation for a young woman, but she had devoted herself to itwith characteristic thoroughness. 

"He wanted it to be as complete and accurate as possible, " she addedsimply. 

Her companion felt compassionate. In some respects, it was almost a pitythat Millicent could not forget. 

"You got my letter--the one in which I said I meant to pick up and followout his trail?" he asked. 

"Yes. I knew it would be difficult. Indeed, I was anxious about you; thewilderness has claimed so much from me. But did you--"

"I succeeded, " Nasmyth answered quietly. 

The nod she gave him was expressive. It meant that she had expected himto succeed; he was a man who did what he said. 

"I think George should never have made that journey, " she resumed. "Fondof the open as he was, he hadn't the physical stamina. He never sparedhimself; he was apt to overestimate his powers. "

It was spoken with a grave regretfulness that troubled Nasmyth and yetstirred him to strong appreciation of her character. With all her lovefor her brother, she could face the truth. 

"I've learned that he bore everything with the fortitude one would expectfrom him--doing his share always with the rest, " Nasmyth said. "We gotthrough a little earlier, and had better weather; but I saw enough toconvince me that the difficulties George had to contend with would havekilled any ordinary man. "

"They did not kill Clarence. "

Nasmyth once more burned with anger against the transgressor. 

"No, " he replied in a strained tone; "Clarence escaped. "

She flashed a sharp glance at him, and he felt glad that it was too darkfor her to see his face. 

"You must tell me the whole story to-night, " she requested. 

Her companion made no answer. With the reserve that must be maintained onseveral points, the story would be difficult to relate; and it could notfail to be painful to her. The horror she would feel if she ever learnedthat her brother might have been saved had his cousin shown moreresolution was a thing he dare not contemplate, and he wondered if theshock the knowledge must bring could be spared her. This depended uponLisle, whom he had promised to assist. Nasmyth could foresee nothing buttrouble, and he was silent for a while as they drove on across the lonelymoor. 

CHAPTER VI

NASMYTH TELLS HIS STORY

Dinner was over, and Millicent's elderly companion had discreetly leftthem alone, when the girl led Nasmyth into her drawing-room. It wasbrightly lighted and was tastefully decorated in delicate colors, and awood fire was burning on the hearth; but, for the first time that hecould remember, Nasmyth felt ill at ease in it. He was fresh from thesnow-covered rocks and shadowy woods and the refinement and artisticluxury of his surroundings rather jarred on him. The story he had torelate dealt with elemental things--hunger, toil, and death--it wouldsound harsher and more ugly amid the evidences of civilization. 

"You have a good deal to tell me, " Millicent suggested at length. 

He stood still a moment, looking at her. She had already seated herself, and the sweeping lines of her pose suggested vigor and energy held inquiet control. Her face was warm in coloring, bearing signs of exposureto wind and sun, but it was chastely molded in a fine oval with thefeatures firmly lined. Her hair was dark, though there were bronzy gleamsin it, and her eyes, which were deeply brown, had a sparkle in them. As awhole, her appearance indicated a sanguine, optimistic temperament, butthere was also an indefinite something which spoke of due balance andrepose. Nasmyth was more convinced than ever that he had not met anyother woman fit to compare with her. Her age, as he knew, having givenher many birthday presents, was twenty-four. 

"Yes, " he said, in answer to her remark, "but it's curious that I can'tfix my mind upon the subject here. The night's mild; shall we go out onto the veranda?"

"Wait until I get a wrap. I understand. "

"You always do that, " Nasmyth declared. 

She joined him outside in another minute and seated herself in the chairhe drew out. The house was small and irregularly built, and a glass roofsupported on light pillars stretched along part of the front. A half-moonhung above a ridge of dark fir wood, a tarn gleamed below, and here andthere down a shadowy hollow there was a sparkle of running water. On theother side of the dale the moors stretched away, waste and empty, towardthe half-seen hills. The loneliness of the prospect reminded Nasmyth ofCanada, and the resemblance grew more marked when the crying of ploverrose from the dim heath--it brought back the call of the loon. Still, hedid not wonder why Millicent, an orphan with ample means, lived aloneexcept for her elderly companion on the desolate Border. 

"You don't mind, I know, " he said as he lighted a cigar. 

"I can make that concession willingly, " she answered with a smile. "Isuppose I'm old-fashioned, because I go no farther. "

"Keep so, " advised Nasmyth. "Of course, that's unnecessary; but I nevercould make out why women should want to smoke. From my point of view, itisn't becoming. "

He was putting off a task from which he shrank, and she indulged him. 

"One retains one's prejudices in a place like this, " she said. "I feltsadly left behind when I was last in London; and the few visits I made inthe home counties a little while ago astonished me. Nobody seemed to stayat home; the motors were continually whirling them up to town and back;the guests kept coming and going. There was so much restlessness andbustle that I was glad to be home again. "

"It has struck me, " returned Nasmyth with an air of sage reflection, "that we who live quietly in the country are the pick of the lot. Soundsegotistical, doesn't it? But if we don't do much good--and I'm afraid Idon't, anyway--neither do we do any harm. "

"I'm not sure that that's a great deal to be proud of. "

"I didn't include you, " Nasmyth assured her. "There have been wholesomechanges in the village since you grew up and made your influence felt. And that leads to a question: How does Clarence get on with his tenantsand the rank and file? George understood them, but they're difficultfolks to handle. "

"He's away a good deal--I'm afraid there has been some friction now andthen. " The girl's manner suddenly changed. "But that's beside the point. Aren't you wasting time?"

"I am almost afraid to begin. You will find the story trying. "

She turned toward him, and the moonlight showed her face was reassuringlyquiet. 

"I expect that; but your fears are groundless. You needn't hesitate on myaccount. "

Nasmyth knew that she was right; Millicent was not one to flinch frompain. With an effort, he began his story at the portage over the divide, and, possessed by vivid memories, he made her see the desolate regionthey had laboriously traversed. Because her imagination was powerful, shecould picture the brother she had loved toiling with desperate purposeand failing strength through muskeg and morass. Then, when she quietlyinsisted, he described Gladwyne's last camp. She saw that, too: thehollow beneath the dark rock, with the straggling cedars on the ridgeabove. Next he outlined the journey down the first few rapids, sayinglittle about the caches, and at last, with considerable relief, he cameto a stop. Millicent sat silent for several minutes, during which he didnot look at her. 

"Thank you, " she said at length. "I have tried often to imagine it, andfailed; but it is quite clear now. Clarence would never give me more thanthe barest details--I think he hated to speak of it. "

"In a way, he was wise, " replied Nasmyth. He understood the man'sreluctance. "Now don't you think it would be better if you tried to drivethe thing out of your mind? It can't be altered--there's a danger indwelling too much upon one's grief. "

She looked up at him, though her eyes were dim with tears. 

"It can't be driven out. There were only the two of us; we had so much incommon--there was such trust between us. "

Nasmyth nodded in comprehension and sympathy. 

"Now that I've told you, " he said quietly, as he rose, "I think I'll go. I am sure you'd rather be alone. "

"No, " she answered, motioning to him to sit down. "Please stay. " Sheseemed to rouse herself with an effort. "Of course, there was only onething George could do when he was lamed--send them on. But Clarence, whowas with him, never made his fortitude and cheerfulness so clear as youhave done. You even mentioned the exact words he said now and then--howdid you hear of them?"

"From my companion, a young Canadian. He had the whole thing by heart;got it from the Hudson Bay agent. George's guide told the agent. "

"Did your companion also teach you how to tell the story?"

Nasmyth smiled. He saw that she was desirous of changing the subject andhe was glad of it. 

"Anyway, he made me see it at the time; pointed out the full significanceof things--a broken branch, a scratch on a rock. A rather striking man inseveral ways. But you shall see him; he's coming over to stay with me byand by. " He paused a moment. "I understand that Clarence has been havingsome trouble. "

"It hardly amounts to that. But things are not the same as they were"--inspite of her courage she faltered--"when George held control. The tenantsdon't take to Clarence; I think he was not well advised in increasingrents here and there. Indeed, that was a little puzzling, because he wasonce so liberal. "

"In small matters; it's his own money now. " Nasmyth could not repressthis show of bitterness. 

"Whose money was it in his extravagant days?"

"That's a question I've thought over and failed to find an answer to. I've no doubt most of what he gets is now being spent in town, though inmy opinion as much as possible ought to go back to the locality in whichit was produced. Why don't you impress that on him?"

Millicent, as he knew, could judiciously offer sound advice where it wasneeded. She was young, but, having been left an orphan early, she hadlong enjoyed her brother's close companionship and confidence, and theman's wide knowledge and thoughtfulness had had its effect in molding hercharacter. Still, in this case, she did not respond. 

"It would be better for his tenants and the neighborhood generally ifClarence married; he can afford it now, " Nasmyth went on. 

Again the girl was silent, and he wondered whether he had thoughtlesslymade a serious blunder. It had been supposed among their friends that shewould marry Clarence some day, though, so far as it was known, there wasno definite understanding between them, and for a while the man'sattitude had strengthened the idea. Indeed, when he had succeeded toGeorge's possessions, every one had expected an announcement, which hadnot been made. What Millicent thought, or what she had looked for allalong, did not appear. 

"I think you are right in one thing, " she said, very calmly, at length. "If he would stay here, as George did and his neighbors do, it would bebetter for everybody, including himself. "

Nasmyth made a sign of agreement. Their intimate friends remained for thegreater portion of the year on their estates, understanding the needs oftheir tenants and dependents and enjoying their good opinion, which wasnaturally increased by the fact that their expenses were chiefly incurredin the neighborhood. There were others who, as the small farmerrecognized, returned as little as possible to the soil, squanderingrevenues raised by the stubborn labor of others in doubtful pleasureselsewhere and, when they brought their friends home, on luxuriesdespatched from town. These things made for bitterness. 

An unfortunate persistence in his hobby drove Nasmyth into a secondblunder. 

"We're in accord on that point, " he assured her. "It's a pity the landpassed out of your hands. However, as there's no male succession, itmight, after all, come back to you. "

She bore it very calmly. 

"You wouldn't have me speculate on such a thing?"

Then as if to find a safer topic she went on with a thrill of anger inher tone:

"I'll tell you of an incident I witnessed two or three days ago, whichannoyed me seriously. I'd just met old Bell--you know how lame heis--driving some sheep along the road. It has been a wet, cold year; Belllost his hay, the oats are dreadfully poor, and his buildings are in verybad repair. "

"They were a disgrace to any estate when I last saw them, " Nasmyth brokein. "Besides, the sour land near the river should have been tile-drainedlong ago. "

"So Bell has urged; but he can't get Marple to spend a penny--I'm gladthat man's new to this part of the country and doesn't belong to us. Well, just after I met Bell, Marple's big motor came along. He had Batleywith him and the Crestwicks, who were down before. I think you met them?"

"I did, " assented Nasmyth. "In Canada they'd call them a mighty toughcrowd; they're about the limit here. "

"I turned round after the car had passed, " Millicent went on. "Marple wasdriving, as fast as usual, and he made no attempt to pull up. Bell, whodidn't hear, tried to jump and fell into the ditch; most of the sheepwere scattered across the moor, but two or three got right in front ofthe car and at the last moment Marple had to stop. One of the womenlaughed, she had a very shrill voice and she explained that the old manlooked so funny in the ditch; Marple shouted to Bell--something about thedamage to his tires--and I could see the others smiling at what he said. That was worse than the words he used. Then they went on, leaving the oldman to gather up his sheep; he hadn't a dog with him. That kind of thingleaves its mark!"

"Distinctly so, " Nasmyth agreed. "Still, Marple and his lot areexceptions. Wasn't Clarence rather thick with them?"

"Yes, " she answered. "I've been rather disturbed about him. "

Nasmyth did not know what this meant. He thought she would hardly havemade such an admission had she contemplated marrying the man; and, ifnot, it was somewhat difficult to see why he should cause her seriousconcern. He knew, however, that Millicent could not look on unmoved whenher friends left the right path; he could think of two or three whom shehad helped and gently checked from further straying. This reflection wasa relief to him, because he was determined that she should not marryClarence if he could prevent it. If necessary, he would tell her the partthe man had played in Canada, though he shrank from doing so. 

"Marple and his acquaintances are not the people one would have expectedClarence to associate with, " he continued. "Still, in my opinion, he'sdoing worse in making a friend of that fellow Batley. I could neverunderstand the connection--the man strikes me as an adventurer. Has hespent much time here since I've been away?"

"A good deal, off and on. But it's getting chilly and I half expect areproving lecture from Miss Hume when I go in. First, though, tell me alittle more about the young Canadian you had with you. "

"I don't know much. I met him by accident--he has an interest in somemines, I believe, but he struck me as a remarkably fine type. Clever atwoodcraft, as handy with the ax and paddle as our professional guide, butwhen he talked about other things he seemed to know a good deal more thanI do. " He smiled. "After all, that's not surprising. But what I likedmost was the earnestness of the fellow; he had a downright way ofgrappling with things, or explaining them to you. Sensible, but direct, not subtle. "

"I've met men of that description, and I'm rather prejudiced in theirfavor, " declared Millicent, smiling. "But what was he like inperson--slightly rugged?"

"No; that's where you and others sometimes go wrong. There's nothing ofthe barbarian about these bushmen. Physically, they're as fine a type aswe are--I might go farther--straight in the limb, clean-lined every way, square in the shoulder. They'd make an impression at any Londongathering. "

"So long as they didn't speak?"

"It wouldn't matter. Allowing for a few colloquialisms, they're worthlistening to; which is more than I'd care to say for a number of thepeople one meets in this country. "

Millicent laughed. 

"Well, I'll be glad to see him when he comes. " Her voice grew graver. "Ifeel grateful to him already for what he told you about George. "

They went in together and half an hour later Nasmyth walked home acrossthe moor. He had never thought more highly of Millicent, but somehow henow felt sorry for her. It scarcely seemed fitting that she should livein that lonely spot with only the company of an elderly and staidcompanion, though he hardly thought she would be happier if she plungedinto a round of purposeless amusements in the cities. Still, she wasyoung and very attractive; he felt that she should have more than thethinly-peopled countryside had to offer. 

CHAPTER VII

ON THE MOORS

Nearly a year had passed since Nasmyth's return when Lisle at lengthreached England. Soon after his arrival, he was, as Nasmyth's guest, invited to join a shooting party, and one bright afternoon he stoodbehind a bank of sods high on a grouse-moor overlooking the wastes of theBorder. The heath was stained with the bell-heather's regal purple, interspersed with the vivid red of the more fragile ling, and where theuplands sloped away broad blotches of the same rich colors checkered thegrass. In the foreground a river gleamed athwart the picture, andoverhead there stretched an arch of cloudless blue. There was no wind;the day was still and hot. 

A young lad whose sunburned face already bore the stamp of self-indulgencewas stationed behind the butt with Lisle, and the latter was not favorablyimpressed with his appearance or conversation. 

"Look out, " he cautioned by and by. "You were a little slow last time. They travel pretty fast. "

Lisle picked up his gun; he had used one in the West, though he was moreaccustomed to the rifle. Cutting clear against the dazzling sky, astraggling line of dark specks was moving toward him, and a series ofsharp cracks broke out from the farther wing of the row of butts, whichstretched across the moor. Lisle watched the birds, with fingerstightening on his gun; one cluster was coming his way, each flitting bodygrowing in size and distinctness with marvelous rapidity. Then there wasa flash beside him, and another crash as he pitched up his gun. Somethingstruck the heather with a thud not far away, and swinging the muzzle alittle, he pulled again. He was not surprised to hear a second thud, andlaying down his gun he turned to his youthful companion, while a thincloud of acrid vapor hung about him. 

"Get anything?" he asked. 

"I didn't, " was the sullen answer. "Couldn't expect it with the secondbarrel, after you'd filled the place with smoke. Wonder why Gladwyne'sman gave you the old black powder?"

As nearly everybody else used smokeless, this was a point that hadaroused Lisle's curiosity, though it was not a matter of much importance. Nasmyth had provided him with cartridges, but they had somehow been leftbehind, and on applying to Gladwyne's keeper he had been supplied withammunition which, it seemed, was out of date. 

"After all, you have done well enough, " his companion resumed. "We'dbetter get on to our next station--it's right across the moor on the highridge yonder. Don't bother about the birds. "

"Shall I leave them there?"

"Certainly! Do you want to carry them all the afternoon? One of thekeeper fellows will bring them along. "

The lad's tone was half contemptuous; he had already shown that heconsidered the Canadian what he would have called an outsider; but he waswilling to make use of him. 

"You might look after Bella; she's alone in the next butt--and I'vesomething else to do, " he said. "There's an awkward ghyll to cross andshe won't carry anything lighter than a 14-gun. See she doesn't leave thecartridges in it. "

He strode away across the heather, and Lisle turned toward the turfshelter indicated. As he approached it, a girl appeared and glanced athim with very obvious curiosity; but as he supposed that she was thesister of his late companion he did not expect any diffidence from her. She was short in stature and slight in figure, and dressed in grayishbrown; hat, coat, and remarkably short skirt all of the same material. Her hair was of a copper color; her eyes, which were rather narrow, of apale grayish-green. He would have called them hard, and there was a hintof arrogance in her expression. Yet she was piquantly pretty. 

"I suppose you're Nasmyth's Canadian friend?" she began, and went onwithout waiting for an answer: "As we occupy adjoining butts on the nextdrive, you may take my gun. Teddy has deserted me. "

"Teddy?" queried Lisle, who wondered if she were referring to herbrother. "I thought his name was Jim. "

"It's Marple's stout friend with the dyed hair I mean. I told him whatwould happen if he ate as he persisted in doing at lunch. It's too hot togormandize; I wasn't astonished when he collapsed at the steep place onthe last walk. Reflecting that it was his own fault, I left him. "

Lisle was not charmed with the girl's manners, but he could not check asmile. 

"Are you tired? You oughtn't to be, " she continued with another boldglance at him. 

"No, " he replied; "if it's any consolation to you, I'm far from exhaustedyet. "

"That's reassuring, " she retorted. "You haven't taken my gun. "

Having forgotten it for the moment, he flushed a little, and she watchedhim with unconcealed amusement while he opened the weapon and took outthe cartridges. 

"What's that for?" she asked impertinently. "It's hammerless; there'snothing to catch. "

"The pull-off's probably very light, if it's been made for a lady's use. It's sometimes possible to jar the strikers down when they set thesprings to yield at a touch. "

"Then you know something about guns?" she said, as if she had notexpected this. 

"Not a great deal about the scatter kind, though I've stripped a few. "

"We never do that, " she informed him. "We send them to London. Still, you're right; the gun did go off when I knocked it jumping down from awall. "

"If you'll let me have it to-night, I'll alter that. I understand we'regoing out again to-morrow. "

She considered a moment. 

"Well, " she consented, with the air of one conferring a favor, "you maytake it when we've finished. "

Lisle wondered what had prompted him to make the offer. The way she hadaddressed him was not ingratiating, but he delighted in examining anyfine mechanism and he had never handled such a beautifully made weapon. 

They plodded on side by side through the heather, which was long andmatted, and presently, seeing that she was breathless, he stopped on thecrest of a higher rise and once more looked about with keen appreciation. 

In front of him the crimson and purple heath was rent and fissured, andin the deep gaps washed out by heavy rains the peat gleamed a warmchocolate-brown. Elsewhere, patches of moss shone with an emeraldbrightness, and there were outcrops of rock tinted lustrous gray andsilver with lichens. Below, near the foot of the moor, ran a straightdark line of firs, the one coldly-somber streak in the scene; but beyondit the rolling, sunlit plain ran back, fading through ever varying andsoftening colors to the hazy blue heights of Scotland. 

Lisle's companion noticed his intent expression. 

"It is rather fine up here, " she conceded. "I sometimes feel it's almosta pity one couldn't live among the heather. Certain things would beeasier on these high levels. "

"Yes?" interrogated Lisle, slightly puzzled and astonished. 

"You're obviously from the woods, " she smiled. "If you had spent a fewyears among my friends, you would understand. I was referring to thecultivation of ideas and manners which seem to be considered out of datenow. "

Lisle made no reply to this, but he glanced too directly at a red stainon her hand. 

"Blood, " she explained. "I had a bet with Alan that I'd get a brace morethan Flo; that's why I went after a cripple running in the ling. Itwasn't dead when I picked it up--rather horrid, wasn't it?"

The man was conscious of some disgust. She looked very young and, slightas she was, her figure was prettily rounded and she had a soft, kittenishgracefulness; but she spoke with the assurance of a dowager. Though hehad killed and cut up many a deer, he shrank from the small red stain onher delicate hand. She saw it and laughed, and then with a sudden changeof mood she stooped and swiftly rubbed her fingers in the heather. 

"Now, " she said sharply, "if you're sufficiently rested, we'll go on. "

Lisle moved away, but he asked a question:

"Do many girls shoot in this country?"

"No, " she answered with a mocking smile; "not so many, after all. That'scomforting, isn't it? This kind of thing is hard work, and damaging tothe complexion. "

Presently they came to a wall, and Lisle stopped in some uncertainty. Itwas as high as his shoulders and built of loose, rough stones. 

"Get over, " she ordered him. "Then pull a lot of it down. "

He did so, making, though he endeavored to avoid this, a rather widehole. 

She scrambled through agilely and then regarded him with surprise as heproceeded to replace the stones. 

"Why are you doing that?" she asked. 

"There are sheep up here. "

"Too many, considering that it's a grouse-moor; but what of it? Theydon't belong to us. "

"They belong to somebody who would rather they didn't stray, " Lislerejoined. "In the country I come from, it's considered a serioustransgression to knock over another person's fence and not put it upagain. "

He calmly went on with his task, and sitting down she took out a silvercigarette-case. After a minute or two she looked up at him. 

"You're doing that very neatly, " she remarked. 

"I've done something of the kind for a living, " Lisle informed her. 

"Oh! It's curious that you seem proud of it. In this case, I don't mindyour keeping me, because they can't drive up the birds until we havecrossed the higher moor. It will annoy Gladwyne and his keeper, and I'mnot pleased with either of them. I wanted Flo Marple's station at thefirst butts. "

Lisle considered this. He had wondered why she had favored him with hercompany, when, although her previous companion had deserted her, shecould by hurrying a little have joined the others. The butts were notspaced very far apart. Their late occupants had, however, now vanishedinto a dip of the moor. He asked himself why a girl with her assuranceshould have troubled to offer him an explanation. 

When he had finished the repairs to the wall, they went on, and a littlelater he heard a sharp "Cruck--cruck-curruck, " to one side of him. Swinging around, he saw a grouse skimming the heather. 

"A pair of gloves to a sovereign that you miss!" cried his companion. 

The bird was flying fast; Lisle had to load, and by the time he hadsnapped in a cartridge it was a long range. This, however, was somewhatin his favor, as he was better used to the rifle. There was a flash andthe bird struck the heath. The girl glanced at him in unveiledappreciation. 

"A clean kill!" she exclaimed. "You have won the gloves; and you'lldeserve them before you have heard the last of this incident. I supposeyou don't know that you shouldn't have fired a shot except from behindthe butts. "

She watched his expression with open amusement. 

"You don't like to ask why I tempted you, " she went on. "It was to vexthe keeper; you may have turned back the birds the beaters are drivingup. "

"Thanks for the information, " Lisle said coolly. "Do you mind myinquiring whether you would have taken the sovereign in case I'd missed?As you suggested, I'm lately from the wilds. "

"Of course!" she mocked. "I could have had it drilled and worn it on achain!"

The man made no comment as they went on. Presently they came to a deeprift in the moor through which a stream leaped sparkling. The girlscrambled down, waist-deep in yellow fern, but the other side was steepand stony and she was glad of help when he held out his hand. They madethe ascent with some difficulty and on reaching the summit she lookedaround, breathless. 

"This is a romantic spot, if you're interested in the legends of theBorder, " she told him. 

"I am, " Lisle said; and she sat down among the heather. 

"It's an excuse for a rest, " she confessed. "The old moss-troopers usedto ride this way to ravage Cumberland. It was advisable for them tofollow hidden paths among the moors, and once an interesting littleskirmish took place among those brakes down the hollow. "

She pointed toward a spot where the ravine widened into a level strip ofquaggy grass and moss which glowed a brilliant emerald. On either side ofit a gnarled and stunted growth of alders and birches fringed the foot ofthe steep slopes, and between them the stream spread out across a stretchof milk-white stones. The hollow was flooded with light and filled withthe soft murmur of running water. 

"It would be a strong place to hold, if the defenders had time to choosetheir ground, " Lisle remarked. 

"So it proved, " replied his companion. "Well, once upon a time, a boldScots reaver, riding south, saw a maid who pleased him near a Cumberlandpele. His admiration was not reciprocated, but he came again, often, though being an armed thief by profession there was a price upon hishead. It is stated that on each occasion he returned unaccompanied by anyof the cattle belonging to his lady's relatives, which was an unusualpiece of forbearance. In those days, men must have been able todisassociate business from their love-making. "

"Don't they do so now?" Lisle inquired lazily. 

She looked at him with a smile which had a hint of real bitterness in itslight mockery. 

"Not often, one would imagine. Perhaps they can't be blamed--I'm afraidwe're all given to cultivating dreadfully expensive tastes. No doubt, when it was needful, the Border chieftain of the story could live onoatmeal and water, and instead of buying pedigree hunters he probablystole his pony. He haunted the neighborhood of the pele until the maidbecame afraid and urged her kinsmen to rid her of him. Several of themtried and failed--which wasn't surprising. "

"Love made him invulnerable?" Lisle suggested. 

"No, " retorted his companion. "A man with a heart constant and stoutenough to face the risks he ran would be hard to kill. When you readbetween the lines, it's a moving tale. Think of the long, perilous rideshe made through an enemy's land, all for a glance at his disdainful lady!They watched the fords in those days, but neither brawling rivers norwell-mounted horsemen could stop him. At last, he came one night with adozen spears, broke in the barmkin gate and carried her off. All herrelatives rode hard after them and came up with them in this ghyll. Thenthere happened what was, in one way, a rather remarkable thing--theabducted maid firmly declined to be rescued. There was a brisk encounter, I believe two or three were killed; but she rode off to Scotland with herlover. I suppose I needn't point the moral?"

"I can see only the ancient one--that it's unwise to take a lady's 'No'as conclusive, " Lisle ventured. 

She laughed at him in a daring manner. 

"The pity is that we haven't often a chance of saying it to any one worthwhile. But I'll express the moral in a prettier way--sometimesdisinterested steadfastness and real devotion count with us. Unfortunately, they're scarce. "

There was a challenge in her glance, but the man, not knowing what wasexpected of him, made no answer. At first he had been almost repelled bythe girl, but he was becoming mildly interested in her. She could, hethought, be daring to the verge of coarseness, and he did not admire herpessimism, which was probably a pose; but there was a vein of elfishmischief in her that appealed to him. Sitting among the heather, small, lithe, and felinely graceful, watching him with a provocative smile inher rather narrow eyes, she compelled his attention. 

"Well, " she laughed, "you're not much of a courtier. But doesn't thatstory bring you back into touch with elemental things--treacherousmosses, dark nights, flooded rivers, passion, peril, dauntlessness? Nowwe're wrapped about with empty futilities. "

He understood part of what was in her mind and sympathized with it. Hehad lived close to nature in stern grapple with her unbridled forces. From women he demanded no more than beauty or gentleness; but a man, hethought, should for a time, at least, be forced to learn the stress andjoy of the tense struggle with cold and hunger, heat and thirst, on longmarches or in some dogged attack on rock and flood. He had only contemptfor the well-fed idlers who lounged through life, not always, as hesuspected, even gracefully. These, however, were ideas he had nointention of expressing. 

"There are still people who have to face realities in the newer lands;and I dare say you have some in this country, on your railroads and inyour mines, for example, " he said. "But hadn't we better be getting on?"

They left the brink of the hollow and plodded through the heather towardwhere a row of butts stood beneath a lofty ridge of the moor. A manappeared from behind one as they approached and glanced at them withunconcealed disapproval. 

"Couldn't you have got here earlier, Bella?" he asked. "In another fewminutes you'd have spoiled the drive--the birds can't be far off the dipof the ridge. Hardly fair to the keepers or the rest of us to take theserisks, is it?"

"When I do wrong, I never confess it, Clarence, " the girl replied. "Youought to know that by now. "

Lisle heard the name and became suddenly intent--this was ClarenceGladwyne! There was no doubt that he was a handsome man. He was tall andheld himself finely; he had a light, springy figure, with dark eyes andhair. Besides, there was a certain stamp of refinement or fastidiousnessupon him which was only slightly spoiled by the veiled hint of languidinsolence in his expression. 

"I heard a shot, " he resumed. 

"I've no doubt you did, " the girl agreed. "An old cock grouse got up infront of us--it was irresistibly tempting. "

Gladwyne turned to Lisle with a slight movement of his shoulders whichwas somehow expressive of half-indulgent contempt. 

"You're Nasmyth's friend from Canada? I guess you don't understand thesethings, but you might have made the birds break back, " he said. "However, we must get under cover now--there's your butt. I'll see you later. "

He turned away and Lisle took up his station behind the wall of turfpointed to. He had once upon a time been forcibly rebuked for hisclumsiness at some unaccustomed task in the Canadian bush and had notresented it, but the faint movement of Gladwyne's shoulders had brought awarmth to his face. The girl noticed this. 

"Clarence can be unpleasant when he likes, but there are excuses forhim, " she said. "A day's shooting is one of the things we take seriously, and manners are not at a higher premium here than I suppose they are inthe wilds. "

Lisle made no response, and there was silence on the sun-steeped mooruntil a row of small dark objects skimming the crest of the ridge abovebecame silhouetted against the sky. Then a gun cracked away to the rightand in another moment a dropping fusillade broke out. 

CHAPTER VIII

GLADWYNE RECEIVES A SHOCK

It was about nine o'clock in the evening, and Gladwyne's somewhat noisyguests were scattered about his house and the terrace in front of it. Several of them had gathered in the hall, and Bella Crestwick, Lisle'scompanion on the moors, stood, cigarette in hand, with one foot on theold-fashioned hearth-irons, frankly discussing him. A few birch logsglowed behind the bars, for on those high uplands the autumn nights werechilly, but the wide door stood open, revealing a pale green band oflight behind the black hills, and allowing the sweet, cool air of themoors to flow in. 

The girl had gained something by the change from her outdoor attire tothe clinging evening dress, but it was with characteristic unconcern thatshe disregarded the fact that the thin skirt fell well away from oneshapely ankle effectively displayed by a stocking of the finest texture. 

"The man, " she said, "is a bit of a Puritan. They still live over there, don't they? His idea of English women is evidently derived from what hisfather told him, or from early-Victorian literature. I'm inclined tobelieve I shocked him. "

"It's highly probable, " laughed a man lounging near. "Still, I believethe descendants of the folks you mention live three thousand miles fromhis country, in the neighborhood of the Atlantic shore. One wouldn'tfancy that you'd like Puritans. "

There was nothing offensive in the words, but his glance was a little toobold and too familiar, and Bella looked at him with a gleam of malice inher eyes. 

"Extremes meet; it's the middle--the medium mediocrity--that'sirreconcilable with either end, " she retorted. "For instance, I led alife of severe asceticism all last Lent. " There were incredulous smiles, though the statement was perfectly correct. "It's a course I couldconfidently recommend to you, " she proceeded, unheeding; "of late youhave been putting on flesh with an alarming rapidity. "

The man made no response and Bella resumed:

"Besides, the Puritans have their good points; they're so refreshinglysure of themselves and their views, while the rest of us don't believe inanything. You can't be a fanatic without being thorough, and inrenouncing the world and the flesh you may gain more than a passablefigure. Among other things, the ascetic life means straight shooting, steady hands, and an eye you can depend upon. The overcivilized man whodoes nothing to counterbalance his luxuriousness is generally a rotter. "

"But what has all this to do with Nasmyth's Canadian?" somebody asked. 

Bella waved her cigarette. 

"Try to walk a steep moor with him and you'll see. If that's notsufficient, take the same butt with him when the grouse are coming over. "

Suddenly she straightened herself, dropping her foot from the iron andflinging the cigarette into the fire, as a gray-haired lady entered thehall. She had been a beauty years ago and now her fragility emphasizedthe fineness of her features and the clear pallor of her skin. She wasdressed in a thin black fabric, and her beautifully shaped hands gleamedunusually white against its somber folds. 

"Where's Clarence?" she asked the group collectively, in a voice that wassingularly clear and penetrative. "I haven't seen him for the lasthalf-hour. "

One of the men immediately went in search of him, and the lady crossedthe hall to where Millicent Gladwyne was sitting, for the time beingalone. Millicent had noticed Bella's sudden change of demeanor upon herhostess's entrance, with something between amusement and faint disgust. Mrs. Gladwyne was what Bella would have called early-Victorian in herviews, and she would occasionally have been disturbed by the conversationof some of her son's guests, had she not been a little deaf. 

"Sitting quiet?" she said to Millicent, who was a favorite of hers; andher voice carried farther than she was aware of as she continued: "Iheard the laughter and it brought me down, though I want to tell Clarencesomething. I like to see bright faces; but the times have changed since Iwas young. We were a little more reserved and not so noisy then. "

"A dear old thing! It's a pity she's quite so antediluvian, " Bellaremarked to a man at her side. 

"Isn't that the natural penalty of being a dear old thing?" laughed hercompanion. "There's no doubt we have progressed pretty rapidly of late. "

Clarence appeared shortly after this and was gently chidden by his motherfor going out without his hat, because the autumn nights were gettingchilly. A few minutes later, footsteps became audible outside the opendoor and Nasmyth entered the hall with Lisle. It was spacious andindifferently lighted; the others, standing near the hostess, concealedher, and Lisle stopped for a word with Bella. Then Nasmyth noticed Mrs. Gladwyne and called to his companion. 

"This way, Vernon. "

Clarence swung round with a start and cast a swift glance at thestranger, and Millicent wondered why his face set hard; but the nextmoment Nasmyth led up the Canadian and presented him. Mrs. Gladwyne hadrisen and Lisle made a little respectful inclination over the delicatehand she held out. Age had but slightly spoiled her beauty; she had stilla striking presence, and a manner in which a trace of stateliness wascounterbalanced by gentle good-humor. Lisle was strongly impressed, but, as Millicent noticed, he betrayed no awkwardness. 

"I seem to have heard your name before in connection with Canada, " saidMrs. Gladwyne, confusing it with his surname. "Ah, yes! Of course; it wasGeorge's guide I was thinking of. " She turned to Millicent, adding in anaudible aside: "I've a bad habit of forgetting. Forgive me, my dear. "

Everything considered, it was, perhaps, the most awkward thing she couldhave said; but Lisle's bronzed face was imperturbable, and Gladwyne hadpromptly recovered his composure as he realized the mistake. Still, for amoment, he had been badly startled. Nobody noticed Nasmyth, which wasfortunate, because his unnatural immobility would have betrayed him. 

"I'd been expecting you both earlier; told you to come to dinner, " saidhis host. 

Then he addressed Lisle. 

"As my mother mentioned, I had once something to do with a man calledVernon, in Canada. "

Knowing what he did, Lisle fancied that Gladwyne's indifferent tone hadcost him an effort. 

"It's only my Christian name, as you have heard, " he explained. 

"You were up in the bush with Nasmyth, were you not?"

"Yes, " answered Lisle. "I met him quite by chance in a Victoria hotelwhen I happened to have a few weeks at my disposal which I thought ofspending in the wilds. When he heard that I intended making a tripthrough the northern part of the country and suggested that we should gotogether I was glad to consent. "

"Then you belong to Victoria?"

"I was located there when I met Nasmyth. Before that I was up in theYukon district for some time. Since leaving him I've lived in the city. "

He thought Gladwyne was relieved at his answer, for the latter smiledgenially. 

"Well, " he said, "we must try to make your visit to this countrypleasant. "

Shortly after this, the group broke up and Gladwyne, escaping from hisguests, slipped out on to the terrace and walked up and down. Nasmyth hadmerely mentioned that he had a Canadian friend staying with him; somehowa formal introduction had been omitted during the day on the moors, andGladwyne had been badly disconcerted when he heard the man addressed asVernon. The name vividly recalled a Canadian episode that he greatlydesired to forget, and he had, indeed, to some extent succeeded in doingso. That unfortunate affair was done with, he had assured himself; fortwo years it had scarcely been mentioned in his hearing, but for ahorrible moment which had taxed his courage to the utmost he had almostfancied that it was about to be brought to light again. Lisle's answerand manner had, however, reassured him. Nasmyth had met the manaccidentally and it was merely as the result of this that they had madethe journey through the bush together. It was evident that he had beenneedlessly alarmed. 

For all that, he was troubled. Living for his own pleasure, as he did, hewas nevertheless a man who valued other people's good opinion and pridedhimself upon doing the correct and most graceful thing. There was nodoubt that he had once badly failed in this, but it was in a moment ofphysical weakness, when he was exhausted and famishing. After all, it wasmost probable that his cousin had died before he could have reached him, and there were, he thought, few men who, if similarly situated, wouldhave faced the risk of the return journey. Still, the truth would havehad an ugly sound had it come out. This was why he had spread the storyof the guide's defection, which he now regretted. It might not have beenstrictly necessary, but he had reached the trappers' camp on the verge ofa collapse, too far gone to reason out the matter calmly. A man in thatcondition could hardly be held accountable for his action. Besides, itwas incredible that the guide's statement that he had made the journeywithout replenishing his provisions could be correct. 

His reflections were interrupted by Mrs. Gladwyne, who came out, wrappedin a shawl. 

"Why are you here alone?" she asked. "You look disturbed. Has anythinggone wrong?"

Gladwyne was sorry that she had joined him where the light from a windowfell on his face, but he smiled. 

"No, " he answered quietly, for he was always gentle with her. "I onlyfelt that I'd rather avoid the chatter of the others for a few minutes. Isuppose it was the man's name, together with your reference to George, that upset me. "

Mrs. Gladwyne laid her hand on his arm. She was inordinately fond andproud of the son whom she had spoiled. 

"I sometimes think you are too sensitive on that point, Clarence, " shesaid. "Of course, it was very tragic and we both owe George a great deal, but you did all that anybody could have done. "

The man winced, and it was fortunate that they had now left the lightbehind and his mother could not see his face. 

"I could have stayed and died with him, " he broke out with unaffectedbitterness. "There were times at the beginning when I was sorry I let himsend me away. "

Mrs. Gladwyne shook her head reproachfully. She was gracious and quietlydignified and refined in thought, but for all that she was not one toappreciate such a sacrifice as he had indicated. 

"I'm afraid that was an undue exaggeration of a natural feeling, " sheremonstrated. "How could your staying have helped him, when by going insearch of help you increased his only chance of safety? I have alwaysbeen glad you were clear-headed enough to realize it, instead of yieldingto mistaken emotional inclinations. "

Gladwyne felt hot with shame. His mother had an unshaken confidence inhis honor, which was the less surprising because her perceptions hadnever been very keen and she had always shrunk from the contemplation ofunpleasant things. It was an amiable weakness of hers to idealize thoseshe loved, and by resolutely shutting her eyes on occasions she succeededin accomplishing it more or less successfully. Clarence was, of course, aware of this, and it hurt to remember that in deserting his cousin hehad been prompted chiefly by craven fear. His mother, however, quiteunconscious of what she was doing, further humiliated him. 

"Of course, " she continued, "if you had found the cache of provisions, itwould have been your duty to return to George at any hazard, and I haveno doubt whatever that you would have gone. "

The damp stood beaded on the man's forehead. He realized that even hislenient and indulgent mother would shrink from him if she knew that hehad abandoned his dying benefactor like a treacherous coward. He saidnothing and they had strolled to the end of the terrace before she spokeagain. 

"I think it would be better to go back to the others and drive away thesemorbid ideas, " she advised. "It's a duty to look at the brightest side ofeverything. "

He made no answer, but he strove with some degree of success to recoverhis usual tranquillity as they turned toward the entrance of the hall. 

In the meanwhile, Lisle had been talking to Millicent. She had alreadymade a marked impression on him, for in the wilds the man had acquired aswift and true insight into character. One has time to think in thelonely places where, since life itself often depends upon their accuracy, a man's perceptions grow keen, and though some of the minor complexitiesand subtleties of modern civilization might have puzzled him he wasseldom mistaken in essentials. 

He liked her direct and calmly searching gaze; he liked her voice which, while soft and pleasant, had a trace of gravity in it. He knew that herfine carriage was a sign of physical vigor and he recognized how it hadbeen gained by the clear, warm tinting of her slightly sun-darkened skin. But, apart from this and her comeliness, which was marked, there was thatin her personality which spoke of evenness and depth of character. Shewas steadfast, not lightly to be swayed from a resolve, he thought. 

"Nasmyth has often spoken about you, " she told him. "I understand it waschiefly by your help that he succeeded in reaching the scene of mybrother's death. I want to thank you for that. "

Her voice was quiet, but it did not betoken indifference; he knew thatshe was not one to forget. He could not think of any apposite answer, butshe saw the sympathy in his eyes and it pleased her more than words wouldhave done. 

"It was a relief to me that Nasmyth made that journey, " she went on. "Iwanted to learn everything that could be known--instead of shrinking fromit. You see, I had a great faith in my brother. "

"He deserved it, " Lisle declared warmly. "I have gathered enough toconvince me of that!"

"Thank you! Clarence was not in a condition to notice anything veryclearly during his journey, and I think what he suffered blunted hisrecollection. Besides, the subject is a distressing one to him, and it isseldom he can be induced to speak about it. Perhaps that is a pity; Ifind it does not always save one trouble in the end to avoid a littleimmediate pain. "

Lisle was gratified. She had spoken so unrestrainedly, though he imaginedthat it was a somewhat unusual thing for her to take a stranger into herconfidence. 

"Yes, " he replied; "I think that's very true. It's better to face it andget it over. The wound sooner heals. "

She smiled rather wistfully and changed the subject. 

"I told Nasmyth that you taught him to see. "

"I suppose I did, " acknowledged Lisle. "Still, it was only as far as itconcerned the things that I'm acquainted with. I'm not sure that mymeaning's very clear?"

"I understand. You knew what to expect; that carries one a long way. Wereyou disappointed in finding it?"

He was a little surprised at her keenness, and rather confused. This wasa question that could not be directly answered. 

"What I was more particularly referring to was the meaning of such thingsas a broken branch, a gap in a thicket, or a few displaced stones, " heexplained. "I taught him what to infer from those. "

"Yes, " she said; "I understand that you discovered nothing new--I meannothing that could throw any further light upon what befell my brotherafter the others left him. "

He was glad that he could answer her candidly. 

"No; we can only suppose that the conclusions the rescue party came towere correct. But all that we found relating to the week or two beforethe separation spoke of the courageous struggle that your brother madeand his generosity in sending the others away. "

She bent her head. 

"That, " she said quietly, "is only what one would have expected. He lefta diary; you must come over and see it. "

"I should like to, if it wouldn't be painful to you. "

"No, " she replied; "I shall be glad to show it to you. "

She left him shortly after this and strolled out on to the terrace, thinking about him. The little she had seen of him had pleased her; hehad earnest eyes and a resolute air, and she liked the men who lived inthe open. He was direct, and perhaps a little rudimentary without beingawkward, which was in his favor, for subtlety of any kind was distastefulto her. Still, in one respect, she was disappointed--he had in no wayamplified Nasmyth's story, and she had expected to hear a little more ofthe expedition from him. 

CHAPTER IX

LISLE GATHERS INFORMATION

Nasmyth's dinner was over and he lay, pipe in hand, in an easy-chair inhis smoking-room, with Lisle lounging opposite him. They had been walkingup partridges among the higher turnip fields all day, and now both werepleasantly tired and filled with languid good-humor. Nasmyth's house wasold--it had been built out of the remains of a Border pele--and the roomwas paneled to the ceiling and very simply furnished. It had an ancientlook and an ancient smell, and the few articles of plain oak furnitureharmonized with it. The window stood wide open, and the fragrance of agrove of silver firs outside drifted in. The surroundings had theireffect on Lisle, who had not been accustomed to dwellings of that kind. 

"You have been here a fortnight and must have formed a few opinions aboutus, " Nasmyth remarked at length. "You needn't be shy about expressingthem, and I've no doubt there are things you'd like to ask. "

"As a whole, my opinion's highly favorable, " Lisle announced with asmile. "I'd be uncommonly hard to please if it weren't. "

"That's flattering. But I'm not sure that I meant as a whole; I had a fewparticular instances in my mind. Bella Crestwick, for example; I'mcurious to hear what you think of her. She seems quite favorablyimpressed with you. "

"She's interesting, " Lisle replied. "A type that's new to me; the latestdevelopment, isn't it? Anyway, I like her--whatever the admission'sworth--though I must say that I found her rather startling at first. She's honest, I think, and that counts for a good deal. "

"I suppose you're not aware that she's desirably rich?"

"I wasn't. It's not a fact of any moment to me. Besides, I've a suspicionthat it's Gladwyne's scalp she's after. "

Nasmyth nodded. 

"You're pretty shrewd. Though I've had much greater opportunities forobservation, that idea has only lately occurred to me. Of course, in ageneral way, I shouldn't discuss my acquaintances in this casual fashion, but as you are likely to see a good deal of us there are things you'dbetter know. "

"I'll explain my point of view, " said Lisle, refilling his pipe. "Youhave seen something of the kind of life I've led. Half my time, Isuppose, has been spent in primeval surroundings; the rest in contactwith the latest efforts of a rather unfinished civilization. Well, whatyou have to show me here is vastly different. These old houses, yoursmoothed-down ways, are a revelation to me. The polish on some of yourfurniture has taken several hundred years to put on; that in my Victoriaquarters smells of the factory, and the board walls of other hotels I'velived in rend into big cracks because they're fresh from the mill. I'mfull of interest; everything's new to me. But so far my curiosity'simpersonal; I'm taking no hand in anything. "

His companion's face grew grave. 

"The trouble is that you may not be able to avoid it later. You're here, and some part will probably be forced on you. However, as I said, I thinkyou're right about Bella. "

"But her money would be no great inducement to Gladwyne. "

"That's not certain. Clarence has a way of squandering money, and you mayas well understand that there's very little to be derived fromagricultural property. George had his mother's money, but he left it toMillicent; Clarence got only the land. That's what made a match betweenthem seem so desirable. "

"Desirable!" Lisle broke out. "It's impossible! Not to be contemplated!"

"Yes, " Nasmyth agreed quietly. "If necessary, it will have to beprevented. I was only stating popular opinion. "

There was something curious in his tone and Lisle looked hard at him. Their eyes met full for a moment and the thoughts of each were clear tothe other. 

"If anything must be done, it will fall to you, " Nasmyth went on. "Inthis case it would be particularly invidious for me to interfere. But, ifthere had been nobody else, I'd have broken off the match. "

Lisle made no comment, but there was comprehension and sympathy in hisexpression, and Nasmyth nodded. 

"Yes, " he acknowledged; "it's an open secret that I would have looked fornothing better than to marry Millicent Gladwyne. " He paused with a slightflush creeping into his bronzed face. "For all that, I knew some yearsago that I hadn't the faintest chance and never would have. I have herconfidence and friendship; that has to be enough. "

"I think it's a good deal, " said Lisle. 

There was silence for a minute or two, and then Lisle asked a question:

"How could a girl like Millicent Gladwyne ever contemplate thepossibility of marrying Clarence?"

"It's puzzling to me. These things often are to outsiders. Still, Clarence is a handsome man, and I think George was in favor of the match, which would count with her. Then, in a way, she was always fond ofClarence, and now that she has the money and he's far from prospering onthe land, the idea that she could set him firmly on his feet by sharingher possessions with him may prove tempting. It's very much the sort ofthing that would appeal to her. "

"You suggest that she isn't strongly attached to the man. "

"I really believe she isn't; but, for all that, I'm sometimes afraidshe'll end by marrying him. It's very probable that she suspects some ofhis faults, but I'm not sure they'd deter her. It would make her morecompassionate, believing it was her duty to help him--that kind ofthing's an old delusion. Still, to do the fellow justice, he hasn't oflate shown much eagerness to profit by his opportunities. "

Lisle mused for a few moments. It struck him that Nasmyth had described avery fine type of woman, which was quite in accordance with his own ideasof Miss Gladwyne. 

"What led Gladwyne to cultivate Marple and the Crestwicks?" he asked. "They're different from the rest of you. "

"I can't say. It's a point I've wondered about, though Marple and hisrather rowdy friends are prosperous. I can better see why they got holdof Clarence. "

"I don't see it, " responded Lisle. "Remember I'm an unsophisticatedstranger in search of information. If they've means enough, can't theyassociate with whom they like?"

Nasmyth smiled, but there was a trace of diffidence in his manner. 

"In a way, you're right; but there are limits, more particularly in sucha place as this. The counties, I'm sometimes thankful, don't keep pacewith London. It's a little difficult to explain, but we're old-fashionedand possibly prejudiced here. Anyhow, we exercise a certain amount ofcaution in the choice of our friends. "

"But Mrs. Gladwyne seems cordial to the people you object to, and onewould imagine that she's the embodiment of your best traditions, a worthyrepresentative of the old régime. "

"Mrs. Gladwyne is a remarkably fine lady, but it's unfortunate that she'sa little deaf and--it must be owned--not particularly intelligent. A gooddeal of what goes on escapes her. Besides, she has always idolizedClarence, and that would account for her not seeing his friends'failings. "

"It's curious that Gladwyne makes so much of that young Crestwick. "

"I've wondered about it, " Nasmyth confessed. "The lad's vicious--and I'vean idea that the influence Clarence has over him isn't beneficial. Infact, I'm sorry for his sister. She has been given her head too young, but, in my opinion, the girl's the pick of a very indifferent bunch. "

"But you haven't accounted for these people's desire to be on good termswith Gladwyne. "

Nasmyth hesitated. 

"Oh, well, since you're so persistent, the Crestwicks have evidently beenleft with ample means, acquired by their parents, not much education, andbig ambitions. They can get into certain circles, but that won't contentthem, and other doors, which Gladwyne can open to them, are shut. Afterall, he's a good sportsman, a man of some culture, with a manner that'slikely to impress such people. The lad's holding on to him and taking hisworst aspect for a copy, while Clarence seems willing to extend hispatronage. "

"For some consideration?"

Nasmyth looked disturbed. 

"It's unpleasant, but I can't help feeling that you're right. One way oranother, young Crestwick will have to pay his entrance fees. " He rose andstretched himself lazily. "I'll spoil my temper if I say any more aboutit, and as we've had a long day I'm off to bed. "

Lisle followed him from the room, but he was up early the next morningand strolled down to the river while the light was creeping across themoors and the dew lay thick upon the grass, thinking over what he hadheard on the previous night. It was his nature to be interested in almosteverything and he was curious to learn what he could of the people towhom his father had belonged. In Canada he had, for the most part, metonly men of somewhat primitive habits and simple desires, grappling withrock and forest, or with single purpose toiling to acquire wealth in thenew cities. What was more to the purpose, few of them were married. Nowhe was thrown among a people not more intelligent--indeed, he thoughtthey were less endowed with practically useful knowledge--but in somerespects more complex, actuated by different and less obvious ambitionsand desires. He felt impelled to watch them, though he recognized that, as Nasmyth had predicted, this might not be all. It was possible thatsooner or later he would be drawn into action. 

He reached the stream at a spot where it flowed, still and clear, beneatha birch wood. A few of the leaves were green, but most of them gleamed adelicate saffron among the gray and silver stems, and the ground beneathwas flecked with yellow. Behind the trees rough, lichened rock and stonyslopes ran up to a bare ridge, silhouetted against the roseate glow ofthe morning sky. The sun had not risen, the water lay in shadow; it wasvery quiet and rather cold, and Lisle was surprised to see MillicentGladwyne picking her way cautiously over a bank of stones. It was onlyher movements that betrayed her, for her neutral-tinted attire harmonizedwith the background; but when she caught sight of him she left the footof the slope she was skirting and came directly toward him. He thoughtshe looked wonderfully fresh and wholesome, and he noticed that shecarried a small camera. 

"I'm afraid you have spoiled my sport, " she laughed. "I was after anotter--though you mustn't tell Nasmyth that there is one about here. "

"Certainly not, " acquiesced Lisle. "But why?"

"He would consider it his duty to bring up the hounds the next meet. Isn't it curious how slaughter appeals to a man? But Nasmyth isn'tunreasonable; there are reserves in which even the jays he longs to shoothave sanctuary. "

"But you were looking for an otter?"

"Yes; I wanted its picture, not its life. I've got several, but I'm notsatisfied; though I've been lucky lately. I got a dabchick--they'regrowing scarce--not long ago. "

"We'll try the next pool, if you'll let me come, " suggested Lisle. "I'mpretty good at trailing. But what do you want with their pictures?"

"For my book, " she told him. "I have to make ever so many drawings incolor before I get them right. If you're fond of the wild creatures, I'llshow them to you. "

Lisle said that he would be delighted, and they went on, keeping backamong tall brushwood where they skirted the swift stream at the head ofthe pool, and then proceeding cautiously with the outline of theirfigures softened by the heathy slopes behind. At length, creeping upthrough a thin growth of alders, they stopped near another still reachand the girl pointed to a few floating objects on its surface. 

"You're good at trailing or they'd have taken fright, " she said. "Still, I think I will surprise you, if you will wait here. "

"Mallard, " Lisle commented. "Young birds--even where we seldom disturbthem, they're shy. "

She slipped away through the alders and he noticed how little noise shemade, though the lower branches here and there brushed against hergliding form. She was wonderfully light and graceful in her movements. Asshe came out into the open there was a startled quack or two from thebirds. Lisle expected to see them rise from the water, but she calledsoftly and, to his vast astonishment, they ceased paddling away from her. She called again and they turned and swam cautiously toward her, and whenshe took a handful of something from a pocket and flung it upon thesurface of the stream, three or four heads were stretched forward toseize the morsels. 

While the birds drew nearer Lisle looked on admiring. She had roused hisinterest when he had first seen her in her rich evening dress, but now hethought she made a far more striking picture, and her sympathy with thetimid wild creatures which evidently knew and trusted her awakenedsomething responsive in him. Half the pool now glimmered in the rosylight, with here and there an alder branch reflected upon its mirror-likesurface, and Millicent stood on a strip of gravel with her figure clearlyoutlined against it. Dressed in closely-fitting, soft-colored tweed, talland finely symmetrical, she harmonized with rock and flood wonderfullywell. Lisle had occasionally seen a bush rancher's daughter, armed withgun or fishing-rod, look very much at home in similar surroundings; butthis English lady, of culture and station, reared in civilized luxury, appeared equally in her right place. 

He afterward recollected each adjunct of the scene--the stillness, thepale gleam of the water, and the aromatic smell of fallen leaves, but thealluring, central figure formed the sharpest memory. By and by sheclapped her hands, the ducks rose and flew away up-stream with necksstretched out, and she came back toward him, laughing softly. 

"Sometimes they will come almost up to my feet; but I'm afraid it'shardly fair to inspire them with an undue confidence in human nature. Itmight cost them dear. "

"You're wonderful!" Lisle exclaimed, expressing what he felt, for sheseemed to him endowed with every gracious quality. 

"Oh, " she smiled, "there's nothing really remarkable in what I showedyou. I happened to find the nest and by slow degrees disarmed the motherbird's suspicions; mallard have been domesticated, you know, thoughthey're often hard to get very near. But we may as well turn back; it'snow too late to see an otter. I'm inclined to think they're the shyest ofall the British wild creatures. "

They moved away down-stream side by side, and some time later she lefthim where a stile-path crossed a meadow. 

"Come and see my drawings whenever you like, " she said on parting. 

Lisle determined to go as soon as possible. Quite apart from thedrawings, the idea of going had its attractions for him, and he walkedhomeward determined that this girl should never marry Clarence Gladwyne. It was unthinkable--that was the only word for it. 

CHAPTER X

BELLA'S CHAMPION

It was early in the afternoon when Lisle arrived at Millicent's houseand, after a glance at its quaint exterior, was ushered into herdrawing-room. There he sat down and looked about while he waited. Thesalient tones of its decoration were white and aqueous blue, and theeffect struck him as pleasantly chaste and cool. Among the rather mixedornaments were a couple of marble statuettes, the figures airily poisedand very finely wrought. Next, he noticed some daintily carved objects inivory, and a picture in water-color of a wide, gray stretch of moor withdistance and solitude skilfully conveyed. He had risen to examine it whenMillicent entered. 

"I'm glad you came, though, as you're used to the life of the woods andrivers, I'm a little diffident about showing you my sketches, " she said. "I'm afraid I've kept you waiting. "

Lisle smiled and she liked the candidly humorous gleam in his eyes. 

"Nasmyth warned me that I was early--or rather he said that if I weregoing to visit anybody else I would have been too soon. I'd betterconfess, however, that I've been making a good use of the time. Things ofthis kind"--he indicated the statuettes--"are almost new to me. Theystrike me as unusually fine. "

"Yes, " she answered, realizing that he had an artistic eye, "they arebeautiful--and one sees so many that are not. George brought them fromItaly for me. This"--she moved toward a representation in ivory of aMogul gateway--"is of course a different style, but it's remarkable inits patient elaboration of detail. The mosque's not so fine. Nasmyth sentme the pair from India; he once made a trip to the fringe of theHimalayas. "

Lisle examined the object carefully, and she waited with some interestfor his comment. 

"It's wonderful, " he declared. "I suppose it's a truthful copy?"

"I'm inclined to think the man who carved that had not the gift ofimagination. He merely reproduced faithfully what he saw. "

"Different peoples have strikingly different ways, haven't they?"commented Lisle. "While they were making that small Eastern arch, we'dfling up a thriving wooden town or build a hotel of steel and cement tohold a thousand guests. The biggest bridges that carry our greatfreight-trains across the roaring gorges in the Rockies cost less labor. "

"I should imagine it. What then?"

He studied the carved ivory. 

"In a dry climate the original of this would last for centuries--it haslasted since the days of the Moguls--an object of beauty for generationsto enjoy. Perhaps those old builders used their time as well as we do. Our works serve their purpose, but one can't call them pretty. "

She was pleased with his answer. 

"I think that gets the strongest hold on me, " he went on, glancing towardthe picture of the moor; "it's real!"

There was a hint of diffidence in Millicent's expression. 

"But you can hardly judge, can you? You have scarcely seen the Englishmoors. "

"I've spent a while on the high Albertan plains, and you have the samethings yonder; the vast sweep of sky, the rolling waste running onforever. It's all in that picture; how expressed, I don't know--there areonly the grades of color, scarcely a line to gage the distance by. Still, the sense of space is vivid. "

Millicent blushed. 

"You're an indulgent critic; that drawing is my own. "

He did not appear embarrassed, though she saw that he had not suspectedthe fact. She had already noticed that when he might, perhaps, havelooked awkward he only looked serious. 

"After what you have said, " she resumed, "I'll show you the other thingswith greater confidence. Do you know, I thought all you Western peoplewere grimly utilitarian?"

He sat down and considered this. The man could laugh readily, but he wasalso characterized by a certain gravity, which she found refreshing bycontrast with the light glibness to which she was more accustomed. 

"Well, " he reasoned, "in my opinion, the white man's greatest superiorityover all other peoples is his capacity for making useful things--even ifthey're only ugly sawmills or grimy locomotives. Philosophy never fed anyone or lightened anybody's toil; commerce is a convenience, but the manwho makes a big profit out of it is only levying a heavy toll on somebodyelse. It seems to me that all our actual benefits come from theconstructor. "

"Have you been building sawmills?" Millicent asked mischievously. 

He laughed with open good-humor. "Oh, no; that's why I'm free to talk. Ihappened to find a lode with some gold in it, and gold is only a handymeans of exchanging things. I'll own that I was probably doing moreuseful work when I stood up to my waist in ice-water, fitting sharpstones into a pulp-mill dam. "

"Perhaps you're right, " Millicent agreed, "but it sounds severe. What ofthe people who never do anything directly useful at all?"

"There are a few who, by just going up and down in it, keep the worldsweet and clean. Some of the rest could very well be spared. "

"Then you believe that everybody must practically justify his existence?"

"If he fails to do so with us, his existence generally ceases. Thewilderness where I found the gold is full of the bones of the unfit. "

Millicent spread out some drawings. Most were in color, in some casesseveral of the same object, done with patient care, and she was strangelypleased when she saw the quick appreciation in his eyes. 

"An otter; it's alive, " he remarked. "You've shown it working through ashallow, looking much less like an animal than a fish--that's right. "

"I made half a dozen sketches, and I'm not satisfied yet. "

"Thorough, " he commented. "You get there, if you have to hammer the heartout of whatever you're up against. "

"It's my brother's book, " she answered. "I'm finishing it for him. He didother things--most of them useful, indirectly. I've only this--and I'dlike my part to be good. "

He nodded sympathetically, looking troubled. 

"I can understand, " he said. "I had a partner--I owe him more than Icould ever have repaid, and he left a troublesome piece of work to me. Itwill have to be put through. But let me see some more; they're great. "

She showed him a red jay; a tiny gold-crest perched on a thorn branch; akingfisher gleaming with turquoise hues, poised ready for a dive upon afroth-lapped stone. He was no cultured critic, but he knew the ways ofthe wild creatures and saw that she had talent, for her representationsof them were instinct with life. 

They were interrupted by a scratching at the door and when she opened ita white setter hobbled awkwardly in and curled itself at her feet. 

"He's rather a big dog for the house, but I can't keep him away from me, "she explained. "As you see, he has lost a foot, in a trap, and he wasmarked for destruction when I asked for him. Sometimes I think he knowsthat I saved his life. "

The dog looked up and raising a paw scraped at her hand, until she openedit, when he thrust his chin into her palm. It was a trivial incident, butit somehow stirred the man. 

"Now I know where you got power to draw these lesser brethren, " he said. "Study alone would never have given it to you. "

She let this pass. He was almost embarrassing in his directness, thoughshe acquitted him of any crude intention of flattering her. 

"I promised to let you read my brother's diary, " she reminded him. "Ifyou will wait a few moments, I'll get it. "

The dog pattered after her, as though unwilling to remain out of hersight, and she came back presently with a small leather case and openingit took out a tattered notebook. Noticing how she handled it and that thecase was beautifully made, Lisle fancied that it was precious to her, inwhich he was correct. Indeed, she was then wondering why she hadvolunteered to show it to this stranger when only two of her intimatefriends had seen it. 

"Thank you, " he said, when she gave it to him; and drawing his chairnearer the window he began to read. 

Though he was already acquainted with most of it, the story gripped him. On the surface, it was merely a plain record of a hazardous and laboriousjourney; but to one gifted with understanding it was more than this--avivid narrative of a struggle waged against physical suffering, weakness, and hunger, by optimistic human nature. An odd word here, a line or twoin another place, was eloquent of simple, steadfast courage andendurance; and even when the weakening man clearly knew that his end wasnear there was no outbreak of desperation or sign of faltering. He haddragged himself onward to the last, indomitable. 

Then Lisle proceeded to examine the book more closely. It showed theeffects of exposure to the weather to an unusual degree, considering thatthe covers were thick and that the rescue party had recovered it shortlyafter its owner's death. Moreover, Lisle did not think that GeorgeGladwyne would have left it in the snow. Several pages were missing, andhaving been over the ground, he knew that they recorded the part of thejourney during which the two caches of provisions had been made, and hehad already decided that there would be a list of their contents. Thisconclusion was confirmed by the fact that Gladwyne had enumerated thestores they started with, and had once or twice made a reduced list whenthey had afterward taken stock. The abstraction of the records wasclearly Clarence's work. Then he realized that he had spent some time inperusing the diary and he handed it back to Millicent with something thatimplied a respect for it. She noticed the sparkle in his eyes and herheart warmed toward him. 

"It's the greatest story I've ever read, " he declared. 

She made no answer, but he knew that she was pleased and it filled himwith a wish to tell her that she was very much like her dead brother. More he could not have said, but remembering that he had already gone asfar as was permissible he had sense enough to repress the inclination. Hesaw the girl's lips close firmly, as if she were conscious of someemotion, but there was silence for a minute or two. He broke it atlength. 

"I know that you have granted me a very great privilege, and I'mgrateful, " he told her, and added, because he thought a partial change ofthe subject might be considerate: "In a way, it's hard to realize thattale in this restful place. It's easier out yonder, where what you couldcall the general tone is different. "

"Nasmyth once said something like that, " Millicent replied. "I supposethe change is marked. "

Lisle nodded. 

"Here you have order, peace, security. In the wilds, it's all battle, thesurvival of the strong; frost and ice rending the solid hills, riversscoring out deep ravines, beast destroying beast, or struggling withstarvation. Man's not exempt either; a small blunder--a deer missed or aflour bag lost--may cost him his life. For the difference you have tothank the constructor, the maker of plows and spades and more complexmachines. "

"That's one of your pet hobbies, isn't it?"

He once more changed the subject. 

"I wish that I could show you the wilderness, " he said. 

Millicent looked thoughtful. 

"I should like to see it. I've an idea that if this book is well receivedI might, perhaps, try something a little more ambitious--the largerbeasts and wilder birds of other countries. In that case, I should chooseBritish Columbia. "

"Then you will let me be your guide?"

She made a conditional promise, and shortly afterward he left her. Meeting Nasmyth he walked with him toward Gladwyne's house, where theyfound the guests assembled on the lawn and Mrs. Gladwyne sitting by atea-table. One or two young women were standing near and several men hadgathered about a mat laid upon the grass fifty yards from where a smalltarget had been set up. Lisle joined Bella Crestwick, who detachedherself from the others. 

"What is this?" he asked. "It's a very short range. "

"Miniature rifle shooting, " she informed him. "It's becoming popular. Gladwyne has been trying to form a club. My brother Jim is president ofsome league. He's rather keen and there are reasons why I'm glad of it. "

She added the last words confidentially and Lisle ventured to nod. Itstruck him that a healthy interest in any organized work or amusementwould be beneficial to young Crestwick. The girl looked at him, as ifconsidering something; and then she seemed to make up her mind. 

"There's one thing I don't like, " she complained. "They will shoot forhigh stakes. Jim isn't a bad shot, but he's too eager. I'm afraid he'sinclined to be venturesome just now. "

Lisle thought that she had a request to make. There was something abouthim that inspired confidence, and the girl had made a friend of him. 

"What do you want me to do?" he asked. 

She made a sign of impatience; he was too direct. "Oh, " she pouted, "aren't you taking a good deal for granted? Still, you bushmen can shoot, can't you?"

"As a rule, " Lisle answered. "I almost think I see. "

"Then, " she retorted, "you shouldn't have said so; you should merely havesmiled and acted. "

"I'm from the wilds; you mustn't expect too much. Well, if you'll excuseme. "

She flashed a grateful glance at him, and he sauntered toward the groupof men, among whom Gladwyne stood. There was a sharp crack as heapproached them, a thin streak of smoke drifted across the figure lyingon the mat, and a man beside it lowered the glasses he held. 

"High to the left, " he announced. "You're not in good form, Jim. Hadn'tyou better give up?"

Lisle studied the speaker, whom he had met once or twice already. He wasapproaching middle-age and was inclined to corpulence, but there wassomething in his pose that suggested a military training. His face wasfleshy, but the features were bold and he was coarsely handsome. As arule, he affected an easy good-humor, but Lisle had felt that there wassomething about him which he could best describe as predatory. Heoccasionally spoke of business ties, so he had an occupation, but he hadnot in Lisle's hearing mentioned what it was. 

Crestwick's face was hot as he answered his remark. 

"Not at all, Batley. The trouble is that I'm used to the Roberts target, and the spots on the card are puzzling after the rings. I'll get into itpresently. "

"Oh, well, " acquiesced the other. "As you didn't fix a time limit, we'llgo on again, though it's getting tame and I want some tea. "

"I'll increase the interest again, if you like, " the lad replied. 

Lisle joined the group. 

"What's it all about?" he asked. 

"Batley's a pretty good rifle shot, but if he won't mind my saying sohe's a little opinionated, " Gladwyne explained. "Crestwick questioned anidea of his, and the end of it was that Batley offered to prove hispoint--that a stiff pull-off is as good as a light one in practisedhands--by backing himself to beat the field. Crestwick took him up, andsince the rest of us were obviously out of it, the thing has resolveditself into a match between the two. Crestwick is using an easy-triggeredrifle; Batley's has an unusually hard spring. "

Lisle considered. Remembering Bella's remarks, he thought it would beeasy to lure the lad into a rash bet. He was headstrong and his mannersmight have been more conciliatory, but Lisle, learning the amount of thestakes, decided that his host should not have let the thing go so far. 

"Crestwick doubled several times; he's stubborn and doesn't like to bebeaten, " Gladwyne resumed. "I had the same ideas when I was as young ashe is. "

"I've offered to let him off, " Batley broke in. "I'd do so now only he'skept me shooting for the last half-hour. As Gladwyne says, he'sobstinate, and it's a pity that he's wrong. If he'd trained hiswrist-tendons by using a harder trigger, he'd have made a passably goodshot. "

Lisle was aware that while there was something to be said for Batley'sview, Crestwick was justified in contending that the lighter tension wasmore adapted to the case of the average person; but he recognized thatthe indulgent manner of the older men was calculated, he thoughtintentionally, to exasperate the hot-headed lad. 

"Well, " he observed, addressing Batley, "you have the courage of yourconvictions if you have offered to maintain them against all comers, which I understand is what you have done. "

The man nodded carelessly and Lisle went on:

"After all, since I dare say these gentlemen are more used to theshotgun, your superiority doesn't prove very much. "

Crestwick looked around at him quickly. 

"Most of you Colonials can use the rifle; do you feel inclined to takehim on? You're a dark horse, but I'll double the stakes if he'll throwyou in. "

This was what Lisle wanted, but he turned to the others. 

"I've never had a small rifle in my hands--we use the 44-70, and I mustleave you to decide whether my shooting would be fair to Mr. Batley. Inthat case, I'll put up half the stakes. "

The men said there was no reason why he should not join, and Batley madeno protest, though Lisle fancied that he was not pleased. Lying down onthe mat, he took the light-springed rifle and the six cartridges handedhim and fixed his eyes on the target, which was a playing-card pinned toa thick plank. He got the first shot off before he was quite ready--thelight pull was new to him--and somebody called that he had touched theleft top corner. The next shot was down at the bottom, and the fourfollowing marks were scattered about the card. When he got up, Batleylooked reassured and proceeded to make a neat pattern around the centerof another card. There was no doubt that Crestwick was anxious, and whenhe took his turn he shot badly. In the meanwhile, the rest of the partyon the lawn had gradually gathered round; the eager attitude of theoriginal spectators hinted that something out of the usual course wasgoing on. 

Lisle was very cool when he lay down again. A swift, encouraging glancefrom Bella Crestwick made him determined, and during his previous sixshots he had, he thought, learned the right tension on the trigger. 

"Wipe it out for me, somebody, " he said, holding up the rifle. 

Bella seized it and deftly used the rod, regardless of soiled fingers. 

"May it bring you luck, " she wished, with a defiant glance at Batley, whosmiled at her as she returned the weapon. 

Then there was a hush of expectancy. Lisle took his time; a sharp crack, a streak of smoke, and Gladwyne raising his glasses, laughed. 

"High!" he called. "Top spot!"

It was a three of hearts, and Gladwyne's smile lingered for a momentafter Lisle fired again. 

"Bottom now; you're low!" he cried, and then his expression slightlychanged. Both spots were drilled out--this did not look altogether likean accident. 

"Center!" he announced after another shot, and all the faces surroundinghim became intent. The three hearts were neatly punched. 

"A fresh card!" exclaimed Crestwick, looking around at Batley with anexultant sparkle in his eyes. "You offered to let me off. Shall I returnthe compliment?"

The man laughed carelessly, though Lisle thought it cost him an effort. 

"No, " he retorted; "I can't show myself less of a sportsman than you are;but I think I've the option of demanding a longer range. Move the matback twenty-five yards and put up an ace of spades; it's the plainest. Three shots each should suffice at the distance. "

Crestwick got down and thrice touched the outside of the card; Batley didbetter, for two shots broke the edge of the black and one was close abovethem. It was good shooting at so small a mark, and Lisle was a littleanxious as he very deliberately stretched himself out on the mat. Havinglittle of the gambler's instinct in his nature, he was reluctant to losethe money at stake, but he was more unwilling to let Batley fleece thelad whom, as he recognized now, he had been asked to aid. He meant to doso, if the thing were possible, and twice he paused and relaxed his gripwhen his sight grew slightly blurred. 

Then there was a sharp crack, and he smiled when he heard Gladwyne'sreport. 

"I can't see it. These are only opera-glasses. "

Dead silence followed the next shot, which left no visible mark on thetarget; and Lisle did not look around as he thrust his last cartridgeinto the rifle. He let it lie beside him for half a minute while heopened and shut his right hand, and then, taking it up quickly, fired. Still there was no blur on the white surface of the card and Gladwynesharply shut his glasses, while two of the onlookers ran toward thetarget. They came back in silence and one significantly held up the ace. There were three small holes in the black center. 

Gladwyne had turned away when Lisle got up, but Batley concealed hisfeelings very well. 

"Excellent!" he exclaimed. "As I can't beat that, the only thing left meis to pay up. "

Lisle turned to Crestwick, who looked hot and excited. 

"You made the bet, " he said. "Will you use my half in buying acompetition cup for one of your clubs?"

He saw Batley's smile and a somewhat curious look in Gladwyne's face, butthe group broke up and he strolled back across the lawn with Bella. 

"I'm grateful, " she said softly. "I was a little afraid at first that Iwas asking too much of you. "

Lisle met her glance with a good assumption of surprise. 

"Grateful? Because I indulged in a rather enjoyable match?"

She laughed. 

"You learn rapidly. But I'd better say in excuse that I didn't think I'dinvolved you in a very serious risk. He hasn't your eyes and hands--onecouldn't expect it. You don't need pick-me-ups in the morning, do you?"

Lisle was slightly embarrassed. This girl's knowledge of life was tooextensive, and he would have preferred that she should exhibit it tosomebody else. 

"Well, " she concluded as they approached the tea-table, "my thanks areyours, even if you don't value them. "

"What do you expect me to say?" he asked, regarding her with someamusement and appreciation. She was alluringly pretty in her ratherelaborate light dress. 

"Yes, " she smiled mockingly, disregarding his question; "these thingsbecome me better than the tweeds, don't they? They make one look nice andsoft and fluffy; but that's deceptive. You see, I can scratch; in fact, Ifelt I could have scratched Batley badly if I'd got the chance. There'sanother hint for you--make what you like of it. "

Then with a laugh she swung round and left him, puzzled. 

CHAPTER XI

CRESTWICK GIVES TROUBLE

The little room in Marple's house, where the Crestwicks were staying, washot and partly filled with cigar smoke which drifted in filmy streaksathwart the light of the green-shaded hanging-lamp. Lisle sat beneath thelamp, studying the cards in his hand, until he leaned back in his chairand flung a glance about the table. There were no counters on it, butGladwyne had just noted something in a little book and was waiting with alanguid smile upon his handsome face. Next to him sat Batley, lookingthoughtful; and Crestwick sat opposite Lisle, eager and unhealthilyflushed. His forehead showed damp in the lamplight and there was anunpleasant glitter in his eyes. It was close on to midnight and luck hadgone hard against him during the past hour, half of which Lisle had spentin his company. This had cost Lisle more money than he was willing topart with. 

"It's getting late, " he said with a yawn. "After this hand, I'll dropout; I dare say one of the other two will take my place. Crestwick, Ibelieve your sister and Miss Leslie will be waiting. You're going withthem, aren't you?"

The lad, turning in his chair, reached toward a near-by table on whichthere were bottles and siphons, and took a glass from it. He had beeninvited to join a shooting party at a house in the neighborhood and wasto spend the night there. 

"Oh!" he exclaimed with some irritation; "Bella's always in such anunreasonable hurry. The others can't be going yet. I think I hear FloMarple singing. "

A voice from somewhere below reached them through the open door. It was agood voice, but the words were a silly jingle and the humor in them couldnot be considered delicate. Lisle, glancing at Gladwyne, noticed hisslight frown, but one of the two young men lounging by the second tablewatching the game hummed the refrain with an appreciative smile upon hisheavy and somewhat fatuous face. 

"They'll take half an hour to get ready, " declared Batley. "Better playout this round, anyhow. "

They laid down their cards in turn and then Crestwick noisily thrust hischair back. 

"Another knock-out!" he exclaimed savagely. "I don't like to get up sofar behind. Shall we double on another deal?"

"As you like, " returned Batley. "You're plucky, considering the cardsyou've had; but if Fortune's fickle, she's supposed to favor a determinedsuitor. "

It was innocent enough, but Lisle fancied that there was sufficientflattery in the speech to incite the headstrong lad, who had now emptiedthe glass at his hand. He remembered that on another occasion when therehad been a good deal at stake, Batley had played on Crestwick's feelings, though in a slightly different manner. Whether or not the young man lostmore than he could afford was, in one way, no concern of Lisle's, and hedid not find him in the least attractive; but half an hour previouslyBella had met him in the hall and had hinted, with a troubled look, thatshe would appreciate it if he could get her brother away. It was thisthat accounted for the Canadian's presence in the card-room. 

"I'm going, anyway, " he said, taking out some notes and gold and layingthem down. "There has been a smart shower and you had better rememberthat Miss Leslie walked over--the roads will be wet. As you know, Ipromised to take the girls back in Nasmyth's trap, and he won't thank meif I keep his groom up. "

Crestwick grumbled and hesitated, and he grew rather red in face as heturned to Batley. 

"I've only these two notes, " he explained. "Expected all along I'd pullup even. Will you arrange things? See you about it when I come back. "

Batley nodded carelessly, and the lad stood up, looking irresolutely atthe table. 

"Fact is, " he went on, "I'd like to get straight before I go. I'm inpretty heavy for one night; another round might do something to set mestraight. "

"Gladwyne and I are quite willing to give you your chance, " was Batley'squick reply; but Lisle unceremoniously laid his hand on Crestwick'sshoulder. 

"Come along, " he urged, laughing. "Luck's against you; you've had quiteenough. "

He had the lad out of the door in another moment, and looking back fromthe landing he saw a curious look in Gladwyne's face which he thought wasone of disgust. Batley, however, was frowning openly; and the two men'sexpressions had a meaning for him. He was inclined to wonder whether hehad used force too ostensibly in ejecting the lad; but, after all, thatdid not very much matter--his excuse was good enough. As they went downthe stairs, Crestwick turned to him, hot and angry. 

"It strikes me you're pretty officious! Never saw you until two or threeweeks ago, " he muttered. "Not accustomed to being treated in that offhandmanner. It's Colonial, I suppose!"

"Sorry, " Lisle apologized with a smile. "I've an idea that you'll begrateful when you cool off. You've been going it pretty strong to-night. "

"That's true, " agreed the other with a show of pride. "Kept on raisingthem; made things lively!"

"Found it expensive, didn't you?" Lisle suggested; and as they reachedthe foot of the stairs he led his companion toward the door. "Suppose wetake a turn along the terrace before we look for your sister. "

Crestwick went with him, but presently he stopped and leaned on the lowwall. 

"Do you ever feel inclined for a flutter on the stock-market?" heinquired. "There's a thing Batley put me on to--there'll be developmentsin a month or two; it's going to a big premium. Let you have a hundredshares at par. Rather in a hole, temporarily. "

Lisle had no intention of buying the stock, but he asked a few questions. It appeared that it had been issued by a new company formed to growcoffee and rubber in the tropics. 

"No, " he said; "a deal of that kind is out of my line. Why not sell themthrough a broker and get your full profit?"

"It would take some days, " answered the other. "Besides, they won't moveup until the directors let things out at the next meeting. Something ofthat kind, anyway; I forget--Batley explained it. " He paused and addedirritably: "Believe I told you I'm in a hole. "

"You must meet your losses and don't know how to manage it?"

Lisle was curious and had no diffidence about putting the question, though the lad was obviously off his guard. 

"I can raise the money right enough--Batley'll see to that; but I'dsooner do it another way. The interest's high enough to make one think, and in this case I'm paying it on money he's putting into his pocket. "

There was a good deal to be inferred from this reply, but Lisleconsidered before he spoke again. 

"You're twenty-one, aren't you?" he asked. 

"Yes, " assented the lad, "but the trustees keep hold until I'mtwenty-four. "

He turned with quick suspicion to the Canadian. 

"I don't see what that has to do with you!"

"It isn't very obvious, " Lisle agreed. "Shall we go in?"

They found Bella in the hall, and when her brother went to get-his coatshe walked out on to the terrace with Lisle. 

"Thank you, " she said gratefully when they were out of sight from thehall. "It was a relief to see you had succeeded in getting him away. "

"I'm sorry I was unable to do so sooner, " Lisle replied. 

"Ah! Then he has been losing heavily again?"

"I'm afraid so. I couldn't make my interference too marked. " Obeying someimpulse, he laid his hand on her arm. "Rather a handful for you, isn'the?"

Bella nodded, making no attempt to shake off his grasp. 

"Yes, " she acknowledged with some bitterness; "but I can hardly complainthat I have no control over him. It would be astonishing if I had. " Shebroke into a little harsh laugh. "Anyway, I manage to keep my head, anddo not deceive myself, as he does. I know what our welcome's worth andwhat the few people whose opinion counts for anything think of us. "

"Well, " offered Lisle, "if I can be of service in any respect--"

"Thanks, " she interrupted, and turned back toward the door. 

When they reached the hall she glanced at her companion as the light fellon his face. 

"Your offer's genuine, " she said impulsively. "I can't see what youexpect in return. "

Lisle was puzzled by her expression. She was variable in her moods, generally somewhat daring, and addicted to light mockery. He could nottell whether she spoke in bitterness or in mischief. 

"No, " he replied gravely, "nor do I. "

She left him with a laugh; and a little later he drove her and hercompanions away and afterward returned to Nasmyth's house to find thathis host had retired. Lisle followed his example and rising early thenext morning they set off for the river, up which the sea-trout wererunning. They were busy all morning and it was not until noon, when theylay in the sunshine eating their lunch on a bank of gravel, that eitherof them made any allusion to the previous evening. 

"Did you enjoy yourself last night?" Nasmyth asked. 

"Fairly, " Lisle responded, smiling. "I've already confessed that youpeople interest me. At the same time, I had my difficulties--first of allto explain to the Marples why you didn't come. The reasons you gavedidn't sound convincing. "

"They were good enough. It's probable that Marple understood them. Likemost of my neighbors, I go once or twice in a year; his subscription tothe otter hounds entitles him to that. "

"We don't look at things in that way in the parts of Canada I'macquainted with, " laughed Lisle. 

"Then I've no doubt you'll come to it, " Nasmyth replied with somedryness. "They've done so already in the older cities. Now--since you'refond of candor--you have been glad to earn a dollar or two a day bychopping and shoveling, haven't you? Have you felt left out in the coldat all during the little while you have spent among us?"

"Not in the least, " Lisle owned. 

"Then you can infer what you like from that. In this country, we take agood deal for granted and avoid explanations. But you haven't saidanything about the proceedings at Marple's. I suppose you were invited totake a hand at cards?"

"I invited myself; result, sixty dollars to the bad in half an hour. Iused to hold my own in our mining camps, and I hadn't the worst cards. "

Nasmyth laughed with unconcealed enjoyment. 

"The only fault I have to find with you Westerners is that you're ratherapt to overrate yourselves. I suppose they let young Crestwick in a gooddeal deeper?"

"That, " laughed Lisle, "is what you have been leading up to from thebeginning. "

"I'll admit it. As I've hinted, one of the differences between anAmerican and an Englishman is that the former usually expresses more orless forcibly what he thinks, unless, of course, he's a financier or apolitician; while you have often to learn by experience what the lattermeans. Better use your own methods in telling me what took place. "

Lisle did so, omitting any reference to Bella, and Nasmyth lookeddisturbed and disgusted. 

"Crestwick's as devoid of sense as he is of manners; he deserves to lose. What I can't get over is that fellow Batley's staying in what was onceGeorge Gladwyne's house, with Clarence standing sponsor for him. "

Lisle fancied he could understand. Nasmyth had his failings, but he hadalso his simple, drastic code, and it was repugnant to him that a man ofhis own caste, one of a family he had long known and respected, shouldcountenance an outsider of Batley's kind and assist him in fleecing asilly vicious lad. 

"You have no reason to think well of Gladwyne, " Lisle reminded him. 

"I haven't, " Nasmyth owned. "Still, though the man has made one very badbreak, I hardly expected him to exceed every limit. At present it looksas if he might do so; he'll probably be forced to. "

"I don't quite understand. "

"Then I'll have to explain. It's unpleasant, but here the thing is, as Isee it--Batley's not the kind of man Clarence would willingly associatewith, and to give Clarence his dues, all his instinct must make himrecoil from the fellow's game with Crestwick. Considering that he'sapparently making no protest against it, this is proof to me that Batleyhas some pretty firm hold on him. "

"What's Batley's profession?"

"I suspect he's something in the smart money-lending line; one of thefellows who deal with minors and others on post-obits. "

"Post-obits?"

"Promises to pay after somebody's dead. Suppose there should be only aninvalid or an old man between you and a valuable property; you couldborrow on the strength of your expectations. Now, what Crestwick told youshows that the person who left him his money very wisely handed it totrustees, with instructions to pay him only an allowance until he'stwenty-four. It's a somewhat similar case to the one I've instanced--he'sdrawing on a capital he can't get possession of for two or three years, and no doubt paying an extortionate interest. So far as I know, norespectable bank or finance broker would handle that kind of business. "

"But if the boy died before he succeeded to the property?"

"Batley could cover the risk by making Crestwick take out an insurancepolicy in his favor. "

Lisle's face grew stern, and Nasmyth lay smoking in silence for a while. Then he broke out again:

"It's intolerable! George Gladwyne's successor abetting that fellow inrobbing the lad, luring him into wagers and reckless play with the resultthat most of the borrowed money goes straight back into the hands of theman who lent it!"

"Have you any suspicion that Gladwyne gets a share?"

"No, " replied Nasmyth, with signs of strong uneasiness; "I can't believehe benefits in that manner--if he did, I'd feel it my duty to denouncehim. Still, I expect he wins a little now and then, incidentally. "

Again there was silence for a while, broken finally by Lisle. 

"When I'd been here a week or two I began to see that my task wasn'tquite so simple as it had appeared--you can't attack a man situated asGladwyne is without hurting innocent people. Indeed, I've spent hourswondering how, when the time comes, I can clear Vernon's memory, with theleast possible damage--that is my business, not the punishing ofGladwyne, though he deserves no consideration. As you say, a man may makea bad break and pull up again, but this one has had his chance and hasgone in deeper. What he's doing now--helping to ruin that lad incold-blood--is almost worse than the other offense. "

Nasmyth made an acquiescent gesture. 

"It's true; let it go at that. I don't see how the thing can be stopped. There's a fish rising in the slack yonder!"

Lisle saw a silvery gleam in a strip of less-troubled water behind aboulder and taking up his rod he cast the gaudy fly across the ripple. There was a jar, a musical clinking of the reel, and when Nasmyth wadedin with ready net all thought of Gladwyne passed out of the Canadian'smind. 

After a few minutes' keen excitement, they landed the beautifulglistening trout; and then they set off down-stream in search of another, scrambling over rock and gravel and wading amidst the froth in the pools. Overhead, soft gray clouds drifted by, casting long shadows acrossfern-clad hillside and far-reaching moor; and the flood flashed intosilver gleams and grew dim again. 

Both of the men were well content with their surroundings, and now andthen Nasmyth wondered why Clarence could not be satisfied with the simplepleasures that were freely offered him. He could have had the esteem ofhis neighbors and the good will of his tenants, and there were healthfultasks that would have kept him occupied--the care of his estate, theimproving of the homes and conditions of life of those who worked forhim, experiments in stock-raising, local public duties. He had onceslipped badly, so badly that the offense could hardly be contemplated;but that was when he was weak and famishing and under the influence of anoverwhelming fear. At least, he could make some reparation by leaving thecountryside better than he found it, and in this he had friends who wouldloyally assist him. 

Clarence, however, had chosen another way, one that led down-hill tofurther dishonor; and Nasmyth considered gloomily what the end of it allwould be. Occasionally he glanced at the lithe figure of the Canadian, standing knee-deep amid the froth of the stream. Serious-eyed, alert, resolute, he could be depended on to carry out any purpose he haddetermined on; it was his firm hands that would hold Clarence's scourge. 

CHAPTER XII

MRS. GLADWYNE'S APPEAL

Millicent was sitting in a window-seat with a paint-box beside her and adrawing of a water-ouzel upon her knee. It was a lifelike sketch, but shehad a great capacity for painstaking and she was not altogether pleasedwith the drawing. The bird stood on a stone an inch or two above astream, its white breast harmonizing with the flecks of snowy froth, andthe rest of its rather somber plumage of the same hue as a neighboringpatch of shadow. This was as it should be, except that, as the centralobject of a picture, it was too inconspicuous. She was absorbed incontemplating it when Mrs. Gladwyne was shown in. Clarence's mother didnot pay many visits and Millicent fancied she had some particular objectin coming. 

She sat down where the sunlight fell on her gentle face and silvery hair, her delicate white hands spread out on her dark dress. 

"Busy, as usual, my dear, " she said, glancing at the sketch. "That's verypretty. "

"I think it's correct, " returned Millicent; "but I'm not sure it's whatit ought to be in other respects. You see, its purpose is to show peoplewhat a water-ouzel is like and it's hard to make the creature out. Ofcourse, I could have drawn it against a background that would have forcedup every line, but that wouldn't have been right--these wild things weremade to fade into their surroundings. " She laughed. "Truth is rigid anduncompromising--it's difficult to make it subservient to expediency. "

Her visitor did not feel inclined to discuss the matter. 

"You're too fastidious, " she smiled, and added with a sigh: "George waslike that. Little things keep cropping up every day to show it--I mean inconnection with his care of the property. I'm sometimes afraid thatClarence is different. "

Millicent could not deny this, but she did not see his mother's purposein confessing it. 

"Of course, " she answered, as she rang for tea, "he hasn't been in chargevery long. One can learn only by experience. "

Mrs. Gladwyne looked grateful; but although she was very tranquil therewas something in her manner that hinted at uncertainty. 

"You will finish the book and these pictures some day, " she said. "Whatwill you do then?"

"I really don't know. Perhaps I shall start another. If not, there isalways something I can turn my hand to. So many things seem to needdoing--village matters alone would find me some occupation. "

The elder lady considered this. 

"Yes, " she agreed with diffidence. "I'm now and then afraid everything'snot quite so satisfactory as it used to be. The cottages don't look sopretty or well cared for, the people are not so content--some of them areeven inclined to be bitter and resentful. Of course, things change, ourrelations with our dependents among them; but I feel that people like theMarples, living as they do, have a bad effect. They form a text for thedissatisfied. "

Millicent contented herself with a nod. She could not explain that inspite of the changing mode of thought it is still possible for anold-fashioned landlord to retain almost everybody's good will. Sympathyand tactful advice are appreciated, though not effusively, and even abluff, well-meant reproof is seldom resented. But when rents arerigorously exacted by a solicitor's or banker's clerk, and repairs arecut down, when indifference takes the place of judicious interest, it ishardly logical to look for the cordial relations that might exist. Nasmyth's tenants stopped and exchanged a cheery greeting or a jest withhim; most of Gladwyne's looked grim when he or his friends, the Marples, passed. 

Then tea was brought in and Millicent found pleasure in watching herguest. Mrs. Gladwyne made a picture, she thought, sitting with the daintychina in her beautiful hands; she possessed the grace and something ofthe stateliness which is associated with the old régime. 

"How quick your people are, " she commented. "You rang and the things werebrought in. Our staff is large and expensive, but as a rule they keep uswaiting. Though you paint and go out so much, you have the gift of makinga home comfortable. It really is a gift; one that should not be wasted. "

Millicent grew serious. It looked as if her companion were coming to thepoint, and this became plainer when Mrs. Gladwyne proceeded. 

"Do you think the life you contemplate--writing books on birds andanimals--is the best or most natural one for a woman?"

A little color crept into the girl's face. 

"I don't know; perhaps it isn't. It is the one that seems open to me. "

"The only one, my dear? You must know what I mean. "

Millicent turned and faced her. She was disturbed, but she seldom avoideda plain issue. 

"I think, " she said, "it would be better if you told me. "

"It's difficult. " Mrs. Gladwyne hesitated. "You must forgive me if I gowrong. Still, you know it was always expected that you would marryClarence some day. It would be so desirable. "

"For which of us?" Millicent's tone was sharp. She sympathized with Mrs. Gladwyne, but something was due to herself. 

"It was Clarence that I was thinking of, " admitted her visitor. "Isuppose that I am selfish; but I am his mother. " She laid down her cupand looked at the girl with pleading eyes. "I must go on, though I don'tthink I could say what I wish to any one but you. Clarence has many goodqualities, but he needs guidance. An affectionate son; but it is mymisfortune that I am not wise or firm enough to advise or restrain him. Ihave dropped behind the new generation; the standards are different fromwhat they were when I was young. "

This was true, but it was incomplete, and Millicent let her finish. 

"I have been a little anxious, perhaps foolishly so, about him now andthen. I cannot approve of all his friends--sometimes they jar on me--andI do not like the views he seems to have acquired from them. They are notthe ones his father held. Of course, this is only the result of wrongassociations and of having a good-humored, careless nature; it would beso different if he could be brought under some wholesome influence. " Shesmiled at Millicent. "One could trust implicitly to yours. "

It was an old plea, fallacious often, but none the less effective. Millicent was devoid of officious self-righteousness, but she was endowedwith a compassionate tenderness which prompted her to extend help to allwho needed it. She thought that Clarence did so, but in spite of that shedid not feel so responsive as she could have wished. 

"There is one difficulty, " she answered while the blood crept into herface. "I'll own that I recognized what your ideas and George's were aboutClarence and myself. I may go so far. But of late there has been nothingto show that Clarence desired to carry out those ideas. "

Mrs. Gladwyne gathered her courage. 

"My dear, it is rather hard to say, but the truth is that a declarationfrom a man is not usually quite spontaneous. He looks for some tacitencouragement, a sign that one is not altogether indifferent to him. Nowit has struck me that during the past year you have rather stood alooffrom my son. "

Millicent started slightly; there was some truth in this statement. Mrs. Gladwyne, however, was not wise enough to stop. 

"I think that is why there is some risk of his falling into badhands--that Crestwick girl isn't diffident, " she went on. "I know thestrong regard he has for you; but the girl sees a good deal of him, and aman is sometimes easily led where he does not mean to go. "

Millicent's cheeks burned. 

"Do you wish me to compete openly for Clarence's favor with BellaCrestwick?"

Mrs. Gladwyne spread out her hands in protest. 

"Oh, my dear!" she exclaimed. "I have said the wrong thing. I warned youthat you might have to forgive me. "

"But the thought must have been in your mind!"

"I only meant that you needn't repel or avoid him, as you have done oflate. "

Millicent felt compassionate. After all, Mrs. Gladwyne was pleading forwhat she believed would benefit her only son; but the girl was very humanand a trace of her resentment remained. It was, however, obvious thatMrs. Gladwyne expected some response. 

"I can venture to promise that I won't be openly rude, " Millicent agreedwith a faint smile. 

"Can't you go a little beyond that, my dear?"

The girl, seeing the look in her eyes, yielded to an impulse whichprompted her to candor. 

"What there is to be said had better be spoken now, " she replied. "I haveconfessed that I knew what was expected--Clarence showed that he knew it, too--and the idea was not altogether repugnant to me. But since he cameback from Canada there has been a change in both of us. How or why Ican't explain, but we have drifted apart. I don't know whether this willgo on--I don't understand myself--I only know that I am as anxious forhis welfare as I always have been. It must be left to him; there isnothing you must urge me to do. "

Mrs. Gladwyne looked regretful, but she made a sign of acquiescence andrising came toward the girl and took her hand. 

"What I could do I have done--badly perhaps, " she said. "I can't blameyou. I am only sorry. "

She went out in a few minutes and left Millicent in a thoughtful mood. Looking back on the past, the girl recognized that she had been fond ofClarence--which was the best word for it--and that she would have marriedhim had he urged it. He had, however, hardly been in a position to do sothen, and she remembered that she had in no way regretted the fact. Thiswas, she thought, significant. Then the change had gradually come about. She saw his faults more clearly and it grew increasingly difficult tobelieve that she could eradicate them. What was more, during the past fewweeks she had once or twice felt scornfully angry with him. She had triednot to yield to the sensation, and now she wondered how it had originatedand why she was less tolerant. 

As she considered the question, a shadow fell upon the sunlit lawn andlooking up she saw Lisle approaching with a creel upon his back. Shestarted at the sight of him and once more felt her cheeks grow hot; thenshe smiled, for the half-formed suspicion that had flashed into her mindwas obviously absurd. He saw her the next moment and strode toward theopen window. 

"We got a few good white trout, fresh run, " he said. "It occurred to methat you might like one or two of them. "

He glanced at the long French window. 

"May I come in this way?"

"I've no doubt you could do so, but out of deference to conventionalprejudices it might be better if you went round by the usual entrance. "

"Charmed!" he smiled. "That's easy. "

"Would you rather have it hard?"

"That wasn't the idea, " he answered. "I only felt that a much greaterdifficulty wouldn't stop my getting in. "

Millicent laughed. 

"If one of my neighbors made such speeches, they'd sound cheap. From youthey're amusing. "

He affected to consider this. 

"I suppose the difference is that I mean them. Anyway, I'll walk around. "

She gave him some tea when he came in, and afterward admired the fish. 

"They're well above the average weight, " she said. 

"We had two or three that would beat them, " Lisle declared. "MissCrestwick came along and corralled the finest. "

"Was the explanation essential?" Millicent inquired with a smile. 

"That was a bad break of mine. So bad that I won't try to explain itaway. "

"I think you are wise, " Millicent retorted with a trace of dryness. 

On the face of it, she was pleased with his answer, but the fact he hadmentioned caused her some irritation. Bella Crestwick, not content withmonopolizing Clarence, must also seek to include the Canadian in hertrain. It was curious that for the moment that seemed the more seriousoffense. The girl was insatiable and going too far, Millicent thought. 

Lisle noticed her silence. 

"Remember that I'm from the wilds, " he said. 

She smiled at him reassuringly. 

"After all, that isn't a great drawback. Anyway, I'm grateful for thetrout. " Then, somewhat to his surprise, she abruptly changed the subject. "I wonder what you think of a tacit promise?"

His face grew thoughtful; she liked his quick change to seriousness. 

"Well, I don't know that my opinion's of much value, but you may have it. Supposing two people allow each other to assume that they're agreed uponthe same thing, it's binding upon both of them. "

"But if only one actually made his wishes clear. "

"In that case, the other had the option of showing that they couldn't beacceded to. Failing that, in my view, he can't go back on it. " Then hiseyes gleamed with amusement. "I don't often set up as a philosopher. "

Millicent was a little vexed with herself for asking him and did notquite understand why she had done so, unless it was because she had notaltogether recovered her usual collectedness after Mrs. Gladwyne's visit. Why she should be interested in this man's opinion was not clear, but shethought he was one who would act in accordance with it. She was afterwardeven more astonished at her next remark, which she made impulsively. 

"You have seen a good deal of Miss Crestwick, one way or another. "

He considered this gravely. 

"Yes, " he replied. "I like her. For one thing, she's genuinely concernedabout that brother of hers. "

"What do you think of him?"

"Not much, " Lisle answered candidly. "I've no use for a man who needs awoman to keep him straight and look after him. But one feels a strongrespect for the woman, even though it's obvious that she's wasting hertime. "

"Is it wasting time?"

"It strikes me like that. A man of that sort is bound to come down badlysome day. "

Millicent sat silent a while. The conversation had taken an unusuallyserious turn, but she wondered whether he were right. She had, shethought, allowed Clarence to assume that she would not repulse him whenhe formally claimed her and that--so this man from the wildsconsidered--constituted a binding obligation. She could not contest thisview; but Clarence seemed more interested in Bella Crestwick than he wasin her. Then she wondered why the girl had made so much of Lisle, unlessit was to use him for the purpose of drawing Clarence on. If that wereso, it seemed a pity that the confiding Canadian could not be warned, though that, of course, was out of the question. 

"I'm afraid I'm not very amusing to-day, " she acknowledged. 

He smiled. 

"I'll go the moment you want to get rid of me; but, even if you don't sayanything, I like sitting here. This place rests me. "

"I shouldn't have imagined you to be of a very restful nature. "

"Oh, " he declared, "there's a kind of quietness that braces you. "

He was less reserved than the average Englishman, but he felt the charmof his surroundings more keenly than the latter would probably have done. Everything in the room was artistic, but its effect was deeper than mereprettiness. It was cool, though the autumn sunshine streamed in, and thegirl had somehow impressed her personality upon it. Soft colorings, furniture, even the rather incongruous mixture of statuettes and ivorycarvings, blended into a harmonious whole, and the girl made a mostsatisfactory central figure, as she sat opposite him in her unusuallythoughtful mood. He felt the charm of her presence, though he couldhardly have analyzed it. As he said, it was not even needful that sheshould talk to him. 

"There are lakes in British Columbia from which you can look straight upat the never-melting snows, " he went on. "You feel that you could sitthere for hours, without wanting to move or speak, though it must beowned that one very seldom gets the opportunity. "

"Why?" Millicent inquired. 

"As a rule, the people who visit such places are kept too busy choppingbig trees, hauling canoes round rapids, or handling heavy rocks. Besides, you have your food to cook and your clothes to mend and wash. "

"Then, after the day's labor, a man must do his own domestic work?"

"Of course, " answered Lisle. "Now and then one comes back to camp too wetor played out to worry, and goes to sleep without getting supper. I'mspeaking of when you're working for your own hand. In a big logging orconstruction camp you reach the fringe of cooperation. This man sticks tothe saw, the other to the ax, somebody else who gets his share of theproceeds chops the cord-wood and does the cooking. "

"And if you can neither chop nor saw nor cook?"

"Then, " Lisle informed her dryly, "you have to pull out pretty quick. "

"It sounds severe; that's cooperation in its grimmest aspect, though it'squite logical--everybody must do his part. I'm afraid I shouldn't bejustified if we adopted it here. "

"Cooperation implies a division of tasks, " Lisle pointed out. "In acountry like this, they're many and varied. So long as you draw the wildthings as you do, you'll discharge your debt. "

"Do you know that that's the kind of work the community generally paysone very little for?"

"Then it shows its wrong-headedness, " Lisle answered as he glancedmeaningly round the room. "But haven't you got part of your fee already?Of course, that's impertinent. "

"I believe we would shrink from saying it, but it's quite correct, "Millicent replied. "Still, since you have mentioned the drawings, I'dlike your opinion about this ouzel. "

She took up the sketch and explained the difficulty, as she had done toMrs. Gladwyne. 

"It's right; don't alter it, " advised Lisle. "It's your business to showpeople the real thing as it actually is, so they can learn, not to alterit to suit their untrained views. "

He laughed and rose somewhat reluctantly. 

"After that, I'd better get along. I have to thank you for allowing me tocome in. "

She let him go with a friendly smile, and then sat down to think abouthim. He was rather direct, but the good-humor with which he stated hisopinions softened their positiveness. Besides, she had invited them; andshe felt that they were correct. He was such another as Nasmyth, simplein some respects, but reliable; one who could never be guilty of anythingmean. She liked the type in general, and she admitted that she liked thisrepresentative of it in particular. 

CHAPTER XIII

A FUTILE PROTEST

It was late at night, but Gladwyne sat, cigar in hand, in his library, while Batley lounged beside the hearth. A wood fire diffused a faintaromatic fragrance into the great high-ceilinged room, and the light of asingle silver lamp flickered on the polished floor, which ran back like asheet of black ice into the shadow. Heavily-corniced bookcases rose aboveit on either band, conveying an idea of space and distance by the waythey grew dimmer as they receded from the light. 

The room had an air of stateliness in its severe simplicity, and itsowner, sitting just inside the ring of brightness, clad in conventionalblack and white, looked in harmony with it. Something in his finely-linedfigure and cleanly-molded face stamped him as one at home in such aplace. A decanter stood near his elbow, but it was almost full. Gladwyne, in many ways, was more of an ascetic than a sensualist, though this wasless the result of moral convictions than of a fastidious temperament. The man had an instinctive aversion for anything that was ugly orunpleasant. His companion, dressed with an equal precision, lookeddifferent, more virile, coarser; he was fuller in figure and heavier inface. 

"No, " declared Gladwyne with a show of firmness; "the line must be drawn. I've already gone farther than I should have done. "

"I'm sorry for you, Gladwyne--you don't seem to realize that a man can'tvery well play two widely different parts at once, " Batley rejoined, smiling. "Your interfering Canadian friend would describe your attitudeas sitting upon the fence. It's an uncomfortable position, one that's notoften tenable for any length of time. Hadn't you better make up your mindas to which side you'll get down on?"

Gladwyne looked uneasy. The choice all his instinct prompted him to makewas not open to him, except at a cost which he was hardly prepared toface. He was known as a bold rider, he had the steady nerves that usuallyresult from a life spent in the open air, but, as Batley recognized, helacked stamina. 

"You are going wide of the mark, " he answered. "What I have asked you todo is to let the lad alone. The thing's exciting comment. You"--hehesitated--"have made enough out of him. "

"I think, " replied the other coolly, "I was very much to the point. Ifyou don't recognize this, I'll ask: Suppose I don't fall in with yourrequest, what then?"

Gladwyne examined his cigar. It was not in his nature to face an issueboldly, and his companion seemed determined to force one. 

"I've asked it as a favor, " he finally said. 

"No, " corrected Batley; "I don't think you did so. You intimated yourwishes in a rather lordly style. "

This was true, but Gladwyne winced at the man's cold smile. He had, in afit of indignation which was both honest and commendable, expressedhimself with some haughtiness; but he knew that he would be beaten if itcame to an open fight. This was unfortunate, because his intentions weregood. 

"Besides, " Batley continued, "I'm not in a position to grant expensivefavors. My acquaintance with young Crestwick is, of course, profitable. What's more, I've very liberally offered you a share. "

Gladwyne's face grew hot. He had acted, most reluctantly, as a decoy tothe vicious lad, but he had never benefited by it, except when now andthen some stake fell into his hands. The suggestion that he should sharein the plunder filled him with disgust, and he knew that Batley had madeit to humiliate him. 

"You're taking risks, " he continued. "There's legislation on the subjectof minors' debts; Crestwick began to deal with you before he wastwenty-one, and he's still in his trustees' hands. If he made trouble, I'm inclined to think some of your transactions would look very much likeconspiracy. "

"I know my man. You people would suffer a good deal, sooner thanadvertise yourselves through the law courts. "

"Crestwick isn't one of us, " Gladwyne objected. 

"Then, as he aspires to be considered one, he'll go even farther than youwould. None are so keen for the honor of the flock as those who don'tstrictly belong to the fold. There's another point you overlook--a personcan't very well conspire alone, and inquiries might be made about myconfederates. That, however, is not a matter of much importance, becauseI imagine Miss Crestwick would not allow any one to point to you. Besides, her money's safe, and she's a prepossessing young lady. "

Gladwyne straightened himself sharply in his chair. "Don't go too far!There are things I won't stand!"

"Then we'll try to avoid them. All I require is that you still give thelad the entry of this house and don't interfere with me. You see I'mreasonable. "

As Gladwyne had interfered, to acquiesce was to own defeat, which wasgalling, and while he hesitated Batley watched him with an air ofindulgent amusement. 

"It's a pity you were not quite straight with me at the beginning, Gladwyne; it would have saved you trouble, " he remarked at length. "Itook a sporting risk at pretty long odds--I have to do so now and thenand I pay up when I lose. But if I'd known the money was to go to MissGladwyne and you would only get the land, I'd never have kept yousupplied; and in particular I wouldn't have made the last big loanshortly before you and your cousin sailed for Canada. "

"You knew it was a blind speculation--that I ran the same risk as Georgedid, and that he might outlive me. "

"You're wrong on one point, " Batley objected dryly. "I'm acquainted withyour temperament--it's not one that would lead you into avoidabledifficulties. Well, you came through and your cousin died, but you failedto pay me off when you came into possession. "

"I've explained that I couldn't foresee the trouble I have in meetingexpenses. I've paid you an extortionate interest. "

"That's in arrears, " retorted Batley. "You should have pinched and deniedyourself to the utmost until you had got rid of me. You couldn't bringyourself to do so--well, it's rather a pity one can't have everything. "

Approaching the table, he quietly took up the lamp. It was heavy, standing on a massive silver pillar, but he raised it above his head sothat the light streamed far about the stately room. Then he laughed as heset it down. 

"It's something to be the owner of such a place and enjoy all that itimplies--which includes your acknowledged status and your neighbors'respect. There would be a risk of losing the latter if it came out that, driven by financial strain, you had been speculating on your cousin'sdeath. "

Gladwyne made a little abrupt movement and Batley saw that his shot hadtold. 

"It would be enough to place you under a cloud, " he went on. "Peoplemight think that you had at least not been very reluctant to leave him tostarve. Well, I've had to wait for my money, with the interest by nomeans regularly paid, and unless you can square off the account, I mustask you to leave me a free hand to deal with Crestwick as I think fit. Inreturn, if it's needful, I'll see you through on reasonable terms untilyou marry Miss Crestwick or somebody else with money. "

On the whole, Gladwyne was conscious of relief. He had been badlyfrightened for a moment or two. If Batley, who had good reasons fordistrusting him, had accepted his account of his cousin's death, it wasmost unlikely that it had excited suspicion in the mind of anybody else. Crestwick, however, must be left to his fate. It was, though he failed torecognize this, an eventful decision that Gladwyne made. 

"As you will, " he answered, rising. "It's late; I'm going for my candle. "

He strode out of the room, and Batley smiled as he followed him. 

A day or two later Lisle stood on Gladwyne's lawn. Gladwyne entertainedfreely, and though his neighbors did not approve of all of his friends, the man had the gift of pleasing, and his mother unconsciously exerted acharm on every one. She rarely said anything witty, but she never saidanything unkind and she would listen with a ready sympathy that sometimesconcealed a lack of comprehension. 

Lisle had a strong respect for the calm, gracious lady, though she hadwon it by no more than a smile or two and a few pleasant words, and hewent over to call upon her every now and then. He was interested in thecompany he met at her house; it struck him as worth studying; and he hada curious feeling that he was looking on at the preliminary stages of adrama in which he might presently be called upon to play a leading part. Besides, he had reasons for watching Gladwyne. 

The stage was an attractive one to a man who had spent much of his timein the wilderness--a wide sweep of sunlit sward with the tennis netsstretched across part of it; on one side a dark fir wood; and for abackground a stretch of brown moor receding into the distance, dimmed byan ethereal haze. A group of young men and women, picturesquely clad, were busy about the nets; others in flannels and light draperies strolledhere and there across the grass, and a few more had gathered about thetea-table under a spreading cedar, where Mrs. Gladwyne sat in a lowwicker-chair. Over all there throbbed the low, persistent murmur of astream. 

Lisle was talking to Millicent near the table. He looked up as a burst oflaughter rose from beside the nets and saw Bella Crestwick walk away fromthem. One or two of the others stood looking after her, and Mrs. Gladwyneglanced from her chair inquiringly. 

"They seem amused, " she said. 

"It was probably at one of Miss Crestwick's remarks; she's undoubtedlyoriginal, " returned Millicent. "Still, I think it was chiefly Mr. Marple's laugh you heard. "

His voice had been most in evidence--it usually carried far--but Lislewas half amused at the disapproval in the girl's tone. 

"I'm afraid I'm now and then a little boisterous, too, " he ventured. 

"It depends a good deal upon what you laugh at, " Millicent informed him. 

Mrs. Gladwyne looked up again, as if she had not heard, and the girlsmiled at her. 

"What I said isn't worth repeating. "

She moved away a pace or two and Lisle watched Bella, who glanced once ortwice in his direction as she crossed the lawn. Somehow he felt that hewas wanted and a little later he strolled after the girl. Millicentnoticed it with a slight frown, though she did not trouble to ask herselfwhy she was vexed. When Lisle reached Bella, she regarded him withmischief in her eyes. 

"As I once mentioned, you learn rapidly, " she laughed. "You'll bethankful for the instruction some day, and I promise not to teach youanything very detrimental. But I'm a little surprised that MillicentGladwyne allowed you to come. "

"I dare say she could spare me; I'm not a very entertaining companion, "Lisle said humbly. 

"It wasn't that, " Bella explained. "I don't think she'd like youspoiled--perhaps I should say contaminated; she has ideas on the subjectof education, too. She always calls me Miss Crestwick, which issignificant; I've no doubt she did so when Marple made himselfconspicuous by his amusement just now. "

Lisle had noticed the correctness of her assumptions on other occasions, but he said nothing, for he had noticed some bitterness in her voice. Hewalked on with her and she led him into a path through a shrubberybordering the lawn, where she sat down on a wooden seat. 

"Now, " she said teasingly, "we have given the others something to thinkabout; but I've really no designs on you. It wouldn't be much use, anyway. You're safe. "

She looked up at him with elfish mischief in her aggressively prettyface. Dressed in some clinging fabric of pale watery green that matchedthe greenish light in her eyes and the reddish gleam in her hair, she wasvery alluring; but it was borne in upon Lisle that to take up herchallenge too boldly would lower him in the girl's regard. 

"I'm human, " he laughed. "Perhaps I'd better mention it. But I think it'smore to the purpose to say that I'm altogether at your disposal. "

"Well, " she answered, "I wanted you. As you're almost a stranger, it'scurious, isn't it? But, you see, I haven't a real friend in the world. "

"I wonder if that can be quite correct?"

"So far as the people here go, haven't you eyes?"

Lisle had seen the men gather about her, but it was those he thoughtleast of who followed her most closely, and the women stood aloof. 

"There are Miss Marple and her mother, anyway; they're friends of yours, "he pointed out. 

"Just so. Flo and I are in the same class, making the same fight; butthat isn't always a reason for mutual appreciation or support. Mrs. Marple, of course, is her daughter's partizan, though in some ways itsuits us to stand together. But I didn't bring you here to listen to mygrievances, but because you happen to be the one man I can trust. "

Lisle looked embarrassed, but merely bent his head. 

"It's that silly brother of mine again, " she went on. 

"What has he been doing now?"

"It's what he's thinking of doing that's the worst. He has been led tobelieve it's easy to acquire riches on the stock exchange and that he hasthe makings of a successful speculator in him. Cards and the turf I'vehad to tolerate--after all, there were ways in which he got some returnfor what he spent on them--but this last craze may be disastrous. "

"Where did he get the idea that he's a financial genius? It wouldn't befrom you. "

"No, " she said seriously; "I'm his sister and most unlikely to encouragehim in such delusions. I don't think Batley had much trouble in puttingthe notion into his mind. " Her expression suddenly changed. "How I hatethat man!"

Lisle looked down at her with grave sympathy. 

"It's quite easy to get into difficulties by speculating, unless one hasample means. But I understood--"

Bella checked him with a gesture. 

"Jim comes into money--we have a good allowance now--but it will benearly two years before he gets possession. I want him to start fair whenhe may, perhaps, have learned a little sense, and not to find himselfburdened with debts and associates he can't get rid of. At present, Batley's lending him money at exorbitant interest. I've pleaded, I'vestormed and told him plain truths; but it isn't the least use. "

"I see. Why don't you take him away?"

"He won't come. It would be worse if I left him. "

"Do you know why Gladwyne tolerates Batley?"

"I don't. " Bella looked up sharply. "What has that to do with it?"

Lisle thought it had a bearing on the matter, as the lad would have seenless of Batley without Gladwyne's connivance. 

"Well, " he countered, "what would you like me to do?"

"It's difficult to answer. He's obstinate and resents advice. You might, however, talk to him when you have a chance; he's beginning to have arespect for your opinions. "

"That's gratifying, " Lisle commented dryly. "He was inclined to patronizeme at first. "

She spread out her hands. 

"You're too big to mind it! Tell him anything you can about disastrousmining ventures; but don't begin as if you meant to warn him--lead up tothe subject casually. "

"I'm afraid I'm not very tactful, " Lisle confessed. "He'll see what I'mafter. "

"It's not very likely. Talk as if you considered him a man of experience. It's fortunate that you can be of help in this case, because I think someCanadian mining shares are to be the latest deal. From what Jim said itlooks as if Batley was to give him some information about them onWednesday, when Gladwyne and he are expected at Marple's. Can't you come?I understand you have been asked. "

"Yes, " promised Lisle. "If I have an opportunity, I'll see what can bedone. "

Bella rose and smiled at him. 

"We'll go back; I'm comforted already. You're not profuse, but one feelsthat you will keep a promise. "

They walked across the lawn, Bella now conversing in an animated strainabout unimportant matters, though it did not occur to Lisle that this wasfor the benefit of the lookers-on. On approaching the tea-table, sheadroitly secured possession of a chair which another lady who stoodhigher in her hostess's esteem was making for, and sitting down chattedcheerfully with Mrs. Gladwyne. Lisle was conscious of some amusement ashe watched her. She was clever and her courage appealed to him; butpresently he saw Millicent and strolled toward where she was standing. She spoke to him, but he thought she was not quite so gracious as she hadbeen before he went away. 

CHAPTER XIV

LISLE COMES TO THE RESCUE

A few days after his interview with Bella, Lisle overtook Millicent asshe was walking up a wooded dale. She looked around with a smile when hejoined her and they fell into friendly talk. There were points on whichthey differed, but a sense of mutual appreciation was steadily growingstronger between them. Presently Lisle happened to mention the Marples, and Millicent glanced at him thoughtfully. She knew that he met Bella attheir house. 

"You have seen a good deal of these people, one way or another, " sheremarked. 

"These people? Aren't you a little prejudiced against them?"

"I suppose I am, " Millicent confessed. 

"Then won't you give me the reason? Your point of view isn't always clearto an outsider. "

"I'll try to be lucid. I don't so much object to Marple as I do to whathe stands for; I mean to modern tendency. "

"That's as involved as ever. "

The girl showed a little good-humored impatience. She did not care tosupply the explanation--it was against her instincts--and she wasinclined to wonder why she should do so merely because the man had askedfor it. 

"Well, " she said, "the feudal system isn't dead, and I believe that whatis best in it need never disappear altogether. Of course, it had itsdrawbacks, but I think it was better than the commercialism that isreplacing it. It recognized obligations on both sides, and there is adanger of forgetting them; the new people often fail to realize them atall. Marple--I'm using him as an example--bought the land for what hecould get out of it. "

"About three per cent. , he told me. It isn't a great inducement. "

Millicent made a half-disdainful gesture. 

"He gets a great deal more--sport, a status, friends and standing, and ameans of suitably entertaining them. That, I suppose, is one reason whythe return in money from purely agricultural land is so small. "

"Then is it wrong for a business man to buy these things, if he can payfor them?"

"Oh, no! But he must take up the duties attached to his purchase. Whenyou buy land, human lives go with it. They're still largely in thelandlord's hands. Of course, we have legislation which has curtailed theland-owner's former powers, but it's a soulless, mechanical thing thatcan never really take the place of direct personal interest. "

She stopped and glanced back down the winding dale. Here and there smoothpastures climbed the slopes that shut it in, but over part of them rangedmighty oaks, still almost green. Beyond these, beeches tinted with brownand crimson glowed against the dusky foliage of spruces and silver-firs. 

"One needs wisdom, love of the soil and all that lives on it, and perhapspatience most of all, " she resumed. "These woods are an example. They arenot natural like your forests--every tree has been carefully planted andas it grew the young sheltering wood about it carefully thinned out. Thenas the trunks gained in size it was necessary to choose with care andcut. With the oaks it's a work of generations, planting for one'sgreat-grandchildren, and the point that is suggested most clearly is thecontinuity of interest that should exist between the men who use thespade and ax and the men who own and plan. It is not a little thing thatthe third and fourth generations should complete the task, when a mutualtoleration and dependence is handed down. "

Lisle was conscious of a curious stirring of his feelings as he listenedto her. She was tall and finely proportioned, endowed with a calm andgracious dignity which was nevertheless, he thought, in keeping with asanguine and virile nature. This girl was one of the fairest and mostprecious products of the soil she loved. 

"It's a pity in many ways that the Gladwyne property didn't come to you, "he observed. 

Her expression changed and he spread out one hand deprecatingly. 

"That's another blunder of mine. I haven't acquired your people'sunfailing caution yet, but I only meant--"

"Perhaps it would be better if you didn't tell me what you did mean. "

Lisle nodded. He felt that he had deserved the rebuke, as the truth ofhis assertion could not be admitted without disparaging Gladwyne. Shewould allow nothing to the latter's discredit to be said by a stranger, but it was unpleasant to think that she regarded him as one. He changedthe subject. 

"You mentioned that landlord and laborer had a joint interest in thesoil, and that's undoubtedly right, " he said. "The point where troublearises is, of course, over the division of the yield. The former's shareis obvious, but nowadays plowman and forester want more than theirfathers seem to have been satisfied with. I don't think you can blamethem--in Canada they get more. "

"I'll give you an instance to show why one can't treat them veryliberally. When my brother got possession he spent a great deal ofmoney--it was left him by his mother and didn't come out of the land--indraining, improvements, and rebuilding homesteads and cottages, besidesfreely giving his time and care. For a number of years he got no returnat all, and part of the expenditure will always be unproductive. It isn'ta solitary case. "

They went on together through the shadowy, crimson-tinted dale untilMillicent stopped at the gate of a field-road. 

"I am going to one of the cottages yonder, " she explained. "I expectNasmyth on Wednesday evening. Are you coming with him?"

"I'm sorry, but I'm going to Marple's. You see, I promised. "

"Promised Marple?"

He was learning to understand her, for though she showed no marked signof displeasure he knew that she was not gratified. 

"No, " he answered; "Miss Crestwick. "

She did not speak, but there was something in her manner that hinted atdisdainful amusement. 

"I think you're hardly fair to her, " he said. 

"It's possible, " Millicent replied carelessly. "Does it matter?"

"Well, " he broke out with some warmth, "the girl hasn't such an easy timeamong you; and one can only respect her for the way she stands by herbrother. "

"Have you anything to say in his favor?"

"It would be pretty difficult, " admitted Lisle. "But you can't blame hissister for that. "

"I don't think I've shown any desire to do so, " she retorted. 

Lisle knit his brows. 

"You people are rather curious in your ideas. Now, here's a lonely girlwho's pluckily trying to look after that senseless lad, and not a one ofyou can spare her a word of sympathy, because she doesn't run on the samestereotyped lines as you do. Can you help only the people who willconform?"

Millicent let this pass, and after an indifferent word or two she turnedaway. Before she reached home, however, she met Nasmyth. 

"Why don't you keep Mr. Lisle out of those Marples' hands?" she askedhim. 

"In the first place, I'm not sure that I could do so; in the second, Idon't see why I should try, " Nasmyth replied. "On the whole, consideringthat he's a Western miner, I don't think he's running a serious risk. Perhaps I might hint that Bella Crestwick's hardly likely to consider himas big enough game. "

"Don't be coarse!" Millicent paused. "But he spoke hotly in her defense. "

"After all, " responded Nasmyth, "I shouldn't wonder if she deserves it;but it has no significance. You see, he's a rather chivalrous person. "

Millicent flashed a quick glance at him, but his face was expressionless. 

"What did he say?" he asked. 

"I don't remember exactly: he hinted that we were narrow-minded anduncharitable. "

Nasmyth laughed. 

"I almost think there's some truth in it. I've seen you a little severeon those outside the fold. "

"A man's charity is apt to be influenced by a pretty face, " Millicentretorted. 

"I'll admit it, " replied Nasmyth dryly. "But I can't undertake todetermine how far that fact has any bearing on this particular instance. "

Millicent talked about something else, but she was annoyed with herselfwhen the question Nasmyth had raised once more obtruded itself on herattention during the evening. 

On Wednesday Lisle walked over to Marple's house, because he had promisedto go, though he would much rather have spent an hour or two with Nasmythand Millicent in the latter's drawing-room. He had no opportunity for anyprivate speech with Bella, but she flung him a grateful glance as he camein. He waited patiently and followed her brother here and there, but hecould not secure a word with him alone. 

Some time had passed when, escaping from a group engaged in what struckhim as particularly stupid badinage, he sauntered toward thebilliard-room, struggling with a feeling of irritation. He was generallygood-humored and tolerant rather than hypercritical, but the somewhatsenseless hilarity of Marple's guests was beginning to jar on him. Aburst of laughter which he thought had been provoked by one of Bella'ssallies followed him down the corridor, but when he quietly opened thedoor the billiard-room was empty except for a group of three in onecorner. He stopped just inside the threshold, glancing at them, and itwas evident that they had not heard his approach. 

Wreaths of cigar smoke drifted about the room; the light of the shadedlamps fell upon the men seated on a lounge, and their expressions andattitudes were significant. Gladwyne leaned back languidly graceful;Batley, a burlier figure, was talking, his eyes fixed on Crestwick; andthe lad sat upright, looking eager. Batley appeared to be discussing theprinciples of operating on the stock exchange. 

"It's obvious, " he said, "that there's very little to be made by waitinguntil any particular stock becomes a popular favorite--the premiumequalizes the profit and sometimes does away with it. The essential thingis to take hold at the beginning, when the shares are more or less indisfavor and can be picked up cheap. "

Lisle stood still--he was in the shadow--watching the lad, who now showedsigns of uncertainty. 

"I dropped a good deal of money the last time I tried it, " he protested. "The trouble is that if you come in when the company's starting, youcan't form an accurate idea of how it ought to go. "

"Exactly, " replied Batley. "You can rarely be quite sure. What you needis sound judgment, the sense to recognize a good thing when you see it, pluck, and the sporting instinct--you must be ready to back your opinionand take a risk. It's only the necessity for that kind of thing whichmakes it a fine game. "

He broke off, looking up, and as Lisle strolled forward with a glance atCrestwick, he saw Batley's genial expression change. It was evident thatthe idea of being credited with the qualities mentioned appealed to thelad, and Lisle realized that Batley was wishing him far away. He had, however, no intention of withdrawing, and taking out a cigar he chose acue and awkwardly proceeded to practise a shot. 

"This, " he said nonchalantly, "is an amusement I never had time to learn, and I really came along for a quiet smoke. Don't let me disturb you. "

He saw Crestwick's look and understood what was in the lad's mind. It wasincomprehensible to the latter that a man should boldly confess hisignorance of a game of high repute. Batley, however, seeing that theintruder intended to remain, returned to the attack, and though he spokein a lower voice Lisle caught part of his remarks and decided that he wascleverly playing upon Crestwick's raw belief in himself. This roused theCanadian to indignation, though it was directed against Gladwyne ratherthan his companion. Batley, he thought, was to some extent an adventurer, one engaged in a hazardous business at which he could not always win, andhe had some desirable qualities--good-humor, liberality, coolness anddaring. The well-bred gentleman who served as his decoy, however, possessed none of these redeeming characteristics. His part was merelydespicable; there was only meanness beneath his polished exterior. 

"It certainly looks promising, " Lisle heard Crestwick say; "you havepretty well convinced me that it can't go wrong. "

"I can't see any serious risk, " declared Batley. "That, in the case ofmining stock, is as far as I'd care to go. On the other hand, there'severy prospect of a surprising change in the value of the shares as soonas the results of the first reduction of ore come out. I can only addthat I'm a holder and I got you the offer of the shares as a favor from afriend who's behind the scenes. Don't take them unless you feelinclined. "

This was a slip, as Lisle recognized. It is not in human nature todispose of a commodity that will shortly increase in value. Crestwick, however, obviously failed to notice this; Lisle thought the idea ofgetting on to the inside track appealed to his vanity. 

"It's a curious name they've given the mine, " commented the lad, repeating it. "What does it mean?"

Lisle started, for he recognized the name, and it offered him a lead. Strolling toward the group, he leaned against the table. 

"I can tell you that, " he said. "It's an Indian word for a river gorge. Iwent up it not long ago. "

"Then, " exclaimed Crestwick, "I suppose you know the mine?"

Lisle glanced at the others. Their eyes were fixed upon him, Batley'ssteadily, Gladwyne's with a hint of uneasiness. It was, he felt, aremarkable piece of good fortune that had given him control of thesituation. 

"Yes, " he answered carelessly, "I know the mine. "

"I'm thinking of taking shares in it, " Crestwick informed him. 

"Well, " said Lisle, "that wouldn't be wise. "

Gladwyne leaned farther back in his seat, as if to disassociate himselffrom the discussion, which was what the Canadian had expected from him;but Batley, who was of more resolute fiber, showed fight. His appearancebecame aggressive, his face hardened, and there was a snap in his eyes. 

"You have made a serious allegation in a rather startling way, Mr. Lisle. As I've an interest in the company in question, I must ask you toexplain. "

"Then I'd advise you to get rid of your interest as soon as possible;that is, so long as you don't sell out to Crestwick, who's a friend ofmine. "

Batley's face began to redden, and Lisle, looking around at the sound ofa footstep, saw Marple standing a pace or two away. He was a fussy, bustling man, and he raised his hand in expostulation. 

"Was that last called for, or quite the thing, Lisle?" he asked. 

Batley turned to Gladwyne, as if for support, and the latter assumed hisfinest air. 

"I think there can be only one opinion on that point, " he declared. 

Lisle's eyes gleamed with an amusement that was stronger than hisindignation. That Gladwyne should expect this gravely delivered decisionto have any marked effect tickled him. 

"Well, " he replied, "I'm ready to stand by what I said, and I'll add thatif I had any shares I'd give them away to anybody who would register astheir owner before the next call is made. "

"I understood there wouldn't be a call for a long while, " Crestwick brokein. 

"Then whoever told you so must have been misinformed, " Lisle rejoined. 

"Are you casting any doubt upon my honor?" Batley demanded in a bellicosevoice. 

"I don't think so; anyway, so long as you don't rule out my suggestion. Still, I'm willing to leave Gladwyne to decide the point. He seems tounderstand these delicate matters. "

Marple, looking distressed and irresolute, broke in before Gladwyne had achance to reply. 

"Do you know much about mining, Lisle?"

Lisle laughed. 

"I've had opportunities for learning something, as prospector, locator ofalluvial claims and holder of an interest in one or two comparativelyprosperous companies. "

He leaned forward and touched Crestwick's shoulder. 

"Come along, Jim, and I'll give you one or two particulars that shoulddecide you. "

Somewhat to his astonishment, the lad rose and rather sheepishly followedhim. There was an awkward silence for a few moments after they left theroom; then Marple turned to his guests. 

"I can't undertake to say whether Lisle was justified or not, " he began. "I'm sorry, however, that anything of this nature should have happened inmy house. "

"So am I, " said Gladwyne with gracious condescension. "There is, ofcourse, one obvious remedy. "

Marple raised his hands in expostulation. He liked Lisle, and Gladwynewas a distinguished guest. Batley seemed to find his confusion amusing. 

"I think the only thing we can do is to let the matter drop, " hesuggested. "These fellows from the wilds are primitive--one can't expecttoo much. The correct feeling or delicacy of expression we'd look foramong ourselves is hardly in their line. "

Marple was mollified, and he fell in with Batley's suggestion that theyshould try a game. 

In the meanwhile, Crestwick looked around at his companion as they wentdown the corridor. 

"I believe I owe you some thanks, " he admitted. "I like the way youheaded off Batley--I think he meant to turn savage at first--and Iwouldn't have been willing to draw in Gladwyne, as you did. He has a wayof crushing you with a look. "

"It's merely a sign that you deserve it, " Lisle laughed. "You take toomany things for granted in this country. Test another man's assumption ofsuperiority before you agree with it, and you'll sometimes be astonishedto find out what it's really founded on. And now we'd better join thosepeople who're singing. "

CHAPTER XV

BELLA'S DEFEAT

The afternoon was calm and hazy, and Lisle lounged with great content ina basket-chair on Millicent's lawn. His hostess sat near by, lookinglistless, a somewhat unusual thing for her, and Miss Hume, her elderlycompanion, genial in spite of her precise formality, was industriouslyembroidering something not far away. There was not a breath of windastir; a soft gray sky streaked with long bars of stronger color hungmotionless over the wide prospect. Wood and moorland ridge and distanthill had faded to dimness of contour and quiet neutral tones. Indeed, thewhole scene seemed steeped in a profound tranquillity, intensified onlyby the murmur of the river. 

Lisle enjoyed it all, though he was conscious that Millicent's presenceadded to its charm. He had grown to feel restful and curiously at ease inher company. She was, he thought, so essentially natural; one felt athome with her. 

"I haven't often seen you with the unoccupied appearance you have justnow, " he remarked at length. 

"I have sent the book off, and after being at work on it so long, I feeldisinclined to do anything else, " she said. "I've just heard from thepublishers; they don't seem enthusiastic. After all, one couldn't expectthat--the style of the thing is rather out of the usual course. "

Lisle looked angry and she was pleased with his indignation on herbehalf. 

"They show precious little sense!" he declared; "but you're right. It'sone of your English customs to go on from precedent to precedent untilyou get an unmodifiable standard, when you slavishly conform to it. Nowyour book's neither a classification nor a catalogue--it's something farbigger. Never mind what the experts and scientists say; wait until thepeople who love the wild things and want their story made real get itinto their hands!"

His confidence was gratifying, but she changed the subject. 

"You Canadians haven't much respect for precedent?"

"No; we try to meet the varying need by constantly changing means. They're often crude, but they're successful, as a rule. "

"It's a system that must have a wide effect, " she responded, to lead himon. She liked to hear him talk. 

"It has. You can see it in the difference between your country and mine. This land's smooth and well trimmed; everything in it has grown up littleby little; its mellow ripeness is its charm. Ours is grand or rugged ordesolate, but it's never merely pretty. The same applies to our people;they're bubbling over with raw, optimistic vigor, their corners are notrubbed off. Some of them would jar on overcivilized people, but not, Ithink, on any one with understanding. " He spread out his hands. "You havean example; I'm spouting at large again. "

"Go on, " she begged; "I'm interested. But have you ever thought thatinstead of being younger than we are you're really older. I mean that youhave gone back a long way; begun again at an earlier stage, instead ofgoing ahead?"

"Now you get at the bottom of things!" he exclaimed. "That's always beenan idea of mine. The people of the newer countries, perhaps moreparticularly those to whom I belong, are brought back to the grapple withelemental conditions. We're on the bed-rock of nature. "

"Are you too modest to go any further?"

He showed faint signs of confusion and she laughed. "No doubt, thesituation makes for pristine vigor, and we are drifting intoartificiality, " she suggested. "Perhaps you, the toilers, the subduers ofthe wilderness, are to serve as an anchor for the supercivilizedgenerations to hold on by. " She paused and quoted softly: "'Pioneers; Opioneers!'"

"What can I say to that?" he asked with half-amused embarrassment. "We'repretty egotistical, but one can't go back on Whitman. "

"No, " she laughed mischievously; "I think you're loyal; and there aresituations from which it's difficult to extricate oneself. Didn't youfind it so, for example, when you declined to come here with Nasmyth, because Miss Crestwick had pressed you to go to Marple's?"

He could think of no neat reply to this and the obvious fact pleased her, for she guessed that he would rather have spent the evening with her. This was true, for now, sitting in the quiet garden in her company, helooked back on the entertainment with something like disgust. Marple'smale friends were, for the most part, characterized by a certaingrossness and sensuality; in their amusements at games of chance one ortwo had displayed an open avarice. These things jarred on the man who hadtoiled among the rocks and woods, where he had practised a stringentself-denial. 

"I heard that you figured in a striking little scene, " Millicent went on. 

"I couldn't help it. " Lisle appeared annoyed. "That man Batley irritatedme; though, after all, I don't blame him the most. "

This was a slip. 

"Whom do you blame?" she asked sharply. 

"Oh, " he explained, "I wasn't the only person, present, and I hadn'tarrived at the beginning. Somebody should have stopped the fellow; theshares he tried to work off on Crestwick were no good. "

"Then Batley wanted to sell that silly lad some worthless shares--andthere were other people looking on?"

He would not tell her that Gladwyne had watched the proceedings, to someextent acquiescing. 

"I thought from what you said that you knew all about it, " he answered. 

"No, " she replied, suspecting the truth, but seeing that it would bedifficult to extract anything definite from him. "I only heard that youhad an encounter of some kind with Batley. But why did you hint that hewas not the worst?"

"He was merely acting in accordance with his instincts; one wouldn'texpect anything else. "

"The implication is that he was tacitly abetted by people of a differentkind who ought to have known better. "

He was not to be drawn on this point, and she respected him for it. 

"Was it only an animus against Batley that prompted you?" she asked. 

"No, " he admitted candidly; "I wanted to get young Crestwick out of hisclutches. I'm not sure he's worth troubling about, but I'm sorry for hissister. As I've said before, there's something fine in the way she sticksto him. "

The chivalrous feeling did him credit, Millicent admitted, but she wasdissatisfied with it and was curious to learn if it were the only one hecherished toward the girl. 

"That's undoubtedly in her favor, " she commented indifferently. 

He did not respond and they talked about other matters; but Lisle was nowsensible of a slight constraint in Millicent's manner and on the wholeshe was glad when he took his leave. Quick-witted, as she was, sheguessed that he disapproved of the part Clarence had played in the affairat Marple's, and this, chiming with her own suspicions, troubled her. Shehad a tenderness for Clarence, and she wondered how far her influencemight restrain and protect him if, as his mother had suggested, sheeventually married him. Another point caused her some uneasiness--BellaCrestwick had boldly entered the field against her and was making use ofthe Canadian to rouse Clarence by showing him that he had a rival. Thethought of it stirred her to indignation; she would not have Lisletreated in that fashion. After sitting still for half an hour, she rosewith a gesture of impatience and went into the house. 

On the same evening Bella Crestwick felt impelled to lecture her brotherafter dinner. That was not a favorable time, for the young man's goodopinion of himself was generally strengthened by a glass or two of wine. 

"I thought that matter of the shares would have taught you sense, but youmust listen to Batley again this afternoon, " she scolded. "You were withhim for half an hour. I've no patience with you, Jim. "

"He's not so easy to shake off, particularly as I'm in his debt, "returned the lad. "Besides, he's an interesting fellow, the kind youlearn a good deal from. It's an education to mix with such men. "

"The trouble is that it's expensive. Come away with me before he ruinsyou. There's Mrs. Barnard's invitation to their place in Scotland; itwould be a good excuse. "

Her brother's rather lofty manner changed. 

"You're a dear, Bella. You know you don't want to go. "

Having a strong reason for wishing to stay, she colored at this. Amonghis other unprepossessing characteristics, Jim had a trick of sayingthings he should suppress. 

"Never mind me, " she answered. "Will you come?"

He had an incomplete recognition of the magnitude of the sacrifice shewas ready to make, though it was not this that decided him not to fall inwith it. 

"No, " he said with raw self-confidence. "I'm not one to run away; butI'll promise to keep my eye on the fellow after this and be cautious. Allhis schemes aren't in the same class as those mining shares, you know. "

Bella lost her temper and told him some plain truths about himself, andthis did not improve matters, for in the end she retired, defeated, leaving Jim rather sore but on the whole satisfied with the firmness hehad displayed. The girl felt dejected and almost desperate. She could notcontinually apply to Lisle for assistance, and she shrank from the onlyother course that seemed open to her; but her affection for the misguidedlad impelled her to make another attempt to rescue him, and a few dayslater she found her opportunity. It was a bold measure she had decidedon, one that might cost her a good deal, but she was a young woman ofcourage and determination. 

Mrs. Marple and her daughter drove over with her to call on Mrs. Gladwyne. They found several other people present, and as usual there wasno ceremony; the day was fine, and the hostess sat outside, while theguests strolled about the terrace and gardens very much as they liked. Bella, hearing that Clarence was engaged in the library and would not bedown for a little while, slipped away in search of him. Her heart beatpainfully fast as she went up the wide staircase, but she was outwardlyvery collected--a slender, attractive figure--when she entered the room. In her dress as well as in her manner Bella was usually distinguished bysomething unconventional and picturesque. She was not pleased to seeBatley standing beside the table at which Gladwyne sat, but the mangathered up some papers when he noticed her. 

"I've explained the thing, Gladwyne, and I expect Miss Crestwick willexcuse me, " he said. 

His manner was good-humored as he bowed to her and though she almosthated the man she was conscious of a faint respect for him. He might havethwarted her by remaining, for she had often made him a butt for herbitter wit. Now, however, when she had shown that his presence was notrequired, he was gallantly withdrawing. When he went out she sat down andGladwyne rose and stood with one hand on the mantel, waiting for her tobegin. Instead, she glanced round the room, which always impressed her. It was lofty and spacious, the few articles of massive furniture gave ita severe dignity, and there was no doubt that Gladwyne, with his handsomeperson and highbred air, appeared at home in it. 

While she looked around, he was thinking about her. She was provocativelypretty; a fearless, passionate creature, addicted to occasional recklessoutbreaks, but nevertheless endowed with a vein of cold and calculatingsense. What was as much to the point, she was wealthy, and people werebecoming more tolerant toward her; but in the meanwhile he wondered whatshe wanted. 

"I came about Jim, " she said at length. 

"Well?"

The man's expression, which suddenly changed, was not encouraging and shehesitated. 

"You know what he's doing. I've come to ask a favor. "

He avoided the issue. 

"It's nothing alarming; I don't suppose he's very different from mostlads of his age. Perhaps it would be better to let him have his head. "

"No, " she replied decidedly. "The pace is too hot; I can't hold him. He'll come to grief badly if he's not pulled up. You know that as well asI do!"

Her anger became her, bringing a fine glow to her cheeks and a hint ofhalf-imperious dignity into her pose. It had an effect on him, but hefelt somewhat ashamed of himself. 

"Well, " he asked in a quiet voice, "what's the favor?"

"Shouldn't a sportsman and a man of your kind grant it unconditionallybeforehand? Must you be sure you won't get hurt when you make a venture?"

"You'd risk it, " he answered, bowing. "You're admirable, Bella. Still, you see, I'm either more cautious or less courageous. "

She was badly disappointed. She knew that a good deal depended on hisanswer to her request, and shrank from making it, because it would provethe strength or weakness of her hold on him. The man attracted her, andshe had somewhat openly attempted to capture him. She longed for theposition he could give her; she would have married him for that and hishouse, but she was willing to risk her success for her brother's welfare. 

"I want you to tell Batley that he must keep his hands off of Jim, " shesaid. 

He started at this. 

"He can't do the lad much harm. Aren't you attaching a little too muchimportance to the matter?"

"No; not in the least, " she answered vehemently. "I've told you soalready. But can't you keep to the point? My brother's being ruined inseveral ways besides the debts he's heaping up; and I've humbled myselfto beg your help. "

"Was it so very hard?" he asked, and his voice grew soft and caressing. 

She was shaken to the verge of yielding. The man was handsome, cultivated, distinguished, she thought. Whether she actually loved him, she did not know, but he could gratify her ambitions and she was stronglydrawn to him. He had given her a lead, an opening for a few telling wordsthat might go far toward the accomplishment of her wishes; but, temptedas she was, she would not utter them. She was loyal to the headstronglad; Jim stood first with her. 

"That is beside the point, " she said with a becoming air of pride. "Iexpected you would be willing to do whatever you could. To be refusedwhat I plead for is new to me. "

He considered for a moment or two, watching her with keen appreciation. Bella in her present mood, with her affectations cast aside, appealed tohim. She was not altogether the woman he would have chosen, but since hemust secure a rich wife, there were obvious benefits to be derived from amatch with her. He devoutly wished he could accede to her request. 

"Well?" she broke out impatiently. 

"I'm sorry, " he said; "I'm unable to do as you desire. Of course, I wishI could, if only to please you, though I really don't think the thing'snecessary. "

"You needn't tell me that again! It's a waste of time; I'm not going todiscuss it. Face the difficulty, whatever it is. Do you mean that youcan't warn off Batley?"

Gladwyne saw that she would insist on a definite answer and indesperation he told the truth. 

"It's out of the question. "

It was a shock to her. In a sudden flash of illumination she saw him ashe was, weak and irresolute, helpless in the grip of a stronger man. Itwas significant that she felt no compassion for him, but only disgust andcontempt. She was no coward, and even Jim, who could so easily bedeluded, was ready enough to fight on due occasion. 

"You are afraid of the fellow!" she exclaimed. 

Gladwyne colored and moved abruptly. He had imagined that she was his forthe asking, but there was no mistaking her cutting scorn. 

"Bella, " he pleaded, "don't be bitter. You can't understand thedifficulties I'm confronted with. "

"I can understand too much!" Her voice trembled, but she rose, ratherwhite in face, with an air of decision. "When I came I expected--butafter all that doesn't matter--I never expected this!"

He made no answer; the man had some little pride and there was nothing tobe said. He had fallen very low even in this girl's estimation and thefact was almost intolerably galling, but he could make no effectivedefense. She went from him slowly, but with a suggestive deliberation, without looking back, and there was a hint of finality in the way sheclosed the door. 

Once outside, she strove to brace herself, for the interview had triedher hard. She had had to choose between Gladwyne and her brother, but forthat she was now almost thankful. The man she had admired had changed andbecome contemptible. It was as if he had suddenly collapsed and shriveledbefore her startled eyes. But that was not all the trouble--she was asfar from saving Jim as ever. 

It cost her an effort to rejoin the others, but she was equal to it andduring the rest of her stay her conversation was a shade more audaciousthan usual. 

CHAPTER XVI

GLADWYNE SURRENDERS

Evening was drawing on when Bella strolled aimlessly down the ascendingroad that led to Marple's residence. On one hand of the road there was adeep rift, filled with shadow, in which a beck murmured among the stones, and the oaks that climbed to the ridge above flung their great branchesagainst the saffron glow in the western sky. Fallen leaves, glowing brownand red, had gathered thick beneath one hedgerow and more came slowlysailing down; but Bella brushed through them unheeding, oblivious to hersurroundings. She had suffered during the few days that had followed herinterview with Gladwyne and even the sharp encounter with Miss Marple inwhich she had recently indulged had not cheered her, though it had lefther friend smarting. 

Presently she looked around with interest as a figure appeared farther upthe road, and recognizing the fine poise and vigorous stride, she stoppedand waited. Lisle was a bracing person to talk to, and she wanted to seehim. He soon came up with her and she greeted him cordially. UnlikeGladwyne, he was a real man, resolute and resourceful, with a generousvein in him, and she did not resent the fact that he looked rather hardat her. 

"You don't seem as cheerful as usual, " he observed. 

"I'm not, " she confessed. "In fact, I think I was very nearly crying. "

"What's the trouble?" He showed both interest and sympathy. 

"Oh, you needn't ask. It's Jim again. I've tried every means and I can'tdo anything with him. "

"He is pretty uncontrollable. Seems to have gone back to Batley again. Iwonder if it would be any good if I looked for an opportunity for makinga row with the fellow?"

"No, " she answered, with appreciation, for this was very different fromGladwyne's attitude. "It would only separate Jim from you, and I don'twant that to happen. Please keep hold of him, though I know that can't bepleasant for you. "

"He is trying now and then, but I'll do what I can. Gladwyne, however, has more influence than I have. Did you think of asking him?"

She colored, and in her brief confusion he read his answer with strongindignation--she had pleaded with Gladwyne and he had refused to help. 

"Do you know, " she said, looking up at him, "you're the only real friendI have. There's nobody else I can trust. "

"I think you're wrong in that, " he declared; and acting on impulse helaid a hand protectingly on her shoulder, for she looked very dejectedand forlorn. "Anyway, you mustn't worry. I'll do something--in fact, something will have to be done. "

"What will you do?"

He knitted his brows. There was a course, which promised to be effective, open to him, but he was most averse to adopting it. He could giveGladwyne a plain hint that he had better restrain his confederate, but hecould enforce compliance only by stating what he knew about the former'sdesertion of his cousin. He was not ready to do that yet; it wouldprecipitate the climax, and once his knowledge of the matter was revealedhis power to use it in case of a stronger need might be diminished. Thetemptation to leave Jim Crestwick to his fate was strong, but his pityfor the anxious girl was stronger. 

"I'll have a talk with Gladwyne, " he promised. 

"That wouldn't be of the least use!"

"I think he'll do what I suggest, " Lisle answered with a trace ofgrimness. "Make your mind easy; I'll have Batley stopped. "

She looked at him in surprise, filled with relief and gratitude. He wasone who would not promise more than he could perform; but how he couldforce his will on Gladwyne she did not know. 

"You're wonderful!" she exclaimed. "Whatever one asks you're able to do. "

"And you're very staunch. "

"Oh!" she said, standing very close to him, with his hand still on hershoulder, "we won't exchange compliments--they're too empty, and youdeserve something better. " She glanced round swiftly. "Shut your eyes, tight!"

He obeyed her, and for a moment light fingers rested on his breast; thenthere was a faint warm touch upon his cheek. When he looked up she wasstanding a yard away, smiling mockingly. 

"Don't trust your imagination too much--it might have deceived you, " shewarned. "But you have sense; you wouldn't attach an undue value toanything. "

"Confidence and gratitude are precious, " he answered. "I'd better pointout that I haven't earned either of them yet. "

Bella was satisfied with this, but she grew graver, wondering how far shemight have delivered Gladwyne into his hands. She was angry with the man, but she would not have him suffer. 

"I don't know what power you have--but you won't make too much use ofit--I don't wish that, " she begged. "After all, though, Jim must be gotout of that fellow's clutches. "

"Yes, " assented Lisle, "there's no doubt of it. "

She left him presently and he went on down the dale, not exactlyrepenting of his promise, but regretting the necessity which had led tohis making it. The task with which he had saddled himself was anexceedingly unpleasant one and might afterward make it more difficult forhim to accomplish the purpose that had brought him to England, but hemeant to carry it out. 

As it happened, he met Mrs. Gladwyne at Millicent's, where he called, andhe spent an uncomfortable half-hour in her company. She had shown invarious ways that she liked him, and calling him to her side soon afterhe came in, she talked to him in an unusually genial manner. He felt likea traitor in this gracious lady's presence and it was a relief when shetook her departure. 

"You look troubled, " Millicent observed. 

"That's how I feel, " he confessed. "After all, it isn't a very uncommonsensation. It's sometimes difficult to see ahead. "

"Often, " she answered, smiling. "What do you do then--stop a little andconsider?"

"Not as a rule. The longer you consider the difficulties, the worse theylook. It's generally better to go right on. "

Millicent agreed with this; and soon afterward Lisle took his departureand walked back to Nasmyth's in an unusually serious mood. They weresitting smoking when his host broached the subject that was occupyinghim. 

"It's some time since you said anything about the project that broughtyou over, " he remarked. 

"That's so, " assented Lisle. "I'm fixed much as I was when we last spokeof it. When I was in Canada, I thought I'd only to find Gladwyne andscare a confession out of him. Now I find that what I've undertaken isn'tby any means so simple. "

"I warned you that it wouldn't be. "

"You were right. There's his mother to consider--it's a privilege to knowher--she's devoted to the fellow. Then there's Millicent; in a way, she'salmost as devoted, anyhow she's a staunch friend of his. I don't know howeither of them would stand the revelation. "

"It would kill Mrs. Gladwyne, " Nasmyth declared. 

There was silence for a while, and then Lisle spoke again. 

"I'm badly worried; any move of mine would lead to endless trouble--andyet there's the black blot on the memory of the man to whom I owe somuch; I can't bring myself to let it remain. Besides all this, there'sanother complication. "

"Young Crestwick's somehow connected with it, " Nasmyth guessed. 

Lisle did not deny it. 

"That crack-brained lad seems to be the pivot on which the whole thingturns. Curious, isn't it? I wish the responsibility hadn't been laid onmy shoulders. Just now I can't tell what I ought to do--it's harassing. "

"Don't force things; wait for developments, " Nasmyth advised him. "I'mnot trying to extract information; the only reason I mentioned thesubject is that a man in the home counties has asked me to come up for afew weeks and bring you along. He's a good sort, there's fair sport, andit's a nice place; but I don't mind in the least whether I go or not. "

"Then I'd rather stay. I've a feeling that I may be wanted here. "

"I'm quite satisfied, for a reason I'll explain. You have ridden thatyoung bay horse of mine. He comes of good stock and he's showing signs ofan excellent pace over the hurdles. Now I couldn't expect to enter himfor any first-rate event--he's hardly fast enough and it's too expensivein various ways--but there's a little semi-private meeting to be heldbefore long at a place about thirty miles off. I might have a chancethere if we put him into training immediately. You know something abouthorses?"

"Not much, " responded Lisle. "I've made one long journey in the saddle inAlberta; but you've seen our British Columbian trails. Our cayuses havegenerally to climb, and as a rule I've used horses only for packing. Still, I'm fond of them; I'd be interested in the thing. "

Nasmyth nodded. 

"One difficulty is that there's nothing in the neighborhood that I couldtry him for pace against except that horse of Gladwyne's. "

"He'd no doubt let you have the beast. "

"It's possible, " Nasmyth agreed dryly. "But I've objections to beingindebted to him; and I don't want Batley, Marple and Crestwick to take ahand in and put their money on me. However, we'll think it over. "

They retired to sleep soon afterward; and the next day Lisle walkedacross to call on Gladwyne, in a quietly determined mood. Clarence was inhis library, and he looked up with some curiosity when Lisle was shownin. Lisle came to the point at once. 

"You've no doubt noticed that Jim Crestwick has been going pretty hard oflate, " he said. "Bets, speculation, and that sort of thing. He can't keepit up on a minor's allowance. It will end in a bad smash if he isn'tchecked. "

Gladwyne's manner became supercilious. 

"I fail to see how it concerns you, or, for that matter, either of us. "

"We won't go into the question--it's beside the point. What I want you todo is to pull him up. "

He spoke as if he meant to be obeyed, and Gladwyne looked at him inincredulous astonishment. 

"Do you suppose I'm able to restrain the lad?"

"You ought to be, " Lisle answered coolly. "It's your friend Batley who'sleading him on to ruin; I'm making no comments on your conduct instanding by and watching, as if you approved of it. "

The man grew hot with anger. 

"Thank you for your consideration. " His tone changed to a sneer. "Isuppose you couldn't be expected to realize that the attitude you'readopting is inexcusable?"

"If you don't like it, I'll try another, " Lisle returned curtly. "You'llgive Batley his orders to leave the lad alone right now. "

Gladwyne rose with his utmost dignity, a fine gentleman whose feelingshad been outraged by the coarse attack of a barbarian; but Lisle wavedhis hand in a contemptuous manner. 

"Stop where you are; that kind of thing is thrown away on me. You'regoing to listen for a few minutes and afterward you're going to do what Itell you. To begin with--why, after you'd opened it, didn't you wipe outall trace of the cache on the reach below the last portage your cousinmade?"

The shot obviously reached its mark, for Gladwyne clutched the tablehard, and then sank back limply into his seat. He further betrayedhimself by a swift, instinctive glance toward the rows of books behindhim, and Lisle had no doubt that the missing pages from George Gladwyne'sdiary were hidden among them. He waited calmly, sure of his position, while Gladwyne with difficulty pulled himself together. 

"Have you any proof that I found the cache?" he asked. 

"I think so, " Lisle informed him. "But we'll let that slide. You'd bettertake the thing for granted. I'm not here to answer questions. I've toldyou plainly what I want. "

There was silence for nearly a minute during which Gladwyne sat verystill in nerveless dismay. All resistance had melted out of him, hisweakness was manifest--he could not face a crisis, there was no couragein him. 

"The miserable young idiot!" he broke out at length in impotent rage. "This is not the first trouble in which he has involved me!"

"Just so, " said Lisle. "Not long ago his sister came here, begging you tosave him, and you wouldn't. It's not my part to point what she must thinkof you. But I'm in a different position; you won't refuse me. "

Gladwyne leaned forward, gripping the arms of his chair as if he neededsupport, and his face grew haggard. 

"The difficulty is that I'm helpless, " he declared. 

Lisle regarded him with contempt. 

"Brace up, " he advised him. "The fellow you're afraid of is only fleshand blood; he has his weak point somewhere. Face him and find it, if youcan't talk him round. There's no other way open to you. "

A brief silence followed; and then Gladwyne broke it. 

"I'll try. But suppose I can induce him to leave Crestwick alone?"

"So much the better for you, " Lisle answered with a dry smile. "I'm nothere to make a bargain. I don't want anything for myself. "

He went out, consoling himself with the last reflection, for the part hehad played had been singularly disagreeable. Passing down the widestaircase and through the great hall, he turned along the terrace with asense of wonder and disgust. It was a stately house; the wide sweep of lawnwhere two gardeners were carefully sweeping up the leaves, the bordersbeyond it, blazing with dahlias and ranks of choice chrysanthemums, conveyed the same suggestion of order, wealth and refinement. One might, hethought, have expected to find some qualities that matched withthese--dignity, power, a fine regard for honor--in the owner of such aplace, but he had not even common courage. An imposing figure, to outwardseeming, the Canadian regarded him as one who owed everything to a littlesurface polish and his London clothes. 

Lisle paused to look back when he reached the end of the terrace, fromwhich a path that would save him a short walk led through a shrubbery. One wing of the building was covered with Virginia creeper that glowedwith the gorgeous hues of a fading maple leaf, the sunlight lay on thegrass, and the feeling of tranquillity that hung about the place grewstronger. He thought that he could understand how the desire to possessit would stir an Englishman reared in such surroundings, and yet he wasnow convinced that this was not the impulse which had driven Gladwyneinto deserting his starving cousin. The man had merely yielded to cravenfear. 

He heard footsteps, and looking around was a little surprised to seeBatley moving toward him. 

"You have just called on Gladwyne, " Batley began. 

Lisle stopped. There was, so far as he knew, nothing to be said in favorof the man, but his cool boldness was tempered by a certain geniality andan occasional candor that the Canadian could not help appreciating. Hepreferred Batley to Gladwyne. 

"That's so, " he agreed. 

"I'm inclined to think your visit concerned me. I've noticed yourinterest in young Crestwick--it's obvious--I don't know whether one couldsay the same of the cause of it?"

"We won't discuss that. If you have anything to say to me, you had betteradopt a less offensive style. "

Batley smiled good-humoredly. 

"You're quick at resenting things. I don't see why you should expect alonger patience from me. "

"I don't expect anything from you, " Lisle informed him. "In proof of it, I'll mention that I called to tell Gladwyne he must keep you off of JimCrestwick. "

He made a slip in the last few words, which the other quickly noticed. 

"Ordered him, in fact, " he said. 

Lisle made no answer and Batley resumed:

"You have some kind of a hold on Gladwyne; so have I. Of course, it's nonews to you. I'm a little curious to learn what yours consists of. "

"Why?"

"It struck me that we might work together. "

"I'm not going in for card-sharping or anything of that kind!"

The man seemed roused by this, but he mastered his anger. 

"Civility isn't expensive and sometimes it's wise, " he observed. "I won'treturn the compliment; in fact, I'll credit you with the mostdisinterested motives. All I mean is that I might help you and you mighthelp me. I'm not quite what you seem to think I am, and if I can get mymoney back out of Gladwyne I won't harm him. "

"I don't care in the least whether you harm him or not. But I'll try toarrange that you drop Crestwick. "

Batley considered this for a moment or two. 

"Well, " he said, "I'm sorry we can't agree; but as regards Crestwick youcan only head me off by forcing Gladwyne to interfere. Between ourselves, do you think he's a man who's likely to take a bold course?"

"I think so--in the present case. "

"You mean if the pressure's sufficient. Now you have given me a glimpseat your hand and I'll be candid. Gladwyne rather let me in, and there's arisk in dealing with a lad who's to all intents and purposes a minor;I've gone about as far with him as I consider judicious. Don't doanything that may damage Gladwyne financially without giving me warning, and in return I'll let Crestwick go. To some extent, I only got hold ofhim as an offset to the trouble I've had with Gladwyne. Is it a bargain?You can trust me. "

"We'll let it go at that, " replied Lisle. "But I'll keep my eye on you. "

Batley's gesture implied that he would not object to this, and he turnedaway, leaving the Canadian to walk back to Nasmyth's thoughtfully. Lisledid not think he had done Gladwyne much harm by his tacit admissions, andhe had some degree of confidence in Batley's assurance. 

CHAPTER XVII

A BAD FALL

Gladwyne spent the first few days that followed Lisle's visit in a stateof dread and indecision. He had allowed the Canadian to understand thathe would endeavor to prevent Crestwick's being further victimized, but hehad already failed to induce Batley to abandon the exploitation of thelad and he had no cause for believing that a second attempt would be moresuccessful. Moreover, he shrank from making it; the man had shown himclearly that he would brook no interference. 

On the other hand, he was equally afraid of Lisle. This cool, determinedCanadian was not to be trifled with, and he knew or suspected enoughabout the tragedy in British Columbia to make him dangerous. It wascertain that a revelation of Batley's speculation would go a very longway toward establishing the truth of any damaging story Lisle thought fitto tell. Supposing the two by any chance combined their knowledge--thathe had raised money in anticipation of his cousin's death, and afterwardleft him to perish--nothing that he could say would count against theinference. George had been a healthy man, not much older than Clarence, when the money was borrowed, and his decease within a limited time hadappeared improbable. Nobody would believe the actual truth that Batleywith characteristic boldness had, in return for what he thought asufficient consideration in the shape of an exorbitant interest, taken aserious risk. The thing would look like a conspiracy between the heirpresumptive and the speculator who lent the money; and in this, for abold man, there might have been a loophole for escape, but Gladwyne knewthat he had not the nerve to use the fact against his ally. 

Nevertheless, Gladwyne was really guiltless in one respect--he had notdesired his cousin's death; he would have gone back to the rescue had henot dreaded that he would share George's fate. Lack of courage had beenhis bane, and it was so now, for instead of speaking to Batley hetemporized. The man had made no further attempt upon Crestwick, andGladwyne decided that until he did so there was no need for him tointerfere. Still, as the next few weeks passed, he was conscious of agrowing dread of the Canadian which, as sometimes happens, became tingedwith hatred. Lisle was the more serious menace, and it was ominous thathe now and then exchanged a word or two with Batley. If the two formed anoffensive alliance, he would be helpless at their hands. 

In the meanwhile, Nasmyth has been training his horse for the approachingmeeting and after trying him against one belonging to a neighbor and notfinding it fast enough he had reluctantly fallen back on a chestnut ownedby Gladwyne. The animal possessed a fine speed and some jumping powers. Its chief fault was a vicious temper; but Gladwyne was seldom troubled bylack of nerve in the saddle. It was in time of heavy moral strain that hefailed, and he was glad to arrange with Nasmyth for a sharp gallop. 

Somewhat to the latter's regret, news of his intentions had spread, andon the morning of the trial a number of people, including the Marples andCrestwicks and Millicent, had gathered about the course. It was a darkday, with a moist air and a low, gray sky. The grass was wet, a strip ofplowing which could not be avoided was soft and heavy, and the ground infront of several of the jumps was in a far from satisfactory state. Nasmyth, who kept a very small establishment and had hitherto generallyridden the horse, walked round part of the course with Lisle. 

"It will be heavy going and there's a nasty greasy patch at the biggestfence, " he said. "I'd have waited for a better day only that it's oftenwet where they have the meeting, and I want to see what he can do overground like this. You'll have to watch him at the jumps. "

"He'd do better with you in the saddle, " Lisle suggested. 

"I'd rather put you up. I'm not going to ride at the meeting; I'm overthe weight they ought to give him and I want to get him used to astranger's hands. As it's an outside event of no importance, I haven'tfixed on my man yet. "

They walked back toward the starting-point, where Gladwyne was waiting, with Batley and Crestwick in attendance. As they approached it, Millicentjoined them. 

"Are you going to ride to-day?" she asked Lisle. 

"Nasmyth insists, " was the answer. "I'm afraid I won't do him muchcredit. "

Gladwyne looked up with a slight frown. 

"You won't mind?" Nasmyth asked him. "I'd penalize the horse by nearly astone. "

"No, " replied Gladwyne, shortly; "there's no reason why I should object. "

This was true, but he had an unreasoning aversion to facing thisopponent. Of late, the Canadian had caused him trouble at almost everyturn, and it looked as if he could not even indulge in a morning'samusement without being plagued with him. He was conscious of a mostuncharitable wish that Lisle would come to grief at one of the fences andbreak his neck. In many ways, this would be a vast relief. 

"Would anybody like to make it a sporting match?" Crestwick asked. "Thebay's my fancy; I'm ready to back it. "

Bella tried to catch his eye, but he disregarded this. She, however, sawLisle glance at Batley and noticed the latter's smile. 

"It isn't worth while betting on trials, " Batley declared. "Better waituntil the meeting. "

The girl was less astonished than gratified. Gladwyne was surprised anddisconcerted. He had said nothing to Batley about Crestwick, but he hadnoticed Lisle's warning glance, and the other's prompt acquiescenceappeared significant. It looked as if the two had joined hands, and thatwas what he most dreaded. An almost overpowering rage against theCanadian possessed him. When he attempted to mount, the chestnut gave himtrouble by backing and plunging; but the bay was quiet and Nasmyth stoodfor a few moments by Lisle's stirrup. 

"Save him a bit for the second round, " he advised. "Another thing, lookout when you come to the big-brushed hurdles, particularly the secondtime. "

Batley volunteered as starter, and when he got them off satisfactorilythe spectators scattered, one or two to watch the pace across the plowedland, the others moving toward the stiffest jumps--the course was roughlycircular. 

The trial was a new experience to Lisle, and he felt the exhilaration ofit as, remembering his instructions, he strove to hold his mount. Gladwyne's horse was a length ahead of him, the wind lashed his face, andthe thrill of the race grew keener when he swept over the first fence, hard upon the flying chestnut's heels. He dropped another length behindas they crossed the next field and labored over the sticky plowing; thenthere was a low fence and ditch, a narrow meadow, and then the hurdlesNasmyth had mentioned, filling a gap in a tall thorn hedge. They werewattled with branches which projected a foot or so above them. 

It did not look an easy jump and the grass was slippery and soft, but thechestnut accomplished it cleverly and the bay flew at the hurdles withevery sign of confidence. Then, though Lisle felt the hoofs slide as thebeast took off, they were over and flying faster than ever across a long, wet field. As they approached the end of the first round, the chestnutbegan to drop back; Lisle could let the bay go and he determined to bringhim home the winner. It was his first fast ride in England; and he had, indeed, seldom urged a horse to its utmost pace--the British Columbiantrails, for the most part, led steeply up or down rugged hillsides, wherespeed was out of the question. It was very different on these levelEnglish meadows, though the ground was softer than usual and the fenceswere troublesome. He rode with a zest and ardor he had hardly expected tofeel. 

He led at the next fence and some of the onlookers shouted encouragementwhen, drawing a little farther ahead, he once more reached the stickyplowed land. Here the bay slowed a little, toiling across the clods, buta glance over his shoulder showed his opponent still at least two lengthsbehind. Gladwyne, however, now roused himself to ride in earnest. Hitherto he had taken no great interest in the proceedings, but he hadjust seen Bella wave her hand to Lisle and then Millicent's applaudingsmile. He resented the fact that both should be pleased to see him beatenby this intrusive stranger. It reawakened his rancor, and the strain ofthe last week or two had shaken him rather badly. He was nervous, hisself-control was weak; but he meant to pass his rival. 

He was still behind at the next fence, but pressing his horse savagely hecrept up a little as they approached the one really difficult jump; andas they sped across the narrow meadow Lisle fancied that the bay wasmaking its last effort. Crestwick was standing near the hurdles, withNasmyth moving rapidly toward them not far away and Bella running acrossa neighboring field. Crestwick watched Gladwyne intently. The man's facewas strangely eager, considering that all he had been asked to do was totest the bay's speed, and there was a hardness in his expression thatfixed Crestwick's attention; he wondered the cause of it. 

Bella was close to him, when Lisle, riding hard, rushed at the hurdles, and Jim found it hard to repress a shout as the bay's hoofs slipped andslid on the treacherous turf. The horse rose, however; there was a heavycrash; wattled branches and the top bar of the hurdle smashed. Lislelurched in his saddle; and then the bay came down in a heap, with the manbeneath him. 

It was impossible to doubt that Gladwyne had seen the accident, but thechestnut rushed straight at the shattered hurdle, teeth bare, nostrilsdilated, head stretched forward, and Crestwick thrilled with horror. Thefallen horse was struggling, rolling upon its rider, just beyond thefence; but Gladwyne did nothing, except sit ready for the leap. It wasincomprehensible; so was the look in the man's face, which was grimlyset, as the big chestnut rose in a graceful bound. 

There was a sickening thud on the other side, a flounder of slippinghoofs, and the staccato pounding of the gallop broke out again. Thechestnut had come down upon the fallen horse or helpless man, and wasgoing on, uncontrollable. Crestwick rushed madly at the hedge, andscrambling through, badly scratched and bareheaded, found Nasmyth tryingto drag Lisle clear of the bay. The Canadian's eyes were half open, butthere was no expression in them; one arm and shoulder looked distorted, and his face was gray. Half-way across the field Gladwyne was strugglingsavagely with the plunging chestnut. 

"Get hold!" ordered Nasmyth hoarsely. "Some bones broken, by the look ofhim; but he'll have his brains knocked out in another moment. "

Crestwick was cruelly kicked as the bay rolled in agony, striking withits hoofs; but he stuck to his task, and with some difficulty theydragged Lisle out of danger. When they had accomplished it, Marple camerunning up with two or three others and Nasmyth called to him. 

"Came in the car, didn't you? Go off for Irvine as hard as you can drive. Drop somebody at my place to run back with a gun. "

Marple swung round and set off across the field, and Crestwick understoodwhy the gun was wanted when he glanced at the fallen horse. Nasmythinformed him that nothing could be done until the doctor came, and heturned away toward where his sister was waiting. His forehead and handswere torn and he was conscious of a bad ache in his back where a hoof hadstruck, but these things scarcely troubled him. He was overwhelmed, horror-stricken; and the shock of seeing Lisle crushed and senseless wasnot the only cause of it. Bella, gasping after her run, with hair shakenloose about her face, seemed to be suffering from the same sensation thatunnerved him. 

"Is he dead?" she asked falteringly. 

"No. Badly hurt, I think. "

"Ah!" she exclaimed with intense relief. "I was most horribly afraid. "She paused before she resumed: "You were close by the hurdles. "

Jim knew she meant that he must have seen what happened, but, shaking ashe was, he looked hard at her, wondering in a half-dazed fashion whatreply he should make. He thought her suspicions were aroused. 

"You were some way back; you couldn't have seen anything plainly, " heventured. 

"I was very near--looking back toward them--when they crossed the fieldbefore the jump. You've gone all to pieces. What did you see?"

"I can't talk about it now, " Jim broke out. "He's coming back. "

Gladwyne had dismounted and was with some difficulty leading the chestnuttoward the hedge. His face was white; he moved with a strong suggestionof reluctance; and when he reached the spot where Lisle lay he seemed tohave trouble in speaking. 

"Is it dangerous?" he asked. 

"I can't tell, " Nasmyth answered sternly. "Shoulder's smashed; don't knowif that's the worst. Why didn't you pull up the brute or send him at thehedge to the right?"

"He's hard in the mouth--you know his temper. You couldn't have turnedhim. "

"I'd have tried, if I'd had to bring him down and break his neck!"

Nasmyth checked himself, for this was not the time for recriminations, and Millicent, who had been running hard, brushed past them. She did notstop until she bent over Lisle. Then she turned to Nasmyth with fear inher strained expression. 

"I think he'll get over it, " Nasmyth told her. "I won't take theresponsibility of having him moved until the doctor arrives. "

"Quite right, " agreed Batley, walking up and casting a swift andsearching glance at Gladwyne. 

"But you can't let him lie on the wet grass!" Millicent expostulated. 

"I'm afraid we must; it's safest, " said Batley. "The shock's not so muchto be dreaded with a man of his kind. "

He and Nasmyth took charge of the situation, sternly refusing to listento all well-meant suggestions, until at last the doctor and Marple camehurrying across the field. The former hastily examined the injured manand then looked up at Nasmyth. 

"Upper arm gone, close to the shoulder joint, " he announced. "Collar-bonetoo. I'll give him some brandy. Shout to those fellows with thestretcher. "

He was busy for some time, and in the meanwhile Batley picked up theflask he had laid down and handed it to Gladwyne. 

"Take a good drink and pull yourself together, " he said quietly. 

At length Lisle was gently lifted on to the stretcher, and as theycarried him away the report of a gun ran out. The onlookers dispersed andGladwyne was walking home alone when Millicent overtook him. She waspuzzled by his limp appearance and the expression of his haggard face. Itwas only natural that he should keenly feel his responsibility for theaccident, but this did not quite seem to account for the man's condition. He looked absolutely unnerved, like one who had barely escaped from someappalling catastrophe. 

"You shouldn't take it quite so much to heart, " she comforted him. "Idon't think Irvine felt any great uneasiness; and nobody could blameyou. "

"You're the only one who has said so, " he answered moodily. 

"They couldn't; you stole away. Of course, it's a great pity--I'mdistressed--but you must try to be sensible. These accidents happen. "

He walked on a while in silence, and then with an effort looked around ather. 

"Millicent, " he said, "you're wonderfully generous--the sight of anybodyin trouble stirs you--but I don't feel able to bear your sympathy. "

"Then I'll have to offer it to Lisle, " she smiled. "But I'll walk withyou to the lodge; and then you had better go in and keep quiet until youget back your nerve. "

When she left Gladwyne she went on to Nasmyth's, where she waited untilthe doctor on leaving told her that he was perfectly satisfied with theprospect for the Canadian's recovery. It would, he said, be merely aquestion of lying still for a considerable time. Millicent was consciousof a relief which puzzled her by its intensity as she heard the news, butshe asked Nasmyth to send somebody to inform Gladwyne. 

"I think he's desperately anxious and feeling the thing very badly, " sheconcluded. 

"Then he could have come over to inquire, as you have done, " Nasmythanswered. "In my opinion, he deserves to be uncomfortable. "

"Why are you so hard on him?"

The man's face grew grim. 

"I've had to help Irvine with Lisle, for one thing. We were satisfiedthat his injuries were not caused by the bay rolling on him; he seems tohave escaped from that with a few bad bruises. The worst of the accidentmight have been avoided if Clarence had had nerve enough. "

"But you couldn't blame him very greatly for losing his head--he had nowarning, scarcely a moment to think. It was so sudden. "

"The result's the same, " retorted Nasmyth. "Lisle has to pay. But toplease you I'll send Clarence word that Irvine's not anxious about him. "

CHAPTER XVIII

A PRUDENT DECISION

It had been dark some time and the night was raw, but Jim Crestwickstrolled up and down the drive to Marple's house, thinking unusuallyhard. In the first place, part at least of the folly of his conductduring the last year or two had been plainly brought home to him, and therealization was bitter. It was galling to discover that while he hadregarded himself as a man of the world he had been systematicallyvictimized by the men who had encouraged him in the delusion. He feltvery sore as he remembered how much he owed Batley, but this troubled himless than the downright abhorrence of Gladwyne which had suddenlypossessed him. He had looked up to the latter as a model and had tried tocopy his manners; and it was chiefly because Batley was a friend ofGladwyne's that he had paid toll to him. For he had felt that whateverthe man he admired was willing to countenance must be the correct thing. Now he saw Gladwyne as he really was--a betrayer of those who trustedhim, a counterfeit of an honorable type, one who had by the merest chanceescaped from crime. 

In the second place, he was concerned about Bella. She had obviously beenattracted by Gladwyne, and it was his duty to warn her. Whether thewarning was altogether necessary he could not tell--he had watched herface that morning--and Bella sometimes resented advice. When she did so, she had an exasperating trick of putting him in the wrong; but he meantto speak to her as plainly as appeared desirable. He had another duty--toLisle; but he was inclined to think that on the whole he had better notsaddle himself with it. His self-confidence had been rudely shaken and herecognized the possibility of his making things worse. Moreover, he hadcultivated the pride of caste, and having with some difficulty obtainedan entry to the circle in which Gladwyne moved, he felt it incumbent onhim to guard the honor of all who belonged to it. 

Presently Bella came out, as he had anticipated, and joined him. 

"You have been very quiet since this morning, " she began. "I saw that youmeant to slip away as soon as you could. "

"Yes, " he admitted; "I've had something to think about--I've been a fool, Bella; the commonest, most easily gulled kind of imbecile!"

He had expected her to remind him that she had more than once tried toconvince him of this, but she failed to do so. Instead, she answered witha touch of the candor that sometimes characterized her. 

"You're not the only one. "

This was satisfactory, for it suggested that she had been undeceivedabout Gladwyne; but she had not finished. 

"What did you see this morning?" she asked, and he felt that she wasspeaking with keen anxiety. 

"I'll tell you, but it must never go any farther. I hate to think of it!But first of all, what makes you ask?"

She had already mentioned that she had been near when Gladwyne made hisattempt to come up with Lisle, but she had not explained that she hadseen hatred stamped in hideous plainness on his face. 

"Never mind, " she answered sharply. "Go on!"

"Well, " said Jim, "I was standing right against the hedge, the onlyperson on that side, and I don't think Gladwyne saw me. Lisle's bayfouled the top bar of the hurdle, but it held long enough to bring himdown in a heap. Gladwyne was then a length or two behind. He rodestraight at the broken hurdle, hands still--I can't get his look out ofmy mind!"

"But perhaps he couldn't pull up, " Bella defended him desperately, as ifshe would not believe the truth she dreaded. 

"There were other ways open. He could have gone at the hedge a yard ortwo on one side; he could have spoiled the chestnut's take-off and madehim jump short. It might have brought him down--the hurdle was firm inthe ground--but that would have been better than riding over a fallenman!"

"Are you sure he did nothing?"

"I wish I were not! The thing's horrible! Gladwyne must have seen thathe'd come down on Lisle or the struggling bay--he could have preventedit--he didn't try. "

Bella shivered. Her brother was right: it was almost beyond contemplation. But that was only half of the matter. 

"He must have had a reason, " she argued harshly. 

"Yes; one doesn't ride over a man in cold-blood for nothing. I think hehad some cause for being afraid of Lisle; several things I remember nowpoint to it. His chance came suddenly--nobody could have arranged it--heonly remembered that Lisle with his brains crushed out could do him noharm. "

The girl recognized that Jim had guessed correctly. When she had gone toLisle for help, he had allowed her to understand that he could compelGladwyne's compliance with his request, which was significant. Still, convinced as she was, she would not openly acquiesce in her brother'stheory. 

"Jim, " she protested, "if he'd ridden at the hedge or made the chestnutjump short, he might have broken his own neck. He must have realizedit--it would make him hesitate. "

The lad laughed scornfully. 

"It's quite possible, but is that any excuse? Would Nasmyth or Lisle orBatley have shirked a risk that would mean the saving of the otherfellow? Supposing your idea's right--though it isn't--it only shows theman as a disgusting coward. "

There was no gainsaying this; and Bella was crushed and humiliated. Shehad already seen Gladwyne's weakness, and after the choice she had beencompelled to make between him and her brother, she had tried to drive allthought of him out of her mind. It had been difficult; he was fascinatingin many ways and she had set her heart upon his capture. Now she had donewith him; after the morning's revelation she shrank from him withpositive horror. Jim seemed to guess this. 

"I'm sorry, Bella, " he said gently. "But the fellow's impossible. "

She laid her hand upon his arm. 

"Jim, " she replied, "we have both been mad, and I suppose we must pay forit. I'll help you to get clear of Batley when the time comes, but youmust never have a deal of any kind with him again. "

"That's promised; I've had my lesson. I think I'll ask Lisle to take mewith him when he goes back to Canada. He and Nasmyth are the only menworth speaking of I've met for a long while. When Lisle first came here Itried to patronize him. "

Bella laughed, rather feebly, but she wanted to relieve the tension. 

"It was like you. But we'll go in. This is our secret, Jim. Nobody wouldbelieve you if you let fall a hint as to what really happened, and thereare many reasons why you shouldn't. I think you said nobody else couldhave suspected?"

"Nasmyth hadn't come up when the chestnut reached the hurdles; he was thenearest. Lisle was down with the horse upon him. He couldn't have seenanything. "

"Well, " she decided, "perhaps that's fortunate. It isn't likely thatGladwyne will get such an opportunity again, and at the worst he acted onthe spur of the moment. "

The lad nodded. He had felt that silence would entail some responsibility, but Bella accepted it without uneasiness. She seldom showed any hesitationwhen she had decided on a course. 

In the meanwhile, Gladwyne had spent a miserable day, alternating betweenhorror of himself and doubts about the future. Jim Crestwick'sdescription of the incident was correct--Gladwyne had ridden straight atthe broken hurdle, knowing what the consequences might be anddisregarding them. The next moment, however, the reaction had begun andhe was thankful that he had not committed a hideous crime. Indeed, theknowledge that he had come so near to killing his opponent had left himbadly shaken. He wondered at his insensate action until he recollectedhow he had once stood beside an opened cache in Canada, and then, ignoring his manifest duty, had hurried on through the frozen wilderness. On that occasion he had been accountable for his cousin's death, and nowLisle had very narrowly escaped. 

Yet he could with justice acquit himself of any premeditated intention ineither case; fate had thrust him into a situation he was not strongenough to grapple with. Dreading Lisle, as he did, his chief thought hadbeen for his own safety when he saw the bay blunder at the leap. To savethe Canadian he must take a serious personal risk, which was foreign tohis nature, and though a recognition of the fact that the death of thefallen man would be a great relief to him had been clearly in his mind, it was impossible to say how far it had actuated him. 

He had grown more collected when he sat in his library as dusk wasclosing in, considering other aspects of the affair. He had not seenCrestwick, and Lisle, he thought, would remember nothing except his fall. After trying to recall the positions of the others, he felt comforted;nobody could charge him with anything worse than reckless riding or afailure of nerve at a critical moment. He would confess to the latter--itwas to some extent the truth--and show concern about Lisle's injury. Awkward as it was, the incident could be smothered over; it was consolingto remember that the people he lived among were addicted to treatinganything of an unpleasant nature as lightly as possible. There was a gooddeal to be said for the sensible English custom of ignoring what it wouldbe disconcerting to realize. 

After a while his mother came in and gently touched him. 

"My dear, " she urged, "you mustn't brood over it. Lisle's condition'ssatisfactory. As it's some hours since we got Nasmyth's message, I sent aman over and he has just come back. "

"I'm glad you sent, " Gladwyne responded. "It was thoughtful. I forgot;but I've been badly troubled. "

She sat down near him, with her hand laid caressingly on his arm. 

"It's natural; I understand and feel for you. I wouldn't have liked youto be indifferent; but you mustn't make too much of it. The man isstrong, he will soon be about again, and you couldn't have saved him. Everybody I've seen so far has given me that impression. Of course, Ididn't need their assurances, but I was glad to see they exonerated andsympathized with you. "

Her confidence hurt him; he had still a sense of shame, and he found nogreat comfort in what she told him. His mother was generally loved, andhe wondered how far his neighbors had been influenced by a desire to saveher pain. 

"It looks as if Lisle deserves their commiseration more than I do, " heanswered with a smile which cost him an effort. 

"It is being shown. I noticed nearly everybody in the neighborhoodmotoring or driving toward the house during the afternoon. Millicent'swith Nasmyth now, helping to arrange things. It's wonderful what afavorite Lisle has become in so short a time; but I own that I findsomething very likable about him. "

Gladwyne moved impatiently. His hatred of the man was as strong as ever, and his mother's attempts at consolation irritated him. Lisle was toopopular; first Bella and now Millicent had taken him in hand. 

"Millicent, " Mrs. Gladwyne went on, "is an exceptional woman in everydesirable respect. I think you have long been as convinced of that as Iam. "

"I'm afraid she can't have an equally favorable opinion of me, " he saidwith a short laugh. 

"One does not look for perfection in a man, " his mother informed himseriously. "He is criticized much less severely than a woman. It seems tobe the universal rule, though I have sometimes thought it wasn'tabsolutely just and that it had its drawbacks. It's one of the things thewomen who go out and speak are declaiming against and something one ofthem lately said sticks in my mind. " She sighed as she added: "The timesare changing; there was no need to consider such questions in yourfather's case. He was the soul of honor--you were very young when deathparted us. "

She did not always express herself clearly, but Gladwyne saw that she didnot place him in the same category as his father and he recognized herhalf-formulated thought that it would have been better had he grown upunder the latter's firmer guidance. 

"Wonders never cease, mother, " he responded with an attempt at lightness. "It's difficult to imagine your being influenced by the latestpropaganda. I thought you shuddered at it. "

"Well, " she said, "I was forgetting what I meant to talk about, driftingaway from the subject; I'm afraid it's a habit of mine. What I have longfelt is that it would be so desirable if you married suitably. "

"The trouble is to define the suitability. It's a point upon whicheverybody has a different opinion. "

"I would choose a girl of good family and education for you, one with awell-balanced will, who could see what was right and cling to it. Still, she must be wise and gentle; a tactful, considerate guide; and thoughmeans are not of first importance, they are not to be despised. "

Gladwyne leaned back in his chair with a laugh that had in it a tinge ofirritation. 

"Are such girls numerous? But why do you insist on a will and the powerof guiding? It looks as if you thought I needed it. Sometimes you're thereverse of flattering. "

His mother looked troubled; she would have wounded no living creatureunnecessarily. 

"My dear, it's not always easy to express what one feels, and I dare sayI'm injudicious in choosing my words. But your welfare is very near to myheart. "

"I know that, " he answered gently. "But you were not describing animaginary paragon. Hadn't you Millicent in your mind?"

"I should be very happy if I could welcome her as my daughter. I shouldfeel that you were safe then. "

There was a thrill of regret in her voice that touched him. It hintedthat she blamed herself for omissions and lack of wisdom in hisupbringing. Besides, her confidence in any one who had won her respect, as Millicent had done, was bestowed so generously. 

"I'm afraid I've often given you trouble, and I do you little creditnow, " he said. "But, as to the other matter, one can't be sure thatMillicent would welcome the idea. Of late I've had a suspicion that shehasn't a very high opinion of me. "

"You could hardly expect to gain it by devoting yourself to MissCrestwick. "

The man smiled rather grimly. 

"If it's any consolation to you, I'm inclined to think that MissCrestwick has let me drop. The truth's not very flattering, but I can'thide it. "

Mrs. Gladwyne's relief was obvious, but she had more to say and sheventured upon it with some courage. 

"If you would only get rid of Batley too!"

"I can hardly do that just now; he's useful in several ways. Still, ofcourse, if I married--"

He broke off abruptly, for his mother had occasional flashes ofdiscernment. 

"Millicent has means, " she said. 

He started at this, wondering how much she had guessed, but he veiled hisembarrassment with a smile. 

"Well, " he acknowledged, "means, as you most wisely remarked, are not tobe despised, and mine are unfortunately small. "

She saw that she had said enough and she left him sitting in thedarkening room thinking rather hard. Bella had thrown him over when hehad refused to help her brother, and there were many ways in whichMillicent appealed to him. Besides, she could free him of his debt toBatley, which was a thing greatly to be desired. She had shown that shedid not blame him severely for the accident at the hurdles, but herealized that in trying to comfort him she had been prompted by pity forhis dejected mood, and it was clear that the part he had played wasscarcely likely to raise him in her esteem. This was unfortunate, but hewould not dwell on it; there were other points to consider and anythingthat served to divert his thoughts from the unfortunate affair was a vastrelief. 

When at last he rose he had partly recovered his usual equanimity and haddecided that he would watch for some sign of Millicent's feelings towardhim. He was aware that they had somewhat changed, but this was to a largeextent his fault, and with caution and patience he thought it might bepossible to reinstate himself in her favor. 

CHAPTER XIX

GLADWYNE GAINS A POINT

Some weeks had passed since the accident and Lisle was lying oneafternoon on a couch near a window of Nasmyth's sitting-room. Two orthree Canadian newspapers lay on the floor and he held a few letters inone hand. The prospect outside was cheerless--a stretch of leaden-coloredmoor running back into a lowering sky, with a sweep of fir wood that hadlost all distinctive coloring in the foreground. He was gazing at itmoodily when Millicent came in. His face brightened at the sight of her, and he raised himself awkwardly with his uninjured arm, but she shook herhead at him in reproof. 

"You had orders to keep as quiet as possible for some time yet. Lie downagain!"

"Keeping quiet is fast breaking me up, " he protested. "I'm quite able tomove about. "

"All the same, you're not to try. "

He looked at her with a twinkle in his eyes. 

"Then I suppose I'll have to give in. You're a determined person. Peopledo what you ask them without resenting it. You have an instance here, though in a general way it's a very undignified thing to be orderedabout. "

He resumed his former position and she seated herself. 

"I don't see why you should drag my character in, " she objected with asmile. "Other people who occasionally obey me don't say such things. "

"They're English; that accounts for a good deal. I'm inclined to think mypower of expressing my feelings on any point is a gift, though it's onethat's not uncommon in the West. "

"Doesn't it presuppose an assurance that any one you address must beinterested in your views?"

"I deserve that, " he laughed; "but you're not quite right. We say, ineffect, 'These are my sentiments, but I won't be down-hearted if youhaven't the sense to agree with them. ' The last, however, doesn't applyto you. "

"Thank you for the explanation, " she rejoined. "But why do you insist ona national difference? You're really English, aren't you, in Canada?"

"No, " he answered; "you and the others who talk in that strain aremistaken. We're a brand new nation still fusing and fuming in themelting-pot. The elements are inharmonious in some respects--French fromthe Laurentian littoral, Ontario Scots, Americans, Scandinavians, Teutons, Magyars, Slavs. The English element's barely strong enough totemper the mixture; the land's too wide and the people too varied forBritish traditions to bind. When the cooling amalgam's run out it will beinto a fresh mold. "

"One made in Pennsylvania, or wherever the American foundries are?"

"They run the one you have in mind at Washington. You understand things agood deal better than many people I've talked to here; but you're notright yet. If Canadians deliberately chose the American mold because itwas American, a number of us would kick; but the cause is a bigger onethan that. From Texas to Athabasca, from Florida to Labrador, pretty muchthe same elemental forces are fanning the melting fires. We have the samehuman raw material; we've much the same problems to tackle; theconditions are, or soon will be, pretty similar. It's only natural thatthe result should be more or less identical. I've said nothing yet aboutour commercial and social relations with our neighbors. "

"But doesn't England count?"

"Morally, yes. It's your part to keep our respect and show us a cleanlead. "

"After all, " she rejoined, "you, in particular, are essentially Englishby connection with the part of the country you're now staying in. "

He smiled curiously. 

"So you or Nasmyth have been tracing up the family!"

"No, " she replied with a little sharpness. "Why should I have done so? Ofcourse, we knew the name; and you have relations living at no greatdistance. I understand Nasmyth got a hint that they would be glad toreceive you. "

"Let it go at that, " he answered. "My father was cast out because hedared to think for himself and my mother was Canadian born. I'm a unit inthe new nation; one of the rank and file. "

She considered this for a moment or two. It was hardly an English pointof view, but--for his family had long been one of station--there was ahint of pride that struck her as rather fine about this renunciation. Itwas a risky thing to insist on being taken at one's intrinsic value, stripped of all accidental associations that might enhance it, but shethought he need not shrink from the hazard. Now and then he spoke withslightly injudicious candor, and sometimes too vehemently, but inessential matters he displayed an admirable delicacy of feeling and sherecognized in him a sterling sense of honor. 

"I've broken loose again and you're feeling shocked, " he said humorously. "It's your own fault; you have a way of making one talk. There's no usein discoursing to people who don't understand. However--and it's muchmore important--how's the book getting on?"

"More important than my wounded susceptibilities?" Millicent laughed. "But we won't mind them. I'm pleased to say I've heard from thepublishers that it's in strong request. Indeed, they add, rathersuperfluously, that the demand is somewhat remarkable, considering thenature of the work. "

Lisle laughed at this. 

"Any more reviews?"

She handed him several and he noticed the guarded, unenthusiastic tone ofthe first two. 

"These are the people who prefer a thing like a catalogue. This fellowsays the first portion of the book shows most care in particulars andclassification--it's what one would expect from him. That was yourbrother's work, I think. He was not an imaginative person. "

"No, " replied Millicent. "He was eminently practical and methodical. "

"There's a great deal to be said in favor of that kind of man. You cantrust him when it's a case of grappling with practical difficulties. ButI feel quite angry with the next reviewer. 'The illustrations are ratherimpressionist drawings than a useful guide to identification. ' The fellowwould no doubt rather have those stiff, colored plates which are about aslike the real, breathing creature as a stuffed specimen in a museum. "

Millicent was pleased with his indignation, but his disgusted expressionchanged as he read the next cutting. 

"Now, " he exclaimed, "we're arriving at the sound sense of ordinarypeople, lovers of nature who're not naturalists. This man's enthusiastic;the next review's even better!" He took up the others and there was keensatisfaction in his eyes when he laid them down. "Great!" he ejaculated. "I expected it. You've made your mark!"

The girl thrilled with pleasure; his delight at her success was sogenuine. 

"Well, " she told him, "the publishers suggest that I undertake anotherand more ambitious work. I've often thought that I should like to do so. The lonely country between the Rockies and the Pacific has a peculiarinterest to me and I've long had a desire to follow my brother's trail. Idon't think it's a morbid wish--somehow I feel impelled to go. "

"It's a beautiful, wild land, and the creatures that inhabit it are amongthe finest in the world. You promised to let me be your guide, and youshould take Nasmyth, too; he's a man to be depended on. You could startin the early summer next year. "

She smiled at his eagerness; but he suddenly grew thoughtful. 

"It's curious how events seem to have started beside those lonelyriver-reaches among the rocks, " he remarked. "It was there that I got toknow Nasmyth, and through him I met you. It was there that I learnedsomething about your brother and Clarence Gladwyne. The drama began inthose wilds and I've a feeling that it will end among them. "

"The drama?" she queried, and he was conscious that he had made a slip. 

"Well, " he answered, "before we crossed the big divide I wasn't aware ofyour existence, and I'd only a hazy idea that I might come to Englandsome day. Now, if I may say it, I've joined your group of friends andentered into their lives. One feels it can't have sprung from nothing; itisn't blind chance. "

She mused for a few moments. 

"It's strange, " she asserted, "but I've had something of the samefeeling. You seem to have become a part of things, a connecting linkbetween us all--Mrs. Gladwyne, Clarence, Nasmyth, and even youngCrestwick. One could almost fancy that some mysterious agency wereworking upon us through you. "

He did not wish her to pursue this train of thought too far. 

"I've promised to take Jim Crestwick back with me, " he said. "I'm goingas soon as I'm fit to get about. "

"Going back, in a few weeks?"

"Yes. In many ways, I'm sorry; but I've had some letters that show it'sneedful. Business calls. "

She made no reply for some moments. There was no doubt that she wouldmiss him badly, and she recalled the strange and tense anxiety of whichshe had been conscious when he had fallen at the hurdles. 

"We have come to look upon you as one of us, " she told him simply. "Somehow we never contemplated your going away, and now it seems analmost unnatural thing. "

"It would be, if I broke off the connection with my English friends, butI think that can't be done. We're to see more of each other; I'm to beyour guide when you come out next year. "

"It's very likely that I shall come. "

She left him shortly after this and walked home in a thoughtful mood, regretting his approaching departure and pondering over what he had said. With reflection it became clearer that she had entertained the same ideaas his. He and she and the others he mentioned were not acting andreacting upon one another casually; it was all a part of a purpose, leading up to something that still lay unrevealed on the knees ofdestiny. Perhaps he had been right in speaking of a drama; it suggested asequence of prearranged events, springing from George's death. Reachinghome, she endeavored to banish these thoughts, which were vaguelytroublesome, but Miss Hume found her preoccupied and absent-minded duringthe evening. 

The following day she went over to see Mrs. Gladwyne and was asked towait until her return. Shortly afterward, Clarence entered the room whereshe was sitting, and she alluded to her visit to Lisle. 

"He is going back as soon as he can stand the journey, " she said. 

Gladwyne made an abrupt movement and she noticed with surprise and someindignation the relief in his expression. Though the men had not been onvery cordial terms, it puzzled her. 

"You don't attempt to conceal your satisfaction, " she commented. "Isn'tit a little ungenerous?"

His effort to recover his composure was obvious, but he answered herquietly. 

"I'm afraid it is. After the accident--I think I was partly blamed forthat--he behaved very well; told everybody about the slippery ground andsaid what he could to exonerate me. "

"I didn't mean to refer to that matter, " explained Millicent. She knewthat it was a painful one to him. 

"Still, " he resumed, "even if it's ungrateful, I am rather glad he'sgoing. "

"'Rather glad' hardly seems to describe it; you looked overjoyed. "

"Don't be severe, Millicent. Let me explain. Since Lisle came over, nothing has been quite the same. He got hold of you and Nasmyth and theothers, and in a way alienated you from me. I don't mean he did it withdeliberate intention, but he took up your time and monopolized yourinterest. I've seen much less of both of you. "

"And, of late, of the Crestwicks. "

"Oh, " he returned in his most casual manner, "I shouldn't have had muchmore of their company in any case. Jim's going to Canada and Bella toSussex. I understand from Marple that it will be some time before shevisits us again. "

Millicent was glad to hear it, but she made no comment. 

"It's unreasonable to blame Lisle, " Gladwyne went on; "though he did makesome unpleasantness with Batley; but I have had so many annoyances andtroubles since he arrived. Everything has been going wrong and I can'tdisassociate him from the unfortunate tendency. "

He sat where the light fell upon his face, and Millicent, studying it, was stirred to compassion, which was always ready with her. He lookedharassed and nervous, as if he had borne a heavy strain, and she knewthat the accident had preyed upon his mind. That, she thought, was to hiscredit. In addition to this, she had suspected that he was threatenedwith financial difficulties. The man had a dangerous gift of rousingwomen's interest and sympathy. 

"I'm sorry, " she said with sincere feeling. "You should go away for atime. You need a change. "

"I've thought of it; but I'm afraid I've been neglecting things latelyand there's a good deal that needs straightening up--farm buildings to belooked to, the stream to dyke in the low ground, and that drainingscheme. "

It was not all acting; he had meant to give those matters some attentionwhen he found it convenient, and she was far from suspicious and wasquick to take the most favorable view of any one. That he recognized hisduties and intended to discharge them gratified her. 

"I think, " she told him, "that if you undertake these things in earnest, you'll be better for the occupation; and they certainly need lookingafter. "

"I've been slack, " he owned. "I seemed to lose interest and, as I said, I've had difficulties to distract me. "

He had struck the right note again. Anything of the nature of aconfession or appeal for sympathy seldom failed to stir her. 

"In fact, " he resumed, "I'm not clear of troubles now. If I do half thatI'm asked to do, it will nearly ruin me, and I don't know where to begin. I haven't any great confidence in Grierson's advice; he doesn't seem togrip things readily. "

"The trouble is that he has his favorites, " she said bluntly. "I don'tthink he suffers from any lack of understanding. "

"What do you mean?"

It was unpleasant, but she had courage and the man was doing Clarenceharm. 

"Well, there are people who can get very much what they ask Grierson for, in the shape of repairs and improvements, whether they need it or not. "

"At my expense, while the rest get less than they should have?"

"A number of your tenants have got practically nothing for some years. It's false economy; you'll have to lay out twice as much as would keepthem here satisfied, when they leave you in disgust. "

She supplied him with several instances of neglect, and a few cleversuggestions, and he looked at her in admiration which was only partlyassumed. 

"What an administrator you would have made!" he exclaimed. "The placewould thrive in your hands and everybody be content. It's obvious, quiteapart from his good qualities, why George was so popular. "

Millicent did not suspect him of an intent to flatter her, and sherecognized that there was truth in what he said. She knew everybody onthe estate and knew their most pressing needs, and she undoubtedlypossessed the power of management. She had a keen discernment and couldarrive at a quick and just decision. 

"Clarence, " she said, "I shouldn't advise you to take the businessaltogether out of Grierson's hands. He's honest, so far as you areconcerned, and one or two of the hardest things he did were by yourorders. "

"You mean the Milburn and Grainger affair?" He showed a littleembarrassment. "Well, perhaps I was hasty then, but they would haveexasperated a much more patient man. I sometimes feel that I can't pleasethese people, whatever I do. "

She smiled at this. 

"They're not effusive, but they're loyal once you win their confidence. But, to go back to Grierson--let him collect payments and handle themoney, but don't ask his advice as to how you will lay it out. Lookaround, inquire into things, and trust your own judgment. "

He turned to her beseechingly. 

"I can't trust it in these matters--it hasn't been cultivated. If I'm tokeep out of further trouble and do any good, you must help me. "

Millicent hesitated. It was not a little thing he asked. To guide himaright would need thought and patient investigation. Still, there was, asshe had said, so much to be done--abuses to be abolished, houses to bemade habitable, burdens to be lifted from shoulders unable to carry them. There was also land the yield from which could be increased by a verymoderate expenditure. She would enjoy the power to do these things whichthe man's demand for help offered her, but she was more stirred by hisdesire to redeem past neglect and set right his failures. 

"Well, " she promised, "you shall have my candid advice whenever you needit. "

He showed his gratitude, but he was conscious of a satisfaction that hadno connection with the welfare of his estate. He would have a legitimateexcuse for seeing her often; the work jointly undertaken would lead to acloser confidence. He had always cherished a certain tenderness for her;he must marry somebody with money before long; and though Millicent'smeans were not so large as Bella's, they were not contemptible. He hadnot the honesty to let these thoughts obtrude themselves, but theynevertheless hovered at the back of his mind. It was more graceful toreflect that Millicent possessed refinement, a degree of beauty, and manymost desirable qualities. 

CHAPTER XX

MRS. GLADWYNE'S TEMPTATION

Clarence had gone away with Batley when Lisle called on Mrs. Gladwyne. She was leaving home for a visit on the following day and he wished tosay good-by, and, if an opportunity offered, to ask her opinion upon amatter he had at heart. She was not a clever woman, but there were pointson which he thought her judgment could be trusted. He was told that shewould be occupied for a few minutes and was shown into her drawing-room. He sat down to wait and, though he was familiar with the house, he lookedabout him with an interest for which there was a reason. The room hadalways impressed him by its size and loftiness, and it did so more thanever that afternoon. 

The floor was of hardwood, polished to a glossy luster by the hands ofseveral generations, and the rugs scattered here and there emphasized itsextent. Most of the furniture was old, and the few articles apparentlybought in later times harmonized with it. The faded ceiling had beenpainted with Cupid's trailing ribands, he judged by some artist of theperiod shortly preceding the French Revolution, and two or three Arcadianfigures hinted at the same date. There were other things--a lusterchandelier, quaintly-wrought hearth-irons, a carved wood mantel--thatposited to bygone days. 

It all impressed him with a sense of the continuity of English traditionsand mode of life, as applied to such families as the Gladwynes. Cradledin a degree of luxury which nevertheless differed from modern profusionand ostentation, steeped in a slightly austere refinement, he couldunderstand their shrinking from sudden chance and clinging to the customsof the past. They were all, so far as he had seen, characterized by thepossession of high qualities, with the exception of Clarence, whom heregarded as a reversion to a baser type; but he thought that they wouldsuffer if uprooted and transplanted in a less sheltered and lesscultivated soil. Inherited instincts were difficult to subdue; he wasconscious of their influence. He came from a new land where he had oftentoiled for a dollar or two daily, but a love and veneration for theancient English homes in which his people had lived was growing strong inhim. 

Mrs. Gladwyne did not appear, but he had a good deal to think of and wascontent to wait. He had grown fond of the stately lady and it was, indeed, largely for her sake that he had decided not to reveal for awhile what he knew about the tragedy in British Columbia. He could notabsolutely prove his version of the affair, and it would bring distressupon the mother of the offender; he had already waited two years and, though he felt that his dead comrade had a strong claim on him, he couldwait a little longer. Fate might place conclusive evidence in his handsor remove some of his difficulties. Besides, he must go back as soon aspossible to the Canadian North, and in one respect he was very loath todo this. 

At last he heard a footstep and his hostess came in. Her dress was not ofthe latest fashion, but it somehow struck him as out of place; she oughtto have been attired in the mode of a century ago, with powder in herhair. Nevertheless, fragile as she was, with her fine carriage and hergracious smile, she made an attractive picture in the ancient room. 

"I've come on an unpleasant errand--to say good-by--and to thank you formany favors shown to a stranger, " he said. 

"I think you were never that from the beginning, " she told him. "By andby we learned the reason--you really belong to us. "

He made a gesture of humorous expostulation. 

"I like to believe that I belong here, but not because of the explanationyou give. It doesn't seem to be much to my credit that my forefatherslived in this part of the country; I'd rather be taken on my actualmerits, if that isn't, too egotistical. "

"They did live here, " she rejoined. "You can't get over that--it has itsinfluence. "

It was the point of view he had expected her to take. 

"We are very sorry you are going, " she continued; "somehow we hardlyanticipated it. Have you ever thought of coming back for good?"

She was unconsciously giving him the lead he desired, but he would notseize it precipitately; he was half afraid. 

"No, " he answered, smiling; "my work's out yonder. I couldn't sit idle. Ithink Miss Gladwyne hit it when she told me that I was one of thepioneers. "

His hostess showed more comprehension than he had looked for. 

"Yes; I set you down as one of the men who prefer heat and cold, want offood, and toil, to the comforts they could have at home. I have met afew, sons of my old friends, and heard of others. After all, we have agood many of them in England. "

"Troublesome people, aren't they? What do you do with them?"

"Let them go. How do we rule India and hold so much of Africa? How did weopen up Canada for you?"

He nodded. 

"That's right. It doesn't matter that in respect to Canada the sons ofHighland peasants did their share; the Hudson Bay people and theLaurentian Frenchmen showed us the way. We found out what kind of menthey were when we went in after them. "

There was silence for a few moments and he glanced at her withadmiration. The honorable pride of caste she had shown strongly appealedto him. She stood for all that was fine in the old regime, and once morehe wondered how such a woman could have borne such a son. 

"I'm returning because business calls, " he explained. "My means won'tkeep me in idleness, and that fact has a bearing on the question as towhether I'll ever come back again. It's a very momentous one to me. "

She waited, noticing with some surprise the sudden tenseness of hisexpression, until he spoke again, hesitatingly. 

"You are the only person I can come to for advice. I'd be grateful foryour opinion. "

"I'll try to give it carefully, " she promised. 

"Well, " he said, "the life you people lead here has its attractions; theymust be strong to you. It would be hard to break with all itsassociations, to face one that was new and different; I mean for a womanto do so?"

"Ah!" she exclaimed, seeing the drift of his remarks at last. "You hadbetter tell me whom you are thinking of. "

"Millicent. "

She started. This was a painful surprise, though she now wondered why shehad never suspected it. He had met the girl frequently before hisaccident, and she had since gone over to Nasmyth's to talk with him nowand then; yet, for some not very obvious reason, nobody seemed to havecontemplated the possibility of his falling in love with her. Mrs. Gladwyne had undoubtedly not done so, and she was filled with alarm. Itwas most desirable that Millicent should marry Clarence. 

"How long have you had this in your mind?" she asked. 

"That is more than I can tell you, " he answered thoughtfully. "I admiredher greatly the first time I saw her; I admired her more when we madefriends, but I don't think I went much farther for a while. In Tact, Ibelieve it was only when I knew I must go back soon that I realized howstrong a hold she had on me, and then I fought against yielding. Thedifficulties to be got over looked so serious. "

"Has Millicent any suspicion of your regard for her?" It was an importantquestion and Mrs. Gladwyne waited in suspense for his reply. 

"Not the slightest, so far as I can tell. I tried to hide my feelingsuntil I could come to a decision as to what I ought to do. "

This was satisfactory, provided that his supposition was correct, and hiscompanion could imagine his exercising a good deal of self-repression. 

"What is your fear?" she asked. 

"Well, I'm rough and unpolished compared with Nasmyth and the rest, butwith her large mind she might overlook that. I couldn't live here asNasmyth and Clarence do; I'm not rich enough. My wife, if I marry, mustcome out West with me, and I might have to be away from her for monthsnow and then. I don't know that I could even establish myself inVictoria, where she would find something resembling your English society. Besides, my small share of prosperity might come to an end; I'm goingback now, sooner than I expected, because there are business difficultiesto be grappled with. "

Mrs. Gladwyne nodded. She could follow his thought, but after a pause hecontinued. 

"What troubles me most is that Millicent seems so much in harmony withher surroundings. We have nothing like them in Canada--anyway, not in theWest. Whether ours are better or worse doesn't affect the case; they'rewidely different. There is much she would have to give up; what I couldoffer her in place of it would be new and strange, less finished, lessrefined. Could a woman of your station stand it? Would she suffer frombeing torn adrift from the associations that surround her here?"

His companion considered. Allowing for his generosity in thinking firstof Millicent, he was a little too practical and dispassionate. She didnot think he was very greatly in love with the girl as yet, and that wasconsoling. What Millicent thought she did not know, but in many respectsthe man was eminently likable. Mrs. Gladwyne had grown fond of him; butthat must not be allowed to stand in her son's way. Clarence came beforeanybody else. 

"I feel my responsibility, " she said slowly. "Would you act on myadvice?"

"I think so--it might be hard. Anyway, I'd try. "

She hesitated. The man had won her respect. Had she been wholly free fromextraneous influences she might, perhaps, have counseled him to make theventure, but half-consciously she tried to see only the shadows in thepicture he had drawn. 

"Well, " she answered him, "until two years ago Millicent lived in thishouse--that must have had its effect on her. "

"Yes, " he agreed; "she shows it. These old places set their stamp onpeople--it's very plain on you. "

Mrs. Gladwyne saw that he understood, but she felt half guilty as sheproceeded:

"You admit that you could not give her anything of this kind in Canada?"

He laughed rather grimly. 

"No; our homes were built yesterday, and we move on rapidly--they'll bepulled down again to-morrow. I'll own that our ideas and manners are inthe same unfinished, transitory stage. We haven't been able to sit downand learn how to be graceful. "

She made a sign of comprehension, though her reluctance to proceed grewstronger. He was very honest and there was pain in his face. 

"Millicent, " she said, "is essentially one of us, used to what weconsider needful, bred to our ways. The endless small amenities whichmake life smooth here have always surrounded her. Can you imagine her, for instance, living with the Marples?"

"No, " he replied harshly; "I can't. "

"Then do you think it would be wise to take her to Canada?"

"I have thought she would not mind giving up many things she values, ifone could win her affection. "

"That is very true; but it doesn't get over the difficulty. It isn't sovery hard to nerve oneself to make a sacrifice, it's the facing of theinevitable results when the reaction sets in that tells. She wouldcontinually miss something she had been used to and she would long forit. "

He sat silent for nearly a minute, with his face set hard, and then helooked up. 

"If Millicent were your daughter, would you let her go?"

Again Mrs. Gladwyne hesitated. His confidence hurt her; she shrank fromdelivering what she thought would be the final blow, but she strove toassure herself that she was acting in Millicent's best interest. 

"No, " she answered, "not unless she was passionately attached to the manwho wished to take her out, and then I should do my utmost to dissuadeher. "

He made no answer for a few moments. Then slowly he rose. 

"Thank you, " he said gravely. "I'm afraid you're right. It's generallyhard to do what one ought. Well, "--he took the hand she held out--"I'mgrateful to you in many ways and I'd like you to remember me now andthen. "

She let him go, and crossing the room to a window, she watched him stridedown the drive with a swift, determined gait. He might be tried severely, but there was little fear of this man's resolution deserting him. Shewas, however, troubled by a recurrence of the unpleasant sense of guiltwhen he disappeared; it was difficult to persuade herself that she hadbeen quite honest, and the difficulty was new to her. 

In the meanwhile Lisle walked on rapidly, disregarding the ache that themotion started in his injured arm and shoulder. In his dejected mood, thetwinge at every step was something of a welcome distraction. Since asacrifice must be made, it should, he resolved, be made by him; Millicentshould not suffer, though he admitted that he had no reason for supposingthat she would have been willing to do so. She had never shown him morethan confidence and friendliness, and it was only during the past fewweeks that he had ventured to think of the possibility of winning her. Even then, the thought had roused no excess of ardent passion; much as hedesired her, a strong respect and steadfast affection were more inkeeping with his temperament. Nevertheless, had he known that she lovedhim and he could confer benefits upon her in place of demanding asacrifice, he would have been strangely hard to deter. 

On his return, Nasmyth met him at the door. 

"Where have you been?" he asked with some indignation. 

"To Mrs. Gladwyne's, " Lisle informed him. 

"You walked to the house, after what Irvine said when you insisted on histaking the bandages off?"

"I took them off; he only protested. Anyway, I didn't break my leg. "

Nasmyth noticed his gloomy expression. 

"Well, " he responded, "I suppose there was very little use in warning youto keep quiet; but you look as if you had suffered for your rashness. "

"That's true, " answered the Canadian with a grim smile. "After all, it'swhat usually happens, isn't it?"

They went in, Nasmyth a little puzzled by his companion's manner; butLisle offered no explanation of its cause. 

CHAPTER XXI

THE LAST AFTERNOON

It was a bright day when Lisle took his leave of the Marples. They gavehim a friendly farewell and when he turned away Bella Crestwick walkedwith him down the drive. 

"I don't care what they think; I couldn't talk to you while they were alltrying to say something nice, " she explained. "Still, to do them justice, I believe they meant it. We are sorry to part with you. "

"It's soothing to feel that, " Lisle replied. "In many ways, I'm sorry togo. I've no doubt you'll miss your brother after to-morrow. "

"Yes, " she said with unusual seriousness. "More than once during the lasttwo years I felt that it would be a relief to let somebody else have theresponsibility of looking after him, but now that the time has come I'msorry he's going. I can't help remembering how often I lost my temper, and the mistakes I made. "

"You stuck to your task, " commended Lisle. "I dare say it was a hard one, almost beyond you now and then. "

He knew that he was not exaggerating. She was only a year older than thewilful lad, who must at times have driven her to despair. Yet she hadnever faltered in her efforts to restrain and control him; and had made agreater sacrifice for his sake than Lisle suspected, though in the lightof a subsequent revelation of Gladwyne's character she was thankful forthis. 

"Well, " she replied, "I suppose that one misses a load one has grown usedto, and I feel very downcast. It's hardly fair to pass Jim on to you--butI can trust you to take care of him. "

"You can trust the work and the country, " Lisle corrected her with atrace of grimness. "He's not going out to be idle, as he'll discover. There's nothing like short commons and steady toil for taming any one. You'll see the effect of my prescription when I send him back again. "

"He has physical pluck. I'm glad to remember it; and he has shown signsof steadying since he found Gladwyne out. "

Lisle looked at her searchingly. 

"Since he found Gladwyne out?"

"Oh, " she answered, seeing that she had been incautious, "he ratheridolized the man, and I suppose it was painful to discover by accidentthat he wasn't quite all he thought him. Now, however, he has transferredhis homage to you--I'm afraid Jim must always have somebody to prophim--but I've no misgivings. "

Lisle laughed. 

"I've seldom had the time to get into mischief; I suppose that accountsfor a good deal. "

They were nearing the lodge and she stopped and held out her hand. 

"It's hard to say good-by; you have helped me more than you'll everguess, and you won't be forgotten. " Then as he held her hand with signsof embarrassment she laughed with something of her usual mocking mannerand suddenly drew away. "Good-by, " she added. "I was rather daring onceand I suppose you were shocked. I can't repeat the rashness--it wouldmean more now. "

She walked back toward the house, and he went on. Half an hour later hemet Millicent, who stopped to greet him. 

"I was on my way to call on you for the last time, " he told her. 

There was something in his voice that troubled her, and, though she hadexpected it, she shrank from the intimation of his departure. 

"Then, will you come back with me?" she asked. 

"If you're not pressed for time, I'd rather walk across the moor, the wayyou once took me soon after I came. I'd like to look round thecountryside again before I leave, though it will be a melancholypleasure. "

For no very obvious reason, she hesitated. It was, however, hard torefuse his last request and she really wished to go. 

"The views are unusually good, " she said, as they started on. "Wouldn'tNasmyth have gone with you?"

"It wouldn't have been the same, " he explained. "I'm storing up memoriesto take away with me and somehow Nasmyth is most clearly associated withCanada. When I think of him, it will be as sitting in camp beside aportage or holding the canoe paddle. "

"And you can't picture my being occupied in that way?"

"No, " he answered gravely; "I associate you with England--with statelyold houses, with well-cared-for woods and quiet valleys. There's no doubtthat your place is here. "

He spoke as if he were making an admission that was forced from him, andshe endeavored to answer in a lighter manner. 

"It's the only one I've had an opportunity for trying. "

"But you love this place!"

"Yes, " she said; "I love it very well. Perhaps I am prejudiced, and I'veonly had a glimpse at other countries, but I feel that this is the mostbeautiful land in the world. "

He stopped and glanced round. From where they stood he could look outupon leagues of lonely brown moors running back into the distance under acloudless sky. Beyond them the Scottish hills were softly penciled indelicate gray. There was a sense of space and vastness in the picture, but it was not that which spoke most plainly to him. Down on thefar-spread low ground lay such white homesteads, built to stand forgenerations, as he had never seen in Canada; parks sprinkled with nobletrees, amid which the gray walls of some ancient home peeped out;plantations made with loving care, field on field, fenced in withwell-trimmed trimmed hedges. 

It was all eloquent of order, security and long-established ease; astrong contrast to the rugged wilderness where, in the bush and ontreeless prairie, men never relaxed their battle with nature. In manyways, his was a stern country; a land of unremitting toil from which onedesisted only long enough to eat and sleep, and he was one of theworkers. Mrs. Gladwyne had been right--it was no place for thisdelicately nurtured girl with her sensitiveness and artistic faculties. 

"For those who can live as you live, it would be hard to find the equalof this part of England, " he said. "But I'm not sure you can keep it verymuch longer as it is. "

"Why?" she asked. 

It was a relief to talk of matters of minor interest, for he dare not lethis thoughts dwell too much on the subject that was nearest them. 

"Well, " he replied, "there's the economic pressure, for one thing; thegrowth of your cities; the demand for food. I see land lying almost idlethat could be made productive at a very moderate outlay. Our people oftengive nearly as much as it's worth here for no better soil. "

"But how do they make it pay?"

He laughed. 

"The secret is that they expect very little--enough to eat, a shack theybuild with their own hands to sleep in--and they're willing to worksixteen hours out of the twenty-four. "

"They can't do so in winter. "

"The hours are shorter, but where the winter's hardest--on the openmiddle prairie--the work's more severe. There the little man spends agood deal of his time hauling home stove-wood or building-logs for newstables or barns. He has often to drive several leagues with thethermometer well below zero before he can find a bluff with large enoughtrees. In the Pacific Slope forests, where it's warmer, work goes on muchas usual. The bush rancher spends his days chopping big trees in the rainand his nights making odd things--furniture, wagon-poles, new doors forhis outbuildings. What you would call necessary leisure is unknown. "

This was not exaggeration; but he spoke of it from a desire to supporthis resolution by emphasizing the sternest aspects of western life. Ithad others more alluring: there were men who dwelt more or less at theirease; but they were by no means numerous, and the toilers--in cityoffice, lonely bush, or sawmill--were consumed by or driven into afeverish activity. As one of them, it was his manifest duty to leave thisEnglish girl in her sheltered surroundings. There was, however, oneremote but alluring possibility that made this a little easier--he might, after all, win enough to surround her with some luxury and culturedfriends in one of the cities of the Pacific coast. Though they differedfrom those in England, they were beautiful, with their vistas ofsnow-capped mountains and the sea. 

"But you are not a farmer, " she objected. 

"No; mining's my vocation and it keeps me busy. In the city, I'm at worklong before they think of opening their London offices, and it'sgenerally midnight before I've finished worrying engineers andcontractors at their homes or hotels. In the wilds, we're more or lesscontinuously grappling with rock or treacherous gravel, or out on theprospecting trail, while the northern summer lasts; it's then light mostof the night. In the winter, we sometimes sleep in the snow, with thethermometer near the bottom of its register. "

Millicent shivered a little, wondering uneasily why he had taken thetrouble to impress this upon her. It was, she thought, certainly not toshow what he was capable of. 

"Are you glad to go back, or do you dread it?" she asked. 

"I don't dread it--it's my life, and things may be easier by and by. Still, I'm very loath to go. "

Millicent could believe that. His troubled expression confirmed it; andshe was strangely pleased. She had never had a companion in whom shecould have so much confidence, and she had already recognized that shewas, in one sense of the word, growing fond of him. Indeed, she had begunto be curious about the feeling and to wonder whether it stopped quiteshort at liking. 

"Well, " she told him, "I'm glad that you asked me to come with you. Ithink I was one of your first friends and I'm pleased that you shouldwish to spend part of your last day in my company. "

"You come first of all!"

"That's flattering, " she smiled. "What about Nasmyth?"

"An unusually fine man, but he has his limits. You have none. "

"I'm not sure I quite understand you. "

"Then, " he explained seriously, "what I think I mean is this--you're oneof the people who somehow contrive to meet any call that is made on them. You would never sit down, helpless, in a trying situation; you'd findsome way of getting over the difficulties. It's a gift more useful thangenius. "

"You're rating me too highly, " she answered with some embarrassment. "Youadmitted that you thought my place was here--the inference was that Ishouldn't fit into a different one. "

"No, " he corrected her; "you'd adapt yourself to changed conditions; butthat wouldn't prevent your suffering in the process. Indeed, I thinkpeople of your kind often suffer more than the others. "

He was to some extent correct in his estimate of her, but she shrank fromthe direct personal application of his remarks. 

"Aren't the virtues you have described fairly common?" she asked. "Ithink that must be so, because they're so necessary. "

"In a degree, I suppose they are. You see them, perhaps, most clearly insuch lands as mine. The pioneer has a good deal against him--frost andfloods, hard rock and sliding snow; he must face every discomfort, hungerand stinging cold. The prospector crawls through tangled forests, andpacks his stores across snowy divides; shallow shafts cave in, rude damsare swept away. A man worked to exhaustion on the trail runs out ofprovisions and goes on, starving; he lames himself among the rocks, setshis teeth and limps ahead. I've thought the capacity to do so ishumanity's greatest attribute, but after all it's not shown in its finestlight battling with material things. When the moral stress comes, the manwho would face the other often fails. "

"Yes, " she asserted; "there are barriers that can't be stormed. Merely toacquiesce is the hardest thing of all, but in that lies the victory. "

"It's a bitter one, " he answered moodily. 

There was silence for a few minutes while they strolled on through theheather. Afterward, Millicent understood where his thoughts had led, butnow she was chiefly conscious of a slight but perplexing resentmentagainst the fact that he should discourse rather crude philosophy. Indeed, the feeling almost amounted to disappointment--it was their lastwalk, and though she did not know what she had expected from him, it wassomething different from this. Walking by her side, with his fine poise, his keen eyes that regarded her steadily when she spoke, and his resolutebrown face, he appealed to her physically, and in other ways she approvedof him. It was borne in upon her more clearly that she would miss himbadly, and she suspected that he would not find it easy to part from her. In the meanwhile he recognized that she had, no doubt unconsciously, given him a hint--when the moral difficulties were unsurmountable onemust quietly submit. 

They stopped when they reached the highest strip of moor. The sun waslow, the vast sweep of country beneath them was fading to neutral color, woods, low ridges, and river valleys losing their sharpness of contour asthe light left them. A faint cold wind sighed among the heather, emphasizing the desolation of the moorland. 

Millicent shivered. 

"We'll go down, " Lisle said quietly; "the brightness has gone. I've had agreat time here--something to think of as long as I live--but now it'sover. "

"But you'll come back some day?" she suggested. 

"I may; I can't tell, " he answered. "I've schemes in view, to be workedout in the North, that may make my return possible; but even then itcouldn't be quite the same. Things change; one mustn't expect too much. "

His smile was a little forced; his mood was infectious, and an unusualmelancholy seized upon Millicent as they moved down-hill across the long, sad-colored slopes of heather. Then they reached a bare wood where deadleaves that rustled in the rising wind lay in drifts among the witheredfern and the slender birch trunks rose about them somberly. The light hadalmost gone, the gathering gloom reacted upon both of them, and there wasin the girl's mind a sense of something left unsaid. Once or twice sheglanced at her companion; his face was graver than usual and he did notlook at her. 

It was quite dark when they walked down the dale beneath the leaflessoaks, talking now with an effort about indifferent matters, until at lastMillicent stopped at the gate of the drive to her house. 

"Will you come in?" she asked. 

"No; Nasmyth's waiting. I'm glad you came with me, but I won't saygood-by. I'll look forward to the journey we're to make together throughBritish Columbia. "

She held out her hand; in another moment he turned away, and she walkedon to the house with a strange sense of depression. 

CHAPTER XXII

STARTLING NEWS

It was snowing in the northern wilderness and the bitter air was filledwith small, dry flakes, which whirled in filmy clouds athwart the redglow of a fire. A clump of boulders stood outlined beside a frozen river, and behind the boulders a growth of willows rose crusted with snow, whilebeyond them, barely distinguishable, were the stunted shapes of a fewbirches. So far the uncertain radiance reached when the fire leaped up, but outside it all was shut in by a dense curtain of falling snow. 

It had been dark for some time, and Lisle was getting anxious as he lay, wrapped in a ragged skin coat, in a hollow beside a boulder. A strainingtent stood near the fire, but the big stone afforded better shelter, anddrawing hard upon his pipe, he listened eagerly. The effort to do so wasunpleasant as well as somewhat risky, for he had to turn back the old furcap from his tingling ears; and he shivered at every variation of thestinging blast. There was nothing to be heard except the soft swish ofthe snow as it swirled among the stones and the hollow rumble of theriver pouring down a rapid beneath a rent bridge of ice. 

The man had spent the early winter, when the snow facilitates traveling, in the auriferous regions of the North, arranging for the furtherdevelopment of the mineral properties under his control. That done, hehad, returning some distance south, struck out again into the wilds toexamine some alluvial claims in which he had been asked to take aninterest. It was difficult to reach the first of them; and then he hadspent several weeks in determined toil, cutting and hauling in wood tothaw out the frozen surface sufficiently to make investigations. Crestwick had accompanied him, but during the last few days he had gonedown to a Hudson Bay post with the owners of the claim, who werereturning satisfied with the arrangements made. His object was to obtainany letters that might have arrived, and Lisle, going on to look atanother group of claims, had arranged to meet him where he had camped. 

It would be difficult to miss the way, for it consisted of the frozenriver, but Crestwick should have arrived early in the afternoon and Lislefelt uneasy. On the whole, the Canadian was satisfied with the conduct ofhis companion. Deprived during most of the time of any opportunity fordissipation, scantily fed, and forced to take his share in continuouslabor, the lad's better qualities had become manifest and he hadresponded pluckily to the demands on him. Abstinence and toil werealready producing their refining effect. Still, he had not come back, andwith the snow thickening, it was possible that he might not be able tokeep to the comparatively plain track of the river. There was also therisk that by holding on too far when he saw the fire he might blunder inamong the fissured ice at the foot of the rapid. 

Rising at length, Lisle walked toward the dangerous spot, guiding himselfby sound, for once he was out of the firelight there was nothing to beseen but a white driving cloud. He knew when he had reached theneighborhood of the rapid by the increased clamor of the stream, and hecrept on until he decided that he was abreast of the pool below. Therapid was partly frozen, but the ice was fissured and piled up at thetail of it. 

Lisle could not remember how long he waited, beating his stiffened handsand stumbling to and fro to keep his feet from freezing, but at last, though he could see nothing, he heard a crunching sound, and he calledout sharply. 

"I've got here!" came the answer. "Where shall I leave the ice? Seems tobe an opening in front of me!"

It was difficult to hear through the clamor of the water and the crash ofdrifting ice; but Lisle caught the words and called again:

"Turn your back on the wind and walk straight ahead!"

He supposed that Crestwick was obeying him, but a few moments later heheard a second shout:

"Brought up by another big crack!"

The voice was hoarse and anxious, and Lisle, deciding that the lad wasworn out by his journey and probably confused, bade him wait, andhurrying down-stream a little he moved out upon the frozen pool. Heproceeded along it for a few minutes, calling to Crestwick and guidinghimself by the answers; and then he stopped abruptly with a strip ofblack water close beneath his feet. On the other side was a ridge ofrugged ice; but what lay beyond it he could not see. 

"I'm in among a maze of cracks; can't find any way out!" Crestwick cried, answering his hail. 

Lisle reflected rapidly as he followed up the crevasse, which showed nosign of narrowing. The snow was thick, the bitter wind increasing, and aplunge into icy water might prove disastrous. It was obvious that he mustextricate his companion as soon as possible, but the means ofaccomplishing it was not clear. Crestwick was somewhere on the wrong sideof the crack, which seemed to lead right across the stream toward theconfusion of broken ridges and hummocks which, as Lisle remembered, fringed the opposite bank. He must endeavor to find the place where thelad had got across; but this was difficult, for fresh breaches and ridgesdrove him back from the edge. Presently the chasm ended in a wide openingfilled with an inky flood, and Lisle, turning back a yard or two, bracedhimself and jumped. 

He made out a shapeless white object ahead, and coming to another crackhe scrambled to the top of an ice-block and leaped again. There was asharp crackle when he came down, the piece he alighted on rocked, andCrestwick staggered. 

"Look out!" he cried. "It's tilting under!"

Lisle saw water lapping in upon the snow, but it flowed back, and thecake he had detached impinged upon the rest with a crash. 

"Come on!" he shouted. "The stream will jamb it fast!"

They reached the larger mass and moved across it, but Lisle, clutchinghis companion's arm, bewildered and almost blinded by the snow, doubtedif he were retracing his steps. He did not remember some of the ridgesand ragged blocks over which they stumbled, and the smaller rents seemedmore numerous. It was evident that Crestwick was badly worn out and theymust endeavor to reach the bank with as little delay as possible. 

At last they came to the broad crevasse, farther up the stream, and Lisleturned to Crestwick. 

"Better take off your skin-coat. You'll have to jump. "

"I can't, " said the other dejectedly. "It's not nerve--the thing's cleanbeyond me. "

His slack pose--for he was dimly visible amid the haze of drivingsnow--bore out his words. The long march he had made had brought him tothe verge of exhaustion; his overtaxed muscles would respond to nofurther call on them. For a moment or two Lisle stood gazing at the darkwater in the gap. 

"Then we'll look for a narrower place, " he decided. "Where did you getacross?"

"I don't know. Don't remember this split, but the ice was working underme. Perhaps the snow had covered it and now it's fallen in. "

They scrambled forward, following the crevasse, but could find no meansof passing it and now and then the ice trembled ominously. At last, whenthe opposite side projected a little, Lisle suddenly sprang out from theedge and alighted safely. 

"It's easy!" he called, stripping off his long skin coat and flinging oneend of it across the chasm to Crestwick. "Get hold and face the jump!"

It was not a time for hesitation; the exhausted lad dare not contemplatethe gap, lest his courage fail him, and nerving himself for an effort, heleaped. Striking the edge on the other side, he plunged forward as Lisledragged at the coat, and then rolled over in the snow. He was up in amoment, gasping hard, almost astonished to find himself in security, andLisle led him back to the snow-covered shingle. 

"It strikes me as fortunate that I came to look for you, " he observed. "You'd probably have ended by walking into the river. "

"Thanks, " said Crestwick simply. "It isn't the first hole you've pulledme out of. "

They reached the camp and the lad, shaking the snow off his furs, satdown wearily on a few branches laid close to the sheltering boulder, while Lisle took a frying-pan and kettle off the fire, and afterwardfilled his pipe again and watched his companion while he ate. Crestwickhad changed since he left England; his face was thinner, and the hint ofsensuality and empty self-assurance had faded out of it. His eyes wereless bold, but they were steadier; and, sitting in the firelight, clad indilapidated furs, he looked somehow more refined than he had done inevening dress in Marple's billiard-room. When he spoke, as he did atintervals, the confident tone which had once characterized him was nolonger evident. He had learned to place a juster estimate upon his valuein the icy North. 

"I was uncommonly glad to see the fire, " he said at length. "Another mileor two would have beaten me; though I spent nearly twice as long incoming up from the Forks as the prospectors said it would take. I wasgoing light, too. "

"They've been doing this kind of thing most of their lives. You couldn'texpect to equal them. Where did you sleep last night?"

"In some withered stuff among a clump of willows; I scraped the snow offit. That is, I lay down there, but as the fire wouldn't burn well, Idon't think I got much rest. Part of the time I wondered what I wasstaying in this country for. I didn't seem to find any sensible answer. "

"You could get out of it when the freighters go down with the dogs andsledges, " Lisle suggested. "It would be a good deal more comfortable atMarple's, for instance. "

"Do you want to get rid of me? I suppose I'm not much help. "

"Oh, no!" Lisle assured him. "It only struck me that you might find thenovelty of the experience wearing off. Besides, you're improving; in ayear or two you'll make quite a reliable prospector's packer. "

"That's something, " replied Crestwick, grinning. "Not long ago I thoughtI'd make a sportsman; one of Gladwyne's kind. The ambition doesn't somuch appeal to me now. But I want to be rather more than a looker-on. Can't you let me put something into one of these claims?"

"Not a cent! In the first place, you'd have some trouble in raising themoney; in the second, I might be accused of playing Batley's game. "

"The last's ridiculous. But if I'm not to do anything, it brings me backto the question--why am I staying here?"

"I can't tell you that. I'll only suggest that if you hold out until youcome into your property, you'll go back much more fit in several ways tolook after it. I should imagine you'd find less occasion to emulatepeople like Batley and Gladwyne then. Of course, I don't know if that'sworth waiting for. "

It was the nearest approach to seriousness he considered advisable, forprecept was obnoxious to him and apt to be resented by his companion. 

"Now, " he added, "what about the mail?"

Crestwick produced a packet of letters which he had not opened yet andLisle glanced at two business communications. The boulder kept off mostof the snow, and the glare of the snapping branches, rising and fallingwith the gusts, supplied sufficient light. 

"Mine's from Bella; there's news in it, " Crestwick remarked. "She saysCarew--I don't think you've seen him--is anxious to marry her, and ifshe's convinced that I'm getting on satisfactorily, she'll probablyagree. He's--I'm quoting--about as good as she's likely to get; that'sBella all over. "

"What's he like?" Lisle asked with interest. 

"To tell the truth, in one way I think she's right--the man's straight;not the Marple crowd's style. In fact, I found him decidedlystand-offish, though I'll own there might have been a reason for that. Anyhow, I'm glad; she might have done a good deal worse. I suppose youwon't mind giving me a testimonial that will set her doubts at rest?"

"You shall have it. Since the man's a good one, I'm nearly as glad as youare. I've a strong respect for your sister; she stood by you pluckily. "

"That's true, " asserted Crestwick. "I was a bit of an imbecile, and she'sreally hard to beat. She says if the life here's too tough for me I'm tocome back and live with them. That's considerate, because in a way shecan't want me, though I haven't the least doubt she'd make Carew put upwith my company. It decides the question--I'm not going. "

"A little while ago you'd have taken Carew's delight for granted, wouldn't you?"

"I'm beginning to see things, " Crestwick answered with a wave of hishand. Then he paused and looked confused. "After all, though she says I'mto give you the message, Bella really goes too far now and then. "

"She doesn't always mean it. You may as well obey her. "

"It's this--if it's any consolation, she has no intention of forgettingyou, and Arthur--that's the fellow's name--is anxious to make youracquaintance. She says there are men who're not so unresponsive as youare, but Arthur has never been into the North to get frozen. "

Lisle laughed--it was so characteristic of Bella. 

"Here's something else, " Crestwick proceeded; "about Miss Gladwyne. Bellathinks you'd be interested to hear that there's a prospect of--"

"Go on!" cried Lisle, dropping his pipe. 

"I can't see, " said Crestwick. "You might stir the fire. "

Lisle threw on some fresh wood and poked the fire savagely with a branch, and the lad continued, reading with difficulty while the pungent smokeobscured the light. 

"It seems that she saw Gladwyne and his mother and Millicent together intown, and she afterward spent a week with Flo Marple at somebody's house. Flo told her that it looks as if the long-deferred arrangement was to bebrought about at last. " He laid down the letter. "If that means she's tomarry Gladwyne, it ought to be prevented!"

They looked at each other curiously, and Lisle, struggling to commandhimself, noticed the lad's strained expression. 

"Why?" he asked with significant shortness. 

Crestwick seemed on the verge of some vehement outbreak and Lisle sawthat it was with an effort he refrained. 

"Oh, well, " he answered, "the man's not half good enough. He's adangerous rotter. "

"Dangerous?"

"Yes, " returned Crestwick dryly; "I think that describes it. "

There was an impressive silence, while each wondered how far he mighthave betrayed himself. Then Lisle spoke. 

"Read the rest of the letter. See if Bella says anything further. "

"No announcement made, " Crestwick informed him a little later. "All thesame, Flo's satisfied that the engagement will be made known beforelong. " He looked up at Lisle with uncertainty and anger in his face. "Italmost makes me forget Bella's other news. What can be done?"

"What do you want to do?"

"Don't fence!" said Crestwick. "I'm not smart at it. Don't you know areason why Miss Gladwyne shouldn't marry the fellow?"

"Yes. It has nothing to do with you. "

"Perhaps not, " replied Crestwick. "I can only say that the match ought tobe broken off. It isn't to be contemplated!"

"Well, " Lisle responded with forced quietness, "if it's any relief toyou, I'll write to Nasmyth the first chance I get, asking what he'sheard. Now we'll drop the subject. Is there anything else of generalinterest in your letter?"

"Bella says her wedding won't be until the early summer and she'sthinking of making Carew bring her out to Banff or Glacier--he came outshooting or climbing once before. Then she'll endeavor to look us up. "

He lighted his pipe and they sat in silence for a while. Then Crestwickrose and bringing a blanket from the tent wrapped it about him and laydown in the lee of the boulder near the fire. A few minutes later he wassound asleep; but Lisle sat long awake, thinking hard, while the snowdrove by above him. 

CHAPTER XXIII

A FORCED MARCH

When Crestwick awakened, very cold, and cramped, a little before daylightthe next morning, it was still snowing, but Lisle was up and busypreparing breakfast. 

"That looks like marching; I thought we were going to lie off to-day, "observed the lad. 

"How do you feel?" Lisle inquired. 

"Horribly stiff; but that's the worst. Why are you going on?"

"Because the freighters should leave the Hudson Bay post to-morrow withtheir dog-teams. It's the only chance of sending out a letter I may getfor a long while, and I want to write to Nasmyth. "

Crestwick shivered, glancing disconsolately at the snow; he shrank fromthe prospect of a two days' hurried march. Had Lisle suggested this whenhe first came out, the lad would have rebelled, but by degrees the sterndiscipline of the wilds had had its effect on him. He was learning thatthe weariness of the flesh must be disregarded when it is necessary thatanything shall be done. 

"Oh, well, " he acquiesced, "I'll try to make it. If I can't, you'll haveto drop me where there's some shelter. "

He ate the best possible breakfast, for as wood was scarce in parts ofthe country, and making a fire difficult, it was very uncertain when hewould get another meal. Then he slipped the pack-straps over his stiffshoulders, and got ready to start with a burden he did not think he wouldhave been capable of carrying for a couple of hours when he left England. 

"Now we'll pull out, " he said. "But wait a moment: I'd better look for adry place to put this paper currency. "

"Where did you get it? You told me at the last settlement that you hadhardly a dollar left. "

Crestwick grinned. 

"Oh, some of the boys offered to teach me a little game they were playingwhen we thawed out that claim. I didn't find it difficult, though I mustown that I had very good luck. It was three or four months since I'dtouched a card, and there's a risk of reaction in too drastic reform. Anyhow, I'm glad I saw that game; one fellow had a way of handling trumpsthat almost took me in. If I can remember, it should come in useful. "

Lisle made no comment; restraint, he thought, was likely to prove moreeffective if it were not continually exercised. They started and forseveral hours plodded up the white highway of the river, leaving it onlyfor a while when the ice grew fissured where the current ran moreswiftly. White hills rose above them, relieved here and there by a somberclump of cedars or leafless willows and birches in a ravine. The snowcrunched beneath their feet, and scattered in a fine white powder whenthey broke the crust; more of it fell at intervals, but blew away again;and they held on with a nipping wind in their faces and a low gray skyhanging over them. 

Lisle, however, noticed little; he pushed forward with a steady andapparently tireless stride, thinking bitterly. Since his return toCanada, his mind had dwelt more or less continuously on Millicent. Herecognized that in leaving her with his regard for her undeclared he hadbeen sustained by the possibility that he might by determined effortachieve such a success as would enable him to return and in claiming herto offer most of the amenities of life to which she had been accustomed. Though it had not been easy, he had to some extent accomplished this. Onreaching Victoria, he had found his business associates considering oneor two bold and risky schemes for the extension of their mininginterests, which he had carried out in the face of many difficulties. Thenew claims he had taken over promised a favorable yield upon development;he had arranged for the more profitable working of others by the aid ofcostly plant; and his affairs were generally prospering. 

Then, when he was satisfied with the result of his exertions, Crestwick'snews had struck him a crushing blow. He was wholly unprepared for it. Nasmyth had spoken of a match between Millicent and Gladwyne as probable, but the latter had devoted himself to Bella, who had openly encouragedhim. The change in the girl's demeanor had escaped Lisle's notice, because he had been kept indoors by his injury. Now the success he hadattained counted for almost nothing; he had nobody to share it with. 

The subject, however, had another aspect; he could have borne the shockbetter had Millicent yielded to a worthy suitor, but it was unthinkablethat she should marry Gladwyne. She must be saved from that at any cost, though he thought her restored liberty would promise nothing to him. Evenif her attachment to Gladwyne were free from passion, as Nasmyth hadhinted, she must cherish some degree of affection and regard for the man. His desertion of her brother could not be forgiven, but the revelation ofhis baseness would not incline her favorably toward the person who madeit, as it would seem to be merely for the purpose of separating her fromhim. 

Lisle set his lips as he looked back on what he now considered hisweakness in withholding the story of Gladwyne's treachery. Had hedeclared it at the beginning, Mrs. Gladwyne would have suffered no morethan she must do, and it would have saved Millicent and himself from thepain that must fall upon them. He bitterly regretted that he had, foronce, departed from his usual habit of simply and resolutely carrying outan obvious task without counting the cost. Still, he could write toNasmyth, and to do that he must reach the Hudson Bay post on the morrow. He trudged on over the snow at a pace that kept Crestwick breathless. 

The bitter wind chilled them through in spite of their exertion, and ithad increased by noon, when Lisle halted for a minute or two to lookabout him. 

They were in the bottom of a valley walled in by barren hills; the bankof the frozen river was marked out by snow-covered stones, but none ofthem was large enough to rest behind, and one could not face the wind, motionless, in the open. While he stood, a stinging icy powder lashed hischeeks, and his hands grew stiff in their mittens. 

"There's not even a gulch we could sit down in, " he said. "We'll have togo on; and I'm not sorry, for one reason. There's not much time tospare. "

Crestwick's eyes were smarting from the white glare; having started whenweary from a previous journey, his legs and shoulders ached; but he hadno choice between freezing and keeping himself slightly warm by steadywalking. It would, he knew, be harder by and by, when his strength beganto fail and the heat died out of his exhausted body. 

"We'll have to find a shelter for the tent by nightfall, or dig a snowpitwhere there's some wood, " he declared. "I'll try to hold out. "

They proceeded and the afternoon's march tried him severely. Aching allover, breathing hard when they stumbled among the stones to skirt somehalf-frozen rapid, he labored on, regretting the comforts he hadabandoned in England and yet not wholly sorry that he had done so. Hismoral fiber was toughening, for after all his faults were largely theresult of circumstances and environment. Of no great intelligence, andimperfectly taught, he had been neglected by his penurious father who hadbeen engaged in building up his commercial prosperity; his mother haddied when he was young. 

One of his marked failings was an inability to estimate the true value ofthings. He possessed something of the spirit of adventure and a desire toescape from the drab monotony of his early life, but these foundexpression in betting on the exploits of others on the football field andthe turf, a haunting of the music-halls, and the cultivation ofacquaintances on the lowest rung of the dramatic profession. All thisoffered him some glimpses of what he did not then perceive was merelysham romance. Later when, on the death of his father, wealth had opened awider field, deceived by surface appearances, he had made the samemistake, selecting wrong models and then chiefly copying their failings. Even his rather generous enthusiasm for those whom he admired had led himfarther into error. 

Now, however, his eyes had been partly opened. Thrown among men whopretended nothing, in a land where pretense is generally useless, he waslearning to depreciate much that he had admired. Called upon to make thetrue adventure he had blindly sought for, he found that little countedexcept the elemental qualities of courage and steadfastness. Dear lifewas the stake in this game, and the prizes were greater things than arepute for cheap gallantry, and pieces of money; they were thesubjugation of rock and river, the conversion of the wilderness to theuse of man. Crestwick was growing in the light he gained, and in proof ofit he stumbled forward, scourged by driving snow, throughout the bitterafternoon, although before the end of it he could scarcely lift his wearyfeet. 

It was getting dark, when they found a few cedars clustered in theshelter of a crag, and Lisle set to work hewing off the lower branchesand cutting knots of the resinous wood. Crestwick could not rouse himselfto assist, and when the fire was kindled he lay beside it, shiveringmiserably. 

"There's the kettle to be filled, " suggested Lisle. "You could break theice where the stream's faster among those stones; we'd boil water quickerthan we'd melt down snow. "

Crestwick got up with an effort that cost him a good deal and stumbledaway from the fire. Then a gust of wind met him, enveloping him insnow-dust and taking the power of motion momentarily away. He shookbeneath his furs in the biting cold. Still, the river was near, and hemoved on another few yards, when the kettle slipped from his stiffenedhands and rolled down a steep slope. He stopped, wondering stupidlywhether he could get down to recover it. 

"Never mind; come back!" Lisle called to him. "I'll go for the thing. "

The lad turned at the summons and sank down again beside the fire. 

"I think I'm done, " he said wearily. "I may feel a little more fit in themorning. "

Lisle filled the kettle and prepared supper, and after eatingvoraciously, Crestwick lay down in the tent. It was in comparativeshelter, but the frost grew more severe and the icy wind, eddying inbehind the rock, threatened to overturn the frail structure every now andthen. He tried to smoke, but found no comfort in it after he had withdifficulty lighted his pipe; he did not feel inclined to talk, and it wasa relief to him when Lisle sank into slumber. 

Crestwick long remembered that night. His feet and hands tingledpainfully with the cold, the branches he lay upon found out the sorestparts of his aching body, and he would have risen and walked up and downin the lee of the rock had he felt capable of the exertion, but he wasdoubtful whether he could even get upon his feet. At times thick smokecrept into the tent, and though it set him to coughing it was really awelcome change in his distressing sensations. He was utterly exhausted, but he shivered too much to sleep. 

At last, a little while before daybreak, Lisle got up and strode away tothe river after stirring the fire, and then, most cruel thing of all, thelad became sensible of a soothing drowsiness when it was too late for himto indulge in it. For a few moments he struggled hard, and thenblissfully yielded. He was awakened by his companion, who was shaking himas he laid a plate and pannikin at his feet. 

"We must be off in a few minutes, " he announced. 

Crestwick raised himself with one hand and blinked. 

"I don't know whether I can manage it. "

"Then, " responded Lisle, hiding his compassion, "you'll have to decidewhich of two things you'll do--you can stay here until I come back, oryou can take the trail with me. I must go on. "

Crestwick shrank from the painful choice. He did not think that he couldwalk; but to prolong the experience of the previous night for anothertwenty-four hours or more seemed even worse. He ate his breakfast; andthen with a tense effort he got upon his feet and slipped the straps ofthe pack over his shoulders. Moving unevenly, he set off, lest he shouldyield to his weariness and sink down again. 

"Come on!" he called back to Lisle. 

He sometimes wondered afterward how he endured throughout the day. He washalf dazed; he blundered forward, numbed in body, with his mind toodulled to be conscious of more than a despairing dejection. As hescarcely expected to reach the post, it did not matter how soon he fell. Yet, by instinctive effort stronger than conscious volition, the strugglefor life continued; and Lisle's keen anxiety concerning him diminished asthe hours went by. Every step brought them nearer warmth and shelter, andmade it more possible that help could be obtained if the lad collapsed. That was the only course that would be available because they were nowcrossing a lofty wind-swept elevation bare of timber. 

It was afternoon when they entered a long valley, and Lisle, graspingCrestwick's arm, partly supported him as they stumbled down the steepdescent. Stunted trees straggled up toward them as they pushed on downthe hollow, and Lisle surmised that the journey was almost over. That wasfortunate, for he had some trouble in keeping his companion upon hisfeet. At length a faint howl rose from ahead and Lisle stopped andlistened intently. The sound was repeated more plainly, and was followedby a confused snarling, the clamor of quarreling dogs. 

"Malamutes; the freighters can't have started yet with their sledges, " hesaid to Crestwick, who was holding on to him. "I don't think they can bemore than half a mile off. "

"I'll manage that somehow, " replied the lad. 

They went on through thickening timber, until at last a log house cameinto sight. In front of it stood two sledges, and a pack of snapping, snarling dogs were scuffling in the snow. Lisle was devoutly thankfulwhen he opened the door and helped the lad into a log-walled room wherefour men, two of whom wore furs, were talking. The air was dry andstrongly heated, besides being heavy with tobacco smoke and Crestwicksank limply into a chair. Gasping hard, he leaned forward, as if unableto hold himself upright; but Lisle was not alarmed: he had suffered attimes, when exhausted, from the reaction that follows the change from thebitter cold outside to the stuffiness of a stove-heated room. 

"Played out; I'd some trouble to get him along, " he explained to the men. "We're going on to the claims at the gulch to-morrow. " Then he addressedthe two in furs: "I guess you'll take me out a letter?"

"Why, of course; but you'll have to hustle, " said one of them, and Lisleturned to a man in a deerskin jacket whom he took for the agent. 

"Can you give me some paper?"

"Sure! Sit down right here. "

It was not easy to write with stiffened fingers or to collect histhoughts with his head swimming from the change of temperature, but heinformed Nasmyth briefly of what he had heard and asked how much truththere was in it. He added that he would have started for Englandforthwith, only that he could not be sure that this was necessary, and toleave his work unfinished might jeopardize the interests of people whohad staked a good deal of money on the success of his schemes. Nevertheless he would come at once, if Nasmyth considered the matchlikely to be brought about and would cable him at Victoria, from whence amessage would reach him. In the meanwhile, Nasmyth could make such use oftheir knowledge of Gladwyne's treachery as he thought judicious. 

Shortly after he had written the letter the two men in furs set out, andwhen the sound of their departure had died away the agent addressed hisguests. 

"I'll fix you some supper; you look as if you needed it. Rustle round, Larry, and get the frying-pan on. "

They ate an excellent meal and shortly afterward Crestwick crawled into awooden bunk, where he reveled in the unusual warmth and the softness of amattress filled with swamp-hay. He had never lain down to rest in Englandwith the delicious sense of physical comfort that now crept over hisworn-out body. 

CHAPTER XXIV

MILLICENT SUMMONS HER GUIDE

Lisle was living luxuriously in Victoria when Nasmyth's answer reachedhim by mail. Though it was still winter among the ranges of the North, the seaboard city had been bathed in clear sunshine and swept by mildwest winds during the past few days, and after the bitter frost anddriving snow Lisle rejoiced in the genial warmth and brightness. Thereare few more finely situated cities than Victoria, with its views acrossthe strait of the white heights of Mount Baker and the Olympians on theAmerican shore, even in the Pacific Province where the environment of allis beautiful. 

Lisle was sitting in the hotel lounge after dinner when three Englishletters were handed to him. The sight of them affected him curiously, andleaning back in his chair he glanced round the room. Like the rest of thegreat building in which he had his quarters, it was sumptuouslyfurnished, but everything was aggressively new. There was, he felt, little that suggested fixity of tenure and continuity in the West; thetimes changed too rapidly, people came and went, alert, feverishlybustling, optimistic. In the old land, his friends among the favored fewdwelt with marked English calm in homes that had apparently been built tostand forever. Yet he was Western, by deliberate choice as well as bybirth; while there was much to be said for the other life which had itsseductive charm, the strenuous, eager one that he led was better. 

He opened the letters--one from Bella, announcing her engagement andinquiring about her brother; a second from Millicent, stating that it wasdecided that she would visit British Columbia in the early summer; and athird from Nasmyth, which, dreading its contents, he kept to the last. 

He was, however, slightly reassured when he opened it. Nasmyth's remarkswere brief but clear enough. There was no actual engagement betweenMillicent and Clarence, though Mrs. Gladwyne was doing her utmost tobring one about and Millicent saw the man frequently. In the meanwhile, he did not think there was anything to be done; Lisle could notconclusively prove his story, though he could make a disastroussensation, which was to be avoided, and it would be wiser to defer thedisclosure until the engagement should actually be announced. Millicent'sattachment to Clarence was not likely to grow very much stronger in amonth or two. In conclusion, he urged Lisle to wait. 

On the whole, Lisle agreed with him. Somehow he felt that Millicent wouldnever marry Gladwyne. Apart from his interference, he thought that herinstincts would, even at the last moment, cause her to recoil from thematch. Furthermore, turning to another aspect of the matter, he could notclear his dead comrade's memory by telling a tale that was founded merelyon probabilities. There was nothing for it but to await events, though hewas still determined to start for England the moment Nasmyth's lettermade this seem advisable. 

Shortly afterward, one of his business associates came in: a young manwith a breezy, restless manner who would not have been trusted in Englandwith the responsibilities he most efficiently discharged. In the West, astaid and imposing air carries no great weight with it and eagerness andeven rather unguided activity are seldom accounted drawbacks. Theredulness is dreaded more than rashness. 

"I've seen Walthew and Slyde, " he announced. "It will be all right aboutthe money; we'll put the hydraulic plant proposition through at the nextBoard meeting. You'll have to go back right away. "

"I've only just come down; the frost's not out of me yet, " Lislegrumbled. "Besides, you seem to be going ahead rather fast here in thecity. Walthew's a little too much of a hustler; I'd rather he'd stop tothink. You're almost as bad, Garnet. "

The young man laughed. 

"I guess you can't help it, it's the English streak in you; but in a wayyou're right. Fact is Walthew and I have hustled the rest of the crowdmost off their feet, and we mean to keep them on the jump. Last meetingold Macalan's eyes were bulging with horror, he could hardly stammer outhis indignation--said our extravagance was sinful. Anyway, you've got togo. "

Lisle made an acquiescent grimace. His face was strongly darkened byexposure to the frost and the glare of the snow; his hands were scarred, with several ugly recently-healed wounds on them. 

"Well, " he complied with some reluctance, "if it's necessary. "

"It is, " Garnet explained. "Think we're going to have washing plant wortha good many thousand dollars left lying in the bush or dropped intorivers? You'll have to arrange for transport and break new trails. Youcan do it best when the snow's still on the ground, and that plant muststart working soon after the thaw comes. We've got to justify ourexpenditure while the season's open. "

"You haven't got your authority to buy the plant yet. "

Garnet chuckled. 

"It was ordered, provisionally, the day you came down; the makers areonly waiting for a wire from the Board meeting. In fact, I shouldn't beastonished if some of the work isn't in progress now. "

Lisle was quick of thought and prompt in action, but he sometimes felt asif Garnet took his breath away. 

"If you have it all arranged, I may as well agree, " he laughed. "I'lltake Crestwick back. "

"That reminds me; he said something about taking an interest--asked if Icould get him shares at a moderate premium, though he owned that histrustees might make trouble about letting him have the money. "

"He's not to have them!" Lisle replied emphatically. "What's more, thetrustees won't part with a dollar unless I guarantee the project--I'vebeen in communication with them. Rest assured that the idea won't get myendorsement. "

"I could never get at the workings of the English mind, " Garnet declared. "Now if my relatives had any money, I'd rush them all in. This is thesafest and best-managed mining proposition on the Pacific Slope. Whatkind of morality is it that gathers in the general investor and keepsyour friends out?"

"I don't know; it doesn't concern the point. I'm actuated by what you maycall a prejudice. You can't remove it. "

"Well, " Garnet responded good-humoredly, "it's a pretty tough country upyonder and I suppose the lad's of some service. You're saving us a pileof money in experts' fees and I don't see why you shouldn't put him onthe company's payroll. I mentioned the thing to Walthew; he wasagreeable. "

They talked about other matters and presently Crestwick came in, smartlydressed and looking remarkably vigorous and clear-skinned. There weremany points of difference between his appearance now and when Lisle hadfirst met him. 

"Mr. Garnet has a proposition to make, " Lisle informed him; and theCanadian briefly stated it. 

Crestwick did not seem surprised, nor did he display much appreciation. 

"To tell the truth, I thought you might have mentioned the matterbefore, " he remarked. "Still, if you want my services, you'll have to goup twenty dollars. "

"A week?" Garnet asked ironically. "You promise well; if you stay here ayear or two you'll make a useful and enterprising citizen. We could getan experienced boss packer for what I offered you. "

"Down here, yes. When he got to where the claims are, he'd almostcertainly drop you and turn miner, and you couldn't blame him. A mandeserves a hundred dollars a day merely for living up yonder. But it's amonth I was speaking of. If you want me, you'll have to come up. "

Garnet laughed. 

"I guess I can fix it; but we'll get our value out of you. "

"That's a compliment, if you look at it in one way, " Crestwick grinned inreply. 

When Garnet had left them, he turned to Lisle. 

"Thanks awfully. Of course, it was your idea. "

"Garnet suggested the thing; that's more flattering, isn't it?"

Crestwick looked at him, smiling. 

"I'm not to be played so easily as I was when I first met you, " he said. "Of course, in a sense, the pay's no great inducement to me; it's theidea of being offered it. I'm going to advise old Barnes, my trustee; hewas fond of saying that I was fortunate in being left well off becauseI'd never earn sixpence as long as I lived, until I stopped the thing byoffering him ten to one I'd go out and make it in a couple of hours bycarrying somebody's bag from the station. Anyhow, this is the firstmove. "

"Then you're going farther?"

"Quite so, " was the cheerful answer. "I'll be a director of this companybefore I've finished. You can't stop my buying shares when I come into myproperty. "

Lisle was conscious of some relief. It was a laudable ambition andCrestwick promised to be much less of a responsibility than he had onceanticipated. 

"I've a letter from Bella, " Lisle told him. "She still desires to beinformed if you're getting along satisfactorily. I think I can tell herthere's no cause for uneasiness. "

"Bella's a good sort, " returned Crestwick. "She'll stop asking suchquestions by and by. At least, I think she'll have some grounds for doingso. "

They went out into the city and a week afterward they sailed together forthe North. It was still winter in the wilds, and though that made Lisle'swork a little easier, because rivers and lakes and muskegs were frozen, he found it sufficiently arduous. He had to survey and break new trailssuitable for the conveyance of heavy machinery, up rugged valleys andover high divides, and to arrange for transport--canoes here, alog-bridge there, relays of packers farther on. No man's efforts could bewasted, for time was precious and wages are high in the wilderness. Then, when at last the frost relaxed its grip and rock and snow and loosenedsoil came thundering down the gullies in huge masses, the work grew moredifficult as he began to build a dam. 

Some of the men sent up to him, artizans from the cities, sailordeserters, dismayed by the toils of the journey and the nature of theirtasks, promptly mutinied on arrival. Others dispatched after them failedto turn up, and Lisle never discovered what became of them. The camp-sitewas a sea of puddled mire with big stones in it; tents and shacks werealmost continuously dripping; and every hollow was filled with a ragingtorrent. Nobody had dry clothes, even to sleep in; the work was mostlycarried on knee-deep in water, and at first things got little better asthe days grew warmer. The hill-benches steamed and clammy mists wrappedthe camp at night; the downward rush of melting snow increased, andseveral times wild floods swept away portions of the dam and half-builtflume. 

In spite of it all, the work went on: foot by foot the wall of pile-boundrock rose and the long wooden conduit curved away down the valley; andwhen at length the hydraulic plant began to arrive, piecemeal, Lislefound Crestwick eminently useful. He superintended the transport, patrolling the trails and keeping them repaired. His skill with shoveland ax was negligible, but he could send a man or two to mend the gapwhere the path had slipped away down some gully or to fling a couple oflogs across a swollen creek that could not be forded. He got thinner andharder from constant toil and from sleeping, often scantily fed, unsheltered in the rain. 

After a while, however, there was a pleasant change: the days grew hot, the nights were clear and cold, and the short, vivid summer brokesuddenly upon the mountain land. Then it seldom rained, as the highseaward barrier condensed most of the Pacific moisture, but at times theclouds which crossed the summits unbroken descended in a copious deluge, and it was in the midst of such a downpour that Crestwick returned tocamp one evening after a week's absence on the trail. His drippinggarments were ragged, his boots gaped open, and his soft felt hat hadfallen shapeless about his head. He found Lisle in a similar guisesitting at his evening meal. 

"Have they got the pipes and those large castings across the big ravine?"Lisle asked. 

"Yes, that has been done, " Crestwick answered. "By the way, one of thepackers told me that the man who's coming up to run the plant--Carsley, isn't it?--has arrived. There were some fittings or something wrong andhe stopped behind to investigate, but the packer seemed to think he'd getthrough soon after I did. That turns us loose, doesn't it?"

"I dare say I could hand things over to him in about a week, " repliedLisle. "Then we'll clear out. I suppose you won't be sorry?"

Crestwick stretched out his feet to display his broken boots and renttrousers. 

"Well, " he said, "since I left here, I've spent a good deal of my time inan icy creek, and it's nearly a week since I had any sleep worth speakingof. We had to make a bridge for the freighters to bring those castingsover and we'd no end of trouble to get the stringers fixed--the streamwas strong and we had to build a pier in it. Not long ago, I'd haveconsidered anybody who did this kind of thing without compulsion mad, butin some mysterious way it grows on you. I don't pretend to explain it, but it won't be with unmixed delight that I'll go back to the city. "

He paused and fumbled in his pocket. 

"I was forgetting your mail. I'm afraid it's rather pulpy, but I couldn'thelp that. By the way, I'd a letter from Bella, written at the Frontenac, Quebec. She's brought Carew out; they're going to Glacier very soon, andshe still intends to look me up. "

Lisle opened the letters handed him and managed to read them, thoughtheir condition fully bore out Crestwick's description. Two or three wereon business matters, but there was one from Millicent, and he started atthe first few lines. 

"Miss Gladwyne and Miss Hume have sailed--they must have landed a weekago, " he announced. "She wants to go over the ground her brothertraversed--you have heard of that project. Nasmyth sailed a week earlierto arrange matters at this end; but I don't know how Miss Hume will getalong. "

"It's merely a question of transport, " asserted Crestwick with the air ofan authority on the subject. "So long as you provide sufficient packers, with relays from supply bases, you can travel in comparative comfort, though it's expensive. " Then an idea occurred to him. "They're prettysure to run across Bella; Miss Gladwyne knows Carew. "

Lisle sat silent a few minutes, conscious of a strong satisfaction. Millicent was in Canada, and there was no mention of Gladwyne! Then itstruck him as curious that Bella should have come over at the same time. As Millicent knew Carew, it was very probable that Bella would insist onjoining the expedition, which Millicent might agree to, if, as seemedlikely, her rather elderly companion had to be left behind. Nasmyth had, no doubt, already reached British Columbia; and it looked as if thoseindirectly brought together by George Gladwyne's tragic death would bereunited at the scene of it. This was, Lisle reflected, merely the resultof a natural sequence of events, but there was for all that somethingstrangely significant about it. 

"Well, " he said, "it has been arranged that I'm to act as guide, and MissGladwyne says they'll wait for me. As that's the case, I don't see why Ishouldn't start as soon as Carsley gets through. I shouldn't wonder if hebrings a letter from Nasmyth. It will be a tough journey, and I'll haveto break a new trail. Are you coming, or will you head for Vancouver tojoin Bella?"

"We'll stick together, " replied the lad. "Bella's to stay over here somemonths, and if she decides to join Miss Gladwyne she'll leave Glacierlong before I could reach the place. "

Lisle rose and shook out his pipe. 

"Then, " he responded, "I'll take a look around, and you had better startoff the first thing to-morrow and hurry those castings on. There's a gooddeal to be done if we're to get away when Carsley turns up. "

CHAPTER XXV

A RELIABLE MAN

The sun had just dipped behind a black ridge of hills, and the lake laystill, mirroring the tall cedars on its farther shore. A faint chill wascreeping into the mountain air, which was scented with resinous smoke, and somewhere across the water a loon was calling. A cluster of tentsstood upon the shingle, and in front of the largest Millicent reclined ina camp-chair. Near her Miss Hume sat industriously embroidering; andNasmyth lay upon the stones. Bella occupied another camp-chair, a youngman with a pleasant brown face sitting at her feet; and farther along thebeach a group of packers in blue shirts and duck trousers lay smokingabout a fire. By and by one rose and when he began to hack at a drift-logthe sharp thudding of his ax startled the loon which departed with a pealof shrieking laughter. 

The party had reached the fringe of the wilderness after a long stagejourney from the railroad through a rugged country. They had met with nomishaps beyond a delay in the transport of some of their baggage, andeverything had been made comparatively easy for them; but they knew thathenceforward there might be a difference. Man must depend largely uponhis own natural resources in the wilds, where, after furnishing thetraveler with the best equipment and packers to carry it, the power ofwealth is strictly limited. A recognition of the fact hovered more orless darkly in all their minds, but Millicent was the first to hint atit. 

"So far we have had absolutely nothing to complain of except a littlejolting in the stage, " she said. "I'm beginning to understand whyadventurous sight-seers are coming out here--it's a glorious country!"

"It's my duty to point out that it won't be quite the same as we go on, "Nasmyth remarked. "What do you say, Carew?"

"It doesn't matter; he's said it all before, " Bella broke in. "I've hadto listen to appalling accounts of his previous adventures in Canada, which were, no doubt, meant to deter me; but the reality is that thehotels at Banff and Glacier are remarkably comfortable, and I haven't theleast fault to find with this camp. We ought to be grateful to Millicentfor letting us come, and though Arthur hinted that it would be a rathersociable honeymoon, I said that was a safeguard. One's illusions mightget sooner shattered in a more conventional one. " She stooped and ruffledher husband's hair. "Still, he hasn't deteriorated very much on closeracquaintance, and perhaps I'm fortunate in this. "

Millicent sat silent for a few moments. She knew, to her sorrow, one manwho did not improve the more one saw of him, and that was the man she hadtacitly agreed to marry. She could not tell why she had done so--she hadsomehow drifted into it. Interest, family associations, a feeling thatcould best be described as liking, even pity, had played their part ininfluencing her, and now she realized that she could not honorably drawback when he formally claimed her. She laughed as one of the packers whohad a good voice broke into a song. 

"That's the climax; it needs only the cockney accent to make the thingcomplete, " she said. "When I was last in London, one heard that sillyjingle everywhere. I suppose it's a triumph of the music-halls. "

"Or of modern civilization--a rendering of distance of no account, "suggested Carew. "There's a good deal to be said for the latterachievement, as we are discovering. "

"Distance, " declared Bella, "still counts for something here. I've beenthinking about Jim all day; imagining him dragging his canoe through thetimber beyond those hills, and wondering whether he'd find us when he gotto the other side. "

"She has been doing more, " her husband broke in. "Though she hasn'tconfessed it, she has been looking out for him ever since this morning. In fact, I discovered that our cook is keeping a supper ready that wouldsatisfy four or five men. "

Bella turned to Millicent with a smile. 

"Do you think the meal will be wasted?" she asked. 

"No; I can hardly believe it. "

"Mark the assurance of that answer, " commented Carew. "A man couldn'tfeel it; it's irrational. Miss Gladwyne speaks with a certainty that ourguide will come, though she has nothing to base her calculations on--shedoesn't know the distance or the difficulties of the way. "

"What does that matter?" Bella retorted. "She knows the man. "

Carew made a grimace. 

"A woman's reasoning. As we've nothing better to do, I'll try to show theabsurdity of it. A man, so far as he concerns this discussion, consistsof a certain quantity of bones, with muscles and tendons capable ofsetting them in motion--"

"Be careful, " Bella warned him. "It's safer to avoid these details. Besides, you're leaving something out; I don't mean the nerve-cells, butthe inner personality, whatever it is, that commands them. "

"I'm trying to show that, as a mechanical structure, he is capable ofmoving his own weight and so much extra a limited distance in a giventime, so long as he can secure the necessary food and sleep. Neither theweight nor the distance can be increased except by an effort which, ifcontinued, will soon reduce them below their former level. "

Bella laughed. 

"Yes, " she said, "that's how you reason--mechanically. We're different. "

"I'll take quite another line, " Nasmyth interposed. "Lisle's traversing acountry new to him; he can't tell what rapids, ranges, or thick timbermay cause delay. No amount of determination will enable one, forinstance, to knock more than a few minutes off the time needed to carry acanoe round a portage, nor by any effort can one cross a range as quicklyas one can walk up a valley. Isn't that clear, Millicent?"

There was a smile in the girl's eyes. 

"Yes, " she replied, "but, all the same, Lisle's supper's waiting. "

"Such confidence makes one jealous, " grumbled Carew. "Lisle, whom Ihaven't met, is evidently a man who keeps his promise. That means a gooddeal. "

"A very great deal, " Bella assured him. "Since one's bound to meet withdifficulties one can't foresee, it proves that one man has resource, resolution, and many other eminently useful qualities; but all this isgetting too serious. I'd better point out that Lisle hasn't even promisedto meet us here at any particular time. " She paused and laughedmischievously. "Millicent merely sent for him, mentioning to-morrow asthe day she would like to start. "

A little color crept into Millicent's face, but Bella went on:

"She called and I haven't the least doubt that our guide set out, overranges, up rapids, across wide lakes. One can't imagine that man takingit easily, and there's the obvious fact that Jim will have to keep upwith him. He will find it hard, but I dare say it will do him good. "

Nasmyth laughed and strolled away with Carew. The sunset green grewdimmer behind the hills and a pale half-moon appeared above the shadowywoods. It was very still, except for the lapping of the water upon thestones. 

Bella leaned back lazily in her chair. 

"This is delightful, " she exclaimed. "Didn't Clarence want to come?"

The unexpectedness of the question startled Millicent into answering:

"He didn't know. "

"Ah! Then you didn't tell him? Why didn't you?"

It was difficult to reply, but there was something in Bella's voice thatdisarmed Millicent's resentment. Bella had grown gentler since hermarriage and less often indulged in bitterness. 

"I think, " said Millicent, "I didn't want any one to distract me; I'mgoing to make photographs and sketches for the book, you know. "

"But you let us come!"

"Yes, " assented Millicent; "you're different. "

"That's true. We won't disturb you; and Nasmyth wouldn't count. He's anunobtrusive person, only to the front when he is wanted, which is a gooddeal to say for him; he doesn't expect anything. No doubt, the sameapplies to Lisle. "

Millicent made no answer and Bella wondered whether she had gone too far. 

"But didn't Clarence hear that you were going?" she asked. 

"He was in Switzerland with his mother. She had been recommended to try achange. "

Bella asked no more questions and Millicent sat wondering how far she hadbeen influenced by the reason she had given for leaving Clarence behind. She had undoubtedly desired to be free to devote herself to the gatheringof material for her book, but that was not quite all. She had alsohalf-consciously shrunk from the close contact with Clarence which wouldhave been one result of their life in camp, but this she refused toadmit. It was clearer that she desired an extension of the liberty whichshe must sometime relinquish. Taking it all round, she was rathertroubled in mind. 

"There's one thing, " remarked Bella. "He can't write you any reproachfulletters for stealing away. At least, if he does so, you won't get them. "

This, as Millicent recognized, was a relief, but Miss Hume broke in uponher reflections with some trifling request and soon afterward the menstrolled back toward the fire. The packers had already gone to sleep; thedew was heavy, but Nasmyth lay down on the shingle and Carew took a placebeside his wife's chair. Suddenly Millicent leaned forward with her faceturned toward the lake. 

"Listen!" she cried sharply. "Can't you hear something?"

No sound reached the others for a moment; and then Nasmyth jumped up. 

"Yes, " he exclaimed; "canoe paddles. "

A measured beat stole out of the silence, increasing until it brokesharply through the tranquil lapping of the water. Then, far up theglittering lake, a dim black bar crept out into the moonlight and bydegrees grew plainer. 

"Of course, they may be Indians, " Bella suggested mischievously. 

Carew included Millicent in his answering bow. 

"No; I believe I'm beaten. You and Miss Gladwyne were right. "

The moonlight was on Millicent's face, and Bella, watching her, readsomething that roused her interest in its expression--it was strongerthan satisfaction, a deeper feeling not unmixed with pride. She hadcalled and the man she had summoned from the depths of the wilderness hadresponded. 

A few minutes later the canoe grounded noisily on the shingle andCrestwick leaped out; Bella, regardless of the others, flung her armsabout his neck and kissed him; and then she held him off so that shemight see him. His garments were rent and tattered, his face was verylean, and one of his hands was bleeding from continuous labor with thepaddle. 

"Oh!" she cried; "you disreputable scarecrow! You're not fit for selectsociety. And how long is it since you had anything to eat?"

"We had a rather rough time getting through; there was thick scrub timberin some of the valleys, " Crestwick explained. "We might have made thingseasier by spending another few days on the trail, but Lisle wouldn'tlisten when I suggested it. "

"Then you did suggest it, " said Bella reproachfully. "Of course, I'mmerely your sister. "

"I don't want a better one, " Crestwick rejoined, grinning. "It strikes meyou're looking prettier than you did; but that's perhaps because you havetaken to wearing more ladylike clothes. As regards my appearance, I'llventure to say that yours will be very much the same before you'vefinished this journey. "

Lisle had walked toward Miss Hume and had shaken hands with her before heturned to Millicent. That pleased the girl. 

"We ran it rather close, but the day isn't quite finished yet, " helaughed. "We had some little trouble once or twice which prevented ourturning up earlier. "

Millicent smiled in a manner that sent a thrill through him. 

"I can only say that we kept your supper; but that's significant, isn'tit?" Then she called to Nasmyth. 

"Will you see if the cook's awake?"

She had no opportunity for saying anything further, for Carew came upwith Bella, who was voluble, and some time later Lisle and Crestwick satdown to a bountiful meal, while Millicent and Bella waited on them. Lislewas slightly embarrassed by their ministrations, but Crestwick openlyenjoyed them. 

"Put the plate where I can reach it easily, " he bade his sister. "Lookhow you have placed that cup; if I move, it will spill!"

"You have more courage than I have, Jim, " Carew remarked with a smile. 

"I've needed it, " the lad declared. "I've borne enough from Bella in mytime. She'll no doubt say that I deserved it, and there may be someground for the notion. "

When the meal was finished they all gathered round the replenished fire, Lisle lying back in the shadow because of the state of his clothes. Withthe exception of Jim, the others were dressed much as they had been athome; their conversation was light and easy, and their manner tranquil. If he could have blotted out the background of tall straight trunks andshadowy rocks, he could have imagined that they were lounging on asheltered English lawn. Double-skinned tents, camp-chairs, and othersigns of a regard for physical comfort bore out the idea in his mind. These English people with their quiet confidence that what theyneeded--and that was a good deal--would, as had always happened, somehowbe supplied, were at once exasperating and admirable. They were the sameeverywhere, unmoved by change, claiming all that was choicest as byright, and very much at ease on the fringe of the wilderness. They didnot belong to it; one could have imagined that it belonged to them. Theirjourney, however, had only begun, and there were alterations that mustobviously be made on the morrow. 

Then Lisle yielded to a strong sense of satisfaction. For the next monthor two he would be almost constantly in Millicent's company; hercompanions were his friends, and he thought that he would not be troubledby Gladwyne's presence. Desiring to assure himself on the latter point, he turned to Bella. 

"Nobody has mentioned Clarence. I was wondering if he would join us?"

"No, " she answered, smiling at him meaningly; "he wasn't invited. " Thenshe moved away, leaving Lisle more deeply content. 

Presently the party broke up, and when they reached the tent they jointlyoccupied, Miss Hume remarked to Millicent:

"You look unusually pleased, my dear. "

"I dare say I do, " Millicent smiled. "It's something to feel that one'sconfidence has been justified, and perhaps rather more to rest assuredthat everything will now go as smoothly as possible. "

"I suppose you mean since Mr. Lisle has come? Apart from his practicalabilities, I'm fond of that man. No doubt you noticed that he came firstto me, as the eldest, though he is aware that I'm only a dependent. In away, of course, he wasn't altogether right, Bella Carew being married andyou the actual hostess. "

"I wonder if such points are of any importance in the bush, " Millicentanswered, laughing. "But I'm glad Mr. Lisle's action won your goodopinion. I like my friends to be graceful. "

Miss Hume, faded, gray-haired and formal, looked reflective. 

"The word you used is not quite the one I should have chosen. ClarenceGladwyne is graceful; I think this Canadian is something better. To-nighthe was actuated by genuine chivalry. My esteem may not be worth much, butit is his. "

Moved by some impulse, Millicent kissed her. 

"I've no doubt he'd value it. But I can't have Clarence depreciated; andit's getting very late. "

Miss Hume noticed a slight change in the girl's voice as she mentionedGladwyne. She put out the lamp but it was some time before she went tosleep. She loved Millicent, and she believed there was trouble awaitingher. 

CHAPTER XXVI

LISLE TURNS AUTOCRAT

On the morning after his arrival, Lisle called the company together andfirst of all addressed Millicent. 

"It's your wish that I should act as guide to this expedition?"

Millicent answered in the affirmative and he went on:

"The guide must be commander-in-chief, with undisputed authority. Beforewe start, I must ask if any one objects to that?"

They gave him full power, with acclamation, and he nodded. 

"Well, " he continued, "I'd better explain that the main difficultyattending any expedition into an almost uninhabited region is to keep itsupplied with food and means of shelter; it's a question of transport. There are two ways of getting over the difficulty--by reducing theweight, or by increasing the number of packers; and the latter are usefulonly when each man can transport more than will satisfy his personalrequirements. I think that's clear?"

They assented with some curiosity mixed with a slight uneasiness. 

"Then, " he proceeded, "I'll exercise my authority by asking you to layout in front of each tent everything you have brought with you. "

"Including our clothes?" Bella asked. 

"Assuredly, " said Crestwick. "You can put them in a heap; it's thequantity and not the cut that counts. "

It was evident that the leader's first instructions were received withlittle favor. Millicent looked dubious and Miss Hume alarmed; but theorders were carried out, and Lisle accompanied by Crestwick made a tourof inspection. Stopping in front of Bella's and Carew's tent, he pointedto their rather imposing pile of baggage. 

"Two-thirds of this will have to be left behind, though we'll try to pickit up again. You can make your selection. " He went on to Millicent's andMiss Hume's collection. "We can't take more than half of this, " heinformed them. Then he addressed the company in general. "The threeladies must occupy Miss Gladwyne's tent, and the men Carew's; Nasmyth'smust be abandoned. Each man's outfit must be cut down to one change ofclothes and his blanket. "

The announcement was received with open murmurs. They had all beenaccustomed to every comfort with which a high civilization could providethem; they had already cut down their belongings to the lowest limit atwhich, in their estimation, life could be made endurable; and many of thearticles they were told must be left behind were costly and artistic. Itwas a severe test of obedience and even Nasmyth, who knew the wilderness, desiring to safeguard the women, was not inclined to yield. Lisle hadonly Crestwick to support him until Bella touched his arm. 

"Stand fast, " she urged, somewhat to his surprise. "If you give way aninch now, you'll be sorry. "

Lisle smiled and then raised his voice. 

"I'm afraid I must insist. Since you object, Carew, are you willing tocarry forty pounds upon your back while you break a trail through thicktimber, where we find it needful to leave the water?"

"Certainly not, " said Carew decidedly. 

"Then, " Lisle advised dryly, "you had better leave as much as possible ofthe weight behind; there's no likelihood of our getting more packers. Youhave to choose between a camp-chair or a suitcase, for example, and yourdaily dinner. "

For a moment or two they hesitated. Lisle had, straining his newauthority to the utmost, asked them a very hard thing, for in theirregard some degree of luxury was less an accidental favor than aprescriptive right. Then Bella took up a long garment and with a littleresolute gesture flung it from her. 

"That, " she laughed, "is the first sacrifice to the stern guardians ofthe wilds. It ought to satisfy them, considering who made it and what itcost. " She seized a small valise and hurled it after the dress. "There'sthe next; I'm thankful my complexion will stand the weather. "

Millicent looked up at Lisle, indicating a small easel, a bulkysketch-book, and a box of water-colors. 

"Are these to go?" she asked with indignant eyes. 

"No, " he answered gravely; "they're the reason for the whole expedition, and their transport is provided for. But you'll have to jettisonsomething else. "

The selections were made and Lisle summoned one of the packers. 

"Roll these things up in Mr. Nasmyth's tent, Pete, " he bade him. "You'llhave to make a cache of them. "

"Like burying money, isn't it?" remarked the man, regarding the pile ofsundries with a grin. "Guess they won't be worth much when they're dug upagain. "

Half an hour later, three deeply-laden canoes left the beach; and all daythe party paddled up the gleaming lake and crept with poles going up aslow, green river. Sunset was near when they landed and ate supper amonga clump of cedars; and after the meal most of them, cramped with thecanoe journey, climbed the steep hill-bench or strolled away along theshingle. Lisle was lying, smoking, beside the fire when Millicentsauntered toward him and sat down upon a neighboring stone. 

"You were right, of course, " she apologized. "Am I forgiven? It was onlya momentary revolt. "

He smiled, though his bronzed coloring deepened, for there was an unusualgentleness in her voice. 

"It was very natural, " he replied. "I had expected more determinedopposition; but I didn't go farther than was necessary. "

"No; I think the others realize that now. "

"They'll be more convinced of it later, " he responded with a trace ofgrimness. 

"I don't think they'll give you any trouble; but since you got rid ofNasmyth's tent, where will you and Crestwick sleep?"

"Jim and I can make a shelter of some kind; we're used to the bush. "

"What have you done to the lad?" Millicent asked. "I can hardly realizethe change in him; he's a different being. "

"I've merely given him a chance he would hardly have had in England. Thecountry has done the rest. You can ask him how much advice oradmonishment he got. "

"Oh, " she explained, "I shouldn't expect you to give him advice; it'scheap!"

He made no reply, and her eyes rested with quiet approval on his ratherembarrassed face. She had no doubt that close contact with this man hadhad more to do with the change in Crestwick than the influence of thecountry; and then she recollected that the lad's degeneration had beenmarked and rapid while he had taken Clarence for a model. It was atroublesome thought and she banished it with an effort. 

"You didn't get here without difficulty; and our journey will keep youaway from your business for some time, " she observed. 

"As to that, I've earned a little leisure; and I've been looking forwardto this trip ever since I left England. Now it's almost like being backthere again, only that in some ways it's even better. "

So far as their surroundings might explain his satisfaction, Millicentcould frankly agree with him. The black spires of the cedars, toweringfar above them, cut in rigid tracery against the splendors of the sunsetsky; one stretch of the river still shone with a saffron light; the rest, which had grown dim, flowed through deepening shadow. Filmy mist trailsstreaked the rugged hills and the hoarse clamor of a rapid quivered inthe cool air. Behind it all, there was something that set the lonelyscene apart from any other that the girl had looked upon--one couldrealize that this was as yet an untamed and unsullied region. But hercompanion was accustomed to the wilderness, so there must be, shethought, another cause for his content. 

"I am glad you do not grudge the time you may have to spend with us, " shesaid. 

"Grudge it!" he exclaimed; and then, restraining himself, he broke into asoft laugh. "You may accuse me of that feeling when you hear me grumble. "

The ring in his voice had its meaning and it left her thoughtful. Therevelation was not altogether new; she had guessed his regard for her, but she imagined that she could hold him at arm's length if it werenecessary. It was with him as it was with Nasmyth, and they were alike intheir self-restraint. Nasmyth had quietly accepted his dismissal when shehad shown him that it was irrevocable; and the Canadian would not troubleher with futile complaints. She wondered if out of three suitors she hadnot chosen the least desirable in some respects; but this could not beadmitted and she resolutely thrust the idea aside. 

"There's a point I'd better mention, " Lisle resumed in a matter-of-facttone. "I'm not going to follow the route of the first expedition from thebeginning. I've thought of a shorter and easier one; we'll strike theother by the big portage and then follow it down. "

"Are you afraid of wearing out your untried followers?"

"Well, " he admitted, "I'm taking no risks that can be avoided thisjourney. "

She smilingly commended his caution, though she was conscious of adesire, which must be held in check, to see what he would do if he couldbe shaken out of his self-control. She approved of his restraint, becauseonly while it was exerted could she meet him on friendly terms; but, ashad happened on his last afternoon in England, it piqued her. Shewondered how much it cost him. 

"After all, " she said with a forced laugh, "it's better to keep carefullyclear of danger. "

"Yes, " he agreed; "but there's now and then a temptation to face thehazard. One feels that it's worth while. "

"Never mind that. I think I'd rather enjoy the wildness of this scenethan to philosophize. Tell me about the bear and deer we are likely tocome across. "

He discoursed at length, and she sat listening while the light faded andthe cedars grew blacker. Then the others approached and they went back tocamp. 

"Breakfast will be at seven prompt, " he informed them. "The packers willstrike tents while you eat, so have everything ready. There are twoawkward portages to be tackled to-morrow. "

They started in a clammy mist which clung about them until they reachedthe foot of the first wild rapid, where the green and white flood cameroaring over ledges and between huge boulders, with wisps of spraytossing over it. This was Millicent's first sight of the river in anger, and she watched, at first almost appalled and then thrilled with strongexcitement, when Lisle and one packer took the leading canoe up thelowest rush. They stood upright in the unloaded, unstable craft, longpole in hand, guiding her with what seemed wonderful skill acrossmadly-whirling eddies and through tumbling foam, while Nasmyth andanother man, floundering deep in water, assisted them at intervals withthe tracking-line. Once Nasmyth's companion lost his footing anddisappeared, but he rose and Millicent saw that instead of clinging tothe line for safety he loosed it, and swimming down a wild white tumult, came dripping ashore. This, she thought, was bracing work that made formore than physical vigor; but she could not imagine Clarence indulging init. It was too elemental, too barbarous for him. He was fond of exertionin the form of sport, but he required somebody to saddle and lead out hishorse and to load his second gun. There was a difference between him andthose who delighted to grapple at first hand with nature. 

She was astonished to see Crestwick get a heavy flour bag upon his backand move away with it over very rough stones, and she joined in Bella'slaugh when Carew attempted to shoulder another and dropped it. 

"It's the first time he's ever tried such a thing in his life, " Bellaremarked. "There's nothing like personal experience. You don't realizethat it isn't easy when you give a porter sixpence to lift your biggesttrunk at a station. "

"The difference is that the porter's used to it, " Carew, who wasred-faced and breathless, pointed out. 

"It looks as if that would apply to you before we've finished, " Bellaretorted. "If you can't do anything else, why don't you help those men inthe river?"

Carew made a gesture of resignation and resolutely plunged in. 

"That, " laughed Bella, to Millicent and Miss Hume, "is excellentdiscipline; after a little of it, I believe he'll do me credit. I canthink of a few overfed men that I'd like to put through a drastic courseof it, only in their case I'd go in the canoe and take my heaviestluggage with me. "

"It wouldn't be wise, " asserted Millicent. "When they reached brokenwater they'd probably let you go. "

She collected an armful of odds and ends and set off up-stream over theportage. The men spent several hours bringing the canoes and storesacross, and there followed some laborious poling before they reached thesecond rapid, which was safely passed. The party was quieter than usualafter supper that night. They had had their first glimpse of thestrenuous life of the wilderness and it had impressed them. The effectpassed off, however, as they pushed on day after day without mishap. Millicent, in particular, delighted in all she saw--the fresh green ofthe birches among the somber cedars, the lonely heights that eversurrounded them, the gleaming lakes, the broad green flood that here andthere filled the gorges with its thunder. 

She suffered no discomfort she could not laugh at; there was somethingthat braced her in mind and body in the mountain air; and Clarence nolonger held a leading place in her memory. She realized now that thethought of him had hitherto occasioned her a vague uneasiness. Indeed, she was almost glad that he was far away; liberty was unexpectedly sweet, and though she had a few misgivings, she meant to enjoy it while itlasted. 

Then one afternoon when they were stopped by a fall, she slipped awayfrom the others with her sketch-book, and wandering back throughstraggling bush, climbed a rocky ridge. The ascent was steep, but byclambering up a gully she reached the summit, and after strolling alongit she sat down to sketch the gorge below. The work absorbed herattention and some time had passed when the lengthening shadows warnedher that she would better retrace her steps to camp. 

It proved difficult. She could not find the gully she had climbed up andthe side of the ridge was almost precipitous and was clothed withbrushwood. At last, however, she reached a spot from which it seemedpossible to make the descent; but after scrambling and sliding for somedistance she was suddenly stopped by a sheer drop of several yards to aledge. Being agile, she might have reached the ledge by lowering herselfby her hands, but it was narrow and slanted outwards, so that she fearedto slip off in alighting and fall over the crag below. She attempted toclimb back to the summit and found it impossible, for the stones sheseized were loose and came away when she disturbed them. She could onlystay where she was and call for assistance, though the clamor of thefall, ringing up the valley, almost drowned her voice. 

By and by the sunlight faded off the rocks above, the trees below grewshadowy, and Millicent began to feel anxious and to envy the others whowould, no doubt, be sitting down to their evening meal. They would missher and set out in search; but they might not reach her until it wasdark, when it would be difficult to extricate her, and she had no desireto spend the night among the rocks. She made another determined attemptto get up, but slid back, nearly slipping over the edge, while hersketch-book went clattering far below. Then she sat still, calling out atintervals. 

The light grew dimmer, white mists began to trail about the heightsabove, and Millicent was getting cold. She was also getting angry--itlooked as if the others were too busy eating or talking to care what hadbecome of her; some of them ought to have come in search. She felt agrievance against Lisle in particular. Why she should blame him more thanNasmyth or Carew was not very clear, except that he was more used to thecountry; but she felt that he ought to have come to her rescue. Then, fearing that she would have to spend the night on the hillside, shecarefully crept toward a small level space near a jutting rock and satdown, shivering, while dusk slowly crept across the bush. 

CHAPTER XXVII

AN UNPLEASANT SURPRISE

Millicent had no intention of going to sleep among the rocks, but after awhile she grew drowsy, and when at length she raised her head with astart the moon hung over the hills across the river, flooding the heightsabove her with a silvery light. The trees below were sharper in form, buteverything was very still; only the thunder of the fall seemed to haveincreased in depth of tone. Millicent shivered from the cold as she senta sharp cry ringing across the woods. 

This time it was answered, and she recognized the voice. Looking down, she could see Lisle's black figure moving cautiously along the ledge, foralthough the lower rocks were wrapped in shadow it is never altogetherdark in the northern summer. Coming out into the moonlight, he examinedthe slab of rock which had arrested her descent, but when he spoke shewas not quite pleased with his very matter-of-fact tone. It leftsomething to be desired--she thought he might have displayed moresatisfaction at finding her safe. 

"Is there anything you could catch hold of at the top?" he asked. "If so, you'd better lower yourself until I can reach you. "

Anxious as she was to get down, Millicent hesitated; if she did as hesuggested she would descend into his arms. She was not unduly prudish, and indeed, after being left alone in the impressive solitude of thewilds, she would have been glad of the reassuring grasp of a human being. But an obscure feeling, springing, perhaps, from primitive instincts, made her shrink from close contact with this particular man. 

"No, " she answered coldly; "the rock is loose. Besides, the ledge isnarrow, and if I came down heavily, we might both fall over. "

He again examined the slab, and then stood still, considering. 

"Well, " he decided, "there's a crack some way up that should give me ahold, and a bit of a projection you could rest a foot on yonder. Then ifyou gave me one hand, I could lower you down. "

He came up, thrusting his fingers into a fissure near the summit andfinding a tiny support for his toes. Lowering herself cautiously, sheclutched the hand he extended. 

"Now, " he cautioned, "as gently as possible!"

Loosing her hold above, she hung for a moment or two, half afraid to letgo his hand, while his arm and body grew tense with the strain and shecould hear his labored breath. Summoning her courage she relaxed hergrasp. In another second she was safe upon the ledge, and, scramblingdown, he stood beside her with a set, flushed face, the veins protrudingon his forehead. 

"I'm glad that's over; I was badly scared, " he acknowledged. 

She thrilled at the confession, though she thought there had been noserious risk; his concern for her safety was strangely pleasant and thestrenuous grasp of his fingers had stirred her. 

"Oh, " she replied, "I believe I was quite safe after you got hold of me. "

He glanced at the steep face of broken rock that ran down into theshadow. 

"If we'd gone over, we might not have brought up for a while, " he said. "But what's that resting on yonder jutting stone?"

"I'm sorry it's my sketch-book, " Millicent answered unguardedly. "It'snearly filled. "

"Then wait here a little. "

"You can't get it!" Millicent cried sharply. "You mustn't try!"

"It's quite easy. "

Millicent could not resist the temptation to make a rather dangerousexperiment. 

"And yet you were afraid a minute or two ago!"

"Yes, " he answered, looking at her steadily. "But that was different. "

She felt her heart-beats quicken and her face grow hot, but she laid arestraining hand on his arm. 

"I won't let you go. "

"You must be reasonable, " he urged, moving a pace away. "That book standsfor a good deal of high-grade work. If you lose it, you will have wastedall the first part of your journey. Besides, I should feel very mean if Ileft it lying there. "

He lowered himself over the edge, and moving from cranny to cranny andstone to stone, went cautiously down, while she watched him with herhands closed tight. What the actual peril was she could not estimate; butit looked appallingly dangerous, particularly when in one place he had todescend from a slightly overhanging stone. He reached the book, however, and came up, and when at length he stood beside her his expression wasquite normal and he was only a little breathless. Again she felt adisconcerting thrill which was accompanied by a confused sense of pride. What he had done was in her service, and this time he had shown no signof fear or strain. 

"Thank you, " she said. "But I'm a little angry--you shouldn't have gone. I should never have forgiven myself if you had got hurt. "

There was light enough to show that the blood crept into his face; but heturned and glanced at the descending ledge. 

"You had better put your hand on my shoulder where it's steep, " hesuggested. "Still, we're not going to have much trouble in getting down. "

They had reached level ground before anything more was said, and then sheturned to him with a smile. 

"Why didn't you come before? You left me an unpleasantly long while amongthe rocks. "

"We didn't miss you until supper, " he explained. "Then I set off at once, but I didn't know which way to look and the bush was pretty thick. "Stopping in the moonlight, he indicated his rent attire. "I think thisspeaks for itself, " he added humorously. "There's one consolation--thethings belong to Carew. "

Millicent was glad that he was not going to be serious. 

"I remember that you didn't bring much of an outfit, " she replied. "Isuppose you had one. What became of it?"

"I left it behind, in pieces, on the thorns and rocks along a good manyleagues of trail; but it wasn't extensive--when you travel in thiscountry you have often to choose between food and clothes. It wasobviously impossible to buy any more, but the day before we reached campI made Crestwick cut my hair. After a look at myself in Nasmyth'spocket-glass, I'm inclined to think he was unwarrantably proud of hissuccess. "

After that they chatted lightly, until they walked into the glow of thecamp-fire, and while Bella and Miss Hume plied Millicent with questionsand congratulations, Lisle took up Nasmyth's repeating rifle and fired itseveral times. 

"That will bring the boys in, " he explained. "Now I'll get MissGladwyne's supper. "

During the meal the others came back and when they had all assembled, looking the worse for their scramble through the bush, Crestwick, who hadoccasional lapses from good behavior, addressed them collectively. 

"Wasn't I right?" he asked. "I offered anybody three to one that Lislewould be the first to find her. "

"Then you ought to be ashamed of it, after the expensive way in whichyour confidence in your opinions has often been shown to be mistaken, "declared Bella. "Besides, you promised me you wouldn't waste your moneythat way again!"

"This time I was backing a moral certainty, " Crestwick rejoined. "Thatisn't gambling; if you're not convinced, you can ask the others on whatgrounds they were so unwilling to take me. "

Receiving no encouragement, he addressed Millicent, who was extremelyvexed with him. 

"I suppose you know that you have given us all a good deal of anxiety. You ought to feel contrite. "

"I'm not sorry if I've given you a good deal of trouble, " Millicentretorted. "You were a long time in coming to my rescue. "

"That, " he exclaimed, "is just the kind of thing Bella used to delight insaying, though I'll own that she's been much more civil lately. It'spossible that Carew's patience is not so long as mine. "

"Aren't you getting rather personal?" Carew hinted. 

Crestwick subsided with an indulgent grimace, but when they retired totheir shelter Lisle turned upon him. 

"It struck me that those jokes of yours were in what you would calluncommonly bad form, " he said. "It would be better if you didn't make anymore of them. "

"Bella doesn't mind; she's used to me, " Crestwick grinned. 

"I wasn't referring to Bella--she has somebody to take care of her. "

"And Miss Gladwyne hasn't? Still, that's her own fault, isn't it? In myopinion, she has only to say the word. " He paused, seeing his companion'sface in the moonlight, for its expression was not encouraging. "Oh, well!" he added, "you needn't lose your temper. There are people who cannever see when a thing's humorous; I'll wind up. "

In the meanwhile Millicent sat in the entrance of her tent, looking outbetween the dark trunks of the cedars on the glittering river. It sluicedby, lapping noisily upon the shingle, lined with streaks of froth, andthe roar of the neighboring fall filled the lonely gorge. The wildness ofher surroundings had its charm; she had been happier among them than shehad been at any time during the last twelve months in England, and nowshe was uneasily conscious of the reason. Lisle's constant watchfulnessover her comfort, his cheery conversation, even the sight of him when hewas too busy to talk, were strangely pleasant. She realized why she hadmade him take the harder way in helping her down from the rock and theknowledge was disconcerting. She had been afraid to trust herself to theclasp of his arms, but not because of any want of confidence in him. 

Then she saw Carew kiss Bella among the cedars before she left him towalk toward the tent, and the sight stirred her blood. It was clear thatshe must be on her guard; her guide must be kept firmly at a distance, though this promised to be difficult. She was, to all intents andpurposes, pledged to Clarence; and until Bella joined her she tried tofix her thoughts on him, wondering where he was and what he was doing, without being able to find much interest in the question. 

As it happened, Clarence was then sitting in a luxurious parlor-car as abig west-bound train sped through the forests of Ontario, but his facewas troubled and he felt ill at ease. A little more than a fortnightearlier he had met Marple at a Swiss hotel, and the man had informed himthat Miss Gladwyne and Miss Hume had sailed for Canada. Nasmyth, headded, had gone by a previous steamer, to make arrangements for somejourney they wished to undertake. This was the first intimation Clarencehad received. Millicent had written to him on the day before she sailed, but the letter, following him to one of the Italian valleys, had not yetreached him, and he was filled with consternation. She had stolen away, as if she did not wish to be burdened with his company; she was going tovisit the scene of her brother's death, no doubt under the guidance ofLisle, who had strong suspicions concerning it. He might communicate themto Millicent; perhaps he had done so already, which would account for hersilent departure. With an effort Gladwyne roused himself to action. Hemade up his mind to follow her and, if necessary, attempt some defense. Perhaps, he thought, he could manage to destroy any evidence of histreachery which the Canadian had discovered. 

Still, he was tormented by doubts as he lounged in the parlor-car, and, growing restless, he went out on the rear platform and lighted a cigar. There was faint moonlight, and dim trees fled past him; the rattle ofwheels and the rush of the cool wind was soothing. He could not thinkwhile he stood holding on by the brass rail to protect himself againstthe lurching, and he found a relief in the roar as the great train sweptacross a foaming river. They had been detained at a junction during theafternoon, and the engineer was evidently bent on making up the wastedtime. 

Presently the door of the next car opened, and Gladwyne started violentlyas a dark figure came out on to the platform. 

"Batley!" he cried. "What in the name of wonder has brought you here!"

Batley moving forward into the moonlight, regarded him with a mockingsmile. 

"Nothing very remarkable; I'd several motives. For one thing, I felt I'dlike the trip--had a stroke of luck not long ago which justified theexpense. British Columbia's nowadays almost as accessible as parts ofNorway, where I've generally gone to, and I understand it's wilder. "

"But how is it I haven't seen you on the train?" Gladwyne asked, in noway reassured by the man's careless explanation. 

"I only got on at the last junction. " Batley's tone was significant as heproceeded. "I was too late for your Allan boat; when I inquired about youin London I found that you had gone; but I caught the next New YorkCunarder and came on by Buffalo. I suppose you stopped a day or two inMontreal, which explains how I've overtaken you. "

"We were held up by ice off Newfoundland. "

"Well, " suggested Batley, "suppose we go into the smoking end of the car. I dare say you'd like a talk and it's rather noisy here. Besides, thecinders are a little too plentiful. "

They went in and Batley, lounging in a seat, lighted a cigar and waitedwith an amused expression for the other to begin. Gladwyne was intenselyuneasy. It had been a vast relief to be free from his companion, and thelast thing he desired was that Batley, who was a remarkably keen-wittedman, should go over the track of George's expedition in company withLisle. 

"Now, " he said, "I'd be glad if you would tell me exactly why youfollowed me. The reason you gave didn't seem sufficient. "

"Then my other object ought to be clear. You're carrying a good deal ofmy money; I felt it would be wiser to keep an eye on you. As I said, I'dhad a stroke of luck that enabled me to get away. "

"I suppose that means somebody has suffered!" Gladwyne, in hisbitterness, could not help the injudicious sneer. 

"Oh, no, " returned Batley good-humoredly. "In this case, I'd set a man onhis feet--it's now and then as profitable as pulling one down, and mymethods aren't always destructive. The fellow was straight and I'minclined to believe he was grateful. I don't think he could have foundanybody else to back him, but I'm not afraid of a risk. " He paused andsmiled at his companion. "Sometimes I make mistakes; I did so with you. "

Gladwyne flushed, but Batley proceeded:

"I may remind you that when I financed you I was led to believe that youwould succeed to a handsome property; not one that was stripped of itsworking capital. I'll give you credit for misleading me rather cleverly. All this is to the point, because it explains my watchful attitude. You're the kind of man I prefer to keep in sight. "

Disgust, humiliation and anger possessed Gladwyne, but he knew that hewas in his companion's hands, and he did not think that Batley had statedall of his reasons yet. It was possible that he expected to discoversomething in British Columbia that would strengthen his hold on hisvictim. 

"Well, " he replied with an attempt at calmness, "we needn't quarrel, since it looks as if we'd have to put up with each other for some time. Have you finished what you have to say?"

"Not quite. There's one question yet. When do you expect to marry MissGladwyne?"

"What is that to you?" Clarence broke out. 

"Just this--I'm anxious to form some idea as to when I'm likely to get mymoney back. Since Miss Crestwick dropped you, there's only Miss Gladwyneavailable, so far as I know, and you have got to marry money and do sopretty soon. I'm willing to do anything that may help on the match. "

Gladwyne's face burned, he looked savage, but Batley continued to watchhim with an ironical smile. 

"I don't want to drive you too hard, but I'm only stating an obviousfact, " he concluded. "Now I'll leave you to think it over while Iinterview the porter of the sleeping-car. "

CHAPTER XXVIII

CLARENCE REACHES CAMP

The evening was dull and gloomy, a gray sky hung over the desolate hills, and Millicent, sitting alone on a rocky slope, felt troubled anddepressed. Beneath her, the long hollow that crossed the big dividestretched back, colored in cheerless neutral tints, into drifting mist. It was sprinkled with little ponds, and banded here and there with beltsof stunted trees, small birches and willows, and ragged cedars that hidthe oozy muskegs under them. 

The girl was worn with travel, for Lisle had abandoned the canoes sometime ago, and the party had followed, by what he called easy stages, thetrail he and the packers had broken, though the women had found the wayhard enough. This, he had informed them, would shorten the journey a gooddeal, and he expected to fall in with some Indians, from whom canoescould be obtained, once they had crossed the divide; failing this, theymight be compelled to retrace their steps. 

It was up the forbidding hollow they had lately reached that GeorgeGladwyne had doggedly plodded, faint with hunger, on his last journey. Millicent had followed his trail for the past two days and she had foundthem filled with painful memories. All that Lisle had shown her hadbrought back her brother and once more she mourned for him. But that wasan old wound that had partly healed and she could face the sorrowfulstory of George's last struggles with a certain pride; he had enduredwith unwavering courage, and the manner of his death became him. The girlhad other troubles which clouded the present and filled her withmisgivings for the future. 

During her first few weeks in the wilderness, lying all day under clearsunshine and cloudless skies, it had seemed to her an enchanted land. Snow-peaks, and crystal lakes that mirrored ranks of climbing firs, struck her as endowed with an almost unearthly beauty and as wonderful atranquillity; and when she pushed on through the savage portals of themountains there was something that stirred her nature in the sight of thefoaming rivers and the roar of the spray-veiled falls. Now, however, theglamour had gone, it had been rudely banished on the night when Lisle hadhelped her down the rocks. She, who had allowed Clarence to believe thatshe would marry him, had found a strange delight in the company ofanother man; one whom she might have loved had she been free, she triedto convince herself, in a determined attempt to hide the fact that herheart cried out for him. 

Lisle had pushed on with a single companion on the previous night to seeif he could obtain canoes; the packers were breaking a trail, and theothers were resting in camp. Millicent was glad of this, for she wantedto be alone. Suddenly, as she looked down the hollow, two indistinctfigures appeared out of the mist. The packers had gone up the valley, butthere was no doubt that it was two men she saw, and they were apparentlymaking for the camp. As the party had met nobody since entering thewilderness, she felt curious about the strangers. There was something inthe carriage of one of them that seemed familiar; and then the uneasinessof which she had already been conscious became intensified as sherecognized that he walked like Clarence. 

A few minutes later the men were hidden by a growth of willows and shesped back to camp, scrambling among the rocks with a haste that was bornof nervous tension. She did not see the men again--it was needful to picka path down the steep descent very carefully--and when she came, breathless, upon the clump of birches among which the tents were pitchedit was evident from the hum of voices that the strangers had alreadyarrived. Pushing in among the trees, she stopped, with her heart beatingunpleasantly fast, face to face with Clarence. 

"Ah!" he exclaimed, moving forward to meet her; "now I'm rewarded for myjourney. How fit and brown you look, Millicent!"

She stood still a moment, with an expressionless face, finding no wordsto say; then with an effort she roused herself and shook hands with him. 

"You must have had a trying march if you followed our trail, " she said. "But how did you get here--I mean why did you leave Switzerland?"

Crestwick chuckled. 

"That's very much what we all asked him, " he broke in. "In one way, it'shardly civil; if we'd known he was coming, we'd have been better preparedto express our delight. "

The lad was not, as a rule, considerate and he suffered from want oftact, but there was truth behind what he said. It is given to only a fewto be sure of a warm and sincere welcome when they take their friends bysurprise. Nasmyth frowned at Crestwick, who had rashly hinted at thefeeling of constraint that had seized upon the party. Millicent, however, was looking at Gladwyne and her heart grew softer as she noticed hisweariness and his strained expression. 

"Well, " she said when he had answered her, "you must sit down and rest. Nasmyth and Crestwick will get you something to eat as soon as possible. "

It was not what she would have wished to say--it sounded dreadfullycommonplace--but Batley came forward with an easy laugh. 

"I'm afraid our young friend"--he indicated Crestwick--"is not adiplomatist, but on the whole his fault's a good one; he's more or lesshonest. You'll forgive us for surprising you; it was quite impossible tosend you a warning. "

Millicent smiled, the tension suddenly slackened, and as the packer whocooked was away with his comrade, they all set about preparing a mealwhich, thanks to Batley, was eaten amid a flow of lively conversation. The man was weary, but he could rise to an occasion and summon to his aida genial wit. Clarence was glad of this; fatigue had reacted on him, increasing his anxiety, and he had been chilled by the coldness of hisreception. Even the cordiality his companions now displayed wassuspicious, because it suggested that they wished to atone for somethingthat had previously been lacking. He ate, however, and talked when hefound an opportunity, and afterward acquiesced when Millicent declined tobe drawn away from the others. 

When the meal was finished, they sat close together about the fire, forcoldness came with the dusk, but by degrees the conversation languished. The increasing chill, the gloom and the desolation of their surroundingsaffected them all; and nobody had been quite at ease since Gladwyne'sarrival. He was too tired to make more than spasmodic attempts to talk, and though Millicent was sorry for him she could not help contrasting himwith Lisle. She had seen the latter almost worn out with severe labor, but even then he had been cheerful, ready to encourage his companionswith lively badinage. He seemed to take pleasure in forcing his body tothe utmost strain it could bear. 

The light had died away into the partial obscurity which would last untilsunrise when Lisle walked into camp. The fire had burned up, andMillicent saw his start and his face set hard at the sight of Gladwyne. 

"This is a surprise, " he said. "When did you get here?"

"About two hours ago. We found where you left the water and followed upyour trail, " Gladwyne answered. 

"How many packers and what stores did you bring?"

"Two packers, " replied Gladwyne. "There were no more available at thelast settlement. Batley has a list of the provisions--we cut them down asmuch as possible. As we were anxious to overtake you, we traveled light. "

Lisle took the list Batley gave him and examined it by the glow of thefire. 

"It looks as if you didn't mind endangering the safety of the wholeparty, " he broke out. "This expedition is already quite large enough, andyou add four people to it with less than half the necessary stores, sothat you could save yourself a little trouble on the journey! What's moreimportant, we can't make up for the shortage by better speed. Only two ofyou can pack an average load, though all four must be fed. "

Millicent had listened, hot with anger and a little surprised. Lisle hadhis faults, including a shortness of temper, but he was now showing astrain of what she considered primitive barbarism which he had hithertoconcealed. A cultured Englishman would have led Clarence aside or waitedfor an opportunity before remonstrating with him; and then her faceburned as she wondered whether Lisle had been actuated by savagejealousy. It was, however, insufferable that he should display it in thisfashion. 

"I must point out that I organized the expedition, " she said. "Everybodyhere is my guest. "

"Did you invite Gladwyne and Batley?"

"I did not, " Millicent was compelled to own. "For all that, they are nowin the same position as the rest. I must ask you to remember it. "

Lisle had some trouble in controlling himself, but he nodded. "Well, " heresponded, "I'll have to alter several of our arrangements and I'll goalong and talk it over with the packers. I've got the canoes required, and we'll take the trail at seven to-morrow. "

He strode away toward the packers' fire, quite aware that he had notbehaved in a very seemly way, but still consumed with indignation againstGladwyne. When he had disappeared, Clarence looked up. 

"I'm sorry if we have given you unnecessary trouble; but does your guideoften adopt that rather hectoring tone?"

His languid contempt roused Crestwick. 

"Lisle's responsible for the safety of all of us, " the lad broke out, "and you haven't shown much regard for it in making your loads as lightas you could!"

Millicent raised her hand. 

"We'll talk about something else for a few minutes and then break up. It's an early start to-morrow. "

They dispersed shortly afterward, but Batley sought Lisle before retiringto rest. 

"I regret that we have added to your anxiety, " he began. "Of course, transport is a serious difficulty--I've had some little experience ofthis kind of thing. "

"In the field?" Lisle asked bluntly. "I've had a suspicion of it. Thenwhy didn't you remember?" He saw Batley's smile, for they were standingby the packers' fire. "Oh, " he added, "you needn't trouble to shieldGladwyne. I formed my opinion of him some time ago--he's a mighty poorspecimen. "

"I'm inclined to agree with you, " replied Batley dryly. 

They set off early the next morning, and after his forced march, Gladwynefound the load given him sufficiently heavy. He was badly jaded, achingall over, and disturbed in mind, when they camped near the summit of thedivide late in the afternoon without his having been able to secure aword with Millicent alone. He felt that he must gain her consent to aformal engagement before Lisle let fall any hint of his suspicions, whichhe did not believe had been done so far. Afterward, knowing Millicent, hethought she would staunchly refuse to listen to anything to hisdiscredit, and he could, if it were needful, ascribe Lisle's attack tojealousy. He must, however, also contrive to push on ahead of the party, on some excuse, and obliterate any remaining trace of the formerexpedition's provision caches; then he would be safe. 

Millicent had strolled away from the others and was standing among therocks when he overtook her. The signs of fatigue and tension in his facesoftened her toward him. Still, it was only compassion; she felt nothrill, but rather an involuntary shrinking and a sense of alarm. She wasto be called upon to fulfil a duty to which she had somehow pledgedherself. 

"Millicent, " he began, "things can't go on as they have beendoing--pleasant as it was. I have waited patiently, but you can't expecttoo much. Now I have come a long way to claim my reward. I want the rightto look after you, and to tell the others so. "

His abruptness and hoarseness were expressive, but she felt that therewas something lacking and she answered with a flippancy she seldomindulged in. 

"You thought it needful to bring your privy counselor with you?"

"No; he came without even asking my permission. "

"Well, " she said, sitting down with forced calmness, "it doesn't matter;but are you quite sure now that you really want me?"

There was no doubt that he was desperately anxious for her formal word;there was a feverish eagerness in his eyes. It puzzled her, but it lefther unmoved and cold. 

"Want you!" he cried. "Can you ask? Haven't I constantly shown mydevotion?"

"For the last few months--I mean after Lisle went back to Canada, " shereplied with gathering color. "Before then, for a time, I think one couldreasonably have doubted it. "

He looked confused; that Bella had attracted him had been obvious, andthere was no way of getting over the fact gracefully. 

"I'm afraid I have my weaknesses--want of balance, impulsiveness, and acapacity for being easily piqued, " he confessed. "Well, though perhaps Ideserved it, you were cold and aloof enough to madden a more patient man, and I suppose I slackly yielded to wounded vanity. All the time, you werethe one I had chosen, the only woman who had ever really stirred or couldinfluence me. Nearly as long as I can remember I have loved and respectedyou. Occasionally you unbent enough to show me that you recognized it. "

There was some truth in this, and seeing the change in her expression, hewent on:

"You can't cast me off and fling me back upon myself--I couldn't facethat. During those last few months in England, you helped me forward farmore than you suspected--showed me my duties, enabled me to carry themout. I can't go on alone; I'm your responsibility; having taken it up, you can't deny it now. "

Millicent smiled faintly. 

"No, " she admitted; "I suppose that would be hardly fair. "

He would have thrown his arm about her, but she laid a hand on hisshoulder and with gentle firmness held him back. 

"No, " she said, with a deep color in her face; "not yet. We have beenassociated as cousins; I must get used to the new position. "

He had wit enough to yield, but he kissed her hands exultantly. 

"It's a pledge! I may tell the others?"

"Yes, " she consented quietly, "I think you may. "

For a while he sat at her feet, with her hand on his shoulder, talkingabout the future, and she was sensible of a certain calm satisfactionwhich had in it more than a trace of resignation. She had not shirked herduty, she was safe from temptation, and she had after all a sincere, half-pitying tenderness for the man. Her liking for him would, shethought, grow stronger, and the passion which Lisle had once or twicehalf awakened in her was a thing to be subdued and dreaded. ThoughGladwyne saw that she was but lightly moved, he was content, and sometime had passed when they went slowly back together to the camp. 

Miss Hume was the first to notice them and when Millicent smiled she wenthastily forward and kissed her. Then Bella joined them and Batley offeredhis good wishes in fitting terms. When Lisle and Nasmyth came up, a wordfrom Bella was sufficient for them. For a moment the girl was startled bywhat she read in the Canadian's face. It was, however, invisible toMillicent. Turning suddenly round without speaking he strode away, followed by Nasmyth. Stopping when he was hidden from the camp among therocks Lisle turned savagely to his companion. 

"You heard what Bella said!"

"I did!" replied Nasmyth. "The hound! It must be stopped!"

"Yes, " asserted Lisle, more coolly, "that's a sure thing. Still, thereare difficulties--she may not believe my story now. I almost think I'llwait until we reach the two caches; then with something to back mystatements, I might force the truth from him. "

"In that case, you had better watch him, " warned Nasmyth, looking deeplydisturbed. "He may try to reach them first. "

The next moment Crestwick joined them. 

"What's to be done, Vernon?" he exclaimed. "Miss Gladwyne's engagement'sformally announced--it can't go on!"

"Why?" Lisle's voice was stern. "What has it to do with you?"

"Well, " explained Crestwick, hesitating, "the man's not to be trusted, he's dangerous. He simply can't be allowed to make this match!" He pausedand spread out his hands. "I'm horribly troubled about it--I'd bettertell you that I know--"

"You know nothing that need be mentioned, " Lisle interrupted him. "That'spositive; you have to remember it. As to the rest, you'll leave thematter entirely in my hands. "

"Oh, well, " agreed Crestwick, "if you order it. That relieves me of myresponsibility. I'm uncommonly glad to get rid of it. "

Lisle abruptly strode away, and Crestwick saw that Nasmyth was regardinghim curiously. 

"Lisle was quite right, " Nasmyth said. "He only forestalled me ininstructions I meant to give you. "

"Then you understand what I was referring to?" exclaimed Crestwick. 

"I've a good idea, " Nasmyth answered dryly. "In my opinion, so hasLisle. "

"But you were on the far side of the hedge on the morning we tried thehorse, and Lisle was down. He wasn't conscious when I broke through thethorns. "

"Quite correct; but it's most unlikely he lost consciousness from thefall, and he was lying with his face turned toward the jump--it wasn'tuntil the chestnut came down on his shoulder that he was badly hurt. Thedoctor agreed with me on that point. "

"That might have struck me, " Crestwick rejoined. "But you owned that youhad an idea of what happened at the jump. How did you get it? Did Lisletell you?"

Nasmyth smiled grimly. 

"I'm firmly convinced that he'll never mention what he saw or suspects toanybody, unless it's to Gladwyne. As to the rest, the hedge wasn't thickenough to prevent my seeing through it. "

"He's an unusual man, " declared Crestwick in an admiring tone. "I haven'tmet his equal. But I'll keep my eye on Gladwyne--there's risk enough atsome of the rapids--the hound shan't have another chance if I can helpit. "

They turned and went back to camp, but on reaching it they sat down amongthe packers, avoiding Gladwyne and Millicent. 

CHAPTER XXIX

A BOLD SCHEME

The sense of security which Millicent experienced on announcing herengagement was not permanent and in a few days the doubts that hadtroubled her crept back into her mind. She had never entertained anymarked illusions about Clarence and although, now that she wasirrevocably pledged to him, she endeavored to fix her thoughts on hismost likable qualities, even these appeared in a less favorable lightthan they had formerly done. The growth of the warmer attachment she hadexpected to feel was strangely slow, and though it was early to indulgein regrets her heart sometimes grew heavy as she looked forward to thefuture. Clarence was considerate, attentive and deferential in a polishedway, but he lacked something one looked for in a lover. Besides, she wasanxious about him; he looked worn, his manner suggested that he wasbearing a strain, but this was in his favor, for it roused hercompassion. She fancied that the cause of it was financial, and this in asense was encouraging, because this was a trouble from which she couldpurchase him immunity. 

In the meanwhile she was stirred by mournful memories as she followed thelast stages of her brother's journey and visited the lonely spot where hehad met his end. Somehow the thought of him encouraged her--George hadquietly done his duty, regardless of the cost, and even if her burdenproved heavy, which it was premature to admit, she must bear itcheerfully. 

At length they stopped one evening at a portage, and Lisle examined thestores. 

"The food's getting short, " he announced. "One or two of you had bettertake out your rifles the first thing to-morrow, while the rest gofishing. I'll tackle the portage with two packers. "

He began his work at sunrise the next morning and it was toward eveningwhen Crestwick came back exultant with a blacktail buck. Nasmyth wasfishing near the camp and Lisle was busy with a canoe near by. 

"Where are the rest? How have they got on?" Lisle asked. 

"I think Batley went back to the last reach with Carew's rod, " Crestwickanswered. "I met Gladwyne and one of the packers on the low range backyonder; they'd only got a blue grouse. "

"I could have done with the man here, " said Lisle. "Which way were theyheading?"

"Back up-river, the way we came. "

Lisle made no comment, but Crestwick thought he found the informationreassuring, and thrusting out the canoe he was swept away down theeasiest part of the rapid, while Crestwick assisted Nasmyth to land atrout. Lisle had returned to the camp when the packer who had accompaniedClarence came in alone, bringing a couple of grouse. 

"What's become of Mr. Gladwyne?" Lisle asked him. 

"Hasn't he got back?" replied the other, glancing about. "I lost him onthe far slope of the bluff about noon, but as he could see the river mostanywhere from the top I went right on. There was a deer trail I wastrying to follow. "

Lisle said nothing more to the packer but walked rapidly toward where thecook was getting supper ready. Nasmyth followed him. 

"Did you give Mr. Gladwyne any lunch to carry with him when he leftcamp?" Lisle asked the man. 

"I was busy when he came along and I told him to look around for himself. I think he took some canned stuff and there was quite a big loafmissing. "

"Bring the box you keep the canned goods in!"

The cook produced it. 

"There's two meat cans gone, anyway, " he remarked. "Looks as if Mr. Gladwyne figured on getting mighty hungry. "

Lisle nodded. 

"Put me up enough bread and fish for two of us for two days. "

He moved away with Nasmyth, and they had left the fire behind when hespoke, his voice hoarse with anger. 

"Gladwyne's gone to the cache! He's got half a day's clear start of usand he knows the country. It's pretty open and he'll make quite a goodpace on a straight trail, while the river bends. Get the stuff I askedfor while I give the others a few instructions. "

"You mean to start after him at once?"

"As soon as you're ready, " Lisle said shortly. 

He turned back toward where the others were sitting waiting for supper. 

"As Gladwyne hasn't turned up, Nasmyth and I are going to look for him, "he announced. "There's nothing to be alarmed about, but it's quite likelywe may not be back in the morning. If we don't turn up by noon, you hadbetter start down-river and we'll pick you up farther on. I don't want towaste another day. "

"Do you think he has got lost altogether?" Millicent asked anxiously. 

"No, " answered Lisle, in a reassuring manner. "Still, some of theseridges are bad to climb and quite a lot of things may happen to delayhim. "

He called to a packer and gave him definite orders to take the partydown-river and wait at a spot agreed upon; and a few minutes later he andNasmyth left the camp. 

Shortly afterward Batley came in. 

"Where are the others?" he asked. 

They told him and he looked thoughtful. 

"So Lisle started at once! Which way did he and Nasmyth go?"

"Up the ridge behind us, but they turned down-stream when they reachedthe top, " Carew replied. 

Batley scented a mystery. 

"Well, " he said, "I think I'll go after them; I might be useful. Ofcourse, you'll start to-morrow as Lisle told you, and if I'm not back bythen, I'll follow the river to the rendezvous he mentioned. "

He disappeared, as did Crestwick, who came in for supper later on, and asthe packers had pitched their tent lower down, there was now only Carewleft with the women in camp. They were all a little uneasy as dusk grewnear; the haste with which the men had set out one after another struckthem as ominous. Bella's mind was unusually active, for she had promptlydecided that there was something behind all this, and when at lastMillicent strolled away from the others she followed her to the edge ofthe water. A ridge of rock cut them off from view of the camp and thoughshe fancied that Millicent was not pleased to see her, Bella sat downupon a stone. 

"In a way, the anxiety that Lisle and the rest have shown to findClarence is flattering, " she began, expressing part of her thoughts. "Iwonder if they'd all have gone off in such a hurry if Jim had got lost. "

"Your brother knows the bush, " returned Millicent, hiding her fears. 

Bella did not respond to this. She had decided that Millicent must not beallowed to marry Gladwyne, but she could not bring herself to denouncethe man. If that must be done, somebody else would have to undertake thetask. At the same time, she felt it incumbent on her to give the girlsome warning, or at least to find out how far her confidence in her loverwent, in order to determine how advice could best be offered. 

"I wonder if you feel quite sure you will be happy with Clarence?" sheventured. 

"You have provoked the retort--were you convinced that you would be happywith Arthur Carew, when you made up your mind to marry him so suddenly?"

Bella's smile expressed forbearance. It was getting dark, but she couldsee the hot flush in her companion's cheeks and the sparkle in her eyes. Neither was encouraging, but Bella was not easily, daunted, and she feltthat her persistence was really meritorious, considering that untillately Millicent had never been cordial to her. 

"Perhaps I'd better answer, " she said sweetly. "I was sure of Arthur, andthat means a good deal more than that I knew he was in love with me--Idon't suppose you heard that he'd proposed to me once before?"

"Why didn't you take him then?" Millicent asked coldly. "Remember youhave justified my being personal. "

Bella grew rather hot--when Carew had made his first offer she had beenin eager pursuit of Gladwyne--but she sternly suppressed a desire toretaliate. 

"I don't think we need go into that, " she replied. "As I said, I was sureof Arthur--I knew his character, knew he was better than I am, that hecould be depended on. He's the kind of man one is safe with; I felt thatthe more I saw of him, the more I could trust him. Perhaps the feeling'sa safer guide than passion--it stands longer wear--and now I'm getting tolike him better every day. "

Her voice dropped to a tender note and Millicent felt a littleastonished, and ashamed of her harshness. This was a new Bella, one inwhose existence she could hardly have believed. 

"I haven't quite finished, though I don't often talk like this, " Bellawent on. "I feel that without the confidence I've tried to describemarriage must be a terrible risk--one might find such ugly qualities inthe man; even defects you could forgive beforehand would become so muchworse when you had to suffer because of them. Of course, one can't expectperfection, but there ought to be something--honor, a good heart, agenerous mind--that one can rely on as a sure foundation. When you havethat, you can build, and even then the building may be difficult. " Shepaused before she concluded: "My dear, I'm happier than I deserve to be;I have chosen wisely. "

Nothing more was said for a few minutes, but Bella, studying hercompanion's face, was more or less content. Millicent's faith in Clarencewas weak, she was forcing herself to believe in him; it might be possibleto make her see her lover in his true character, though Bella had not yetdetermined on the exact course she would adopt. Then Carew called from thecamp and she went back, while Millicent sat still with grave doubts in herheart. Bella's faith in her husband was warranted, and Millicent wasenough of an optimist to believe that such men were not uncommon--therewas Lisle, for example, and Nasmyth. With them one would undoubtedly havesomething to build a happy and profitable life upon--but what could bedone with one in whom there was no foundation, only the shifting sands ofimpulses, or, perhaps, unsounded depths of weakness into which thepainfully-raised edifice might crumble? She stove to convince herself thatshe was becoming wickedly hypercritical, thinking treasonably of herlover, particularly in contrasting him with her guide. There must be nomore of that, and she rose and walked back to her tent with a resolutionthat cost her an effort. 

In the meanwhile Lisle and Nasmyth were pushing on as fast as possiblealong the stony summit of the ridge. There was moonlight, which made it alittle easier, but they stumbled every now and then. Here and there theywere forced to scramble down the sides of a gully and on reaching thebottom to plunge into water, and once they had to scramble some distanceshut in by the rocks before they could find a means of ascending. Still, they were hard and inured to fatigue, and they never slackened the pace. When striding along a stretch of smoother ground Nasmyth gathered breathto speak. 

"We were easily taken in, " he declared; "though the thing was cunninglyplanned. Gladwyne took the packer with him and headed back at first, todivert suspicion. It would be easy enough to lose the man and turndown-stream again; and that he intended something of the kind is provedby his taking so much food with him. No doubt, he'd rather have avoidedthat, in case it looked suspicious, but he's had one hungry march overthe same ground, and I dare say it was quite enough. Besides, he coulddefy us once he'd emptied and obliterated the caches. "

"You understand the way your people's minds work better than I do, " Lislereturned dryly. 

"That's natural, isn't it? The idea that I'm most impressed with just nowis that Millicent might believe it her duty to stick to Clarence moreclosely because of a tale that was merely damaging. She would never allowherself or anybody else to credit it, unless she had absolutelyconvincing proof. "

"Yes, " agreed Lisle; "I guess you're right. That's precisely why we havegot to get there first. "

A thicket of thorny vines and canes barred his way, but he went straightat the midst of it and struggled through, savagely smashing and rendingdown the brush. The clothes he had borrowed from Carew lookedconsiderably the worse for wear when he came out; and then he recklesslyleaped across a dark cleft the bottom of which he could not see. Presently they left the ridge and headed away from the river, whichflowed round a wide curve, and toward dawn they were brought up by aravine. The roar of water rose hoarsely from its depths. The moon wasgetting low and the silvery light did not reach far down the oppositeside, but they could see a sheer, smooth wall of rock, and the width ofthe chasm rendered any attempt to jump it out of the question. 

"No way of getting across here, " decided Lisle. "At the same time, itlooks as if Gladwyne must be held up on the same side that we are. We'llfollow the cañon; down-stream, I think. "

The moonlight was getting dimmer, but, at some risk of falling into therift, they pushed on along the brink, looking down as they went. Theycould see no means of descending, but at length, when rocks and treeswere getting blacker and a little more distinct in the chilly dawn, theymade out a fallen trunk with broken white branches lying upon a tall massof rock below. 

"I've an idea that the top of that tree reached across to this side whenit first came down, " Lisle said. "Have you got a match?"

Nasmyth had brought a few carefully-treasured wax matches with him, andhe lighted one. It was very still, except for the roar of the hiddentorrent, and the pale flame burned steadily in the motionless cold air. It showed a couple of hollows, where something had rested, close to theedge of the rift, and one or two fresh scratches on a strip of rock. Lisle stooped down beside them. 

"Hold the thing lower!" he exclaimed sharply. "It's as I suspected--thisis where Gladwyne got across; though he has better nerves than I thoughthe had. The broken end of a branch or two rested right here, and he wassmart enough to heave the butt off the other bank, after he'd crawledover. Looks to me as if it had broken off yonder stump. Guess there'll belight enough to look for a way across in half an hour. "

Sitting down he filled his pipe, and shortly afterward he raised one handas if listening. For a while, Nasmyth could hear nothing except the roarof water; there was not a sound that he could catch in the thinstraggling bush behind them where few trails of mist were stretchedathwart the trees. Then he started as a faint crackling and snappingbegan in the distance. 

"Can it be a bear?" he asked. 

"No; it's a man!"

Nasmyth was somewhat astonished. They had not seen a human being exceptthose of their party for a long while, and it seemed strange that theyshould come across one now in the early dawn in those remote wilds. 

"He's wearing boots, " he said diffidently, as the crackling drew nearer. 

"Yes, " Lisle responded; "he's making a good deal more noise than abushman would. "

The sound steadily approached them. Nasmyth found something mysteriousand rather eerie in it, and he was on the whole relieved when a darkfigure materialized among the trees near by. He could barely see it, butLisle called out sharply:

"What has brought you on our trail, Batley?"

The man came toward them with a breathless laugh and sat down. 

"It isn't your trail but Gladwyne's I'm interested in, and I can't saythat I've succeeded in following that. I merely pushed on, until I struckthis cañon and as I couldn't get across, I followed it up. "

"You're not easily scared, " Lisle commented. "You might have got lost. Guess you had some motive that made you take the risk. "

"I felt pretty safe. You see, I knew I could strike the river, ifnecessary. At the same time you were right about the motive--in fact, there's no use in trying to hide it. I may as well confess that I'dsooner keep Gladwyne in sight. "

"Out of regard for his welfare?" Nasmyth asked. 

Batley laughed. 

"Not altogether. The fact is, he's carrying a good deal of my money. "

"One should have imagined that you'd have had him well insured. "

"That's quite correct. If he came to grief in England, I shouldn'tanticipate any trouble, but it would be different out here and, everything considered, I'd rather avoid complications with the insurancecompanies. Now that I've been candid, do you feel inclined toreciprocate?"

"Not in the least, " Lisle replied shortly. "I'm not sure I evensympathize. But since you've turned up you'll have to stick to us; Idon't want to waste time in leading another search party. As soon asthere's a little more light, we'll try to get across the cañon. "

"Thanks for the permission, " smiled Batley, lighting a cigar. 

CHAPTER XXX

THE END OF THE PURSUIT

By degrees the light got clearer, the scattered black cedars grew intodefinite form, and a strip of foaming water showed in the depths of thechasm. Lisle walked some distance along the edge, searching for an easierplace to cross, but the rocks were smooth and almost perpendicular exceptwhere they overhung the torrent. He went back to where the others weresitting and found that they had been joined by Crestwick, who brieflyexplained that having set out on their trail he had been stopped by thecañon and had followed it up until it led him to them. 

"It looks worse farther along; we'll have to try it here, " Lisleannounced. "Can you get down, Nasmyth?"

Nasmyth glanced into the rift. It was, he judged, nearly sixty feet indepth, but part of the bank on which he stood had slipped down into thestream, leaving an uneven surface by means of which an agile man mightdescend. A tall slab of rock, evidently part of the fallen mass, rose ina pinnacle from the water, and on top of it rested the branches of thetree that Gladwyne had used as a bridge and had afterward dislodged. Therock behind it on the opposite bank was absolutely smooth, but thethicker end of the log, which had fallen against the face, reached towithin about nine feet of the summit. 

"Yes, " he said, answering Lisle's question; "but I'm very doubtfulwhether I can get up the other side. The last bit looks particularlyawkward; there's an outward bulge just beneath the top. "

"We might manage it by giving the leader a lift, if we got so far, "Batley suggested, pointing to the sharp slab. "That pike should help us;I think it would go. "

"You think it would go?" queried Nasmyth meaningly. "Aren't you mixingidioms? Pike's what we'd say round Wasdale, and your other expression'snot uncommon in Switzerland. "

Batley laughed. 

"I'll own that I've done some rock work in both districts, though I wasthinner then. But I've an idea that time's precious to our leader. "

He lowered himself over the edge and finding foothold, went downcautiously by crack and fissure, while the others followed with sometrouble. Alighting waist-deep in a frothing rush of water, he was drivenfor a few yards down-stream, and it was only by seeking the support ofthe rock that he slowly made head against the torrent. Lisle joined himwhen he reached the foot of the pinnacle, where they stopped to gatherbreath with a thin shower of spray whirling about them. The light wasstill dim down in the bottom of the chasm, and the mass of rock ran upabove them, shadowy, black and almost smooth. 

Wasting no time in examination, Lisle flung himself upon it, seeking fora grip with elbows and knees. He had ascended a yard or two when he losthold and coming down with a run fell with a splash into the stream. 

"I didn't think you'd manage it that way, " Batley remarked. "The edgeappears a little more promising. "

He went up, with Lisle following, finding hold for knees and fingers, while Nasmyth and Crestwick, panting heavily, encouraged each otherbelow. On reaching the top of the pinnacle, Batley lay upon it and gaveLisle his hand; and when he had drawn him up he pointed to the tree. 

"I'll go first, for reasons that will become apparent later, " heexplained. "Hold on to the log; it doesn't seem firmly fixed. "

The tree was small and when Lisle shook it the butt moved against theface of the rock, which was separated by a broad gap from the top of thefallen mass. Batley was heavy, but he ascended cautiously, while Lisleleaned upon the log to steady it. Then, calling Nasmyth to take hisplace, Lisle went up. When he was near the top, it looked as if theirprogress must abruptly cease. The butt was narrow and the summit of therock above it projected somewhat. There was not the smallest knob orcrevice one could grasp, and below them in the shadowy rift the torrentboiled furiously among massy stones. It was not a place to slip in. 

Batley, however, rose very carefully, with his feet upon the shatteredbutt and his hands pressed against the rock, until he stood almostupright. 

"You'll have to climb up over me until you can get your fingers on thetop, " he said. "Take time when you get up and feel for a good hold. "

Reaching his shoulders, Lisle stood on them while Nasmyth and Crestwickon the pinnacle beneath looked up at a somewhat impressive spectacle. Lisle's head and shoulders were now above the edge, but he was forced tobend backward and outward by the projecting bulge which pressed againsthis breast, and his cautious movements suggested that he could find nohold. It appeared impossible for him to descend, unless he did soaccidentally, and in that event nothing could save him from a fall to thebottom of the ravine. For a while, they watched his tense figure movingfutilely; and then Batley, standing most precariously poised, bent hisarm and seized one of Lisle's feet. He spoke in a breathless gasp as hethrust it upward; Lisle's legs swung free and he disappeared beyond theedge. The two below were conscious of a vast relief. It was tempered, however, by the knowledge that they must shortly emulate theircompanion's exploit. 

"Take off your pack!" Batley called to Lisle. "Split the bag, if it'snecessary, and lower the end! But be quick! This isn't a comfortableposition. "

The pack in which the small bush rancher conveys his provisions from thenearest store as a rule consists of a cotton flour bag with a pair ofsuspenders fastened to its corners, and Nasmyth had provided the partywith a few receptacles of similar pattern but more strongly made beforeentering the wilds. The straps, when Lisle let them down, reached severalfeet from the top, and Batley bade Nasmyth and Crestwick ascend. Theymanaged it with assistance from Lisle, who seized them from above. ThenBatley called up to them. 

"I'm going to test the tackle. Give me a hand up as soon as I'm over thebulge!"

It was difficult to hear him, as he was still beneath the projectingedge, and they watched the straining straps with keen anxiety until ahand that felt for a hold upon the rock appeared. Lisle seized it, withNasmyth ready to assist, and Batley came up, gasping, with theperspiration streaming from his face. 

"I'd have managed it easily at one time, " he said. "This is what comes ofcivilization and soft living. "

"You brought us across; we owe you a good deal for it, " declared Lisle. 

Batley smiled at him as they set off again. 

"In this case, I won't be an exacting creditor. In fact, it's rathercurious how we've hit it off, considering that you wouldn't hear of acompromise and our interests are opposed. "

"I don't know what your interests are, " Lisle returned dryly. 

"Then, in one way, I'm ahead of you. I know your wishes, andNasmyth's--you don't want Clarence to marry Miss Gladwyne. It's yourmotive I'm not sure about. Do you want the girl yourself?"

They were some distance in front of the others, who were too far behindto hear them. Lisle looked at his companion steadily. The man was engagedin a business that was regarded with general disfavor, but there wassomething he liked about him and he did not resent his bluntness. 

"Well, " he answered, "it isn't for the reason you've given that I mean tostop the match. "

"Can you do so?"

"I'm going to try. "

Batley smiled reflectively. 

"And the present journey is somehow connected with the attempt? Now Ibelieve I might have left you held up on the wrong side of the cañon;the idea was in my mind and you can give me credit for not yielding toit. I suppose there would be no use in my asking you for a hint as to therelation between my rather tricky companion's expedition and his cousin'sdeath?"

"None in the least, " said Lisle decidedly. 

Batley made a gesture of acquiescence. 

"Oh, well! We must try to be friends as long as possible. "

Nothing more was said about the matter, and they spent the day forcing apassage through scrub timber, up precipitous hillsides, and across longstony ridges. 

There was no sign of Gladwyne's trail, but that did not trouble Lisle, for he knew where the man was heading for. On the second day Batleyshowed signs of distress, and Nasmyth and Crestwick were walking verywearily, but Lisle held on at a merciless pace. It was essential that heshould reach the cache before Gladwyne could interfere with it. Towardevening, Nasmyth made an effort and caught up with Lisle. 

"How would Clarence get across to the second cache on the other side ofthe water?" he asked. "It's a point I've been considering; I suppose it'soccurred to you. "

"I don't know, " Lisle confessed. "The Indians near the divide said therewas another party with canoes somewhere lower down; but, as the packerwho was with me didn't talk to them, so far as I noticed, I don't see howGladwyne could have heard of it; but that's as far as I can go. If hedestroyed the first cache, it would help to clear him, unless you canvouch for the correctness of the list I made; but he may have somefurther plan in his mind. " He paused and raised his hand. "Listen! Isn'tthat the river? We can't be far from the cache. "

The day, like the two or three preceding it, had been hot and bright, andnow that evening was drawing on, the still air was heavy with the smellof the cedars in a neighboring hollow. A high ridge stood out blackagainst a vivid green glow, and from beyond it there rose a faint, hoarsemurmur. Nasmyth welcomed it gladly as announcing the end of the march. 

"The rest of the party can hardly be down until to-morrow; there's acouple of portages, " he said. "It looks as if we'll have to go withoutour supper. "

"I don't want to see them before morning, " Lisle returned grimly. 

They pushed on, the light growing dimmer as they went, until at lengththe moon rose from behind the ridge; and when they had skirted the ridgethey saw the river glimmer beneath them in a flood of silvery radiance. It filled the gorge with its deep murmur, for the hot sunshine for threedays had melted the snow, which had poured down to swell the flood byevery gully. Not far below the neck the broken surface was flecked withwhite where the river swept angrily over a sharper slope of its bed, anda black boulder or two stood out in the midst of the rushing foam. Up-stream of this there was a strip of shingle which Nasmyth recognizedas the one where the cache had been made; he supposed that Lisle hadstruck the spot by heading for the narrow rift of the neck, which wasconspicuous for some distance from both sides. 

From end to end the sweep of pebbles was clearly distinct; but there wasno dark figure moving about it, and Nasmyth wondered if they had come toolate. They had marched fast, as his aching muscles testified, but theyhad been delayed at the cañon and Gladwyne had had a long start. If hehad arrived and had visited the cache, their efforts might prove to havebeen thrown away. There must be no shadow of doubt when Lisle told hisstartling story. 

They descended with caution, moving through shadow, for the ridge abovethem cut off the moonlight, though it was far from dark, and they werenear the bottom when Crestwick dislodged a bank of stones which wentrattling and crashing down to the beach. A moment later a black formsprang out from among the rocks below and ran hurriedly along theshingle. This surprised Nasmyth because he could not doubt that the manwas Gladwyne and he failed to understand his object in making what wouldprobably be a futile attempt to avoid them. Lisle was some distance infront, and his voice rang out sharply:

"Head him off from the canoe!"

Nasmyth broke into a stumbling run--it was now obvious that Gladwynemeant to cross the river, and perhaps destroy the second cache. 

Gladwyne had reached the canoe when Lisle gained the beach, and Nasmyth, descending in reckless haste, saw him hurriedly turn it over and raisethe forward end of it. Lisle was running his hardest, almost as if hewere fresh, up the long strip of shingle; but it was evident that hewould be too late, and they would have no means of following Gladwyneafter the canoe was launched. There was a sharp rattle of stones as hehauled it down; Lisle was still some way behind; Gladwyne sprang on boardand thrust the light craft off, and a few strokes of the paddle drove herwell out into the stream. 

Lisle stopped, standing in the moonlight, and his comrade could see hishands tightly clenched at his side; then he suddenly tore off his jacketand flung it behind him. Noticing this, Nasmyth attempted to increase hispace. The river was running fast, swollen with melted snow, and Lislemust be badly worn out. If he had to be restrained by force, he shouldnot attempt to swim across. 

Then, to Nasmyth's astonishment, Gladwyne leaned over the stern of thecraft and began to paddle desperately with one hand. This proceedingcaused Lisle to stop again, close at the water's edge. 

"Come back!" he shouted. 

Nasmyth ran up and Lisle turned. 

"He's dropped or broken his paddle--cracked it when he shoved her out. There are two or three ugly rocks in the rapid. "

They ran along the bank together, keeping pace with the craft which wassliding away fast with the stream. Nasmyth could feel his heart thumpingas he wondered what Clarence would do. Though he could not cross theriver, it was possible that he might propel the light canoe back to theshingle with his hand before he reached the rapid. As he could not guideher in the strong rush of water, there would be danger in attempting todescend it. He made no response, however, to their warning shouts. 

Batley and Crestwick overtook the others shortly before the canoe sweptinto the faster stream at the head of the rapid and they watched hereagerly. There was a narrow pass between several boulders close ahead, which was the chief danger, and the current seemed to be carrying thecraft down on one of them. In a few moments she struck and jambed, broadside on, across the mass of stone. White foam boiled about her; theysaw Gladwyne rise and clutch the rock, but whether to thrust her off orto climb out did not appear. He suddenly sank down and, so far as theycould make out, the canoe rolled over. 

The next moment Lisle plunged into the river. Nasmyth ran to the water'sedge, but seeing that he was too late, he sat down limply. Lisle was agood swimmer, but it did not seem possible that any man could reachClarence before he was washed out at the tail of the rapid. It becameevident, however, that somebody else meant to try, for Batley, runninghard down the beach, plunged in. 

"It's awful!" gasped Jim Crestwick behind Nasmyth. "It's not the risk ofdrowning; they'll be smashed to bits! Anyway, we'd better make for theslack at the tail. "

Nasmyth got up. He could see nothing of Gladwyne or either of the others;there were only black rocks, rushing water and outbreaks of foam, and hehad a sickening idea that long before they reached the quieter pool theneed for any services he could render would be past. Fortunately, thebeach was fairly smooth, and after a desperate run they reached a tongueof rock beneath which the eddy swung. Farther on, in the shadow, Batleystood in the water, calling to them and apparently clinging hard to ahalf-seen object in the stream. 

Nasmyth leaped in knee-deep, with Crestwick behind him, and gripping theloosely-hanging arm of the body Batley was supporting, he asked hoarsely:

"Who is it?"

"Lisle!" was the breathless answer. "Help me to get him out!"

They dragged him up the beach and let him sink down. He lay upon theshingle, silent and inert. 

"Make a fire, Jim!" commanded Batley. "Lift his shoulder a bit, Nasmyth!Turn him partly over!"

He hurriedly examined Lisle and then looked up. 

"It's not a case of drowning; and his limbs look sound. Must have got thebreath knocked out of him against a boulder. " He pointed to a broad redgash on Lisle's forehead as Nasmyth eased him down again. "That explainshis unconsciousness. "

"Where's Gladwyne?" Nasmyth asked. 

Batley made an expressive gesture. 

"Beyond our help, anyway; somewhere down-river. " He appeared to bracehimself with an effort. "I'm pretty nearly finished, but there's a gooddeal to be done. We'll strip Lisle, and you and Crestwick can share yourdry things with him. Then one of you had better gather cedar twigs forhim to lie on. "

CHAPTER XXXI

LISLE GOES TO ENGLAND

Lisle had with some difficulty been dressed in dry clothes, and he laywith his eyes shut on a couch of cedar sprays beside a fire, when Batleyrose and turned to Nasmyth. 

"I don't think we need be anxious, " he said. "The warmth is coming backto him and he's breathing regularly. The knock on the head must have beena bad one, and it's very likely that he got another thump or two washingdown the rapid, and the water was icy cold; but he'll feel better after afew hours' sleep. "

Nasmyth was inclined to agree with this prediction and he stood upwearily. 

"Then you won't want me for a little while, " he replied, walking awayfrom the fire. 

Having given most of his clothes to Lisle, he was very lightly clad andthe night was cold. He shivered as he plodded over the shingle, aching inevery limb, but he looked about eagerly and after a while he found thecache. It was uncovered, but there were signs that Gladwyne had onlybegun his task when he had been surprised by the arrival of the partywhich had followed him. 

Nasmyth did not pause to think what Lisle's wishes might be, or whetherhe would resent his action. So far, he had kept his promise; but, withphysical weariness reacting on his mental faculties, he was onlyconscious of a hazy idea that Gladwyne's death had released him from hispledge. The traitor had expiated his offense; the tragic story must neverbe raked up again. 

Stooping over the receptacle, he dragged out the different articles init, and avoiding a direct glance at them or any attempt to enumeratethem, he gathered them up and striding over the shingle hurled them asfar as possible into the river. It cost him several journeys, but hisheart grew lighter with every splash. When at last the work was finishedand he had refilled the hole and scattered the stones that had coveredit, he sat down with a great sense of relief. A burden which had longweighed upon his mind was gone; Mrs. Gladwyne and Millicent were safe atlast from the grief and shame that a revelation would have brought them. Exhausted and confused as he was, he could not tell whether he felt anysorrow for Gladwyne's tragic end; the man had passed beyond the reach ofhuman censure, one could only let his memory sink into oblivion. 

Growing very cold, he went back to the fire, but he offered noexplanation of his absence. Lisle was still asleep or unconscious, butthe natural color in his face was reassuring. 

"I've heard nothing about your part in the water, " Nasmyth said toBatley. 

"There's not much to tell. It isn't astonishing that my memory's by nomeans clear. Anyhow, I wasn't far from Gladwyne, who was swimming well, when he was swept away from me and in among the lower boulders by theswirl of an eddy. I suppose it didn't quite reach me, but the next momentI was sucked into a rush of broken water and went down-stream, below thesurface part of the time, because I was surprised when I found I couldbreathe and look about again. By good luck, I'd got into the smoothest, deepest flow, which swept me straight through. After a little, I sawsomebody washing down in a slack and got hold of him. I didn't knowwhether it was Gladwyne or Lisle; but I held on and a side-swing of thecurrent brought us both ashore. Gladwyne, of course, must have gone underafter being badly damaged among the rocks. "

"There's only one place where he could have landed and I searched itwhile you were away, " Crestwick said gravely. 

"Why did you go in after him?" Nasmyth asked Batley. "You must have seenthat you couldn't save him. "

"That, " Batley answered with a curious smile, "is more than I can clearlytell you; and I might suggest that Lisle's venture is even harder tounderstand. I don't honestly think I owe Gladwyne anything; but, afterall, we passed for friends, and I used to be fond of swimming. Of course, there's a more obvious explanation--I'd lent him a good deal of money andfrom what I've learned since, I may have some difficulty in enforcing myclaim on the estate. It was natural that I should make an effort torecover the debt. "

Nasmyth did not think that the man had been most strongly influenced bythat desire, but he addressed Crestwick:

"Hadn't you better gather some more branches or driftwood for the fire, Jim?"

Crestwick disappeared, and Nasmyth filled his pipe before he turned toBatley. 

"Now, " he said, "I don't want to be offensive; but there are two peopleconnected with this affair who must be spared any unnecessary suffering. That's a fact you had better recognize. "

"I hardly think you do me justice, " returned Batley, looking amused. "It's perfectly plain that there's a mystery behind these recent events;one that has some relation to George Gladwyne's death. Your idea is thatan unscrupulous person of my description might find some profit inprobing it?"

"You'll never learn the truth. I've seen to that. "

"The fact is, I don't mean to try. "

Nasmyth was a little astonished at finding himself ready to believe this. 

"Then, " he asked, "what do you mean to do about your claim on Gladwyne?"

"In the first place, there's the insurance; but I discovered by accidentthat the company Gladwyne had his policy on was the one that had insuredhis cousin. Whether they'll be struck by the coincidence and the unusualnature of both accidents and make trouble or not, I can't tell; but ifthey pay up there'll be an end of the thing. Failing that, I'll have toconsider. My demands might be contested by the Gladwyne trustees--thedeal was a little irregular in some respects--but I parted with the moneyand I'm going to make an effort to get it back. "

"How much did Clarence owe you?"

Batley told him and Nasmyth looked thoughtful. 

"Well, " he requested, "if you meet with strong opposition, come to mebefore you decide on any course, and I'll see what can be arranged. Idare say there'll be some trouble, but I know the trustees--and, as Isaid, there are people who must be saved all needless pain, at any cost. "

"It's promised, " agreed Batley. "I'll make things as easy as possible, but that's as far as I can go. I'm not rich enough to be recklesslygenerous. "

Lisle woke soon after this and asked one or two half-intelligiblequestions, but they gave him no information and he went to sleep again;then Crestwick arrived with more fuel and Nasmyth took the first watchwhile his companions rested. He was very cold, and now and then he sawBatley, who had discarded most of his wet clothes, wake up for a fewmoments and shiver. Once or twice he glanced longingly at the garmentsspread out round the fire, but when he felt them they were still too wetto put on. After a while Crestwick relieved him, and when he awakeneddawn was breaking across the black ridges and the rushing river. Batleyhad left his place, and Crestwick began to stride up and down the beach, presumably to warm himself. To Nasmyth's satisfaction and surprise, Lislespoke to him. 

"You slept pretty sound, " he said. "Didn't hear me getting someinformation about what happened out of Batley. "

"Then you know?"

"Yes, " was the grim answer. "The thing's finished; there's nothing to bedone. "

Nasmyth made a sign of agreement. 

"How do you feel?" he asked. 

"Horribly sore all over, left side particularly. Struck a big boulder, and then drove in among a nest of stones before my senses left me. Triedto get up a while ago, but couldn't manage it. What's as much to thepurpose, I'm feeling hungry. "

"Unfortunately, there's nothing left for breakfast. One of us had bettergo up-stream and look out for the canoes. "

Lisle nodded. 

"That's your duty--I don't envy you. Make them camp a little higher up. It would be better, in several ways, and I'd rather be on my feet againbefore they come here. "

Nasmyth set off, jaded and hungry, and he was feeling very limp when, ashe plodded along a high ridge, he saw the canoes sliding down the river. He had hard work to reach the bank and he shrank from the task before himwhen the first canoe grounded upon the stones. Millicent and Bella werein it, and Millicent gazed at the lonely man with fixed, anxious eyes. Hewas ragged and looked very weary; his face was worn and haggard. 

"Where are the rest?" she asked in a strained voice. "Something hashappened--what is it?"

"Three of them are some miles down the river. "

"Three!" cried Millicent, in dismay. "Haven't you found Clarence yet?"

Nasmyth hesitated, regarding her compassionately, but she made a sign ofprotest. 

"Go on! Don't keep me in suspense!"

"Clarence, " said Nasmyth quietly, "is dead. Lisle is rather badlydamaged. "

Millicent left the canoe and sat down, very white in face, upon aneighboring stone. In the meanwhile the other canoes had grounded and hercompanions gathered about her. She did not speak to them and some timepassed before she turned to Nasmyth. 

"Tell me all, " she begged. 

He briefly related what had happened, and there was an impressive silencewhen he finished. Then Millicent slowly rose. 

"And Lisle's badly hurt, " she said. "We must go on!"

They relaunched the canoes and Nasmyth had no further speech with her, for as they floated down-river she sat, still and silent, in anothercanoe. She was conscious chiefly of an unnerving horror and a sense ofcontrition. Clarence was dead, and she had been coldly hypercritical;hardly treating him as a lover, thinking of his failings. She blamedherself bitterly in a half-dazed fashion, but it was only afterward sherealized that she had not been troubled by any very poignant sense ofloss. 

After a while Nasmyth said they would land, but Millicent roused herselfto countermand his instructions and eventually they reached Batley'scamp. Lisle had got up during the day and he now walked painfully down tothe water's edge to meet her. When she landed he gravely pressed herhand. 

"I'm sorry, " he said simply. "We did what we could to save him. "

"Oh, I know, " she responded. "Nobody could doubt that. "

Then Nasmyth landed with provisions and while the men ate two Indiansstrode into the camp and addressed Lisle angrily. They were curingsalmon, they said, and had left a canoe on the shingle, in order to avoida portage when returning, and they had gone in another craft to set somefish-traps in a lower rapid. To their surprise they had afterward seentheir canoe drifting down-stream full of water and badly damaged, andthey had set off at once to discover who was responsible. 

Lisle offered them some silver currency, and after a little chafferingthey departed satisfied. 

"Now we know how the canoe came to be lying where Gladwyne found her, " hesaid to Nasmyth. 

Then he sought Millicent. 

"I think, " he told her gently, "we had better go on--to stay here wouldbe painful. " He hesitated. "I'll leave Crestwick and an experiencedriver-Jack packer to investigate. If you would rather, I'll stay withthem, though I'm afraid I can't get about much. "

"Thank you, " she replied in a voice which had a break in it. "You mustcome with us; you don't look fit to stand. "

Running the rapid, they slid away down-river, and once more Millicent satvery still, thinking confused thoughts, until at last they made camp forthe night and she crept away to the shelter of her tent. A day or twolater Crestwick and the packer overtook them, having discovered nothing;and then the party was animated by a strong desire to escape from theriver and reach the trail to the settlements as soon as possible. Furthersearch for Gladwyne was useless; the flood had swept him away and no onewould ever know where his bones lay. He had set out on his longest andmost mysterious journey, leaving only two women to mourn him, and ofthese one, who had tried to love him out of duty, would by and by forget. 

On the evening before they left the river, Lisle stood with Millicentlooking back up the long reach they had descended. They had reached thetaller timber, and on one bank black firs, climbing the hillside, stoodout against the fading light with a gauzy mist-curtain drawn across theirhigher ranks. The flood slid by, glimmering dimly, smooth and green, andfrom out of the distance came the throbbing clamor of a rapid. 

"It's your last look, " said Lisle. "We'll be in the bush to-morrow and Iexpect to hire a wagon, or at least a horse or two, in a few days. NowI'm sorry I ever brought you here. You'll be glad to get away. "

"You mustn't blame yourself, " she told him. "We have only gratitude foryou. You have no part in the painful memories. "

She glanced once more up the valley; and then moved back into the shadowof the firs. 

"It's all wildly beautiful, but it's so pitiless--I shall never think ofit without a shiver. "

"You have made plenty of notes and sketches for the book, " suggestedLisle, seeing her distress. 

"The book? I don't know that I shall ever finish it. I feel cut adrift, as if there were no use in working and I hadn't a purpose left. FirstGeorge went, and then Clarence--so far, there was always some one tothink of--and now I'm all alone. "

She broke out into open sobbing and Lisle, feeling very sympathetic andhalf dismayed, awkwardly tried to soothe her. 

"I'm better, " she said at last. "It was very foolish, but I couldn't helpit. I think we'll go back to the others. "

He gave her his arm, for the way was rough, but as they approached thecamp she stopped a moment amid the shadow and stillness of the great firtrunks. 

"I have done with the river--I think I am afraid of it, " she confessed. "Can't we get away early to-morrow?"

Lisle said it should be arranged and she turned to him gratefully. 

"One can always rely on you! You're just like George was in many ways. It's curious that whenever I'm in trouble I think of him--"

She seemed on the verge of another breakdown, and she laid her hand inhis for a moment before she went from him hurriedly with a low, "Goodnight!"

Lisle strolled back to the river and lighted his pipe. He had noticed andthought it significant that she spoke more of the brother whom she hadlost several years ago than of the lover who had perished recently; but, from whatever cause it sprung, her distress troubled him. 

His thoughts were presently interrupted by Nasmyth. 

"There's a thing I'd better tell you, Vernon, " he said, sitting down nearby. "The night you were half drowned I emptied the cache and, withoutmaking any note of what was in it, pitched everything into the river. "

"So I discovered. At least, when I managed with some trouble to reach theplace, I knew it was either you or Gladwyne, and I blamed you. "

"Well?"

"I've decided, " Lisle said gravely, "that you did quite right. It's theend of that story. "

"Then you have abandoned the purpose you had in view?"

"I've been thinking hard, and it seems to me that if Vernon were with menow, the last thing that would please him would be to see the two womensuffer; he was a big man in every way. There's another thing--he left norelations to consider. "

Nasmyth laid a hand on his shoulder in a very expressive way. 

"I felt all along that you'd come to look at it like that!"

"But there's Batley; he has some suspicions. "

"I can silence him, " promised Nasmyth. "The man has his good points, after all. "

"That's so, " Lisle agreed. "Still, I'll come straight across to Englandand tackle him if you fail. If it's a question of money, you can count mein--I've been prospering lately. " He rose and knocked out his pipe. "That's the last word on the matter. "

They went back to camp, and starting soon after sunrise the next morningthey reached a settlement on the railroad after a comparatively easyjourney; and that evening Lisle stood with a heavy heart beside the trackwhile the big cars moved away, his eyes fixed on a woman's figure thatleaned out from a vestibule platform, waving a hand to him. 

After that he went back to his work, with Crestwick; and nearly twelvemonths had passed when he sent a cable to England and started for thatcountry a day after receiving the answer. Crestwick insisted on goingwith him. 

"You'll no doubt want my support again, " he grinned. "There's an office Imean to rob Nasmyth of, if I can. "

It was evening when they drove into sight of Millicent's house. Lisle'sheart throbbed painfully fast as he got down, but he was not keptwaiting. Millicent was standing in her drawing-room, and as he came inshe held out her hand to him. 

"You answered my message, " he said, seizing it. "You must have guessedwhat I meant when I asked if I might come across. "

"Yes, " she confessed softly; "I knew and I told you to come. "

He still held her a little away from him as he gave a quick glance at therefined and artistic appointments of the room. 

"There's a good deal you will have to give up, " he told her. "You're notafraid of our new and rugged country? But it has something to offer--andwe need such people as you. "

"It's going to be a great country before very long, " she answeredgravely; "and I have no dread of it now. But--I gave my dearest--I thinkit owes me something in return. "

He drew her masterfully into his arms. 

"It discharges all its debts. You must teach me how to pay you back infull measure; that's my one big task. You're giving so much freely; but, of course, I'm glad--I don't want duty. "

"This isn't duty, " she smiled; "it's love!"

THE END